Introduction

So, been around since just before Christmas, and I guess it's past time I introduced myself.

I'm Iain, and music has been in my life for a long time. Growing up I played cello in a couple of youth orchestras. As a young adult I learned a little bit of guitar and played rhythm in a university rock band. To be brutally honest though - whilst I loved playing, and most particularly paying with others - as a youngster I never really had the discipline to take it very far.

And then life intervened: careers and families.

Now I'm a bit older and the kids are less dependent (as at 23 + 15 they should!) I'm finding I've a little bit more time available. I'm also finding a strong desire to have creative things in my life to counterbalance work (IT in banking, ‘nuff said). Over the past few years I’ve become a keen photographer, and even have my few first paying gigs coming up this year – that could turn into a second career, or perhaps just an extra income in 20 years when I retire.

Meanwhile, the guitar that’s been hiding under my bed for 25 years kept calling me.

Now, one of the things I’ve discovered long the way is that I can get pretty good at just about anything I turn my hand to – so long as I put the hard yards in. And just before Christmas decided that my guitar’s time had come. A brief search brought me to GuitarTricks.

Goals

1. Improvisation. Previously, played rhythm only. I’ve no desire to be a high-speed shredder, but want to get to the point where I can hear a chord progression and confidently improvise an articulate, expressive solo. I have no idea how long this will take, but I’m beginning to form some view as to how to get there (scales/get to know the neck, licks and solos that have gone before, enough theory to understand what goes together well and when, practice, practice, practice).

2. Song writing. I’ve done a little before and loved it. Lyrically, I was always very happy with my work. But with a musical language that extended to about 7 open + power + barre chords AND NAFF ALL theory I often became frustrated that I often couldn’t get the music out of my head and into the real world. I’m thinking this will come...but a bit of theory won’t hurt. This goal feels a little vague, but for the time being it’s a direction rather than a destination. I’m fine with that.

Gear

My baby: extremely battered ‘69 Strat bought for not much in the nineties. Recently brought back to a playable state by a local chap who cares for a certain red ’59 that happened to be the very first Strat in the UK – so I guess he know’s his trade! Was amazed to discover that not only are modern copies of this guitar made, but people pay to have them scuffed up!

Gibson LP Faded T: ex demo and something of a steal. Was meant to be a stop gap whilst the Strat was resurrected but I've come to really like it.

So which am I? Strat or Les Paul? Impossible to decide. I love the aesthetics of both, find the Paul easier to play (neck and scale length) but far less comfortable (middle aged guy, belly, no contours!), I favour the Paul’s bridge tone but the Strat’s neck tone. Perhaps my ideal would be a HSS contoured Paul, but sadly there’s no such thing.

As to amps, going with modelling for now. Need to sell the old '90s valve amp - just not practical in the family home.

Anyway, I’m rambling so will be off. See you around...