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The 40-Year-Old Music Virgin

Over the past 20 years, I've gathered enough knowledge to play a decent repertoire of famous songs on the guitar. But that's it. My musical "skill" is quite limited.

I equate myself to a cook who knows dozens of recipes, but only those recipes. I'd rather be a chef who can invent and improvise something that isn't already on the menu.

I want to play more than songs. I want to play music. I want to become a GUITAR CHEF. So... I'm re-programming myself and learning music theory from scratch.

This blog will document the highs and lows of my re-education process.

  1. Day 16: Just in case you're wondering...

    I am reading Gary Marcus' Guitar Zero. In fact, I finished it tonight.

    It's an excellent read for a middle-aged analyst and guitar enthusiast like myself. The book offers enormous insight into how we learn, how our brains re-wire themselves, how music affects us, music history, theories, studies, observations, anecdotes, opinions...

    I read a digital copy on my iPhone. This was also a new experience for me and, surprisingly, not unpleasant. I was a hardcover guy, now ...