Hi,
my name is Craig and I’m another late starter (59) from Whakamarama in the sunny Bay of Plenty NZ. I have always wanted to but never been able to play anything other than the on/off switch on the stereo and can’t carry a tune in a bucket.
So why the guitar?
Because a voice told me to … “stop wasting time and just get on with it. Life is too short to muck around. Don’t worry about what anyone else thinks, just do it for yourself!”
Just over three years ago we lost our middle child in a flying accident. A talented athlete who represented his country, a flying instructor just on the verge of the airlines and an avid guitarist and Queen/Bon Jovi fan. His older brother got his Electric, his sister got his acoustic but I hung on to his pride and joy - a Brian May red special !
It sat there for 3 years. I missed the sound so much. Then I heard him say the above. Probably only in my imagination but never the less. He was right.
I picked it up and started but such a special instrument did not deserve the awful things I was doing to it. I bought a decent yamaha acoustic and hunted around the internet for lessons. We live a ways out of town and it is hard to get in for lessons (if you can find an instructor!)
Then I found this site. What a relief. Something steeped in logic and common sense. Thank you Justin.
I’m still in grade 1 module 4 but at least now I’m making some sounds that don’t resemble two cats fighting under a sheet of scrap iron in a gale! (some of the time).
Looking forward to the journey and hopefully learning from the people also on the same road.
cheers
Craig.
Welcome Craig, from one of your neighbours across the Tasman.
Thanks for sharing your story, and sorry for your loss. But you’re absolutely right, life is too short, and if playing guitar is enjoyable for you then it doesn’t matter whether you’re good, bad, mediocre or whatever level in between. Just have fun with it.
I don’t have a lick of musical talent myself so I get where you are coming from. I spent most of my life avoiding musical pursuits and looking on with envy and wonder at anyone who could sing or play an instrument. But a few months of dedicated practice with Justin’s lessons and I have made a lot of progress.
Hey Craig, great to hear from a Kiwi here, my wife is a Kiwi and my first ever open mic (at the age of 53) was at the Rose Cafe in Clive halfway between Napier (my wife’s home town) and Hastings.
Glad to hear you are making progress with the guitar, what a great way to remember your son. Look forward to hearing more from you.
Justin’s lessons and our Community here should suffice to cast ne life into that Red Special!
There’s probably no greater way to remember him and this way you can keep exchanging love and pride with each other!
I’m sorry for your loss. It’s never to late to start playing guitar just remember to have fun with it.
Wishing you best of luck on your guitar journey!
Hi Craig,
Welcome,…
Yes, life can sometimes be damn hard and heavy,…but luckily you now see opportunities again and you don’t give up…very good to take this road,…And why not just play that beautiful guitar? that’s what they are made for…or once a week to keep him/her warm…
Greetings,Rogier
Hello Craig, your choice to share your son’ s passion for guitar is really honourable and I guess also brave and joyful. Music can really bring joy to our lives, here’s a wonderful place to share it…but also to share our guitar adventures and disadventures…welcome!
Hello Craig and welcome to the community. I cannot begin to imagine the heartbreak and tragedy that you suffered in losing your son. I hope that following his advice, playing his music, having hands on his guitar, provides a means of joy and a route to connect with him and your memories. Richard
Hello Craig,
I’m on this thread because of Brain’s comment on the Burning Bridges thread…
So very sorry to hear your story about your son. Life brings us many peaks & valleys, losing a loved one is probably the hardest thing to move on from. I know firsthand that music can be incredibly therapeutic, helping to heal through giving life to something new musically! In your case, bringing music into your world on your son’s instrument makes it doubly rewarding! I have faith in believing that those we lose keep inspiring us to be better, stronger & more loving people. Know that you’re not alone & keep making music for yourself and those who you treasure!
Thinking of you…
Thanks Tod,
I just hope he forgives my treatment of his prized Brian May red special. I don’t think I’ll ever move on, but am trying to just cope with each day and remember that I still have an amazing wife and two other children that also need support. Keeping busy helps.
Cheers
Craig
Hi Craig and welcome to the community
I’m sorry for your loss but happy that have made the jump into guitar and found a way to connect to good memories of your son
