Where does guitar/music fit in your life priorities?

[markal]

Curious how playing guitar and playing music in general fits into people's lives. I'm mostly interested in your own playing, practicing, writing, recording and/or performing (which ever of those you do). Not so interested in how much you prioritize listening to music or going to see live music.

For me, I'm a hobbyist. It's probably my #1 passion, but sometimes I prioritize my outdoor adventure hobbies more than music. And since I have a somewhat demanding day job, a marriage, an old dog to care for, and the usual mix of responsbilities, sometimes I feel like there isn't enough time and I'd like to fit in more time for music. But I do play, practice and write a lot, with a particular focus on improving my singing skills these days.

 

[Dan German]

It does get into a knock down drag out fight with motorcycles once in a while, but if I had to save one hobby from a burning building…

 

[Fendereedo]

Plaing guitar, music, painting, drawing are my top hobbies. All the rest are vital things I do in order to survive.

 

[Chiogtr4x]

It's a top priority.
I love to play the guitar, sing, entertain anyone whom will listen.

And, now, it's my income.

 

[Swirling Snow]

I was involved in the music business, in some capacity, for about three quarters of my life.

I'm retired now, but that just means I have more time to build a studio and teach the kids how to play and sing, so...

 

[markal]

It's a top priority.
I love to play the guitar, sing, entertain anyone whom will listen.

And, now, it's my income.

Now it's your income? Meaning, it wasn't before? Tell me more. This is a dream of mine for semi-retirement and/or full retirement.

 

[Killing Floor]

Used to be full time occupation. Now it’s what I make time for, practice and occasional gigs and recording.

 

[ReverendRevolver]

I've got kids and a demanding job, but music is my primary (voluntary) means of occupying my time. My wife is in nursing school, and I am the person doing most of the cleaning and such, so I don't have as much free time as other people.

Other people are into playing videogames or watching TV. I play guitar, go to band practice, and a few times a year play cards. It's not that I don't watch TV or play videogames when my kids beg me to play with them. I just typically play guitar. Last night I was playing my Mustang and watching Rick & Morty, and for some reason it crept into my head that I never figured out of Scrubs by TLC was in standard or capo'd at the 4th. I still have no idea, but it's slightly concerning to me that I even remembered how that repetitive pop thing from 20 tears ago sounds but have a hard time remembering something I wrote 2 months ago.

 

[brookdalebill]

I’m a pro, but I greatly prefer my own term, working player.
A pro implies a level of dedication and success I lack.
It’s my top priority, but not my master.
I never wanted to be a virtuoso.
I wanted to make good music, with and for good people.
In that regard, I’m a raging success.

 

[Tom Grattan]

Since I play a bunch of different stringed instruments I play just about every day working on some piece or other or just kicking back an playing. One of the very few things that can relax my mind.

 

[Filmosound 621]

I grew up without music, as my parents never listened to any music at all,
and I had to overcome my tone-deafness at first.
I was having a hard time with music in school and throughout my Life,
as I never knew how tonedeaf I was.
I always thought it was some problem of not beeing relaxed enough to play music,
as I am a hyper active child.
You just cannot borrow someone else's ears, to get a first idea, where the problem is at.

anyway, I played a lot of African and south American drums through the decades,
that was lots of fun, and encouraged me to buy a large Marimba eventually.

I play Piano now, and guitar, like 2 hours+ every day, at a hobby level, all self taught.
good enough to impress myself and people who have not too much of a clue about music.

I came to the following conclusion: out there , lots of people seem to be full on tone deaf,
just listen to the crap, that the play on their stereo systems.

I feel fine, thanks for asking.

 

[trapdoor2]

Making music has been with me as long as I can remember. Piano dabbling until I was 13 (some lessons, not much progress). Experiments with guitar and 5-string banjo in my early teens...and then at 20, meeting a banjo player (now old friend) who set me on this quest.

I play/practice at least a few days a week now. It isn't my only hobby but it gets the most attention. It helps that I now have two jams a month to prepare for. First Sunday is Irish trad., second Sunday is Trad. Appalachian and "Americana".

I have several music related hobbies, collecting instruments, antique banjo sheet music, transcribing same for modern eyes. Restoring/rebuilding old banjos and guitars, making new ones (including electrics).

I also haunt sites like TDPRI, Strat-talk, Banjohangout, etc.

IOW, if I'm not thinking about something music related...give me a minute. I will.

 

[radiocaster]

Probably would be higher if not for my annoying hobby of building pedals and amps, and repairing musical stuff. Ok, the last one is useful.

 

[gimmeatele]

Guitar and music have been the two constant things in my life since I was 14 years old, both were always there when other things failed, got me through a lot, and still does.

 

[Obsessed]

My problem through life has always been way too many interests and hobbies. Throughout my adult life, it has always come down to eliminating/quilting interests to give myself more time for other interests. Over the past 20 years, it has been all about dumping one interest at a time to give me more time for guitar/song writing/recording at an amateur level. I sold my home-built hot rod, quit hunting, quit model railroading and now in the process of quitting volunteer work. I’m entertaining hanging up my fly rod next. The white water canoeing, gardening and motorcycle stuff are still on the plate, but age will probably end two of those in the future. Guitar playing will be with me until my body can’t do it any longer And at that point, I’ll probably dry up and whither away.
Hmmmm, I sense a new song to write.

 

[Call Me Al]

I’m very much like you; I spend a lot of time outdoors, hiking and gardening. Try to balance it with family life and demanding job. (I’m also focusing on singing!)

But music is the hobby that interests me the most. I spend a lot of time and mental energy on it, definitely a passion and my primary activity in free time.

 

[Alex_C]

I almost got a divorce because of my obsession with playing. I was in my home studio anywhere from 2 to 5 hours every day. All that time along with my job left no time with my wife. I was oblivious to our relationship because music was my everything. Once I was made aware of how f****d my marriage was, I reeled it in. I now play about 5~7 hours a week. I still have the extreme music itch but logic informs my decisions. My life is way more balanced now and my marriage is great.

 

[marc2211]

I'll be honest and say that it depends on the time of year and what's going on in my life, but at the moment guitars are something I fit in when I can.

I have a young family, work full time, travel a lot, and MTB a lot over the summer... I fit in 30 mins playing here or there when I can.

I have all the gear I want and keep dabbling in gear when I see something cool, and plan to keep it all for when I have more time in the future.

 

[Tricone]

Guitar and music would be third on my list of priorities, right behind Faith first and family second. I have never aspired to be a professional guitarist, but I have always aspired to be an artist.
I practice and play a few hours a day, every day. I use music and guitar playing for creative/artistic release and in service of my faith. So yes, as part of the three pillars of my life, guitar and music are a top priority.

 

[Telecaster88]

From the mid-80s through the mid-90s I wrote music, played in bands, recorded, performed, toured, etc, but in '96 had to quit for health reasons (hyperacusis). At that point I focused my creative energies on visual art and writing.

About five years ago my health improved to the point where I could begin playing music again, albeit quietly. I assume I'll never play live again with a band, but my old group has begun recording long distance. We (digitally) released a new four song ep a year and a half ago, and are finishing up three more songs now.

I try to play everyday, and am learning more about recording. It's been a great joy to be involved in making music again, but I know it will never be the same as it was in my younger days. I'm fine with that.