Tuesday, January 01, 2008

Look What I Found Under The Tree



Not sure if I was naughty or nice, but Santa Claus brought me a twangy guitar for Christmas. I have no idea how to play it, but I'm absolutely chuffed to bits.

So, armed with nowt but Mark Perry's classic advice on how to figure it all out, I'm going to turn myself into a garage rock hero. But any tips on teaching old dogs new tricks gratefully accepted.

The Adverts - One Chord Wonders (buy here or e-here)
Radiohead - Anyone Can Play Guitar (buy here)

14 comments:

Mentok said...

You call that a tree? Crikey, man, you live in British Columbia! You know, as in "BC Fir" and "I'm a lumberjack and I'm OK" and all that.

That's like some kinda Toronto tree. Man!

On a slightly more serious note, permit me to say I'm proud of you taking up a real guitar instead of joining the stampede to Guitar Hero.

I've got this slacker nephew who is a total video game addict. On Crimbo day, during the family visit, he was holed up in his room, very anti-socially, maniacally plucking away at Guitar Hero III. In the corner, collecting dust, was a real and quite expensive electric guitar, the ghost of some Christmas past, no doubt.

"Hey, nephew," I said. "Know what would be more fun than virtual, fake guitar? Playing a real guitar!"

He didn't accept my premise, unfortunately.

Good luck with the guitar. I have no musical ability myself, so I'm quite in awe that someone of your advanced years would take up a new instrument. Inspiring!

mjrc said...

someone of your advanced years! oh that mentok, he's a funny guy.

i say rock on, dude! you can do it! i predict pretty soon we'll be watching videos of you covering tranzmitors songs on youtube . . . i can't wait!

Anonymous said...

Might I recommend a small amp and big headphones?

Poor Gina dog!

T&F

Unknown said...

I got a guitar for Christmas too and I have no idea how to play it either.

ally. said...

i'll scan some of my clash songbooks if you like - try and track down that play guitar with billy bragg thing i remember being ace. hope yer fingers don't get too sore
x

Girl said...

Now that's a gift!

I second the headphones suggestion. You might want to add earmuffs for everyone else too. ;)

Anonymous said...

I must agree with Mentok, that is a sad tree... but what a cool guitar.

you should get a wah-wah pedal before you learn how to play just for kicks.

Anonymous said...

If we all lived in the same country we could for a contrast band !!! Ace present fil...you lucky man....my little brother stole all my instruments...i must get them back...maybe we could have a guitar duel, ha !!!

Campfires and Battlefields said...

Look at that axe! Perhaps you might invest in a Flying V? You can get 'em with flame decals and a free pair of spandex tights (bulge sold separately). Just listen to the sustain...

Anonymous said...

I think perhaps FiL you got a guitar because we've been bad, rather than anything you've done.

Oh and, erm... airports.

Unknown said...

It's a very nice colour.

I.m sure it won't be too long before it is utilised on a Contrast Podcast intro..

Dirk said...

Hmmm ... perhaps you should have attached Billy Bragg's 'This Guitar Says Sorry (For The Tree)' as well ....

Enoy your present, mate!

Dirk

Ad said...

Re the Good Missionary fellers guitar advice.

Don't bother with G. It's over rated.

FiL said...

Ah, I am sooooo delinquent. And y'all are too good to me...

Dearest Lyle, the camera deceives; the tree was actually more than a story tall. And thanks fr the encouragement. I have nomusical talent, but I figure that never stopped Sid Vicious ;)

Dearest Marcy, your faith is touching!

Dearest T, you're funny...

Hi JP! Thanks for stopping by. Good luck with your strumming!!

Dearest Ally, I may well take you up on your kind offer! And thank you for reminding me about the BB songbook - I think I have it kicking around somewhere.

Dearest JaG: maybe earmuffs for the dog?

Dearest Juan: I assure you, it was quite the fine tree!!

Dearest Ross, I think you'd slay me dead in any duel. ButI like the idea of a CP band...

Dearest C&B: Does the sustain have anything to do with the bulge?

Dearest Toad: Ooh, you said airport... *thrubthrubthrub*

Dearest JC: Now there's an idea!

Dearest Dirk: Sigh! Memo to self - get more photogenic tree next Xmas...

Hi LEB! OK, so ditch the G - got it. Thanks for the advice! BTW, I once worked with someone who was a rabid Brentford supporter. And I thought punk was for life?? ;)