The Banjo Guru

I think at one point or another, we’ve all thought about learning to play the guitar. But no matter who you are, when you start playing the guitar you’re terrible, and it takes a lot of time, dedication, and practice to get better. When I was about 13, I told my parents I wanted to learn how to play the acoustic guitar, and of course they gave me that sort of parental sideways glance. I knew acoustic guitars weren’t cheap, nor were the lessons, and since I hadn’t played before, there was no guarantee I’d continue. My parents made a deal with me; they said they’d pay for half of the guitar if I paid for the other.

I worked for a whole summer as a part time paperboy, and earned my half of the guitar.  My parents were true to their word, and covered the other half after I had thoroughly examined all of the Johnson guitars the local shop had to offer.  I think that because I worked for it, the guitar was a lot more important to me.  I played it all through junior high and high school, and when I was 18, a few friends of mine formed a band and played together all throughout college. While I’m not a professional musician now, it was a whole lot of fun!