The world of guitar picks is a colorful and diverse subject. You might say a pick is a pick, but don’t say that in a room with more than one guitar player. Any real guitar player carries picks in his pocket. Don’t ask to borrow one unless you are prepared to get that look. You know, that look that says, “Really?” If he or she has to loan you a pick, they will look through the handful they pull out and give you one that isn’t very used. You see, the ones with the worn edges are the bomb. After playing a few hours, a pick forms these smooth edges that are just perfect. You’re not getting one of those. Wear down your own. So what kind of guitar pick should you use then?
Guitar Riffs That Make You Wanna Play
- April 25, 2017
- Guitar Songs
No matter how old you are or how long you’ve been playing, there’s a few guitar riffs that just make you wanna strap on a Flying V and be a rockstar. Acoustic and electric guitar riffs have been hooking us since the 1950’s. Whether it’s Johnny Cash and his “Folsom Prison Blues” or Chuck Berry and his “Johnny B. Goode,” there’s some classic guitar riffs that just make us crazy. In all genres of music you can find killer guitar riffs that define the essence of great guitar. Hooky lines like Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl” or Sam and Dave’s “Soul Man,” or fast forward to the 80’s and beyond and there’s endless guitar riffage you can sink your fingers into. Let’s unpack some of these great guitar riffs that make you wanna play.
Teach Yourself Guitar: More Than Just Chords
- April 24, 2017
- Guitar
It is interesting how so many singer/songwriters can only strum the guitar enough to write or perform a song. Maybe they just never were interested in creating the lead lines or fills and just left that to the studio guys or perhaps they simply didn’t want to put in the endless hours of wood shedding it takes to be really good at soloing. No matter where you fit in, you can teach yourself guitar and know how to play more than just chords. Imagine going into the studio prepared and being able to show the lead player what you want. That’d raise some eyebrows. Especially when they're used to creating it on their own. Suddenly you're on the creative end making decisions. That’s awesome!
Music Theory: Why Should I Understand It?
- April 19, 2017
- Guitar 101
Music is music and a theory is just a theory. However, music theory is a vital part of your success if you’re going to be a serious musician. Lots of folks play amazing guitar or keys but don’t know a lick of theory. There are many successful icons who have made it to the big time without knowing any or little music theory. It’s not how much theory you know that matters, it’s how you apply it. Knowledge is very powerful and can transform a mediocre musician into a very clever artist. At the same time, too much music theory can turn a once soulful man into a sappy guitar slinger who overplays tastelessly.
10 Ways Guitar Lessons Make You a Better Musician
- April 19, 2017
- Guitar Lessons
In an age where everything seems to be about instant gratification. “I want it now and you have to pay for it” is the laziest anthem ever. Good luck with that! Don’t waste your life. There are opportunities for those who really want it bad. A way will present itself if you truly dream of learning guitar correctly. The cool thing is that “correctly” is relative to style and preference. Sure, classic guitar is a very disciplined art where grunge is more about passion and less about technique, but the rules are the same. You’ll get there quicker and more correctly if you learn from someone who's done it or has spent their life on the craft. Here are 10 ways guitar lessons will make you a better musician.
