CJBERRY-GUITARIST

    Most of what I have learned has come from the study of good musicians and good musical books of knowledge and technique. I have had some really inspirational mentors along the way who have given me great ideas and tips.  I believe that there is much to learn from every style and genre of music.  From a simple wooden flute to a complicated modern electronic instrument, music is a very diverse thing and so are we human beings.

     Being self taught,  I always felt at a disadvantage from those who had lessons and were taught from an early age.  I have been playing guitar since the age of 15 which I always thought was a late start.  Because of this I have always been very concerned with constantly advancing my musical theory, my technique and my stylistic ability on the instrument, ever trying to avoid leaving any gaps in my understanding.

     The guitar wasn't  my first instrument. The first instrument I tried was a trumpet. I didnt get along with it. It was too loud to play in the house and I was put off by having to practice in the basement.  I gave it up.  It wasn't until a few years later that I discovered an affinity for the guitar,  probably because my brother was a guitarist and he played a lot of bottleneck blues and used open tunings a lot which I liked. I also heard Jimi Hendrix,  Carlos Santana,  Jimmy Page and Richie Blackmore in the same year I started trying to play guitar, even though the first band I saw live was Sly and the family stone.

    When I first started trying to play I wanted to play rock and I taught myself a few Cream and Hendrix-like riffs. As my ability developed over time I expanded what I tried to play on guitar to include some funk, jazz, folk, blues and some classical stuff.

    Today I enjoy playing many styles and idioms. I do sight-read music notation and tablature on the guitar and I can follow any chord chart and of course improvise but I have gained these skills as I went along and through many hours of practical study. Actually, I could play long before I had mastered any musical reading/writing skills because I studied the theory and I trained my ears first. Afterall,  it's what it sounds like that counts, right?

    To date I have recorded guitar, piano and mandolin on at least five released albums using both acoustic and electric instruments. I have also written arrangements for strings and orchestral works as well as film soundtracks.I always wanted to have the ability to compose for any instrument and I have always seen the guitar as a kind of mini orchestra.

    The guitars I own are a Lowden O10 acoustic/electric guitar, a Fender Stratocaster for blues and rock,  a Fender telecaster for pop styles and the more raunchy flavours and a DeArmond  X-155 for jazz and smooth styles and an Ibanez JEM7 for metal rock and fusion styles.

    Although I have spent most of my life playing live in bands and recording in studios, I have also spent a large portion of my time teaching music and guitar to interested learners around the world.

    If there is one sure way to assess what you actually know, it is through the act of trying to explain it to someone who does not. It is also extremely satisfying to see the light of understanding arise in someone who is 'getting the hang of it' .

    Teaching music is my way of giving something back to the musical world which has nurtured and assisted me on my long musical learning curve.

    Music and guitar have helped me through many difficult patches in my life and by offering lessons to aspiring guitarists and musicians I feel I am also helping others with their journey through their lives..  CJ