As my fingers and I grew, I was able to make G and B. I soon learned the minors of each chord and was beginning to attempt bar chords. The musical fire burning inside me was so hot that going to school was like going to prison, because I was separated from the guitar.

I slept with it, watched the Three Stooges with it, did my homework on the back of it, and generally dreamt of the day that I could play guitar as much as I wanted. A guy can play guitar a lot, and as a result that guy can play a lot of guitar. You really do get back from it what you put into it.

I was blessed that my father was a tasty country player who was gifted at teaching you to hear and feel the piece of music you were playing. He had a great ear and a good feel on his axe. He was an ear trained player, and like myself, had a lot of music in him that had to get out.

His guidance regarding my playing was more about overall musical dynamics than teaching me to play via note selection or style. Somtetimes we would listen to a nice piece of music together. Marty Robbin's “El Paso” comes to mind, and he would bring all sorts of nuances to light as food for thought, and generally stretch out my musical receiver.

He taught me to hear things that were going on behind the featured event that embellished or worked in concert to strengthen the feature. I was very fortunate to get this sort of education at such a young age, about matters that literally shape your playing without doing your playing for you.

He taught me what was expected of me in order to hold a gig before I even had one. He instilled the notion that I should really try to play better each time I played. Remember to always be a student of “better” so that your growth as a player will be better. Consequently you will become a better student.

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