I never learned how to read music and often wonder if it is too late.
I was working on a brand for a music education organisation when I offered to learn the piano and take an exam to gain more insight into the business. It was suggested that I might be a little old and would find it too difficult, so I did not.
I have now started guitar lessons with Lucas Cook, who is unleashing my inner Muddy Waters.
I can already play, but I still want to be able to read music and play the blues. While the blues is free flowing and often improvised, there are still basics you need to understand.
I have been given a few blues licks that work well with Hoochie Coochie Man. Guitar tabs are simpler, but the numbers and marks scramble my mind as I work out which finger, string and fret to play next.
I am not giving up this time.
Already I feel more confident. My fingers fall into place more naturally, I know where to go next and I am becoming better at bends, slides, hammer ons and hammer offs.
It will not be long before I am sat on my porch, drinking and reflecting on my life. I just need to get the porch built, although I am not very good at carpentry and do not intend to learn.
Which new skill do you wish you had learned years ago?
