Getting Back to the Guitar: A Journey of Resilience and Renewal

Exploring the Impact of Life Changes on Guitar Playing Transitioning from Classical to Jazz: Overcoming the Alien Feeling The Love-Hate Relationship: A Cycle of Intense Practice and Dormancy From Classical to Clarinets: The Challenges of Musical Instrument Transitions Recovery and Resilience: Returning after a Long Pause

Playing guitar is a deeply personal journey, often intertwined with life's significant events. This article explores the experience of individuals who have stopped playing for extended periods and then returned to the instrument, offering insights into their renewed passion and the challenges they faced.

Exploring the Impact of Life Changes on Guitar Playing

I began my journey with the guitar at the age of 14 and continue to play into my 58th year. Over the years, I have experienced periods of intense dedication followed by long hiatuses, particularly during and after personal and professional upheavals. When I experienced a marriage breakup at 40, the emotional strain was so significant that I hardly played at all for a year, even losing my callouses. It was only after a period of healing that I returned to the guitar with renewed passion, finding solace in it as I ventured through the final stages of emotional recovery.

Transitioning from Classical to Jazz: Overcoming the Alien Feeling

My musical journey with the guitar spanned 12 years of classical playing before I took a 30-year hiatus. Upon returning, I faced the unique challenge of playing jazz standards, which felt unfamiliar and alien. The transition required a relearning of techniques specific to jazz, including chord comping and interpersonal dynamics on the stage. It was a daunting task, but it allowed me to explore new facets of the guitar and jazz music.

The Love-Hate Relationship: A Cycle of Intense Practice and Dormancy

My relationship with the guitar has often been cyclical. For a period of time, I would play with passion and energy, but the dedication waned, and the instrument would gather dust. This cycle of intense activity and dormancy has been a recurring pattern in my life. The reasons behind this fluctuation are complex and multifaceted, but it is clear that the guitar holds a special place in my life, offering moments of joy and solace during both its presence and its absence.

From Classical to Clarinets: The Challenges of Musical Instrument Transitions

My background in music extends beyond just the guitar. In school, I learned to play clarinets and saxophones and even joined the Stanford Marching Band as a bass saxophone player after graduation. However, my primary focus was on the saxophone, and I faced more difficulties in transitioning to the clarinet due to different fingerings. This challenge is not unique to me; many musicians experience such difficulties when switching between instruments. However, the positive aspect of this transition has been my continued involvement in playing music, which has kept me connected to the musical world even during these periods of change.

Recovery and Resilience: Returning after a Long Pause

Disabilities and other life challenges can significantly impact our ability to practice an instrument. When I was diagnosed with CIDP (Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy), a condition akin to MS, at the age of 42, I had to take a break from playing. The recovery process was not easy, and as I resumed playing, I found that my memory of tunes remained intact, but my coordination had weakened. The most challenging part of my return was the physical conditioning of my fingers and hands, a common struggle for both beginners and relearners. Building up the calluses on my fingertips proved to be a significant accomplishment, allowing me to play with comfort and ease.

The journey of getting back to the guitar is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring passion for music. It is a story of overcoming obstacles, whether they are emotional, physical, or simply the passage of time, and the joy that comes from rediscovering and refining one's craft.