WHY YOU SHOULD PLAY GUITAR AND STICK WITH IT

Playing the guitar definitely isn't easy, some people probably have a guitar lying around their house collecting dust because of some New Year’s resolution they made years earlier. They gave up because it’s just too difficult. Indeed, when you first start playing, you may struggle to make a single sound no matter how hard you choke the guitar neck - your fingers will be sore and then numb. 

At this point, most people give up, but if you keep on pushing, you will find that calluses have formed on your hands, serving as protection against the hard, metal strings(unless you use nylon strings). You’ll also find that you have improved significantly, finally being able to strum your first chord.

But why learn guitar in the first place?

Well, if you are born somewhere during the 70s to the 90s, you will be able to learn the songs you love growing up, such as Hotel California by The Eagles, smells like Teen Spirit by Nirvana, or Wonderwall by Oasis. Another reason why you should commit to playing is that it is also good practice, it can improve your confidence, concentration and other cognitive abilities.

Unlike a piano or drum set, a guitar is easy to carry around. You can take it anywhere, on trips, to the beach, or to a friend’s house. It’s also one of the most versatile instruments, allowing you to play almost any genre, from rock and blues to classical and folk. Playing the guitar also could makes you the center of attraction in gatherings, just imagine sitting around a campfire and a guy pulls out a guitar, we’d immediately bombard him with song requests, so it could also be a good boost to your ego.

Playing guitar can be incredibly relaxing. Strumming chords or playing riffs and solos can help you relax and take your mind off everyday worries. Studies at Stanford have shown that playing an instrument can lower stress levels and even improve mental health by releasing endorphins which, compared to the dopamine high you get from scrolling on TikTok, is much better for you.

So in conclusion, while learning to play the guitar is of course difficult, it’s definitely worth it. So, if you have a guitar collecting dust in your home, perhaps it’s time to pick it up, tune the strings, and give it another shot. You might just surprise yourself with how much better you can do.