I think the main reason I decided to try to learn to play the guitar was a very simple one.

I have always loved music and have always watched in awe at the great guitar players as they do their thing on stage.

That said, I don't really think or indeed have ever thought that I wanted to be exactly like them.

I love the sound of a guitar and I like the more gentle harmonious playing rather than the shredding of the Rock Gods.

That's getting a bit ahead of why I really wanted to play though. I hit the age of 45 last year and wanted to do something different as a hobby.

Something that would enable me to be able to do every day, cost little in the way of cash and enable me going forward to meet like minded individuals or groups.

Music is the answer. It's the answer to most things really.

I did feel a bit low in 2012 and it took me a while to find a path that I needed to be on.

If you are reading this and feeling similar, then can I suggest to you to think about learning an instrument?

It really does not have to be a chore. I have been playing for 4 months now..and yes, I am making music!

I am not going to be Jimmy Page any time soon...but then again, who is? That was not the point of why I started.

I practice quietly at home every day (I say quietly, my wife and my pet Greyhound may well disagree!) and because there is so much wonderful help and information online (mostly FREE) it has quickly become a passion.

I got started playing for just a few Pounds (or Dollars) and have not looked back.

It has done me the world of good mentally and also it has increased my love of music as well. I can now listen to Hotel California by The Eagles and say "Yep, I can play a bit of that!"..after just 4 months!

I am very happy that I decided to pick up the guitar and try. I had sore finger tips for the first 12 weeks until they hardened up ( I chose a steel 6 string specifically to do this), but now they are fine.

It's like any new skill..it takes time and practice. Do not think for one minute that great guitar players like Jimmy Page or Doug Aldrich woke up one day and picked up a guitar and made beautiful music. They didn't. It took them years and years to learn their craft.

Many if not most of you reading this article will be able to drive a motor vehicle.

Can you remember when you couldn't drive?

Learning the guitar is like learning to drive..........give it a go, stick with it and you too will be well on your way to changing your hobby/social time for the better.

I have my own website with some great information on and essentially outlining all of the free resources I used plus some great info on getting a really decent starter kit.

Please take a look and let me know what you think.

I am happy to offer any help or support that I can....thanks