There are so many gear choices.
It’s never been a better time to be a musician than now. The gear choices are truly amazing. The starting point is really, what do you want to play and at what level do you want to play at. Sometimes, it’s a bucket list that inspires us to pick up an instrument and other times, it’s someone we see that inspires us. The key is to seize the moment and follow your dream.
That dream can take on several different forms. One form, is to simply learn an instrument for personal enjoyment, which can be very satisfying. For instance, think about learning acoustic guitar. Maybe you sing a little and would like to accompany yourself on guitar. This is one of the most gratifying things, I can think of. Not to mention, performing in front of friends and family can be a lot of fun. When I grew up, we would all bring our instruments to family gatherings to play together. We even had some people sit in with spoons and a washboard at some of our events.
Another dream, may be performing in a band. This one takes a little more time and can be even more rewarding. This dream also requires proficiency on your instrument. What does proficiency really mean? It doesn’t mean you are a virtuoso on your instrument, it just means you can play it consistently and repeatable. Here’s an example. There are two distinct ways to play a song. One way, is to play it note for note exactly like the original artist. This is typically the most difficult way to play a song. If your dream involves being in a tribute cover band, then this is the way to get there. Your goal is to sound exactly like the original. However, the other option is to put your own spin on the song. This involves capturing the essence of song, while simplifying how the song is done. This is a much easier path and can still lead to a very gratifying experience. Just remember, a simple song played well, trumps a complex song that is not played well.
Let’s talk about gear. Most manufacturers offer several levels of instruments that range from good to better to best and sometimes even levels above best, which are at the ultra professional level. Pricing varies with each level, making instruments affordable for players of all skill levels. For example, Fender offers 8 models of the Stratocaster electric guitar representing entry level to the ultimate experience. Do your research and choose an instrument at the appropriate level to get you started. You can always upgrade as your skill improves. Follow your dream and have an awesome day.