Guitar players have a special place in many people’s hearts, whether they are icons such as Pete Townsend and Jimmy Page or the local acoustic geniuses filling coffee houses with melodic sounds. If you have always been partial to guitar playing and want to make it a regular activity, there are many mental and emotional health benefits you will enjoy. Review them here before you start strumming...or shredding.

5 Reasons Why Guitar Playing Benefits Mental Health

1. Improves Focus

When you’re playing guitar, it’s unlikely that you’re thinking about what you want for dinner later or whether you’ll go to the movies this weekend. Playing a musical instrument requires complete concentration, which improves focus and helps you revel in the present moment. All other thoughts, including those that cause stress, drift out of your brain as you give yourself up to the music.

2. Stimulates the Brain

Learning chords, fundamental changes, new songs, and different playing strategies keeps your brain active. Playing guitar and other musical instruments has shown to increase the amount of gray matter in the brain, which helps protect it against cognitive decline issues such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.

3. Encourages Socialization

Strumming away in the company of your favorite fellow musicians enables you to stay social and engaged, as does playing in front of strangers at various venues. You may strengthen bonds with current friends and meet new people after gigs only by doing something you enjoy. It can also help you connect with individuals who share your love of music.

4. Helps Creativity

Whether you’re practicing new music, jotting down original song lyrics, or jamming with friends playing other instruments, you’re tapping into your creative side. Guitar playing allows you to unleash your creativity in new and exciting ways, which can help you learn more about yourself and break down creative barriers in other areas of your life.

5. Increases Confidence

The satisfaction of playing a great gig, mastering a difficult song, writing lyrics you’re proud of, or doing anything else you couldn’t do previously with a guitar provides an instant confidence boost. Enjoy feeling proud of yourself for making advances in your playing, no matter how small. Every milestone should make you feel good and encourage you to try new things, guitar-related or otherwise. 

Find the perfect guitar for your playing needs at 5J Music, the music store serving Northeastern Nevada and Elko County since 1995. Known for selling “a little bit of everything,” including vinyl records and body jewelry, this unique shop features a welcoming staff who’s ready to help. Call (775) 778-0484 today with questions or go shopping online.