I regret not putting in the time practicing the physical HARD WORK part of playing and relying on theory and sequencing after teenage years learning to play Jon Lord and Greg Rollie solos. Can't come close anymore. No need for it. Got "Lazy" LOL Easier to slow down the sequence then to play the part over and over and over again which is what one has to do to play acceptably live where there are no "do overs".

I really really regret not taking the guitar seriously. I find it the most expressive instrument in the world. Yet I cannot make sense of the fretboard that glues it all together like the 12 tones on a keyboard. I highly respect guitar players. In my performing days I worked with the best. Berkly educated GIT educated Music major Guys who can read and play down a chart in the afternoon rehearsal in any style with great tone the first time with all the dynamics for an evenings show in front of 5000.

That said, I am grateful for the samples we have today and 'Guitar Rig' in Sonar that can make a sine wave sound like Eddie Van Halen playing through a Marashall....(well tonewise anyway)

I am deeply grateful to have experienced performing with pros in every area in theaters,amphitheaters,Stadiums and speedways home and abroad even if not as myself to the audience.....My dirty little secret... I was always myself but the audience did not know it.Then to be able to leave that world on my terms with no regrets rather then shame myself out of it like an overthehill athlete.

I throughly enjoy selling musical gear to young and old with a dream to come or finally quenching a life long thirst to play an instrument

I throughly enjoy watching a non singer get up in front of a crowd in a bar, and for the first time in their lives sing a song publicly.

I am extremely grateful and thankful to have a wife who shares my passion and continues at 44 after 30 plus years of earning her living playing keyboards and now guitar (darn her). A real musician who reads and has played behind hacks like me and the more accomplished in theaters and venues.

I applaud anyone who can demand payment for their musical rendition and or abilities without regard to what I think. They are still less than a fraction of the many who are still seeking that "pinnacle of success". Many of whom deserve it more than I. Especially when I realized there were only 22 spots open worldwide per quarter for lucrative permanent self employment as a tribute performer and I enjoyed a minimum of two of them per year for my sole employment them for 12 years.


[This message has been edited by Kingfrog (edited 12-25-2008).]