[Brian St. August]

The guitar and ukes are like every instrument for most of us. We simply have to practice hard and stay with it to learn barre chords and other challenging, but essential chord fingerings. Only by becoming comfortable with those chordings can you really grow and begin to experience the breadth that those instruments have to offer. I have been playing since I was 13 years old and I know that for me I had to work hard at chords that hurt my hands, fingers and brain, but it is constant repetition that begins to make them something your fingers naturally find. Changing chords faster and being more accurate is fundamental to playing songs on guitar. Yes, you can get by on simple chords in the first position, but your growth will be limited. Learn barre chords for major and minors, that difficult B7, diminished and augmented chords. If you want to play songs by MonaLisa Twins, knowing all of those chords will help you to haven an even greater appreciation of their music.

[Brian St. August]

Beautifully said, Jeffery Ohlwine, and I completely agree with you, my friend.

[Brian St. August]

Thanks so much for your kind response, Mona.

Yes, John Ford Coley has still been playing domestically and internationally, but not since Covid. As a matter of fact, the other day he asked artist friends to post pics of themselves if Covid has grounded them and cost them a lot of gigs. You would enjoy John very much as he has a wonderful acerbic sense of humor and a light attitude toward life … just like a couple of Austrian twins that I know and love.

Big hugs to both of you…
Brian

[Brian St. August]

Mona, thank you so much for such a thoughtful, honest and personally genuine response. Your words, in fact, are a perfect example of everything I said in my note. Not a day goes by when you do not impress me. Best always, Brian.

[Brian St. August]

Really well said, Bill, and I second your comments in full…

[Brian St. August]

Lisa, thank you so much for responding to my note. Yes, I did see your posting in the MLT Club with a beautiful cheat sheet for “All I Want For Christmas”. When I saw it, I thought you ladies would think I was either clairvoyant or stupid. LOL.

I simply love what you two do and, more importantly, I just love who and what you are as wonderful people. Much love, Brian

[Brian St. August]

I loved the video discussing the tech and guitars. Wonderful explanations that satisfy both the layman and the professional. You gals are wonderful !

[Brian St. August]

Wow, Jung, I watched this entire documentary at your suggestion and was amazed at the content, production and excellent illustrations provided. Thank you so much for posting this and I hope that the entire Wagner clan will watch it because it is indeed in their genes.

[Brian St. August]

Thanks so much for responding, Lisa. All my best to you …

[Brian St. August]

Lisa, thank you so very much for this thoughtful and wonderfully honest answer. I am honored that you would share those thoughts with me. I consider your response as a wonderful early birthday present. 🙂

[Brian St. August]

Very helpful response, Lisa. Thank you. Brian

[Brian St. August]

That was a really sweet cover and I love the concept of participating from all over!

[Brian St. August]

Thank you, Lisa, for your kind reply.

[Brian St. August]

Jung, I apologize for responding to your note before one of the twins. Typically, we can’t comment on a new posting until one of the girls has done so, but for some reason this one allowed my comment. Nonetheless, I did have an excellent experience with Taylor and they were great in the studio as well as on stage. Every player has their own preferences and different ways of assessing a guitar’s unique qualities. If you do choose a Taylor, I am sure you will be acquiring a wonderful instrument. Just be clear on your personal needs, capabilities as a musician and what your ultimate uses for the guitar will be.

[Brian St. August]

June, I just wanted you to know that I had the incredible pleasure of owning a Taylor 614CE that I absolutely loved. It was expensive, but its response was incredible. The reason I got rid of it was that a lot of the venues I was playing allowed the patrons to get fairly drunk and a number of times they almost knocked my mic back into the Taylor. So I replaced it with a responsive jumbo guitar that was significantly cheaper. But, as a guitar, it was a Cadillac and I loved it.