‘Absolute Legend’ Tim McGraw’s Origin Story Floors Fans: ‘Best Thing He Ever Did’

Tim McGraw reveals how he bought his first guitar — and fans are calling him ‘an absolute legend.’

Tim McGraw at the 2025 MLB Speedway Classic between the Braves and the Reds at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday, August 2, 2025 in Bristol, Tennessee

Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images

Country music legend Tim McGraw had to cut his September 6 performance in New Mexico short due to inclement weather. As he wrote in the video caption, “Thanx New Mexico! Sad the weather cut us short Saturday night, but you guys definitely brought the energy, and we appreciate you showing up!”

To make it up to his fans, McGraw shared a wild story on Instagram on Tuesday, September 9, that details how he came to acquire his first guitar.

“When I first started playing, it was just me and a guitar. I pawned my high school ring my freshman year of college and bought a guitar for 20 bucks,” says McGraw with a laugh.

“That pawn shop deal was the best thing he ever did.” — Tim McGraw fan comment

He continues, “Spent the whole summer, learned about 50 or 60 songs on the guitar for the whole summer, and that was my repertoire. I tried to add a new one every now and then. I played at a place called ‘Cock of the Walk,’ just me and a guitar. I played there for tips for, gosh, for six months.”

In the comments, fans are floored over the story of how the multi-time Platinum artist and three-time Grammy winner got his start performing.

“That pawn shop deal was the best thing he ever did,” wrote one fan, and another fan added, “I am so glad you bought the guitar and have shared your amazing talent and music with the world. You are the best of the best! A legend in the making.”

“Buying that guitar has paid off for you in big ways! The best decision you ever made!” — Fan comment

Another fan simply wrote, “You are the best! ❤️ 🙌,” and a fourth fan added, “An absolute legend 😍.”

“Buying that guitar has paid off for you in big ways! The best decision you ever made! 🙌 🤗 💞 😘 🥰 🔥 🔥,” wrote another fan, then added, “PS..best decision besides marrying Faith! 😉.”

McGraw married fellow country star Faith Hill in 1996. They have three daughters — Gracie, 28, Maggie, 27, and Audrey, 23.