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Music Ear

Lately music sounds different to me. At least the songs with guitar in them.

It's hard to explain it. I can't tune the songs out. They aren't just background noise anymore. Not simply filler for the dead moments in between conversations. They distract me and entice me. I find myself straining to hear whether it was a downstroke or an upstroke. Was it a hammer on? I can't yet tell if a pull off has happened, or reliably know strum patterns, but I believe that skill is forming.

I've begun the level 2 book by Hal Leonard and I'm really enjoying myself. I played for about an hour last night. It started with strum patterns, which is great because I need more practice with those if I'm ever to play Lego House by Ed Sheeran.

At some point I'm going to get a new guitar. I'm currently playing on a vintage cheap guitar. A Brentwood K-100. It's amazing it works at all. It was my mom's guitar and I think she probably got it in her 20s or 30s. My mom is in her 70s. Here's a video of someone more skilled than I playing it: Flamenco on K-100.

I really want a 3/4 acoustic electric, so I think it'll be a Martin LX1 for me. One thing about being tiny is that 3/4 size guitars are the best size for me and they're often less expensive. The LXK2 is cheaper, but I read reviews and everyone said the Ed Sheeran model has a better sound quality. Plus I don't think the LXK2 comes in an acoustic electric model, but I may just not be in the know about that.

I'm also thinking about getting a backpacker, probably the Washburn Rover. It'd be nice for traveling as they fit easily in suitcases and are lightweight for whatever I may get into. It's rated better than the Martin backpacker and costs less.

I may want a new electric sometime too. Ibanez makes some sweet 3/4 electric guitars.

I'm off to look at guitar straps tonight as part of a first date. It's what's in my price range currently. I don't know what I want though. I could go with something sophisticated like a high quality leather. I could pick one from a band I like. I could go with one that has a fun design. Who knows what I'll come home with? It's possible I won't see anything I like too.

And I have other things to spend on before guitars. I'm getting more colour added to my half sleeve next week. I also want to renew my passport and attempt to save for a trip to Japan with the Iaido folks. Maybe I could get the Washburn though and bring it along... I also likely need physio on my neck from my days in roller derby. I can do about 6 visits under coverage. After that it's out of my pocket. Maybe I'll get lucky and won't need too many rounds of ultrasound before the pain goes away forever. Oh and I'll need money at some point for editing my novel and getting an awesome cover done for it. At least I don't have to buy a sharp katana for about 10 years. When one has as many things on the go as I do, one is always needing to save money for something.

But work comes before fun and it's needed to pay for things.

Ciao,
R~

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