What was it that first got you interested in playing the guitar, mandolin or banjo?
Rock and Roll. The Beatles :). My wife likes to challenge me and bought me a banjo many years ago. Then a Mandolin a couple years ago and I love playing it.
About 6 years ago I moved to the Reno, NV area and would attend a bluegrass weekly concert at my dad’s senior living center. I thought if I learn some bluegrass I can improve my guitar picking. I joined the Northern Nevada Bluegrass Association and attend the twice a month jam sessions.
How long have you been playing and what’s your motivation to play?
I took a guitar class when I was in 4th grade. Played on and off over the years. I love learning new things and currently am teaching myself some music theory and that helps me just jam out to a tune using scales and such.
What’s your favorite lesson on Ben’s site and how has it helped you improve?
All of them :). I think my favorite is the one where at the very end he says something like “Time to eat, suckers” just before he turns off the camera. Challenge for everyone to go find it, lol. Currently I love the Wayfaring Stranger for the Mandolin and am working on it.
What’s your goal when playing?
To have fun and enjoy playing.
Are there any other instruments or genres of music that you enjoy playing?
I love to try anything. Classic Rock, folk music, some heavy metal.
Do you have a favorite technique? What is it?
I have found that knowing scales helps with playing and jamming.
If you could play in anyone’s band, who would it be and why?
Billy Strings! He is such an awesome player/picker.
What type of gear or accessories have you found that work best for you?
New Strings, lol. Gotta replace them every so often!
If money was no object, what would be your dream instrument(s)?
Dobro is my next dream instrument to learn so I would get one. I would get a high end Guitar, Mandolin and Banjo.
If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
Keep learning instruments and music theory.
