Why Playing Guitar Makes You Happy

[GHWelles]

I was reading an interesting article, about the way modern life with its technological conveniences has led to greater incidence of depression when compared to earlier times when people had to work with their hands to gather and prepare foods, etc.

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.

For example, cooking a great tasting meal in the microwave is too easy, we are happier to go through the effort and success of preparing it by hand.

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.

So play more guitar, you will be happier.

 

[Jonny Dubai]

it takes me to other worlds. That's the only way I can say it. It is a great release of expression for me.

Great thread

J

 

[azazael]

for many many reasons but a major one before i even start is because its not like women...


It's an escape, a security blanket.
Its always gonna be there!
You work hard at it and you can get out what you put in.
Continual sense of self achievement and confidence building.
Its an incredible release from everything.

Theres always something new to do, although downside is it becomes an obsession...

Its a life changing thing... well for me it was.
It would be interesting to see the person I would be today had I not picked up the guitar.

 

[jamminjim]

relaxing - releases tension - takes mind off of other things - soothing and pleasant - prevents boredom - educational - gets creative juices flowing

 

[KungFu Grip]

Guitar playing is a nice tactile outlet for me. I work at a computer all day, so it's nice to be able to unwind and just focus on my senses of hearing and touch.

 

[eegor]

it takes me to other worlds. That's the only way I can say it. It is a great release of expression for me.

Other than this, I'd say it's just fun for me.

 

[colinboy]

I just love playing guitar.its more of an emotional thing with regards the music for me.

 

[GWDavis28]

Well since I can't really play, it's a great challenge for me. It's a diversion from my regular day to day things.

Glenn |B)

 

[GoKart_MoZart]

Playing music is the perfect combination of sprit, mind, and body. They contribute equally and work together.

And there is nothing in the music world that I know of that's like hitting an E major chord. I dunno, it's like coming home.

 

[MusicManJP6]

Guitar playing is a nice tactile outlet for me. I work at a computer all day, so it's nice to be able to unwind and just focus on my senses of hearing and touch.

You and I are very similar then KungFu! I too work on/at computers all day so it is nice to exercise a different part of my brain and not have to focus on anything with my eyes. It balances my senses quite well.

I also agree that it takes me to another world and relieves stress. The list for why we play guitar is very long. It definitely makes me happy though. That's the main thing!

 

[Astrofreq]

Guitar makes me happy because it takes my mind off my ex-girlfriends.

 

[Sweat]

Bingo, well said WD, the statements in that article are so true and everything I strive against.

 

[travs]

its therapy for the mindbodysoul thing.

 

[Jack FFR1846]

I agree on the achievement. I listen to a song and think "that sounds really cool but it sounds really hard to do". I'll spend some time learning it. I'll practice. It becomes easy for me. I look back and realize that 2 days ago, it was an insurmountable goal and today, I'm saying that it was the easiest song Eddie ever did.

jack

 

[robelinda2]

Playing music I love on a guitar that I love, doesnt get any better.

 

[Warg Master]

Its always gonna be there!

Not if you have to sell it cause life has you by the balls! (pun instended though not really.)

hahhaah

 

[Slingy]

I love listening to my own tracks in the car on my commute. Even if they are amaturish. Thats kind of the holy grail of good feelings. Rockin out to your own tunes blaring out the windows.

Playing for fun is a great expression too, but recording is a big pain in the butt and alot of work. The end result is the same feeling over and over again every time you hear it.

 

[D.K.]

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?

 

[fogman]

i agree with all you guys!

 

[Shred_Nadin]

Why???

The other day someone told me to cut my hair and one of my friends said... if i may quote... " dude Jed is long hair... he is long hair and guitar... Karl = black, Lenny = white, Jed = long hair and guitar"... so in a metaphysical way i simply cant exist without playing guitar... *puts down bong*