My Journey with Guitar: A Lifelong Passion for Music

My story with the guitar spans over five decades, from childhood experiments to playing in bands and jamming with other musicians. This journey began in a small town in Upstate New York during the wintertime, during Christmas season, and has taken me through different eras and genres of music.

Early Discoveries

At the age of 8, I found a Silvertone acoustic guitar in the living room of my family home during the Christmas season. I was intrigued by the instrument and decided to experiment with it. Picking it up, I discovered how to play the melody of 'Over the River and Through the Woods' on just one string, and then figured out how to play with multiple strings. I was immediately captivated and asked my mother to buy me a book on chords. From there, I began learning songs by ear and eventually picked up sheet music and TAB. Regularly watching music videos further enhanced my learning process.

A Star Is Born

Beyond my home experimentation, I had the privilege of watching many live performances by local bands and concert-goers during the affordable concert era. These experiences further fueled my love for the guitar and inspired me to expand my collections of electric and acoustic guitars, amplifiers, and effects. Over the years, I had the opportunity to jam with a variety of musicians and play out in bands, making my journey with the guitar a truly enriching experience.

My First Guitar

Although the Silvertone guitar that first captured my interest is no longer in my possession, I still maintain a collection of guitars and continue to 'noodle' on my instrument 50 years later. This early guitar, which was part of my childhood, played a significant role in shaping my journey with the guitar.

Personal Reflections

My story is a testament to how early exposure to a musical instrument can ignite a lifelong passion. While I never took up the guitar professionally, the skills and experience I gained have enriched my life significantly. My journey with the guitar is a wonderful reminder of the joy and self-discovery that music can bring.

Where and When Did You Learn How to Play the Guitar?

In the 1960s, life took a detour when I had to serve my country, which put a halt to my musical pursuits for a few years. Following my service in Florida, in the summer of 1983, I began my formal guitar learning journey at a small shop called Ziggies Music in Phoenix, Arizona. I spent a decade teaching from that same shop and even met the mother of my only child there. Ziggies Music, established in 1924, remains a cherished part of my guitar journey.

Another Perspective

From a different viewpoint, my only instrument that I can play well is the piano. I did attempt to learn a few chords on guitar when I was 15, but decided to continue focusing on piano. This reflects the diverse paths one can take in the world of music and the personal choices that shape our experiences.