Finding the Perfect Guitar
Fret Chronicles
Beauty is Subjective Have you ever looked at a guitar and thought, *That’s the one*? Just like in life, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The more visually appealing the guitar is to *you*, the more motivated you'll be to pick it up and play. But here’s the tricky part—some of the guitars that catch your eye may not play or sound well. That’s why it’s crucial to start with what you want to play. Different styles work better with different guitars, but the good news is—you can play almost any type of blues on nearly any type of guitar. Feel...
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Setting the Stage | How I began my journey as a performing guitarist in the DMV
Fret Chronicles
I am playing the guitar and now singing because it brings me joy. I am 62, I’ve raised two kids, at the age of retirement, become a caregiver for a wife that had a brain tumor removed right after she retired after 34 years in the government. During COVID when the world shut down, I rediscovered the guitar. I have always had one. Always wanted to play it to a high level. But it seemed unimportant, just another wone of the things I didn’t. And I did a lot. I am a former federal police officer and firearms trainer. I took my love of teaching, to become an...
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Quick introductions
Fret Chronicles
The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.- Lao Tse Giving you a little of my struggle and what this show is going to be. Looking forward to retirement with my wife, I was thrown under the bus when she became ill at the same time as the global pandemic reset the world. To cope with both, I picked up the guitar to play in between hospitals, nursing homes, and becoming a caregiver in 2021. I am hoping you will stick around and follow this journey. This is a DMV guitarist’s journey through genres, and gigs for those who love music, and a good story....
info_outlineBeauty is Subjective
Have you ever looked at a guitar and thought, *That’s the one*? Just like in life, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The more visually appealing the guitar is to *you*, the more motivated you'll be to pick it up and play.
But here’s the tricky part—some of the guitars that catch your eye may not play or sound well. That’s why it’s crucial to start with what you want to play. Different styles work better with different guitars, but the good news is—you can play almost any type of blues on nearly any type of guitar.
Feel Matters
The way a guitar feels in your hands is just as important as how it looks. Smaller-bodied guitars may be easier for beginners or those with smaller hands. The shape and thickness of the neck affect playability too.
I used to think I was being rude by wanting to touch and handle several guitars in a store. But I learned that trying them out isn’t just acceptable—it’s encouraged. It’s like choosing a wand in Harry Potter —the right instrument finds you.
The Magic of Connection
In *Harry Potter*, wands are chosen through a deep connection between wizard and wand. Guitars? The same concept applies.
Wood plays a role in the guitar’s sound. Mahogany produces a warm tone, while maple offers a brighter one. If you’re looking at electric guitars, pickups matter. Single-coil pickups bring a crisp, bright sound, while humbuckers give a thicker, more powerful tone.
Budget & Brands
The perfect guitar isn’t always the most expensive. You don’t need to break the bank to find a good-quality instrument.
Consider buying a used guitar if you're on a budget—you’ll often find incredible deals on pre-owned instruments. And don’t be fooled by high price tags; some brand-name guitars are made overseas, like in Indonesia, and you might save thousands by choosing an Epiphone version of the Gibson you’ve been dreaming of.
The Search for Tone – A Personal Journey
**Host:** Now, here’s something every guitarist goes through—the search for *tone*. The other day, a senior guitarist I truly respect called me up and said, *“I see you, brother; you are searching for tone, aren’t you?”*
I was flattered. And you know what? He was right.
Tone isn’t just about the guitar itself—it’s about expression, personality, and the emotional connection between the musician and the sound. I’ve been chasing my tone lately, buying a few guitars, testing them out, and learning what speaks to me. And in doing so, I’ve realized a few things:
So what’s my tone? Warm, not too twangy, short scale, different but beautiful, and with a double cut.
And honestly? I know how lucky I am to even have more than one guitar. That’s not lost on me.
Finding the perfect guitar is about exploring, testing, and trusting your instincts. Just like a wand in *Harry Potter*, the right guitar will choose you. So embrace the process, enjoy the journey, and get ready to create beautiful music.
Small Sub Guitarist club
I had this idea to start a community of small sub YT guitarist. You interested?
@SSGuitaristClub
https://youtube.com/@ssguitaristclub?si=oRfwgqu4dFKX2fR6
https://youtube.com/shorts/OIlz9pfocfQ