I first learned guitar in the 4th grade when I started lessons from Bob’s school of guitar.  He wasn’t a bad teacher, but we never went past the 4th fret, only strummed chords, and I wanted to play different music.  I stopped taking his lessons after about a year, until I learned about guitar tab.  I bought the books for Metallica and Pantera and began jamming with friends.  We played in a band together in high school doing cover songs and one original.  I played around with guitar until I was in my early 20’s.

My first acoustic guitar was a rental.  Then I had a pawn shop red stratocaster and a tiny amp for a few years.  With that strat I worked on Led Zeppelin and Metallica songs the most.  I do regret not continuing lessons because rhythm is something I struggle with.  I started playing with some friends and we put together a band.  It was fun and playing with friends did help me get better.  Never a soloist, mostly a barre chord backup.  When I was 15 I had saved up some cash from a paper route and my dad loaned me the rest.  My first higher quality guitar was a 2000 Gibson Les Paul Special SL.  Later I had bought a better fender digital twin amp and a Takamine Acoustic.  Later after High School when I moved out I had to sell my amp and my Takamine.  But I kept my Gibson  and I’m glad I never sold that guitar.

In my 20’s I enlisted in the Marine Corps, then I met my wife, bought a house, and started a family.  Changed careers, began an apprenticeship, and am now an Instructor at my Local Union.  I found myself with more time in the evenings and weekends compared to working in the field.  I had known of a guitar shop called AM Guitar works for many years.  I always wanted to have my Gibson setup.  This year, during a snow storm, I was able to make it to their shop before closing to drop of my guitar.  While the owner was finishing up with a lesson I waited and looked at his acoustics for sale.  He had some nice Washburns, and low priced Corts.  There was mahogany top Cort that I really liked, I was a little unsure about it because it was $170 new.  But every Guitar he sells, he sets them up to play as best as they can.  I really liked to the tone of the mahogany, and the fact that the action wasn’t crazy high.  No buzzing either.  Bought it.

Now I am back to playing almost daily. I’ve been working on the strumming and chord changes for “Blue eyes crying in the rain”.