Training our ear is probably the toughest thing to do in learning music. I can show you where to put your fingers and what string to pluck, but really we need to change the way we hear music in order for everything to make sense. What’s funny is w ...
Dynamics are how loud/soft you play. A good idea is to work in dynamics as a part of your practice routine as they can make all the difference in the world in terms of developing your feel. A good idea is to think of 3 big dynamic levels: loud, me ...
Your electronic guitar has pick ups. They are literally magnets that “pick up” the sound your strings are making. To understand how guitar pickups work, let's look at the various parts of the guitar and the sounds it naturally produces. The “bridg ...
Most popular music use similar forms. If you watch my song lesson videos, you'll notice I go through sections of the song and not how to play each song chord by chord. If you look at a song on Ultimate Guitar or something similar, a lot of times you' ...
Playing along with songs is such an important skill. It is a lot of fun, plus it can really help getting your timing together. A way to start doing it is to start assigning parts of the song we hear to the rhythms I went through. The drum beat is ess ...
I sit in with a lot of bands and people. I'm constantly asked to play a song that I've never heard, with people that do know the song. It can be intimidating! Having a grasp on some theory concepts, common song structures and some listening skills, y ...
What guitar player doesn't like a new toy? New guitar, new amp, new pedals... the reality is that while that may inspire you to play more, it doesn't matter in the bigger picture. Guitar players tend to think that without the latest gadget they're mi ...
It's happened to everyone, where you're playing and feel like your just recycling the same things over and over. The biggest thing is getting yourself out of your normal routine. 1) Only allow yourself to use new ways to play the chords If yo ...
So after listening to a E.L.O. record or two you think you could be the next Jeff Lynne. Writing a bunch of songs and start collaborating with everyone you've ever admired. Somehow you just keep writing songs that sound the same or just get writers b ...
Like most of you I had visions of grandeur when I began, but soon I found myself playing the same thing I was playing for years. A lot this comes down to lack of focus on your goals. I always recommend taking time out of your guitar playing to lay ou ...
