Barre (Chords) + Bells

I scrolled through Kijiji and Lauryn looked over my shoulder to see what I was on the hunt for this time. “Another guitar — to keep at the studio” I said. After weeks of searching L was now caught up to speed, and a few nights later I found the sleek rosewood coloured six-string that I wanted to purchase.

After a brief exchange of messages detailing a suitable pick up and price, Russell agreed to meet me at the studio. Demonstrating the tone of the new strings, and good condition of the body, he played a bluesy tune or two — noting that it plays fast, and easy. Contextualizing his quick riffs, I mentioned that he makes it look easy, and that he plays fast. Russell mentioned that he has been playing his whole life, and that he was only selling it because his wife has requested that he scale back his collection. Russell clearly has a passion for music, and most certainly has mastered the basics. I am glad that my wife is allowing my collection and passion to grow.

“The shape is different than your other other one. It has a great colour, and I like the cut away” Lauryn said as she picked up my — but perhaps soon to be — our guitar. It was the first time in the three years that I have been practicing that Lauryn held an instrument in her hand, and perhaps the first time since her less than triumphant experiences with the trumpet in middle school. “What note should I play, where should I start?”

With the basics of course! 

I played the C scale up and down, fast then slow, and suggested Lauryn do the same. Every day, if only for five minutes, she continues to strum and hum along. Her first scale, has led to playing the C chord. As one note leads to another in a song, Lauryn’s skills have grown to play the G scale and the G chord. Leona-Lauryn’s questions about playing continue to challenge my own awareness of the axe upon which I love to play. So, the other day, I booked a lesson with a teacher from the local music store in order to stay ahead of Lauryn’s lightning fast learning ways.

Lauryn’s foray into playing the guitar may not be sustained over a long period of time. Yet, it effectively demonstrates that ‘old dogs’ can learn new tricks. Perhaps, one of the ways to never get, or feel old, is to continue trying new things, learning and layering new skills.

Don’t fret! It’s never too late to start moving your body or grooving the habits of a new skill. This week, may we continue to use our bodies to create movement and express our strength and emotion with our muscles. With your nose in a book, feet in the gym, or with wandering eyes in the classified section online — try new things to keep your mind active, to grow your skills and to feel young forever.

Take Care,

Lauryn and Ian