I’ve always loved the sound of a guitar. The chords and notes that the six strings make are so calming, though I never thought I would be able to actually play them.

I assumed that my hands wouldn’t be able to handle the chords and strumming, and I didn’t really want to waste my money on something I wouldn’t be able to use. When my sister gave her guitar to me, I was unbelievably happy. She never really used it anyways, so I gladly took it. I immediately tuned it and downloaded Simply Guitar.

The first thing I did to make it mine is paint the guitar. Paint pens and Sharpies scattered across its smooth surface. I drew stars and ladybugs, small things that made me smile, and a cat for my sister.

I learned to play Conan Gray songs, as the chord progressions are easy for my hands. I repeat the notes until it sounds as familiar as possible, and adapt the notes when I can. It sounds a little different since I’m not able to strum correctly. It’s weird, but music is supposed to be fun, not perfect, and that’s what I like about it.

Music makes you pay attention to the little things. Now, I pay closer attention to the backgrounds of songs that I like. I think about how the artist picked those chords to make that specific sound. I notice the strumming patterns and how to mimic that sound with my own guitar.

It’s amazing how six strings can make hundreds of thousands of different sounds if you mix and match hand placements. It’s amazing how you can make your own chords when you move a finger down a fret. That’s the best part about the guitar. You can make it your own and you can do whatever you want.

I add guitar to songs I’ve written, hoping to one day release them. For now, they stay in my notes app and voice memos, full of love for my guitar.   I’m grateful for the freedom guitar and music gives me.

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