5 Ways Learning Guitar has Changed My Life
Ryan holding a classical guitar in front of a baby in a neonatal intensive care unit.
I’ve loved music ever since I was a baby. Have you ever thought about how long you’ve loved music? My earliest memories of music include singing “White Flag” by Dido and “Wild Child” by Enya at the top of my lungs as my mom took me to school. I (reluctantly) started learning guitar at 11 years old, but that decision has changed my ENTIRE LIFE for the better. Maybe you are interested in learning guitar, or are a music therapist that wants to get better at guitar for fun. Below are 5 ways that guitar has changed my life!
Creative Freedom
Ryan is in a studio recording a song he wrote called “Atoms” on guitar.
Learning guitar can allow us to bring our internal worlds to an external reality. When we make note choices, chord choices, create riffs, change dynamics, feel tempos and pulses, decide on using a capo vs no capo—these are all things that we can express in the external world that we then sense and perceive. Music is incredibly satisfying already, and music that is within us is incredibly satisfying and beautiful to bring to the world.
2. connection to others
Ryan and the Bay Kings Band after a showcase.
Playing guitar with others can connect us with so many wonderful people of different backgrounds, creeds, and cultures. From playing in my very first metal band, to playing paid wedding gigs, to meeting my wife through music—the reality of music bringing people together is HUGE. As humans, we are not meant to be isolated and alone—life is better when you’ve found “your people”, and music is something that does that.
3. A life-long friend
Ryan and his wife holding a “newest member of the band” baby onesie. Ryan is also holding a green telecaster and his wife is holding a burgundy pink stratocaster.
Playing guitar can be so comforting to us in times of joy and in times of darkness. Using guitar to express myself is like a friend I can call upon at any time to express what's going on. Like many others, I’ve also played guitar and wrote songs about the highest of highs (such as my daughter being born) to the lowest of lows (such as both of my parents passing). Regardless of if you’re in the hill or the valley, the guitar is always a friend to meet you right where you’re at.
4. Spiritual expression
Ryan playing electric guitar in a praise and worship band at church during a service.
Playing guitar can be a form of spiritual expression for so many—religious and non-religious alike. For me personally, I love worshipping God with instruments because I believe that my ability to play them is a gift that God has given to express my worship of Him and serve others. In a similar way, we can spiritually express ourselves with our guitar. Try taking your guitar out in nature or to the beach, and you can experience a sense that there is a lot more to the world than you and me and that music can connect us to something outside of ourselves (whatever that is for you).
5. helping others
Ryan playing guitar for a patient in a hospital room.
Playing guitar can give us the opportunity to use our talents and abilities to serve other people. Whether it be for a couples’ special day, teaching a student how to play their favorite song, releasing your music to the world for others to enjoy, or using music to help others like what I get to do as a board-certified music therapist. Guitar is one of many instruments that brings music to other people, and learning how to play it well helps us too.
Are you a music therapist that wants to experience everything that guitar can bring you? Then stay around for riffs, tips, and resources specifically for music therapists to grow in their guitar skills and reignite joy in playing guitar!
