after being on the website for some time now, having tried some features and looking around a lot, I think it’s time to say “hello” , because this seems to be a really great, friendly and helpful community here.
So, what can I tell about me?
My musical journey started a long time ago on black and white keys. I (born in 1972) learned to play the piano as a kid, but always dreamed of playing the guitar, too. Guitars are just cool, aren’t they?
I had been (and still am) much into rock music and a huge fan of Queen and especially the legendary Sir Brian May.
Always loved the story of his famous “Red Special”, the guitar he made all by himself with the help of his dad out of bits and pieces and has played this homemade guitar for decades until today.
Oh, I dreamed of playing along to his wonderful iconic guitar solos and riffs one day!
So in the early 90s I started with a Stratocaster (but without a teacher) and practised some chords and basics, but never got far. You may know the usual suspects: the lack of time, other distractions, the disgusting F-chord (which is much easier on the piano!), finger pain, …
My faithful Strat spent the following years decorating a corner of my living-room, but wasn’t played much.
After the Queen-gig in Cologne in summer 2022 I finally bought a Red Special from Brian May Guitars and looked for tutorials on YouTube.
There are lots of good and very good teachers, but soon I found the best one - with a tutorial for “Crazy little thing called love”. It had been much too advanced for me, but it was so inspiring and motivating that I watched it over and over again and finally managed to play along to the original song (well, sort of …)
I spent much time on Justin’s YouTube-Channels watching loads of song tutorials and lessons. Being one of these “oldschool-pen-and-paper”-types, I bought all the books and my skills really improved quite fast.
Some time ago I joined the website to follow the well-structured courses and now I’m practising a lot (although I still don’t have time, actually) and having so much fun with my two guitars and all the lessons.
Of course I’m still in Grade 1, but I have a great feeling that my skills get better each day.
So I’m really glad to be here and being a small part of the great guitar community.
Well, that’s enough about me for now, it’s time to practise (lots of strumming on my schedule today).
Thanks for reading my little story - and keep on rockin’!
All the very best and speak to you soon.
Cheers
Gunhild
PS: I don’t have any experience in posting in forums, so it’s a bit of try and error for me. Apologies in advance for any mess I may cause …
But we are all here to learn, aren’t we? Thanks again!
Hi Gunhild, welcome! Lovely introduction you’ve given us there and it’s great to hear of your progress. Fun fact, Brian May guitars are very local to me, as is Brian’s house, I’ve not yet seen him in my local supermarket yet though
Glad you found and joined this great community! Wish you loads of fun learning the guitar! I also started with piano back in the days, so we share some parts of our musical journey.
Welcome from the USA Gunhild! Your story is very recognizable to me except I started my musical story with a trumpet in band at school! Been trying to learn guitar off & on (mostly off) for decades now… good to see you picking up your strat again & that Brian May “Red Special”! It looks like a fun one to play!
Gunhild, welcome to the community. You have some good guitars to inspire you, especially that Brian May “Red Special”. Keep on practicing and you will eventually reach your goals.
Hey Gunhild, welcome to the community. Nice to meet you. I come from a German family. Apparently I was conceived in Germany. I have no memory of that so I can only assume it’s true.
Hi Gunhild and welcome to the community! Queen are awesome! Love your dedication to them and especially Brian May! Was always fascinated by the story behind his guitar and that someone so iconic and influential continued to use it throughout his career. Looking forward to hearing/seeing yours in action if you choose to share anything with us down the track
All the best!
Hi Gunhild, welcome to the community. I enjoyed reading your story and guitar history. Nice picture of your stable, love the Brian May, looks amazing and hopefully sounds as good as it looks.
Nice, that you decided to join the community, you won’t regret, it’s a friendly and inspiring place. Have a good time here!
Greetings from another German, located in the very south of Germany!
Hi Gunhild,
Welcome and I wish you a lot of fun
And more amps than guitars??? …I would turn that around…and not by selling amps of course
Greetings,Rogier
Hello edwardc
Thanks a lot for your kind words - and my very first reply in this forum.
I have a good feeling that I’ve come to the right place here.
Have lots of fun with your guitar!
Cheers
Hello JokuMuu
Thanks a lot for your kind message and the warm welcome.
Yes, the Red Special is a beautiful guitar, now I’m working on playing some beautiful songs on it
Have lots of fun with your guitar, too!
Cheers
Hello Notter
Thanks a lot for your kind words and the warm welcome.
What a great fun fact that Brian May is so local to you. You are very lucky to live in such an exciting neighbourhood! Please say hello to him for me and tell him that he’s the best, if you ever happen to meet him in a supermarket
Have fun with your guitar, too
Cheers
Hello Lisa
Thanks a lot for your kind message and the warm welcome.
I have a good feeling that I’ve come to the right place here - with so many international members and even some guitar friends from Germany
Have lots of fun with your guitar (and your piano), too!
Cheers
Welcome, Gunhild! Glad to have you here with us. Here is wishing you well on your guitar journey. I remember what my dad said to me when I first told him I wanted to play drums; Hey, kid!, a guitar is easier to carry around and play songs for the girls! I could not argue that, but I think he was trying to tell me something else…
@CATMAN62
Hello Tod
Thanks a lot for your kind welcome message. Playing the trumpet in a school band must have been really cool. And a good training for playing in front of people.
Yes, the Red Special is fun to play - but if you ask my neighbours: not fun to listen to (at least when I’m playing it)
But of course this is the reason why I’m here.
Have lots of fun with your guitar (and your trumpet)
