My Musical Journey: The First Song and Favorite Guitar

As I reflect on my early days learning the guitar, the first song that comes to mind is an old folk song, 'What Was the First Song You Learned to Play on Guitar and What Does Your Favorite Guitar Look Like'. This early journey through music has been both challenging and rewarding, shaping my appreciation for guitars and their role in my life.

The First Song I Learned: 'M.T.A.'

The first tune I mastered was 'M.T.A.', an old folk song that gained its popularity in the mid-1960s by the Kingston Trio. I played it with a simple one-note G major chord and a one-note C major chord. This song also introduces a D7 chord, which was quite challenging for my ten-year-old fingers. Notably, I probably just played the F# note on the high E string instead of the full chord. It was much slower and sounded more like a simple up and down strum. This intro to folk music provided a foundation that I could easily understand and practice.

In those early days of learning, I didn't have a favorite guitar. Instead, I had a Sigma by Martin, which although requiring attention, wasn't a top-tier model. The guitar's condition has been deteriorating due to the delay in maintenance caused by the pandemic. However, my frustration with the current state of my guitar might be more about the delays in work, rather than the instrument itself.

Remembering Older Songs

There are a few older songs I can still fondly recall from my early days. 'Have You Ever Seen the Rain' by Creedence Clearwater Revival and 'Knockin’ On Heaven's Door' by the Guns N' Roses version. Both of these songs held special meaning for me, serving as a bridge between classical and rock music.

Favorite Guitar: The Takamine Jasmine

One of the most significant guitars I remember is my first guitar. It was a Takamine Jasmine, made of Koa wood, and purchased in 1999. This guitar has been my best friend for over 20 years, enduring a lot of playing and minimal maintenance. Apart from needing to get re-fretted, the guitar holds up quite well, despite being compared to more expensive guitars I've tried. The craftsmanship of this guitar is impressive, ensuring it feels like a fine investment.

While playing my Takamine, I overwhelmingly recall its appealing appearance: the warm, natural wood grain, and the delicate shapes. It was a genuine pleasure to play, and after bidding on a 2000 USD Martin guitar, the Takamine still proves to be an exceptional choice. It is a testament to the quality and durability of the instrument.

Homemade Start and Formative Years

My journey with the guitar began when I was just a child, around 12 years old. My learning was driven by a homemade beginning: playing the single-note, single-string melody of 'Wipe Out' in 1967. Having played violin earlier, the transition to a single-note melody on the guitar was a bit easier. Before I could play with chords, I'd attempt songs like 'House of the Rising Sun' or a primitive version of 'Satisfaction'. It was a gradual process, much like picking up a new instrument, but the experience is what molded my understanding of music.

Favorite Guitar: The Stratocaster and Fender Mustang

During my mid-teens, I learned the tune 'Tom Dooley' on my cousin's early 1960's red Stratocaster. This was a pivotal moment, and after that, I decided I wanted to take guitar lessons. My father bought me a used 1958 Gretsch New Yorker archtop acoustic, which still remains an artifact from my childhood. This guitar, however, is not my most cherished possession. Instead, it is my Takamine that I hold close.

Nonetheless, my favorite guitar is perhaps a 2000 USA Stratocaster with stock pickups. This guitar represents a twang-rich and classic sound that has long been my preference. Romantic nostalgia aside, my most sentimental guitar is a 1972 Fender Mustang. I purchased it in 1973 for my ex-wife, adding a tale of love and loss to the instrument's history. Despite me no longer being married to her, I still own the guitar, a cherished reminder of the past.

Contemporary Favorite: A Transparent Strat

Even as I venture into more contemporary times, one guitar still resonates in my heart: a crimson transparent '98 American Deluxe Strat. Similar in appearance to my first guitar, it echoes a sense of continuity and connection to the past. This guitar’s natural beauty and timeless design make it a standout in my collection, a symbol of enduring craftsmanship and a love for lesser-known instruments that captivate me.

Conclusion

The journey from learning the first song to forming a favorite guitar has been a part of my life's early chapters. While I have played various guitars, each instrument has left a lasting impression. From my early experiments with simple chords to the sophisticated classical guitars, and the enduring favorites like the Takamine and the Mustang, guitars have been an integral part of my musical journey. Each step of the way has not just taught me to play, but also to appreciate and value the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into every guitar.