I started playing trumpet at 8 years old eventually advancing to the high school band. At that time my dad had a country western band and needed a bass player so I learned to play the bass fiddle (while standing on a wash tub at local dance halls). I had a real love for music so my dad taught me a few chords on the guitar. I am basically self-taught. I always just figured out how to play. I have been in many bands from rock to country playing music ranging from Jimi Hendrix to Hank Williams to Christian. My nickname in school was "Chet" because I did a lot of Chet Atkins tunes.