Guitar is My Friend

by: Vincent Lew

I remember the reason that I choose to play guitar. I was 14, at that age, I am fanatical with a singer and I admire her very much, Taylor Swift, who has billions of loyal fans. She is the reason why I’m having two guitars right now. I am obsessed with every song that she wrote, and it cause me to refuse listening to other singers’ songs. I can say that, I’m growing up with her and her songs inspire my whole teenage years. At that time, I hope that I can play every song that she composed with her favourite musical instrument which is guitar. Then, I bought my very first guitar when I was 16.

At the outset, I learned playing guitar through my teacher, Youtube. I struggled as all the guitar beginners, frustrations bursting my head. I kept practicing, watching guitar tutorials until I have learned the basic, how to play chords and how to strum. From this learning process, I know that it all comes with the dedication and practice make perfect. After I have the basic skills about guitar, I spent 3 hours per day to learn about music and improve my hands flexibility. Gradually, I listen to different kind of songs. Undeniably, every goal has its cost, it always causes pain to my fingertips after I practice guitar after a long time. However, satisfaction always over the pain.

Days by days, songs by songs, I can see that I’m becoming an intermediate guitarist, I bought a second guitar with my own money. Since that day, I start to improve my guitar skill by memorize every single note on the guitar fret by my left hand and manipulate different advanced strumming pattern by my right hand. I remember that the very first complete arranged song that I can play is ‘Long live’ by my idol. Because of this song’s lyrics, melody and harmony, my life has been motivated.

Now, in UMP, I am recruited as a guitarist by a music band, Utopia which is formed by my dear pianist roommate. At there, I meet new friends with unique music talent, I learned a lot of music theory from them. Then, we have performed in many events that held in this university without receiving any payment, because our music band’s purpose is to spread the love and enthusiasm towards music. I’m glad for joining this band and guitar makes me indispensable in this band.

Without guitar, I am nothing.