Music. It breaks down barriers, unites people of different communities, faiths, classes, improves mental health. And one group proving this ethos is absolutely true is 12-Guitars.
By Tracy Mukherjee
Life is Better When You Play Guitar.
My brother has played guitar since he was 12 years old. He had his 60th birthday in March. He, like most of us, has had some ups and downs in his life, loves and losses, career highs and lows, a truly horrific motorcycle accident and his crowning achievement, the arrival of my nephew in his forties. Change followed change; but his one constant has been his love of the bass guitar.
It’s a testament to the power of an instrument played by millions. And the draw of that instrument isn’t lost on an outstanding social enterprise based in Govan. 12 Guitars is the brainchild of Gerry Thorogood, Founding Director of the organisation. The idea was innovative.
‘There are families in society, mums and dads trying to do their best, but maybe can’t financially prioritise buying a new guitar for their kids. Or it isn’t always financial. Children, teenagers don’t always get the opportunity to play guitar. So, I wanted to support that challenge in society. Lots of people have guitars in the loft, in the garage, they don’t use anymore. So, I wanted to join those dots – take guitars that were no longer wanted. Then give to individuals who, for a whole host of reasons couldn’t get a guitar for themselves.’
In April 2019 that’s exactly what Gerry and Co-Founding Director Steve Plummer did.
Beginnings on a Bus
Initially their base was a converted London bus parked within the Glasgow Caring City Warehouse at Pacific Quay. The vision for them was that by December 2019, the team would have acquired and refurbished 12 guitars. Plus given them new homes. With the help of supporters including student Ellie Povey, friend Paul Robb and Gerry’s cousins Tom and David, they far exceeded expectations and reached 26 guitars. Such was the success of 12 Guitars that bigger premises were required. Then – the move to the Govan Workspace, on aptly named Harmony Row in 2022.
Here in 2026, 300 guitars have been recycled and distributed across Scotland. Over 20,000 hours of tuition have been delivered. With over 100 guitars having been saved from landfill, their commitment to a circular economy is obvious. This had been accomplished by guitar-loving volunteers.
Social Impact
12 Guitars’ reach is far and wide.
‘We put guitars regularly into The Beatson, particularly for The Teenage Cancer Trust, maintaining their guitars for them. We do the same over at The Schehallion Ward at the Royal Hospital for Children. And The Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh.’
The scope of their social impact is outstanding. As well as supporting the NHS, the organisation has supported guitar programmes for ex-offenders in Greenock, and the Community Veterans Support in Govan. The positive impact on mental health is clear. The team also have an open-door programme every Wednesday night, all are welcome – it’s an opportunity to use the studio, the instruments and get involved.
‘We’ve got three principals at 12 Guitars,’ Gerry explains, ‘Learn, Share, Play; the sole objective was to make guitar playing accessible.’ With wide-ranging engagement in communities, from different backgrounds, different ages, different cultures, it’s fair to say Gerry and Steve’s objective has been achieved.
And it’s not just about learning to play the guitar. The social element, the supportive nature of 12 Guitars, can’t be underestimated.
‘On a Wednesday night we have folks that have never played a guitar, are a little bit gifted or are competent guitar players. But their reasons for coming along are varied.’
Gerry relays to me stories of bereavement, tales of recovery from trauma, life-skills gained and self-confidence grown.
‘Actually,’ he says, ‘whilst music is at the core of this, it happens to be more about engagement and helping folks develop, rather than becoming great guitar players.’
The Glasgow Guitar Show
As well as the guitar refurbishment and donation and the open-door sessions on a Wednesday, 12 Guitars also focus on tuition. There is even an online platform of tuition.
Their passion for their art culminated in 2022 in the production of The Glasgow Guitar Show. Having a background in business, Gerry and Steve put together the show, the first guitar show in Glasgow for 25 years. Hosted at The Pearce Institute in Govan, the team had many famous faces including renowned Scottish Singer-Songwriter Carol Laula, Rock titan Chris Glen and Blues Guitar virtuoso Chris Buck take to the stage, participate in workshops and Q&As sessions. The show sold out – with further attendees queueing outside in the hope some tickets would become available.
Art forms merged with the commissioning of Glasgow artist Brannan Rock. 12 Guitars wanted to mark the show, 12 Guitars, Glasgow, with some bespoke artwork. Brannan Rock came onboard. Rock’s abstract concepts captured the mood of the enterprise beautifully, examining the beauty of music, the vibrancy of Glasgow and the strength of our community. The set of eight pieces which Rock produced are mesmerising, a blend of forms; musicians fused with the architecture of our city, a symbiotic nod to what makes Glasgow’s musical heritage so singularly iconic.
And now some limited edition prints of the artwork are being made available to the public, getting the 12 Guitars message to a broader audience.
The Future is Bright
Gerry, Steve and the team continue their message – Learn, Share, Play. Going forward they want to have more live music events, where everyone is welcome. A community united by the healing power of the guitar.
For more information, to get involved, to support 12 Guitars:
For Brannan Rock Artwork:
