Playing Guitar

Rijo Cherian | Guitarist | Kartavya Band, Indus Fleet & Corsair

What is Playing Guitar?

There are many nuances of a Career in Playing Guitar. Internet is brimming with pages on How to get into Playing Guitar, while one should first understand What is a Career in Playing Guitar. While anyone can have an opinion on what Playing Guitar entails; only a real professional can really explain it.

With 13 years of professional experience, Guitarist Rijo Cherian understands Playing Guitar. Guitarist Rijo Cherian outlines Playing Guitar as:

A guitarist or a guitar player is a person who plays the guitar. Guitarists may play a variety of guitar family instruments such as classical guitars, acoustic guitars, electric guitars and bass guitars.

How Guitarist Rijo Cherian got into Playing Guitar?

After doing my B Com & M Com from DAV College, I did Hotel Management from AIHM, PTU. I have been awarded the Best Guitarist Award in 2014. I also participated in a few reality shows on MTV and an International Gig in Bangkok. I am a Music Teacher at Hope Town and a guitarist with bands like Corsair, Indus Fleet and Kartavya.

Guitarist Rijo Cherian's Talk on Playing Guitar

The Journey of a Guitarist: Vijo’s Resonant Pursuit of Happiness Through Music In the vibrant world of music, few instruments carry the warmth and versatility of the guitar. Vijo, an inspiring guitarist with a rich journey that began in 2004, shares his insights and experiences in the realm of music, emphasizing the joys and struggles of being a musician. His passion is reflected in his diverse education, significant achievements, and the emotional resonance he finds in every strum of his guitar. This article will delve into the essentials of what it means to be a guitarist, supported by Vijo’s unique experiences, while exploring the education, skills, positives, challenges, and a typical day in the life of a guitar player. What Is Playing Guitar? Playing guitar is more than just producing notes; it's a rhythmic interplay of melody, passion, and expression. The guitar's six strings can evoke a spectrum of emotions, from joy to melancholy, allowing musicians and listeners alike to connect deeply. For Vijo, the guitar has been a constant companion on his journey to happiness, bridging his love for music with the rich experiences it brings. It’s a form of storytelling interwoven with personal narratives that resonate across diverse cultures and settings, making it a universal instrument of connection and creativity. Education Rhythm & Beat Vijo emphasizes that rhythm and beat are the foundations of music, akin to a mathematic structure underlying every melody. He articulates how being aware of beats enhances musical expression, making it essential for a guitarist to grasp the underlying mathematics of music. Understanding these elements allows for better engagement with the audience, as rhythm feeds into the emotional undercurrents of a piece. In music, every clap and note counts; therefore, recognizing these fundamental aspects is crucial for both aspiring and experienced guitarists. Chords Chords form the backbone of playing guitar, representing a combination of three notes that create harmony. Vijo explains that mastering chords is essential for any guitarist aiming to perform effectively. His own journey reflects a dedicated practice of chords, which he believes are integral to playing not just popular songs but also personal compositions. The understanding of chords fosters creativity, enabling musicians to craft their unique sound while honoring the music of established artists. Notes Delving into notes, Vijo stresses their significance in the context of learning music. Each note has its place within the musical scale, and knowing where these fit is paramount for creating melody. He shares his belief that every aspiring guitarist should invest time in learning musical notation, as it transcends language barriers and facilitates communication with other musicians worldwide. For Vijo, notation is not just a tool but a window into diverse musical landscapes. Scales Exploring different scales is essential for guitarists to understand various musical genres. Vijo talks about the richness that scales bring to a musician's repertoire, citing Japanese, Chinese, Indian, and Myanmar scales as examples. By familiarizing oneself with these diverse scales, a guitarist can expand their playing style and adapt to different cultural musical expressions. This adaptability is what makes music an infinite journey of learning and exploration. Notation Music notation serves as a universal language among musicians. Vijo highlights its benefits, particularly for those venturing into unfamiliar musical territories. Through notation, a musician can easily engage with different compositions and genres without being constrained by language. Vijo advocates for learning notation not just for technical proficiency, but as a form of empowerment that opens doors to jam sessions and collaborative performances across the globe. Genres of Music The diversity of musical genres profoundly influences a guitarist's development. Vijo teaches that exploring various styles—be it pop, rock, jazz, or fusion—enables musicians to become well-rounded performers. Each genre offers a unique perspective on rhythm, melody, and emotion, allowing guitarists to fuse elements from different styles into their own music. Vijo’s career reflects this diversity, as he seamlessly navigates through genres, enriching his artistic expression. Cultures Cultural context plays a significant role in shaping a musician's identity. Vijo points out that music is an integral part of cultural narratives and can evoke feelings tied to specific traditions and events. He believes that immersing oneself in different cultural practices and melodies can greatly enhance a guitarist's sensitivity to emotional nuances, thus establishing a deeper connection with their audience. Skills Focus & Dedication One of the key skills Vijo emphasizes is the need for focus and dedication when learning to play the guitar. He asserts that aspiring musicians must cultivate these qualities to hone their craft effectively. Success in music, much like in sports, requires relentless practice and the unwavering commitment to improvement. Vijo's journey showcases the fruits of dedication—his participation in reality shows and competitions is a testament to his years of focus on mastering the guitar. Faith For Vijo, having faith in one's musical journey is paramount. He believes that faith fuels the creativity and perseverance required to navigate the challenges that come with being a musician. This inner belief not only encourages an artist through tough performances but also inspires them to keep pushing boundaries and exploring their musical horizons. Faith serves as a guiding light, reminding musicians to stay true to their passion. Practice Practice, according to Vijo, is the cornerstone of musical proficiency. Regular practice enables musicians to refine their technique and expand their repertoire, leading to greater confidence in performances. Vijo's own discipline in practicing has allowed him to advance from a beginner to a noted guitarist, and he urges aspiring musicians to establish a consistent practice routine as a means to achieving their dreams. Listening Listening forms the bedrock of musical understanding. Vijo highlights the importance of active listening as a skill that enhances a guitarist's ability to interpret and create music. By honing his listening skills, Vijo has developed a keen sense for melody and rhythm, which informs his teaching and performance practices. He encourages other musicians to cultivate this skill, as it enables them to internalize music and draw inspiration from various sources. Imagination & Dreaming Vijo believes that a guitarist's imagination is integral to their musical expression. He encourages aspiring musicians to dream about their performances, as visualization can be a powerful motivator. Imagining being on stage, surrounded by an applauding audience, fosters a sense of purpose and excitement that motivates artists to work tirelessly towards that dream. Vijo's reflections remind musicians of the boundless potential found in letting one's imagination soar. Positives Portable One significant positive aspect of the guitar is its portability. Vijo appreciates how easily one can carry a guitar and share music with friends in varied settings. This feature fosters camaraderie and social interactions through music, enabling spontaneous jam sessions that bring joy and creativity into everyday life. Vijo often reflects on these shared moments with fellow musicians, highlighting the guitar's role in building lasting relationships. Rhythm & Melody Together The guitar uniquely combines rhythm and melody, allowing musicians to create intricate musical pieces that resonate with listeners. Vijo acknowledges that this duality makes the guitar an incredibly compelling instrument, as it can evoke a range of emotions. He finds joy in this versatility, using it to paint musical landscapes that reflect his experiences and feelings. Happiness Music, for Vijo, is a profound source of happiness. He believes that playing guitar provides an outlet for expressing emotions and connecting with others. Through his performances and teachings, he brings joy to himself and those around him, reinforcing the belief that music is, at its core, a means of bringing happiness to life. For Vijo, every strum of the guitar serves as a reminder of this joy. Recognition The recognition that comes with musical talent can open doors and create opportunities. Vijo's journey has led to participation in competitions and collaborations, allowing him to forge a name in the music industry. He understands that recognition brings not just fame but also a sense of achievement that inspires continued growth. As opportunities arise from this recognition, Vijo views them as milestones in his ever-evolving musical journey. Money While music is born from passion, Vijo acknowledges that financial stability plays a crucial role for many musicians. With significant effort and talent, successful musicians can earn a living, enjoying the fruits of their labor while pursuing their passion. Vijo has navigated this balance through teaching and performing, highlighting that while money is important, the love for music will always remain at the forefront of his pursuits. Challenges Competition Competition is a reality in the music industry, as Vijo poignantly notes. The rise of technology has lead to a surge of aspiring musicians, making it crucial for guitarists to continually elevate their skills to stand out. Vijo sees this challenge as an opportunity for growth, compelling musicians to refine their craft and embrace the competitive landscape. He encourages artists to view competition as a means to inspire rather than discourage. Comparison Comparison can often be a double-edged sword for musicians. Vijo acknowledges that, while artists should not dwell on comparisons with peers, they offer insights that can foster personal growth. Embracing the lessons from comparisons can motivate musicians to strive for improvement. For Vijo, the challenge lies in balancing inspiration and self-criticism, urging musicians to harness comparison positively in their journey. Lack of Finances The financial hurdles faced by musicians can create significant obstacles. Vijo discusses how lack of funds may hinder aspiring musicians from acquiring quality instruments or pursuing advanced education. However, he emphasizes the importance of resilience and creativity, encouraging musicians to explore alternative routes such as teaching, freelance work, or crowdfunding. He reflects on his own experiences, recognizing the creativity that often flourishes in the absence of financial abundance. Demoralised Facing demoralization is part of the musician's journey, but Vijo believes in the transformative power of positivity to overcome such feelings. He recognizes that setbacks are natural, but what defines an artist is how they respond to these challenges. Vijo encourages musicians to stay focused on their passion and to surround themselves with supportive individuals who uplift and inspire them during tough times. Audience The connection with an audience is paramount for any musician. Vijo notes that engaging with the audience can be both exhilarating and intimidating, as the lack of expression from an audience can leave a performer feeling uninspired. He emphasizes the importance of understanding audience dynamics and responds to their energy during performances. For Vijo, recognizing the audience's role adds depth to his performances, making each concert a unique and fulfilling experience. A Day Of Playing Guitar Vijo’s daily routine revolves around his guitar, illustrating its significant role in his life. He wakes up feeling inspired, with the guitar as his first companion of the day. Whether he’s teaching students or preparing for performances, the guitar remains at the center of his activities, bringing a sense of lightness and joy into his everyday life. Vijo believes that his experiences as both a performer and educator enrich his love and appreciation for the instrument, making every day a celebration of music. In conclusion, Vijo's journey as a guitarist encapsulates both the beauty and complexity of being a musician. Through education, passion, and a commitment to self-improvement, he continues to navigate the challenges and triumphs inherent in this artistic pursuit. His experiences serve as a reminder of the profound impact music can have in our lives. As Vijo beautifully puts it, “Guitar is a beautiful instrument… it’s all about being happy,” underscoring its essence as not just a tool of expression but a pathway to joy and fulfillment in life.

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How to get into

Playing Guitar?

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Links for this Talk

Guitarist Rijo Cherian's LifePage:

[LifePage]
https://www.lifepage.in/page/rijocherian

LifePage Career Talk on Playing Guitar

[Career]
https://www.lifepage.in/careers/playing-guitar-1

[Full Talk]
https://lifepage.app.link/20171003-0002

[Trailer]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxdHPKEFPG8

(Playing Guitar, Rijo Cherian, Kartavya, Corsair, Indus Fleet, Musician, Guitarist, Music, Guitar)

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