By Ross Boissoneau Growing up, Tracy Silverman was enamored of the sounds of his favorite artists. He wanted to be able to shriek and growl like Jimmy Page and Jimi Hendrix, bend notes and strum rhythms like Eric Clapton and Duane Allman. One problem: He played violin, not guitar. “Guitar was the most important instrument […]
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Bass guitars are large stringed instruments that produce deep, low-pitched sounds. Think of them as the foundation of music; they provide the “bottom end” that you feel more than hear. Unlike regular guitars, bass guitars have thicker strings and longer necks. Bass guitar strings impact tone and playability directly. Understanding them elevates your skill and […]
Read moreBy Ross Boissoneau Born in 2007 in Taiwan, Feng E began playing ukulele after piano lessons failed to take. He did have a bit of an excuse, as he was only 4 when he started piano. He was only 5 when he turned to the diminutive four-stringed instrument, but with encouragement from his dad he […]
Read moreBy Ross Boissoneau It’s unlikely that many guitarists have a section on their website devoted to mathematics, but that’s Andrew York for you. The multi-faceted York has distinguished himself through his composing, recording and playing. But his interests are even broader and deeper; a member of the high-IQ organization Triple 9 (think Mensa on steroids), […]
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Mastering Guitar Pick Grip Mastering your guitar pick grip is not just about how to hold a plectrum (pick); it’s about unlocking your tone, boosting your speed, and keeping your hands working right through long guitar sessions. Let’s explore the best guitar picks for grip and accessories to enhance it. Why Grip Matters Your guitar […]
Read moreBy Ross Boissoneau Chieli Minucci has been a force in modern electric jazz for more than 40 years, since founding the band Special EFX with percussionist George Jinda in 1982. Either under his own name or that of the band he’s released over 30 albums. He’s played with pop artists Celine Dion, Lou Reed, Lionel […]
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If you’re just starting your music journey, choosing the right instrument can make all the difference in your progress and enjoyment. The classical guitar, with its rich history and versatile sound, offers a unique set of benefits for beginners. Whether you’re drawn to its soothing tones or the fact that the design better facilitates the […]
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Guitar string gauge sizes affect every aspect of guitar playing, from tone to playability. A string’s gauge represents its diameter, measured in thousandths of an inch (referred to as “mils”) in US manufacturing or decimal millimeters in metric countries. For example, a “10-gauge” high E string measures 0.010 inches or 0.254 mm in diameter. These […]
Read moreBy Michael Mckinney Drum circle groups are gaining popularity today and their emergence presents a tantalizing possibility for Classical and Flamenco guitarists. I recently had the thrilling experience of sitting in with a drum circle on several occasions and expect to do so again. There’s nothing like it to test your improvisational skills, but before […]
Read moreBy Ross Boissoneau William “Bill” Kanengiser is best known as a founding member of the celebrated Los Angeles Guitar Quartet. The group has released 14 CDs since its founding, receiving two Grammy nominations and winning one. The LAGQ’s recording of the title work on Pat Metheny’s Road to the Sun hit #1 on the Apple […]
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