Epi what? Epiphone!

For years I have been wanting to learn how to play the acoustic guitar. I have played the piano for over 10 years, but it's not as portable of an instrument. Unless you get a keyboard, which I am vitally opposed too. They just sound horrible! The reaction sucks, and you never get a full playing keyboard! (unless you buy an expensive one) I have been doing my research on cost and which type of brand I would want. I logged onto the Guitar Center's website on Friday and while perusing around the Fender's I saw an ad on the side. They opened a location in the SCV! Right in my own backyard!

Well I knew I had to discuss things with Darin, and my visit would probably have to wait until after the weekend. After a discussion, and convincing Darin that even though it would be an early birthday gift, I needed to go in and pick the style and sound of the guitar I wanted. I couldn't just order online. Granted I found a really pretty Fender, but I knew I needed to go and look. Darin and I decided that we were going to go after work on Monday. I was so excited that I didn't even want to work out. I got ready and as soon as I heard the jingle of his keys in the door I was up like a kid on Christmas morning. I jumped in the car and waited for him to join me. Once we got to the store I was surprised how small it was, and how BUSY! It was packed. I guess I wasn't the only one who was excited to have a location so close. I bee-lined my way back to the acoustic section and just looked around. I found the Fender that I saw online and it was on special....but as I looked at the black finish, that was riddled with fingerprints I decided that maybe the O.C.D. in me couldn't have an all black guitar. I would be constanlty polishing it! As I glanced around the room I saw an Epiphone with a sunburst pattern. Sure it did have some black to be weary of, but the finish and sound was so wonderful. Darin saw my face and knew. He grabbed the guitar and went in search of the stands. I found a stand I liked, as well as a tuner and a beginners book complete with a 4-hour dvd lesson! I refrained from the Glee for beginners book. I went around to look at the picks and found a pack of marbleized ivory ones that were perfect! As we went to ring it all up, the gentleman asked me about a strap. DUH! How could I forget?! I told him yes, but I didn't want anything over the top or girly. I am a purist. I didn't want anything pink, or feathery! I found a nice black strap and threw that on the pile too. Whew! It was a rush to know that I just bought my first guitar! Now to learn how to play.

We got home, and I opened the book and started reading. How to tune, skip that got a tuner; how to string, learn about that later; reading music, already got that! Chords.....ok here we go. And then I got stuck! Haha. It took me a bit to figure out finger placement and to read the different structure of the music but I was able to figure out how to play three chords! Even with my long nails getting in the way.....guess I get to go home and chop those off! I played piano forever with long nails, but its near impossible to play a string instrument with them! So without further adieu....

I can't wait to start playing, and getting good so I can start learning how to play my dad's songs! Send them up to heaven for him to hear!