Picking one at a time...

I have a fascination with learning new things. I learned to bike at the age of 25, started taking classes in French at around 26, tried my ‘feet’ at skating at 27 and of late (without giving my age away) I have started learning to play the guitar!

It is a shiny chestnut Fender, smooth and soulful; and the best thing about this beautiful instrument is that it was given to me as a gift. So I quickly bought a music book, a tuner and a gorgeous black leather case. 

The stage was set. All I needed was a teacher…

After making a few calls, I decided to take classes at the Harbourfront Community centre. There were two reasons behind this decision- the community centre is located within a stone's throw of our house and at $6.50 an hour, the fee was very reasonable.

The day finally arrived and I reached the centre sharp at 8p.m. My anticipation and excitement were at their heights and I took out my shiny chestnut Fender from its dark black leather case with the sudden speed of a conjuring trick! In my head I could hear the masters- Clapton, Hendrix, Allman and their likes. I have had my share of exposure to different musical instruments; beginning with an Indian harmonium at age 3, moving onto the Tabla, the Tanpura, then the keyboard, a bit of Piano, a brief engagement with percussion which had culminated in some amateur drumming. So I was absolutely confident that I would strum like a professional as soon as I received instructions.

Alas, an entire hour went by just trying to figure out where exactly my fingers were or where they were supposed to be! Quite exasperated I asked my teacher, “Cliff, what is it? What’s the easy way to learn fast?” Cliff smiled and replied, “My dear, it’s really very simple. You got to pick one at a time!”