GuitarPlaya2000

John (aka GuitarPlaya2000) - guitarist extraordinaire.

John began playing the electric guitar at the age of 12 years old. His early influences included musicians B.B. King, Scotty Moore, Steve Cropper, and Roebuck “Pop” Staples.

He would learn to love the sound of the gospel quartet guitar after hearing classic groups such as The Sensational Nightingales, Swan Silvertones, and The Dixie Hummingbirds. John became driven to learn as much as he can about the instrument. He learned to play the electric guitar on his own by reading as many Mel Bay chord books and other tools that were available. He also learned from other guitarists who voluntarily share their knowledge of guitar musicianship.

After learning all he can learn about the instrument, John played rhythm and lead guitar for many local area bands such as "Talent Unlimited", "The Co-Ops" and "The Swinging Gents". When John was with The Swinging Gents, they had opened for many popular entertainers such as Phyllis Hyman, Dennis Edwards & The Temptations Revue and The Chi-Lites.

Today, John plays guitar in the church band on Sundays. As John states, "after playing guitar for over 25 years, it's been a great ride and I'm still enjoying it! Especially now that I'm playing in church. Just the ability to play an instrument without formal training is a wonder! That is why I am obligated to play for the One who blessed me with this talent."

Take a look at my Memory Lane Scrapbook. There are photos of me from "back in the day". You know, time warp images. Try not to laugh too hard.

My Gear

Like every other guitarists, I must reveal my tools of the trade, so here it goes.

First of all, I am a big Carvin fan. While shopping around for a guitar, I noticed a Carvin DC-127 on display. I picked it up, played it and it was love a first note. Anyway, I usually practice with my faithful Carvin DC-200 through a classic mid '80s, tube-amp Fender Super Champ. My main performance guitar is the Carvin Bolt, a Stratocaster style solid body without the whammy-bar. I usually play it through either a Carvin SX-200 combo amp or a Fender Twin Reverb.

When it comes to effects, I don't use them that much, but I do have a Boss GT-8 guitar processor when it is needed. I have configured it to bypass all amp simulations so when I activate an effect, the natural sound of the guitar and amplifier will sing un-colored. However, if I don't play through an amp on stage, I will plug directly into a sound board, and then enable the various amp simulators.

Finally, for guitar strings, I would usually go between two brands (depending who has the best price). I prefer to use either Fender Super Bullets or D'Addario XL 10 gauge, nickle strings.