Dah Da Da Daaaaaaah! Introducing Mr. Lance Cockrell

Well hello everyone!

My name is Lance Cockrell, but my nickname is Grich (or Grichnoch, either way). I joined GMC early this month and am SUPER EXCITED to jump start my guitar playing.

A bit of background on myself:

Age: 19
Location: Cheyenne, Wyoming, United States

I have been playing guitar for just over three years. I passed my first guitar teacher in 9 months, and started with another. After about a year of instruction with him, he hired me to teach at his music studio. I have been teaching for over a year now, and have had over 25 students (with as many as 15 at one time). I LOVE TO TEACH. I believe it may be my calling. I now teach privately (as the studio went out of business). Most of my students are really great, and I love to spend time helping them achieve their musical goals!!

I play rock/prog metal/metal/blues and entry level of anything my students want to learn (FUN FACT: I've taught dubstep on guitar. It was challenging, but FUN!). My favorite guitarist by far is John Petrucci of Dream Theater. He may not be the very best guitarist out there (although he is incredibly close to it), but I think his collaboration with Dream Theater and their ability to write stunning music speaks to his skills just as much as his guitar abilities. I also admire Yngwie Malmsteen, Steve Vai, and a bit of Buckethead (although not too much, he makes my brain go numb after a minute or two).

As for my gear; well.... *teardrop*. I am incredibly limited by money (rather lack thereof). I play on an Epi Les Paul (Standard) and have for the last 2 years. I also play a Taylor 214ce acoustic guitar (which plays like a dream). Just recently I ordered a DC727 Custom Shop 7-String guitar from Carvin. It should arrive in late March and I AM PSYCHED!! I can't wait to play it! I've never played a 7-string before... so I hope to learn a lot about it here on GMC. As for amplification: I usually go with Fender. I have a 15W amp I play out of for practice and a 100W amp for band practice.

Also, I have just recently (6 months ago) started lessons online with Tom Hess. I was a bit skeptical at first, as his advertising just screams "SCAM!!"... but after 6 months, I couldn't be happier with his lessons. I highly recommend him to anyone. I have no shame in doing so, as I can see that the goals of Tom and the goals of GMC are completely different (although thoroughly complementary). So yeah... awesome stuff!

I look forward to getting to know you all! Cheers!

Grich