Funky Fingerstyle Guitar
Here’s a peek into my mind as to how I craft something musically for solo guitar.
I recently arranged the Beatles “Michelle” for solo fingerstyle guitar and while I feel it could be way better ‘technically’….it looks like people are digging it, from the comments. (thanks Youtubers!)
It is very far from perfect – but it feels good! There’s a different “perfection” in the good feeling I am talking about.
[Read more…] about What’s More Important – Musical Essence or Technical Perfection?
For centuries, guitarists have discussed whether to use fingernails or flesh on the right hand to pluck the strings.
I get asked about this often, so I figured a blog post was in order!
(Even though this is intended for guitarists – this may interest you even if you are a non-musician.)
In this post, I’ll talk about sound basics, amplification, tone, volume, the history of nails, and practical considerations like nail care.
[Read more…] about Guitar Right Hand Technique – Nails vs Flesh?
I’m often asked the question “do you use a set list when you play concerts?” This brings up the question of how to put a set together for a good show. I use a loose set idea with a game plan which I will describe.
But first…has the following ever happened to you…?
[Read more…] about How To Create a Great “Set List” For Musical PerformanceGreat news!
(Revisiting this….I know this is a few years old now but heck, it’s cool anyway…enjoy!)
JAZZIZ magazine has voted “I REMEMBER MICHAEL – A Michael Jackson Solo Guitar Tribute” as a Critic’s Choice Top 10 CD of 2011. Wow!!!
I am truly honored. I worked very hard on this project by practicing guitar for hours and hours, funneling 15 MJ songs onto a little wooden box with strings, and using 10 just fingers and lots of imagination.
Thank you to JAZZIZ magazine – and extra special thank you to all of YOU who have watched my videos & commented (and egged me on for more).
Without your “audience participation” – this CD project would never have happened.
Here you go…take a listen to “Human Nature” from the CD….enjoy!
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/22077163″]
I get a lot of questions about my guitar “tone” in my videos.
Ok, yes it has improved since I first started posting videos. But, this brings to mind a very valuable music lesson I once had from my mentor which I’d like to share with you.
[Read more…] about Gear Outside, Tone Inside