We Are Here To Make A Sound

It occurred to me today that I owe a debt of gratitude for this blog and the Guitar In 5 Minutes concept to the writer of the book "Zen Guitar" - Phil Toshio Sudo.   So officially I want to recognize this right now and say a warm mahalo/thanks to the late, great Phil for his wonderful book.  Definitely the best book I have ever read about guitar playing, being a musician, and approaching music from a spiritual perspective.

Phil talks about beginner's mind in great depth at the beginning of the book.  He distills our purpose in studying guitar down to one key drive which links us all:

We are here to make a sound. 


Whatever that sound may be - something we hear in our head, something we heard on the radio or on TV - ultimately we are here to discover that sound, make it, and celebrate it (his words).

And behind that sound, says Phil, like behind all sounds, is the source of all sound.  Zen masters call it the sound of "one hand clapping".   It may be the sound of the Big Bang.   Or whatever you call God.

"If you get to that source, you will know the answer to every question because you have heard it all." - Phil Toshio Sudo


While I love this book, and I love what he says - that's a TON of pressure on a beginning guitarist!   Find God!   Ready.....GO.   


So let yourself off the hook from that part (though it can be nice to meditate on such things), and focus on this:  


What sound would you like to make?   What's "your" sound?   


Don't overthink.  Just answer with the first thing that comes to mind and move on.   Your sound will change over time no matter what the answer is today.  This should be a fun exercise and not torture ("OMG I don't have a sound?  What's wrong with me?  I can't pick one?  Aaaaah?")  Let that part of your mind go out for a session at the therapist, and summon your beginner's mind who thinks "Hm....The Beatles had a nice sound...."

Above all, stay open, eager, and enthusiastic!   Get psyched.  Practice beginner's mind.