Have you ever noticed that when you buy sheet music, for the piano that is, that the acoustic guitar chords for that song are usually printed at the the top of each clef and measure?

For years those little grids with their little dots representing chords intrigued me. I thought that since I could read music and knew chords very well, I could just pick up a guitar and easily add a new talent to my musical reputation.

Ha! Little did I know that some talents don't translate so easily from one instrument to another.

Now, don't get me wrong. I was still way ahead of the game by knowing how to read music, including chords. But the entire eye/hand coordination required for playing a guitar is quite different from playing the piano. To say I was disappointed and frustrated at my lack of instant virtuosity is an understatement.

But learning to play the acoustic guitar is like learning anything else. You have to start slowly, absorbing all the new information, and then applying it through practice, practice and more practice. And before you know it you've acquired a new skill that can take you places you never imagined.

I think that's the nature of music. It has the ability to effect you in so many ways. My reaction to the music that comes from the piano is much different than my reaction to the music that comes from the guitar. Just as other types of instruments effect me differently even still.

The point is that learning to play music...on whatever instrument you choose, you are making a decision to grow and change as a person. And that is always a good thing.

I know I was changed when I followed my fascination with those little acoustic guitar chords on my sheet music to learn a new way to express my love for music.