Guitar Antics (personal)

Vibe is good.

2012-02-05T16:22:00.000-08:00

Vibe. One of my favorite words in managing people, and composing music. It's amazing how often I can use the word in a week. I've been recording guitar, bass, and programming drums for a client, and after doing 5 songs I can already feel the overall vibe the Cd will have. When you listen to your songs, do they have vibe? ~Just a thought.

Too tired to think straight.

2011-04-09T04:00:00.001-07:00

These days, it's all about being too tired to think straight. If you're in a similar situation, try to maintain your passion for the guitar by actively listening to music. Can you detect the key of the song or imagine how the riff is being played? If not, keep trying. There's nothing like the sound of a 6-string guitar in Drop A tuning...

I'm still here.

2011-02-12T11:24:00.000-08:00

I've had plenty of random musical thoughts to share on this blog, and will make a better attempt to keep it up to date. If you've visited and not seen any new content, I'm sorry. I hope you've been playing your instrument and funneling the creative juices into the form of a new song or two.

Biggest Challenge.

2010-03-30T16:21:00.001-07:00

The biggest challenge you have being a self-employed guitar teacher is the fluctuation in income. Whenever a new sport starts, lacrosse for example, multiple students cancel their lessons, typically without giving any notice. If you happen to be taking private lessons, be considerate give the instructor as much notice as possible. Thanks.

Collaboration.

2010-02-20T16:25:00.000-08:00

Collaborating with other musicians is one of the coolest parts of being one. However, as you get older and have less and less time, finding professional musicians that have similar or common goals is crucial. I can still remember some of the vocalists that came over to my parents house while growing up. I'd have my pre-recorded tracks ready, give them the cue to start, and I'd get an ear full of love-me-sideways lyrics and viking-rock. The memories still make me laugh and occasionally haunt my dreams. These days, I'm more apt to go it alone using loops and samples than make random calls for musicians. The last few Cds I've recorded however, have been very rewarding. The pro-guys I've had play drums, sax/flute, and keys have taken the songs to new heights. I'm excited about my new project, though I know it will take longer due to my 2010 plan. So, stick with the pro-guys.

Interesting.

2010-02-16T17:28:00.000-08:00

Why do my guitar students say 'sorry' when they make a mistake? I find it very interesting. Doesn't learning an instrument qualify as a new an exciting challenge where you're bound to make mistakes? Here are some tips:

1. Cut yourself some slack, realize that horrible notes are part of the game
2. If you mess up, smile and move on
3. Realize that perfection doesn't exist
4. It's supposed to be fun

I'm going to count how many sorry-eez I hear this week

School.

2010-02-14T20:24:00.000-08:00

It's too bad that so many classmates and people I grew up with quit playing their instrument. I think that's one of the main reasons I play and teach the guitar. I remember asking old friends what they've been doing and the response was predictably "working", "going to school", "oh, the usual", how depressing! Just because you got a job or got married doesn't mean you have to quit playing your instrument. I always thought to myself ... that's stupid.

My fifth grade teacher Mrs. Palmer made everyone sing Abba Super Trooper one day in class. I hated singing. She stooped in front of all of us, hand to her ear, to ensure we weren't just 'mouthing it'. Psycho! I remember her telling me I wasn't a good singer. What?*@ Anyway, thanks to her, I continued through life with a complex of singing, but also a love of the guitar. How strangely things work themselves out. In my mind Mrs. Palmer is the wicked witch of the North in Wizard of Oz.

Things I think.

2010-02-14T20:23:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you have small song ideas that don't really materialize into something. What do you do with them? I tab out all of my ideas with the date and a description, including the beats per minute (bpm). Then, when working on a new CD I can combine ideas at the same or approximate key and tempo. Excellent!

Oh I love all the excuses students give me about not practicing. But I also know that if they're watching a 30 minute TV show, there are 7 1/2 minutes of commercials where they could be playing their scales, note reading, chords, etc. If you're a TV watcher, and don't Tevo or DVR everything, you have no excuse for not practicing!

I think most would agree; you play better with a cool drink. My choice would be Coca-Cola.

Satisfaction.

2010-02-13T17:29:00.001-08:00

I love when a previous client calls, wanting to work with you again, based on your kickin' butt last time. Recording Clients are hard to find these days, everyone has a project studio of some kind. But, for someone to value your experience and expertise, not to mention your ears is rewarding. It was good to work with you again Jack.

Influence.

2010-02-12T22:03:00.000-08:00

One of my earliest influences after I could actually play, was Tony MacAlpine. I learned many of his licks, and admired his versatility, tone, speed, and the fact that he could play piano. I remember seeing him play at the Zepher Club. We had a descent 5 sec conversation about sweep arpeggios while he signed my VHS sleeve. Check him out if you haven't already.

Pivotal Moment.

2010-02-12T21:32:00.000-08:00

1992-1993 contained some pivotal moments for me. One was whether I was getting burned out on the guitar and should take a break for a while. Well, a guitar student of mine convinced me to go with him to see Michael Hedges. I was well aware of him (trying to teach his songs) but had never seen him live. It turns out that the concert was exactly what I needed. Soon after, I bought my first Taylor guitar and immersed myself in finger-style guitar. Thanks Gary.

Recommended Age.

2010-02-12T20:49:00.000-08:00

What age do kids need to be to start taking guitar lessons? Well, I've had a few five year olds, they lasted a month or two. I've taught lots of 7-8 year olds, and would have to say age 8. The guitar is very mathematical, there are numbers for strings, numbers for frets, and numbers for left hand fingers. Plus, the guitar is upside down and backwards, what you think is up is actually down. So, if you have kids wanting to learn the guitar due to their being able to rock on Guitar Hero or Band Hero, call me when they turn eight.

Where are your teachers now?

2010-02-12T20:06:00.000-08:00

Where are your old guitar teachers? Do they still play? Do they still teach? Do you remember who taught you your scales, chords, legato technique? Well, I can remember all four of my guitar teachers. My first teacher was a joke, he couldn't play the songs I brought him and seemed more concerned with his 'big hair'. He wanted to teach me music theory for some reason, and I resisted, then quit. I wonder if that was a good decision ...

My second teacher was an amazing rock guitarist that my band mate recommended. My first lesson with him was the two-handed tapping solo in Dokken's 'Tooth and Nail'. Needless to say, it was miles above my current playing level, but he taught it to me anyway. I didn't have the juevos rancheros to tell him I sucked, and had never finger-tapped before. I loved the fact that he could play everything and anything I wanted to learn. I wish his schedule would have allowed more consistent lessons. Check out H8X9 if you get the chance.

My third teacher caught me during a transitional phase, and was more of a friend. However, he did clear up a key point on the mystery of the Modes. My final guitar teacher gave me the brainy perspective and incredible picking technique. I have many memories of structured lessons and don't think you can be a professional guitarist without them. Thanks guys, glad you're all still alive and ambulatory.

Percussion Anyone?

2010-02-12T19:52:00.000-08:00

Want some random advice? How about this, learn to play a hand drum or djembe. Having one around for the kids to play with is invaluable. I had a drummer teach me a beat once (123 123 12 123 123 12). I think there's a djembe book on my dusty shelf somewhere, I should dig it out this year. Boom!

Thanks for visiting.

2010-02-12T19:08:00.000-08:00

Blogs are are great venue for random thoughts and reminiscing. Sometimes, you just want to let your hair down.