I like challenging myself, and I like learning new things.

For example, yesterday I did the thing with my friends where you try to list as many US states as you can in 10 minutes. Overall, I won - I managed to get 47. Last time I did this was in school and I think I got maybe 30. So clearly I’m learning. For those interested, I forgot Indiana, Kentucky and Wisconsin.

So in the spirit of testing myself, I have went back to school as it were on Gerry, my trusty acoustic guitar which I brought with me from home. It’s almost full circle for Gerry - I brought him to San Francisco from Broughshane, and I bought it used in Londonderry, and the guy I bought it from got it in Canada, where Seagulls are made.

In the coming months I will be equipping myself with the simply outstanding Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier (really, the Triple is simply too rocktastically loud for the size of ‘arenas’ we play) and so this Holy Grail of amps deserves only the finest music to be played through it. Thus, I have embarked on a series of learning, teaching myself classic rock guitar solos.

I’ve set the bar quite high and have made a start on what is considered one of rock n roll’s greatest guitar solos of all time - Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin. So far, I’ve managed to get the first few bars down, including that tricky little run just after the first note. It’s good practice for me because along the way I hope to improve my sloppy technique and tighten up my playing for when I get back to Ireland and begin playing with the band again.

Here’s a short list of what will be on my learning agenda for the next while:

• Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppelin
• More than a Feeling - Boston
• Crazy Train - Ozzy Osbourne
• Sweet Child O Mine - Guns n’ Roses
• Eruption - Van Halen

Yes, I realise the last one is a tad ambitious, but really I only hope to be able to play the famous arpeggio section to Eruption. Thus far, I’ve got Hotel California more or less correct, which is one of my favourite solos.

Maybe I should teach guitar for extra cash. Hmm…

Name (required)

Mail (will not be published) (required)

Website