Sometimes it’s easy to get bogged down with practicing…
Even Jimi Hendrix is quoted as saying,
“Sometimes you want to give up the guitar, you’ll hate the guitar. But if you stick with it, you’re gonna be rewarded.”
Now to be honest, I don’t know if that’s legit or not, I haven’t checked the source, but it sort of doesn’t matter in this case because it’s a great quote.
My 45th birthday is coming up in a couple of days and that means I’m coming up on my 36th year of playing the guitar… 30 years professionally (wow!)
And yes, I can tell you from experience, that it’s easy to get lost in the struggle and forget that it’s called playing guitar for a reason, it’s supposed to be fun.
But when things are difficult and you’re working hard to improve your technique or your understanding it’s easy to forget why you are struggling to learn or understand something new.
So you have to remind yourself once in a while that the reason you practice is to improve and the reason you want to improve is that it makes playing more enjoyable overall.
And when you’re trying to count something and it’s slow as molasses, that’s ok because it won’t always be that way.
Also remember that everyone loves different aspects of guitar playing…
For some folks it’s all about playing their favorite songs note for note perfect…
For others it’s the thrill of improvising something cool over a song you’ve never heard (that’s me)
And for others it’s the theory, or the tone, or just the escape from the day-to-day.
It really doesn’t matter what it is that inspires you to play your guitar, just make sure you include a little of that thing each day so you always have something to look forward to and can always end your practice sessions on a high note (pardon the pun 🙂
Oh, and before you leave, let us all know what your favorite part is and what inspires you to play every day in the comments below… I’ll bet it’s pretty eye-opening to go back and read what inspires others.
271 replies to "It’s Called Playing Guitar For A Reason…"
Happy birthday, Griff. Really glad I clicked on that 4-note promo a few (?) years ago. Born in 1944, I came of age with Rock n Roll. Actually experienced its arrival. Saw almost all the originals in person (Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Everly Bros, Jackie Wilson, and lots of ballad groups, like the Flamingos, Drifters, and the Moonglows. Had hundreds of 45s (and still do). But I was always spectator and listener (and dancer). But now, with your help, I’m a player. Hope you enjoyed your 45th. Be well. Brian Burke. Madison CT.
Happy 45th Birthday Griff!
Ah, to be 45 again. I just turned 77 on September 25. Just make sure from here on you enjoy each year more than the last. They will go by so much faster from here on (or so it seems). I’ve been (attempting) playing off and on since my teens with this guitar and never a master of it, but still loving it. I’ve had more success and more fun with it these last two years since I found you and your teaching than all the other years combined. I have purchased just about all your material and I have saved all your free tips and continue to visit them from time to time on the computer. I have been going through all your “Blues Unleashed” courses and I’m having a blast. You would think I would have all the time in the world to practice but it seems like I don’t. Something is always interfering with my time. I just wanted to add my comments to all the others, I really appreciate your teaching, your comments, and all your visits with us on the computer as you do. You have a very special gift in your teaching and I thank your for sharing it with us like you do. I must admit with one of the other comments already posted…we are the ones receiving all the presents. Have a very happy birthday and God Bless!
Leo Gwinn
Well happy birthday! Thanks for all the great licks. Feels great to play again after 50 years of wishing I could again. It’s not just like riding a bike.
Happy Birthday Griff,
I endorse many of the comments above. You do a great job in transferring your knowledge & motivating us. Maybe even helping us live a little longer and with a more fruitful life due to the hidden benefits of the journey e.g:
1 Physical benefits
2 Emotional & Physical benefits
3 Social benefits
I certainly feel a lot better practicing, playing & general mucking around.
keep well, regards,
Rod
Happy Birthday Griff, It is amazing how your programs have attracted many of us old guys that have been around music for years but never had the chance to really work on it. Now we find pleasure in learning and playing as retired persons with time on our hands and a decent computer. I live out here on Cape Cod MA and wish I could hook-up with some other old farts and make some live music. We all miss that experience.
Happy birthday Griff!
I often struggle with motivation. What helps is to work on some blues songs (well right now I’m into jazz-blues), and then play a bit of bass, and also work on some Christmas songs on classical guitar. The variety keeps me motivated. I also switch genres occasionally – for a while I was strictly blues, then I got into classical, and now it’s jazz. I suppose it’s a bit of the “Jack of all trades, master of none” but I think that’s better than getting bored and not playing at all.
Happy Birthday Griff! I’ve been enjoying your lessons for about a year now. I’ve been playing for 50 years. Why do I keep going? Music has always been the one constant in my life. Regardless of anything or anyone else music has always provided joy, sense of accomplishment, $$, opportunity to meet people I otherwise would not i.e. jam session with Chet Atkins when I was a kid. For me music is life and all it has to offer.
Hi Griff,
I love playing with others, especially with my wife of almost 41 years. For most of our marriage, playing together was a train wreck. We were approaching music from opposite ends. She wanted to play everything perfect; I play just to feel good. I used to say, “I play to get it out, and she plays to get it right.
Well, a few months ago, we were at a family wedding in Vermont and she saw a family playing at a local flea market. When she saw the wife play, she said, “I can do that.” So we came home and she started playing after not playing for nearly 40 years. Amazingly, she knew her chords. Now we try to play a little every day. We’ll do a lesson or two, and play a couple songs, or just jam. Even when we sound crappy, it’s still sweet and intimate to be able to play together. I love playing music and I treasure my wife. Life doesn’t get much better!
Birthday Cheers from down under in Australia, we’ll crack a beer for you tonight
Happy B’day G
Played 2-1/2 hours with a loop machine last nite.
Just get lost in it.
Greatest diversion ever.
Steve P
Hi Griff,
Happy Birthday……..I just celebrated my 73rd BD Sat Oct 8. Been at the guitar since 13 yrs of age and have purchased some of your lessons (BGU, Solos made easy, etc.). My hands and fingers are still nimble enough to play and I enjoy playing and singing songs I like (mainly old time R&R). My intermediate level of guitar knowledge is perfect for the entertainment I get in being able to belt out a song from start to finish and stay pretty much in tune. Guitar playing is a great tranquilizer for my retirement yrs.
Happy bday, Griff. And many more! Im going thru the BGU course and have a question. When you talk about 9 chords and little chords in lessons 3 and 4, you only show them using an E-shaped 1 chord. When you’re comping, though, do you ever use an A-shaped 1 chord with the root on the 5th String? If so, how do you make a close-neighbor 9th chord? thanks much – great courses. I’m 65 and just started playing guitar and am loving it.
Griff; Happy Birthday. You’ve been my inspiration and teacher for 2 years now. Have learned so much. Am almost 70 and been playing since age 8. Have learned more in past 2 years than all before combined.
Thank you. And keep the lessons coming.
Hay Blessings to you and family on your day brother! just still learning your! resurch is most highly admirral . Love your work!
Hay Griff. Blessing on your day brother. Just still learning. Love your work man!
Happy Birthday Griff. Just had my 66th two days ago. I love jamming with my family. Got all my kids into guitar & harp at first. Keyboards & Ukulele came along. Next week two of my grand daughters (8 & 5) & I will be busking on a beach in Adriatic Sea (uke, harp & maracas). I hope we never stop 🙂 Have a great birthday with your beautiful family mate.
I am a soon to be 66 year old guy who was heavily involved in music early. Self taught myself guitar in my twenties and have been playing on the same plateau for decades. I played for relaxation but, since getting the online BGU course, I have made great strides and now am getting together with other musicians to make music. Something I missed. Thanks and happy birthday.
By the way, Happy Birthday!
Ian
Good words, Griff. I’m inspired by all of the above. I have been playing solidly now for several years after a long hiatus. I guess I’ve been playing for more than 50 years but now I’m REALLY into it. I have six guitars and another on the way [sounds like children]. I love the blues, blues rock, R&B with a passion.
Could I put in a plug for Canada? I live very near the Washington state border in BC. The nearest big US city is Spokane [just under 3 hours away]. Next time you do BGU Live, do you think you could swing by there so we Canucks can get down to see and jam with you?
Cheers, Ian
Learning helps keep the old gray matter working. I started playing in college with my room mate, who got me going with some basic, but great knowledge of the guitar. I will always thank him for his time and expertise. I put the guitar down most of my time in the Air Force (20 years and 15 years in the airlines.) So about the time I retired from flying, I found my old Gibson LGO, put new strings on it and started up again. I found your lessons on you tube went out and bought a Fender Strat and amp and I’ve been enjoying the experience ever since. Right now I just play for myself as I’m not quite ready to play for others. Learning and remembering a solo lick seems to be harder at my advanced age, but it’s fun.
Happy birthday, Griff, from a 50 year amateur that took a 48 year break from guitar.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRIFF
May you live another 100 yrs…LOL
I have a job that is quite busy and can tax your patience at times…to put it bluntly it’s outright stressful. I love my work, but it has its moments. Coming home and simply strumming some open cowboy chords melts away all the day’s troubles. Throw on a Am slow blues backing track and then getting lost in Box 1 and Box 2 for an hour is a wonderfully calming and pleasant experience for me. I always come up with something new mining away at the blues boxes…usually by making a mistake like unintentionally freting the 6 or 9 while running the Am blues scale. Call them what you will…happy accidents…serendipity. Mistakes that don’t sound bad at all. Happy birthday, Griff! You’ve given me the gift of music; and I’m forever grateful.
Happy Birthday Griff. Learnt a lot from you over the last few years. Thanks.
I am a Vietnam War Veteran with PTSD and a few months ago I took a class with Guitars for Vets. It’s music therapy learning to play guitar. I enjoy it and it helps me to recuperate and have something to do rather than obsessing over the past. I come to this website to help me keep up with it and learn more than I could’ve learned in a 10 week class.
Happy birthday Griff. I’m really enjoying all the DVD lessons. I can’t believe how much better my playing has become. One of my bucket lists is to be good enough to play in a band. I’m not quite there yet but with the blues unleashed and the lessons I’m taking I can see it happening in the near future. A good friend of one is well know blues singer who is also an encredable harmonica play. I hope to play with him and his band one day.
Caio
Happy B’Day Griff – enjoy the new vintage Gibson – great wife to get you that! ?
I play to help bring music into the world. I take pics for the same reason – to share the beauty of the things around us. And it’s always good to have some fun along the way and help people smile. Thanks for all the great help and courses. Wishing you many more birthdays.
Gary
Happy Birthday Griff.
I used to have one passion and that was soccer. ( I am from Holland)
But now I have 3 , add playing guitar and golf!
I don’t play soccer any more ( too old )
But I love spending time in my music room and play .
A lot of times for hours and hours.
I started when I retired at 63, and am 70 now.
It was hard in the beginning, sore fingers no rhythm and confusion about the theory.
But now I “hear ” the music much better and understand it better.
Still have plateaus now and then. But playing is now sooo enjoyable.
I play everyday. And just like golf, there is NO destination , but its the journey that counts.
Thanks for all your help and great blogs and videos.
I have a lot of your courses and they helped tremendously.
I never travel any where without (one of ) my guitar.
Thanks again and have a great birthday.
Charles
Happy birthday Griff! Hello Charles from Creston. I just turned 70 myself. I’m in the Oliver BC area and your the first person I’ve heard of in the area following Griff’s teachings. It would be great to meet some day over a coffee! I’m primarily a singer who can accompany himself on the guitar but I find Griff an inspiring teacher and he’s opened my eyes to whole new world of music! Take care and keep pickin’. Rolly
I have loved the guitar since I picked up my father’s “no name” guitar when I was about 13. I heard Jimi Hendrix play in the 60’s and then I was absolutely in love with the guitar. Unfortunately, family and life got in the way of my really being able to concentrate on the guitar. However, I am now 63 and determined to learn all I can and play everything I can learn to play (all types of styles and genres). In fact besides studying with a guitar teacher as I am currently doing, I plan to get a degree in music as well. The guitar has become a sort of Tao (way of life) for me and as difficult as the path may be at times (same frustrations as many other people expressed on this blog), I love the instrument!!!
– George
Thanks Gruff for all the instructions. Really has helped to make my playing more than just a joyful noise. My favorite has always been country, but you find out that pentetonics are the same just maybe speed and times makes the difference. When I first started playing I bought an old wooden guitar that the keys were damaged and really couldn’t be well times, but when you first start who cares? So I thought I’d be real radicradical and add a few strings (no harm when you’re making noise). Anyway the journey has been exciting, played professional and mediocre but have enjoyed it all. Now playing in a gospel group. Thanks again for all the quality instruction and of course HAPPY BIRTHDAY in the key of C
HBD Griff. I started playing when I retired working at age 62. Been playing now for almost three years. Your daily messages are often an inspiration. My learning style makes it hard to get that much from video but I am surprised the little things I do pick up. Thank you for that.
Danny(Oakland CA)
Happy Birthday, Griff! Ah! To be so young again! I have kids older than you. I am not sure why I torture myself trying to learn this guitar thing. At almost 68, I have been to hell and back a few times, and was lucky to survive it, but I was never what you call GOOD at anything. Sure I had a career, went to schools and learned things to help me in that; but I was NEVER REALLY GOOD at any one thing; just good enough at everything to get by. Music is my happy place; my escape. Now I just want to be good at ONE thing before I can’t do anything any more. I work at it but just feel LOST sometimes; like it just doesn’t seem to be working. Frustrating? Yes. Hate it? Not yet! (close maybe).
Keep up the good work, Griff.
Happy birthday Griff! Thanks for all your hard work in attempting to help me improve my playing. You are a very knowledgeable and talented teacher. Keep up the good work!
Hi Griff,
Happy Birthday. Thank you sincerely for all your shares, for the quality course material and your dood-natured communication. I think guitar is like an old friend, always there, a bit demanding, a bit challenging, and always rewarding of engagement. Keep up the good work.
I played for 4 yeas in college, gave it up for a career then went on the “Blues Cruise” 9 years ago, played everyday since, Just love to get a few minutes alone each day to get some energy playing the guitar, that’s it, it gives me energy!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRIFF!
Happy Birthday Big G! You have the birthday, we get the presents — what a deal. I have more than half of your courses so far, and I enjoy both working through one and also jumping between them to get your different takes on similar material. You are a fine musician, a great and generous teacher, and I hope you’re having as much fun as we all are learning from you. Thank you!
Happy Birthday. (I Jjust turned 75!). I love guitar and the Learning challenge. For me it must be the most difficult thing I’ve ever tried to do …..well there’s always golf which is probably a little harder than learning guitar.Keep up the good work and your relaxed personable approach.
The joy of worshiping God with my Guitar makes me learn more about the instrument almost every day.
I specialise in gospel music and being a lead Guitarist is a fantastic added advantage for me. All to the glory of God.
Thanks for the great work and efforts injected in your lessons. I never have any reason to regret or return any Guitar lesson CDs that I have bought from you. They are all well tailored, well structured and very helpful. More blessing to you too in Jesus name. Amen.
Bukola Adeyemi, Bristol City, UK
Hope you had a very Happy Birthday, Griff. You deserve it for all your hard work that I, for one, really appreciate. God Bless. 🙂
hi griff.. i was bitten by the guitar bug when i was 12-13. bill haley, little richard and all that.(yeah! middle fifties). my first guitar was to sing to. been singing ever since, but never was happy with my guitar playing. self taught, i still struggle, BUT, at nearly 74 i am in four bands, still doin’ it, still learnin’ still tryin’, still enjoyin’. and still i find something in your vidz and lessons to use. the response to your E-M this time must bring you a great deal satisfaction, and well deserved.
I always wanted to learn growing up, but never had the time or acceptable situation to play guitar like some of my best friends. (they lived in the basement and did nothing other than play !!) Now I am 50, and the opportunity to escape my job and kick back and sometimes enjoy my playing is a gift. It is a struggle as you say sometimes! But for the most part it is my own hidden art.
I started on a lap steel when I was 12. Traded it for a shotgun about a year later. Steel was not for me. Took piano lessons for about two years. Not for me. I got my first guitar when I was 15. A 30.00 Stella and that is when it took off! I taught myself by listening to Chet Atkins, Merle Travis, and Guckerts chords for the guitar. My first gig was at the ripe old age of sixteen. Made $2.45 door money! I have been playing ever since. Every honky tonk in Hayden, Winkelman, Kearny,and Tucson Arizona. Music is my up when I’m down. My good feeling when I need it. I am 72 years old and currently own a 1961 Fender Telecaster, bought new in 1961. Paid $10.00 a month.Also own a 1971 (tube type) Fender Super Reverb with 4 10’s. Was in Vietnam in 1967-68 during Tet. I believe my Telecaster (the thought of it) helped me maintain.
I believe everyone should play “something”. God knows, it helped me! I have learned a lot from your videos due to I never had any “formal” training.
I love the blues and your riff’s are great and can be applied to almost any kind of music! Happy Birthday and many more! Keep on pickin’
I still have my 1962 Fender jaguar. Bought in 63 bran new for $370.00. Paid for like a car payment back then in a book of stubs @ $28.00 each.
I was in Naval AIR 65-69 but not in Vietnam. North Atlantic on board the Essex.
I’ve learned more from Griff than anywhere else and I’ve tried it all.
Thank you sir,for your service for our country.I will be 64 in Feb.Glad you made it home.
I get motivated to practice when I go to blues jams or open mike and listen to the variety of musician playing styles. Then I say one of three things to myself: 1.) I can play that lick, no problem. 2.) Oh wow…I want to play that lick but I need to work on bends, pull-offs, hammer-ons and tweedlies or work on the boxes, etc. and finally no. 3.) Oh, I think this musician needs to fine tune their overall playing skill through more practice, get Griff’s daily mini lessons or subscribe to BGU. Mostly for me it’s No. 2. In August I purchased the BGU course and I am up to Lesson 15 plus I practice his daily mini lessons. Since I am retired I have the time to practice and record my licks…the ear is very revealing and helps me fine tune my playing style. I played in wedding bands for 40 years and was stuck in rut and never really advanced my learning curve beyond my chord and theory knowledge and mostly box 1 licks. Griff has helped me!
Yesterday, I picked up my guitar and, without doing warm-ups, scales, songs I already know or anything else, I played a 12-bar blues in A with a solo using Blues Box 1. Now, that may not seem like a big deal to most of you, but IT’S THE FIRST TIME I’VE EVER DONE IT!!! I…Me…I IMPROVISED!!! Lemme tell ya, it was not a burning solo, but it was pretty; pretty slow, pretty awkward, pretty lame, but the thing is, I KNEW which notes I could play, and more importantly, I knew which notes I could NOT play, to make it work. I didn’t play any wrong notes! That is what inspires me. Epiphanies…breakthroughs…progress. At that moment, I felt like maybe I could play the guitar, not just play a few songs that I learned note by note. Thanks, Griff.
Happy birthday Griff , may you have many more to celebrate … Thanks for helping us learn music and the great instrument ” Guitar ” . God bless you always …
Happy Birthday, Griff. I play some Beatle songs, some Eagles, some country, and I can play just about any chord. But I can”t play blues.
When I listen to John Mayer play “They call me the breeze” or stevie-ray Vaughn play “Tin pan alley” or some Eric Clapton licks, I want to play that. THAT’s why Iwant 2 buy your blues unleashed course.
Do U deliver in Canada? Your billing form doesn’t give me Canada as a choice for country. Maybe its me that doesn’t know how to do it. Can you help me with this? Please send me a text with a solution.
Happy 44th……i think i still remember that year or not…….any way what does it for me to learning a new lead…
Griff,
I recently purchased your 29 Blues jam tracks and the 5 easy Blues Solos. In the scales section of Solos, I am confused. Every thing I’ve seen says start with the root, but in for example, minor penta, box 2, the root note is on the 4th string. Do I still start on the 6th string and if so, which direction do I start in? The minor and major boxes 1 are the same pattern except the root is different, so where do I start? I’m very confused on this and I hope you can straighten me out.
Thanks for your help
Larry (Nick) Nichols
Hazlehurst, MS
601-892-6363
I’m trying to buy your “blues unleashed” course offering $50 discount and I allready tried 3 times to text you but it seems like you’re not receiving them because it’s twice now that you text me asking me if I got your last message. The problem I get when I try to fill in the billing form is that it doesn’t seem to recognize Canada. Do you deliver to Canada? On your form you don’t have canada as a choice for country. Please help me with this. GASTON
Hi Griff Happy Birthday hope it is a wonderful day……..I wish you enough : ) Keep up the great work and enticing emails I wish your courses were available when I was young but unfortunately you weren’t even thought of then LOL. I have progressed a great deal thanks to you……not where I want to be yet but every day brings a new opportunity and I will play because I enjoy it…..some days I think I am going backwards but then I make a little break through and it gives me hope LOL
Thanks for all you do
Wib
Hi Griff,
A big happy birthday from the Dales of the UK. I pick my one of my guitars up for a bit of an off the wall reason – pain. I was crippled while making a film and about the only thing which has kept me the right side of sanity – or is it the wrong side of sanity – I never can tell, is playing the blues. When your spine is howling signals at your brain you really know what the blues is about – and there really is a difference in the playing. You know what moanin’ the blues and howlin’ the blues is all about. Strange world isn’t it? It’s probably why my two favourites are Howlin’ Wolf and John Lee Hooker although how Hooker gets some of the sounds he does out of the guitar is a mystery to me and the Wolf is so far on the edge it’s like listening to a volcano rumbling at times. I know they’ve gone to that blues heaven now but I use the present tense because they’re music keeps them alive for us all.
Thank for all you tips and have not just a wonderful birthday but a wonderful year to come.
TTFN
Chris
Happy Birthday!
Thanks for all you do for us. I have five guitars and my son has three. I’ve been trying to play for about 35 years. Can’t play worth a damn. My son plays like a pro. He had lessons. My son in law and grandson in law both play pretty well. We camp a lot and have yard parties quit often. We always bring and play our guitars. Can’t think of a better way to spend an evening around a camp fire.
Thanks for all of your help
Ive been messing with guitar for almost 50 years and I still can t play worth a damn. sometimes I learn something cool or a cool song and I really feel good about it. Problem is Ill forget it the next day and Im back where I started. If I could sing Id buy an acoustic and beat out chords and Id be Ok, that was I do good but soloing? I sound like crap…..so frustrating. When Griff just plays box 1 in any key it sounds like music.
To my knowledge there is not a culture in the world that does not use some sort of stringed instrument in there music, I have heard that the 6 string is one of the hardest yet I enjoy it the most. The “voicings” you can achieve are superb, piano is probably next(or equal) What inspires me to play the guitar everyday is It’s endless possibilities and the fact that I have not(and probably will not) found them all!!!!
I’ve been playing for 40 years. I make it a point to play everyday and at this point I am a complete hobbyist, When the box resonates against my gut, (esp my 1982 Guild F50) I am transported into the sound. All the static and stress of the day drops off. Every once in a while the stars align, and I am stunned on hearing what seemed difficult a few months ago is flowing easily. Do not give up! Thank you Griff, for your eloquent explanations, you are a gifted instructor and an awesome player. Happy birthday Griff!
..therapy…it keeps me from going crazy! 🙂
Hey Griff,
Happy Birthday young man!! THe BEST part of playing?…how it transports me totally out of reality (not that reality is bad) without drugs or booze *(not that they’re all bad either). And jamming….well that’s an experience on a whole ‘nutha level!!!
This lyric is better:
If you play the guitar, it won’t be long, you’ll be writin’
And singin’ them songs
It’s easy
Easy you bet
You’ll be big, if you don’t quit
http://www.bing.com/search?q=j+j+cale+clapton+it's+easy+lyric&form=IE10TR&src=IE10TR&pc=HPDTDFJS
If you play the guitar it won’t be long
You’d be writing and singing, them songs
It’s easy, easy you bet
And you’ve been bet, if you don’t quit
Hi Griff- I think we all, consiously or unconsiously, want to be loved or at least liked-so for me,I know the better I play,the more I am appreciated, so I continually try to improve,& getting complements and having invitations to play at various events etc.is just great! Thanks in part to you, Griff! I play rhythm & some lead in two bands now! (Five years studying) Again,thanks for all the great free tips you send,& the courses I bought were all very enlightening—- Ron
Happy Birthday Griff! I got the BGU course & started it in March. Despite a shoulder op soon after this (& so being unable to play for a while), your course has really lifted my lead playing & I’ve pretty much mastered the solos including solo 6. I’ve had teachers in classical, in blues before, but not like you. Your system is great & I love the regular emails – it’s not like you’ve got the course & then that’s it. You’re really an inspiring teacher & player!
Very best wishes,
David
Happy Happy Happy. Griff, you are the “Gold Standard” of video teachers. You are responsible for keeping me going on numerous occasions. Many sincere thanks.
Hi Griff, Hope you have a great birthday, filled with love and laughter.
I am severely disabled. The only time I can completely forget about my problems, is when I immerse myself in playing my guitar. I particularly enjoy playing fingerstyle, as I have to concentrate deeply to produce the beautiful music I adore.
MANY HAPPY RETURNS on your Birthday,Keep up the Playing. I’m 65 now,& still go out & do the odd Gig. It make me Fell like a Youngster on Stage,& I Still get a Big BUZZ of seeing a Full Dance floor. John
Happy Birthday Griff! I’m chiming in a little late, working long hours lately.
For me, it’s the comradery with my friend, Bucky G. He had to sell all his guitars years ago to deal with cancer. Now he’s cancer free an playing again. So once, or twice a week we get together n play. I practice at home so I can bring something new to the jam as he allways is teaching…and pushing…me to be a little better every time. He used to have a band n play down South street n the bar circuit here. I’m not so musically inclined so I have to work at it. But I love hearing when we nail a song!
So that’s my story and I’m sticking to it! Thanks as allways Griff…..Pete Zubry.
Hey Griff
Happy birthday dude! I pick the guitar up every night after work, slap on backing tracks for 20-30 mins and just play. Best stress relief known to man … well best you’re getting on here 🙂
All the best
Hi Griff Happy Birthday from down under.
You are my inspiration for learning to play the Blues I couldn’t do it without you. I’ve always wanted to but could never quite get the hang of it, now with your help I’m slowly getting there. Thanks immensely !
I’ve played mainly acoustic for many years even earned my living with it and my voice back in the 70s but now I’m close to retirement I might go back to what I love doing the most. You can still play the Blues even when you’re getting on a bit.
By the way it’s my Birthday today the 9th of October.
Regards
David
Just back from Ry Cooder/Ricky Skaggs concert. Very inspiring, as are you Griff. Many happy returns on your birthday. Hope you have fun.
Happy birthday! Im 65 years old, and picked up a guitar for the first time about 6 months ago. I really enjoy your videos, even if my left hand turns into a bunch of bananas when I try playing chords. Working my way slowly through your 5 easy solos, enjoying every minute. Thank you.
Happy Birthday Griff. Here’s to another 44 years of playing, learning and teaching guitar.
The best part for me is the guitar itself. A guitar is a beautiful piece of functional art. It’s wonderful to behold, it’s wonderful to hold.
Of course having one, or twenty, sitting around invites the dreaded “Play something”.
The sounds that can be made with a guitar evoke any number of reactions and feelings. So, after all, I continue the journey toward mastering this favorite shiny object, the guitar.
I remain, forever grateful_ed
I play (to the extent I can) because its fun! You’ve been a great help w/ the basic b.g.u. course and those awesome licks!! My favorite is the one you called your favorite. At age 73 its unlikely I will ever play at your level but, to repeat, its fun!!
I just turned 59 this oct. I have lost or given up all I have worked for.
10 yrs. ago I got sick lost the house after a long struggle to keep it and repair things we moved to another now I sold everything and my wife and I live in Ecuador fresh food no gmo I make just enough to pay the bills and eat the foods we need to heal I sold my 6 string to buy help get us here and pay for every thing I now have a 6 string nylon string .no were near or has nice has mine was but I am picking away.
I play to feel better and in my time worship Yahweh the creator of all living, the doctors don’t know why I am alive and breathing still and not on pain pills. because I have bone on bone problems I think it is the tones of the strings and the naf flutes I breath into but Yahweh is restoring my life.
PS I cant afford lessons so I am thankful for your little free jewel’s it has helped me a lot. some day I hope you can do it like pdf and not cd that I can dl , when I get some funds built up .I love to play the up lifting tunes from church and songs that are about life and kind of pick people up and make love grow. I only play acoustic and I am trying to learn finger style and blues along with lap stlye for my later yrs.
thanks for the free stuff and some day I will get the blues teaching and more. I do have internet again I didn’t have it for one yr I had to drive once a week 20 miles to get on and get some teaching but it isn’t like have the guitar there . I now pick it up to keep building hand and finger strength I can finely bar a few chords and I am getting better at remember the 8 chords I used the nylon strings don’t compare to my steel but are easier to play, thank you for any help you can give and do
After my wife passed,
I tried to fill an empty hole with booze.
You might imagine all the problems that could cause.
So instead, I bought a hole with a wooden guitar around it.
Now oddly, it is tight and not me.
As I fill its hole with your music, so it will get better too.
Happy birthday, man.
– Paul
To me, at 44, you are a power house guitar player…and Happy birthday. You certainly are an inspiration when I watch you play, listening to you and your mastering of the music. So many times I do not feel like playing, but you always come up with some nice pieces, and as I watch and listen to you, I am compelled to pick up my guitar….All the best.
Happy Birthday Griff, and many more!
Your teaching method has been an inspiration to me and has been very effective. I did your pentatonics course and have finished 10 lessons on the BGU. You’ll never get called on false advertising! Keep us all stoked. Best wishes always.
Jim
Happy Birthday. At 44 you are at a good age, and take it from me it just gets better. At 66 I would not go backwards for anything. The thing that keeps me playing, besides just loving it, is when I am just noodlin and I see my lady in her favorite chair and she is humming or tapping her foot to what I am playing; that is the best. Glad you do what you do, wishing you many more years of doing it.
Happy bufday to you sir!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And thanks a lot for the words of inspiration and encouragement, may God almighty bless you hamsomely and may you live to see many days on earth in sound health, wealth and prosperity in Jesus Christ name!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Happy birthday, maestro! I too turned 44 this year, so I wish you a happy one spent with people that you love. At 44, I wish I sound just like you & although I’ve loved the sound of the guitar since I was 8, lessons & life didn’t come that easy. I am glad I happened upon your courses when I decided at the beginning of this year that I wanted to really dive into the Blues. Thank you for your wonderful teaching. God bless from the islands.
guitar i find a lot like golf….you suck…you suck…then you make a shot that sounds GREAT…DAMN that’s cool and the ball goes where your looking. takes time AND MUCH PRACTICE, Best part is i can do this in the cave and bring it out to my family and grandson when I,M READY Thanks Griff….
What inspires me the most is participating in the VJR on the forum. That gives me a good representation of my own progress as well as how my playing stacks up with that of others.
Inspiration to play different Church Hymn songs is one of the motivating factors that keep me close to my Guitar.
Just want to glorify God with different songs by encouraging others with what I do.
I am feeling fulfilled with your daily help. Happy Birthday Griff.
From Bristol City, Bristol.
Hey Griff,
Been following you on the internet for a couple of years now.
I finally got your new course BGU2.0 and as luck would have it you
Start me out on barre chords! Well it’s been a few weeks and I’m
Still working on barre chords. I probably should have started on BGU
Beginner. But I won’t give up I love the sound of a guitars d that’s my
motivation. Look forward to your E-mails arthritis has taken a toll on my fretting
Hand which makes it hard to stretch on those Barr chords.
Happy Birthday and keep the help coming! 🙂
Happy Birthday Griff!
What inspires me to pickup my guitar everyday is the love of music, and to keep practicing so that my playing will improve as time goes on. When i get your emails i very much enjoy reading what new lessons and tips that you give us to help us improve better. I very much appreciate that Griff, You have helped me a lot in my learning process. Thanks for all your time.
Also someday I hope to be able to play almost as good as you!
Julie F.
I want to wish you a Happy Birthday, and tell you I really enjoy your stuff, just bought the 5 solo package, I play for two reasons, I have always wanted to play the guitar, what a cool instrument, having never played a instrument before, picked it up 2 years ago when I retired. The other reason is on my mom’s side of the family there is a lot of Alzheimer’s going on….a lot of studies point to learning music to keep the brain from getting loose up there, so that is why I play…will never play for anyone else, just myself and maybe those in the nursing home ,,,,,,!!!
Hey Griff
Wishing you a big Howlin HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I am learning so much from your Blues guitar unleashed course. You are a super duper teacher, and love your playing! I am also a 64 yr old professional musician that had my old 60’s fender, and old Gibson acoustics set aside for the fiddle and banjo. I am back with learning the Blues guitar, of which I dearly love.
Thanks so much!
Terry A.
Happy Birthday Griff…..everyone, relax and enjoy the day…today may be the day you can make music
Love your stuff. Been following for a year. I’m 44 and pretty much a power chord hack. Have no formal training, been playing since I was 10, and still suck! I’m going to start over and buy the beginning Blues guitar course. Tired of being a hack.
Happy Birthday, Griff!
44??? Geez Griff, my son just turned 44! (or maybe it was 45?) Anyway, I tell ya’, some days I just want to practice all day and then some days it’s like why did I even buy a guitar. Yea, my problem is staying motivated. And then if I’ve gotten a certain lesson down pretty good and go on to something else, it seems like when I come back to the first one I was working on I practically have to learn it all over again! Very frustrating! Let me know if you have any advice on “hangin’ in there”. Also, I want you to know that it helps a great deal just hearing from you every day with your lessons and blogs. Thanks much!
All the best,
DaveyJoe
Happy Birthday, Griff! Thanks again for the insights. I often get a little frustrated with my playing. I guess it’s because, like so many others my age [68] I feel I lost a lot of in between time since I was first involved in music. I still have lots of trouble with the theory [always was a little challenged at math] but I need to remind myself that, hey, this is fun and you’re doing it because you love it. Be thankful for a good ear! Yes, I’m playing catch-up but I have learned so much in the past two years, thanks to you, YouTube, and a lot of encouragement from friends. Playing in a band again has been so good and I guess the thing is to just keep on bopping till you’re dropping!
My biggest concern is I have gone through a real spurt of creativity and have penned some thirty odd songs in the past year or so. I read a lot about marketing online and being an indie etc., but getting it all out there is the hard part. Being retired, one would thing I’d have the time but you know what? I need a planner now! Crazy. Anyway – it is fun to PLAY music!
Again, Happy Birthday young feller!
Hilarious to see so many of the silver surfers here jamming away. Think you need to start the http://www.oldfartsonguitar.com site. I just turned fifty so think I should be eligible for it! Enjoy being a youngster and Happy Birthday!
Working from Home now when a track I like comes on the radio I have playing in the background I play along and improvise over the top – Its a good test of your prowess to play alongside songs as you have no idea of the next tune coming up the station will play- I find it a great help in moving around the fret board using different octaves and to tune your musical ear – I cant read music but can usually hop straight onto the correct key – and as you say – the occasional mistaken note goes un- noticed. Have a great birthday!
Happy Birthday.
I had no idea that you had such an elder segment following you. I’m glad to be part of it. It would be interesting to know the demographics of your members. Not just for curiosity sake but for your marketing efforts.
I just realized that my guitar is older than you (and I acquired it new). It’s a Martin D-18 that my Dad bought for me and is the sweetest thing I have. Outside of my family of course. I treasure it but it intimidates me to the point I don’t believe I deserve it. No matter how well or badly it’s played it has such a warm sound it’s intoxicating to me. I’ve been working on your Acoustic Blues program for a while (it’s done very well, you’re a great teacher) and although my discipline has lapsed a great deal over the years it gives me a structure that I can return to without having to backtrack too far. Thanks so much for your dedication to your craft and your students. We all appreciate you very much!
“Playing” guitar to me is breaking from the stresses around me. I try and try like all students and the moments that are golden to me are those that when I see/feel my fingers doing something that surprise me. And that I can do it again and again.
My own guitar history is familiar. I got my first guitar (a Harmony curved top) in the 60’s. Figured out songs from records in my room. Formed a garage band and played at high school dances, local clubs and “Battle of the Bands” competitions and set up our own “summer “club” for week end dances. I think we started learning Pipeline or Wipeout but finally got up to Stones and Vanilla Fudge. I played electric bass which I borrowed from the high school where I played the bass and saxophone for the band. I never really learned the bass clef very well but I hung in there improvising when I lost my place. It was fun. When college years came around I carried my Martin along and played a bit with other guys I met our favorite places to jam being the stairwells because the acoustics were great.
After college I carried my Martin where ever I went but it pretty much lay fallow for several years. Who knows why? Jobs? Family? Lost energy? But here I am with renewed energy, less intimidation, a structured path to follow and hope that one of these days I can sit on the porch and entertain myself, my family and friends picking and singing a few old blues tunes.
Again Happy Birthday Griff. But we’re the ones receiving the presents, thanks.
Hi Grif Happy birthday! I started playing the guitar this year after not playing for over 30 years and even then not very well!!! I decided to try and sing to my husband on his 70th birthday in September and guess what I did!! Didn’t sound that good but at least I did it and he thought it was great! Also there were about 60 people in the room so that was a challenge but it was good fun! I am feeling more comfortable with my guitar everyday and enjoy all your tips and advice! The main thing I find difficult is getting my hand to fit some chords but I can feel different shapes happening with my hands now! Also if I can’t stretch my hand far enough I just find another chord that will fit in the music!!! Really loving it – never thought I could do this – I am 68 next month!!
Great birthday wishes! Music soothes the soul, calms the mind and exercises my mind. Just started guitar (classical finger style) two years ago after many years of trombone, recorders and flute. Wanted something with chords to improve my music theory and ear training. Guitar is a requirement for me every day! Although still trying to get the classical guitar under control, have been enjoying your blues guitar examples and starting to try out some of your great blues riffs on my classical guitar (hard to get a good bend though). Had thought about upgrading my classical guitar, now looking at a blues guitar instead!
Thank you for the inspiring email lessons and blogs you send out. I am 68 and have two guitars. But I don’t play either one of them very well. But I try. Best wishes.
Happy Birthday Griff I vaguely remember my 44th, you’re younger than my son! (hope your son’s collarbone is getting on fine by the way) I’ve just got in from practice ready for leading church on Sunday, and been jamming all afternoon with a friend, so still great to be at it despite being past my “Three Score and Ten” Hope to see you in Yorkshire next week
Griff — wishing you another 60 years of musical adventure — happy birthday and hope you spend the day celebrating with family and friends.
Also thanks to all of the guitar life stories shared here — all wonderful inspiration for me to keep going –I took up the guitar 5 years ago at age 60 and have playing a lot better since I got into your courses – THANKS for the help. my goal is to be good enough to do music therapy at the VA hospital. and also Griff — thanks so much for the daily helpers — a lot of good tips and tweaks coming along in addition to the course work. Best Regards, JohnnyG
Hi Griff, When I pick up my guitar to play I enter another world, and it’s wonderful. Happy Birthday and a big thank you for all you do. Matt.
Happy Birthday Griff. I recently celebrated the 24th anniversary of my 39th birthday. So you are still a puppy! I’m like member McNultry, Getting my daily email from you really gets me going, and I practice every day. I signed up with you over 4 years ago, and it was the smartest thing I could have done. Playing rhythm guitar in a band now, sometimes I get a solo, and I use that 4 note solo pattern a lot. My improvement has been night and day. I’m practicing right now, so I’m going to “dedicate” this next song to you. It’s not the blues, but it is appropriate. The Beatles – Birthday, enjoy! lol
Happy birthday Griff.
I am 69 and started playing 6 years ago.
I have always loved music but never took the time to learn how to play an instrument. I bought some harmonicas when I retired and enjoyed the challenge enough that I ventured into guitar.
I love playing and I figured out that it is the Journey and not the destination. In the beginning I was looking to get good enough to play some songs and then realized that the better you get , the more there is to learn. Sometimes it was overwhelming but then again I would not want there to be an end to the challenge of getting better. I play for fun and I can spend hours in my music room. I try to practice constructively, but some times I find myself just noodling around and skip from one thing to another , but I stick to my plans most times. You have been a great help with all your lessons and blogs. I bought BGU Strumming and Rhythm and Killer blues solos from you and I work hard at it. When I go on a trip and don,t take a guitar I miss it sorely even after one or two days. Picking up a guitar for the first time when I was 63, was probably one of the best decisions I ever made I am so glad I did. Music fills my days ( besides golf!!) Thank you again for all your input and I hope you have great birthday,.
Charles
44? YOU OLE FART,LOL! HELL YOUR STILL A KID.:-)
I HAVE NOT BEEN PLAYING MY GUITARS. JUST BEEN IN A SLUMP. LOSSING MY APRATMENT AND WITH NO CREDIT, I;M AFRAID I’LL BE HOMELESS. BEEN TURNED AWAY 12 TIMES, FOR NO CREDIT. FOR THE PAST 15 YEARS I HAVE NOT HAD A CREDIT CARD, OR ANY LOANS. JUST PAY WITH CASH, CHECK, OR DEBT CARD.
I LIKE WATCHING YOUR VIDEOS AND SAVE THEM. A LOT STICKS IN MY HEAD AND PLAYING GUITAR IS LIKE RIDING A BIKE TO ME. I’LL PICK UP MY ACOSUTIC AND PLAY A FEW OLDIES, BUT THAT IT. MAYBE 2X A MONTH. I’M 63 AND IN BAD HEALTH. WISH I COULD DRIVE FAR. YOU WHERE IN VAN NUYS AT THE AMP SHOW I WENT TO VAN NUYS HIGH . IF I WAS NOT ILL I WOULD HAVE BEEN THERE AND MET YOU. WELL GRIFF, YOUR JUST I YEAR OLDER AND STILL LOOK IN YOUR 30’S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY FRIEND.
(MUSIC)Music inspires me to pick up my guitar and play every day of my life.
First of all Happy 44th Birthday enjoy your day. What inspires me to pick up my guitar and practice of coarse its the new licks that you show us. another is that I am starting to really get into the changes from major and minor and to know that major is 1-4bar and 7and 8 and 11. I use box 2. I guess it is also that my son bought me a brand new Fender Sratocaster and case. I also get inspired by playing on top of the jam tracks that I have been downloading, which are mostly Blues jam tracks. I also have been playing at party’s and Family gatherings, playin with jam tracks is the most coolest thing that I enjoy. Thank you for the lessons I am still working on Blues Guitar Unleashed.
Thanks Rudy
Happy Birthday Griff and may you have many more.
I first started playing guitar because my friend who played music got a lot of attention from the ladies and I was all in for that! I will be 61 a couple of days after Christmas and I have a guitar and a Fender Princeton that were made when I was 9, still play the Princeton and it sounds sweet. I thank you for what I have learned from you, I not only play much better but I enjoy listening to music more because I understand what I am hearing better than ever. Thank you so much.
Since I’m more of a beginner than intermediate, when I’m learning a song and I can actually play the rhythm up to speed with the recording, and “hang in there”; that’s when it gets fun for me. Or when I’m trying to solo with a jam track, and all of the sudden something actually sounds good! That’s fun too!
Happy birthday! We will be able to celebrate it in Yorkshire!
Andrew
I don’t have a lot of time to play music with others, so its mostly just me. Right now, practice is my priority, but at the end (or beginning) of each session, I’ll play something I’ve learned and tucked away, or will just improvise and go where my fingers take me. That’s what keeps me coming back almost every day, its an emotional high. Thanks Griff, Happy Birthday.
Happy Birthday!
Happy birthtay Griff. I check you out on every lesson. I am 87 years old and still fronting a traditional country band. Played drums for 40 plus years and then switched to rhythm guitar. Have a 5 piece band with a pedal steel. We even throw in a little big band music on occasion. That’s what keeps me going and your site helps. I wish I could play a good lead guitar, but still I am happy with the rhythm and vocals. Your tips and tricks are excellant…Thanks
Happy birthday. I just turned 68 myself a few days ago. I love playing the guitar it gives me something to look forward to every night and the better I get the more I like it. In fact I enjoy it so much I even took up the banjo as well. (That ones quite difficult but I am getting it but it’s slow. ) sure beats sitting there watching the tube every night.
Hi! Griff
Congrats for playing guitar profetionaly for 30 years. I also wish you a Happy
Birthday. I have been following your lessons for 4 years and learned a lot.
I used to memorize solos by watching Clapton, Moore, B.B. MARK Knopfler,
But now I have learned so much from you I am starting to improvise on my own.
so thanks for all the great lessons, you are fantastic teacher.
Wis you all the best.
Lawrence
well first happy birthday to you. You are my inspiration and look forward to your emails and all the licks you send us thanks Griff your the best. Ed Wilkinson see my guitars on facebook thanks
Hey Griff,
Happy Birthday. Congrats on making a living doing what you love.
I play guitar for many reasons – one of them is because I love to play.
Having material as you offer I wish I would have had when I started. The other things I wish I would have done more of off the bat is a way to record and play along and wherewithal to get with others and play. Two very important things a fledgling guitarist must do to continue to progress. Playing along with records by one’s self gets old and is limited as to what one can learn.
Thanks for the great material you produce. Keep playing!
Adam W.
Griff, You are a very, very, good teacher. That’s why I am here. I’ve been around the internet and the local music teacher scene. They still offer a snippet, here and there, that I might be looking for. You, Griff, offer the whole package in an orderly obviously well-planned package. Or group of packages. 🙂 You also involve me every week with encouragement and free tips, tricks, riffs, licks and keep me going. That you offered free, but it is priceless!
Why the guitar is another story. Like a lot of students around here, I am 67 years young, just retired. My new employment is part-time and an extension of my interests. I worked lousy jobs I didn’t like, but had to earn. My father came home from work one day when I was a kid. (He had won state competition in clarinet in high school. After he got out of the Navy at the end of WWII, he played in New Orleans for a while. He came home to Ohio and settled down.) He played clarinet, sax, and upright bass. At dinner, he says it is time for me to learn an instrument. What instrument do I want to play? I said I always liked the drums. Well, he threw a fit and said there would be no drums in his house. He asked my sister. She says piano. Boom, a couple days later a piano showed up. I was never asked again. My mother, a wonderful woman from a southern family, asked me if I would like to start with the guitar. She had (still does!) an old Kalamazoo she learned with as a kid. They all learned something and played together on Sundays. So I said yes and got down with Red River Valley and alternate bass playing. Later, I heard the Ventures and then the Beatles showed up. I bought a Silvertone electric guitar and an old Gibson amp. I still have both, but currently play a Fender strat thru a Fender amp. Lived in country, money tight, no lessons. Learned from friends. Bought “Play Guitar With Zhe Ventures” and was hooked. Learned them and the Rolling Stones songs from books an records. Practiced until my fingers would bleed. Garage band. Wanted to play lead guitar. Regret not learning any theory. Then, get married in college, ground out a degree, kids, had to move for employment. No guitar for 40 years. I crushed my left hand in an accident a couple of years ago. Examined what were my joys in life. the guitar was one of the best. Took a year to make a fist. Then I bought my strat and started trying to play. One of my fingers may not be the best, but I’ll do my best. Greatest motivation and therapy! Now, No bands, just me. Lead sounds like crap played alone. The guitar is a winner because it is the most like human voice. I’m now happier with blues, rhythm, and “Playing on the porch” stuff. It is like you are here with me, Griff. I can’t thank you enough. The best of birthdays to you. I feel like we are friends. I have several of your lesson packages to learn. If we didn’t live so far apart, I would buy your birthday dinner. Thanks.
Tom (southern Ohio)
I just want to tell you what a lucky guy you are;doing what you love for a living and haveing so many friends. I enjoy playing,
learning with your lessons and it is an escape for me. I’m an old guy and put it off until the last couple of years.
Thanks for lessons and Happy Birthday,
First I am glad I found you & to be able to learn so much. Am 63, playing since age 10, but only learning since I found your material.
My inspiration for playing is my son who was diagnosed with cancer last year (he also plays). Since his diagnosis, we have been playing guitars together and have reconnected in such a wonderful way. I really appreciate the time we are able to spend together, the guitars did it.
I have spent my life wanting to play the guitar better, life seems to get in the way, i find years disappearing prior to picking it up again. What i have recently figured out is that a guitar is spiritual in many ways. It grounds me, it makes me feel better, it helps with the aging process of keeping the mind working and stimulated. And there is that feeling of excitement when you finally get what what have been working on. I try hard to play everyday now even if it’s only a few minutes.
Thanks for the great lessons and Happy Birthday!,
Mike
God bless you on your annual celebration of living. I too own foot wear older than you. Italian loafers older than my grand kids! As a septegenerian sax player I wanted to learn to relate to blues so I searched and found a place to sneak into the back of the class and get tidbits/morsels and insightful blues goodies! Thank you. When you held the old stock sale my wife agreed it was a bargain we could afford. Thanks again. Now with BGU my guitar plays me, but at 20 minutes a day I’ll play it!Also, my sax relations are getting better….to much info? Happy birthday and go hug your wife and kids every day for the next 365, then repeat.
Fearless Freddy
Hey Griff Happy Birthday, since I was 13yrs I’ve picked up my first guitar in mexico and learn playing Spanish music it is a good feeling playing with other’s and knowing what their playing in any key, but when I started listening to blues that really change everything in my life,cause the blue’s are the life that one live. So when I play some BB-King and other’s with my CD’S I can fellow and play the lick’s and chors with rhythm, thank’s to you I’ve learn well. Thank You again. (Manny)
It is amazing reading these comments. People’s guitar histories, reasons why they play, who led them to playing, and who they follow in furthering their guitar education.
Some months ago at a nightclub in Boynton Beach, Fl. I saw an 80 year old man walk onto the stage with his guitar slung over his shoulder. Being the cynics we can sometimes be I don’t think anybody expected anything beyond some ole’ cowpoke music. This guy played for an hour and he was beyond excellent. People just sat there with their mouths opened as this guy literally gave us every semblance of guitar virtuosity you could imagine. He got a 20 minute standing ovation when he was through.
Every year we have a guitar player come to Ft Lauderdale, by the name of Bucket Head, where he actually has a bucket on his head, and he plays by himself for 2 1/2 hours of knockout guitar music. He packs the house every time he is here and you can see him play on the Internet.
That’s what I want, that’s my goal. To be able to walk into a bar, a lounge, a club, an auditorium, with my guitar in hand and play by myself and have the crowd of people really enjoy the sounds that come from my guitar…
Happy birthday Griff
Happy Birthday Griff!!! I’m 57, first song i figured out how to play was
Ted Daffan’s Born To Lose, the sheet music was for keyboard so i set for
hours translating to tablature,so when i was done i new the hoe song now i can play it with out looking at the tablature, i have a Fender Acoustic &
A Epiphone Les Paul and some pedals and a old 70’s amp I pley it more then the Acoustic & i love trying to play what you play.
P.S. Thanks for the lessons
Happy Birthday Griff! I’m 73 years old and I enjoy playing my Mini Strat guitar and singing. My wife enjoys playing her mini bass guitar and singing, and we have an Alesis SR-16 drum machine. We perform locally here in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Husbands and wives that play together stay together! Peace+Joy+Love.
Happy Birthday Griff! I’m 64 and you son, are a youngster to me! 🙂 I started playing guitar when I was 44, your age now! Your lessons and emails are great! I love the blues and to me the guitar was made for playing blues like mustard was made for a hot dog. My main influences are The Allman Brothers, all their guitarists ( especially Duane, Dickey & Warren ), Clapton, B.B. King, SRV, Freddie King and a host of others too numerous to list! Please keep it coming and enjoy your special day son! lol
Happy Birthday Griff. And many more to come. I’m o my second attempt to learn some stuff on the acoustic. First time was halted by a head on collision which wiped out my wrist for about 6 years.
My first attempt turned into more of a collection of art than mastery of sound.
I did find a very nice Yamaha DW-8 that is helping me develope some strength in my wrist again. So back on track again, sore fingers not wrists.
Later, Rick
Hey Griff: Happy birthday ! I am not sure you ever had a chance to see them, but Alvin Lee and Ten Years After inspired me to play and quit at the same time. Play because I loved the emotion he could drain out of you with his playing; quit because I knew I could never be that good. I have been lucky enough to see just about every major band/guitarist since the early ’60’s. From Cream to Zepplin, Montgomery to Benson. None could excite the way Lee could. I gave it up 40 years ago and picked it up again after seeing some of your lessons. I am now plowing my way through BGU, slowly and with some frustration, but enjoying it when a tune or riff actually works.Thanks and HB!
Bill
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Kokr_y2Hg8
This link is to a 1975 concert of TYA. Watch if you can, amazing stuff.
Griff; Happy Birthday! I’m 61, an old guy like so many other comments above.The thing that inspired me to start playing was my first Joe Bonamassa show. The man was surely put hear on earth to play guitar and make people feel good. I’ve been learning for about 2 yrs now, and it’s been tough going,up until I found you on line. It’s still not surging ahead, but it is moving forward. Thanks for all your lessons & most of all for your down to earth teaching methods! Kudos!!!
Thanks; Paul
As it turns out, there’s quite a lot of things that compel me to pick up the guitar every day.
First however, is the unfortunate past that had me believing as a twelve yr. old until I was 18, that I could only play rhythm/chords. I had the mistaken notion you either had the talent for playing lead or just rhythm. Being self taught, I gave up after high school having reached my “level of incompetence”.
It was only after I retired and again picked up the guitar that I realized the only barriers to playing lead were lack of knowledge and the false belief I had held for all those years.
The things that inspire me to “play” guitar every day include: loving and appreciating the masterful beauty of the instrument, the feel and sensuous lines and resonant vibrations that carry from the guitar in to my body, the excitement I have grown to appreciate as my skills have improved. Knowing that my adolescent biasses have given way to a larger world full of potential. I’ve already surpassed my expectations – and I have to say Griff has had quite a lot to do with that growth! The lessons and and daily blogs/advice help to encourage me. Many thanks to you Griff – you’re both a great musician and teacher!
Playing guitar makes me happy. I have learned from a lot of others( mostly men) who were better than me and that is a challenge and a rush. I have been playing for about five years and am 56 years old. I gig out locally and just have fun at music parties where there is REAL TALENT. My favorite is playing with others, either in my living room or around the camp fire or wherever I can learn and cut loose.
My music teacher, Todd Pyke, is the most gifted musician I ever met and soooo patient, haha.
Happy birthday ( Libra?)
Colleen
Well, Mr.Hamlin, you mention precisely the three main aspects that`s important for anyone wanting to play guitar. I always had a great love for this musical instrument. I play it as much as I can because there INNER enjoyment extracted from this beautiful instrument. I come from a family of long history,commitment and almost impartial obsession with it`s magical realm.In my collection there are seven to play from SEMI-electric,electric solid body,acoustical electro to good old fashion dry box organic sound.There is so much to learn from and your courses cover pretty much what I been looking for a long time to come. Playing, improvising,and experimenting with different toys is an exhilarating rush to my well-being. This is why your the best and your not afraid to show the rest of the world what is ” The Blues.” One day I will be a good ” Blues ” player I am honor to be a student of yours.—–Manny
Thanks to Griff’s relentless, almost obsessive exhortations to learn to count through a piece, I have come to love, and am incredibly inspired by, grafting a lick I learned elsewhere into a new song.
For example, some Kenny Wayne Shepherd songs and leads are roughly accessible to me (at a slightly slower tempo, say). Now that I count when I learn, I can take a 3 bar section from a KWS piece, and over a backing track in a different key, with a different tempo, and sometimes in a different feel, I know exactly where it starts and ends, and how it progresses. When I then practice that enough so I can drop it in without thinking, and it sounds PERFECT, that’s the sweet spot. My heart really does start to race when I can do that. I’ll call my wife in and say, “Hon, listen to this!” at which point she’ll listen, roll her eyes, and walk out…
Happy Birthday,Griff,I could play you mthe birthday song,but I sure can,t use any of the rif in any old time or country music,very frustrated indeed.I really love the george strait and willie nelson songs,my main struggle is to keep my Gretsch country gentleman and my Martin accoustic playing with perfect intonation,but no even under right temp. and humidity,i have to tune each time i play,i think i wasted 10 grand,Len.
Hi, when I pick up my guitar, I go into a world of memories, with my guitar I can express my emotions.I can feel happy, sad, lonely all in a very short time, but most of all it gives me a sense of achievment when I can play along to one of your jam tracks, not very good, but I try.BGU has helped a great deal so heres to you, have a really happy birthday.best wishes john.
Got my first guitar in 1957 at age 8, I’ll never forget it, a SilverTone acoustic, made my finders bleed (literally). First song I learned to play was “The Wild Wood Flower”. My dad taught it to me. Since then I’ve played on and off (mostly off), until I found Griff a couple years back. I’ve seen Tommy Emanuel and Doyle Dikes live, talk about cramping your style, they will. I have always wanted to learn finger style picking, but I could never break my evil thumb from wanting to follow what my fingers were doing. Then I ordered Griff’s Acoustic Blues course. After 14 months and a bad case of tennis elbow’s, my thumb is beginning to become independent from what my fingers are doing. The reason is due to Griff’s teaching style and exercises and songs in that course, many many thanks to Griff. I play because now I can play in the style of the old Delta blues players, and I amaze myself (and my friends) sometimes. At 66 years of age I can still learn new things, and Griff has given me a much better understanding of the how’s and why’s, and that makes all the difference in the world. Next time Griff asks “where do you want to be a year from now” take heed, because in a year from now (with one of his courses) you really can be way ahead of wherever you are now. Shucks, I can ever steal a lick here or there, and fit it into one of the songs I’ve learned from Griff’s Acoustic blues course. Maybe, one of best things that has happened is, I don’t get an attack of stupid at the guitar store. Grab a guitar off the wall, sit down, and play some of the tunes from the course. People do look around and listen, makes one feel good to have accomplished something in the picking world.
Hey Griff happy b day I like o bring popele together and get in voled with the tunes makes for a lot of fun ps Thanks
Looks like there are a lot of old farts out there playing guitar. Thought I would add my name. I will be 63 in 1 week from today. I played the string BASS and Electric bass back in the 60’s. One of them garage bands.. Greatest time of my life. Quit playing right after High School .. Got drafted into the service. I am now retired and wanted to learn lead guitar… a dream for sure but you know what… I am getting there. Hendrix was my idol. So I am trying to emulate him… HE did really invent a new form of blues. He called it science fiction blues and sometimes electric church music. Anyway, I enjoy your lessons on line and have some of your DVD courses as well..
and a Happy birthday to you.
Fred Tumlinson
Happy Birthday, Griff!
After 30 years playing campfire acoustic, I decided to learn electric blues lead guitar. Got your BGU just over a year ago, and am now “finishing up the neck”. Being able to play along with almost any song is truly a dream come true.
Now looking to get a band together to play in the steamy Houston blues scene.
Playing every day for 1, 2 or 3 hours is something I really look forward to. I play each of the BGU solos with the jam track, then the masters Albert King, Freddie King, BB King & Clapton solos, then some new song I want to learn.
Your lessons are the best on the planet!
Cheers!
I,m 77 and still strumming, started when I was only 4. no early lessons mostly by ear until I bought BGU. Great training and easy to understand, Amazing progress this late in life. I found the ability to actually play acceptable blues at a local blues club. Lots of fun Thanks Griff HOw about a small west coast Tour in the future ?
JFK
I got a baritone ukelele as a 6 year old for Christmas and my first guitar in junior high. I was self taught but decided to take a semester of classical guitar in college. WOW what an eye opener. Sure wish I would have had lessons way back when. It’s tough breaking muscle memory habits. I put down the guitar for decades and decided to pick it back up as a bucket list item. I am a vocalist primarily, and always considered instruments as secondary. At age 56, some of my vocal ability has waned and I have decided to step it up on guitar! I love dedicating hours each day to practice and use the internet for all kinds of tools. It is so rewarding to learn new skills and great fun to jam with other guitarists. There are very few women that show up to jam, and I usually get compliments on my playing from the gents! Thanks, Griff for being so kind as to share your expertise and insights! Have a great birthday!
I will be 68 years old 12/25/2015, yes Christmas Day. The unfortunate news is that at a very young age I had polio. I did not start playing guitar until early my 20’s. I had a terrific “walking” life until about 55 when most of us received post-polio syndrome, further muscle problem’s as you get older….legs do not work very well now, but a I can still play guitar! God has blessed me. I picked up my Guild D25M in ’74. Sounds wonderful! Guitar will do it for all!!!!! Griiff, Happy Birthday! and Thank you!!!for all of your talent and…caring.
Just turned 61 and have owned a guitar since age 10. I only ever learned tiny riffs and chord sequences, maybe all the chords for a handful of songs. After major back surgery a few years ago I thought I should sh#t or get off the pot! and started taking lessons. I’m actually using two teachers. One shows me how to play anything for which I pay in ongoing website and computer support. The other I actually pay, and he teaches me technique and theory. I never envisioned being a performer but I do enjoy making music for myself. I find it both challenging and relaxing. As the puzzle pieces of theory, technique come together I find I understand music much more, and can hear all the instruments, timing, chords much better and am more able to sit back and re-create what I hear. And yes, I finally started jamming with my next door neighbor for an hour weekly.
And oh yeah, Happy Birthday Griff.
Happy Birthday Griff. I really appreciate your daily emails, and all the great course material. Thank you!
Happy birthday Griff, you have a great gift, the ability to share your knowledge and to encourage your students in such a warm and understanding way. I am 66 yrs young and I look forward to your emails every couple of days, I play for my own enjoyment nearly every day and I am getting better slowly but surely. Thanks for taking the time. Bless you
I wish you a Very Happy Birthday Griff. I hope you take time out to really enjoy it with your friends and family as you give so much of your time and wisdom to us folk who follow you. What inspires me? You do,every day I look forward to your e mails to see if there is another little nugget of info that will lead me to my goal.I want to be able to pick up my guitar and sit in on anything that is being played, add to the rhythm or take a lead break in any key. It may be a bit ambitious but bit by bit it is coming together and it is all down to the way you guide us. I can always understand the lessons as you present them,I don’t always understand the purpose at the time (I am in my 70’s and that’s my excuse), but, the light bulb does eventually turn on often,and its those moments that are precious,when things begin to make sense.When you know about something yourself,be it music,car engines,electronics or whatever,it seems simple,the ability to pass that knowledge on and teach others is something you have mastered and I and so many others are very grateful to you for sharing.
les in the uk
Great theme griff. I turned 65 yesterday. Jammed along with Taj Mahal statsboro blues. All thanks to your theory of mixing practice & play each session. Can’t wait to jam with the fam on the weekend. Happy birthday 🙂
When I listen to great blues guitar playing on YouTube it makes me want to grab my guitar and play along. Also I usually have a show to do, and I play every day because I know I want to give the people who come to the show the best I can give them. I can’t do that without putting in the time every day.
Mine is Joe Satriani and all the otherworldly sounds that come out of that man it just takes you someplace and for me to learn some of those riffs and sounds it’s like hoping in a space ship and heading out there I tought myself how to snap a g string and reach under the neck and grab the wammy bar scream false harmonics man what a thrill check out Joes live in Paris u tube pure heaven happy B day Griff just had my 54th !
Happy Birthday Griff…I just got my Medicare card this year…now that’s a shocker since I feel about 25 years young…all the best to you
Ned
Sometimes it’s the comfort zone, sometimes it’s the thrill of a new discovery, phrase or lick. Mostly, if I’m honest, it’s to keep my fingers from getting too soft!
Bought my Gibson acoustic in 1965 while in high school for $100 dollars and still have it today. Bought Gibson electric ES-335 used in 1980’s for $450 and still have it. Bought Guitar for Dummies in 2010 and but still can’t do that “counting” thing that Griff always talks about. I just love that feel of the guitar in my lap and the playing of songs I know by heart to hear them come out of the instrument. My wife says she never hears me play a song all the way thru and she is right because I always move on to something else. I am retired and 68 years old and love to get your e-mails. I too have purchased a lot of your material and hope you stay at this gig for many years to come. Happy Birthday!
For me it is telling the story and feeling with music, as best I can.
Griff,
Happy Birthday I have been playing guitar since I was 12 am now 70 played at KPFA radio in Berkeley, with my brother in my teens Joan Baez was there on occasion so started out folk then got hooked on folk rock. Now wanted to learn more and there is so much available today. I have 3 guitars a Strat, a Taylor and an old classical guitar. I have an awesome teacher but he is so good it is intimidating. I like your easy syle. I play with friends and your timing instruction and not coming in on 1st beat really helpful. Thanks for sharing it!
Wyatt
Every once in a while, I feel like I’m making music as opposed to playing guitar. That’s when I am absolutely hooked.
Happy birthday Griff.
Griff. I never thought I would be able to play a guitar at all. One day at a swap meet, I bought a used Strat because it was the same color as my motorcycle and just had it on a stand in my front room to look at. One day, I thought, maybe I can learn how to play something. So, 3 yrs down the road and alot of dead end roads with books and DVDs, Iam on lesson 14 of BGU and can play well enough to amuse myself every evening. Thankyou and Happy Another Lap Around the Sun!
Happy Birthday Griff. I play the guitar for fun.I can relate the guitar to golf.Love both but will never be great at either.Since I don’t make a living at either,I don’t always feel like working at them.Somtimes you just gotta get out there and swing.
Great words of wisdom. I could not agree more. Have A Happy Birthday.
Best Regards, Vic
Hi Griff,
I, like many others, play for fun. Every once in a while I will get into a groove playing a song or just repeating 2-3 chords and it is like a high. When I’m done I just feel good.
I don’t recall how I stumbled upon you, but I am grateful I did. For a couple of years I would get your emails and learn a little bit each time (I still have most of them filed). During this time I was taking lessons too, but from a young inexperienced person. Now he was very talented, graduate from Berkley in Boston, had a CD out, but just didn’t have the experience of how to teach properly. One day you sent out an email about how much it costs to hire a teacher compared to buying one of your courses. At this point I had spent several hundred dollars on classes and had not learned much. So I let my teacher go, ordered your Acoustic Blues and I am SO glad I did. I have learned, really learned from it. You my friend are a teacher! And that is something you should be very proud of.
All the best to you on your Birthday!
Hey by the way, what happened to all the equipment that got ripped off?
Happy Birthday Griff. Started playing back in early 60’s (67 years old now), songs like, “Walk Don’t Run”, “Ghost Riders in the Sky”, got me going. I now play and sing old gospel songs in 2 nursing homes with vocal harmonizer live 4, the elderly folks just love it and look forward to me being with them. Also play in 2 churches, so about 3-4 times weekly I play guitar.
Happy Birthday Griff. I started playing guitar relatively late at 20. Way back in 1964 I was hired as a dishwasher at the premier folk club in Philly known as the 2nd Fret. Thankfully I got to see, meet and hear some of the best folk and blues musicians of the day on a daily basis. I also met some great local musicians who were very helpful to me as I was getting started. I never wanted to play note for note what they were doing, my goal was and remains to be able to play music every time I pick up the instrument. I love playing and on days when I hit it right there no greater joy. There are also days of frustration when nothing seems to go as I want it to. Listening to and playing music is my reason for being and I keep going for those good days. Learning new songs and techniques keep me feeling young at 71 and learning theory helps to keep my interest up when I tire of playing the same old songs I’ve mastered.
I am 62 and have been playing since I was 12. Way too long and not good enough. For me picking up the guitar each day is my cathartic escape. The songs and style usually reflect my mood. Up, lively and maybe heavy metal. Down and definitely the blues. I watch vigilantly so that maybe I pick up that something new. Otherwise I seem to fall into the same rut. All being said, Happy Birthday. You are very lucky to get to do what you do.
Hi and Happy Birthday to you. I can almost say I have boots older then you. I have owned guitars for many years but in the last three or four years I have taken it seriously. What I love most is just the pure enjoyment of playing. I sometimes wake up in the night with notes running around in my head and I can’t wait to get up and pick up my guitar. I will be 77 this month and I believe the guitar has a lot to do with my happiness in life. My little dog and three cats are a great audience and they don’t correct me when I flub. I enjoy your lessons and your emails and encouragement.
Thank you and again Happy Birthday.
Happy Birthday Griff, Manny many more happy, healthy years. You are a tribute to guitar teachers.
One of the biggest regrets I have in life is that I did not begin playing guitar until age 62. Now two years later I have learned some stuff but feel I have so much to catch up to.
Thanks for the daily inspiration.
Da
Happy B,Day Griff. Just joined your group a few weeks ago so I am just getting started. I have been playing on and off since I was 16, I am 72 now and time to get to work. I like the discipline of practice and finding the occasional mystic note that takes me to another entirely different place. Happens all time. Keep on picking, thanks, JJ
Wow! Sounds like me, exactly! I’m 72 and have been playing since I was 14, on and off. I play my Les Paul unplugged, so it does’not bother my wife,just because I enjoy it.
Happy Birthday, Griff!
For me, playing guitar has always been a visceral thing. Not really sure how to describe it. It’s tactile and haptic, but it’ also pleasurable audio experience (mostly when others play). I remember my guitar. It was a Washburn acoustic. I played multiple guitars before picking that one up. Once I did, I didn’t have to try any others. I just knew it was the guitar for me. I no longer have that guitar, I have bought and sold many others since then. But, it’s still very much a feeling kind of experience for me. Even if I don’t improve, I just enjoy holding my guitar and making noises with it. Thankfully, I have improved. I owe a lot of that improvement to you and your courses. Thanks so much and have a wonderful birthday!
Happy birthday in advance Griff. I have a pretty strict practice routine of exercises and pieces that are split between classical/flamenco and blues/rock/jazz. Being retired I have the opportunity and time to keep the different techniques up to scratch. Once I have completed the exercise routine I then put theory into practice and have a go at anything that takes my fancy. I do all of this for the pure pleasure of playing guitar. Any public playing I do is for charitable purposes backing different singers from opera/classical to shows/pantomime/rock etc. all of which is very enjoyable. Daily practicing is the key.
I love when I play something and it creates the sound of a recording that I’ve listened to a thousand times in my head as I’m playing it. Recently, I decided to go back to the beginning and work on my open chords. I’m playing Wild Horses and the sound is unmistakeable. I’m Keith! Too cool!
Happy birthday Griff! I remember 44 and it was one of the best years of my life. I finally felt like a “Grown Up” in that I knew who I was and what I wanted. I was a well known chef in NYC but guitar was always there. As a teenager in the city ZZ Top, Jimi, Stones and Beatles, along with Black Sabbath and Zep were my mentors. Now I’m privileged to have you so maybe this time I’ll finally do more than mime my heroes and do it right. Thanks for all you’re hard work and fun!
Jim
Happy birthday. Griff.. God has blessed you with another year.. Im. Young at the age of 58. I enjoy reading about people love for the Guitar..Ive. been playing in church many years..my dad started me out on a 1958. Gibson..guitar. it was my first. Since then I have many Vintage old guitars..I play a 1968 music master elect fender..this guitar is 40 years old..and it still sounds great as it did when fender built it..my years of playing..are like so many others. There comes a time there is somebody that needs help, And it always give’s me great joy to help a younger player get of the gound..Griff I have learned a few tricks from you..over the years..
Happy birthday Griff. Wow you were young. Unlike you I did not keep it up. I played intil 1985 when in Montreal I accidently broke it. Over the years I did other things like Bodybuilding and Computers, forgeting all about the guitat (bad Choice). I have again taken up the guitar after 30 yeatrs
and am learning Lead. For me its very hard, but I look forward to learning new licks. I have not discovered that sound that I am looking for, but know I will find it as I develope.
The main reason I pick up the guitar every day is my love for music. I am not expecting to play it professionly but that is not why I came back to the guitar. Its purely for the love of it. This is why I pick up the guitar everyday.
Frank
When I was 8 years old my older sisters bought Meet the Beatles in ’64. That was it! But it wasn’t until 19yrs. old that the friends I was hangin out with all played guitars. One gave me an old classical with a broken neck so I used a C clamp to keep it together. Stayed in tune for 5-10 minutes at a time. But I learned chords and strumming. Been playin mostly acoustic for 41 years now. It is therapy. I always have a guitar hanging in my office or on stand closeby. Just pick it “in times of trouble” and the feel and ring take me away to other times, good times, and just now times seeing if I can find that missing chord to a song with 2 chords that I have been “writing”for years. God bless the guitar.
Happy Birthday Griff! You have really done a great job inspiring, teaching, and performing on this great instrument.
In a few days I will be 72. At the age of 15 I bought my first used guitar. I always wanted to play guitar, but lack of time (family,working as a medical doctor in the urgency station and having to work every second weekend, etc.I could not do it consistently.I had several teachers a jazz guitarist (too difficult), joined a band (too late for me working daily), a blues guitarist (only every now and then), a teacher who taught me classical guitar with notes during 3 years.
Now I am living in Spain as a jubilee and besides of doing nothing my main hobby is practicing guitar playing. With a spanish teacher I tried to learn instrumental Flamenco (too difficult) during one whole year. Now I am learning on my own with your help and the help of you tube. I am practicing 2×2 hours nearly every day and I am satisfied with every small progress. I read in a newspaper: everybody is able playing an instrument.If a genius needs 10 000 hours to reach a certain level a normal person will need 20 000 hours. My aim is to play in the streets of Malaga.
At my age I cannot afford wasting time. You must be very happy to have a profession as a musician. I wish you a Happy Birthday and a long and healthy life.
Excuse me my bad English.
Frank Ouw
happy birthday Griff. I started playing at age 47, six years ago. I take a few private lessons a month and work with a lot of your material, BGU, Rythym mastery, theory made easy, it’s all been great. I started late in life and don’t consider myself naturally talented, so I struggle a lot. But for me, I’ve accepted that as a challenge. I get stuff more slowly than some, but when I finally get over the hurdle of a new song or technique I get rewarded! I also want to thank you for your theory class. I love the theory, and it helps me grow in areas that my mind works well in, kind of let’s me make up for some of the things I may not do naturally. Example being taken helping me here stuff better that without the theory class I would not have heard. You’re the best. The world needs great teachers of all things. You could teach anything. Glad it’s guitar.
your the reason why, i pick up my
guitar , when ever i can. and watch the world arround me take off runing.
ya i SUCK, but i stick to it you are a great teacher and a mentor thank you
Happy birthday Griff,
I must say there are very few times I find it a grind to practise.It is true that sometimes I don’t feel that I am making progress as fast as I would like, but I still enjoy the challenge. It is also true that sometimes I just get in the zone and I cannot believe it is me playing, oh boy I enjoy that even more.
Can I take this opportunity to thank you again for emails / blog.
Regards
Rosco
Happy birthday Griff! For me it’s a therapeutic escape from the daily grind. I also like learning new techniques, styles and theory. I find that your BGU course satisfies that desire.
In my 50s now. My family has always played and my grandfather told me when I was very young that as long as I had music I would always be able to find a friend. So true over the years. Made many friends just pickin and having fun. Happy birthday my friend.
I played bass in many bands some came close to “Making it” after a so many failed attempts and being at the mercy of other members I started learning the gutiar to perform my own music – Even though there where times way back that I would play/practice bass for 4-5 hours learning tunes for the band – Playing guitar I can easily get lost for a couple of hours – whether it’s on technique – writing new tunes – or just playing over backing tracks.
Getting lost in creating another world with music IS the most amazing thing to be able to do – just like meditating
Also being on stage and playing with other people is an experience unlike any other!
Happy Birthday Griff!
Happy Birthday Griff. Music music music you know the way to go, I just follow really enjoying this trip with you. Your awesome brother!
For me it is about getting better and eventually hearing a really good player say ” That guy can play” . There are few things as rewarding as having your hard work appreciated and acknowledged by your piers. Plus I love to entertain people.
Happy Birthday Griff and hope you have a wonderful day. I am 76 and trying to recapture what I had 40 yrs ago.. Had to give up playing back then. My wife passed and I needed something to keep me going. I found your site by accident and it inspired me to buy 2 guitars and an amp and start playing again. Been a year and a lot of practice but I have been sitting in sometimes with friends playing rhythm and a little lead and singing and having a great time. I want to thank you for everything you have done to
help me and many others that have the passion..
Happy birthday your emails for the last two years keeps me playing thank you
Happy Birthday Griff. I started playing when I was 12 years old, yeah the Beatles, Stones, whole British Invasion thing was an inspiration, but the thing that really made me want to play guitar was when my Dad brought home Have Guitar Will Travel by Bo Diddley. THAT cemented it. Music is fun, therapy, a release from the daily grind, and you are in your own world. That’s how I look at it. Parlor player for years, never stopped, occasionally jamming with other guys but was always shy about playing in front of people. Met a fellow player 5 years ago that was amazed at how good I was and I never had that kind of feedback from someone like my Bud, who was a professional player. That just lit me up, made me realize that what I can do, I do really well. He gave me confidence and we jam together all the time now and I overcame my fear of public playing. I play anywhere now, in front of 2 people or a hundred. I am making up for lost time. Playing is a Brotherhood, not a competition. Play with other musicians, go for it and learn. That way the lessons are free. even some beginner can teach you something you didn’t know. It’s all good.
Happy Birthday Griff!
I got my first guitar, an old nylon string folk guitar as a gift from a friend who recovered it from someone’s drunken birthday party. He found it with the top dislocated from the body. He glued it back together and gave it to me. I replaced the strings and used a 16 penny nail for the saddle. Well 41 years and many guitars later I still get that thrill of hitting the 1st few notes and seeing where it takes me.
Happy Birthday to the best teacher on the internet, concise and to the point. Thank you for all the great lessons. My first guitar at 12 was a gift. It came split at the rear strap button, which I glued together and painted black, only to be stolen when I entered the Air Force at 17. Today at 69, I am still gigging and loving it. Hope your entire year is filled with Birthday blessings.
Happy birthday! Many more. To me the guitar is my therapist. Regardless of my mood someone has written a song (usually Neil Young) to express exactly how I feel. And at the age of 54 I just joined my first band! Long live Rock ‘n’ Roll!
Happy Birthday. Coming upon 73 years I have been using your courses for about 4 years. Just play for myself and no one else. The only problem, after 2 years of trying, I still cannot do chord changes. But, I still have fun.
Happy Upcoming Birthday Griff, 7th’s and 9th’s to ya. You’re just a young pup yet, and proof putting your strings don’t need changing yet. Long may you run and may you stay, forever young. Have 20 plus on you and have been in the trenches on all sides of the business. Grew up there (or not) I guess. I guess the only experience statement I can give is: Playing your guitar is a “conversation” think of it like talking. Everything you want to express is in your hands, beginner or not. After you accomplish that, you’ll be able to see it as breathing. Great quote Griff, my favorite of Hendrix is ‘I’ve been imitated so well I’ve heard people copy my mistakes’. Something to really consider on your journey. Playing somebody else “perfect” isn’t you. Now, go run child, be you. Still surrounded with the sound, Travis
Happy 44th birthday Griff . After all the years of taking your lessons,I am still impressed at how you explain techniques and styles etc. Have a great day,and thanks again . Mike Z.
Happy Birthday Griff,
I bought my first guitar at age 21. I went through the motions of playing music in my earlier years (Accordian and Trumpet). I missed a key ingredient – the love of music.
I am 60 now and started at 55 to pick up the guitar and really developed a love of music over the last 5 years. Messed around on the internet for a while and found some interesting and good stuff. Since I have landed on BGU I have found more focus and more progress. Hearing your pearls of wisdom on staying the course has help me a lot. Even my wife says I am playing better.
Thanks Griff.
Bob
I notice that a number of your students are in their sunset years. So am I at 71. When I retired, I had been wanting to learn how to read music and play the guitar. I had poked around on a saxophone and piano for a number of years but never knew music theory – I didn’t know the Dorian mode from a Dorian column or the Circle of Fifths from a fifth of whiskey. When I stumbled upon your site, I knew that this was for me. I have purchased nearly every one of your lessons. Have I learned yet how to play the guitar like you and the legendary blues musicians? No, but am I having fun. You are an inspiration. Your approach is easy to follow; your enthusiasm is contagious, and I look forward to grabbing my guitar(s) every day. I wish you many, many more birthdays.
Happy birthday Griff,
I have arthritis in my hands and recently dislocated my little pinky, so I picked up my old guitar to try and get the fingers working, it worked so well I treated myself to a new electric guitar and a Marshall gcx50 combi !
Love your lessons,easy to follow and always something new to work on.
Even duff notes are better than no notes.
Happy Birthday Griff,
You are still very young at heart at 44 years by being the best Guitar Teacher and Player since sliced bread. I hope you get spoiled by your family & friends on the day.
Music has been in the family for decades and I was a past semi -Pro Drummer in the 60’s.
I have always wanted to be able to play the guitar ( a new Challenge). I started back in Jan 2013, Bought a Telecaster & AMP and Basic Lessons at the shop and then I met you online and my Guitar world changed dramatically. I retired in April 2015 and approaching my 69 Birthday in Dec 2015. The Guitar is simply FUN and keeps my mind active and I am already creating new sounds and grooves that I hope will enable me to create a song or two to them. Everyday, I come across a new sound or technique. But the best of all the TAB sheet saved the day and simplified learning quickly and being able to follow your lessons and courses. Griff & The Blues Guitar Unleashed Fraternity are just fantastic.
Thanks
Michael-Sydney-Australia
Happy 45 yrs Birthday Griff,Hope you get spoilt by family & friends, I was here same time last year.
Because of you and BGU, I have an unlimited appetite to learn to play the Blues Guitar & Rock n Roll. But my first ambition since taking up the electric guitar was to learn Johnny B Goode by Chuck Berry as this is a World Famous song with a complex Guitar groove, I wanted to be able to learn this from the start.. but it does not happen that way.
With all your email video lessons and all your course that I have purchased this has now helped me to take on now learning Johnny B Goode. Now in retirement I have a goal.. play blues guitar for fun and keep learning the endless features of the guitar.
Michael-Sydney- Australia-19 October 2016.
Griff…Happy Birthday! My story started in 1969,when my daughter was born.I had been taking banjo lessons and had to stop due to practice sound and cost.I retired last year and help my son in law with his business 2/3 days a week( Something to do).My son decided at Christmas time to give his daughter a guitar and lessons.(10 years old).After a few month’s they gave up due to schedules and not practicing.I inherited three guitars and one day decide to play around,well three month’s later I am having a ball and really like the guitar.I am following some teachers on web,you are one and just got in the penatonic scales.I have found my fun.Electric guitar with amp,acoustic guitar,stands and great teacher’s.Happy Birthday.Griff. (I will be 71 in November,never to old.)Gene.
Happy birthday Griff, I am approaching my 55th birthday, and I am one of millions of people around the world I like to call bedroom pluckers. I have no thoughts of playing on a stage or earning money professionally but am happy to sit and learn something new on my guitar. I grew up in the generation of the evolution of games machines for which I have never had any interest or desire (I lost interest after space invaders and preferred to play pool or darts in the pub). When someone tells me all excitedly they have reached a level in a game or completed a game I ask them what exactly have they achieved?
If you learn a scale, a lick, a new song you have achieved something and learnt far more, I am retiring soon and will be able to spend more time playing my guitar, I have all my courses I have purchased from your good self lined up and I can’t wait to get stuck in, the kids are now grown up and I won’t have things such as work getting in the way.
Have a great birthday, and keep up the good work.
Always great to read your tips. They encourage me to keep playing. When I play my wife goes out. When I sing the dog goes out. What the heck I enjoy it. Thanks and Happy Birthday
Happy birthday, Griff…at 72, I’ve been playing since I was 10. Just some finger picking “folk style” and playing/singing in a praise and worship band. I have your BGU course, and I find that what you teach applies to every genre in some way. Inspiration for me comes by listening to the wonderful sounds of several types of music and trying to adapt what I’ve learned to something I’ve heard. I’ve been thrilled to find out that some of the things I “noodle” with are actually from box “X” or “Y”! and that staying off note 1 came naturally for me! I LOVE learning something new every day and you provide that. Thanks for the HOURS and HOURS you put into this art we all love. RonM
First Happy B Day. Takes me to a special place away from all the insanity of life. Thank You and to everyone remember always keep rocking !!!!!
It’s the sound! All kinds of sounds. The first addictive sound I recall was just a simple open E chord on an acoustic guitar. Just play it and let it ring and listen while the chord fades away. And the sound of a D chord in drop D tuning. The last chord of a song that just puts a huge exclamation point on the song that was just played like the final e minor chord at the end of John Williams playing Asturias or Christopher Parking playing the Allegro from Prelude, Fugue and Allegro,. The final ending of anything Stevie Ray plays or Albert King, or Tommy Emmanuel. The simple and clean sounds of an acoustic guitar like Dylan’s original version of Girl from the North Country and the electronic sounds of the electric era.
And the joy of the pursuit to try to learn something really cool that you’ve heard and you are making some headway with it because in the attempt to learn it your ear catches a little bit of the essence and you realize you’ve stumbled on to the sound that characterizes the song.
Thanks Griff for teaching me the blues. I’ve always loved the sound, but didn’t really know how to approach it. You’ve lit up the path. I’m learning the blues and the experience has helped other aspects of my playing. As you have said “A rising tide lifts all boats”. Happy Birthday. My birthday is in 3 weeks. I’ll turn 70 and I’m still learning thanks in large part to BGU!
my birthday is oct 9. i want to wish you a happy birthday and thanks
Hey
No idea, just because.
Coming up on 6 years, and still just a rank beginner.
But, may be time to move on.
Hbd
Jim
Happy Birthday Griff, Been learning to read and play one year. I practice every day. Some times its up hill, but when you reach the crest it is a satisfying feeling. For me inspiration comes from all areas: Your on line info., Hearing others or picking up the guitar and hearing the gradual improvement. Thanks for your part Griff.
Hi Griff. I find your daily inspirations keep me playing and interested in an excellent instrument which I never really learned to play properly. I am 69 years old, and find I am learning something everytime I watch your blogs. Wishing you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY and many of them. John.
What inspires me to play is what inspires flowers to bloom.
Happy Anniversary to Life. Stay Well.
Hello Griff, I just received your 5 Easy Blues songs to play DVDs last week. Opened it up the other day and watched you explain the 1st and 2nd song. I’m a Beginner in every sense of the word and these DVD lessons are over my head. I need to purchase your Beginner Blues Guitar Unleashed lessons and then I will be picking the guitar up more often. A few months back I listened to the play the Blues in 4 notes on youtube and after a few practices I heard it ! I could hear my own fingers putting it together ! Not to the perfection level but it was there…was exciting to know I could do this…that I could learn to play the guitar. Happy Birthday Griff !! I just turned 54 last week and will be in touch to buy your Beginners course soon. Take care. Paul
H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y GRIFF. I enjoy my guitar lessons that I have purchased from you and the many extra free lessons
that you provide. For such a busy schedule as yours, it amazes me how you are able to juggle your family time, playing time,
studio time, correspondence time, and UTUBE time, without letting your regular students and potential future students, down.
Your teaching methods have a way of holding the attention of your students without the element of sleepiness.
Keep up the excellent job!
Art
Happy Birthday. …….Since I only started playing this year at the age of 77, I will not be able to put in as many years as you have. But I know no one enjoys guitar more than I do. I have several of your courses and spend much time trying to improve. Sometimes it goes slow, yet every once in a while I will make a break through and can see and hear my improvement.
Thanks for your help….. Lynn
Happy Birthday Griff. Keep up the good work, you are an inspiration to us out here.
I practice to be able to escape to a place where I can express myself. Every day I’m pressured to conform, to be correct, often times not express myself. With music I don’t have the restrictions. I can say whatever I want to say. The music is in me and I want to bring it out. With music I get a main line into the people that are listening. That does not happen often in our daily lives. I want to deal in the power of music effectively.
Happy Birthday Griff.I play mainly for enjoyment and to relax my mind.
Start taking lesson a about three years ago never played before. This started after retirement of 36 years.
Happy 44,for me personally I look at playing as an achieved skill many people have and many people want.I may not be rich,but I have a soul that can play rich sounds from a guitar and turn heads as well as any thousand dollar suit can. Thank so much for pushing me further than I ever expected…
Hey Griff, Still haven’t bought a guitar as of yet. Still afraid the new girlfriend will steal it if I do buy one, all the old ex’s have. I still dig seeing all the videos and reading your excapades. Keep it rolling and one day soon, I shall venture out and get control of my fear of soon to be ex’s. Thanx……….
I picked up my guitar after 25 years when my father passed
The Tones help me escape the day-to-day
About 5 years ago my Dr handed me some pretty awful news.
I needed a big distraction and I just love the guitar so I got the blues guitar unleashed guitar.
So I have been diligently working at the guitar acoustic, electric,12string. This obsession of mine has kept my mind busy and off of things that would normally bring a person into severe depression. I look forward to your emails everyday thanks so much for all the freebie.yer a great musician and a person.
PAUL
HAPPY BIRTHDAY and another 30 years of playing guitar hopefully . What inspires to play guitar let me count the reasons . Well for one thing it is a great escape for me second is i am the lead guitarist for a band that was started about 14 years ago and i went from playing 2nd fiddle to lead also the lead singer . Yes sometimes i take a break from all that and actually stop playing for a bit . The bass player turns 50 today and was asked to play tonite with the band ,but, we got together on tuesday for acoustic nite . It turns we went out to the garage and plugged in and was only to do a tune .Turns out we got into it to loud and on the begining of the fourth song the cops showed up . Well only one cop .He was smiling from ear to ear so we were only asked to can it. The drummer asked if he could sing and he only said we sounded real good but we have to have you stop now ! Well all of all things it is supposed to be fun and enjoyed .I was seriously missed when i busted up my knee and am back and going to get it back on the road hopefully . The drummer said that my guitar playing is dramatically diffrent, much better . Its the harmony rule theroy and composition that I have been studying more I think thats the whole key to it all . memorizing where all the notes is very important and cannot stress that enough. I am 56 and started playing at around 12 . A wealth of guitar knowledge. Always thirsty for more . Go escape in your music.
Hi Griff
Happy Birthday Griff, I think you are a great teacher ,you are prepared everything’s for student to learn thank you for been my great teacher.
I learn to play music to calm me down, I fall In love with blue guitar It’s hard but It’s worth it and I have fun
All the very best,
Phoutharack
As already said happy birthday,,,have a good one and yeah still a mere lad my 56th was 31 August so keep up the good work and remember you get better with practice lol.
Happy Birthday Griff – you are a mere boy!
I play guitar for a host of reasons, some contradictory. They include: relaxation, frustration, satisfaction, challenge, stimulation, achievement, etc. etc., but – over and above all else – for enjoyment, at 76 I can vouch for a lifetime of enjoyment. There is no end to the musical places, styles and genres that the guitar can take you to,even when they initially appear beyond your capabilities.
You are a gifted and inspirational teacher and I thank you for all the wonderful tuition over the years. Keep up the great work.
Tony.
I also will be 44 my fist guitar was a mickey mouse guitar with plastic strings yellow plastic with stickers at age 3-4 I only claim half of those years and only the 8 have besides my teen years late 80s 90s have been the most beneficial to my playing so much I’ve missed from stolen guitars etc. I’m trying to fill in the blanks with my chord scale relationships..the end result is what inspires me make achievable goals…warm up with scales focus on techniques and timing over superspeed rather playing with feel…Happy B day!! I need a job anyone? Guitar shops etc. Will relocate..ty
Happy Birthday, Griff! I wish you many more. Music has always been a part of my life and I play the guitar for pure enjoyment. I’m also a fan of life-long learning. That’s why I pick up my guitar(s) every day. Thanks for your excellent lessons and courses.
The first time you hear something incredibly moving on the guitar and you know EXACTLY how it’s done is all the impetus you need….until the next time you’re lost. And – THIS MAY ONLY WORK FOR ME – if I can sit and clear my mind to find another way to look at it – it gives me another chance to solve the problem.
Hoppy Birdy, Griff! Life is an adventure! (I stole that from Julian Lennon.)
Cal
PS – Listen to Tommy Emmanuel play Over the Rainbow and pick your mouth up off the floor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cHeNscKZN0
Yep your right Awesome. Thanks for the link
It will inspire you or make you want to burn your guitar.
I had two friends pass away suddenly and my girlfriend left me, I could not sleep for thinking about things over and over, one night I got up from bed and went on the computer and played some music on youtube, and came across – Gary Moore’s “Midnight Blues” and I knew I had them bad!
I bought a guitar and have been playing it ever since a few hours a day, most days. Its been two and a half years now, I play till I get tired and now I sleep well, or I get up and play guitar 🙂
I look forward to one day being able to play something really good, and yes some times I fell like giving up – but have read your advise Griff, “to keep going” and do……
thanks for your help
Andrew
I also picked up guitar when my girlfriend left me. I needed something to take my mind off of it.
Happy Birthday, have a great one!
Your post today hit the nail on the head. We all need a reason to pick up the guitar every day and it has to be more than playing scales and working on our technique.Your post reminded me that one always needs to keep their personal goal in mind. We are all not going to be Jimi Hendrix or Griff Hamlin for that matter. That’s okay and as long as we keep that in mind we can learn and play for the pure pleasure of playing at whatever level we are at.
Happy Birthday Griff! By far, my favorite on-line teacher.
I love guitar music, all kinds. When I play I leave the stresses of today far behind.
My birthday is this week too!
Happy birthday, Griff.
I am inspired and motivated to play (almost daily) by the pure reward of hearing myself play something that is actualy musical.
It surprises me every time.
Other motivations include successfully playing along to songs I know, and making stuff up as I jam to a backing track.
I love playing at church. But my real inspiration comes from the beautiful nine year old that I’ve been teaching for nearly two years now.She is already an awesome player and plays along during worship every week!
PS my birthday is this week too!
Griff! I wish you a very Happy Birthday; and may GOD bless you and your family with good health, happiness, peace of mind and prosperity.
May you fingers always be nimble and dexterous. And last but not least – May at least a million aspiring guitarists become accomplished guitarists through your guitar courses and helpful blogs.
GOD bless you.
Lionel.
Happy birthday Griff! Like most players the sound of the guitar is what inspires me to play. i have experienced the “burn out” that Hendrix refered to but the sound always lured me back. I am at the point now where I’m addicted to playing so I play almost every day. Even if it’s for just a few minutes, I just got to have my ” fix”. Burnout still occurs but not as often or as frequent as in my early days. I find that I actually play better after taking some time off. Maybe Taking a break refuels my inspiration.
Well Griff, I wish you a H.B. and many more to come. Why do I practice guitar you ask. Simple, I enjoy learning and other than that I have no idea.I enjoy your in depth teaching style and course books.I am theory oriented which makes me check it out.I can tell you are too! :-))
Happy B Day Griff,
Life just gets better as you age.
Thanks for your love and unwavering commitment to playing and teaching Guitar.
Just got myself a Epiphone Joe Bonamasssa Les Paul in Pelham blue, had it set up properly by a guitar tech………..wow I am in heaven.
Happy Birthday
Firstly – Happy Birthday Griff. Hope you have a great day. Secondly, in answer to the question, getting lost in the music. Playing old favorites, finally cracking that new piece, or even discovering that an anticipated tough piece is actually quite easy! In their different ways they all bring the reward of pleasure. Keep going with your posts, they are in turn both informational and inspirational
Happy Birthday “young un'” Lonnie Mack gave me my first guitar in 1968, and showed me some chords. I have been playing ever since. I served 21 years in the Army and was injured in the first gulf war. I used the guitar as therapy, physical and mental. I am not as good as I was before my arm was tore up, but with some creative strumming and my singing I am back on stage here in Metamora In. and in church. Your tips are a great help, thank you. I agree with all the others, You are one of a kind! Now the biggest decision I have to make each day is witch guitar to play first! Have a great Birthday! I think I can remember my 44th, but no promises! Later brother!
Lonnie Mack. Not a lot of fame there for a guy who inspired many guitar players. SteviecRay Vaughn claimed that Mack’s song Wham! was about the best guitar playing he ever heard. The guy was a pioneer in developing full length high powered melodic leads. I think he still tours. Catch a show if you can.
Happy Birthday Griff,I find playing the guitar,or in my case,trying to play it, when I pick it up,I feel a relaxation and find its therapy for me,and I find the sweet sounds I can make are encouraging and exciting,and thanks to you Griff,have a nice day.Alan from Liverpool,birth place of so much talent.
Ha my Birthday is 12/10/1976 so Monday I hit 39 (Holy Sxxt).However my wife is taking me to Steve James guitars in Middlesbrough to pick up my brand new Fender Artic White start, cant wait. I started when I was 16 but never stuck to it till 2013 when I found BGU and guitarjamz.Why did we not have this 20 years ago(because there was no Internet num nuts). Oh well I do now. There is nothing in life as for filling as music other than the wife and kids. For me its just amazing to sound like the greats and to be part of it. Speaking if which going to see Walter trout in Nov check him live at the coach house 07-10-15 youtube link awesome. Anywho happy birthday Griff have a good one. Keep on rocking in the free world until we meet again.
Happy Early Birthday Griff,
It’s not just one favorite thing that keeps me playing. Various things inspire me though. Like finding/creating new sounds, particularly various melodic sounding chords, experimental at times. I also like to sing and play a lot. Another inspiration is discovering and reproducing exactly that certain “something” an artist does (you know, where you have 95% of a song figured out but something is just not perfect). Playing for others and with others is very satisfying. Being acknowledged and appreciated is another biggie.
Hey Griff,
Your guitar videos and blog are both fantastic and enjoyable sources of info! Love watching and reading them daily! I turn 65 this coming January (a young 65 I might add!). I picked the guitar up at 9 years old. Ricky Nelson was my main inspiration to do so. As time moved on I was learning songs from the folk era (Peter, Paul & Mary, Bob Dylan, Kingston Trio, Trini Lopez to name a few), basic chords/rhythm. Then the 60’s rock era hit. I had a rock band at the age of 14 and we actually wrote and recorded two songs on 45 RPM vinyl. Sold 500 of those pressings locally. Didn’t make it to the big-time but had a blast doing so! I’ve always kept 3 to 4 guitars in my collection. Have a couple of Strats, an Epi Riviera, and a Rick 370/12 right now. For me, just the feel of the instrument draws me. Guitars are truly works of art, each having its own unique characteristics. I am always learning new techniques and will forever make it part of my daily life (as long as the magic fingers keep moving! lol).
Best, Noel
Hi Griff. Happy Birthday!
I like to keep Brain active and my Fingers moving as long as I can.
I also like the way you teach.
Keep it up
Helmut
Great stress relief and I love your helpful lessons there is so much to learn about the language of music.
Happy B’Day. Griff.
I’m 68 and have been “playing” guitar for only five years.
It’s helped change my priorities.
I play every day and when I hear that first chord and/or riff each and every day, I am reminded, just why I play every day.
Sincerely
Ken
I enjoy just sitting down and “noodling”, but something happened when I went for a haircut. My barber had a guitar sitting in the corner and I asked him if he played. He told me he always wanted to learn but never did. It wasn’t busy there so we sat down and I showed him a few simple things and he was like a sponge soaking it all in. He wanted more, so we made a date and time for some lessons, monday mornings around 9 when he opened the shop. My intention was to get him started and then he could move on to a professional teacher. I took on the task and felt I needed to make sure I didn’t teach him anything wrong. I felt the pressure to be teaching the right things. That’s where your teachings came in along with Marty S. I started using some of your techniques which worked for me. Well, on our second session, another guy came in with his guitar and wanted to join in. He also was a beginner but knew a little more. This was getting interesting and then one of the other barbers brought in a bass. She hadn’t played in a long time. Now I really felt the pressure to improve my playing therefore, my practicing increased. I wanted to practice what I planned to teach, in other words, I need to practice teaching before each lesson. So that’s what is motivating me to practice much more. Geeze this is fun.
Hi I’m 63 and just retired. I have been promising myself that I would finally learn to play the guitar and so purchased Griffs Blues course and have managed to encode about a dozen chords into this tired old brain of mine. I only have to get the other hand to keep time and I may just have cracked it????.
Happy Birthday Griff I only wish I can achieve a tenth of your knowledge and talent.
Best wishes
Steve
First Happy Birthday Griff Wish I was 44 again! I don’t practice every day, Gets to much So one day I play songs. I al ready know an other practicing notes an another finding songs I’d like to learn. Play just about every day, Some day’s just look at it an get a drink an relax. I go to as many Jam’s as I can RV. parks almost always has something going. anyway have a happy birthday if you ever get to Orlando please let me know
Happy birthday Griff love your helpful emails it is a great stress relief and learning new things there is so much to learn
Happy bday Griff! You have been an inspiration for me to practice when I don’t want to & have made learning the guitar somewhat easier & enjoyable. I enjoy playing(learning) because of growing up listening to so many brilliant guitarists transfer the feelings in their souls through the guitar and into my ears!
I gotta tell you I just got a new Les Paul. It was a present from my wife and son! Wow! How cool is that – I’m really loved! So it’s really not difficult to pick up my guitar – it’s hard to put down. What inspires me? It’s the blue note – it has to be! When you hit that curve – you’re suddenly wired to the core, earthed to the mother-ship, wised-up to the vibe. However you wanna put it, and no matter whether it’s jazz or rock or blues or gaddam indie-pop, I know at that moment that my inner-most being is sound as a bell, I know that my spirit soars and that I am the luckiest, most graced sonofabitch on the planet. Happy birthday Griff!
Playing the guitar is baring your soul to others who are inspired by your playing .I play every day this is my 51st year .happy birthday don’t give up what you enjoy most it keeps the brain active and the fingers nimile Happy Birthday Griff.Best Regards Mike Nind.
Happy birthday griff, it’s the one note you play the perfect way and it touches your soul, get a bunch of them going like that and your in heaven! !
A bit like you Griff as it goes, I like improvisation and the freedom it gives me
I too have a birthday coming up this Sunday, 10/11/2015. I will be 64, 20 years older. Have played since I was 12 years old, not professionally, but in and out of many bands and many solo gigs. I am very fortunate to not only have kept ‘playing’ all these years, but all the wonderful people and relationships I’ve established, including my wife of 44 years (who lets me continue to buy beautiful guitars. ), through music. I am also blessed with the age we live in where we can communicate and Learn and meet with other online associates and friends as yourself. Happy birthday to us and playing and enjoying music and people all these years. Thanks for your email/note and musical inspirations.
Ray
Surprised at the Hendrix quote as in all sorts of places (books, magazine articles etc) over the years he’s been talked of as being so into playing that he always had a guitar with him – in bed, bathroom, wherever ..
Mmmmm don’t know why my pic still has be playing sax. I changed it to guitar months ago. And … Happy Birthday Gruff!!!
Singing and playing a new song and knowing I touched someones soul by the look on their face.
Happy birthday Griff. Thanks for being there for all of us.
Mmmmmmmm … It’s hearing me getting a little bit better as the weeks go by. Remembering my first fumbling efforts compared to now, when, on a good day, I can sound halfway decent! When I get a bend just right and the guitar seems to sing. I love it!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRIFF!!! A GOLDEN YEAR as our kids call it when you turn double digits! Thanks for all you do and see you in the spring my friend.
Bob and Melissa Utberg
Parker, CO
What inspires me to play guitar every day ?
The truth is, you do. Your daily contact is a constant reminder to
keep pushing forward to improve. I can never stop learning and the better
I get the more fun I have ‘playing’ with the guitar.
Keep it up Griff. You’re one of a kind.
Jim
You hit the nail on the head! It’s Griff that keeps me going. He’s like a Dad or Brother who keep’s telling us to keep playing! Huge learning curve the Guitar is, but persistence will pay in the end!
Strumming as…: Happy birthday Griff!!!!!!!!
Happy Birthday Griff!!!
I am 79 years old and have 2 guitars.
Wish I could learn to play.
You do a wonderful job and I really enjoy your performances.
Respectfully
Lorenzo
happy 44 no less no more ur still a colt and ya shoot frum the hip strait and true
my guitar i carry every place i go
rain or snow if someone wants to hear a song i play one for them
tks ta ya