Fast Friends Who Formed a Band
Slash began drinking in his early teens and was unsupervised most of the time, which left him to his own resources. He began exploring the Hollywood nightlife while still going to high school. He and Adler crossed paths at Bancroft Junior High after Adler fell badly from his skateboard. They became fast friends, leading Adler to invite Slash over to check out his electric guitar and amp.
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In 1979, he and Adler formed a band, which never materialized, but it prompted Slash to pick up a guitar. At the time, Adler designated himself as the guitarist, so Slash learned how to play bass by taking lessons with a one-string flamenco guitar his grandmother gave him. By the time Adler was in 10th grade, he had dropped out, with Slash following suit shortly thereafter.