If you’re a beginner looking to build your guitar repertoire, a steady and straightforward strumming pattern matters just as much as easy chord shapes. Even songs made up of just three or four chords can be quite challenging if the rhythm is complex. But what we have here is a list packed with easy strumming …
Choosing a jazz guitar amp can be a tedious process. After all, what exactly defines a contemporary jazz guitar sound? Are you more interested in a strong, traditional clean sound? Or does some modern technological wizardry hold more appeal? Do you use effects pedals or appreciate a gently built-in reverb? Do you gig frequently and …
Utilizing alternate tunings can add a whole new dimension to your guitar playing. For the characteristically growly and heavy tones, D-standard is simply “Standard tuning,” aka “E Standard,” but dropping each string one full step to D-G-C-F-A-D. Although widely used in metal, D-standard has also found a place in several iconic grunge, pop, and folk …
Steve Vai, innovator of “stunt guitar” and mercurial, enigmatic solo artist. His unique playing style is rooted firmly in precision and infinite expression, and over five decades remains at the forefront of potent shred guitar. Appropriately, his first job as a guitarist came with Frank Zappa, who often referred to Vai, then aged eighteen, as …
When I purchased my first mandolin there weren’t nearly as many options as there are today. While having more options is a good thing, it can also make choosing one a more complicated process. You’re going to spend a lot of time playing your mandolin, so it’s important to choose one that fits your playing …
Just the mention of a multi effects unit evokes mixed reactions from guitarists and bass players alike. Purists will shun them, because “analog is always better”, while others, who value functionality, portability, versatility, and a much lower cost than a fully stocked analog pedalboard, will swear by them. This discussion won’t go away anytime soon, …
The 1990s brought attention to international underground music scenes, with new divergent genres making an entry to the alternative game and breaking into a new scheme. The earlier half of the decade delved romantically into anti-pop tendencies. Smells Like Teen Spirit’s massive airplay and unexpected success had major record labels looking to tap the commercial …
While shopping for an acoustic guitar, the choices can seem limitless. There are so many different types of acoustic guitars and it can be difficult to choose the one that will compliment you and your playing style. Figuring out which type will best suit your needs can be challenging, which is why we are here …
When it comes to music, it’s fair to say that things move in cycles, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the case of classic rock. Only a decade ago, listening to classic rock was uncool, but over the last few years, it has been making somewhat of a comeback. Old bands are reuniting …
Whether it is for the Holiday season, their birthday, or a special event, putting a little time and effort into choosing a gift goes a long way. If you need a gift for someone who loves to play guitar, look no further! Being a guitar player myself, it was easy for me to put together …