I left the farm I grew up on, and the trumpet that I played really well, and hitchhiked into the early 80’s, all over the country for two years, without a roof over my head. It was obvious that I missed my trumpet, but I knew it was too noisy. So I got a guitar. That was bad for hitchhiking, so I got a school bus, and an old Harley, and built a shop in the back for it. Then a bed for me. And proceeded to play a childish version of Skynard’s Free Bird for about 3 years.
I stayed on the road for 7 years, and picked up a few more licks on the way, before moving to Alaska where I homesteaded, fished, & became a guitar-packing marine engineer. Really though, just add a couple of simple Neil Young songs, and couple of G. Dead ones, not so much. Then I married, moved Florida, and went back to school to see what I’d missed there.
Not so much! Wish I’d studied guitar instead! I was naturally decent at math, and dumbfounded at all of the students cashing in their dreams over a challenging class or two, so started helping, and continued helping, and one day found the prefix Professor on my office door. No time for guitar at all, to speak of.
Now I’ve come full circle. I retired 3 years ago, started farming again, and started playing with the guitar more seriously, and discovered Justin a bit over a year ago. I’ve really enjoyed the app, but am hard to pin down, and constantly busy, so am only early in Grade 3, except for a few Grade 4 Blues tunes I caught wind of and had to learn, ‘cause they were cool! I have a hard time staying in line, but do intend to complete Justin’s material, Lord willin’.
I don’t like introducing myself, but there, I’ve done it. I know it bothered a couple of folks, so it’s over now, and I don’t suppose it hurt too much.
I really do love playing the guitar, just for me, and maybe my wife. She’s learning banjo, and that’s fun. We have fun!! And I hope you all find time for that, every day!
Welcome to the community Dan! It sounds like you’ve had a few adventures in life. Hope you get a bit more time with your guitar.
Welcome to the forum Dan
Guitar and banjo in one family! Cue the singing of Wagon Wheel. what more could one ask for? Perhaps a cousin on the accordion?
Welcome to the community
Thats a fantastic introduction Dan, glad you are on board. I loved your story.
I hope to see you around here.
Hi Dan,
Welcome here and I wish you a lot of fun 
Greetings,Rogier
I would have loved to do that Dan anyway welcome and just have fun Cheers Hec
welcome
your life is a bit like forest gump , minus the chocolates 
Thanks all!
Hello Dan & Welcome!
Love your intro!
Have Fun!!!
Tod from New Mexico
Welcome, Dan. That’s an interesting life you’ve led. Glad you joined us.
Hi Dan, welcome to the community forum.
Welcome Dan. What a great life story made even better by you and your wife sharing the love of music and having fun. Having fun every day is a wonderful wish for everybody.
Hello Dan - what an intro and potted life story!
Welcome to JustinGuitar and this fantastic community. Please take your time to look around and get to know the wider space. View by Categories.
We are a supportive and encouraging group of students and guitarists from across the world. Essentially, we are all here for music and to improve as players. We truly are a ‘community’. Members help and support one another and a friendly, positive attitude underpins this. We hope that all - young or old, experienced or new players - adopt and foster the pay-it-forward ethos that Justin personifies and embedded all those years ago when he started the website and forum.
Also, please make sure to read the Community Etiquette announcement for some important information and guidance.
If you want to record yourself to show your progress and / or seek feedback there is our ever popular Community Recordings section.
Behind the scenes there is a small and dedicated team who work to make the JustinGuitar experience as good as it can be. Check out the Onboarding sessions provided by Fanny. Justin also has a small group of Approved Teachers he recommends for people wanting 1-to-1 lessons to supplement his courses.
That is plenty to be going on with. It is a vast community space so if you need help as you find your way around just ask.
Cheers. Richard
| Approved Teacher, Official Guide & Community Moderator |
