Welcome to... "Micro-Lesson 204"   This Micro Lesson runs through a speedy, "Albert Lee," style Country Western Lick in, "G Major."  The lick begins on the 5th string and descends chromatically before ascending across 4th, 3rd and 2nd guitar strings.  Once...

When you desire to improve upon a skill, regardless of what the skill is, consistency is key. Practicing your instrument for 90 minutes every day will produce much better results than trying to fit six hours of practice into two days per week. This holds true for every aspect...

Welcome to... "Micro-Lesson 203"   This Micro Lesson works through a Pop-Rock style breakdown of an eighth-note riff in the key of "E Minor."  The riff is centered around an open 6th string "E" bass note and uses mostly "E Minor" Pentatonic scale to operate the...

Learning a musical instrument can be a really great thing for anybody. Sure, it can be a challenge, but challenging yourself is a good thing.  We probably don't do it enough on a daily basis... Learning music will not only allow you to step back from your daily grind...

Welcome to... "Micro-Lesson 202"   This Micro Lesson runs through a Major Tonality Legato influenced speed-lick using the "A Lydian" Mode.  This fast-paced lick applies both sixteenth-note triplets, as well as, thirty-second notes to produce a very quick flurry...

GuitarBlog: Harmonic Minor Scale Application... This week's GuitarBlog covers Harmonic Minor Scale application and focuses on the specific use of the chords from this scale, how they're used in progressions and how to approach playing lead on these sounds.  The application...

Welcome to... "Micro-Lesson 201"   This Micro Lesson runs through a 1950's style "I-IV-V" Blues-Rock Riff in the Key of "E."  The overall feel is a very Blues-based groove with a slant toward the 1950's rock direction from the filler (piano-like) parts that surround...

Acoustic sounding tired? Here are a few ways to breathe new life into your guitar with simple, inexpensive upgrades... It might seem like your options for upgrading your acoustic are somewhat limited. After all, solid woods and bracing rely on craftsmanship rather than aftermarket...

Welcome to... "Micro-Lesson 200"   This Micro Lesson takes a look at a common finger-picked pattern in "A Minor" applied within "three string" groups.  One of the most popular ideas used by folk, blues, pop and rock guitarists is the fingerpicked pattern. Songs...

For the most part, the music business skills guitarists need to build aren’t that different from skills other musicians should be equipping themselves with. Communication and networking skills. Marketing, image and branding. Punctuality and professionalism. Money and time management. However,...

Welcome to... "Micro-Lesson 199"   This Micro Lesson takes a look at a pop-rock style guitar lick in the key of "A Minor."  This is probably one of the most popular key's in guitar music. And, pop-rock music applies the use of this key in many hit songs. One...

Tip #1. Learn Something New Every Day Find one guitar-related thing a day that you didn’t know already and learn it—and play it. It can be a riff, a lick, a chord, a scale, an exercise, a song, a melody, an altered tuning, a strum pattern, the part of a song you know all the...

Welcome to... "Micro-Lesson 198"   This Micro Lesson explores the idea of applying rhythmic embellishments around a "Major 7th" chord.  The Major 7th is commonly used in; Pop, Funk, Jazz and Soul /R&B music. Often times if the guitarist just strums the chord,...

GuitarBlog: Lead Guitar Soloing Basics... This week's GuitarBlog covers the basics of learning how to play guitar solos.  When it comes to learning the basic principles of using any scale to play a solo we need to have decent skills with; familiarity of the scale...