The first time I got deep into playing guitar (c. 1997 – 2007), all I could think about was being part of an “independent, moderately successful, occasionally recording and performing band.” Save for a couple of King Crimson tunes, I had little to no real interest in learning other artist’s music.

I pushed that agenda until it and my band collapsed in spectacular fashion. Out of anger, frustration, and depression, I decided to take a little break from playing music.

It was a quick little breather of just 15 years.

Now, I’m neck-deep again. But I’m coming at playing from the opposite direction.

I’m playing for MYSELF. That’s it. This is strictly for my own amusement.

I don’t want to start or be part of a band. I’ll jam along with friends at acoustic parties or get together with a few friends for a one-off encounter where I can play much louder. But that’s it. And it’s more than enough.

Plus, I’m LOVING learning other artist’s songs! That’s what pulled me back into playing in the first place. I wanted to learn how to play the theme from the HBO show Westworld on piano. Next thing I knew, I had a digital piano. Then I bought myself an acoustic guitar for my birthday, because I wanted to learn David Bowie’s “Space Oddity.”

And we were off to the races!

The recording project I have in mind (which I’m calling Break’s Over) will be recorded on a small recording rig at home. No more than eight tracks. And I’ll ask friends over now and then to contribute something here and there. That’s as far as it goes.

It’s perfect.

I’ve never been more comfortable with a guitar in my hands. There is zero pressure to do anything for anybody. I can play whenever I want. Or not. It’s all up to me.

What never dawned on me the first time was just how much I could get from studying and practicing the music of others.

• You get a better feel for music theory. Chord changes, scales, triads, arpeggios … a virtual flood of information.
• You learn playing techniques and how they fit within your own personal methodology. Slides, string bending, string skipping … it’s all in those tunes.
• It helps you realize that the people playing these tunes are human. Top-tier musicians get to where they are via two primary methods: creativity and (more importantly) practice.

Today I wanted to hear something classic. And I’m continuing to study David Gilmour. Just like that, the musical worlds collided PERFECTLY.

Here’s what I’m working on and learning to play. https://youtu.be/Tu7oq3VNgpY?is=T-VVyZyz3lykG0jz

It’s mild torture in the best way possible.

Who do you guys want to cover? Or have you done it already?

Tell me about it! And keep moving forward!

#cirdecsongs

If you would like to have your music reviewed, contact me at cirdecsongs@gmail.com