Six-String

Its time. Once again. As I step out of Bhargava’s, my excitement is at its pinnacle. Another new chapter in my life. Something I wanted to do since ages. Now I see it all concur. I start to walk my way back with ‘the thing’ on my back. I still cannot believe it. Yes, my first guitar!!

When was the first time I thought of having a guitar? I was in the first year, and I was fascinated by the beauty of the instrument. A couple of seniors were practicing for their show and I was one among the spectators who were as enthralled as I was. I could not play the guitar then. But I am a trained tabla player, and many people in college knew that. And the very next day, one of those guitarists, his name is Rohan, came to me and asked whether I would play with him. Of course, I was more than happy to be a part of some band. The practice sessions began. A guitarist and a tabla player don’t quite form a band, but nonetheless, it was a humble beginning. We needed a vocalist and we auditioned a few. It was really an enriching experience. I got a chance to see what amazing hidden talents people posses that hardly get any exposure. In those days, I got to know Rohan and his abilities. He was an ace guitar player. Not that he could play the more difficult stuff, but whatever he played was flawless, practiced to perfection. This generated in me an ever increasing urge to learn the magical instrument. The sound of those strings made my mind its home. I asked Rohan many times to teach me. And being such a music enthusiast himself, he always taught me some basics, some cool stuff. As expected, I sucked at playing even those easy parts he taught me. Rohan did give me his guitar for a few days to practice. But I realized I have to have a guitar of my own if I wanted to learn. But there was the universal problem – money. I did not want to involve my parents’ money in my decision. I did my best to raise enough funds – shelled out my savings, sold my old books, curtailed on my expenses – but in vain. Somehow, my dream still remained a dream.

Through my four years of engineering, there was never a moment when I did not aspire to have a guitar. I had the tabla when I was 12. That was my first instrument. I still have it and, I must say, I am still pretty good at it. The way music changes your life is amazing. And to play one of its magical manifestations is a heavenly experience. I started listening to more guitar stuff and gained more knowledge about it. I met many more guitarists in college and started attending their jam sessions. They were simply mind-blowing. My interest kept soaring like a fighter jet. Again in my final year, I was a part of the band. The members were new this time. But the energy they showed was too awesome for words. The band was a success. That was the last time I played in college. In those last days, I resolved to myself that I would not let this dream die. I will learn guitar someday. And everyday I hoped that day would come soon.

And that day has come now, almost a year after I left college. I got my guitar last Saturday. It is a Pluto f-cut. Yes, it was hard to wait for all these months, but there was no alternative. Unlike many other dreams of mine, I did not want to sacrifice on this one. Finally, it has paid off. My guitar classes will be beginning tomorrow and I am much more than excited about it. And I can see myself playing the guitar like a rock star. I pledge to God, I pledge to myself that I will never give up on this quest of mine. A year has six seasons. A guitar has six strings. These strings will unquestionably make my life out of the ordinary just like the seasons spice up the year. Rock on, baby! I have got my first real six string….