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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To hide the bloody guitar?

75 replies

operaha · 14/09/2015 16:59

Ds 15 is vair talented at guitar. Super. I'm very proud.
He wishes to perfect "sultans oh swing" and is doing so, he's been learning it for about 3 weeks now, practicing a lot. Sometimes in his room, sometimes in the living room, sometimes plugged in.
I'm so fucking sick of that fucking song I could cry, I detest it which is a shame because I used to love it but he's ruined it for me. It's incessant, I get in around the same time as him and he starts, it stops and he plays something else and then he starts again. I hear it when he's not playing it.
He's sulking because I asked him to stop which I know is awful and I feel bad but he was in the next room ( connecting open double doors so practically same room) and I actually thought I was going to scream, it's like torture.
It's stopped for now but I know he needs to perfect it for a show at Christmas but aibu to just hide the bloody guitar? He's got 4 actually, and a ukulele. Sigh.

Disclaimer, he is brilliantly talented, a fantastic live performer and I'm super proud. also will bookmark this page for when he's famous and I can do witty interview in the guardian or the like

Anyone else got a child with a spectacularly loud hobby that is driving them insane?

OP posts:
Original poster
operaha · 14/09/2015 16:59

Of swing.... Didn't proofread!

OP posts:
ShortandSweeter · 14/09/2015 17:09

headphones!?

Original poster
operaha · 14/09/2015 17:10

For me? That would be silly!

OP posts:
usual · 14/09/2015 17:18

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

LooseSeal · 14/09/2015 17:26

I have a singer, she's only 7 but she is pretty good, especially considering her age.

Her audition piece is Naughty from Matilda the musical, she auditioned for a show a couple of weeks ago and I now have Naughty tattooed on my brain from all the practicing.

She got a part in the show and rehearsals start soon, so I'm set for months of hearing the same few songs over and over. Unfortunately with a singer headphones are not an option, but I suppose ear plugs might be for me.

StarOnTheTree · 14/09/2015 17:26

My DD1 left home on Sat to go to university....and she took the guitar with her, Yay!

I would like to say I feel your pain but I don't any more Grin though I'm sure that I'll miss the noise after a few weeks....

Original poster
operaha · 14/09/2015 17:30

He's a singer too, his "blame it on me" is better than George Ezra and brings me to tears. It seems to be this particular song.... All quiet now, I've probably ruined his life.

OP posts:
Mistigri · 14/09/2015 17:34

Headphones. They are the best things about electric guitar.

I have a guitarist, but it's mostly acoustic, and therefore nice to listen to. The sax on the other hand Grin

Dawndonnaagain · 14/09/2015 17:44

Fourteen bloody guitars here.

SistersOfPercy · 14/09/2015 17:47

Feel your pain OP. I had Sweet Child O' Mine constantly for a month. I LOVE Gn'R but bloody hell it was irritating. By far his most amusing moment was when he rocked up in the kitchen, with mini amp and proceeded to play the end tune of the washing machine Blush

He's left home now, kind of miss the endless practice sessions but they did pay off. His band supported Sham 69 once. Now he works in IT and is very sensible.

AnonymousBird · 14/09/2015 17:50

A mere four guitars here! Newest one arrived yesterday.... And boy is it loud. This is when I am grateful for a long thin house, I am at one end DS is at the other and two doors shut in between!

DoJo · 14/09/2015 17:51

Headphones for electric guitar and insist that incessant practice takes place somewhere that it doesn't disturb everyone else.

For singers - millions of vocal exercises which aren't actually singing the same song over and over again are a lifesaver and much more helpful in the long term than just singing the same song endlessly as they help perfect techniques which can be used when singing other things!

Original poster
operaha · 14/09/2015 17:51

Sweet child o mine, yup, thankfully he's not gone full blown on that one yet!
Mock English exam next week, I hope he realises he has more than just music gcse to get through!

OP posts:
TinklyLittleLaugh · 14/09/2015 17:54

Ok, I am not proud of this, but many, many years ago, when DH and I were in our twenties, I once kicked a hole in his guitar because he would not stop playing something, (probably Leonard Cohen or similar ilk).

It is a testament to our lurrve that he did not run for the hills there and then. Fortunately these days I am not quite so psychotically ragey passionate.

Blu · 14/09/2015 17:56

There is a widget thingy for this. One of these and headphones.

You get peace, he has Mark Knopfler right there, in his head, his own private concert to play along to.

You'll need to get him some tight trousers to complete the effect.

Blu · 14/09/2015 17:57

P.S IF he is using an electric guitar. This is the advantage of electric guitars.

Blu · 14/09/2015 17:59

(We are at 4 guitars, a bass and a uke)
(and numerous amps)

Original poster
operaha · 14/09/2015 18:00

His pride and joy is an electric acoustic....

OP posts:
NewLife4Me · 14/09/2015 18:06

Our house has live music from 8.30am until 8pm 6 days a week and from 9am until 7pm sundays.
I can sympathise, I really can.
I thought it would be easier after dd had stopped singing all day, or saxophone, piano, violin and of course dh sax, clari and flute.
It's a mad house and she just comes home at weekend and wants to jam with her dad.
You have to let them do it, especially if they are good or talented. Thanks

I'm supposed to be starting again soon, when I finally get dh to buy me a good instrument. Grin

FadedRed · 14/09/2015 18:06

Do you have a garden, Op?
A shed at the very bottom, as far away from the house as possible, becomes his very own music studio.
All the best artistes have a shed. Preferably with sound proofed walls and roof.
Your sanity needs this. Flowers and Wine

LetThereBeCupcakes · 14/09/2015 18:24

When in primary school I went round to a friend's house just as he and his 3 brothers were starting their violin practice. Four of them, all practicing different pieces. I often wonder if their mum went crazy allowed them all to continue.

Witchend · 14/09/2015 18:30

My cousin wanted to learn the drums. My aunt said not until they had a soundproof basement. He had the last laugh, he went and learnt at a friends house and now is a professional percussionist.

Original poster
operaha · 14/09/2015 18:32

Yes very long garden, definitely considering a music room when finances allow! Some of these stories are making me feel better!

OP posts:
MythicalKings · 14/09/2015 18:32

It's all very well for you, OP.

I married a musician. Your pain will end when DS leave home. Mine is never ending. And, yes, he plays Sultans of Swing.

MothertotheLordsofmisrule · 14/09/2015 18:38

18 guitars
1 banjo
1 mandolin
1 ukulele
And a spare room that looks like the back end of an Iron Maiden stage.
Gotta love him.