More than one way

We often fall into the trap of believing that there is one right way to do something or one best way to move through life.  This may have been ingrained in us as children or something we defaulted to in time.  The old adage of "that's the way we do it here" too often closes our eyes to new possibilities.  My experiences with the guitar have forced me to rethink what it means to do something the "right" way.  Take for example the standard 1st position E chord, one of the first chords that beginning students are taught.  A common chord in many songs and knowing it (plus a couple others) can get you a long way. 
     Yet this is only one of many possible E chords, in that any major chord is the combination of a root note, a major third above the root and a perfect fifth above the root. Thus, other E chords include.... 

 

Knowing multiple chord forms allows for greater flexibility and voicing, that is, an alternate way to achieve the same basic outcome, but in a way that adds variety.  How often do we do the same in our own lives, rely on the standard routine (take things for face value) without exploring other possibilities (life on the back side).  Avoid stagnation, try something new, even MapQuest gives you the option of taking the road less traveled.  As for me, I've got many more chords to learn. 

Definitions:

 OK so first a bit about the URL for this blog ...  renaissance-blues-man

Renaissance man:  n.

A man who has broad intellectual interests and is accomplished in areas of both the arts and the sciences.

A former boss once characterized me in this way, and I guess it does apply, depending on how far you want to go with "accomplished".  I would classify myself as a scientist with a broad interest in the arts.  Sometimes it's hard to see where one stops and the other begins.  I occasionally wonder how life would be if the emphasis had been reversed.  Many years ago, it almost was...

Blues: pl.n.

1. A state of depression or melancholy.

2. A unique American style of music that evolved from southern African-American secular songs and is usually distinguished by a strong 4/4 rhythm, flatted thirds and sevenths, a 12-bar structure, and lyrics in a three-line stanza in which the second line repeats the first: "The blues is an expression of anger against shame and humiliation" (B.B. King).

My first choice in music.  I remember first playing a "blues" piece as a piano student in elementary school, I believe I could still play it.  This music has always spoken to me, from the Delta to Chicago to Texas styles.   Taking up the guitar has provided a new avenue to explore the genre.  Hum, art vs science.....

I'll wait for a future blog to discuss "Life on the back side"