Confessions of a Musician Who Can Not Read

Guitar Tab

Confessions of a Musician Who Can�t Read Music By L. David Hesler, 2005

Part II:

"Learn to Like It"

When I picked up my first guitar, which was a pawned twelve string Yamaha acoustic strung with only six strings, I trembled with fear. I was about to embark on a journey traveled by countless other musicians, many of whom were much more talented than I and could, without breaking a sweat, read sheet music. Even though I longed to write the next great rock and roll anthem, my first instinct after picking up the instrument was to simply smash it against a wall rather than have a go at trying to make music. At least smashing something would show immediate results. Making music was going to take time.

Despite the fear and the lingering influence of all those previous guitarists who have enjoyed their rightful spots in musical history, I locked myself in my bedroom and began plucking away. And at first, it was bad. Lord, it was so bad. But I was proud of my bad playing, not because it was bad but because it was something I had created. Sure, it didn�t follow any of the rules of music theory. But did I care? Not a bit. It was mine, now. And that�s the first and most important thing that I can tell anyone who�s thinking about taking up the guitar, or any instrument for that matter. What you make, even if it doesn�t sound �right� or �pretty� or even �hellaciously rocktastic�, is yours. There�s no feeling better than that of watching your fingers create some silly chord or unruly note, some sound that defies logic and everything wholesome. It�s like magic and it�s literally at your fingertips.

So don�t get scared when you grab your first guitar. Embrace it. Name it something cute (or something evil for all you rockers), and give it a special place in your room. Let your friends check it out and don�t be embarrassed when they say it�s awesome, because it is. Just remember to sit down and play with the guitar every chance you get. No matter what kind of noises come out of it, sit down and play. Pretty soon, you�ll lose that fear of influence and start to feel the urge to smash your guitar� in front of a crowd of thousands and surrounded by extravagant stage pyrotechnics.

About the Author

L. David Hesler has been playing music for well over ten years, first as a drummer and then as a guitar player. See what a lack of music theory will lead to by checking out his collection of original music at : The Blackwater Project

Updated: 2/27/07