John Francis Downey - Solo Acoustic Guitarist

I've been playing the guitar for 40 years and the same instrument for 15. I have focused primarily on 12 string finger-picking and play in basically one tuning (a DADGAD variation) at concert pitch. I find standing and moving my body while I play helps me channel more interesting energy from the instrument. I have composed dozens of guitar instrumentals over the years, but I allow myself to forget them as I go. Besides, they are all the same song anyway and I like starting from the beginning each time I pick up the instrument. I recently decided to take a break from playing guitar completely and haven't played since 2007. I might pick it up again this year, but it doesn't really matter. It's such a chore maintaining caluses, nails, strings and hand strength to just "goof around" on 12 string that it almost defeats the purpose of playing entirely. With that said, when I hear one note of Ralph Towner's Guild 12, I remember why I love playing to begin with.