Guitar lessons could be on the horizon in Seminyak Bali

Yesterday I purchased a soft guitar case at Matahari department store in Kuta. Its says ‘Yamaha’ on the outside (which is a brand of guitar), but the case is cheap and obviously not made by Yamaha. For 51,000rp I wasn’t complaining as the new case ,equipped with backpack style straps allows me to be mobile.

My inspiration to want to ride around with a guitar, is to learn to play. I only know the chords to 1 song, Sweet Melissa by the Allman Brothers. Desiring more and needing all the help I can get, I consulted my neighbor Barbara, who is herself learning. She’s given me the number of a guy from England who offers lessons, just the kick in the pants I need. Right away I know what I’m going to ask him for, Beatles tunes. They tend to be easy, well known good tunes that people appreciate.

Talking with Kore this morning, we both mentioned that when a ‘bule‘ moves to Bali, he/she in some way needs to re-invent themselves. Particularly if the person does not have to work full time. That’s not my problem, but I am interested in developing new skills, to avoid slipping into the ’20 large Bintangs a day’ habit of my neighbor down the street. Thoughts on which Beatles tune might be my first target – maybe Rocky Raccoon, Blackbird, or how about Can’t buy Me Love.

Guitar players coming to Bali, many local groups are totally cool about letting you get up during their gig and play a couple. Places where you might do this are JP’s Warung, Obsesion and Jaya Pub.