December 14, 2004 – Since I’ve had this obsession with guitars for over two weeks as of now I figure it isn’t going to go away any time soon and I might as well put up a page about it.

Gear

• Fender Acoustic Guitar
• Ibanez RG220 Electric Guitar
• 65W Crate Amp

The Story

After learning that my little brother had been playing for the last 8 months or so I decided it was time to take the plunge. I’ve wanted to learn to play since I was a teenager listening to bands like Skid Row and Warrant.

I immediately went to Guitar Center to “look at” guitars and came home with a Fender Acoustic. Within a couple of days my fingers were sore and itching for an electric. So I did a lot of research, lost a little sleep and found a good deal on a used Ibanez. I was originally just going to get a cheapie practice amp but the deal I got on the Ibanez left room in the budget for a nice 65W Crate Amp that I got “Like New” from Guitar Center.

Since the day we got the acoustic I’ve practiced at least an hour a day. We also started taking lessons for an hour per week. Did I mention my wife is playing too? She isn’t taking it nearly as seriously as I am though. That’s going to get frustrating quick. At first it was fun learning together, but during our second lesson I had to sit and wait while the teacher coached her through some basic stuff she should have been able to do if she had practiced. Anyway, enough ranting…

Inspiration

I listened to a lot of Metal and Hard Rock growing up. I was always inspired by those such as Slash, Kirk Hammett, Eddie Vah Halen, etc. I was also very much into Steve Vai’s music. Later I discovered Manowar and was blown away. A Russian programmer at work who also played guitar and bass (used to play professionally) told me about them. I miss her.

Yesterday I was browsing the net for Guitar info when I found a video of Michael Angelo Batio playing No Bounderies. Holy Hell he is fast! I wonder if that’s why they call him the fastest guitarist in the world? I figure in a few weeks I should be able to dethrown him. I’ve watched that video at least 10 times since downloading it and am blown away every time. I have a new favorite song.