Then I have a simple suggestion: pick up an instrument.
Hold on… whats that?
Theresan entire videoabout this topic?
If youre that way inclined,go and watch it.
If not, no worries weve got everything you need below.
It’s free, every week, in your inbox.
I played guitar for years.
It was my primary passion for some time.
But… then I stopped.
Its hard to know exactlywhy(probably boozing?
), but the end result is I barely touched a guitar in the past 12 years.
Yet this changed recently.
What surprised me wasnt just how fun it was, it was how it made my brain feel?
Like, pretty good?
Basically, learning guitar has been unexpectedly Zen-like and Id like to share that gift with you, friend.
Its like my issues are melting away.
I felt serene and tranquil and mindful.
Why learn guitar?
Why not another instrument?
Of course, pick up any instrument that takes your fancy thats the joy of music.
Despite that, I think guitar probably the best musical instrument for most people to learn.
There are three main reasons why I think this is the case.
Theres even a handy diagram here breaking downwhyI think that is:
Lets go through them.
And we havent even mentioned the gamut of guitar tutors out there.
Basically, if youre learning guitar, youre like the cat with the cream.
Is that a saying?
#3: you could play guitar on your sofa
This is the real shit right here.
The guitar is perfect for that.
Okay, youve convinced me what guitar should I get?
Well, Ive been using the Epiphone Hummingbird, a gorgeous acoustic guitar thats perfect for beginners.
There are a lot of other options though.
What Id recommend if possible is you find and visit your nearest, independent guitar shop.
If I can offer some sage advice though: dont spend too much.
If you find you really enjoy learning guitar, you might can sell the old instrument and upgrade.
Or keep it and start a collection.
The choice, friend, is yours.
How to make learning guitar like meditation
Now were getting into the chunky core of this piece.
Weve taken a windy road to this point, so lets summarise.
But we need to talk abouthowto achieve this.
The difference this time is I dont really care.
At best, Im a rusty enthusiast.
Anyway, here are my tips on achieving a level of musical mindfulness thats better than meditation.
#1: Scales
Yep, the scourge of music students everywhere: scales.
Thing is, theyre actually really pleasant to play on guitar.
In other words, perfect for playing in front of some Netflix.
This isa helpful guide.
#2: Chord progressions in a specific key
Of course, learn some chords first.
But I found it deeply meditative to look up the chords in a key and stitch them together.
Lets take the key of C Major as an example.
This approach has delivered some of my most enjoyable moments of musical meditation.
Give it a try!
Moments of proper focus, of concentrating hard when youre trying to learn something does wonders for my brain.
No expectation, no pressure, just chilling.
But I think the real joy is the combination of these things.
Instead, my only aim with this article and video is to give you a little push.
If youve been wondering if its time to try out an instrument, give it a go.
Theres little to lose, and much to gain.
Fundamentally, I believe learning guitar is better than meditation.
Until next time, keep Zen and stay shredding.
