I thought long and hard about writing this as I don’t want to sound full of myself, in fact the opposite is true - I am very humbled by you all.
I just hit a milestone in my playing, but I’ll leave that for a while as I don’t really want this to be about me.
The point of this email is to thank everyone in this community who has helped me with my crazy journey. The community teachers, the volunteers who run the open mics events and moderate this space, everyone who has watched one of my videos or OM appearances and found something nice to say (even when the performances weren’t great!), everyone who has offered advice, friendship and support. We aren’t all going to get on with everyone all the time, but this community is one of the most supportive guitar sites I have ever found, there are some amazing players and people with incredible experience willing to help and guide others. However, it’s also full of people who may not be so far along in their journey but still support and encourage - and that is just as important. It’s a cliche, but we are all on this same journey and it’s a privilege to be on it with you.
I’ve been playing guitar for a long time, well over 45 years. When I was at school I played in front of people a few times but after that, pretty much nothing. About 30 months ago I decided to do one of the community open mics. I did quite a few of those, then found some real life ones. That led to a jamming group (I am now involved with 3 different jamming groups and help run one of those). That led to joining a local band, playing a bunch of gigs and even playing a music festival a few weeks ago.
The milestone trigger for this email was playing my first paid gig as a duo at a pub last night. Paid for 2x45 minute sets, but we played for 3 hours as we were having too much fun. However, it all started here, with you. So thank you!
You get as much out of the community as you give to others. You have been a very positive member of this community since you joined sharing your knowledge along the way. Good to see you’ve come out of retirement
IMO you’re a valuable member here Paul, with much to offer others like myself who are at an earlier stage in their journey.
Your achievment is definately well worth posting and celebrating and in itself offers a beacon of hope that someday whether we choose to use it or not, some of us may be in your position, competent enough to do what you are now doing.
This was such a nice post a read and I am so glad for you, Paul!
Would have loved to be in this pub and see your gig!
From my (tiny) part, thank you back for all your posts, help and encouragement, you’ve given this community so much!
Great write up, Paul. The WWW needs more posts like this and people like you. I think I can only quote James here, as that’s exactly my thoughts too:
100 % true. You are one of those among others that want to be helpful as much as they can, being supportive and truly “paying it forward”. We are glad to have you.
I would have loved to join you along with Dom! What a great milestone to achieve. Congrats, Paul!
That’s really a great milestone and I’m very happy for you!
And I’m also very grateful to have here you and people like you who love this Community, care and commit to make it the wonderful place it is…each one of us in his/her unique way! No matter how accomplished on the instrument we are or not, how many chords or songs we can play…we all have something different to give…
… and you’re giving a lot! A big THANKS to you Paul.
Thanks James, although gigging for a living is a young person’s game - hard work, late nights, packing cars at midnight isn’t much fun.
Thanks Toby, although I’m sure I have received more than I have given. My thanks to you for all the work you put in over the years to shape this place and especially the work for the OMs - they are such a blessing.
Well, it’s certainly addictive
I appreciate that Craig - This place offers the baby steps to get to where you want to go. From airing a recorded performance to the OMs which were a huge catalyst for me.
It’s the best Jason!
Thanks Dom. We will be back, the manager was very keen after the gig. You yourself have been so encouraging to others and it has been great to see you play at the OMs. They are such a great opportunity.
Thanks Lisa - blushing now, but you are very kind.
Thanks Boris - you and I are on a similar journey and not a million miles apart - perhaps we’ll share a stage some day!
Thanks Silvia, but the thanks should go to you and your fellow volunteers who keep this place going and make it such a wonderful place to hang out.
Paul, what a wonderful moment.
I am thrilled for you and know that over some time you have paid enough dues - in time and effort and work and practice and playing. You totally deserve all good fortune and good luck and whatever else grows organically from this milestone moment. A paid gig as a duo - BRAVO! Just fantastic.
RE: the Community … you’re woven into the fabric my friend, plus you’ve given much entertainment at our Open Mics too.
I’m so happy for you.
Hi Paul, it’s great to read about a "real "gig…
It was the only logical path…
because your videos are consistently excellent in terms of music and humor, that is making them highly entertaining …so the step towards a live, paid stage had to be taken.
First of all … Congrats on your first paid gig
That really is a great milestone and I’m happy for you that you had so much fun.
And I liked your comment about this great community a lot.
I’m still a beginner and faaaaar behind your level of playing, but I completely understand and share your thoughts about the thankfulness and the chance to be a part of this awesome community here.
And I’ll extend my gratitude to you, who frequently contributes so much to the forum
Wow! What an amazing and heartwarming update Paul!
Thank you for sharing this and thank you for helping to make this community what it is. And it really is a friendly, supportive and wonderful place to hang out
Congrats on your first paid gig and your achievements I’m very happy for you Sounds like you had a lot of fun
DUDE!!! So happy for you! That’s awesome. Proud of the effort you have put in here - you’re a hard-working dude and super happy to see you doing it for real!
I did a gig last weekend for daughters school - a couple of 45 min acoustic sets - and been years, maybe a decade since I’d done something like it - and really enjoyed it and will go out and get myself some more shows, just for the fun of it.
This community is super special and I’m humbled by the consideration and support y’all give each other here!
You are very kind Richard - I think the OMs organised here are such a wonderful thing, a terrific entry to the world of playing in public. Thanks so much for all the work you put into those … and the rest!
Thanks Rogier - this place has been instrumental, I couldn’t imagine doing any of this without you guys!
It’s all relative my friend! That’s the wonderful thing about this place, however good you are there are always people who have gone before you and are a bit further along. I have got so much advice and support from those who make me feel like a beginner.
Thanks Jasmine - yes too much fun!!
Cheers Justin! Yeah, this is a real special place
Thanks Pamela - I feel incredibly thankful to be a part of this community. It has given me so much!
Others have already said everything there is to say, so I’ll just wish you a warm welcome to the club of professional musicians Paul!
Coming up next, Paul on tour ! It is not so unlikely as you might think. Jason (Rossco01) pretty much disappeared since his band started to get some gigs and you two are probably in the same age range. And there are more similarities. Both of you are/were incredibly important parts of this community. Keep us posted!
