We're back with a third installment of the Rutbuster series. For the first two posts in this series, see here and here. The idea here is to emulate other instruments with your guitar. And no, I'm not suggesting you buy a MIDI guitar to trigger virtual instruments...
This is Captain Obvious speaking....umm....you need to practice to get better at guitar. Yes. Of course. We all know that. But we DON'T all know the best methods for practicing guitar effectively and efficiently. Here's a simple concept that will not only keep your...
This is the second post in a series called Rutbusters. Check out the first post if you haven't already. The idea for this second rutbuster is super simple...play without a pick. This is not a lesson on fingerstyle guitar. It's just my attempt to get you electric...
This is the first in a series of blog posts intended to get you out of a rut with your guitar playing. It's all too easy (and common) to lose momentum with learning the guitar. Your playing becomes predictable, repetitive, boring. Enter the rutbuster. The first...
Most of the time I'm playing guitar in a band context, but occasionally I get to play unaccompanied solo guitar arrangements. Here are my top 7 tips for creating interesting and memorable solo guitar arrangements. 1. Transpose the Melody to Different Octaves The...
I've heard it said that anyone who knows anything is self-taught. There's some truth to this statement. If you're a self-taught guitarist, this post will provide a 4 step process for deeply learning any new musical concept. Of the dozens of students I've taught over...
Following up on last week's post, this post will look at another fun way to inspire creative new ideas for your guitar playing. I call this the Costanza Approach. (Remember when George Costanza decided to do the opposite of whatever his instincts told him to do?) If...
Versatility is key to being an in-demand guitarist. Learn the 4 step process to quickly learn new styles.
Recording guitars is an exhilarating experience, whether it's your own music or someone else's. But frustration often crops up in the studio when things don't turn out how you imagine they will. Here are 10 tips to keep in mind next time you record electric guitars....
Like many of you, I am primarily an electric guitarist. So when situations arise that require me to play acoustic guitar for more than half an hour or so, I know my left hand is in for it. The good news is that I've discovered a few hacks that make playing the...