Frustrated musicians who have long-harboured to play an instrument have decided now is the perfect time to make some sweet music after being warned they potentially face months of social isolation. And with a surge in online teaching apps and Youtube tutors experts say there has never been a better time to try your hand at becoming the next Jimmy Page.

Leading British guitar importer Tom Harrison says he has experienced a huge surge in sales this week as people queue up to play new six-strings.

Mr Harrison, whose firm 440 Distribution supplies the UK retail with electric, acoustic and bass guitars, admits he was concerned sales could fall off a cliff as people focussed on the Coronavirus emergency.

But instead he has been stunned by a sharp upturn in sales and says his customers are now telling him they urgently need more stock.

He said: “It’s been an incredible week. It seems so many people who have always wanted to learn to play a guitar but never got round to it due to their busy lives, have suddenly decided this is the moment.

“But the incredible thing now is that even at £99 the guitars are good quality. People can order online, have one delivered, turn on Youtube and within a few days they are playing a song. For many the mystique of playing an instrument has gone.

“In a couple of weeks Britain could be filled with the sounds of Smoke On The Water.”

Music tutor Jonnie Khan, who runs the LS18 Rocks music school in Leeds said that he is not surprised by the sudden surge in interest.

He added: “It used to be the case that learning an instrument was something only young people did but that has completely changed and now people of all ages are giving it a go. There is huge interest from children in guitars again because they are now able to easily check out different types of music on the internet. But it’s amazing to see parents giving it a go too.

“The fact people are now potentially going to have lots of spare-time on their hands means it really is the perfect time to give something like learning an instrument a go – whatever your age.”

Ryan Houghton, the marketing manager of the UK’s largest guitar store, Peach Guitars in Colchester, said: “We’ve definitely seen an upturn in our online sales over the past few weeks. The current situation though seemingly hasn’t persuaded people to tighten their purse strings, our sales of high end Custom Shop gear are as strong as ever.”

Rising Brit songstress Jazz Morley agreed, adding that learning to play music could provide a huge boost to the nation’s mental health.

She said: “The current climate is bizarre, confusing and frightening for a lot of people. Many will feel incredibly alone. The community-based activities that we would normally rely on to boost our morale in such uncertain times – live music, sport, theatre – have been taken away from us, and we are encouraged to stay at home in isolation.

“So what better time than now to delve into learning to play music – it’s amazing there has been a surge in people buying instruments. Music can be a therapy and even become your deepest friend.”

BACK BRITAIN’S BRAVE NHS HEROES – CLICK HERE NOW

5 tips to become a guitar god

Music teacher Jonnie Khan, who runs LS18 Rocks Music School in Leeds, gives us five top tips for people starting out playing the guitar.

1. Learn how to tune. If it’s not in tune you will never get a nice sound.

2. Make sure you learn a correct technique. Use the tips of your fingers and ensure you have a good posture.

3. Practise a little bit every day rather than a huge chunk once a week

4. Avoid strain and pain. If something hurts you are doing it wrong.

5. Always use a metronome so you develop a sense of timing and rhythm.

Comment by Status Quo’s Francis Rossi

I practise on the guitar every single day of my life.

Though I have released acoustic albums under my own name, I’m known for playing an electric Telecaster with Quo.

However, I almost exclusively practise using acoustic guitars. 

I don’t do that because I want to be the greatest player in the world, I accepted a long time ago that I was never going to be that guy – though I bet I know more chords than you do!

The very act of playing is hugely important to me for all sorts of reasons.

It doesn’t really matter whether in front of a capacity crowd at a Quo show somewhere or in front of my dog at home; though the latter is generally a more contemplative experience!

These days I really try to look after myself, I exercise regularly and eat well, even on the road with the band I make sure of that – but at the heart of what I do on that front is music.

Mental health is hugely important for us all and I find that music is a huge source of comfort and also an outlet for me.

There’s a calmness to be found in music, a satisfaction in mastering a new tune or indeed returning to the familiarity of an old favourite.

Playing a guitar regularly is good for manual dexterity but also for physical and mental health.

In stressful times it can provide a solace and act as a kind of pressure valve.

Playing something slow and mellow is relaxing, quieting both body and mind as you lose yourself in the intricacy, feeling the melody expand and wash away your cares.

I tend to play the slower stuff when I’m practising, but sometimes I like to head up-tempo.

A faster song can really take you to a different place, there’s an inbuilt optimism and a positivity about music like that.

Music is my job, but it’s much more important than that to me.

I’ve been playing since I was a kid but now, especially with the rise in online tuition videos, it’s never too late to learn.

Source: Read Full Article