Music, they say, is timeless. It’s a language that speaks to the soul, a companion that stays with you through life’s ups and downs. But what happens when life takes you away from the instrument you once loved? Is it possible to pick it up again after almost 40 years and remember how to play? This is the story of rediscovering the joy of music and rekindling the melodies after 39 years of not playing.
The Long Break
Life has a funny way of leading us down unexpected paths. Almost 40 years ago, my brother played bass guitar in my band and we enjoyed playing together for years. However, as adulthood took over, the reality of making money, a career suitable to raise a family and prepare for retirement set in and pushed his bass guitar under the bed.
The Urge to Reconnect
But the love for music never truly fades. It merely waits patiently, like a dormant seed, for the right conditions to sprout again. In his case, it was a chance encounter to pick up my girl’s bass guitar, and try to jam with me.
Reacquainting with the Instrument
When he first picked up the bass he said, “The Frets are much farther apart than I remember.” Then he played a few notes. After that I gave him a key to try out a song and told him the progression. It took about 1 minute for him to remember where E, A, and B were.
His fingers felt stiff, and the once-familiar notes seemed foreign. But within 2 minutes we were playing the song and it was starting to come back to him. Muscle memory, though rusty, started to kick in, and he began to regain some dexterity. I asked him if he would ever play again. He said “Yeah! I love music”. I said, “This could be something you do after you retire”.
Conclusion
I decided to write this article because without seeing it with my own eyes, I would have never thought it possible to play again with such ease after 39 years. It was literally like getting back on and riding a bike!
If you’ve ever wondered if it’s possible to pick up a musical instrument after a long hiatus and remember how to play, he living proof that it is. The key ingredients are determination, patience, and a love for music that never truly fades. So, if you find yourself in a similar situation, dust off that old instrument, rekindle the melodies, and let the music fill your life once more.
And if you want help, let me know. That’s what I do.
George Pjevach
Maestro Melody Music School For Guitar
