Why Playing Guitar Makes You Happy

[Sigmunds Couch]

Emotional enema

 

[whitestrat]

The theory is that achievement of difficult tasks makes us happy, and that where there is full involvement using the hands and body as well as the brain, the fulfillment and resulting happiness is greater.

Guitar playing is a mental and physical challenge involving coordination of the two. There is full mental and physical involvement in the activity. There are not many activities that do this so completely.

I buy this fully... It's a complete integration of mind and muscle. In an air-conditioned room, after playing a few songs full on, I find myself perspiring!!!

But what makes me happy isn't just about mastering some difficult passage. That's nothing compared to hitting the right note at the right time for the right duration during improvisation. Sometimes, one single note is enough to take me away from everything.

It's sometimes seriously better than sex... heheheh... especially when I'm playing with my balls.

 

[Jimmyb]

<edit>
It's sometimes seriously better than sex... heheheh... especially when I'm playing with my balls.

You're doing something wrong....

 

[candid_x]

should it make me happy? Nah - it more feels like hard work, aching fingers and hands, changing strings all the time, having to carry heavy gear, spending to much money on equipment, not being able to really kick the valves out of the amp at home - and all that for a couple of minutes of being carried away during a solo on stage? Does that feel like happiness to you?

lol!

 

[candid_x]

I'm just into it for the cheap buzz I get from playing.

 

[guitarman23]

relaxing, joyful, a challenge in someways.

most of all being able to interact with other musicians and jam ! that's the most important thing in music for me, that's what makes me happy and continue playing & work hard on guitar.

but there are times when i get frustrated with playing, then there's time when my house is just silent and that's the magical moment for me to play my guitar, then i can really concentrate and relaxe.


really nice how you brought this topic up

 

[marduke]

its a release from the day to day stresses of life. very relaxing just sitting there messing around not playing anything in particular, just whatever im feeling at the time... now if only i could write lyrics id be set!

 

[Brand X]

Why is such a simple question so tuff to answer!

1) The sense of achievement when you set yourself a target and you achieve it.....be it some sweep picking, new phrasing or a new song (or in my case a new cover song!)

2) The thrill of playing live knowing that most of the blokes watching don't want to acknowledge you 'cause their gilfriends like you.....but they just can't help themselves as the guitar has an almost zen-like attraction for them.......

3) Knowing that no better how bad the gig - it's still better than any time spent at my day job!

4) Putting together a solo that is the perfect balance between feel and technique - nothing like that at all!

6) To be fair - I'm a total sell-out......I don't do originals any more....although I try to write and record when I get time.....I just do a few different tributes and covers.....80's, Bon Jovi (I know, I know) loads of pop covers done with a rock edge to them, and after about 800 gigs over the last 4 years, I am still as enthusiastic as ever! I guess that's the best answer really...

 

[dwells]

writing music on the guitar is a spiritual experience for me ,theres nothing quite like it !!!
and i just love to look at the guitar and smell them !

 

[rockerjt]

It's a catharsis for me. If I can get "into the zone", I get lost in what I am doing, lose track of time, and just let it flow. It's like my brain, fingers and soul are all connected and being controlled by something else. I find that I let a lot of emotions out through my playing that I don't otherwise do, whether angry, sad, frustrated, whatever. I can play it hard, soft, melodic or harsh and I am the only one to answer to; no one else can tell me it's not right or not to do it like that or whatever. I always feel better after playing, but if I am in that zone, I really feel refreshed. Probably sounds goofy, but it's true.

Funny thing is, if I am in a really happy mood, I usually don't pick it up.

 

[whitestrat]

You're doing something wrong....

OR, I'm doing something very right with my balls!

 

[marduke]

and i just love to look at the guitar and smell them !

haha glad to see im not the only one!

 

[kissmyaxe]

Instead of saying something moving and poetic like all the other posts, I will be the only honest one here, I play guitar to get laid.

 

[kbaim]

Hope I'm not the only one who views it as a relationship.
About the best one I've ever had...unless Diane sees this.