Whether you are a beginning guitarist, or have been playing for years… a bedroom player, or if you play for an audience, there is always something to learn- and to share! This section of the blog contains resources I’ve found useful over the years. If you have some that have really helped your playing, send it to me and I’ll post them here as well.
Videos
Back in the late 1980s a good friend turned me on to a “Star Licks” videocassette of
Rik Emmett, of Triumph. These days it’s kind of difficult to find, but a little effort on your behalf will pay off big dividends! An excellent teacher, Rik takes the viewer from the very basics of guitar to the advanced. Many of the fundamentals of guitar I learned from Rik.
Here is a YouTube clip of the tape to provide an idea what to expect:
Part 7 & 8
Rik also recently recorded a series of short lessons on “Triumph stuff” for CBC music:
Rik Emmett's Guide to Playing Triumph's hits
Today, many videos are available on line, which demonstrate how to play something (with questionable accuracy) but don’t tell you the thought process behind what you’re learning to play. This video from Neil Zaza demonstrates 50 melodic licks, and the thought process behind them. I intentionally avoided using the term, “theory,” as I believe Neil is teaching something different, yet equally important.
Quick Reference Guide / Worksheets
My Quick Reference guide
In my own musical journey I am always wanting to know why something works the way it does/how its made. This chart is a visual representation of foundational music theory as it applies to the guitar. One of my biggest breakthroughs was the realization that “shapes” play a large role on a guitars fingerboard. This chart is based on the Major Scale—the standard point of reference for all other scales.
Being a visual learner, I’ve found this to be really helpful when trying to understand chord progressions, and corresponding riffs for a song. I typically print this out, and fill in either the notes, or their position in the scale, for each chord of a particular song. This effectively provides me a visual road map of the song, allowing me to see patterns, and possible changes I might want to make.
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| An example how it might be used |
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| Empty chart |
Tools
Of all the gear I’ve had over the years, these are the items that I’ve found to be the most useful. I am a big believer in paying a little more for something of high quality that is built to last many years. This sometimes this means waiting a few months—or even years to save enough money to do so. Considering the price for this gear is low in relation to other available options gets me all excited to share these discoveries with others.
Again, it’s important to keep in mind that these are all tools to help you make music. People must find that which allows them to express themselves—despite what is/isn’t popular on Internet forums, or with friends.
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| 1st Generation G-DEC 30w amp |
These are becoming hard to find new, but there are HUGE deals on those remaining (i.e. around $200). If there is a better practice machine/amp I haven’t found it. This line of amps has been through two different incarnations; the first was great- I bought one right after they were released, and have been using it consistently ever since. The second, easier to find version improves upon the first by offering live backing bands rather than digital versions, and includes an SD-card slot which accepts specially designed Hal Leonard lesson books for the amp. Also bundled with the amp is recording software for your computer. Rumor has it Fender is working on the third version of the amp line… time will tell. Craigslist & EBay are your friends for these amps~
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Here is a great sounding, easy to use, inexpensive multi-task tool. It features amp/cab simulations and up to six effects-- all internal. It also includes a tuner, 40-second looper, drum machine, and it doubles as a USB audio interface. That’s handy because it also comes with Mac compatible recording & edit/sharing software. It’s powered by your computer when connected, or by a 9v adapter, and will also run on four AA batteries. This has become my main tool when playing with our band at church, as I can connect to the house PA via the Zooms XLR output. These can be found just about anywhere for under $200 new. Amazing!
Spectraflex Original Braided Cables "Fatso Flex"
I have been using two of these cables for the last five years, and love them. These are thicker than normal cables, which appeals to me, as I often use them in cramped quarters on stage where they are walked upon, kicked, rested upon (until I can free them) by amps, monitors, music stands, etc. They are made in the USA, and have a lifetime warranty.  |
| 1995 Carvin SC90T & current model X100b amp |
I am a big fan of Carvin products. I received my first Carvin in 1995 shortly before transferring to a remote air base in South Korea. That guitar has been with me ever since.
Carvin is a family owned/operated company that pays their employees a living wage, and sells directly to the customer. The direct sales eliminate the expense related with retail operations, meaning you are dealing directly with the manufacture. All Carvin guitars and amps are made in America (San Diego, CA) and are of extremely high quality. Their guitars are built to order, so you receive exactly what you want, rather than settling for whatever a retail store has hanging on the wall. The best part of it all is their instruments play, and sound amazing.
Let's not forget the instrument that holds down the rhythm section... the Bass Guitar!
G&L LB-100Creator of Fender Guitars, Leo Fender partnered with his long-time friend George Fullerton to create Leo's final guitar company, G&L (i.e. George & Leo) Back in the early 1950s, Leo created the first successful electric bass guitar, the Precision Bass. Today, the G&L LB-100 is the subtle evolution of Leo's Precision bass. It is one of the finest American made basses that features a classic tone with a minimalist heart.
Carvin Micro Bass Amp
Selected Apps (iPhone/iPad)Chatternome, my talking metronome
3in1 Improviser, to discover the joys of improvisation, mentioned in the New York Times
Fretboard, come to terms with the guitar's logic.
Garage Band, learn about music by recording your own
Guitar Jam Tracks, great to practice with
irealB, terrific app for learning to play along with chord changes
Karajan, to train your ear.
Selected WebsitesMusictheory.net, a free introduction to music theory
guitarnoise.com, free lessons for beginners
musiciansway.com, tools to help organize your practice
Tips For Leaning Guitar
Guitar Tricks for A Middle Aged Dog in The Wall Street Journal
Guitar Zero: The New Musician and The Science of Learning
Chord Changes for the Complete Beginner by Jamie Andrea
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