Photo courtesy of Lillian Goforth

Learning how to play guitar is difficult, but it makes it much easier if your dad used to be in a band. That is how freshman Lillian Goforth got started playing. She started learning at the age of 12 but did not take formal lessons. She learned from her dad. It was not until last year that she really got into her music.

“People have something in their lives that helps get them through life or makes it easier,” Goforth said. “For me, it's to play guitar.”

Her dad, Ritchie Goforth, started out teaching her “Smoke On the Water” by Deep Purple. After that, she progressed slowly and started learning the songs that she wanted to.

Although she has never performed before, Goforth says she would love to play for an audience, which is where starting a band comes into play. Though she has entertained thoughts of starting a band, like her dad, she admits that finding people in a small town is difficult. Even so, she said she would like to play with some others who share her love of music.

Goforth originally learned to play for herself, but now has started sharing her talents with others. She has given lessons to people within the high school, including freshman Mariah Morris, sophomore Rianna Morris, and her junior brother, Corbin Goforth. She said teaching guitar is different than playing yourself and also comes with challenges.

“It’s easy for those who have natural ability, but those who don’t, you have to work with them because they don’t hear it as easily,” Goforth said.

Goforth has expanded on her own ability as well, and is now writing some of her own music. One of her favorite artists, Jimi Hendrix, said “All I’m writing is just what I feel, that’s all”, and that is how she chooses to write.

“When I’m happy, I play a jazzy tune, and when I’m in different moods, it just changes that way,” Goforth said.