Nickname: Ali
Real (full) name: Alison
Age and birthday: 44
Habitat: San Francisco Bay Area, CA
Which guitar(s) do you own? Black Fender Stratocaster (used Mexican model), old Takamine acoustic with issues
Which guitar do you currently play on? The Strat
Which amp(s) do you own? 20W Vox Valvetronix
How long have you been playing guitar? Tried to play guitar in high school - got an acoustic and had a few lessons, but found it too difficult and not really satisfying because I truly loved the sound of electric. But I was too shy to ask for the Strat I really wanted (and didn't know any girls who played electric guitar). Gave up, and then recently rediscovered guitar after a period of illness last fall, and decided to get the electric guitar I always wanted. Totally life changing.
Which is/are your favorite music genre(s)?
Rock - 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s for the most part, but my taste is very wide ranging
Which genre do you play on your guitar often?
Rock
Who are your favorite bands?
The Beatles, The Grateful Dead, U2, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Phish, Fleetwood Mac, The Who, The Rolling Stones, Talking Heads, Bob Marley, too many others to list
What inspired you to start playing guitar?
I've always been a music fanatic but never realized I could actually play it myself. Last fall, I got really sick and was watching a U2 video one day. I realized I could recognize the hand shapes of the simple chords Edge was playing and that I could try to play along. That moment quickly led to a decision that I should get the electric guitar I've always wanted and not be afraid to try it.
In terms of guitarists, I love listening to David Gilmour, Jimmy Page, Jerry Garcia and Trey Anastasio, but when I play I gravitate towards rhythm, so I'm most inspired by The Edge, Pete Townshend, and Lindsay Buckingham.
Do you play in a band or have you been playing in a band?
No
Why do you play guitar?
I love it. I love the sound so much! And it's such a rush to play along with my favorite tracks if I can.
What are your goals for the future?
To be able to play any song I love, or jam & improvise with someone else.