Wonder if Joe'll See This

Nice to be here, finally. My name is Nick. I'm 17, have been playing guitar for a bit now and love it.

My first inspiration was Paul Gilbert. I had never seen a metal guitarist so versatile and technically talented before. Instead of making me want to put the guitar down and give up(because people usually think they'll never get to that level), he inspired me to work very hard with the instrument.

Not long after, my father who used to be a business manager mentioned Joe Bonamassa. Apparently Joe had opened for Peter Frampton one time or another and my dad had seen him that way. My father was at Frampton's show because Peter used to be one of his clients.

Anyways, after experiencing rebellious kid syndrome, I didn't want to check out Joe 'cause I thought he'd be some mellow guitarist that was nothing special. Boy was I wrong!

Luckily I had gotten into the blues beforehand and Joe just added fuel to the fire. He is currently my main inspiration. I find it funny that so many people compare him to Eric Johnson, though. There are certain tones and licks that use the same mode and are clearly inspired or similar, but Joe is much bluesier(as well as rock-based, I suppose perhaps from his days in Bloodline maybe). I hear clear differences and could pick out Joe's playing from a mile away.

Joe said something along the lines of him wanting to have his own style that's clear and doesn't sound like a mix of other guitarists. In my opinion he has succeeded.

Anyways, I'm joining this forum in an effort to meet some new people with good taste in music, maybe get a couple chances to talk to my guitar inspiration, and show my appreciation for the man.

I have a feeling that if you(Joe) knew my love for the guitar that even you'd encourage a complete stranger like me. I have a ton of ambition and perseverance within me. It is my goal to either live off my music in a modest way or take it as far as it will go.

Also, I'm gonna bother you until we get to jam one day, Joe. I figure if I keep at it maybe you wouldn't mind playin' some guitar with me. LOL