Examining World-Music Scales Used in Metal Soloing, Part 1 By Metal Mike Chlasciak published 28 December 16
Melodic Phrasing and Playing Over Blues Changes, Part 2 By Alex Skolnick published 23 December 16 Last month, we took steps toward developing a deeper understanding of blues and how it informs both jazz and rock.
Blues Shapes, Part 2: More on Using Triadic Forms as Soloing Templates By Andy Aledort published 19 December 16
How to Play Revocation's “Theater of Horror,” Part 2 By Dave Davidson published 7 December 16 Last month, I introduced the intro and primary riffs to the song “Theater of Horror,” featured the latest Revocation album, Great Is Our Sin.
One-Way Ticket to a Sick Guitar Tone By Metal Mike Chlasciak published 28 September 16 Guitar players are usually on a mission to improve theirguitar tone. For many, this journey never ends. I dare say we're obsessed with it.
Why Do Experienced Musicians Make Mistakes? By Damian Fanelli published 23 September 16 I spoke to Paul Jackson Jr. at a recent Winter NAMM Show in Anaheim, California. The talented Jackson used to be the guitarist in the American Idol house band.
Creative Ways to Incorporate Harmonics, and How to Play “Somewhere Home” By Mike Dawes published 8 September 16 For my original composition “Somewhere Home,” which appears on What Just Happened, one objective was to investigate musically creative ways to weave the sound of harmonics into the composed melodies.
Music Theory Offers "Options," Not "Rules" By Chris Breen published 25 May 16 In my previous column, I briefly touched upon how polarizing the topic of music theory can be for some musicians.
Copping a Techno-Flavored Synth Bass Sound By Matt Scharfglass published 20 May 16 Though I’m assuredly a rocker at heart, I’ve learned throughout my travels as a bassist that in order to stay employed, one must be adaptable, stylistically.
Using Unusual Tunings to Create Fresh, Unique Riffs By Mark Holcomb published 11 May 16 A songwriting device I find very useful and inspiring and have explored extensively is to use alternate tunings.
Slide Guitar: Get the Most Out of Open E Tuning By Andy Aledort published 20 April 16 Slide guitar is one of the most nuanced and expressive techniques available to guitarists for the performance of melodic lines and solos.
Why You Should Include Yourself on Your List of Favorite Guitarists By Ron Zabrocki published 17 March 16
Top 10 Lessons Learned As a Session Guitarist By Ron Zabrocki published 14 March 16 This week I offer some lessons I've learned in the past 35 years to get you prepared for—or maybe even help you survive—the world of playing sessions for a living.
Mark Holcomb Lesson: Devising the Unconventional, Acrobatic Guitar Riff in “The Bad Thing” By Mark Holcomb published 11 March 16 A Periphery riff that people often asked me about is the bridge section to “The Bad Thing,” from our 2015 album, Juggernaut: Omega.
Tommy Emmanuel Lesson: Composing Singable Melodies, and “It’s Never Too Late,” Part 1 By Tommy Emmanuel published 7 March 16 As a composer, I strive to write melodies that have a special appeal and will “stick” in both my head and heart.
Building Complex Rock Riffs from Melodic Patterns that Slide Up the Fretboard By Steel Panther's Satchel published 3 March 16