My story... not a happy one

by Ulises Victoria
(Monterrey, Mexico)

When I was a teenager I wanted to be a drummer. I learned to play drums by listening to Sandy Nelson, Gene Krupa, etc, without ever taking a lesson.

When I was 15 my dad told me that if I ever learned to play guitar, he would buy me a drumset. 3 years later on my 18th birthday he gave me an envelope with a letter saying that he had to abide by his word and that he would give me that drum set he had promised me, because I did my part of the deal.

I told my dad I would now prefer an electric guitar instead. I learned to play guitar indeed. In no time I was playing fingerstyle solos and making my own simple arrangements of songs I liked.

I continued playing guitar, learning by myself by listening mostly The Ventures' records and later Chet Atkins', as well as taking Classical Guitar lessons in my local Music Conservatory. Before I was 30 I was considered one of the best guitar players in my city.

Then at 30 I decided to become a pro, and went to Hollywood to study at the recently formed GIT (Guitar Institute of Technology) now MI. Graduated in 1980 and came back to my hometown to start a guitar school, which I succesfully maintained for several years.

Then, suddenly one day, I couldn't play anymore. Something had happened to my right hand. I had lost all agility and couldn't play scales or anything even at minimum speed. I saw every kind of doctor you could think of. After many years of trying, I finally gave up and quit.

I learned how to develop database programs on computers and started working on that area. But now, after so many years, I am trying to get back to my guitar playing. I got several new books on Guitar playing, and Im trying now again. (Im 60 years old now) I am looking for a step by step 2-3 hours a day routine.

Hope anyone can come up with some sugestions. I would really appreciate that.

Regards,
Ulises