Bluegrass Resolutions for the New Year

Dwight Worden

 If you are the type to make resolutions for the New Year, here are my suggestions for bluegrass lovers.

• Learn to play that instrument you’ve always wanted to play. Your choices are many—guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, Dobro, and bass. Consider taking lessons to start you off on the right foot. You can hire a teacher or you can secure great lessons online. As we say “practice doesn’t make perfect, it makes permanent.” So take a few lessons to start yourself off with good habits.
• Get that instrument you have always wanted. Having a new instrument will motivate you to play. Having an instrument that you think is too good for you, or too expensive, is even better. A good instrument will make you feel good every time you pick it up. A good instrument will improve your playing. Good instruments hold their value or increase in value, so think of it as an investment. Nothing but good will come your way from having a quality instrument that excites you.
• Listen to as much bluegrass music as you can. There is lots of great bluegrass music online on services like Spotify and iTunes. More on YouTube including video of the great bands. Go out to local bluegrass concerts and hear it live. The more you hear the more you will understand and appreciate the music, and the better your playing will become.
• Get a good clip-on tuner and use it. Electronic tuners are compact, easily clip to any instrument, are inexpensive, and do a great job of keeping you in tune. This will make you, and those you play with, happy.
• Support one of our local bluegrass music nonprofits. There are two major local non-profits: the San Diego Bluegrass Society and the North San Diego County Bluegrass and Folk Club. Your donations are tax deductible and greatly appreciated. Better yet, join one or both, get their newsletters, and stay in touch.
• Set a musical goal or two for the New Year. Maybe commit to learn three new songs, attend three jam sessions, join one of the nonprofits, or attend a regular jam session.
• Support the Troubadour and the musicians it reports on. You can support the Troubadour by your donations, advertising, by attending its events, or by simply reading it monthly and sharing it with your friends. Read my Bluegrass Corner column, but also read the rest of this great little newspaper. The Troubadour will broaden your musical horizons not just on bluegrass but on a variety of genres

Here are my bluegrass resolutions for 2025

• Play more music.
• Listen to more live music.
• Support our local bluegrass bands by attending their concerts and buying their music.
• Learn at least one new song every month, words, lyrics, music (including solos).
• Support our local bluegrass organizations with membership and donations.
• Help somebody learn to play bluegrass music
• Read the Troubadour

Final Thought. I wish you all a great New Year full of lots of music, family, and friends. Do something nice for somebody. Meet some new music friends. You won’t regret it!