Hi folks, I have only posted on here a couple of times before and have to say I have always had lovely replies from you all.
I am a pretty much 'no nothing beginner' who is trying hard to improve. The last 9 months or so have been pretty rubbish for me health wise as I sustained a still unresolved back injury and then in October broke my leg so I have been fairly limited with what I can do. I do however play twice a week with neighbour's which is fun but they are not at all ambitious or want to move forwards. I also have a very kind mate who is helping me with all kinds of guitar related thing which is great!
Anyway, the reason for this thread is I was talking on the phone earlier to a guitar shop (not my usual one) who was very offhand and made several very caustic comments about 'women that think they can play guitar'. Sadly I have come across this attitude more than once too. I know I probably need to toughen up and grow a pair but to be honest I found it all quite upsetting and a big knock to my already low confidence. I was very honest with the guy on the phone, I didn't come across as if I was Erica Clapton, Davina Gilmour or any other female alter ego!
So chaps, honesty time please before I make a total prat of myself again, is it wrong as a fat middle aged woman to be wanting to play guitar? Not just strumming along to a little folk song or something as a lot of female guitarists seem content with (not that there is anything wrong in that) but wanting to be able to make my beloved Les Paul shout, sing or cry one of these days. I have a collection of guitars way above my needs or ability in reality but I love them! My two 'go to' ones are my Epiphone Les Paul Custom Pro and my Taylor acoustic.
So folks, lady guitarists - Yay or Nay!! Or any thoughts or opinions on the subject - I know it's probably a contentious one.
Comments
Carol Kaye.
Nita Strauss.
Lita Ford.
Orianthi.
First off I think you should name and shame the shop you mention !
I've got huge respect for people who take up their instrument later in life - I think it's harder for all sorts of reasons.
Go for it I say.
By playing with other people from the start you're probably getting a better grounding than many beginners.
I would imagine that the general opinion here will be that we don't give a jot what sex you are - if you like guitars then you'll get on fine and you'll get all the encouragement you can handle here.
My missus is 45 and started drumming last year. She loves it - she has a very encouraging teacher and she's improved massively.
Don't worry about it - just play. Oh, and let's see some pics of those 'go to' guitars as well
The more the merrier!
Obviously Only messing, music is non gender just like most things these days, do what makes you feel good, and embrace the journey of becoming a fantastic guitarist,
It has nothing to do with willies or fannies.
If you enjoy playing, then go for it!
Fat middle aged men keep guitar stores in business, absolutely zero reason why a woman can't too.
Age, gender, size. All irrelevant when it comes to making music.
Nancy Wilson,
Annie Clark (St Vincent)
Tedeschi Trucks,
Taylor Swift,
Nanci Griffith,
Margo Price,
and loads more that I can't think of.
The fact that you are a woman is irrelevant, the guy in the shop Is just a silly dinosaur.
For some inspiration ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GL9rBAjut2g
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