Just got home from a 4-day trip to OH for a family reunion, and had 2 really good experiences.
Saturday at the reunion proper (it was at my brother's house; I left my guitar at my parents' place), my niece told her 6-y-o son Go get your guitar & show Uncle Peter! Kid pulls out a half-size First Act acoustic with 4 strings & 5 tuners - just as proud as if it were a '30s Martin. After his mom explains to me that he just got it at a garage sale, and to him that I play for real (some - including I - might argue that point), and I explain where mine is, he says, That's OK - you can go get your guitar. Whatta ya gonna do after that? I went. When I got back he said C'mon, lets practice! and pulls me off to the side. So I played the chords to Jonathon Edwards's Shanty while he lays his across his like a Dobro, whangs away (right hand only) and makes up a love song to his Grammy. OK, he says, c'mon and we go play it for my sister-in-law. Most fun I've ever had jamming with anyone! A little later, I handed him a pick & helped him strum mine while I fretted; the look on his face was priceless. I told his dad if wanted to make it work, he could get tuners from Stew-Mac for $12. Sunday morning the first thing out of his mouth was Did you get the parts to fix my guitar yet, Dad? I've corrupted another one!
Second good time: Sunday night SWMBO & I went to Columbus went with my new bandmate's parents to see Junior Brown - stood about 10 feet from Juniors fingers.
that. boy. can. pick.
Peter
