Dude,
Have I ever told you how I started playing guitar?
Back in 1994, I was like any average 14 year old - hanging around with nothing exciting going on....although Mum forced me to go for art class every Saturday afternoon. That lasted for two years and I hated it....but that's another story.
One day, a good friend - Alan - decided that he wants to pick up guitar and asked if I would join him. So I spoke to Mum and she was happy - she was desperate for me to pick up something so I won't grow up to be a good for nothing bum....
My first lesson was in April 1994 at a Yamaha music school. Dude, first lesson is all about how to hold a guitar properly (I think I forgot to mention that it was a classical guitar class, as there was no other option available, considering I came from a small town down south).
Leg rest, how to bend your wrist, how to position fingers and all that......'cos on TV, when I see people playing guitar, it doesn't look that hard but boy, that was some work there.
We finished the first day with finger plucking open string (and the correct angle to pick the low E-string with your thumb).
Whatever happened next for the next 3 years was like...zoooommmmm. I can't really recall much because frankly, I did not really enjoy the classes. My teacher ( I had 2 and both were ladies) were strict classical cats.
Crazy fingerings and impossible stretches... that's all I can say, not to mention fuckin' sight reading...
So, how did I end up playing all that stuff today? It took a freak accident (no joke - wheelchair for a month and crutches for 2), Yngwie Malmsteen and Guitarworld to start it all.
Had I been serious in during my classical days, it would have made Tommy Emmanuel much easier to learn...
Later.
I have a Fender and I don't like it.
Dude,
ReplyDeleteI think it is only appropriate for me to respond to your letters when I can. Thanks for sharing your story. I think it is always good to reflect back and think of how this obsession with guitars all started. Judging from your story, it had very humble beginnings and to see you be able to play the way you do now shows that the classical foundation you received in your early days were not wasted. I sometimes wish I had your fundamentals, and ability to progress through chords so seamlessly of which up till today I still need to think hard before executing.
At this point I don't think you regret any bit of the tough classical training you went through and I think you're a damn good player. It takes a lot of passion for the instrument to get to she you are today, and I do believe that you can only keep getting better. Look forward to recording more things with you. While I do believe work is important but these days I have decided to not let it consume me. Life is too short to want to worry about what clients want all the time. We need to focus on the things which makes us happy in life.
Look forward to your next letter.
Before I forget. Your fender is more than just a guitar, it is a representation of the artist you are and the blood, sweat and tears which has gone into the passion all these years. It sounds great and look forward to more from it! It represents your character. You were born to play a strat!
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