John Edwards (aka GuitarPlaya2000) began playing the electric guitar when he was 12 years old. During his early childhood, his exposure to the blues, R&B, gospel, salsa, and country music helped shaped John's guitar playing style. His fascination and interest in the instrument was further confirmed when he saw performances of these talented instrumentalists from the following gospel quartets: The Sensational Nightingales, and the Swan Silvertones. From the secular side, Curtis Mayfield, B.B. King, Steve Cropper, and "Pop" Staples performances would really seal the deal for John to learn the guitar.

After many months of pleading for an electric guitar, John would eventually get one. He and his father made a trip to a pawn shop and purchased a guitar and a small amp. John would spend hours learning various guitar licks and runs from latest songs from the top record label by the musicians at that time such as  Motown, Stax, and Fame. Several Mel Bay's "how-to" books were also part of John's tools on learning to play the guitar.

Years of practicing had payed off and he joined his first band "Handpicked" who later changed their name to "Talent Unlimited" John was able to "fine tune" his guitar playing skills with this band, who were very popular in the Tidewater Virginia area. He would later get recruited to perform with another band "The Swinging Gents". After joining the The Swinging Gents, it had provided John with access to other professional musicians and experiences. Playing R&B, jazz and dance, they booked to play mostly for private functions and weddings. The Swinging Gents also opened shows for popular artists like The Chi-Lites, Phylis Hyman, and Dennis Edwards & The Temptation Revue.

Today, John plays guitar with other musicians in his church.  John states "After playing guitar for almost 25 years, it's been a great ride and I'm still enjoying it! Especially now that I'm playing in church. I feel it's a true blessing, and a gift from God that I am able to play the guitar without any formal training. I owe it all to Him and that's my way of returning His gift by worshiping him through music on my guitar.