What were you doing 6 years ago today?
Aside from getting ready for trick-or-treaters like any other Halloween, I was pretty stressed out hoping that my little Blues Guitar Unleashed course might actually sell a few copies so I might not have to be away from home every night and could actually be home to see my kids grow up 🙂
As much as I love playing and performing, I’ve always taught guitar ever since I was 15 years old…
I was walking home from school one day and I passed a building just a couple of blocks from my house and the sign was outside on it’s side and it said “Liberty Music.” I immediately went inside and asked the owner if I could work there and teach lessons and luckily he gave me the job on the spot! (it’s still there as of this post as you can see in the photo.)
I’m sure I learned much more than I taught for those first couple of years, but I loved it.
But let’s not talk about me… let’s talk about you and how you can play the blues better.
Over these last 6 years I’ve been extremely blessed to have met many “BGU’ers” face to face and work with you in person. And because of that I’ve learned 5 things that are super important that you might be doing wrong (and of course, I’ll tell you how to fix it)
- Keep time first – I’m sure you’ve heard me say it but worry about the time first and the notes second. Most people get it the other way around. Play the wrong notes but in time and someone will still probably know what you are trying to play (watch this video if you don’t believe me)
- You probably have gaps – Most people have learned a little here and a little there from a buddy or a teacher or youtube videos over a long time. That means you’ve more than likely missed some things along the way. Out of the just over 27,500 copies of Blues Guitar Unleashed that have been sold in the past 6 years, I would say that probably at least half of those people would have done well to start with Beginning Blues Guitar to fill in some of those gaps. And these days I’m more likely to recommend the beginning course to more people simply to make sure those gaps get filled.
- Your fingers move just fine – If you think you can’t play fast enough I almost guarantee that it has nothing to do with your fingers and everything to do with your ear and your ability to subdivide beats effectively. You would be amazed at how many people can play 1/8th notes at 180 beats a minute but can’t play 1/16th notes at 90 beats a minute – it’s the exact same speed but the subdivisions are different.
- Memorize before you master – You can’t really practice something if you’re constantly going back and forth between your guitar and the video or the notation. Memorize a bit of music, then practice it. Then memorize more if there is more, and practice it. Small bites is how you eat the elephant.
- Just don’t stop – I was never the guy in high school that could play the best… there were plenty of other guys that started earlier and picked it up faster. I’ve never been a natural and I haven’t seen many over the years. I never quit and you shouldn’t either. Guitar is fun and it’s one of the most enthralling things I’ve ever seen and as long as you can’t wait to pick it up again and try something else I can promise that you’ll always see some improvement.
One last thing… thank you.
When I mentioned that all I ever wanted was a little something on the side so I could maybe stay home a couple of nights a week? Well it turned out quite a bit better than we expected and not only do I get to spend more time with my family, but I have some of the best friends around the world a guy could ever ask for and my “BGU Family” has become my 2nd home.
I’m excited to see what the next 6 years will bring and as always I’ll do my best to keep you motivated and moving forward.
96 replies to "Blues Guitar Unleashed Turns 6!"
You thank me …I have to thank you too!
Have another good 6 years (and more) !
Hey Griff, Congrats, 6 years is a good time to reflect, and as you can tell you are doing something right. Six years ago i was wishing i could find a Web site like yours, and 2 years ago i found it. Thank you for all you do. I don’t quit either. I would say, you rock, But I will say,”YOU BLUES”!
Hey Griff,
Another great summary of very practical focus points. You are successful because you really believe in yourself and others. You love it and you live it. Much appreciated here. Happy Birthday to you and a very cool BGU.
Good advice! Especially #4. I started out playing banjo, and my teacher taught me using tablature. Well, I’m pretty dependant on tab now, and I’m always looking at the music and not my fingers, and I end up with sloppy sounding music because of it.
Hey Griff,
You are an excellent tracker. Your techniques are great. I have learned a lot from your CDs and your Internet clips.
It is enjoyable to listen and learn from you.
Thank you.
Hi Griff,
Congratulations on six years of Guitar Unleashed. It has inspired me to get back in the saddle after a long hiatus. I love your teaching method and your emailed videos. It’s filling in a lot gaps. I feel so inspired now to get back into music with a vengeance! Thanks again for all your efforts to make the process of really learning the blues properly such a fun experience. Blessings!
I was just looking for some internet instruction to improve my playing. But I got so much more than I bargained for. Meeting so many new friends and traveling to different parts of the country to play with them has been great.
But most of all you and Laura have crated a true family atmosphere, and have done so much for us, (as last evidenced by your surprise trip to Maine). It has also been great to watch other’s journeys, from first appearing on stage, to playing jams and open mics regularly.
Your integrity and desire to help students goes without question. Your a stand up guy Griff Hamlin, stand up and take a bow. You deserve it.
Griff Your courses are the best I have ever seen. Are you and your band playing any where in Orange county from the Nov 1 though Nov 12th ? I am out here from Michigan and would like hear you in person . tx dave
Grif, you sound very interested in our progress and a person that I would like to get to know. Congratulations on the BGU 6 years. I have been playing guitar seriously for the last 6 years so we are in sink. I am retired and have been playing as a full time hobby.Look forward to more conversations.
Congrats Griff!!! Hard to believe how fast 6 years flies by and you have hit it outta the park!!! P.S. Tell Laura that our 9 year old Bode has started playing the alto sax and absolutely LOVES it! Rock On!
Bob Utberg
Parker, CO
Really appreciate your excellent work in inspiring me personally to become a legit blues guitarist as well as all the other thousands you’ve touched with your sincerity, effectiveness as a teacher, and role model as a top blues guitarist.
All of us know how frustrating it is to be a raw beginner who is in love with playing the guitar, but can’t play one note or chord. There is a such a lot of work and effort that must be put in before you are good enough to really get the enjoyment out of playing that is so crucial to continuing to work at it.
You are among the best there is in helping people who want it, but would never have a chance of getting there without you. Good job, Griff. In two weeks I’ll be playing my 50th music show. These shows are not only the most enjoyable thing I’ve ever done, but the people listening really make me feel I’ve added something special to their lives as well. Much has started with you and then expanded outward, like ripples on a pond.
Hey, congratulations Griff! Great stuff…keep on keep’in on! I am blown away at the number of seasoned individuals posting on your site! At 61 myself I was one of the young guys in the mid sixties garage band, school dance, and wedding reception days. Because I was the young guy, I was delegated to the bass, which I played through the eighties. Guitar strings seemed too many, and too close together when I recently picked up my aged Strat again. I ordered Blues Gig in a Box. After many, many hours of work, the timing and phrasing is coming around. Just love it! Thanks again Griff!
Simply, thanks to you Griff.
Echoing everyone else, congratulations on your anniversary,. Thanks for your efforts to make us all enjoy and play real music.
Cogradulations on your anniversary , I retired 8 years ago and started concentrating on my playing bit more.i have been playing off and on for almost 70 years,and somewhat stuck in a rut. I do still play in a few groups in the Bay Area, one of them being in the USS Hornet big band, I started looking at your e mails, and was impressed. I am now working my way through Blues Guitar Unleashed, I am constantly impressed by how much I didn’t know”……….
thank you!!!!
Larry
Hi Griff, thanks so much for the lessons. I look forward to receiving them.I wish you all the best for the next 6 years & beyond.James
Thanx Griff! I like the fun that i get from your stuff. Seasoned myself. been playing since 1967 KEEP ROCKIN;
Congratulations to your six years anniversary. Though I have not much time to get down to seriously playing the guitar everyday but only during weekend due to my busy business committment I never fail to view your mail. Your patience and great skill in presentaation goes a long way to teach and keep my interest alive. I had download all your scripts and videos for opportunity in the near future. Five years ago I had bought a lot of discs online due to my keen interest to learn but was not to my expectation until you appear in my radar.
Please keep your contribution coming because you are a wonderful good teacher.
Hey Griff,
Congrats on your 6 years and many more! HAPPY HALLOWEEN and Birthday wishes for your Dad!
I’ve been plating guitar when I was 14. Play by ear only. Had a few friends who should me basic cords, (E, A, B, -A,D, E.). Played in several bands around ages 16 and 21. Retired I guess after that. I’m a lefty who plays right handed and could never pick many solos just enough licks to get by for awhile. I can’t read music nor did I know about the tabs. Never heard of the scale boxes. I like the blues and good ole rock and roll.
I purchase Blues Unleashed and several other of your courses. I’m 71 yrs young and am starting to play again. I like your teaching skills and your sessions. You have helped me understand more about the music, guitar, and practice, and playing skills in the last 6 months than I had in the past 55 yrs. Thank you and again Happy 6 years. I have to go now I’m practicing lol.
Larryeo
Thanks alot Griff ,and congratulations . I have learned so much and feel like I have been reborn . I am amazed and inspired in watching you play your alternate picking is killer .I perform myself on acoustic doing covers and my own stuff . I plan on putting a blues band together and thanks to you I will make that happen peace . J.B .
Happy 6th, Griff. Haven’t played in 20 years. Forgot how much fun it is and now I even bought a new guitar. You are making it interesting and fun. Great job. Thanks.
Hi Griff
Happy Birthday to BGU which has been an inspiration to myself and to so many Happy Blues Guitar Players and Learners all around the world. We would all “Thank you” for being such a great teacher and starting up BGU in the first place. We would not have such a great pleasure in learning to play Blues Guitar as there is no one out there that even comes close to what BGU offers and you do.
I even started to learn with a teacher in the Music shop ( here in Sydney Australia) that I bought my first Telecaster back in Jan 2013 and most of my other electric Guitars and Amps who is very good but expensive at $50 per hour but at my age in the 60’s I cannot remember everything after the lesson as nothing is provided like DVD’s and Manual other what is in the Tab Sheet for that lesson. I am glad that I only learn from BGU now and I am now progressing much faster.
Once again Thank you Griff and for BGU and hopefully during the next 6 years by then I should be a great Blues Guitar and be confident enough to jam on the BGU Forum.
Michael- Sydney Australia
Best wishes to you all for BGU and Dad’s B’day!
6 years already, wow. Well, it’s been time well spent!
Thanks Griff, for making learning fun.
Six years ago today I had never picked up a guitar – started about 4 years ago. Thanks to my instructors, your great videos and advice, as well as others, and most importantly, practice – I have finally found my life’s passion in playing the blues . . .
Thanks for all you do Griff, and Happy Birhtday to BGU !!
As most everyone has said in one fashion or the other, thank you and I’m so glad I found you and your courses and I’d like to say that your stuff just keeps on getting better each year. Thanks again!
i am
79 yrs old and i keep on learning my wife says that sounds pretty good……ha ha.
Griff! After 6+ years of working my way through several of your courses and being part of the BGU family, the thanks is all mine.
It was absolutely amazing to have gotten to meet you and Laura in person at the NE jam a couple weeks ago. I really do want to get to a BGU Live!
Hi Griff,
Say Happy Birthday to your Dad. It happens to be my birthday too. I believe that most of us feel that you are our friend, and we wish you continued success. You deserve it. Matt.
I think it has all bin said already but one more sincere wish of happy birthday to BGU and your dad from me. I have always loved both kinds of music,COUNTRY and WESTON, now I have found something else and I am loving it.
Thanks for an awesome way to learn guitar. Starting in my late 40’s has been a real challenge, you make it feel like I can actual do this. I’m still in the beginner lessons, but feel like I’m making head way. Love the emails from the blogs and the forum. Its a daily reminder and something different to add to my practice.
We here in Hawaii can sense a sincere committment to help us get better, and you’re honesty and ability wins over a lot of people. Thanks for your efforts gene
Congrats on the 6 years. I’ve tried several different courses from others. None hold a candle to your methods, attitude and understanding of musicians at all levels.
Very nice post, Griff. Inspirational, even.
Hey Griff,
Congratulations on six years of providing excellence in teaching the blues , along with a lot of the basics
I wish you continued health and happiness for you and your family , along with continued success in your teaching
Congratulations on SIX great years!
…and Congratulations to the San Francisco Giants for their 3rd World Series victory in the past 6 years! Both GRIFF and the GIANTS, the best at what they do!!! The parade is in a few hours – all Orange & Black, sorry no Blues!
you my kind sir have done more for this industry than any one.
keep up the good work .
jim [retired pro guitarist ]
Hey griff AWESOME how things work out i just picked the guitar up after 30yrs no playin your way of teaching is fantastic i know t takes tons of patients especially with morons like me i love it though if u ever come back to Boston id love to c ya well show u a great time thx griff God bless to u and all your family
Point number one reminds me of what Dave Mathews said in a video interview many years ago. Mathews said that early in his career, when he was a student, one of his teachers told him “No matter what happens, keep tapping your toe.”
That simple bit of advice has stuck with me ever since, and nothing has helped me more in practicing, playing with other people in the living room, playing gigs and making recordings.
Always keep tapping your toe. Keep tapping your toe. Keep tapping your toe.
Excellent point & dItto and still the best advice for timing that a new student can learn & Matthews we can see on stage always does. Whenever I lose count it’s because I stopped tapping and I’m not a new player. Tried & true advice
4 note solo is how i found you also, keep up the good work. Thanks Griff
Another simple and insightful lesson. Happy 6th Anniversary and Happy Birthday to both you and your Dad. Thank you for putting me on a wonderful journey of playing the blues.
Al
Checked that comment 3 times and still misspelled your name GRIFF. Which is why I never comment on things lol. Sorry man I’m getting old. Thanks again for everything!!!
Just discovered you recently Giff. You have helped me cross so many bridges I could not cross for over 30 years. I get excited every time I see a new email and can’t wait to pick up my guitar. I’m tight on funds now but hope to order some things from you one day soon. Hope you keep sending those emails cause they make playing so much more fun than before. Would love to learn a little Robert Johnson 😉 Thanks again for everything!! Your a good dude and great teacher. Happy Birthday to BGU and to Dad!! Keep rockin.
Thanks for all you help. You are a great teacher. Taking up this as a hobby is one of the best things I have ever done. At age 66. Wish I had done it sooner in life. But it is never to late to learn new things.
Without a doubt finding you, Griff, opened up a totally new chapter in my life. I had always been a frustrated strummer on guitar. I could never figure out how to play lead or what guys were really doing when I looked at tab. Every few years I would pick up the guitar again and after a few weeks I would again get frustrated.
I made sure I started out with your BBG course first – I wanted to make sure that I had the right background going in to BGU. I am so glad I found you (or should say that your ad found me!). The past 4 years have been a great ride my friend. Can’t wait for whatever is coming up next. Congrats Griff on a a well deserved milestone!
Hey Griff
I too have taught music and the biggest key in being an effective teacher is giving your students songs and techniques to learn that motivate the students to practice…when teaching piano I always asked the students what their favorite song on the radio was and we started learning that first…this seemed to motivate them the best and was much more rewarding after spending their time and effort practicing (their familiarity with the song also helped) and have a great song under their belt…My point being that the solos you have in your Blues Unleashed course are worth spending the time to learn because they actually sound good and make me feel like it’s worth my time and effort to learn and memorize and polish them…I’m also glad to see that you include a lot of SRV techniques and licks throughout all of your courses…I don’t think too many would argue with me saying that anything Stevie did is pretty motivating as he is the epidomy of passion and energy….Happy Halloween bro!!!
Thanks for everything Griff! Your the Best!!Peace
Congrats on your 6 years and many more! HAPPY HALLOWEEN and Birthday wishes for your Dad! Please keep the advice and tips coming! I am strictly a strummer now, but someday I hope to be a real BLUESMAN! Peace+Joy+Love.
I first picked up the guitar when I was in my 30’s and started taking private lessons. I’d play for a while, then put the thing away for a while. Sometimes a long while – years! Even though I’ve never met you Griff, you are the best guitar teacher I’ve ever had! (And I’m 70!) I practice every day and have since I bought your Beginning course 4 years ago.
If it weren’t for that confounded 4 note solo video I would have never found BGU. And if I didn’t find BGU I wouldn’t be the player I’ve become. I have to thank you immensely for your style, knowledge and most of all your ability to make something as difficult as playing guitar seem like anyone can do it (even me).
Happy birthday to BGU. Here’s to more years than we all have left. Congratulations!!
Thanks Griff!
One of the best advice tips you have given:
” Memorize before you master – You can’t really practice something if you’re constantly going back and forth between your guitar and the video or the notation. Memorize a bit of music, then practice it. Then memorize more if there is more, and practice it. Small bites is how you eat the elephant.”
I purchases your Blues Guitar Unleashed and Soloing Without Scales 4 years ago. One of my biggest problems, even at 76, is impatience. I want to do everything at once, so I never REALLY get anything fully under my belt.
If I follow your advice and count (in my head) and really take the time to learn a song, and record it, it sounds good. That seldom happens.
For the most part I like to play for the fun of it and not take my practicing to the level I need to really improve. Sticking with a song and memorizing it until I get it, is finally sinking in.
I am always in awe of the time you take to to supply almost daily video help and blogs and find you an exceptional teacher.
Success does not come by accident and I KNOW you deserve it.
Wishing you another 50 years of success (at least). God Bless!
Happy Halloween Grif ! Thanks for everything you have taught. me ! Happy Birthday BGU ! Your a great Internet teacher !!! And guitarist .
This as usual is a very good blog. I don’t think of you in terms as being the best or a great teacher because for me you don’t have to be. You teach and work time as a big part of your lessons, which I think is a huge necessity to playing any musical instrument, and you teach memorizing the music so that you don’t have to be looking back and forth in learning how to play a song, also very important. I think there are a lot of good teachers on the Internet and in most cases each has their own expertise. I follow you because you really put an effort into people learning properly, and you’re humble without a big ego. I like the blues, but I also like so many other styles of music too, and as each day goes by my own belief in how a guitar should be played by me, evolves. So anyway congratulations on your sixth year with the blues product and I do wish you many more good years with it. I hope someday I have the time to get the product myself as
I am sure it has much value, and like so many other parts of learning guitar I would learn from it too.
Congratulations on your 6 years. I find your lessons helpful, and enjoy the style in which you demonstrate.
Happy Birthday! It is also my sister’s birthday, but at least you won’t have to put up with witches’ and broom jokes.
I now have several of your courses and think they all are great. Didn’t get the beginner’s course since I’ve been playing since the 60’s and had some scattered theory as well. I have always had a good sense of rhythm but you’ve re-enforced the need for counting. It’s hard for me because it makes me feel like I’m trying to learn how to walk and chew gum at the same time. When I get that to be second nature, I think I will be able to make much faster progress on the BGU course. Determination is the key. Many thanks. I’m65 now so I think I have at least 30 more years to make it as a blues guitarist/singer in a band. :-)!
Congratulations on your well deserved success!
Thank you Griff, you have the best teaching style that I have seen. Here is to many, many more years.
Griff
Wish I could thank you personally for the courses you provide to us. These days I really feel like a musician and not the ham fisted amateur I was before I found your courses on the Internet. Be proud of what you have founded and nurtured to bring so much enjoyment and fulfilment to so many people. It’s a great gift you have and is appreciated by so many.
HaPpY BiRtHdAy BGU! You’ve given us all a great gift Griff. Keep On Rollin’.
Thanks for sharing your personal experience and congratulations for taking the brave preternatural leap into online commerce. My father was also born on October 31. My sister and I were both born in August; so guess what my parents were doing on Halloween! Your lessons are great and at the age of 62, I have started entering level 2. The counting thing makes me bonkers but I get the point. Being a natural lefty playing right handed, I find that I keep the beat with my left hand and right foot. Right now I am about half way through “I Believe” putting into practice all the pentatonic boxes I’ve learned over the past year and learning to bend notes, string together little riffs and really enjoying playing something totally new. This old dog is learning new tricks (and treats).
Dear Griff
First of all Congrats.
I love your teaching method. I wish you were arouund when my sons were learning. We enrolled them into music school. Big Mistake. After a year and a half they dropped out from bordom. The teacher was not advancing them fast enough. This I felt was to the advantage to the school and not the student.
But, I have a question for you. Although my playing has inproved my struming is very bad. To you have any suggestions? Any excersises or is it all bractise?
Frank
6 years ago I had been retired for a few years and, after completing all the things that “I never had time to do while working”, I realizing that I still had lots of time on my hands and that I’d like to get back to one of my first loves: Guitar.
It would still be about 7 months before I found you and BGU, but I’m so glad that I did. You changed my life in more ways than you know.
Sure, I’m a FAR better guitar player now than I ever was, and yes where I used to be a cowboy chord/camp fire player, now I play Open Mic nights 3 night a week and play gigs once or twice a month but, through working with some of our more challenging folks on the Forum and talking things over with you, I’ve learned to be more patient with people and, though Marsha might say not often enough, think before I speak (or hit enter as the case may be).
Finding you and BGU has been worth infinitely more to me than the cost of the course.
I know that I speak for your nearly 8,000 Forum members when I say thank you and Laura for everything that you do for us.
Happy Birthday BGU and thank you Griff. You and your teaching style was just what I was looking for. I’ve been following you and studying BGU for slightly less than a year but you’ve helped me immensely. There is just so much information and so far to go that I can get overwhelmed. I look forward to picking up my guitar every day and try not to get discouraged over the slow rate of progress. Like so many others I am not a natural but that doesn’t diminish the amount of pleasure that playing guitar provides me with.It will just be a little while longer before I can provide enjoyment to others that hear me play.
Happy Birthday to your dad and GBU.
Still working 6 years ago but retired at 70 couple months ago.
Took up playing my electric bass again.
Then decided to purchase a guitar.
Danced around the web looking for lessons.
Found your site and examples of playing your type of music.
Explored your site for the last month and liked your personality and teaching methods, I decided to purchase and download one of your courses a couple of days ago.
Will probably purchase more in the future.
Keep up the good work.
Merci!
Been with you from the beginning 6 years. It,s been a fun ride. Where to now?
Youre story is interesting giving lessons at 15.I have done this also.From the time i got my first electric guitar at age 15.I started at 8 on acoustic learnin fundamentals.It seemed like people wanted to learn but when they seen it takes some effort a lot of people would quit.But there were a few that wanted to play bad enough that they stuck with it.Youre lessons are great.I started playing before the internet.Now it seems there is lots of information
A fabulous site, the greatest teacher, who should be cloned so that the whole world can experience his teaching method.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BGU. Enjoy the showering compliments because they are well deserved.
ART
Congratulations to you Griff from the UK. Your tutoring and associated videos, manuals etc are excellent.
been here all along for at least 6 years . got the course only last year and is one of the smartest things i could have done . it has helped me out so much to perfect my craft. entering a level player . got a couple of things to work out . the last several lessons have helped alot putting the pieces together. Happy b day to your dad and the bgu. see ya in the next video
a level 3 player
Happy birthday to you for your “business” and to your father. It’s also the birthday for my son and my younger brother; a very special day for me that you can appreciate. Speaking of which, I appreciate your efforts to share your (guitar playing) wisdom with all of us students and customers. I teach “customer service” as part of my courses, and you demonstrate it well. You are a great partner on our journey, and it’s a great, fun trip!
Griff, thank you so very much for making this decision six years ago. If not for your course material I would probably be spending my evenings watching reruns of Modern Family instead of annoying my neighbors with my guitar!
I only wish something as good as your courses had been around when I was a teen learning the guitar. Had something like this existed back then, I probably wouldn’t have given it up for 38 years.
Best wishes for another 6×6 years of success!
Let me put my two cents in…..HaHa. Glad I hitched my wagan to a
good star! Glad you had a six year good run with BGU. You are teaching me with BBG. No need to surf the net and waste time with “teacher want a bees”. You are the best and I thank you.
Congrats, Griff. I know there are many folks online who show us how to play songs and I appreciate that. But you teach us how to play music and I really appreciate that. I appreciate the effort you put into your lessons and the blog. Thank you for all you do.
Thanks for all your help Griff. I wish I’d had your courses an input years ago. I would be a beeter guitarist today. You are an excellent teacher. I hope to come to the States some day and perhaps see you play live.
Hey Griff
Happy 6th Birthday to BGU Well done!
I would just like to say I am so greatful to BGU. I have been doing BGU for not quite a year now but have learnt so much, and learning something new everyday! From timing,soloing, etc and the best part is I am having fun doing it and will continue doing it. So keep up the good work Griff!
Again thank you
Monty
Congratulations Griff and long may you continue to do what you love – I know I’m a better player for it ! Thank you and good luck.
Hey Griff
You’ve followed your dreams and now they’ve come to fruition. I wish you all the best and thank you for the video’s.
thanks Griff. I have to tell you this. When I first started with BGU I already had a small foundation. But it was shaky. You thought me how to put everything together and today I am living my dream by playing in a band.
I love the forum and looking forward to meeting you and others at a BGU Live event. Maybe not the Corona one but the East one for sure next year.
Hi Griff, that’s a great story of how it all started. You sure have been blessed. I wish I’d been there at the start 6 years ago, maybe I’d be a good player by now but I’ve only just started at 54. I’m really enjoying your BGU. Course, maybe I should have tried BBG. First but I’m doin ok I think. Keep up the good work and I wish you another 6 years of BGU. Cheers Griff.
Saddler
Happy birthday BGU and your dad as well
Best of luck for the future.
Hi Griff, that’s a great story of how it all started. You sure have been blessed. I wish I’d been there at the start 6 years ago, maybe I’d be a good player by now but I’ve only just started at 54. I’m really enjoying your BGU. Course, maybe I should have tried BBG. First but I’m doin ok I think. Keep up the good work and I wish you another 6 years of BGU. Cheers Griff.
Saddled:
Griff, I hope things are going so good for you, you deserve it, you work your ass off for it. You truly are THE MAN, You give a lot of frustrated guitarist new hope, it is like you believe in them. I use to think I was not a worthy enough player to even get out my 65 sg. But it is coming out of the case more often. I have been working on Sultians of Swing……took your ideas and easily learned all frets (notes) both octaves. That alone feels very cool. Got my 5 patterns down, along with the related scales, and figured out which chords are underneath. Mow If I could just improvise a more melodic sounding solo, I can learn one….but that is different…..Thanks for all you do, I am going to use some vacation time and come and see you jam Jim
Thanks for everything, Griff – I bought BGU 5 years ago, followed by Beginning Blues Guitar (yeah – I should have followed point 2 above, but BBG wasn’t available then!) I think it’s admirable that you don’t just “sell product”, but show a genuine love of the blues and your customers by following up with all your brilliant helpful and inspirational e-mail messages! (from a grateful BGU member in Wales, UK)
Man, I couldn’t play at all before you came along with BGU. Thank you my friend! I owe you more than I can ever repay!
Good things happen to good people , cheers geoff
Thanks Griff…those are six points we all need to keep in mind…later.
cowboy
Happy Birthday BGU.
Thank you Griff for all the help with my guitar education,
(thats what it seems like to me),and although we are unlikely
ever to meet,I would have loved to do so.
My expectations of continued improvement are almost all down to
you and your teaching style.
Thanks again and best wishes for YOUR continued success.
John.
It’s been a fantastic 6 years Griff and I have enjoyed every minute of it. I played the guitar before I discovered BGU but if it wasn’t for the last 6 years I wouldn’t be the guitarist I am today. For that I will be eternally grateful. Good luck with the next 6 years.
Tony
Congratulations on living your dream Griff! You have great postings and great products. Would love to see your BGU Acoustic go digital though. I’m disc-ed out! Any plans to do that? I’ll be your first customer! Cheers, Harry
Hey griff! Thanks for seeing the broader picture! Keep on doin what u doin ! Boy done reep what he sowed, and some! Congratulations to you n yours ! From the tin box in a back garden in the south of the old mother country! Hey Hamlin Griff u sound like u may have Celtic origins ! ??
Thanks griff,for all your help.keep it coming my way
You are doing a brilliant job. I hope you’re earning a good living from it because you deserve it. After 40 years of playing, I’m not bad. But if I’d had a teacher like you years ago I’d be so much better. Thanks.