The Banjo

The Banjo

The beautiful engraved vine made from abalone graced the fret board of the banjo, light shimmering in rainbow colors from the pearly inlay, as it weaved its way from the body up ward as if growing through the frets, and ending at the top of the neck, where the gold plated tuners gleamed. It made a harmonious sound of beauty as I stroked the strings for the first time. It has kept its tune even while being shipped.

Now the work begins learning to play. I have wanted to play the banjo for as long as I can remember. Recently I had attended a picnic with some friends who brought their guitars and had a jam session. They stirred those old feeling and love of music that I had pushed aside for many years which were now awakened. After that picnic I made the decision to renew my old quest. After purchasing the banjo and some books and instructional DVD’s, I have come to learn several interesting things about music.

There must be commitment and there must be discipline to work at it. You must make the time to learn. You must put what you learn into practices over and over again until it becomes a part of your nature. You will need someone who can help you . Resolve you will make mistakes but will correct them. You must learn slowly before you can play fast. There are rules you must learn .There are specific cords that make specific notes. With out the notes there can not be a melody. You can not write a song until you have learned to play its melody. You must know how to tune your instrument before it will work the way it was designed. What a contrast of the way we all relate to life as God tunes us for eternity while we learn to play a melody of our lives and make the spiritual music with the tune each life is played out.

Story ID:	3980
Written by:	Donald L. Jones (bio, contact, other stories)
Story type:	Musings, Essays and Such
Location:	Stuart Florida USA
Year:	2008
Person:	Self