Elephants And Donkeys Grow Big Ears.......

Over the years, since college, I have taught myself to play the guitar.  Since I love to sing, this has been wonderful.

Tuning is a Snap With My Cell Phone APP....

When I first began learning to play the guitar, it was necessary to learn how to tune the thing.  In order to tune it properly, I had to learn the names of each of the six strings.  That turned out to be easy, because if one remembers the cute little phrase, "Elephants And Donkeys Grow Big Ears", then you have also memorized the names of the strings, from top (bass) to bottom---E, A, D, G, B and E.

When I first started out, I bought a Panasonic electronic tuner.  This was circa 1971 or thereabouts.  It was about the size of a carton of cigarettes and weighed about 2 pounds.  It was cumbersome.  It cost about $50 at the time, which was a king's ransom in those days.  Today, an electronic tuner can be purchased for between $20 and $90, depending upon what features you desire.  They are about half---or less---the size of a modern cell phone and weigh virtually nothing.

This is My Cell Phone With the Tuning App Running....

When I got my new smart phone a few months back, I was perusing the thousands of applications available.  Astoundingly, I ran across one that I could download to my phone that would tune my guitar---for free!

Needless to say, I did download it and now all I have to do is use my phone to get precise tuning anytime I want.  I love it.

My Acoustic Guitars....What Great Friends!

My Three Guitars Are Each Different and Unique

When I was in college, I started to teach myself to play the guitar.   My room mate had a couple of Martins---one was a 6-string dreadnought and the other was a 4-string tenor guitar.  To make it easy on myself, I began learning on the 4-string.

Strumming My Old Friend, My 1973 Ovation Legend

Later, after I graduated, I scrounged up some money for a used Guild 6-string and I continued trying to learn to play on that.  In 1973, I traded in the Guild model for a new Ovation 6-string.  I still have that guitar today, and I love playing it.

The Distinctive Head of The Ovation Guitar

In fact, the Ovation has been with me on my travels as I worked my job in sales for 40 years or so.  There were a number of years when I would invite customers to wine and cheese get-togethers after working hours.  I would furnish the wines and the cheese and we would get to know each other.  I would also play my guitar and sing for them.  It was a wonderful way for us to become familiar with each other---and it always resulted in increased sales, too.

This Eastern Airlines "Fragile" Sticker Has Been On The Ovation Guitar Case For At Least 30 Years

I bought my Ovation in This Original Case in 1973

About 5 years ago I decided I needed another guitar.  I was being asked to perform for various audiences, and I required a pickup for my amp.  So, I decided on a Takamine 6-string with built-in electronics.  This guitar is a wonderful all-purpose instrument that can be enjoyed in front of a large group with amplification as well as just playing by myself.

My Takamine 6-String

The Head of My 6-String Takamine

The 12-String Guitar Produces a Rich, Full Tone

It Takes A While To String Up And Tune The 12-String Guitar

Then, three years ago I bought a 12-string Takamine.  This instrument has a beautiful, full sound.  It also has electronics on board, and I use it when I want to project a full, vibrant tone to the audience.

You Can Find Me In My "Studio" Most Afternoons Around 5:00

I keep my guitars in my "studio"---a converted bedroom of our home.  Every afternoon around 5:00, I sit down and play and sing.  My mood dictates which instrument I use on a day-to-day basis.

My Humble Studio

Each guitar has a different personality, different sound, different feel, different nuances.  I can almost hear the three guitars yelling at me when I enter the room to play--- "PICK ME!!!  PICK ME!!!

Three of My Best Friends.  Which Shall I Play Today?

I sit down with my chosen instrument and begin playing and singing---either gospel, folk, country or light rock.  I become lost in the therapy that music provides.  I love my guitars, and they love me.  With the exception of Jesus and my wife, there are no better friends.

You're My Best Friend...

I hope you enjoy my rendition of a Don Williams Song.  Have a great weekend, everyone!

For My Wonderful Wife....

This beautiful song is for my wife, Cindy. I started learning the guitar on my own when I was in college many years ago. I went from Folk music to Country to Gospel. Don Williams had a hit with "You're My Best Friend" many years ago. I hope you enjoy it!