One of the great challenges for every guitarist is to train the hands to follow directions. Any musical gesture requires a series of targeted movements, placing specific fingers in specific places. Some gestures are much more difficult than others, but ultimately playing any part is just a matter of knowing where you need to land […]
Core Concepts 3: what’s your musical direction?
When I was first learning to play, I didn’t have a specific musical direction. I played the rock music I loved, studied classical guitar seriously, and played in jazz band, at school. I wanted to know everything about everything, and read the monthly issues of Guitar Player and Guitar World magazines cover to cover. Everything […]
Core Concepts 2: talent is an advantage, not a requirement
When I was teaching kids, parents would sometimes ask me if their child had any talent. If a child showed a natural affinity for music I would happily tell them so, but it always struck me that they were really asking a different question. What these parents really wanted to know was whether music lessons […]
Core Concepts 1: make friends with your guitar
Core concepts are the key ideas that make players into musicians. If you struggle with the guitar or just need some new ideas, this new series will help show you how to become the player you want to be. To start things off, we’re looking at fundamental number one: make friends with your guitar. People […]
Get rhythm: timing and feel.
If you believe you have no natural rhythm, you’re wrong. Rhythm is actually as natural as breathing, or a heartbeat. We use the term “pulse” in music for a reason! Your pulse might be faster or slower depending on the situation you’re in, but if it’s irregular you know there’s a problem. We walk in […]
How to make a guitar sing.
Some people can play a lot of notes, but the best players make the guitar sing. Why do some musicians command attention with a single note? Chops are impressive, and speed and flashy technique have their place. But the notes are just the beginning. Expression on the guitar comes from the player’s touch, and the […]
