Dear Pete,

You were my first guitar teacher. I was seven years old and it was 1969, Rockville, MD. Classical and Flamenco were the styles of choice. We also delved into some Fingerstyle Blues. My parents discovered you. I don’t remember how. They both loved your playing, especially the “Pete Gutterman Blues.” I still play that song today.

You planted a seed my friend. It was slow to germinate but you gave it good roots.

I mostly put the guitar down in High School, taking only a few group lessons taught by the school and playing briefly in a home grown band (named Sweet Poison if you can believe it). In college I met my best friend, Bob Slowey. He liked to sing and I could play well enough to accompany. I learned to sing and harmonize as well. We entered a Gong Show contest and won. We won the second semester as well, and they paid us to host round 3.

We’ve been touring, recording, singing and playing ever since, full time for five of those years.

I wanted to say thanks for your inspiration and I wanted to let you know that things turned out pretty well. I began teaching guitar 7 years ago. I’ve had a couple students who have gone on to college on music scholarships. More than a few are gigging regularly. Your inspiration lives on.

I’ve played the “Pete Gutterman Blues” hundreds of times over the years, especially when my parents were in the crowd. It’s evolved quite a bit. I think you intended it as a fingerstyle exercise, but it’s become much more. I hope you don’t mind.

I’ve been fortunate enough to play with some of my heroes of guitar, Pete Huttlinger, Tommy Emmanuel, Frank Vignola, Stephen Bennett and more.

It was your little seed, planted so long ago that has led to my lifelong passion. It is appreciated and I’m thankful that my parents found the right guy.

Jeff Auen