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NFL star Jordan Mailata on his love of guitar, Bon Jovi, and his dream signature model
The Australian-born Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle tells us how playing his Acoustasonic Strat helps him unwind, why everyone should listen to The Eagles, and how he’d really like a spiky acoustic.
Jordan Mailata. Image: Christian Petersen / Getty Images
The moment it all started
“It all started when I was watching my old man play guitar at family BBQs or birthday parties.”
- READ MORE: How to play chords like Eagles
I couldn’t live without my…
“I can’t live without an acoustic guitar. Everywhere I have lived in my life I’ve had one in the house; it’s a small part of my life that gives me space and time to relax and have fun.”
“Recently, I’ve been loving my Fender Acoustasonic Strat.”
The one that got away
“Oh man, I can’t remember the brand but, back home in Oz, I used to own a 12-string guitar that I received as a gift from my grade six teacher, Mr Bedford, and my old man sold it. I’ve never seen it since.”
My signature model
“I’ve always liked the look of the Jackson Pro Series Signature Dave Davidson Warrior WR7, so probably something that’s spiky-looking and has more of an acoustic sound… if that’s possible!”
The first thing I play when I pick up a guitar
“Tennessee Whiskey – Chris Stapleton’s version.”
The best advice I’ve ever been given
“Play with all your heart. My old man said that to me all the time.”
My Spinal Tap moment
“I remember performing in front of my high school and as the song progressed, I could hear the guitar untune itself. I just remember thinking, ‘This can’t be happening after all the sound checks we did before it, @!#$ me!’”
My guilty pleasure
“Oh, it’s definitely listening to the same song on repeat for months. I’m talking about as soon as I can I put music on – at home, the locker room, in the car. I have no shame.”
I’m in the band
“BON JOVI, hands down!”
I wish I was there
“I know I just said Bon Jovi, but one gig I would have loved to have been at is definitely The Eagles’ live acoustic Hell Freezes Over in 1994. Hotel California was crazy. If you haven’t heard it, I suggest you check it out!”
The first thing on my rider
“Boxes of Essentia Water. Essentia Water, please sponsor me! [laughs]”
If I could just play one thing
“I would love to learn how to play the blues or jazz fingerpicking style.”
Follow Jordan Mailata on Instagram and Twitter @jordanmailata.