Fellow Musicians: General Discussions

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 05:43:26 -0400

I know most of the discussions on here are geared towards issues that we face as the service members of the Military, but I also feel that connecting with people in general makes us stronger. The life we live can be kind of lonely, and finding common ground with out fellow service members is fairly important to me. On that note:

What is your instrument of choice? Do you write your own music, or just play other peoples songs? Post pictures of your guitar, bass, drums, band, keyboard, etc. if you feel so inclined.

I play the guitar. Acoustic mostly, since I tend to play by myself. While I have written a couple of songs personally, I normally just play cover songs. I can sing, but I am not the best singer in the world (understatement). I will try and upload pictures of my guitar when I can.

Response by SSG Christopher Freeman made Mar 31 at 2015 8:54 AM

SSG Christopher Freeman — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:54:45 -0400

I play the electric, acoustic, and bass. My weapon of choice is an ESP LTD 602 Kirk Hammett Signature. I have played for 10 years and it is still the best stress relief out there. I also have been in a choir for almost 9 years. I play covers, mostly rock and heavy metal. Ironic considering I sing in a church choir. This is the only picture I have on me of my guitar.

Response by SGT Paul Belk made Mar 31 at 2015 8:58 AM

SGT Paul Belk — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:58:19 -0400

I play guitar. I started out playing bass in high school and eventually progressed to guitar, banjo, and mandolin. I have had the privilege of playing as a chaplain assistant in front of many soldiers as well as veterans. Initially I played songs written by others and I have written some songs myself.
My chapel band in Iraq grew from playing in the chapel to form a group called the Hickabillies the original Iraqi Garage Band. We toured Iraq bringing a HeeHaw type of comedy show for the troops because it was too dangerous for big names like Toby Keith to venture out where we were. We became very popular amongst the soldiers earning several general's coins for our performances.
When we got back in the states we opened for Hootie and the Blowfish and later Charlie Daniels band. It was an awesome ride that I enjoyed greatly. Keep on playing and writing just because music is often what people turn to when they have emotional needs in his or her life. They tap into music to get amped or to relax, they turn to it in stressful times as well as to relax.
Music is the balm of the soul and I was privileged to witness some pretty amazing things as I dragged my guitar all over the world.

Response by PO1 Michael Fullmer made Mar 31 at 2015 5:09 PM

PO1 Michael Fullmer — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 17:09:28 -0400

I started playing drums in 4th grade, played in Jr/Sr high school bands, sang barbershop, was a member of the Navy's Blue Jacket Choir during basic training, various ships bands, and back to barbershop for a time after leaving the service. Music has been a part of my life as far back as I can remember, and have passed on my love of music to both my sons, and 1 grand daughter.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2015 5:44 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 17:44:28 -0400

I started off playing the violin in fourth grade and have since progressed to the guitar, with electric and acoustic. I also play the drums and sing.

Response by SGT Paul Belk made Mar 31 at 2015 8:17 PM

SGT Paul Belk — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 20:17:24 -0400

Some of my musical tools the Fender Acoustic I took with me on almost every FTX and even to Iraq. I love this guitar and the way it plays and sounds.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2015 11:20 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 23:20:36 -0400

I write poetry, may be referred to as songs.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2015 3:30 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 03:30:08 -0400

I play guitar and a little drums my axe of choice is a Squier Bullet strat that has been heavily modified. Why pay thousands for clapton's ideal set up when I could pay hundreds for mine.

Response by 1SG Jeffery Bertram made Apr 1 at 2015 10:13 PM

1SG Jeffery Bertram — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 22:13:19 -0400

I play a Taylor 214 CEand a Gibson Songwriter Delux, both acoustic electrics. I've always enjoyed playing in the barracks in Germany in the 1980's and Afghanistan in 2007.

Response by CMC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2015 11:29 AM

CMC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 11:29:13 -0400

I play guitar and bagpipes!

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made Apr 6 at 2015 10:08 AM

SGT Craig Northacker — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 10:08:08 -0400

I spent 25 years in the entertainment and sports business representing prominent groups, athletes and others as a CPA. We are in the process of taking the Rockingham SPeedway out of foreclosure just outside of FT Bragg if and when the bankers and their lawyer remove their heads from their rectums. We are forcing the issue, however, and I have already rented it so we have possession to put in a major reintegration center for all our military, veterans and families, and our disabled friends. We are creating about a thousand jobs there, and racing great Andy Hillenburg will be running the racing side as we build the economic and assisted, independent and transitional housing area to complement our economic development programs, vocational training, PTSD and Moral Injury programs, specialized programs for women and families, and so on. Plus, we are nationwide in scope.
On that lengthy note, we are hosting a July 4 weekend celebration, and I would like to see what the interest is of our fellow musicians to be able to jam. We will provide a backline and audio, and also film it for our own individual posterity. We will have a monster truck event, a bbq cookoff between different service mess team with their own grillmaster advisors, and a lot of other fun stuff for the entire family. There will be no admission if I get my way, or we will ask for a can or box of food as admission to give to the local food pantry.
So give me a shout - what do you think?

Be well, Craig (proud boonie-rat and guitarist).

Response by Cpl John Varkados made Apr 7 at 2015 7:00 AM

Cpl John Varkados — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 07:00:08 -0400

Vocals...dabble in guitar, piano, and drums...good stuff!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2015 9:34 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 09:34:22 -0400

Been involved in music to some extent for most of my life. After 15+ years as enlisted, went to the dark side. While at Engineer BOLC (Spring of 2013), had some great classmates and formed a band: Sapperection. Played for our class dining out then pulled two gigs at the (not-so) world famous Black Jacks on Fort Leonard Wood. Played mix of lead and rhythm and was lead vocals. Great times!

Response by SMSgt David Zobel made May 15 at 2015 11:57 AM

SMSgt David Zobel — Fri, 15 May 2015 11:57:26 -0400

I've got a few electrics

Response by PO1 Jackson Plant made Aug 1 at 2015 7:28 AM

PO1 Jackson Plant — Sat, 01 Aug 2015 07:28:51 -0400

I play mostly PRS guitars and Line 6 effects. I really enjoyed playing while in Navy. Helped on long deployments.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2015 9:46 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 09:46:47 -0400

Before joining I use to have a Pearl Forum 6pcs. Living on post doesn't give me the acoustic option for a drums set. Having that on mind, and knowing how much I missed playing, my wife got me this for last Christmas. \m/ SFC Private RallyPoint Member

Response by CSM Rick Estorga made Oct 21 at 2015 11:53 AM

CSM Rick Estorga — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 11:53:52 -0400

I play sax, guitar & bass mostly. I've been a church player my whole life. I might have a guitar or two