Anybody can play the guitar. On second thoughts, maybe not. If I were to apply that optimism to everything, then I'd have to believe that my old man can sing not just in B flat. (Maybe he'd do better at rap...). Or an eagle would have to consider the possibility that a sparrow could fly at ten thousand feet. Whatever. Not interested in discussing the infinite wonders of the human mind and what that means to the species in general.
So, starting over, not everyone can play the guitar, or whatever instrument of choice. But over time, anyone who does, can get better at it. Or worse. Like anything else, practice makes perfect. Point is, this 'perfection' is subjective. There is the question of style and sound. And the fact that no two guitars are the same in tone and depth even if they both belong to the same series of Martins or Taylors or the same tree.
At the same time, you can't blame a passable guitar for bad musicianship. But a good guitar can make you sound a smidgen better. Ramble ramble ramble.
There is one song that any aspiring guitarist worth his salt should know how to play. That is Stairway to Heaven. Now I know that is cliche, it is a song most of us learn in our teens to get into someone's pants. Or to show off at Guitar Center. But ever heard anyone play the entire song start to finish in any case? (Apart from the pros). Seriously, it is one cracking tune. And bloody hard to get right. And once you're past the doing things to get done stage, (note, I didn't include getting over the peacock stage - a slight narcissism and exhibitionism is a prerequisite to playing any instrument, it is why people play); it's time to really learn the song. Quite a lot of tricks in that tune, and a couple of basics of grunge rock. The chord progression is the standard that's in 90% of rock songs (Am - G- F), played different ways - you use the bar chords as well as the regular; you learn finger-picking (that arpeggiated intro), strumming, double-timing, how to slide and bend (the strings the strings) and a lot more... what an awesome solo too. Quite the workout for your fingers, hands, and feet. Quite technical. Quite emotional when you get it right...sniff..pass me the plectrum.
In the great Page's words on playing the ultimate rock anthem: "... the one thing you didn't do was speed up, because if you sped up you wouldn't be seen again. Everything had to be right on the meter all the way through. And I really wanted to write something which did speed up, and took the emotion and the adrenaline with it, and would reach a sort of crescendo. And that was the idea of it. That's why it was a bit tricky to get together in stages."
It is all about timing. Always was and always will be. And you have to keep at it no matter how long it takes to master all of it. If at all.
Still keeping at it. 1 year, 2months and counting.
Note: Two songs should never be played outside on your stoop. This is one. American Pie is the other.
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