Profile
Personal Photo
Rating
 
Options
Options
Personal Statement
derper doesn't have a personal statement currently.
Personal Info
derper
Learning Tone Master
42 years old
Male
Portland Oregon
Born July-10-1981
Interests
No Information
Statistics
Joined: 8-November 11
Profile Views: 17.733*
Last Seen: 4th July 2013 - 06:43 PM
Local Time: Mar 19 2024, 02:00 AM
691 posts (0 per day)
Contact Information
* Profile views updated each hour

derper

Members

*


Topics
Posts
Comments
Friends
My Content
26 Feb 2013
Hey GMC, I don't want to "jinx" it tongue.gif , but I just interviewed for a job at Pro Guitar in Portland this weekend, and it went really well! Not certain yet, but I'm pretty certain they'll be finding me a position at their storefront very soon!

I'm so honored for the opportunity to even interview for the position. After looking into the company, they are mainly known for their boutique effect selection, and review vids online. For example, this one was shot in the storefront I'm applying to...



Though they have some "affordable" guitars, they are mainly known for their high end amp, and fender custom shop selection....and the effects selection is mindblowing. If you read the review on this TC electronics pedal, for example (http://proguitarshop.com/tc-electronic-alter-ego-delay.html) you'll find that the guys from PG were flown out to Denmark to design some custom pedals. WHAT?!!

I'll keep you posted on this development, but I'm so excited for the opportunity to work at one of the top guitar shops in the country. I'll try not to spontaneously combust if I do not get the job. ohmy.gif
10 Feb 2013
Hey all.... I hate to admit this, but I've been "away" from GMC for a bit. I have still been checking in, checking the forums, and using GMC as a tool for many resources. But, I haven't been as ACTIVE as I was in the past. BUT, never fear!! ohmy.gif I've still been practicing a TON, so I'm still making amazing forward progress.

While having some fun at work, I came up with this cool little bebop style riff in the key of Bm. I slow it down quite a bit, and make some comments and such....but NO TAB for this one!!(?) Yep. That's the challenge. I'm a huge fan of learning by ear, not that there is anything wrong with tab...but if you "transcribe" from an album (for me, I don't usually write it down) you learn so much more than simply grabbing a tab book! But if anyone needs help, ask and whip up some tab and PM you. Enjoy!

31 Oct 2012
I've been "away" for about a month now, but am back and ready to get my chops back up.

Unfortunately, on Oct 15th my father, who was suffering from severe cluster headaches (more severe than migranes), took his own life to escape the pain. He had tried everything, and had been going to doctors for decades in an attempt to ditch the headaches.

I got to see him this August for my wedding. My father and I were VERY close. He was my best friend, my mentor, and my introduction to music. At his house, you'd never catch the TV just "on", but he was always playing music. From Bob Marley, to Jimi Hendrix, and Zappa to Jazz.....he loved it all. His cd collection is up to 1000+.

When I was about 5, I would teach myself the melody lines to songs like "frosty the snowman", and wait until he got home to play them for him. He was astounded that I could teach myself melody lines by ear, and memorize and play them back to him. That's when he got me my first guitar, and put me in (crappy) lessons to get me started.

My dad ALWAYS loved me, and ALWAYS told me how proud he was of me. I tried not to take that for granted, but it was hard because he always supported me. He would give me "advice", rather than tell me what to do, and he would trust me enough to let me make my own mistakes.

When I was getting bullied in kindergarted, he taught me how to fight. Then, he taught me how and when to use it. He told me that he trusted my judgment, but warned me NEVER to get caught BEING the bully. With his advice, the next day, I warned my big bully not to touch me anymore "or else"..... he kept at it, and I dropped that big guy with one punch!!! "What'd you do THAT for?!" he asked, through tears, as I looked at my own clenched fist with a new-found respect for the man that taught me how to defend myself.

He taught me to respect women, and fight for what is good. He taught me the importance of a firm handshake, and being on-time.

He was always there for others. Giving, even when he had little, he would help those in need within his community. His selflessness was a reminder to others. Though I am not religious, he "walked the walk" while many around him simply "talked the talk".

I cannot describe the shock. The emptiness. Sometimes I'm "ok" and I think everything will be alright....other times, I just want to cry until my eyes explode and burn everything and everyone down around me. Regardless, I can't change a thing.... and that's probably good, because if it were up to me I would give damn near anything to have him back.


And, not surprisingly, I haven't practiced much this month. Just enough to keep up with my projects, really. I could tell that my hand strength "backslid" quite a bit, when I played a show with EMULATOR this last saturday. Luckily, I still played an excellent show despite being a bit less "technically apt" at this point. In fact, it seems as if the only time my spirit lifts completely, is when I'm playing music. Almost all other times, it feels "awkward" to smile anymore....but being on stage (in a Mario costume, with finger mounted led light beams) really gave me a chance to transcend my current reality for a bit.


Attached Image


To the man who gave me music, and my first Nintendo!! Alfredo Rodriguez Jr. (far left, Lucy Rodriguez my stepmother, Claire my wife, and myself Gabriel/"Derper") I will never forget you. But now, it's time for me to move on and get my chops up again......because this weak hand of mine is starting to frustrate me!
31 Oct 2012
I love how they are playing all of the proper notes....

25 Oct 2012
I had issues logging in, and staying logged in. Again, Bogdan to the rescue!! (I had to clear cache and cookies!)


THANKS Bogdan!
Last Visitors


29 Nov 2016 - 11:42


14 Jan 2015 - 20:38


14 Sep 2014 - 14:35


15 Aug 2013 - 11:20


10 Jul 2013 - 17:39

Comments
Other users have left no comments for derper.

Friends

0 posts
2nd May 2013 - 09:51 AM
View All Friends

RSS Lo-Fi Version Time is now: 19th March 2024 - 11:00 AM