Let’s just get this out of the way - of course I’m not a doctor, I just play one on the internet. And while I’m not a doctor, I can tell you that guitar has had a profound effect on my life. Playing guitar can lead to all sorts of benefits you might not have even thought about. Search online and you’ll see many scientific studies linked to happiness, improved memory, a sharper mind, and much more.
We all have our good days and bad days, but I’ve found that whenever I grab my guitar after a rough day, it’s like instant therapy for all those negative thoughts. It gives me a chance to clear my head, reflect on what’s bugging me, and sometimes even sparks a new song idea. The feeling of learning a new song or finally learning a tough lick is so gratifying.
Playing guitar has allowed me to meet some of the most amazing people in my life. If it wasn't for playing in a band, I might not have met some of my best friends, the mother of my children, and others who have shaped my path. It's truly been a "who you know" kind of journey, all thanks to music.
You never think you can learn tens of songs, until you get called up to something like a cover band. Working on your catalog of songs can improve your memory, and you’ll gain extra confidence having learned/remembered so much material.
When you sit down to play guitar, you’ll never have to worry about wasting time. You’re almost always improving your life in one way or another. Want me to dive even more into these topics? Check out the livestreams on my channel for more.