Obviously we need a guitar, patch-cords, picks, our amp, etc. But, have you ever established what your critical pieces of gear are, the items that you "need" and use consistently?  These are the items that totally "have" to be on every gig. And, although they can be...

Welcome to... "Micro-Lesson 221"   This Micro-Lesson covers a "quick and flashy" attention getting lick from the "F Blues" scale.  This lick is set within a "Shuffle-Rhythm" feel and operates from the 6th fingerboard position at 5th guitar string. The initial start...

If you fancy a little taste of Hendrix the new Fender Jimi Hendrix Stratocaster may be for you.  It is not really what one might exactly call an authentic Hendrix Strat (due to the fact it is a right handed model with a reverse head-stock and bridge pickup angle), but...

Welcome to... "Micro-Lesson 220"   This Micro Lesson runs through a common sounding Jazz Progression in the key of, "Eb Major."  This jazzy progression is quite typical of those found in many of the popular Jazz Standards. It begins from the tonic chord of the...

Recording studios can sometimes be intimidating, and there are usually unspoken rules that you may not be aware of.  While there are widely varying expectations of recording artists nowadays, we've compiled a list of the most common faux pas. Avoid doing the five things...

Welcome to... "Micro-Lesson 219"   This Micro Lesson breaks down a Pop-Rock Style song intro. riff from the key of "A Minor."  The riff operates off of using a pedal of the 5th guitar string open "A." This string not only works to carry the low-end of this phrase,...

When designing a studio and purchasing the equipment for it, you need to decide what you’re studio is going to be used for, and what kind of music you are going to be making? This guide to studio equipment is the essentials for a home-studio based songwriter looking to do...

Welcome to... "Micro-Lesson 218"   This Micro-Lesson covers a Classic Rock riff from the, "E Mixolydian," mode. The riff is based upon the open, "E" 6th string, and includes a series of triads played around some notes out of the, "E Mixolydian Scale."  The Mixolydian...

GuitarBlog: Single String Funky Motown Riffs... This week on the GuitarBlog we'll be running through how to build "Single-String Funky Motown Riffs."  Single-note Scale Riffs are definitely a big part of playing funk, and they can also integrate well against the...

Bass guitar master Marcus Miller, is one of the world's most renowned bassists, known for an impressive solo career, as well as, for working with such jazz legends as; Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Dizzy Gillespie, and many, many more. Marcus has offered his Top 5 tips that...

Welcome to... "Micro-Lesson 217"   This Micro Lesson covers a fast-paced "C" Minor 7th Arpeggio lick that operates over two fingerboard positions.  The Minor 7th arpeggio patterns used for this lesson are excellent shapes for playing fast minor licks across the...

Welcome to... "Micro-Lesson 216"   This Micro Lesson explores the fantastic sounds of "G Open Tuning," with a fun to play riff in the key of "G Major."  Open "G" tuning applies a lowered 6th and 5th string, as well as, a lowered 1st string with each being dropped...

A lot of people offer advice on how to deal with anxiety before a live show, where you'll find yourself on a stage in front of hundreds or even thousands of people. However, that's not where anxiety ends. Nervousness can creep in at any time, and in the most inconvenient of...

Welcome to... "Micro-Lesson 215"   This Micro Lesson takes a look at a fairly basic "Jazz-Swing" melody line in the key of, "Bb Major."  The melody begins by running through a three note, "Bb Major," arpeggio. A hammer-on then brings in the note of, "D," (which...

If you're only working on music when you're in the studio or in your band rehearsal space, you're missing out on tons of opportunities to become a better musician.  Sneaking in little moments throughout the day really add up and make a difference over time. But, how...