This is connected to my other thread on this subject..clunkhere but it's going in a different direction, so a second thread may be warranted.If you DON'T have someone to pick with regularly, it's not that difficult to find one. I've been through this several times with students, and it's never failed to work. In a couple of cases it's worked spectacularly...check out Toronto's club Django, which was formed this way.
If you agree with me that playing with another person will really accelerate your own learning process.....and you can deal with being a LITTLE aggressive, try this: Put a small notice up at the local supermarket (or in the paper, or at the library..or the local feed and bait store if you're in the country)
"Hi. I've started learning guitar (banjo, accordion, nose-flute, swinette, whatever) and I really want to make music with another human,(or two or three) instead of a bunch of songbooks. I play folk (country, bluegrass, gospel, neo-Druid, etc.) and I've got one evening (afternoon) a week to do some pickin' and singin'. Now here's the good part...Don't worry if you can't play a note...I'll teach you some basics for free, and we can learn together. All I'm looking for is someone who WANTS to play. Give me a call, or e-mail me at....."
signed 'Picker'.
Take a few calls, and have a chat with the person....but tell them that 'cause something's just come up' you'll call 'em back in a few days. That gives you a chance to figure out just WHO might fill the bill....and who sounds safe, sincere, and (very importantly) in YOUR hood.(folks who live twenty miles away get lazy about keeping appointments)
It's not like doing "the personals" but there ARE similar aspects, so if you feel more comfortable, mention a 'boyfriend' (or girlfriend) who doesn't really want to pick music with you. That will immediately establish that your motives are as stated in the original notice.
Trust me this really works, and you may find the "Simon" for your "Garfunkle" (and hopefully get along better than they did)
Cheers
Rick