Any Guitar Players Here?

I've been playing for a few years, but don't have to much to show for. I was in a couple of metal/hardcore bands in the past 3 years. Although, lately I have been too busy with school and work to play much so I have touched my guitars maybe 5 times in the last two months. I think it has really been bringing me down that I don't get to play a lot anymore, but once summer rolls around I'll get right back in full swing!

 

Nice topic.
My 13 yr old son got interested in guitar about 2 years ago.
He's never had a lesson, just learns from friends and off the internet with tabs and itunes. He's surprisingly plays pretty well now. What a great outlet for him (or anyone). He plays in front of people down by the Pier.
Mostly plays greenday, nirvana, skynyrd, zeppelin..etc.....
I exposed him some Arlo Guthrie on Youtube last week hoping he'd have some interest in folk. I really like the story telling Arlo does.
He's also farmiliar with Johnny Cash but not really playing stuff like that!

He now wants to change from his regular school to a local performing arts school here in Orange County.

 

I started playing when I was 13 (Nixon was still president). My first guitar was a Fender Jaguar. My dad made me take lessons as a condition for buying me the guitar. Fortunately, I had a good teacher who was both an accomplished jazz and classical guitarist, so I was exposed to a variety of styles. Had a few bands in high school, and then I played in some bar bands in the Phila./So. Jersey area when I was in college. Eric Clapton was a big influence on my playing style
I haven't had the time to play in a band for a number of years, but recently I have been playing mostly acoustic (although if I have a chance to jam with someone I'll take out my Strat). I play mainly folk/alt-country type stuff (Dave Carter, Richard Shindell, Neil Young, etc.) as well as acoustic versions of some old rock songs and a few originals. I usually play with a few friends at an open mic/acoustic jam at a local bar one night a week. I pretty much play everything flatpicking, but I'm working on developing my fingerpicking more so I've been listening to a lot of Leo Kottke, Jorma Kaukonen, etc., for inspiration.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ May 2 2007, 02:52 PM) [snapback]434136[/snapback]</div>

I just tried Guitar Hero II at my brother's house on Monday, and I can tell you that proficiency on a real guitar won't necessarily help I bombed out on my first two attempts, but got a "You Rock!" on my third.

 

I travelled for a couple of years after college playing gigs solo and with bands. I eventually got a "real job", but I still play around from time to time.

 

Yes, I have played quite a bit over the years. In many bands in the So Cal area. I have always been dedicated to playing my original music. Now that I am in the western hills of New York, I unfortunatley don't jam with anyone (it's the Freebird syndrome here) except my rapidly advancing 8 year old daughter. My studio does get a good amount of use, I do some soundtrack work and shake the magnets in any of a few different, Fender, Marshall and Mesa rigs I have many guitars, both acoustic and electric, Taylors, modded Strats, Takamine, Ibanez, B.C. Rich and several mongrels for different tunings. Best thing is they get even better gas mileage than my Prius!!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(BongoSTL @ May 2 2007, 12:44 PM) [snapback]434084[/snapback]</div>

Yes, Tweddy, Farrar and co have done some GREAT work. I have to question the founders of the Alt-country/alt-folk founder statement though. Check out some Ray Wylie Hubbard and Jason and the Scortchers too, the Austin scene has spawned some great acts that fit that description for a long time.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(BongoSTL @ May 2 2007, 03:33 PM) [snapback]434216[/snapback]</div>

Bring me to tears - yes, of course, Steve Earle.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(robincx @ May 2 2007, 04:38 PM) [snapback]434221[/snapback]</div>

One of, if not the premier, social commentators on the music scene today.

 

Stratocaster
1949 Gibson L-50 Archtop F hole acoustic
Yamaha 12 string

 

Hey there! I've been playing about 11 years now, mostly Scandinavian metal and classical. For anything acoustic, I'm primarily a finger-picker, but stick with Dunlop yellow Tortex picks for anything else. Strings: GHS Boomers custom lights and TNTs, for the most part. I haven't had a lot of time to work on stuff recently as I've been very busy pursuing a master's of education degree in secondary education (biology certification) and it hasn't left me with a lot of time to keep furthering my guitar skills. I'll be happy when I get through this program so I can get back to working on my music in my free time.

Fender Stratocaster, 50th anniversary standard
Jackson Rhoads
Washburn WG587 Seven string
Jay Turser Resonator electric/acoustic
Ibanez Performer series electric/acoustic
Martin D-35 acoustic, 1970s

And those of you who have tried Guitar Hero- I agree, you can be extremely proficient at guitar and bomb at Guitar Hero. It's a fun game, and musical skill helps, but like any video game or musical instrument, you just have to practice it. Unfortunately, practicing at Guitar Hero will do nothing to increase your skill on the real instrument. I think I'll stick to the real thing, thank you.

 

Two Strats: One Mexican, the other USA.

One Strat Acoustic.

I play. I love Danny Gatton. He is my hero.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TJandGENESIS @ May 6 2007, 03:38 AM) [snapback]436274[/snapback]</div>

A Danny Gatton fan, and you don't play a Tele? Danny was a great guitarist who influenced a lot of players. Shame that his life ended too soon.
I also have two Strats (an Eric Clapton signature, and a late 90's "California Series"), a late 80's Tele (what Fender called a "Heavy Metal Telecaster"), a late 60s Fender Jaguar, and a 1964 Guild M65. My main acoustics are a Taylor 710, a Martin 000M, a Taylor T5, and a 70s Alvarez classical.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(black_metal_525 @ May 5 2007, 07:43 PM) [snapback]436186[/snapback]</div>

Not familiar with Scandinavian metal . Is that like Yngwie Malmsteen?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(larkinmj @ May 6 2007, 08:01 AM) [snapback]436311[/snapback]</div>

I had one, for quite some time. But I gave it to a friend who had no quitar at all.

I'm glad you have heard of Danny Gatton. I once saw him for free, and I was sitting like 2 feet from him. I have a picture; I need to scan it. It's from 1976.

 

Classical but I haven't played in years. I hope after I retire I'll have time to start playing again. And crocheting afghans. And working in my garden. (and cooking and reading.....)

Hirade Takamine.