With the economic downturn now in full-swing, it is hard for recent college graduates to enter the workforce, and the amount of layoffs and buyouts has left lucrative jobs scarce.
There is, however, a silver lining to our depressed economy. It seems that since many people are left with more time on their hands than usual, they are pursuing paths that they wouldn’t have before. This includes the life-long goal of finally learning to play the guitar.
“We’re seeing more people due to the recession because there are less jobs out there in the market and people are like, “˜I’m going to do something I’ve always wanted to do ““ learn how to play the guitar,'” said Lincoln Myerson, concert director for McCabe’s Guitar Shop.
The world-famous guitar shop in Santa Monica has weathered its fair share of ups and downs during its 51-year existence. Besides selling all kinds of stringed instruments ““ from guitars to sitars to mandolins ““ McCabe’s caters to beginning guitar players as well as established musicians.
“Our philosophy has always been to sell really good low-end guitars for people who are learning for the first time, and sell really high-end guitars,” Myerson said. “You can buy a real cheap guitar and learn how to play, and trade that guitar in for a really nice one.”
On top of offering different types of guitars, the store offers repair services and songbooks and lessons. McCabe’s also caters to all skill levels. Notable patrons include Bob Dylan, who came into McCabe’s 10 years ago to learn something new, and Neil Young, who often stops by to pick up a new guitar.
“(Dylan) wanted to learn how to play some lead guitar, so he took a couple of classes here,” Myerson said. “Can you imagine walking into the room for a lesson, and Bob Dylan walks in?”
Myerson insists that there’s no best time to learn how to play guitar, but different age groups have different advantages. He finds that younger students are able to pick up skills more quickly; however, older students have the patience and drive that it takes to master an instrument.
“Everyone wants to play guitar, and anyone can learn it,” Myerson said.
“You just have to have a good sense of humor first and understand that you are not going to be able to play really well for the first couple of months coming out. But if you have the patience to pick it up, you’ll have something for the rest of your life.”
If you’re a music lover but not a music player, McCabe’s has a listening room that has hosted memorable performances.
Because of the small space and the carefully crafted quarters, the room is ideal for acoustic guitar shows.
“The thing about us is we don’t serve booze at our concerts,” Myerson said. “We serve coffee and cookies. So people just to come to listen to music, and we’ve had pretty much everybody come down to play over the years.”
The shop keeps a blend of traditional artists and up-and-comers. Past performers have included Beck and PJ Harvey, who both chose McCabe’s for some of their first performances.
“We try to cater to everyone,” Myerson said. “It’s a very intimate room and a very intimate listening experience. People come to McCabe’s because you might be sitting in the 50th row in the Wiltern, but we’re such a small room, so everyone can get a good experience.”
Prices range from $15 to $25, keeping in line with the philosophy of the shop to offer the best services for the lowest prices.
This includes Sunday’s concert, a tribute to Chris Darrow featuring Akron/Family, Ben Harper, Howlin Rain and other special guests, with tickets available for $20.
Harper played McCabe’s as a young musician and returns often to play small shows for an up-close and personal experience.
“A lot of musicians that are way too big for the room like to do it because it gives them an opportunity to have a nice connection with their fan base,” Myerson said.
“In keeping with that we’re trying to be your friendly neighborhood spot, and we try to keep our prices low.”
After all, there’s no better time to use music to express your troubles ““ or hear someone better than you sing the blues.