"Why do YOU want to play GUITAR?" (Instructor RANKS Top 9 Responses)

[@xyz8655]

If you have and play a guitar you will never be alone.

[@No1karez]

That's why I started a year ago

[@hashtag6188]

Exactly!

[@vincentmomont7538]

you too man 🤘🤘

[@Demiglitch]

When I play guitar everyone leaves me alone for some reason.

[@Fuzzybunny-ki1cw]

This is a certitude.

[@vintagemxiron8390]

When I was about 9, there was a rock band that practiced in the garage just behind my backyard fence and I would lay in the grass and fell in love with the sound of guitar that I never really got to to see but heard atleast once a week. Then at about 12, I was at my Aunt's cousins house and their teenage son played the opening of stairway to heaven on an acoustic and I was in awe at how he was able to play a song, that I loved, so accurately. Then later that summer, I was at my friends house and they had a Marshall half stack and fender telecaster and I asked him if he knew how to play. He turned the amp on and slung the tele over his shoulder and ripped out the Led Zeppelin song Heartbreaker and my mind was blown. I was obsessed and later that year (1981) I got a Hondo LP and amp along with a Randy Rhoads tab lesson book and have loved playing and learning the guitar since.

[@tahlulabang]

I love the guitar but could never afford a nice one so I basically taught myself how to build them and now I'm a luthier and I love it

[@xqzt5510]

Nice I’ve been thinking of being one too. Looks like a lifelong dream!

[@nuberiffic]

I've always wanted to build my own guitar, but buying all the tools seems way to expensive lol

[@cTothy]

That’s amazing

[@Guitarmachine115]

Dude that’s so cool to be able to build your own instrument and knowing there’s not another one like that

[@nicksuson8877]

I'd love to hear your story on how you got there! Being a Luthier is my dream

[@LM-op8cd]

As a guy that just plays in our spare room. To me there is nothing better than sitting down with a guitar and forgetting everything going on around you. I took a five year break because life happens when I picked up the guitar again I couldn’t believe I gave it up.

[@blakemosses513]

I'm with u dude same thing best choice I made playing again

[@gort42069]

@@blakemosses513 same here

[@Ottophil]

I play guitar because I’m autistic and I don’t feel I had a choice. Guitar chose me. It has a grid of numbers, i stim with it, it keeps my ears from hearing all the other noise of life. Its really the perfect special interest. I havent stopped playing for nearly 30 years. I am finally making good money doing it though

[@1Techdrawer]

That’s really inspiring story. Thanks for sharing and keep making others smile through your playing. You’re a true testament to staying consistent and bearing fruit because of it. Awesome.

[@lucyfer_the_bat]

big mood

[@thalamusDecimation]

i'm also autistic, picked it up because i wanted to get attention from girls. i honestly have no idea how i stimmed before i picked up the guitar, but ever since there has not been one single minute of my life when i'm not playing it, even if it's nowhere near me. it becomes inseparable, it's woven into what you are, forever.

[@jmart6750]

@@thalamusDecimationI think that’s how it starts for a lot of people. Playing guitar at gigs definitely has gotten me some attention from girls, but nowhere near what I expected. As time goes on though, playing guitar becomes something so much deeper than that.

[@leland4207]

Personally I was trying to impress a girl which is a tale as old as time, but I eventually found something that would never leave, never hurt me, and makes me happy everyday.

[@OutdoorOptimist]

Because I grew up in the 80's and loved the hair bands. Wanted to play guitar for admiration from women. Now enjoy playing for fun, relaxation, and the challenge of learning difficult riffs and solos.

[@revivedfears]

It's weird how much times of changed. Guitar is now viewed as kind of nerdy or old fashioned. Even back in the mid 00's just being in a band was enough to get girls interested. I don't think it's quite the same now.

[@joebloe9901]

You said exactly what i was going to say Amen.

[@OutdoorOptimist]

​@revivedfears i agree. From what I see, It seems like lead singers get the most attention nowadays, even if they play no instrument.

[@jaguarcarrera]

You never see many women at guitar virtuosos show anyway

[@KyleKalevra]

I started playing in 1984. I played in bands through the late 90s. Got married, twice. Had kids, built a career. Grew old. I still pick up the guitar, baritone/bass almost every single day. Whether it’s for 10 minutes just noodling around or for a couple hours on a day off, I play because I love it. I love music. I love learning. I love writing. The reason I play? I play for me.

[@colten2524]

I play because it's my favorite thing ever and I want to share music with everyone.

[@gaymansex7145]

🤓

[@ULT_P3GGY]

@@gaymansex7145wtf is that username😟😟😟🤫🤫🤫

[@ttgmusic9096]

🤓

[@MysticCowboy-ef2yi]

@@gaymansex7145 don’t be a hater

[@trash-y-y]

@@gaymansex7145ain’t your username gaymansex 💀💀

[@nightswatch8659]

I always wanted to play. Then years later my 10 year old daughter wanted to start, so I started with her. I thought it would be fun if we learned together. She lost interest pretty quickly. I stuck with it for a while then i got real busy and just stopped playing. Then i started again about 3 years ago. I'm still playing semi regularly, I work a lot of hours. I love playing, I'm not really good but i have fun playing.

[@scsreaper]

I'm a 7.5. I've been surrounded by music all of my life and love to explore the instrument to find my own voice. My first inspiration was Randy Rhodes when I heard Crazy Train for the first time. Played, gave up, started again, and now I just play for myself. I love your content, dude!

[@ogelsmogel]

Yeah, I might've been one of those level 9 schmucks, if I ever took lessons (which I didn't, I learned it by myself). But the first answer that popped up in my head was "because I have to". Not because it's a chore, more like an instant obsession. Once I got a guitar in my hands it was like.. oh shit, this is it, this makes so much sense. I'm in love. I never practiced, I just played. And 30 years later I'm still playing.

[@seanmckelvey6618]

I agree. The moment I got handed a guitar something clicked in my head and I never even considered not doing it since.

[@laurateaho-white9654]

For me, it's because the guitar is a portable instrument that you can play anything, anywhere. You can play in any style, and you can play along with other musicians. It's a fun instrument that you can use to express yourself. So I'm a mix of 6, 7 and 8.

[@crashboredom2]

For me, its changed over the years. When i was a teenager, i met a girl that played guitar and liked all the same music, i started playing to impress her. Over the years my love for it grew and my answer changed. I liked that it was challenging and made me feel accomplished. It can also be therapudic, if im sad or excited, i can put these emotions into sounds that represent how i feel. Also became a way that i met some of my closest friends and we still jam all the time.

[@thereagauze]

reason #10 from me: I asked for a guitar and my father yelled at me that "I'm not wasting money on that you quit after 2 weeks!" so I washed dishes for months to get $215 to buy a guitar with my own money and 38 years later I'm still playing. Showed you, old man!

[@didamnesia3575]

Being raised poor isn't your father's shortcoming. Seems like your story leaves out the part about money not growing on trees and how 95% of guitar players quit within a year

[@spaceknight793]

Simple. I gets me closer to the music I love. Playing old Kiss songs is as fun as listening to them.

[@thadjarvis9514]

That's a really good way to put it. It's magical to be able to do it like your heroes

[@orlowski2018]

I guess I'd be a mix of a few, I started playing when I was 11-12 years old and I remember the exact reason. I had recently started listening to rock music at that time and that's when I came across ACDC, I remember hearing Angus Young playing and I just loved the sound of his guitar style and knew I wanted to play like that.

[@radiomindchatter7994]

It's been my constant companion for 47 years..a channel for whatever creativity I have.

[@kagenotatsumaki]

I would be a level 7. I'm constantly listening to music, or singing (when nobody is around lol) or have a song playing in my head. Music is literally what keeps me going some days when I get episodes of depression, I'll go outside and walk around alone for literally 5-6 hours and I have music playing from my phone, or a portable speaker, or headphones, whatever. So for me, my reason for playing guitar is just because it's fun. Drilling chords and scales? Not so much, but I'm at the point where I can take 2 chords and 1 scale shape and just play around with them, I've finally broke away from the mechanical playing stage and when I play some chords through a looper, or just look up a jam track on KZbin, and sit there and just improv whatever, it's the most fun thing I've ever done. Even if I don't play anything that good, it's just like a state of Nirvana (lol), where my mind just forgets everything and I focus solely on the music, good or absolutely horrendous. XD

[@nickbrouwer9643]

Totally recognize what you say!

[@JS_Guitar09]

I found when I started out I just wanted to play green day, nirvana, and foo fighters songs. Playing guitar led me to other types of music like blues and metal, which made me love music even more.

[@sirbaronvoncount4147]

I was adoptedr and grew up just knowing I had to play guitar. Nobody in my adopted family was musical and I wasn’t supported to pursue music but worked and saved money and began playing at 15 years old. This was in the 80s there was no internet just books and some magazines with tabs. Learned how to tune to a record and taught myself the basics. I never did music for a living (after a couple low paying gigs and sleeping in a van) but it has remained a passion and I play daily. Met my biological family when I was an adult and found out that I am from a very musical family. Some urges just can’t be denied.

[@jtyoung706]

I just found out my biological grandfather was a professional water-skier...I'm not trying that!

[@CYON4D]

I think I am a combination of Level 5 (my dad plays guitar) and Level 7 (I love music). My father played guitar in a band when he was young and wanted to play for fun again so he bought a guitar when I was a kid. I always had access to that guitar but never really got interested in it until I started listening to a mix cassette tape that included songs from Nirvana and Metallica. I was hooked as soon as I heard Metallica. My interest in guitar started to grow as I listened more metal music. My elder brother was also interested in guitar and he knew a few songs that he learned from one of his friends. So I told him that I want to play the intro melody from Ungorgiven and he officially got me started on the classical guitar. Later we got an electric guitar and my interest kept growing. As I got better at guitar I started to appreciate and love the instrument itself. Now guitar feels like a part of my identity. I am glad I spent the time to really learn and enjoy this awesome and expressive instrument.

[@shortfuse3776]

really deep question for me its a creative outlet

[@TheJprose]

Except for "I love music", my answer is different. Both of my parents had dementia and I wanted to keep my own brain as sharp as possible. Not coming from a musical family, I decided to try guitar, loving a challenge. Starting as a senior has its own challenges. Also, after my husband passed, I needed to create new memories with a new hobby. So wrapping up all those reasons, including that I always looked at guitars as cool, I decided to try. Fell in love with it from Day 1. I still feel lucky to have stumbled across Mike's site and signed up. It's been 3 years and the passion keeps growing, as does my gear collection. Thank you, Mike, for everything.

[@shootsnscores-cja]

As an old retired guy that's a guitar newbie, I'd say I maybe fit in the level 7 range - just love music. When I learn a riff of a song that I've listened to for years... the sound is magical, something I never thought I'd be able to do. BTW, I love the song lessons that you post on your website!

[@angryjotunn]

I was at my granddads house picking at strings on his guitar, and he walked up to me and said "some people can play guitar and some people can't. I don't think you'll be able to." I immediately started teaching myself to prove him wrong. In hindsight, I think he was just planting that kernel of drive in me to learn, and I appreciate him so much for pushing me to be better. But yeah, I learned guitar out of spite.

[@kylemoran4343]

started out drumming till I got my drivers license, and girl friend, then I stopped. When I was in my late 20's I got invited to a party were most of the peeps at the party brought their instrument, and they knew a lot of songs, and played them well. I was so disappointed in myself ! I was about 36 when I was invited to another party, were two guys I knew, brought out their guitars and played and sang for everybody. That next Christmas I received my very first guitar. I'm getting close to 70 these days and I play every single day because I enjoy it so much. I've learned tons of songs, so I'm ready if anybody wants to party.

[@shayh.3556]

Tom Keifer from the band Cinderella made me want to play because his style was the perfect blend of blues and rock n roll mixed into the 80s rock scene and his songs were very memorable to me since he wasnt an EVH clone. Since then I've discovered the likes of Charlie Starr and a bunch of various great players from the past like 80 years and its a passion!

[@grenade.turtle]

His voice is very unique. One of my favorite frontmen

[@HannahCope88]

A big question with multi faceted answers. I wish i'd had the opportunity to start learning earlier in life, but I didn't, something I still wrestle with today. For me, it is to find a voice so that I can speak without words. I think music can express things that words alone cannot. I'm a small amount of 3 and 5, but mostly what fits for me from these are levels 7 and 8. I've been jotting down lyrics and ideas for songs for a while now and I want to learn how to get them out and make them real, tangible, even if it's just for myself in my little guitar room, just to create and express. Congrats on 877k Subscribers!

[@zombieskurge2193]

Both of my parents are professional musicians, so I was forced into music at a young age. I played piano when I was 5, recorder when I was 8, french horn when I was 10. My dad also taught me bass guitar when I was around ten, and I learned a few of his favorite country songs, then sort of fell out of it. when I was 12, I got into Metallica, and decided to learn a few Metallica riffs using Songsterr. At one point, I decided to pick up my dad's fender squier, and I was hooked. a year later, I am a guitar addict. I practice in every shred of free time I have, and occasionally make original projects on garageband. I am 100% self taught, and I am currently trying to learn as many Lona Shore solos and Animals as Leaders and Polyphia tunes, in addition to learning some Slaughter to Prevail riffs to jam with a drummer I met through my orchestra. I guess this could be classified as level 9.

[@didamnesia3575]

Saying you're 100% self taught while using songster AND having both parents as musicians is some next level BS dude. Complete. BS.

[@Ryan_Wiseman]

For years prior to playing guitar, I had an Epiphone Hummingbird Pro I could never play due to the higher action and the fact that it is a dreadnought. It stopped me from playing, because I lacked a guitar that wasn't brutal on the fingers. It now so much fun to play after getting into guitar and getting my fingers used to the action because now, I play six stringed bass, and that is even more heavy action. After playing my friend's Ibanez with some very low action and a really good setup, I definitely fell into the level 9 camp and got a Telecaster only 6 months after that amazing experience. Now at that point, I had about a decade of prior music experience playing piano and producing music, so the obsession with guitar has lead to some amazing albums I've written over the years, especially with my newest one of '26'. The experience with other instruments prior helped, as I didn't need to learn music fundamentals on top of learning a new instrument. My reason for wanting to continue to play is that it is a tool of expression that I cannot find on any other instrument. I started getting into playing rock/metal/noise rock via pedals after years of cleaner guitar playing, and it's a new means of expression that I didn't even know was possible for myself and one I have yet to fully explore. I still am far off for being setup for gigging due to lack of a physical pedalboard, but I want to be able to play live in a year or two, and that is also why I still play guitar. It feels like I'm discovering a whole new soundscape that would be incredible to play live, and that level of awe I get from a few pedals or just simply one, is what I want others to feel. Because if that can help get more people into guitar, it can inspire some incredible music for future generations. I live in one of the best times to acquire guitar gear, to record my own ideas. It'll keep me a guitar player for life

[@scenefiend420]

I would say I'm a 7. I started during the pandemic to keep my mind occupied, but really I had been wanting to learn for years. I played the sax, and started to learn guitar but never got anywhere. Bought a guitar and couldn't put it down, no matter how many blisters and cuts I got. Now it's a passion. I need to practice more, but playing some of my favorite songs is a big motivator to getting better. Thanks for your insight and help as well (your vids were the first I watched)!

[@CVFGuitars_]

Because it’s fun as hell to play and a great outlet for letting off steam

[@aserdogman]

I think I was a mix of 7 and 9. Love to Nirvana led me to guitar but I ended up practicing 8hr/day to play solos like Alexi Laiho. Then I burned out. Now, 15 years after ai stopped practicing hardcore every day I still play guitar just for myself and to enjoy

[@richardpierce7819]

I play because its my safe place. I always feel better about myself after I play a song that was difficult to learn. I dont read music , and dont understand tab so I use my ears. Playing by ear gives a sense of accomplisment and you actually play the song the way you hear it.

[@GreenBlueWalkthrough]

16:57 Yep that is how approach all of my hobbies I suck at strick corse but domate at solving problems... Like I still suck at guitar I can bearly play open notes but I can still add my playing into a song of all OG elements mostly synths and have it be good and use it in projects.

[@ThBraveBraveSirRobin]

I started learning in my early 50’s as I’d always wanted to play since I was a teenager. I went for a few lessons and to my delight, my son decided he wanted to come along with me and learn together. He tends to pick things up quicker than me (due to being a teen rather than 50 something) but we have enjoyed several years having lessons and learning together. It really brought us together. He’s left home now but still plays and when he comes to visit, still joins me when I go for my guitar lesson and we play together while he’s here.

[@WardHammond]

Great video. I love music and always have. When my son went to college he left his guitar at home so I picked it up. The resources we have today made it possible for me to do pretty well. I play every day. Songs I only dreamed of playing are now in my wheelhouse. I'm in my second year of earnest play. I've also picked my sax back up as well. I can't imagine my life without a guitar now. Thanks for all you do. Oh, yeah. I started a band too. LOL

[@scottymontgomery1297]

I started playing at 5 years old. Have 3 uncles that played at a high level. Ranging from Chet Atkins to Jimi Hendrix and Sabbath. I had just got back from Nashville because my mom's husband was extremely abusive ,,,, best emotional release ,, started teaching professional at 13. Turned pro at 23 ,, only toured for 4 months , got into ALOT of stuff not to be proud of and walked away. Much appreciate you. Keep rockin. Cheers from Portland Tn. As Hendrix said , Live hard and rock harder

[@jimandskittum]

1:34 Look at him go through though chord changes as he talks. The guitar is like a toy or puzzle to me. It's fun to figure out the tricks and paths and fit it all together. I just play to entertain myself. I don't want to just play some simple rhythm for 3 or 4 minutes. Sometimes I tell people that you don't have to be a tennis pro to have fun, just a racquet, ball and a wall.

[@brainmushart561]

there was kinda just this guitar laying around growing up that my sibling never really and I always liked music, soo I just started fiddling with it, and I never really stopped.

[@gaberox1]

I love learning a song from one of my favorite bands and just seeing how the song was constructed and how all the parts fit together. If its a song with 2 or more guitarists I love to see how the parts are integrated and the switch offs and harmonizing. After 5 plus years of playing everyday I realize I can play but ill never be anything special. Its still worth it.

[@IronValorantClips]

i started playing guitar at 10 because i was on a waitlist for piano lessons and i wasnted to play an intrument, i enjoyed it but set my eyes on piano, after 2 years of playing the piano i didnt really like it and in the last may i watched youtube and stumbpled upon a thedooo video that rekindled my spirits for guitar and i just went at it, i didnt start this phase with learning my dads favourite songs (which were mine too that include led zeppelin, acdc, iron maiden and the more mainstream songs from metallica) and i slowly ventured through the metal rabbit hole so now im a full on metalhead 13:27 that was literally me, i didnt really like guitar solos when i was younger because i wanted to hear the singer but when i started playing guitar i appreciated every little detail in the music

[@GreaTeacheRopke97]

Level 1 0:53 Level 2 2:16 Level 3 3:43 Level 4 5:22 Level 5 7:07 Level 6 9:53 Level 7 11:54 Level 8 14:35 Level 9 17:25

[@jlmenard7688]

A few years ago my parents asked me if I wanted to play guitar. I said yes and I started playing classical guitar I never got really into it but recently, my uncle gave me his old electric guitar as I was developing an interest in extreme metal music. So now I'm finally motivated cause I want to play grindcore and death metal

[@rrrrrrrr_0]

Horrible "music". Listen to some pantera

[@SG-js2qn]

I wouldn't be a good student, but I play every day. I just want to explore it myself. I want to understand music better by playing it, and the guitar is one of the most versatile instruments. I also really like the sounds of various techniques, like the pull-off, bend, etc. Probably all I would have needed to get started was a session or two explain some essentials of playing music on a guitar, to clear up some basic questions about music, and to learn how to choose a guitar and care for it. But in this era, everything's online.

[@Zhorrua]

Havent watched the video, my number one reason: A lot of songs have cool riffs, but some notes or the tempo isnt to my liking -> I can play my own version of it. Other than that: Just improvising melodies, licks and riffs has been a major uplift in my life. Play the guitar kids, it is good for you.

[@El_Nano2005]

Yknow, watching this video made me realize how much my reason for playing guitar has changed, at first it was probably in the first couple levels, I wanted to do something and I liked metallica and all them so I picked up the guitar, now though, I'm realizing that for a while I've been wanting to just learn to make my own music and express my own funky ideas but can't cuz for most of the time I wasn't putting 1000% effort in, I'm gonna do my best to try and learn as much as I can to bring my ideas into fruiting, thanks Mike! your channel ha always helped me out when struggling to do XYZ thing and seeing that you also struggled with those same little issues, I hope more people start turning to music again to just express themselves and their ideas because creativity is sorely needed nowadays

[@Zagi...]

I play ukulele because I need an instrument to express my emotions. After a while I discover I'm in love with rhythm and bass section too, so I start to play guitar because of a 'deeper' sound and it open new windows for me😊 Still in love with both.

[@brokehorizon6375]

I play because its fun. I want to play along to the songs i love and maybe create my own one day. The feeling of finally playing what ive been practicing gets me so excited and i watch my own videos over and over because i like seeing the progress ive made. My brother even used to take lessons at school and he would come home to teach me what he had learned a long time ago

[@Miles_ethan]

I play guitar because I love music more than anything (I am also only into old 60s and 70s stuff, Beatles, Kinks, Allman Brothers, CCR and ELO those kind of bands). It's hard not to play guitar because my passion carries me through everything, sometimes passion does most of the work for you. At least for me haha it really has improved my life drastically for the better, it gives me a purpose and a reason to wake up in the morning. Just being able to put work and determination into something and it paying off through hard work. Anyone that doesn't play I highly recommend getting started on any instrument that interests you. Gives you a way to creatively express yourself as well. My last thing is that I'm 18 and I started to learn when was 13 turning 14. At the age that I really wanted to find my own identity as a person, also everybody in my family praised my cousin who was forced to play piano and she was really good. So I wanted to show them that I can be better and "I'll show them" kind of attitude.

[@bryancopeland2540]

I’ve been watching your channel for years and I throughly enjoy it. I was wondering if you would be interested in doing some one on one lessons. Ive been playing guitar for years but I’m interested in getting some feedback from you. I like your approach on teaching and also I think it’s cool we grew up at the same time and are into the same music. Seems like we would have been good friends in high school. If you are interested in doing some zoom lessons let me know. Would really appreciate it.

[@TheArtofGuitar]

Sweet! Thanks for the $. I'm not doing any privates at this time but if I do in the near future I'll let you know. Thanks again, gonna buy some picks and strings with it. :) -Mike

[@bryancopeland2540]

@@TheArtofGuitar would still love to catch up with you sometime.

[@LordLemmun]

For bass, I was a 5. I was 12, My dad had played guitar at many points in his life but never truly got to a point where he could play more than barre chords and strum along with songs he liked. He wanted to play music with me and so, because he only had one guitar and one bass, he handed me the bass and the rest was history. Because of the experience I gained learning to play bass to impress my dad, I became a 9 for guitar. I was obsessed with becoming the best I could possibly be at it, because I didn't know whether there was ever going to be something that I wanted to express but couldn't because I wasn't good enough. I have been playing for 7 years and I can't imagine my life without it.

[@ShawnKibel]

Dude! I have watched so many of your videos over the past few years and just realized I haven't subscribed to your channel. Apologies for that. I appreciate your work! Problem solved. Newest member to your channel!

[@sodvar5047]

I'm not a "serious" guitar player, but I have owned (at least) one for the past decade and a half and consider it kind of like my version of a fidget spinner (lol). I just enjoy messing around with it. I go through phases where I maintain a more disciplined and practice-based approach to it, but other life obligations always end steering me away from taking the instrument too seriously, which is fine by me. If I can learn a chord or lick or even a full song at my slow pace, that's already great. All that being said, I did go through a tough time where I'd be having full-blown anxiety attacks, and guitar was one of the very few things that would calm me down and focus my mind away from a panic state. So that made me appreciate the instrument a whole lot more than I already had.

[@nicshoffner3131]

I wanted to play the drums but my parents gave me a hard no on that so I "settled" for guitar and got my first one in 1993. I still play pretty much every day and have never regretted the decision. Guitar gives me a way to destress after a hard day, a means of bonding with other musicians, and another way to serve at my church (playing in the worship band). It has also given me tons of opportunities to see other bands and play in front of all kinds of crowds in all kinds of places over the years (and I'm not even all that good).

[@damonsdeliberatedetour492]

I have a student who really just wants to play and it shows. The other thing that it's doing for me is since I am self taught I'm needing to educate myself so it makes the lesson for her even that more exciting because it's new to me also!

[@wooferdevlin3571]

My 1st love was drums, bass guy was broke, so I had to buy a bass rig. Haha. Been playing in bands for 4 decades-ish, and only made a living playing bass. Guitarists were not playing what i wanted to hear - so I had to learn. Now I am so into alternate tunings, I get lost in space and time. Playing music is my sweetheart, but we never argue. Must fight the guitar at times, but the intensity is the gauntlet to get at the relaxed and expressive place. Great episode, Mike, keep awn!! Ü ♫

[@aleksej79novosibirsk]

13:06 that's the reason that sometimes I don't want to learn some of my favorite songs... :)

[@jasonswitzer1748]

I was. The guy whose friends asked him to be in a band. But I was the drummer. But as the drummer, I learned guitar from my band mates. I also loved music and was a proficient violinist who started playing music at a young age (1st grade), so music was always something in my life. As a really young kid, violin wasn’t my passion or anything like that… my mom just thought it was important for me to know how to play music. But being in a punk band in the 90s was a decision I made for myself, so it was more impactful. Since I had a classically trained background, I always picked apart each instrument when listening to music and it has always fascinated me to understand the layering going on in more complex songs. Long story way too long, even after my band broke up because of life stuff (e.g., college), I still loved playing guitar. It allows you to be creative and make something out of thin air that is unique. Can’t beat it. I need to take some private lessons to step up my game. Moving on from power chords and the occasional open and bar chords to soling and hopefully incorporating more complex chords in the middle of my solos (see Cooper Greenberg demoing guitars on the Alamo Guitars KZbin channel… that dude can play).

[@jensbomholt4529]

Cooper Greenberg is SO cool! I agree from Switzerland

[@skintslots]

Excellent video but I think you missed my level Mike. I began only a handful of years back in my early 50s because it was something I always wanted to do since a teenager. Life and family got in the way and I finally took the plunge. When I was a young kid,say 7 or 8,we had school assemblies where the male teacher who was an old 60s era beatnik (this was the 1970s at the time) played a guitar at the school assembles and played Beatles classics,Bob Dylan,Janis Joplin and House of the Rising Sun regularly! Yes a Catholic Primary School( UK lower school from 5-11) with 7 and 8 year olds belting out those lyrics! Hilarious now I look back. There was also a female teacher who played guitar too and she also played a Mandolin,which I also love the sound of up to this day even though I have yet to play one. I would say 'Oldies who had a lifelong Passion' is another level.

[@kylemoran4343]

@skintslots: I suffered 13 yrs. of catholic school here in the states from early '60's to early '70's. You were very lucky ! The only time I remember ever hearing music in school besides church organ tunes, was in 1970 when the big rage was "Jesus Christ Superstar" and then it was only one nun taking a chance. Hahahahahaha So many moons ago. Oh and kudos for picking up guitar at 50 you rock

[@blufffhalo]

this is a very good video! reason number 8 really caught me by suprise. subbed

[@bengerberich2982]

I always felt it was meant to be. My sister played a fender strat as a kid, and i was obsessed with it but i wasnt ever able to touch it. flash foward 7 years and ive done nothing but play every day, it just feels like a part of me now

[@bohemianvillage676]

Interesting video! For me, it was a bit of #5 and #7 coming into the mix. I‘d learned keyboard in an after-schools project for a few years and started trying to write songs from then on. By the time I was 18, I figured that most of my favourite bands were guitar-based, so naturally I thought the guitar was the „cooler“ instrument. Since my father had an acoustic guitar, the temptation was always lurking in the background (I think I didn‘t try it before, because he was often doing jazz-inspired improvisations, which seemed to difficult for me). Then I bought a bunch of guitar chord/tab books from some of my fav bands (including The Stone Roses and Blur) and started to teach myself the basic chords, which was easier for me, because I already had a basic music theory knowledge from learning keyboard. Seeing the inevitable coming, my father soon got me an electric guitar for my birthday, which I‘ve been using ever since. I eventually even played in bands many, many years later, but that‘s another story.

[@DefMetal688]

I've been playing for 27 years and I'll never stop! not even sure why I actually started but I know that the reason why I continue is that it's the most expressive and therapeutic activity for me ever and it helps me connect with like minded people through the passion for the music

[@MedianNest]

I originally played guitar cause I needed a hobby and now I genuinely enjoy it

[@nicolaemihaila6036]

Very interesting video! Thank you a lot for the insight! I would say that I am a level 8 student. I always loved music a lot, but once I discovered guitar, I found myself making a lot of songs, not just riffs, but actual songs with a structure. When I learn something new, the first thing that I do is try to make a riff out of it or even a song. It's not something that I do consciously, but something that just happens. What got me into playing guitar was Black Sabbath and more precisely, it was an interview with Tommy Iommi. When I heard that despite his accident, he went on to become a guitar legend, I knew that I had to give the guitar a shot.

[@1Techdrawer]

I just started taking lessons in November of last year . I’ve had my guitar since 2019 but it just sat in a hard case In my room. I started playing to escape from work life and to find a community of people I could hang out with. Before my lessons I like to warm up for 30 to an hour before my lessons. The store owners and workers don’t care that I experiment with the Amps on sale. I’m 🥹 thankful that I found a supportive community and they don’t mind that I sound bad a lot of the times lol. Now on the weekends instead of spending time alone I go to my lessons and sometimes hangout after the lesson to rehearse what I learned because I really want to scratch that new itch that just formed from my lesson.

[@thatlatiasuser]

My story with guitar was, I was in a charity club in my school, which I had to rejoin every quarter, on the last quarter it filled up really fast and I was left out, so i got into guitar since hey, a new skill is always welcome. A few months later I was in my school auditorium where they had an electric bass, I got permission to plug it in, and when I heard it I fell in love with the deep, powerful sound. Now I’m learning bass and I adore it

[@Johnnysmithy24]

For me, I look at it from a very fantastical way. My reason is because to me playing an instrument, specially the electric guitar, looks/feels like magic. When I look at super great players, I feel like I’m looking at a wizard/superhero who has this weapon/tool where they get a selection of infinite possible combination of sounds they can make and create these waves of electricity that sound incredible. It’s just something very special to be able to do, so meaningful. And I as a kid have always been obsessed with superheroes and people with special powers that can do things the rest can’t. So since I adore the sound of guitar, I want to feel like I have that superpower, I want to see the fretboard and feel that freedom and wonder of knowing I can come up with a lot of sounds, for me and anyone who wants to listen, it gives me purpose and something special to be proud of.

[@paristhalheimer]

I knew some people who played the guitar and I was a big fan of the Beatles. Once I started, I became addicted to learning and playing. I'm still addicted and play in a band and at church.

[@geoffpenton302]

Oh, many reasons. A love of music in the main and an admiration of various guitarists - Blackmore, Lynch, BB King, Van Halen & SRV - that became quite obsessive, then creative and then opened my appreciation of all forms of music. It's been a lovely journey. G x

[@adnsaurus]

I allways loved to sing and to listen to music, y used to figure out vocal harmonies at a young age, it was amazing! and the first time I saw someone at TV playing electric guitar I thought "that's cool, would love to do that" and I told my mum, even if I started with classical guitar whitch I didn't like at the time I fell in love with it and nowadays I can play other instruments by ear (Im not as good as I would like sometimes but I'll figure it out), now I can live making music and I recorded an album, Im very happy about it. Amazing video 😊

[@alexallen6286]

Nofx and rancid made me want to learn bass 20 years ago. I took bass lessons for about three years before I took up rhythm guitar. Since I already had practice playing with a pick, and had finger dexterity, my chord library grew super fast, and here I am. Bass made me want to learn guitar.

[@dinkalicious]

I wanted a “cool” skill because I wasn’t particularly athletic and I was already involved with music at school, and a guitar with a simple song book of cowboy chords wound up at the house and I just took to it. 40 years later I still love it. It’s fun, it’s good for your soul, and it’s like magic to people who don’t play an instrument.

[@GarethHolt]

I played a bit in my teens, then not again until about 5 years ago - I’m 61 now. For me it’s for the love of music, so a level 7 I’d say. No major goals other than to enjoy it and steadily learn more and get better.

[@cuadroplastico4047]

Hi, Mike. I just simply love music. I started with classical piano (I am definitely better with keyboards), and now I went for the guitar to get to the next level (fingers crossed). Thing is, I am 61.

[@charlene2400]

had a stroke 10yrs ago, and it helps me keep some fine control. I'll never be good enough to do beyond some intros and riffs, but don't care. Otherwise, seeing how hard stuff is, makes me appreciate the artists' work that much more.

[@jasonalmgren3050]

I'm turning 50 this year and I started playing guitar more serious around 14 years old. The initial impetus was anger over my father not being in my life at the time and I wanted to prove I was better than him. It didn't take long for me to fall in love with discovering new things and getting better at the instrument. And I noticed that I was also an okay songwriter at a young age. All that has just kept me inspired and loving guitar all these years. I still play a little everyday. At least an hour or two and I'm still improving and growing as a player, writer and just an all around guitar geek and proud of it!!!

[@tommya5957]

I started taking lessons at age 50. It was a life long dream to play my heros from the 80's but life got in the way. 5 years later I still play almost everyday. I am addicted. I kept going by learning small things at a time. Eventually I was playing full songs including solos. Everytime I play now I am marvelled at my accomplishments and it is very rewarding. I drift off into another world and take a break from life.

[@louie2drinks]

For me, I’m learning guitar to play my favorite songs to expand and change them in different ways.

[@IndySnowman]

I learned to play because I was profoundly moved by the music I listened to and felt I had something to say and the creative urge to express my ideas through the guitar. That, and to impress the babes.

[@johnc2956]

I think I'm level 7 and 8. I love music and I have ideas. I took your course for a year, but currently am taking a break before I resume. There's a lot for the apprentice level and beginning of the practitioner level in your program that is amazing and overwhelming, and you're right: enjoy the ride. As a martial arts teacher as well, yes: enjoy the ride, don't rush through everything.

[@boi5275]

I'm a 7 becoming a 9. Youre 100% right. My guitar is a part of me and I love it. Love your vids and analysis.

[@The-Atomic-Woodsman]

So, initially it was bc of Papa Het. Then went to i just want to play my favorite songs. Now it's bc I want people to hear my music. I am constantly learning new things from people like you Mike and just figuring things out. Thanks for the great content.

[@ina.aaahhh]

I'm surprised you didn't mention anything about a student having a favorite guitarist, and got inspired by them to start playing guitar. I guess it kinda goes hand in hand with level 7, a student who just loves music and already has a bunch of bands that they like, but I think having someone as an inspiration can really motivate someone who's just starting out

[@ShawnKibel]

I'm the level 5 dad. I always wanted to play guitar, but didn't finally pick it up until I was in my 40's. Now in my 50's and just an intermediate player at best. My parents never encouraged me to pick up anything musically when I was young. Now I'm a dad and finally taking my own musical journey seriously...and loving it. Naturally, I am dying for one of my kids to share that desire. However, I want them to want it for them, not me. So far, none of my kids did. In the last two weeks, my youngest son has taken an interest in guitar. Now I'm trying to walk that razor's edge of encouraging him, while not making it about "trying to get Dad's approval." I want him to want it for himself and not me, as I know that is the only way he will truly ever stick with it and love it. Your level 5 really rang true for me. Let me know if you have any suggestions because I really don't want to ruin it for him!

[@DeadPyro96]

7 or 8. I was always surrounded by music, my dad played a bunch of instruments in a bunch of bands, my older brother plays trumpet in a jazz band. Originally as a kid I played violin because it was somewhat of a family tradition but I never loved it and certainly wasn't good at it even after years and years of lessons. Eventually as I got older I decided I want to actually play music I want to play, I ditched the violin (something I kinda regret now) and moved to bass because it seemed kinda natural. Really enjoyed that for a couple years and I eventually decided to give an electric guitar a try and I ended up loving it as well, now I kinda switch between both. I love layering both with a looper and a drum machine and just jam. And I am already looking to add the next thing, my goal would eventually be to write my own stuff and then play as much of it myself so I'll probably give keys/synths a try one day.

[@dapperino7252]

I started taking guitar lessons about 2 months ago. I bought the electric guitar and amp back in 2019 when I was a big metalhead teen. Sadly I wasnt in a position to take guitar lessons and after trying to teach myself through KZbin videos I eventually gave up. Since then I hung up the guitar in a corner of my room, swearing to myself that I will pick it up again one day and play. Nowadays I felt like I devote most of my time to studying and getting good grades, to the point where I felt really bored and dissatisfied with life. It doesnt help that I never really had any hobbies, much like most of the people in my social circle. Apart from gaming and reading, I listen to a LOT of music. And that passion for music is what brought me back to the guitar. Lessons are going great. In the first weeks I learned basic chords, that went to learning strumming patterns and picking up simple songs like Knockin' on Heavens Door. About a week ago I asked my guitar teacher about power chords so that I can learn the song No One Else by Weezer, my favourite band. Playing and learning the song is a lot of fun :)

[@reginehunter]

my reason was because i wanted to play like Slash 🤭 i was tired of playing air guitar for my favorite songs and finally decided to start learning instead of making excuses of why i can’t. i LOVE this instrument ❤

[@ziggy4465]

It’s just one of those things that brings me happiness, that’s why I play. I’ll never be “one of the best” and I’m okay with that. I just like playing and creating music. I’m currently in a band, but for 32 years…I was content to play in a room by myself. There is a different feel that you get performing for others, but if I just sit there and play (no particular song, just muddling around the fretboard)…it can often lead me to a place of contentment. That’s why I play.🤘🏻❤️🎶

[@chrisl4676]

It was 1966 and my mother bought it to keep me out of trouble. Then 1967 came along...but it likely did keep me from spending time in worse ways. Still playing. Still love it. But why can I still remember half the songs from Crown of Creation, and almost nothing I learned after 1976?

[@ShreddingFinn]

I was in my single digits during the 80s, but I remember all the videos and the guys shredding, the lights, the people, I knew this was at least one thing I wanted to do. To this day, yes still stuck in the 80s

[@seanmckelvey6618]

I started because I loved music & thought electric guitar & rock music was cool, and I still play because I love music & think guitar in general is cool.

[@nickbrouwer9643]

Because it makes me happy! When I go to bed at night I have at least one thing to look forward to: playing my guitar in the morning before going to work.

[@t3hav8r]

I guess my reason is a love of music and the fact that playing (electric) guitar is just - magic. Watching someone who knows what he or she is doing with guitar is like watching a magician, whether it s a few "cowboy chords" or some Ramones' riffs or someone like Tim Henson or Steve Vai. It's magic.

[@classic2354]

My brother got an electric guitar and I asked if I could play it, and he said yes and since that happened I have been loving playing guitar and it’s been my main hobby for over a year now.

[@garfieldfan3892]

its fun and i want to be good and create something new

[@ericnaylorguitar]

I always loved teaching the higher levels especially level 9s, because I always tried to treat everyone even levels 1s like they were a future level 6-9 who just needed to be challenged (which can be mentally exhausting as a teacher). I was never strict in that if they didn't practice that was up to them & I would tell them it's okay, but I was still going to correct their technique, quiz them on how & why they should be doing what they're practicing, & push them to compose/improvise even when they didn't feel comfortable doing so. anyways cool video 🤘

[@raimondibro]

I played guitar hero and watched school of rock as a kid. Those were definitely huge influences. But I had heard some metalcore melodies from killswitch engaged and parkway drive, and instantly knew I needed to learn to play my favorite riffs over and over. Just genuine love of music here

[@Elilaw911]

I play because I feel the need to have a lot of interesting hobbies. I started 2 and half years ago with no ambition and now I can’t live without it. I love guitar.

[@drankFoD]

R u in a band or

[@Taborius1]

I'd have to say I started learning for either level 7 or 9. I started later in life since I had my first instrument (drums) taken from me due to an injury. I was absolutely a level 6 for those. I wanted music and quickly became obsessed. I will say to level 5, sometimes your kids just don't want to learn from the parent. Age matters, but getting into those "rebellious" years (early teens) it just sometimes feels like they don't think a parent knows anything, or they clash because of everything else at home, and it's good to have an outside instructor where that is the only thing they know them for.