Ed Sheeran, one of the most celebrated singer-songwriters of our time, has captivated audiences worldwide with his soulful music and exceptional guitar skills. But who taught this talented musician to play the guitar? Let’s delve into the story behind Ed Sheeran’s musical journey and the influences that shaped him into the artist he is today.
1. Self-Taught Beginnings
Ed Sheeran is primarily self-taught when it comes to playing the guitar. From a very young age, his passion for music drove him to explore the instrument on his own.
- Early Start: Ed began playing guitar when he was just a child, around the age of 11.
- Learning by Ear: Instead of formal lessons, Sheeran learned to play by listening to songs and figuring out the chords on his own.
- Inspirations from Artists: He drew inspiration from his favorite musicians, such as Damien Rice, The Beatles, and Eric Clapton. He often tried to replicate their styles, which helped him hone his craft.
2. Influence of Damien Rice
While Ed Sheeran’s guitar journey was largely self-directed, he credits a significant moment in his life to Damien Rice, an Irish singer-songwriter.
- Life-Changing Encounter: At the age of 11, Ed attended one of Damien Rice’s concerts. After the show, Ed had the opportunity to meet Rice, who encouraged him to write his own music and keep playing.
- Impact on Songwriting: This interaction motivated Sheeran to take his guitar skills to the next level and explore songwriting alongside playing.
3. Family Influence
Ed Sheeran’s family also played a key role in nurturing his interest in music.
- Father’s Encouragement: His father, John Sheeran, was a major influence, exposing him to a wide range of musical genres and artists.
- Supportive Environment: Ed’s parents supported his passion for music by encouraging him to perform at local events and open mic nights.
4. Exposure to Church and Local Performances
Ed Sheeran often practiced and performed at his local church and small community events.
- Church Influence: Playing in church helped Sheeran develop his fingerpicking skills and gain confidence performing in front of others.
- Local Gigs: Frequent performances at local gigs provided him with valuable experience and a platform to showcase his growing talent.
5. Learning Through Practice and Persistence
A defining trait of Ed Sheeran’s journey to mastering the guitar is his relentless dedication and practice.
- Obsessive Practice: Sheeran has mentioned in interviews that he practiced tirelessly, often spending hours each day playing the guitar and experimenting with techniques.
- Learning from Mistakes: Being self-taught, Ed made plenty of mistakes along the way but used them as opportunities to improve.
6. Influence of Modern Tools
As a teenager, Sheeran also leveraged resources like guitar tabs and online tutorials to expand his knowledge.
- Tabs and Chords: He relied on tablature and chord charts to learn new songs.
- Online Videos: Platforms like YouTube offered a wealth of resources for learning different techniques and styles.
7. Collaborative Learning
Throughout his career, Ed Sheeran has collaborated with numerous talented musicians, learning from them and refining his skills.
- Touring with Other Artists: Collaborating with established artists during his early tours helped him pick up new techniques and styles.
- Influence of Peers: Working alongside other guitarists and songwriters provided him with additional insight into playing and composing.
Conclusion
Ed Sheeran’s journey to becoming a skilled guitarist is a testament to his determination, passion, and self-reliance. While he didn’t have formal lessons, his interaction with mentors like Damien Rice and the support from his family played a pivotal role in shaping his musical path. Above all, his relentless practice and self-teaching methods have made him the extraordinary musician we know today.
For aspiring guitarists, Sheeran’s story is a reminder that talent can be cultivated with dedication and passion, even without formal instruction.