hey there.

If I don't play, I get very cranky. 

- Zurf

Good question......
I think it's probably having a decent guitar that keeps in tune and it's in easy to reach so I can just pick it up and make a noise..
I like to say it was some great need in me that keeps me inspired to make music but no just the fun of it keeps me going.
ark

Simple. Injure yourself so you can't play, then buy a new guitar and look at it for four or five months. Worked for me.

I have asked myself this 1000's of times in the last 20 years due to frusteration, lasck of compatable playing partners, or what ever,   My first answer is:

I JUST HAVE TO PLAY NO MATTER IF PPL THINK I SUCK OR NOT. I DONT CARE WHAT THEY THINK, I PLAY FOR ME AND HOPE OTHERS LIKE IT TOO. (But it is nice when ppl do like what you do )

It is probably why I have never been in but 2 garage bands.  I like to play covers, but I really like to write and create. I would rather write originals by myself and anyone who wants to share in the joy of creating.

If we have to have a simple answer: Its in my soul.

It always makes me smile. heavy or soft.

Gee beamer, I wish you were up here. It gets sickening sometimes playing with perfectionists.

When I found out that by learning a few chords, even if they were inexpertly and very slowly formed, I could make sounds that sounded something like the Dylan songs my Dad was always playing, I was hooked. It was just so awesome that I could actually make "music." I also really like the fact that learning the guitar is a series of challenges that seem really hard at first, but if you're not too down on yourself, and give it some time, you can gradually learn to do something you couldn't do before. Plus, what you learn to do can bring pleasure to other people and is beautiful in itself.

Those are some of the things inspire me to keep playing the guitar.

#1- I love it.  #2- I see what it means to the folks at the Nursing Homes to have someone put out the effort, And #3 I keep finding songs on "chordie" that I had forgotten and never thought I could play but am learning.

My insperation comes from many many things but to sum it up it comes from who I am. Singing and playing for me is like talking with my soul, it just comes out in a melody. For me it's the best way to allow my heart to fly. Whenever I'm singing or playing it's like I'm in my own little world, a world of beauty and solace. I give all the glory to God for my talents. I have played and sang for large groups as big as 300 people and I love the way Music touches peoples lives. I don't mean to boast here it's just what i've seen. I was sitting down at the park the other week just playing and singing away and the next thing I know I had over half a dozen kids sit down and clap to my music. Music is a power, one you can use for the good of the world.

The best money I've ever spent has been on camping gear, whitewater boats, fishing rods and guitars. My guitars have been friends that have helped me through bad times and enjoy good times. Seems whenever my "pickin' fever" slows down a little, I'll hear someone say something interesting or read some clever phrase or create some little lick that just HAS to be put in a song.

DE

I just love to play. I want to get better and if I don't play it just will not happen. I like the feeling I get when I learn a song and, after practice, can play it fairly well. Since I have been off work for nearly a year, due to an injury, I have a lot of time to play. I also find that when things get gloomy I can virtually lose myself in the music. I have sat down intending to play for half and hour and then find I was at it for three hours. Time means nothing when I am playing.

It really makes me happy.