By Mitch Rice
What’s the one instrument that everyone on the planet has at least thought of picking up at one time in their lives?
This one doesn’t even need a cursory Google search to answer.
It’s the guitar.
From dorm rooms to arenas, the humble six-string can find a home. That’s why it may come as an enormous shock that some of the most popular artists on the radio today don’t know how to play.
And that’s saying something when you consider that even Lil Wayne has tried his hand, on stage, playing guitar.
There’s really no excuse. Every artist should have at least a passing familiarity with the guitar. Let’s look at a few reasons why.
It’s Polyphonic
While the piano’s keyboard is perhaps the composer’s most popular tool, it’s not the only instrument capable of playing chords.
That’s right, the guitar is capable of playing multiple melodies and chords as well. A well-versed player can make the guitar make noises a classical pianist would never dream of.
It may not be as intuitive to play a basic 5th chord on a guitar fretboard as it is on a piano keyboard, but it is every bit as useful. Once you know the basic guitar chords, all sorts of opportunities are open to you.
It’s Everywhere
There’s a reason every kid thinks about playing guitar. It is literally everywhere.
Guitars are both cheap and portable. At the low end anyway. That’s not something you can say about their polyphonic cousins.
That price point makes them accessible to even the most modest of budgets. If you scan your surroundings right now, it’s a safe bet that you’re no more than 10 feet away from a guitar.
Of course, quality guitars are to be revered, but cheap ones? There should be one hanging on every lamp post. Everyone asking for spare change should have a guitar in hand, busking, and making the world a better place.
The sheer ubiquity means every artist should be able to play their hits on guitar. Not the crazy solos, but they should be able to strum the chords.
It just makes you a cooler artist
Speaking of which…
It’s Cool
Who’s the coolest guy in the band? The drummer of course. Nobody’s dancing without the drummer. But here’s the thing…
Ask any drummer what instrument is the best, and, if they’re being honest, they’ll say guitar.
The drummer in Coldplay? The band’s first guitarist. How about Dave Grohl? It’s a novelty for him these days to take the throne.
It’s a fact — guitar players are cool. There is no alternative timeline where Dave Matthews is as cool as James Brown that doesn’t involve a guitar.
