Depressed and don't know where to post this

I am having fun learning guitar but other than my significant other, I have no friends or anyone who even remotely cares about any of it. I wish I could find a non judgmental, friendly place to talk guitar and learn and such. To make some cool guitar friends. Maybe to give me friendly advice and just to be social. I’ve been trying to post on here. Today is especially bad. Advice? Just highly bummed. I look forward every day to picking up my guitar and getting started. Its just so lonely these days. I never want to do anything else though, thank GOD for my guitar.

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Hey Scott - really sorry to hear you are feeling this way. Have you looked around your local area for jam sessions and open mic nights? Sometimes these aren’t well advertised, you could search facebook, ask at a local music shop etc. I was amazed how many events were near me when I started looking, and when I went to one there was a domino effect as people would tell you about others. Don’t feel you have to play at open mic nights, just go and hang out and chat to people - ideally after they have played - they’ll be much more talkative then :slight_smile:

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Aw man sorry to hear this but you can post up here. People will read and comment. Especially if its guitar journey releated. Trust me, your not the only one going through hard times.

There are many others who can relate to it also, so dont feel like you are alone in the darkness.

Set some short term guitar goals. And with Justin’s instructions and some practice you can have a nice series of successes. This will give you some good props.

Good luck scott, hang in there and keep you head up.

:victory_hand:t2::love_you_gesture:t2::call_me_hand:t2:

Edit: pauls idea above is really good.

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Sorry to hear of those challenges, Scott. Maybe there are places locally. That said, we are a warm and friendly community here. I consider myself to have made many friends here, people where there is mutual care and friendship. And you can even join our 6 weekly Virtual Open Mic in Zoom with an online chat afterwards.

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Yep, can relate to that.
That’s why i joined evening classes in the town where i live. That helped some, as i now get to talk to people who are learning the same.
I know of one monthly jam session around these parts and have been there. Not actively taking part, but sitting at the bar, listening to others play and being amazed at how easy they get it going.

So yeah, join a class, join a jam session, join here. (always a winner. )
Most of the time i sit in my cave, with my guitar, practicing. But on “school” days, it’s really fun.

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Hi Scott I have a similar problem learning to play but who for? family and friends are very scarce and being a carer for my wife I can’t get out to join others but I play for my own enjoyment love it when I can play a favorite tune or song sometimes I think what’s the point but it keeps my brain active and learning any instrument at any age is good.so keep going for your own enjoyment.

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Hi Scott, I got really upset when I read your post, mate, and firstly, I am so glad you were brave enough to post it and talk about it, that in itself is a massive leap forward and secondly, man Scott, this is a brilliant place to be and stay, and I care how you play and what hurdles you need help with and I know a lot of other people here will, anytime you need advice or help just ask mate, I will help and listen so count me in as a new friend cheers HEC lets get this sorted mate :+1:

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After almost 5 years of playing only at home, I’d hit a wall. I was losing motivation to play. So, this year I volunteered to play at the local Animal Shelter along with signing up for an instrumental performance class at the local community college. It’s given me some focus in my practice and playing, plus it gets me out and about at the same time. I’d also suggest going on Meetup.com to see if there are guitar related meetups near you. I hope you can find something similar to expand your musical social circle.

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Hey Scott, this is a very welcoming community. We’re all each other’s fans. Keep practicing and record yourself. People here will give you feedback and encourage you to keep going. You’re not alone.

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I have anxiety disorder. I found this book helpful. It has some tips which may also help you. Good luck.
Addicted To Anxiety by Owen O’Kane.

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I totally recommend searching your community for jam groups and open mic nights and the like.

I’ve made music friends through both avenues. I get a bit of a double shot of it because my wife does the same with ukulele groups and we’ve been making friends from each other’s groups. Several of them have their own bands and we make it a point to go to their shows.

I don’t feel like I’m ready to perform in an open mic yet, but that doesn’t stop my two friends who run open mic events from bugging me to sign up. Ha!

I’ll admit, it’s harder in some communities to plug into the music scene as a beginner.

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You are here, you have found that place. It may be online but is real and the most supportive guitar forum our there. Just embrace this space. Simples. :+1:

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Hey Scott!
Sorry to hear that you’re feeling down… I’m on that slippery slope right now too but find surfing here in the Community really helps! So many positive & uplifting comments from others whenever someone is having issues - either guitar issues or “life” issues. We have members who have some really bad health issues, some who are struggling with issues like ADHD or family members with chronic illnesses or disabilities… and I have never seen anything negative voiced towards them! Just some ordinary people who are caring & kind! As Toby says above, you’re here, you’ve already found what you’re looking for!!!

Tod

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Look on facebook for local old time or bluegrass jams in your area (or a jam of a different genre if you desire, whatever is available). I’m sure they would welcome you even as a beginner, and it is really fun and it encourages you to get better!

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What a brave post. This community is pretty cool - online works in so many ways. The motivational wall is real and it can hit hard. If you post a video of you playing, you’d be amazed at the positive and encouraging responses you get.

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Hi Scott,

lots of love and good advice already given above. Just wanted to drop: You’re not alone in this. Whenever I got hit by life’s wrecking ball I come here to find some comfort. Often only reading what my fellow guitar friends are up to brightens my day. You found what you were looking for at least for the online world. This community is the safest and most supportive space you can find. :mending_heart:

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Thanks everyone for all the cool responses. It really lifted my spirits. Anyone who wants to banter back and forth about what they’re working on currently, practicing, having trouble with, learning or just feels like complaining about guitar, hit me with a PM. I’m almost always practicing or interacting with my guitar in some way. Thanks again. It helped more than you all know.

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Good to hear this!!! :backhand_index_pointing_up:t2:

There’s a quote in an old Disney film… I think it was Pollyanna who tells the reverend in the movie “If you look for the BAD in people, you will surely find it.”
I think that most people in the world as decent people who really want to live their lives and be happy, so if we look for the goodness & kindness in others, it’s so often returned to us!
This is what helps me to feel positive when life events aren’t going too well… loving my family, playing with our dogs & guitar help a lot too!!!
Good luck my friend!!!

Tod

P.S. Where in the world :globe_showing_americas: do you call home?

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Thanks so much. I appreciate your friendship. I’m in Indiana in the US. What are you practicing today? I’m working on chords and 1234 drills etc. Take care!

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I’m at work… :confused:

But at least when I get to take a break …

I can noodle around a bit… play some scales or finger exercises!!! I rotate my guitars from home to my office bi-weekly! Last week I had my 12 string acoustic on the wall & was learning basic strumming for Puff the Magic Dragon & a couple of Bob Dylan tunes!

Tod

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