I have beautiful nostalgic memories of my mom playing the guitar. I have always dreamed of learning to play one day. She has a great voice and plays flawlessly by ear. Unfortunately, her daughter did not inherent either talent. I don't play any instrument, I can't read music and I am a little tone deaf. The first couple of weeks were painful for everyone around me to say the least.
Knowing that I had nothing but time on my hands, I kept strummimg and practicing. I practiced my chords and scales everyday. My family tried to be supportive of my efforts. I was constructively informed that every note I played was wrong. However, every note sounded the same to me. Then on week three something clicked and I was finally making music. I was thrilled to be finally playing the guitar and everyone was relieved that I could finally pick up a tune.
Filipinos are romantics. They love ballads and they love their guitar. Most of my aunts, uncles and cousins know how to play. Neighbors and visitors play a few of their favorites when they stop by. Through out the day we have random jam sessions
For the last two months, we have been practicing and playing for 3-4 hours each day. We are learning the guitar at a rapid pace. What I've learned might have taken me years at home. I was almost that hopeless. Parker played the piano and sax so the guitar was pretty easy for him to pick up. We have a beginners book and tons of tutors and thank goodness for YouTube. We are reading tabs, learning finger style and all the other tricks of the trade.
Just a few of the songs we can play for you the next time we see you:
*More than Words (Extreme)
*Leaving on a Jet Plan (John Denver)
*Wonderful Tonight (Eric Clapton)
*Killing me Softly (The Fugees)
*Good Riddance (Green Day)
*I'm Yours (Jason Mraz).
Right now, Parker is learning the intro, solo and conclusion to Hotel California by the Eagles. Obviously not a beginner song. Again, we have a lot of time on our hands. As for myself, I am more than happy rockin' out my three chords songs.