At 5.15pm today, July 20, Scott Burford of Wollongong, smashed his goal – and the Guinness World Record for officially the longest guitar playing session.

He kicked off the marathon last week on July 15, wrapping up 125 hours of play. 

The finish time put him half an hour over the current official record of 114 hours.

Surviving on fewer than four hours sleep in the past five days, and quick nibbles of muesli bars, fruit and nuts to keep him going, Burford played a mix of anything and everything – from Meghan Trainor pop to The Beatles.

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Legendary guitarist Tommy Emmanuel recorded a phone message of support wishing him the best in his mission.

A total of 500 songs and continuous strums later, Burford, from the Illawarra region, has so far raised more than $5600 for disadvantaged youth charity, Musicians Making a Difference (MMAD), supported by Universal Music Australia.

“This has been one of the best week’s of my life playing music,” he said.

“I’m pretty tired and can’t wait for a long lie down, but super excited to have achieved my goal.

“I’m extremely grateful to everyone who helped keep my focused and awake.”

Manager of Engadine Music, Michael Miller, says he was thrilled to be asked by the guitarist to host the record-attempt.

“I’ve known Scott since he started out, he was a guitar teacher here and was always a close friend of the business, and he has done lots of work promoting our videos,” he said.

“He approached me a few months ago and said ‘I’ve got a crazy idea’. I said ‘let’s do it, it’s for a good cause’.’’

Mr Miller says the challenge was met with tremendous support.

“It’s been such great community spirit,” he said.

“He wouldn’t have made it through without people sitting there with him, taking care of him at night, playing music alongside him.”

Channel 10’s The Project will air a segment on the record break in their episode tonight.

Earlier story