Music

[dragonimp]

That's two nights in a row I've dreamed of playing the guitar. I haven't picked up a guitar in, I dunno, must be 10 years now? I do kinda miss it, but I'd never be able to, now. I wasn't all that good at it, anyway, and I can't sing, so it was only ever for my own amusement. There were only a few songs I could really play. But I do miss music. (I kinda miss the piano, too, but a)we don't have one; and b)I wouldn't be able to do that now, either. Or play the flute. I might be able to manage the sax, but I think even that would be pushing it. Not that I was every terribly good at either of those.)

Comments

[binaryalchemist.livejournal.com]

Listen now to your aged and semi-venerable old Aunty---get thee to a pawnshop and procure--or borrow--or whatever--an AXE. You have no idea what it does for your soul, even if nobody hears it but you. Most of my life I never performed music for others--hell, I'd shit and go blind if somebody caught me at it(kinda like jilling off, I suppose). Before I sprouted boobs I had my autoharp (still hard to play with big knockers) to cuddle and strum when life got sucky. Then I had my classical--now, years later I have Izumi and Zoe and Teddy--and my three girls make me very, very happy, even if all I'm doing is half-assedly noodling thru an old Neil Young song. Used guitars are cheap--although a Takamine Jasmine is nearly as cheap brand new. Every hour I spend playing or singing is an hour that heals my spirit and rewards me in ways I can't begin to describe. Even if you play only 3 songs. Even if nobody else ever hears you play--music HEALS. Go for it!!!

[dragonimp.livejournal.com]

I know, that's why I miss it -_-. My mom has this beautiful old classical guitar, the kind with the wide neck, and that's what I learned on. I'm no expert, but I always liked the way it sounded, warm and mellow. The sad thing is, though, that I really have to pick and choose what I subject my hands to. My right hand might be able to handle strumming and picking, but my left would cramp up in no time flat doing the cords. For me, art and sewing edge out music, and even those I have to severely limit my time on. I regret it if I don't. (But I do miss both guitar and piano.)

[binaryalchemist.livejournal.com]

Oh, I understand--that's why I've quit drumming. Being a percussionist wrecks your hands--I'm right-handed but I'm actually a left-handed drummer and I play hand drums like dumbeks and djembes, riqs and with my right hand I play bodhran. I protect my left hand from injury since I fret with it. When I was in the hospital yesterday I begged like mad not to let them put the IV in my left hand!
I will say that cramping eases with time but I do spend part of every blessed day doing hand strengthening excercises. Classical guitars---like my 12 string--hurt far more to play due to the wide neck. I am playing Zoe, my electric more often because her skinny neck and fast fretboard let me do things I can't do on other guitars (she's a 'short-scaled' Les Paul type--a rare Samick Silvertone with the sweetest tone--but one of her dual humbuckers needs replacing and I need to sink some cash into her---but she's worth it.)

[dragonimp.livejournal.com]

When I was taking lessons, I got to the point where I could play without a problem, even with the wide neck - but that was before the RSI set in in both hands. I don't think it's actually carpal tunnel, but it could develop into that if I'm not careful. Just about everything makes my wrists and hands hurt nowadays. I'm managing it - more or less - but it does mean I have to make some hard choices and restrict my activities. It would be the squeezing required to hold the strings down that would be the problem.