28 July 2010

fingertips on fire.

I just started to learn/teach myself how to play the guitar. I've been playing the piano for almost 11 years, and I love it. But I figured it was time to be able to play an instrument that's a bit more portable.

A few weeks ago, my dad brought home a guitar. I think it's his. Last week, he had one of our Worship Pastors re-string it. The strings were about three years old and had rusted.

I've learned a few chords in the past week, but tonight I finally decided that I need to get serious about it. So I can play a G, an Em, a C, and a D. In that order. Very slowly. After about ten or twenty minutes, I had to quit.

My fingertips are on fire. The slightest touch causes pain. If you play guitar, I'm sure you know how this feels. It's not fun.

I'm frustrated with the guitar. It doesn't make sense. The piano, that makes sense. Chord progressions are in the same relative locations no matter what the key. On the guitar, it doesn't work that way. You have to change the length of the string to change the note. And you have to build the callouses. And you have to build finger strength. My ring finger is the worst right now.

I'll keep practicing and I'll keep posting about it.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

If you can get past the fiery fingertips, your guitar will feel like an old friend. There isn't any better feeling than spending time with an old friend who you've stuck with even when it hurts. Even if the friendship consists of nothing but G, Em, C, and D. Good luck.