Inspiration comes in myriad forms.  The many facets of life during one’s personal pursuit of happiness have more than enough fuel for the inner fire.  That makes for a medley of possibilities that may spur a guy like me to write a song or play a guitar part.  Besides the strictly musical, here are a few things that spark my flame.

Amplifier volume knobs
Speaking in volumes, when done in a manner not detrimental to your ears’ physical health, can be like straight visceral moonshine.  Guitar tones gain nuance, transparency and immediacy with each ascending number of the volume knob.  My guitar becomes the tool, my amp the channel, as whatever is inside me at that moment gets spewed forth unceremoniously from the speaker cone and into the ears and, hopefully, hearts of the listener.  If all goes well, I can pass on my inspiration (and maybe a little attitude) to you.  I don’t care if the neighbors complain.

Extended road trips
Despite their tendency to expel greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, I often feel one with the universe in my car with the windows down, music blaring, sunshine warming my face, barreling through the wilderness at speeds I can’t reach with my body alone.  Prolong this experience, add some ever-changing scenery for a constantly fresh perspective, maybe include a few riding mates, and soak in the pleasures of life.  This is the inspiration of the road trip, often exemplified by a rock band’s shoestring tour.

Dented bottle caps
It may not be the caps themselves so much.  But the image of a delicately bent bottle cap so often accompanies a conversation to challenge the mind’s exploratory capacities.  The gentle hum of a jukebox tune hovering over the warm scent of Irish pub food.  Inquisitive minds scattered in a circular pattern as one smile gives way to another, camaraderie uniting them if only for a moment’s time.  The cool, crisp flavor of hops and malted barley lubricating both the taste buds and the social curiosity.  Maybe a half-empty bottle of Jameson showing that nobody is concerned with how sharply this memory will be retained.  This is inspiration in the truth of the now.

What inspires you?