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Guitar Hero

Last week, I changed my New Year’s resolution. I originally wanted to start crocheting so I could make hats like this, but I just couldn’t get myself super excited at the prospect. (Maybe because I can BUY them with one lazy click of my mouse!) (Wait, I don’t have a mouse. Whatever, look at how cute Wito looks!)

I still wanted to do something with my hands, in order to help pull me away from my computer. (Internet BAD, Music GOOD!) So, I decided to learn to play the guitar.

Now, I’m not a total stranger to musical instruments, as I kicked SOME TRI-STATE ASS with my clarinet as a young lady.

clar_wh.jpg

Jealous much? 9 years old under the influence of something. (Most likely, Benny Goodman.)

I also started flute lessons in my late twenties, and let me tell you, there is nothing more humbling than showing up in your $500 J. Crew suit after selling a trillion dollars worth of pharmaceuticals that day, only to be sandwiched in between two eight-year-olds with braces. (Keep rocking the flute, Brittany and Jessica! Drugs BAD, Music GOOD!)

However, I have absolutely NO experience with string instruments. But I’m ready! Bring on the blistered fingers and utter frustration!

(I am hoping that having an extremely gifted guitarist as a father might give me an edge. GENES, DON’T FAIL ME NOW.)

To put it simply, I love music. My family loves music, and Wito LOVES music. In fact, he experienced his first jam with my father over the holidays.


Jam from whoorl on Vimeo.

The kid has an affinity for Hammond organs, no?

After much discussion and searching with my father (who will now be called GURU Stu Tu), my first guitar arrived today.

gtarcor.jpg

Isn’t he handsome?

So, I’m asking the internet a favor. Check in on my progress once in awhile. Keep me in line. Hold me accountable. And especially, expect a nothing short of a fabulous recital next December when I participate in Neil’s 3rd Annual Christmahanukwanzaakah Online Holiday Concert. I guess I better start practicing.

WAIT! What should I name him? (He was made in Spain, maybe something Spanish?) Oh help me, wise friends.

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64 comments
  1. Muse

    January 23, 2008 at 11:14 am

    Yay for learning the guitar! I’ve been trying to teach myself for the past 5ish years – don’t let that crush your dreams. I have zero musical experience (other than loving music and being able to recognize a song within the first 3 seconds) and my family is not musically inclined either. Oh and I seriously lack in the discipline department.

    All that to say – best of luck :)

  2. Miguelina

    January 23, 2008 at 11:42 am

    Congratulations on your guitar!

    I vote for Paco. When I lived in Spain every flamenco Guitar player was named Paco.

  3. Stacy

    January 23, 2008 at 11:14 am

    Your guitar sooooo looks like a Ramòn! ;)

  4. sizzle

    January 23, 2008 at 11:28 am

    since i am hooked on rodrigo y gabriela’s music right now (listen to it! it’s inspiring to a budding musician) i vote for naming your guitar “rodrigo.”

    i love how you’re playing your flute outside while posing for a picture with your friend just standing next to you. classic.

  5. Heather B.

    January 23, 2008 at 11:32 am

    1) Next time you come to OKC bring that baby with you

    2) Next time *I* go tot OKC I might bypass Susan’s and hang out with your dad

    but shh…don’t tell her. ;-)

  6. Heather

    January 23, 2008 at 11:32 am

    I vote for “Jefe,” Spanish for boss. It was the nickname of my college roommate’s boyfriend, and I’ve always loved it.

  7. Brad

    January 23, 2008 at 11:36 am

    Very cool. I picked up the guitar a few years ago and love, love, love it. Good luck in your lessons.

    Wow, went with a cheap one, huh? ;) Ha, well I think maybe an expensive sounding name might be good, like Fabio or Manuel.

  8. whoorl

    January 23, 2008 at 11:37 am

    DUDES, I love the names already. I think I’m going to have to do a Top 5 poll tomorrow.

  9. metalia

    January 23, 2008 at 11:38 am

    I vote for Alejandro! It’s fun to say. And I think J. Crew still carries that belt you’re wearing in your little kid picture. :)

    (Also? I thought this post was actually going to BE about Guitar Hero, and then I was going to share with you an interesting tidbit l recently learned about Gossip Girl. Namely, the scene in the episode where Serena totally kicks ass at Guitar Hero was built into the show specifically because she’s amazing at it in real life. But that’s NOT what the post is about, so I won’t scare you with my crazy Gossip Girl trivia. Because that would just be weird.)

  10. Filtering Life

    January 23, 2008 at 12:43 pm

    I too got excited that you were actually talking about THEE Guitar Hero. I personally hate video games, but when I got my fingers on those sweet colored squares and started clicking away…I had dreams of thrashing on stage. I recommend you give it a spin to get you psyched for the real thing.

    I have two suggestions. The question is…what kind of music are you looking to play? Sexy sexy guitar playing….then I say go with Esteban. When you say it, you can make it all breathy and hot. If you plan on being the next Rosie Thomas folk artist…then I would go with Arturo. I’m just sayin. The name has to fit the style of music you plan on rocking.

  11. bethany actually

    January 23, 2008 at 11:44 am

    Good luck! I will be cheering you on. I have always wanted to play the guitar, but never got further than fellow camp counselors showing me a couple of chords.

  12. punchlinewalking

    January 23, 2008 at 11:45 am

    He is beautiful…I’m leaning towards Ramon, too. I just bought my husband a new guitar and he’s letting me do the naming honors. I haven’t come up with anything yet…so much pressure!

  13. Amanda

    January 23, 2008 at 12:05 pm

    Ok. I am loving the name Rodrigo! haha! Definitely Rodrigo.

    The jam session is so dang cute. Oh and I love your belt… I swear I had the exact same one.

  14. Spandrel Studios

    January 23, 2008 at 12:06 pm

    That guitar is just beautiful! I second the vote for Alejandro. Apparently, Alejandro means “defends mankind” so it’s like your guitar is a Superhero!

    Having played both flute and guitar for many years, I can attest that guitar’s much easier to pick up. You’re gonna have so much fun!

  15. bishOp stu tu

    January 23, 2008 at 12:32 pm

    whOOrl gOOrl…

    Itsa’ GAS!!! pickin and a grinnin.

    my nom nomination….DJANGO….the ULTIMATE guitar herO.

    (snip)

    At the age of 18 Reinhardt was injured in a fire that ravaged the caravan he shared with Bella, his first wife. They were very poor, and to supplement their income Bella made imitation flowers out of celluloid and paper. Consequently, their home was full of this highly flammable material. Returning from a performance late one night, Django apparently knocked over a candle on his way to bed. While his family and neighbors were quick to pull him to safety, he received first- and second-degree burns over half his body. His right leg was paralyzed and the fourth and fifth fingers of his left hand were badly burnt. Doctors believed that he would never play guitar again and intended to amputate the leg. Reinhardt refused to have the surgery and left the hospital after a short time; he was able to walk within a year with the aid of a cane.

    His brother Joseph Reinhardt, an accomplished guitarist himself, bought Django a new guitar. With painful rehabilitation and practice Django relearned his craft in a completely new way, even as his third and fourth fingers remained partially paralyzed. Hence, he used to play solos with only two fingers, and managed to use the two injured ones for some chords.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Django_Reinhardt#Discography

    (snip)

    give me an E….yo dad