Getting started with Guitar Man

Written by archtop girl on Thursday, 12 November 2009

    As an inept and exceedingly untalented strummer, I see my role on Bum Note as siding with those whose enthusiasm rather exceeds their actual musical ability. We may not all be able to play like the artists featured here - or indeed, like this site's other bloggers - but we can all dream, strive to improve and  enjoy what we do within our limitations. If you've hit a plateau, may I suggest some reading matter?

Will Hodgkinson - a regular Guardian and Mojo contributor - took up guitar in his mid-30s after previously assuming that he was unmusical and incapable. It's a familiar story, but he tells it well, via diversions into the history of the instrument, interviews with key players and his pursuit of a key aim: to play Davey Graham's 'Anji', the acoustic guitar world's Smoke on the Water or Stairway to Heaven (I've been into specialist guitar shops which have signs saying 'No Anji'. Honestly). And whether it's getting to grips with barre chords, failing to master even the basics, or wanting to simply smash your guitar against the wall, he feels your pain - and even manages not to be too smug when, at the end, he manages a passable rendition of that bloody tune. 

Incidentally, I met the bloke briefly at a 'Play Anji' workshop (least said the better) and he seemed like a nice guy. He's also done a lot to raise awareness of the weirder and more obscure edges of the Brit folk scene, and has just compiled a series of very raw, low-tech but compelling field recordings to go with his new book, the Ballad of Britain.The Bum Note Club salutes him; keep up the good work, Will.