Yeah, 'cause we already have enough SQUARES.

chas

You are only as cool as the friends you hang out with.

And I'm awesome.

You're welcome.


Ian

Thank you for the kind words, Russ...especially cool coming from an accomplished guitarist like yourself.

I love jazz guitar and listened to a lot of Wes Montgomery and Joe Pass, but also enjoyed the more recent John McLaughlin, Pat Metheny, Al Di Meola.

As far as using styles exclusively...nope...I just consider them one of the tools of the trade, although I try to make the most of them when they suit the occasion.

Gratefully,

Ian

Ian, do you play guitar – If you do at what level?

John C.

John, I used to play/practice quite a lot as a kid and teenager, until a hand injury (left hand, pinky finger), received in an altercation with another chap with a rather large knife, severely reduced my ability to play barre chords, and I focused solely on keyboard from then on. I was about 17 years old when it happened. That's why I can relate so well to our Captain Russ's injury. Up till that point, I was doing quite well, and was using an old second hand Fender nameless Esquire (actually called a "Nocaster") which I (now regretfully) sold to a collector in Newfoundland.

I know in my head, what a guitar is supposed to sound like (if that makes any sense), and I try and transfer the feel and phrasing to the keys...sometimes I'm more successful than others.

The Tyros4's SA guitars are beautifully expressive, especially the SA Jazz Clean, and I often use this sound for country tunes (with some modifications to effects etc.)...that's probably the influence of the great Jazz guitar players I listen to, but also because I'm a Country fan as well, and Chet Atkins is/was one of my heroes.

One of the guys I jam with is a very accomplished Country player (uses a Tele and Strat), and we often talk about how to set up effects and such, and again, I try to transfer these suggestions to my guitar sounds...it really helps getting advice from an actual player.

So (FINALLY!), as far as my actual guitar playing level? Probably a little better than a decent beginner, although I know where the notes are on the neck, but my perception and transfer to the keyboard, seems highly influenced by the master guitar players I listen to with a lot of interest and respect.

How about you John? I see your avatar has you holding a guitar...is that your primary instrument, with keyboard as secondary?

Ian

All I can say is I made a great living for many years playing solo piano. But right now I'm having the time of my life playing arranger keyboard. I love having the whole band right
at my fingertips. And if you are a good player you can be very creative with the tools you have.