Mr Potato

by Jerry
(Rapid City, SD)

Hard to see, but this is one of Mr Potato's custom built guitars. That's his 'eagle' emblem for a soundhole, and if you look closely you can make out the 'Mr Potato' on the head of the guitar.

Yah, I said that right, Mr Ted Potato.

Although that's not his REAL name, it is the name he goes by from all his American friends. Maybe he's not a pure "classical guitarist", but he is definitely a great guitar player!

I had the privilege of meeting Mr Ted last year while I was stationed in Korea. He owned his own guitar shop and had his own line of hand crafted guitars.

While they might not be the best of the best, they are of great quality and sound. Not to mention he would give free lessons to anyone who bought a guitar!

This wasn't just 3 or 4 half hour lessons mind you, this was an hour lesson, once a week for as long as you wanted to come!!

Let me say that buying a guitar (or two) while I was there was more than worth the knowledge I gained!

So why is Mr Potato my favorite? Simple. His guitar playing was exactly what I had been searching for. His method of instruction was second to none! Too many times I have tried guitar lessons and gotten discouraged because of all the 'technique' work.

With Ted, I was playing simple songs like 'Dust in the Wind' after my first night! Definitely not perfect, but with encouragement I was playing comfortably. I was also able to come away reading music instead of just tabs.

I could always read sheet music from my piano years, but I never got the relationship down to the fret board. Now I do! :)

I keep going on about Mr Potato's lessons. But that is because it is the one thing you can't see or hear. Listen to him yourself.

Pop on over to YouTube and do a search for 'tedmrpotato'. He's got around 70 videos there. I can't even begin to recommend a favorite; there are just too many! But look for "Swan Lake" or "Malaguena".

While I'm not up to his speed or accuracy, I was even able to learn "Malaguena" in just a month or so! (Back to the lessons again! LOL) It's not just classical either. He does a great job at just about anything.

Check out his playing of 'Stairway to Heaven' or 'Michelle'. (another personal favorite.. maybe cuz it's my wife's name? LOL)
Let me know what you think!

I don't have vids posted on YouTube, but my nickname there is "AC5FF" shoot me a msg!

Enjoy