My Soulful Journey as a Guitar Player

As a musician, it’s my fondness to play a tune and entertain people. I believe that every musician has the capacity not only to entertain but to mold and influence people’s minds.

A lot of musical instruments lead to my interest. Not to brag nor boast, I’ve learned playing these with relative ease without any formal education or a professional musical instructor. Several instruments like the flute, recorder, the fife, percussions, African djembe and piano to name a few. 

I believe that every individual has his or her own talent. For them to have a purposeful and meaningful life, they should maximize and capitalize the use of it by honing and developing it. People who are born with their innate gifts shouldn’t put it in vain. There are individual who are naturally good in writing, in visual arts, academics or public speaking. Maybe, for me, it’s music.

One instrument that sets apart from the rest is the guitar, particularly an acoustic guitar. Because of its portability, versatility and crisp-mellow sound, it has been my ultimate, all time favorite tool of expression. On a guitar, I can easily express things words can hardly express.

It’s my delight for someone appreciating my music, listening to some tunes I’ve written. Using music as a medium of art could be identified as using a gun which can either protect or could be a murderous tool. A firearm can be used to rob stores and kill people as music can badly influence the youth. While a gun also used by cops and law enforcers to fight crime as music can create good citizens and a better society.

Every musician does have their dreams, to fully express themselves through their art. It’s their passion to let people hear about their piece. They firmly believe that every song they write or sing is a precious masterpiece. A sense of fulfillment is felt by every artist who has established their craft to the masses. The feeling of having a “big break” is like a father seeing his fist born son. It’s a feeling of great accomplishment.

Music has been a part of my daily being, though I’m not that great of a singer. I believe that I’ve already improved my singing voice as I’ve learned how to adjust and fine tune it. The guitar has somehow been my “vocal coach”.

Different types of musical genres, styles and techniques I’ve listened to. My influential roots are the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, jazz, pop, funk, rhythm and blues, reggae, ballad, punk, metal, alternative music and grunge to name a few.   I’ve also been amused the first time I’ve heard about a certain guitar style and technique which have been a mainstream trend today. It is called as the finger-style guitar.

Being a finger-style player, you are your own bass player, rhythm guitarists, lead guitarist, drummer as well as the vocals and play it synchronically. I was really amazed about the idea that you don’t need band mates for you to have a band. With just an acoustic guitar on your fingertips you can instantly be a virtual one man band. It’s also isn’t necessary for you to have an excellent singing voice because it will be you guitar do the singing.

First and foremost, every musician must sincerely enjoy their craft. Even if others appreciate your song if you aren’t genuinely happy with it, you’re leaving your craft in vain.  The more you are enjoying what you are doing, the more it will boost your pursuit for excellence. It will be easier for you to heighten your musical proficiency

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Because of my vocal limitations, I’ve focused more on studying instrumentals and guitar improvisations. It has been my primary playground as a musician. Musicians who are into guitar improvisation are comparable to visual artists who paint abstract images without any pre-planned actions. Just being in a state of “flow” and pouring out all your emotions on a piece of canvass as you let the groove roll out. Basically, you are playing with your heart rather than your mind. Most artists who improvise are jazz and rhythm and blues musicians. Every time I improvise, I feel the sensation of being “warped” to another dimension. It’s a weird but fun feeling

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For me, music isn’t just an upbeat sound, a sweet melody, or a mere noise. It is an infinite entity, a pure medium of expression. The guitar isn’t just a piece of hollow wood attached with strings. It’s actually an extension of my hand

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13 years have passed since I’ve learned to play my first musical piece on a guitar. My dream of becoming a rich and famous musician didn’t actually come into fruition. The dream I used to have on my younger days just remains as it is… just a dream.

But it didn’t make me less of a happy person; I believe that making money is the least of a priority for artists. What really matters is the gradual evolution of my guitar know-how, skills and techniques, As well as the privilege to freely express myself.

As long as there is blood running through my veins, ears that are ready to listen and an acoustic guitar on my fingertips. The passion and the quest to express and create good music will always be here to stay. My soulful journey as a guitar player will still go on.
 

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