Music training has the amazing ability to enhance and build connections in the brain. The Benefits of Playing Guitar are substantial when it comes to physical, emotional, and brain health.
It has long been known that there is a connection between music patterns and brain patterns. Understanding these connections has not only helped people deal with memory loss, but has also helped people improve memory capabilities.
Studies are continuing to show that learning how to play a musical instrument, such as the guitar, can result in significant improvements in the brain. There is a direct correlation between playing a guitar, or any musical instrument, and higher scores in achievement testing in mathematics, spelling, and reading. Music training can have a profound and lasting impact on the brain.
Music and Psychology
Psychology and music have long been interrelated. Music Therapy is well established as an effective tool when it comes to helping people focus, overcome hurdles, or move toward a specific goal.
Benefits of Playing Guitar
Learning to play the guitar creates additional neural connections. These neural connections can last a lifetime which can help compensate for cognitive abilities that can decline as we age.
Persons who have picked up an instrument, and continued with their study, are more effective at problem solving. They continue to be creative even when they are not playing their instrument. The fact that they are using their brain power in constructive and creative way, helps combat some aging problems such as brain fog.
Studies have shown that the brains of professional adult musicians had a larger mass of gray matter than those of non-musicians.
Learning to play guitar has a beneficial impact no matter what age you start. It has all of the components of a cognitive training program. It combines skills, memory, auditory recognition, and reward. It is a fun and effective way to keep your brain sharp.
The University of Kansas did a study on adults 60 to 83 years of age. They were divided into groups based on their level of musical experience. The musicians did better on cognitive tests than those who had never studied an instrument at all.
On top of helping facilitate cognitive abilities, playing guitar has has many physiological benefits as well. Reducing blood pressure, decrease heart rate, reduces stress, lessen anxiety, and improve the bodies immune system. Fascinating!
