Today, I am defining the term Good Guitar. Let me know what you think of this.
“Good guitar” does not belong exclusively to the virtuosos or the stadium-fillers. It is not a title reserved only for elite musicians.
Instead, “good guitar” belongs to the rest of us.
It lives in the moments where you truly connect with the instrument. It is the breakthrough after weeks of struggle, the small victory you never thought you would achieve, and the pure satisfaction of progress.
Lately, everything seems brand new to me, and every day brings an unexpected discovery. I never knew that “chasing a tone” was a real, lifelong pursuit, or that Fleetwood Mac started out as a gritty blues group. I never guessed I would prefer the quirky charm of an eclectic Gibson Firebird over the classic, full-bodied resonance of an ES-335. (a friend suggested I need “air” in guitar for the blues (hollowbody))
These recent musical discoveries have completely reshaped how I view the fretboard:
Gear and Sonic Breakthroughs: Finding your sound is about personal identity. For me, that meant passing up traditional tones to embrace the sharp, distinct bite of a Gibson Firebird—an offset legend originally dreamed up by car designer Ray Dietrich to mimic the sleek tail fins of the 1950s. (kinda outdated now)
Music History and Roots: Uncovering the hidden origins of the music I love changed how I listen. Realizing that Fleetwood Mac was a powerhouse blues band led by Peter Green long before they became a pop-rock empire opened up a whole new world of inspiration. ( a commenter on Youtube, introduced Greeny to me for the first time)
Personal Creative Triumphs: The greatest moments happen right in my own fingers. True happiness is now found in the simple mechanics of expression: hitting a perfect string bend, locking in a smooth vibrato, or letting a single note sustain at just the right moment. There is an unmatched joy in stumbling into a brand-new chord progression or creating a unique riff that feels entirely your own.
On days when time slips away and practice is impossible, I genuinely miss it. Even when a session feels stagnant and progress is hard to hear, I still leave the instrument happy just for the time spent holding it. (hope that isn’t a sign of mental illness)
Ultimately, “good guitar” is defined by:
Consistency: Committing to regular, focused practice.
Connection: Falling deep in love with the music you create.
Joy: Finding fun in the daily frustrations and triumphs.
Perspective: Realizing the musical journey has no finish line—unless you quit.
It is not about being the best in the world. It is about how the music makes you feel.
Over to you: What was your latest “aha!” moment on your own musical journey? Are you chasing a specific tone, or did you recently discover a piece of music history that changed how you play? Let me know in the comments below—I’d love to hear your story!
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