It is a guitar marathon like no other.
Musician Scott Burford is attempting to break the Guinness Book of Records for the longest guitar playing.
He took to the challenge on Sunday, July 15, and will have to play for 125 hours by midday this Friday to set the record.
While not yet recognised as an official record, which can take several months, Burford will not take any chances to have his attempt verified.
He will play 500 songs, and each song can repeated every four hours.
He can take a five minute break every hour, and break for 30 seconds between each song.
In the past month a Canadian guitarist played for 124 hours and 30 minutes raising money for the Canadian Cancer Council.
In 2011, a musician played for 114 hours and six minutes in Ireland.
Now the shire professional guitarist is giving the record a crack at Engadine Music.
His goal is to raise $12,000 for disadvantaged youth charity, Musicians Making a Difference (MMAD), which is supported by Universal Music Australia.
It provides creative support to young people – especially those who have suffered emotional abuse, neglect and disadvantage in overcoming challenges including homelessness, destructive patterns of behaviour, exclusion from school, family breakdown, drug and alcohol dependency, unemployment and re-offending.
This will fund 10 free guitars and more than 100 free lessons across Australia for young people.
Mr Burford says he wants to combine his love of music with a worthy cause.
“Going without sleep for four days will be a challenge,” he said.
“I practiced up to 16 hours a day at university and played an eight hour professional gig.
“Music, in particular the guitar, has been incredibly important to me throughout my life and helped me get through some very lonely and challenging times.
“Their [charity’s] mission statement and values seemed like a great fit.
“MMAD supports kids to use music and creative expression to get to where they need to be in their lives.”
The entire challenge is being filmed – a must to adhere to the rules.
