I am a keyboardist by nature and training. That’s probably why I didn’t play in the band in high school. I had the opportunity to play in the jazz band at one point but my dance card was just too full to allow me any time to participate. I also play the guitar, but I am self-taught. The problem with teaching yourself to play an instrument is that you miss a lot of theory and technique and eventually those holes in your education get spotlighted. I’m sure you know where I ‘m going from. You’re sitting there jamming away and someone says, “That’s a really great riff but why don’t we diminish that opening chord and let’s transpose a half step up but don’t use the Capo because it makes your instrument sound to tinny.” Say what? Give me my keyboard and this isn’t a problem but I really have to think my through it on the guitar.

I’ve had a Yamaha 12 string for over 30 years and, unfortunately, it’s on its last legs. They say a photographer can’t blame his camera for bad pictures and musicians can’t blame their instruments for bad music but the truth is, cameras wear out and so do musical instruments. There comes a point where putting money into them is strictly from an emotional standpoint and not really a logical decision. What are you going to do? I love my 12 string but the action is bad, the neck is warped and I can’t keep the think tuned. Even when I can get it to tune, it is only tuned to certain keys which is ok as long as I only play in those keys. Still, I wrote a lot of music on that guitar. I cried and laughed over it. I know where every scratch came from. There are memories embedded in the grain of the body.

I learned to play guitar on an Epiphone classical guitar with nylon strings. The first folk ballads I wrote were on that guitar and I named him Andrew.  I gave Andrew to a close friend when I left for college.   She wanted to learn to play the guitar. She was already and accomplished pianist and violinist, which put her a step ahead of me. I really hope she got as much out of him as I did. I’ve tried to name my 12 string over the years but just couldn’t find anything that fit. My father gave it to me. I probably won’t get rid of it but it is surely ready to retire.

Now I need to find a new guitar. I am hoping it is the last acoustic guitar I ever have to buy. I hope it is one that I can laugh and cry over. I pray that it will allow me to expand my song writing and embrace the guitar side of me once again. I’ll let you know how that goes.

Every musician I know has a personal relationship with their instrument. Tell me about yours.