

Shining Light On The Dark Ages: The Concept of Mind Over Metal
Throughout human history, music has been an ever changing and evolving art form. It has embraced and expressed the views of many tribes and nations, and the beliefs that make them unique. From Creation, music and sound have played an important role in molding and shaping the voices and expression of basic human communication. Sound is one of the first senses that helped us develop our conception of the world around us. We distinguish different vibrational impulses from the

The Five Elements - Ninja Magic for Guitarists!
Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood The law of the five elements has long been a huge part of martial arts, philosophy, mystical and alchemical practices and many areas of the healing arts and Eastern medicine. By understanding the properties of each element we can unlock the nature of its power. We can then explore the idea of this power and use it as a strategy or we can conceptualize an expression of its energy. There are many different interpretations of the five elements


The Art of STEREO!!!
For years, playing the electric guitar meant simply plugging into an amp, cranking it up, and rockin' out! But these days, there are so many ways to expand the sound that is delivered from your axe via that little guitar cable to a vast array of effects and hi-tech amp & cabinet simulators, that can transform any guitar into a wall of THX-like surround sound! Although there are several products that will give you a "stereo" sound, there are a few ways to run your guitar rig i


Attention to Detail!
No matter how much raw talent or ability one innately possesses the one thing that always makes particular artists stand out is their individual technique. So what does it take to really become a master of technique? Well it takes a keen attention to detail. By dissecting each little nuance of playing we can tap into it’s essence and make a deeper connection to our own creativity. This deeper connectivity will help us hone in on weaknesses and strengths and we will be better


How to Make Practice PERFECT!
There are many great quotes and mantras dedicated to the topic of practice and for good reason. It is the process of practicing ones craft that creates personal growth and builds in one the strength to overcome all of life’s limitations. Although all of us are born with innate abilities, it is through the disciplined action of practice that these abilities are refined and empowered. There are many ways to approach practice and many different theories as to what practice regim


Never Give Up The Fight!
Playing guitar presents so many wonders and many challenges. The deeper one dives into this art of expression that we call music, the more challenges cross your path. Rise up and fight your way through the barricades and continue on your mission towards greatness!As you begin to feel the excitement and joy of making music, many roadblocks will appear in your way, hoping that you will just simply stop dead in your tracks. But if you stay true to your desire to better yourself


Creating the Perfect Solo!
Guitar-God in action, Joe Satriani shreddin' away on another perfect solo! Songwriting is a process that comes easily for some and takes much more effort and preparation for others. Although a great melody and strong chorus is often a songwriters focal point, this is not always the case from a guitar players perspective. For us axe-wielding God's of guitar, the SOLO section is where we tend to set our focus in an attempt to wow the universe with our acumen. So where do you st


Building a Band Bond Stronger than Duct Tape!
Fight For Your Right To Bond Many aspiring guitarists move past the daily regimen of bedroom boot-camp to go fight victoriously in the real world of ROCK BANDS!!! Finding and forming that band and preparing for the battles ahead is no small task of it's own, but the real secret to a winning band of rockers is to build a bond that will last. Often, we just get so caught up in the rush of excitement with each show that we tend to forget that we are part of a team and each membe


Take Inventory and Clean House! part 3
In my previous posts on Taking Inventory and Cleaning House I spoke about digging through your old gear and also opening those dusty jars filled with your techniques and how taking inventory of what you have could lead to some really cool new discoveries in your sound and over-all playing ability. Well there is more than one way to clean out a closet and sometimes what you find will really open your eyes to a vast world of creative possibilities. Follow me on a little journey