I’ve become a great fan of soul singer Bill Withers in recent years. His songs have always been familiar, but as with many things I’ve come to a new appreciation lately. There’s the voice, of course, and the songs, and the delivery. But most of all, I love the simplicity of the songs. The arrangements […]
The Perpetual Beginner: how to play bass walks on guitar
A “walk” is a single note line on the low strings that connects one chord to another. Essentially, it allows the guitar to take on the role of the bass player for a moment and lead the music forward into the next chord. Bass players refer to “walking” lines, which use notes from the chord […]
The Perpetual Beginner: practice tips for memorizing songs
Memory’s a funny thing. There have been times I’ve been able to summon up the words and chords to a song I haven’t played in 30 years when someone makes a request at a show. Sometimes it’s a song I’ve never played! And then there are the times when I can’t remember the name of […]
The Perpetual Beginner: why everyone should go back to basics.
I started using the phrase “perpetual beginner” to refer to guitar enthusiasts/hobbyists/students who have played for months or years but don’t feel like they’re improving any more. Almost everyone hits plateaus and blocks, but so many people build that basic vocabulary and never go beyond it. Some have learned lots of information – chords, licks, “strums” – […]
Be a real guitar hero: 5 ways to play better rhythm
When you think “guitar hero” what do you picture? (Look out, the clichés are flying already…cue the fog machine!) I’ve had many students start their first lesson by saying that they’re “not a guitar player” and don’t really need to be “good”. But you don’t have to be a guitar hero to be a good […]
Why Does It Hurt When I Play?
I should say at the outset that this is not meant to be medical advice. Serious chronic pain should be addressed by a professional. But understanding some basic mechanics can help you tell the difference between a signal to change something and an impending or developing injury. I’m not talking about the sore fingertips beginners […]
