Unlocking ourselves with the guitar

Creative unlocking with the guitar is often tied to our emotional and physical connection with the instrument. Sometimes we get stuck because we fall into routines or stop exploring and experimenting. Changing our perspective toward the guitar can help us a lot.**

For example, trying alternative tunings, using new techniques, or even playing a different guitar can open new creative doors. Adjusting our guitar can sometimes reconnect us with it, making us more aware of its sonic potential.

Using a capo is a simple yet powerful technique to unlock creativity. Placing it on different frets not only changes the guitar's key but also the feel of playing. By shortening the scale, chords and melodies can sound brighter or even more delicate, depending on the register.

Additionally, we shouldn’t forget that our emotional relationship with the guitar matters. Listening again to the artists who inspired us, improvising without pressure, or simply playing for fun can bring back that spark.

This can make us feel like we’re exploring a different instrument while still being familiar with it. Playing well-known songs with a capo forces us to reinterpret them, which can inspire new ideas.

Pat Metheny is a perfect example of how experimenting with different guitars can lead us to new sonic worlds. He’s a clear example of how exploring various types of guitars can expand not only our music but also our relationship with the instrument. Metheny plays everything: nylon-string guitars, electric guitars, baritone guitars, and even custom-made guitars designed for specific projects. Each one brings a unique color to his music.

What’s most fascinating is how he transforms each guitar, regardless of its type, into a tool for exploring new sounds and expressing different musical ideas. This open-minded approach not only enriches his music but also demonstrates how the diversity of instruments can inspire us to connect with our guitar and creative process in new ways.

His use of the baritone guitar with Nashville tuning (which isn’t as complicated as it seems, and I’ll talk about it in another article) is fascinating. Although the technique for playing it changes slightly, the character of the sound transforms completely, offering a unique tone. This is evident in the albums he recorded with this guitar, such as One Quiet Night and What’s It All About.

Incorporating such a change into our own practices can be a great way to step out of our comfort zone and open ourselves up to new creative possibilities.