Playing guitar with someone else!
I’ve been playing guitar for a long time—and I have to admit, I’m still not over how fun it is. I still begin most days with a few minutes of playing along with a favorite song or running through some drills. (By “begin” I mean “after I start drinking my coffee”.)
After all these years, I still feel a bit thrilled that I’m able to find my way into improvising with the recording of a random song, play other songs by heart, or express a feeling or get some emotional peace by strumming my guitar. And of course, I love teaching guitar classes. That’s all amazing.
But if I look back at my biggest musical highlights from the past few weeks, there’s a clear theme—and it’s not just technique or practice.
- Two weeks ago, playing guitar in Union Square Park with 100 other people–check out the video here!
- Last night, playing “Jolene” in the new Tuesday night open jam at NYC Guitar School
- And maybe best of all—last week, when my teenage daughter said, “Dad, I just learned Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door on guitar. Can you sing while I play?” And then we did!
What do all these incredible moments have in common?
People.
There’s something uniquely joyful and meaningful about making music with others. It’s no wonder that students who make musical friends often make deeper, faster progress as guitarists and musicians. They’re having more fun, and they have clear, tangible reasons to improve—because they’re learning with and for each other.
That’s why this summer we’re hosting super low-pressure, no-audition-required communal jams and performances called One Day Song Labs. These are easy, welcoming events where guitarists and vocalists of all levels come together for a single afternoon or evening to meet, learn, and make music together.
If that sounds good to you—check one out! I think you’ll love it.
And even beyond our events, I encourage you to reach out to the people in your own life. Ask a friend or family member if they want to jam, or just sit down and play together.
Yes, it can feel a little awkward at first. But remember—over 70% of Americans have either played an instrument or wish they could. That’s a lot of people who might be open to an invitation to connect through music.
If you’re a beginner, start simple: invite someone to practice their instrument at the same time as you, or sing along with the lyrics while you strum.
If you’re more confident, you can work on a song together—or prep something for an open mic (here’s a slightly out of date list of public open mics–be sure to double check with venues before showing up…and don’t forget that NYC Guitar School students get access to NYCGS open mics and jams (look for them in the class or workshop lists or ask at the desk!)
I hope to see you soon at a One Day Song Lab, an open jam, or anywhere people are playing music together.
“With a little help from my friends.”
—The Beatles
On to greatness,
Dan
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