The Guy Who Practiced 8 Hours a Day Until His Nails Cracked (Part 8)
Still, I never once thought about buying one of Killer Guitars' lower-spec models.
Around that time, I was just starting to learn about different guitarists through Young Guitar magazine.
When it came to ESP, the other big name besides METALLICA was George.
I was obsessed with the legendary George Lynch's Kamikaze guitar, and just as smitten with the George model that had the Lynch Mob debut album cover printed right onto the body.
Coming back down to earth, I looked for something within my actual budget.
What caught my eye was a Kramer sitting on the first floor. The color and details were just so cool — a teal green Kramer.
It had this very American, rock feel to it.
The budget didn't line up, so at the time I just stood there looking.
Some time later, I ended up borrowing money from a friend and buying it anyway.
Around this same period, I remember a friend telling me that Akira Takasaki practiced eight hours a day, and his nails would crack from it. Even when they cracked, he'd reinforce them with super glue and keep on practicing.
I thought — this guy's not human. I seriously decided I had to do eight hours too.
I remember doing six. Whether I ever hit eight, I honestly don't recall. My nails never cracked, though.
Thinking about it now — if I'd just kept my nails trimmed, they wouldn't have hit the strings in the first place, so there was nothing to crack. (laughs)
To be continued.