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Writer's pictureVictoria A. Witkewitz

Strumming the Chords of Life


I have been playing the guitar on and off for about 18 years now, so you must think I am a pro, but when you add that up in full days I think I have been playing for a shy total of about 3 years at the time I write this. Sadly no joke, but it is okay if you want to laugh a little, but only a little.


The guitar is one of my favorite instruments to play of all the instruments I have learned thus far. One because I love the application from a beautiful flamenco style to heavy metal- the versatility is vast and I enjoy hearing all facets of the guitar. I remember growing up hearing my favorite bands and wanted to be able to play just like them on my first electric guitar in cherry red. Now I think back, she certainly was a beauty.


So I’ve got a confession to make. I’m not going to lie-it’s been a love and hate relationship with this instrument. For one when I hear something I like the sound of I rush over to my guitar to see if I can play it and then put my own spin on it, but then get frustrated that it isn’t as easy as it may look. How exactly do they do that? I'm still trying to figure out the magic.


In fact, at times, it is really difficult, but for some reason it’s got quite a hold on me because I always wanted to be able to record my own albums one day and finally master this behemoth of an instrument at least to the seal of Vic approval-it's the best I can do and I gave it my all.


Now if you aren’t familiar with chords, it’s okay because I’m going to give you a quick rundown. When you play guitar there are minor chords (sad sounding), diminished chords (they sound a little off, but you may use them as transitional elements) and lastly major chords (those that have a happy sound to them).


So the one thing I would comment on about guitar is that it has been a great analogy to life—at times we play through the minor chords, like when we lose a loved one or something isn’t quite working the way we want. Then there are diminished chords-similar to the times we go through tough times like job loss or health issues, but lastly we look forward to the major chords—the times that make us smile and enjoy why we are here and I want to leave you on that happy note-pun intended.


Like life, to make a really great song it’s about balance, sometimes you have to put in some sad chords and even diminished chords to transition to major/happy sounding chords.


Keep strumming each day to the sound of your own beat, even if it sounds a little off. After all-it is your song.


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