Pongky Barata First Time Learning Guitar Performing the Song 'Abang Tukang Bakso'

Kapanlagi.com - Musician Pongky Barata shares his past story when he first came into contact with the guitar. It turns out that the former vocalist of Jikustik started to get to know the guitar while in elementary school, but only seriously delved into it when he entered junior high school.

Popular children's songs became the starting point of his journey in learning melodies. Although now known as one of the talented songwriters, Pongky admits that his initial motivation for learning the guitar was not to become a professional guitarist on stage.

"6th grade, but only seriously in 1st grade of junior high. The first song was, 'Abang Tukang Bakso mari-mari sini', that one. That song was for learning," said Pongky Barata while chatting with a Kapanlagi.com reporter recently.

1. Pongky's Main Identity

Pongky emphasizes that his main identity is as a singer. His ability to play the guitar is actually honed to facilitate communication with his bandmates, especially when he wants to convey ideas for the arrangements of the songs he creates.

"Actually, I feel a bit shy answering questions about the guitar because I'm not a guitarist. I'm a singer," he said.

2. The Guitar in Pongky's Eyes

The desire to be able to guide the guitarist in his band is a strong reason why he continues to hold the instrument to this day. For him, the guitar is a tool to clarify his musical vision as a producer and songwriter.

"So I play the guitar so that at that moment, one day I can tell my guitarist how to play it, you know. It started just like that," he revealed.

3. Pongky Praises Indonesian Guitarists

In terms of references, Pongky mentioned three big names of Indonesian guitarists that he greatly admires, namely Baim, Dewa Budjana, and Tohpati. Among the three, he gave special praise to Tohpati, whom he considers a complete package in the local music industry.

"In Indonesia, I really like Tohpati. Mas Bontot (Tohpati) is complete; a guitarist, producer, songwriter, a good person, and handsome too. If I had to name my top three favorite guitarists in Indonesia, they would be Mas Baim, Mas Budjana, and Mas Tohpati. Baim is a blues guitarist but excels in pop. Dewa Budjana has no rivals in the world. Mas Tohpati is a complete package," he said.

4. Q&A

Q: When did Pongky Barata start learning guitar?
A: Pongky Barata started getting to know the guitar while in the 6th grade of elementary school (SD), and began to study it seriously when he entered the 1st grade of junior high school (SMP).

Q: What song did Pongky Barata first use to learn guitar?
A: The first song that Pongky Barata used to learn guitar was a popular children's song titled 'Abang Tukang Bakso'.

Q: Who are Pongky Barata's favorite Indonesian guitarists?
A: Pongky Barata greatly admires three Indonesian guitarists, namely Baim, Dewa Budjana, and Tohpati.

(kpl/far/dyn)