# Vivid Guitar > A Guitar Newsletter featuring digestible guitar lessons, a guitar gear showcase and reviews, guitar player interviews and more. Public Ghost content for AI and LLM tooling. This file includes a bounded export of public pages first, then recent public posts. Append `.md` to any post or page URL to get the content in Markdown (for example, `/example-post.md`). ## Pages ### Jam Session URL: https://vividguitar.co/jam-session/ Last updated: 2021-03-15T14:46:20.000Z _No content available._ ### Articles URL: https://vividguitar.co/tags/ Last updated: 2025-02-04T19:58:31.000Z _No content available._ ### Affiliate Disclosure URL: https://vividguitar.co/affiliate-disclosure/ Last updated: 2024-10-14T19:16:30.000Z At Vivid Guitar, one of the things we try to do is help guitarists make better decisions so they can find the best guitar products for their needs, instead of just spinning their wheels in the guitar gear-shopping wilderness. Sometimes when we recommend a product, we’ll link to the company’s website using what’s known as an *affiliate* or *referral* link. Basically, if you end up buying a product that you found via our link, we get a commission from the vendor as a small “thank you.” This helps us maintain this site, so we can continue to provide value to you in the future. But here’s the important thing — that referral doesn’t cost you a penny. The entire commission comes out of the vendor’s pocket, not yours. Your trust means everything to us, so we’ll never recommend a product simply because it might pay us a commission. We’ll only recommend products that we’ve personally used or that come highly recommended by trusted peers. Thanks for your support! ### 🎉 Welcome to Vivid Guitar! URL: https://vividguitar.co/welcome/ Last updated: 2026-03-06T17:40:46.000Z Hey! I'm Dustin, the founder of Vivid Guitar, and I'm psyched you joined. 📩 **Before we get into it**: Move the email from to **Primary** (Gmail) or add us to contacts—so you get all the 🔥 we’ve got lined up this week. Once a week (typically, each Tuesday), you'll get an email newsletter featuring a mix of bite-size guitar lessons, guitarist interviews, guitar-related news, a guitarist/gear showcase, and more. ⏩ **Quick favor to ask:** if you have any guitar-playing friends, would you mind sharing [Vivid Guitar](https://vividguitar.co/) with them? #### Lastly, I want to share a few recommended offers from some other guitar lesson resources we partnered with: **🔥** Get a free trial to [Jamplay & Trufire](http://prf.hn/l/Pl3neQx/?ref=vividguitar.co). Includes 1500+ guitar & bass lessons, a 450+ song lesson library, 20k+ jam tracks, & tons of great video lessons across all skill levels. I've been a member for a long time, and it's had a huge impact on my playing. 🛠️ [**Get $20 off your first guitar lesson**](https://www.til.co/vividguitar?ref=vividguitar.co) on **Til**. Til offers online guitar lessons from many of today's top guitar players and teachers. **🎁** [**Get 2 free weeks**](https://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l49CtQ/creativeref:1100l42033?ref=vividguitar.co) of **Fender Play** online guitar lessons. 🎸 **See ya on the other side,** Dustin - Vivid Guitar ### Privacy Policy URL: https://vividguitar.co/privacy-policy/ Last updated: 2024-11-07T17:14:15.000Z *Last Updated: November 7, 2024* Vivid Guitar respects your privacy and values your trust. This Privacy Policy (**“Policy”**) describes how we collect and use your information and explains your rights and options. This Policy applies to these services (which we call the **“Services”** in this Policy): - websites, the Vivid Guitar Store, paid products - our podcasts, newsletters and other disseminated content - merchandise, mobile apps and related social media pages - anywhere else we gather information about you and refer to this Policy. This Policy is grouped into these sections: - about us and this Policy; - information we collect - how we use information, including for advertising purposes; - when we disclose information to other parties, including for advertising purposes; and - your rights and how to exercise them. We encourage you to read this Policy carefully. If you have questions, please contact us at hello@vividguitar.co. **1\. About This Policy And Us** (a)Who we are Vivid Guitar (“Vivid Guitar,” “**we**”, “**our**” or “**us**”) operates the Services. This Policy supplements and is governed by our [Terms of Service](https://www.morningbrew.com/terms-service?ref=vividguitar.co) (“**Terms**”). Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Policy are defined in our Terms. The Terms describe how the Services work in general and its conditions and requirements of use. (b) When this Policy applies This Policy applies when you use the Services, effective as of the *Last Updated* date above. By using or accessing the Services, you signify that you have read, understand and agree to be bound by this Policy and the Terms. Because the Services change often, this Policy may change over time. Anytime we modify the Policy, we will post a revised version on the Services and update the *Last Updated* date above. If you have given us your contact information, we will notify you before any material changes take effect, so you have time to review them. Certain parts of the Services work differently, and some information falls outside this Policy: - Certain parts of the Services may have additional terms and privacy disclosures that supplement this Policy. - The Services may contain links to and from third-party websites and services. This Policy doesn’t apply to outside of our Services. See Third Party Services to learn more. - If you are a current or former employee or contractor of ours, this Policy does not apply to you. You may contact us about your privacy practices and rights at hello@vividguitar.co. - If we receive your information in our role as a service provider to another business, our agreement with that business governs our use of your information. We will refer any questions or concerns of yours to that business. (c) Location-specific sections The Services operates from the United States, but this Policy applies worldwide. Our practices generally do not differ based on your location, but your rights and choices depend in part on the law where you live. For example, you may have rights under: (1) “**GDPR**”: implementations of the Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679; or (2) “**CCPA**”: the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended. As a result, certain sections of this Policy apply to you only if you reside in a particular location: - Residents of jurisdictions where GDPR applies – such as U.K., EU and Swiss residents – should consult the Rights under GDPR and International Data Transfers sections. - Residents of Mexico should consult the Aviso de Privacidad addendum. - Canadian residents should consult the Canadian users section. - California residents should consult the Rights under California law section. If you reside in a U.S. jurisdiction that has enacted a data privacy law similar to CCPA or GDPR, we extend the same rights CCPA grants to California residents to you, except where we specify otherwise. If those sections apply to you, they override any contrary descriptions elsewhere in the Policy as they relate to you. Please contact us at hello@vividguitar.co if you have questions about your rights under other data privacy laws. (a) Information you provide You may use the Services without providing any information about yourself. However, to use some aspects of the Services, we will need information about you, such as if you: - Purchase our Offerings or services - Contact or communicate with us - Subscribe or opt-in to our newsletters, alerts, or other communications - Participate in a contest or promotion or redeem a prize - Information you provide may include your name or email address (“personal identifiers”). We generally don’t collect (or want!) your sensitive information, and we strive to limit the amount of sensitive personal information we collect. - For instance, make a purchase through our Services, your payment information, like your full credit card number and any payment-related security information, is only collected and processed by our payment processor. In the event you provide sensitive personal information to us, we use it only for our operational business purposes, and we do not disclose it to others for any other purpose. (b) Information collected when you use the Services As you use the Services, cookies and other technology we use will generate technical data about which features you use, how you use them and the devices you use to access our services. This information may include: - **“Commercial Information”** about your orders of Offerings or other products or services from us and interactions with Vivid Guitar Store products. - “**Device Information**” related to the device you use to interact with the Services, such as your device’s IP address, advertising IDs (resettable, random numbers, such as the device’s Apple IDFA or Android Advertising ID), its browser and operating system, its internet service provider, and its configuration. - “**Internet Activity**” related to your use of the Services, such as the pages you visit, the sites you use before or after visiting ours, your actions within the Services, the content or advertisements you interact with, general geolocation information, time stamps and performance logs and reports. (c) Information we generate We infer new information from other data we collect, including using automated means to generate information about your likely preferences or other characteristics (“inferences”). **(2) How We Use Your Information** We use each of the categories of personal information described above for the following business and commercial purposes. The activities below can involve outside companies, agents or contractors (“**service providers**”) to whom we disclose your information for these purposes (discussed further below in Section 4). (a)To provide our content, services and products to you - Deliver content you request - Provide you with customer support and respond to your requests - Complete your orders - Communicate with you about our services (b)To manage your subscriptions or fulfill product orders - Manage your content subscriptions - Deliver and process payments for Offerings you order (c) To improve our services and develop new ones - Administer focus groups, market studies and surveys - Review interactions with customer teams to improve our quality of service - Develop new content and services (d)To allow personalized ads and create audiences for third-party advertisers - Administer sweepstakes, contests, discounts or other offers - Gather data and work with third parties to show you personalized ads on behalf of advertisers - Perform and measure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns on our services and marketing campaigns off of the Services - Communicate with you about products or services that we believe may interest you (e) To prevent, detect and fight fraud and other illegal or unauthorized activities - Find and address ongoing, suspected or alleged violations of our Terms - Retain data related to violations of our Terms to prevent against recurrences - Enforce or exercise our rights; for example, those in our Terms (f)To create broader findings with aggregate and deidentified data - Aggregate or deidentify information so that it can no longer identify you, as defined under applicable laws. - Better understand and represent our users using deidentified data, such as to measure ad performance, create advertising interest-based segments or compile survey results. (g) To ensure legal compliance - Verify copyright or IP claims - Comply with legal requirements - Assist law enforcement (h) Purposes We rely on the following purposes to collect and use your information as described in this Policy: - Commercial purposes: At times, the reason we process your information is to advance your economic interests or our economic interests. These purposes include performing the contract that you have with us, as embodied by our Terms, which advance our economic interests and yours. For instance, if you order products from us, we use your information to complete your payment and provide your product to you. - Business purposes: Most often, we process your information for operational reasons, in a reasonably necessary and proportionate manner (i.e., for business purposes under CCPA). For instance, we analyze users’ behavior on our services to continuously improve our offerings, we suggest content we think might interest you and promote our own services, we process information to help keep our members safe and we process data where necessary to enforce our rights, assist law enforcement and enable us to defend ourselves in the event of a legal action. - Comply with applicable laws and regulations: We also process your information where it is necessary for us to comply with applicable laws and regulations and evidence our compliance with applicable laws and regulations. For example, we retain traffic data and data about transactions in line with our accounting, tax and other statutory data retention obligations and to be able to respond to valid access requests from law enforcement. - Consent: From time to time, we may ask for your consent to collect specific information, such as your precise geolocation, or use your information for certain specific reasons, like providing your email address or phone number for direct marketing purposes. In general, you may withdraw your consent by changing your settings (such as browser or device settings) or following instructions provided with information we send you on a consent basis (such as clicking ‘unsubscribe’ in any email we send you). You may always withdraw your consent at any time – just contact us at hello@vividguitar.co. #### **2\. Our Disclosures Of Information To Others** Since our goal is to help you discover great products, content and services, the principal reason we disclose your information is to enhance your experience of the Services and present relevant content to you. This section describes how and why we exchange personal information with service providers and third parties. It also describes exchanges made for certain purposes, like advertising, legal reasons and consensual direct marketing. We also disclose deidentified and/or anonymized data for these purposes. (a) With affiliates Our corporate affiliates may access your information for the purposes listed here, always in accordance with the terms of this Policy. (b) With service providers In addition to the use of trackers described above, we contract with service providers to fulfill certain functionality and features of the Services, including payment processing, email and hosting services, software development, shipping and fulfillment, data management, and administration of contests and other promotions. We may disclose information about you, such as Personal Identifiers, Commercial Information, Internet Activity and Device Information, to service providers as necessary for them to perform their services. are not permitted to use information about you for any other purpose. In the past twelve (12) months, we have disclosed these types of information to the following types of service providers: - Analytics providers, namely Google Analytics, to tell us how the Services are doing, such as which parts interest visitors and how long they visit before leaving. Among other data, they may receive your IP address. You can find out [how Google Analytics uses data](https://policies.google.com/technologies/partner-sites?ref=vividguitar.co) and [how to opt out of Google Analytics](https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?ref=vividguitar.co). - Various hosting services and data processors to provide the infrastructure of the Services, such as Cloudflare, which ensures that traffic is from real people, not computers. Among other data, they may receive your IP address. - Payment processors, namely Stripe, to process payments between you and us, such as for Offerings. To learn how Stripe processes payment information, see [https://stripe.com/privacy](https://stripe.com/privacy?ref=vividguitar.co). Payment providers receive information about your order in order to tie your payment process to your order. We don’t receive all of the information you may provide to them (for instance, we don’t receive full payment-account numbers). We sometimes allow service providers to use aggregated or deidentified information for other purposes, in accordance with applicable laws. (c) For personalized ads We share information with advertising partners to make the advertising presented to you on the Services more relevant to you. We also market the Services to you through ads facilitated by marketing vendors. - For example, we use Google to serve ads on the Services and we may market the Services to you on third party services through Google. Google uses cookies or unique device identifiers, in combination with their own data, to show you ads based on your visit to vividguitar.co and other sites. You can opt out of the use of the Google cookie by visiting the related Google privacy policy. - We try to limit how our third-party advertising technology vendors use information they collect from you. Most providers require us to enter contracts that allow them to optimize their ad services and products. Essentially, they combine any information they may gather about you through our Services with information they receive from their other clients. This helps them target ads to you on behalf of their other clients, not just us. In the past twelve months, we have shared these categories of personal information with third parties to personalize advertising: - Device Information - Commercial Information - Internet Activity - Geolocation (d) For legal reasons Finally, we may disclose personal information: - In response to subpoenas, court orders, or other legal process; to establish or exercise our legal rights; to defend against legal claims; or as otherwise required by law. We reserve the right to raise or waive any legal objection or right available to us. - When we believe it is appropriate to investigate, prevent, or take action regarding illegal or suspected illegal activities; to protect and defend the rights, property, or safety of our company, our users, or others; and in connection with the enforcement of our Terms and other agreements. - In connection with a corporate transaction, such as a divestiture, merger, consolidation, or asset sale, or in the unlikely event of bankruptcy. (e) With your consent or at your request We may periodically ask for your consent to disclose your information to third parties. - Whenever we ask your consent for this reason, we will summarize the purpose and scope of the disclosure. For example, we may offer discounts to you if you consent to join our mailing list or participate in a promotion involving direct marketing communications. - In those cases, the Services will display a tickbox near an email-entry field explaining that by submitting your information, you agree to share your email with the content provider. - To be clear, we only exchange information about you with third parties for direct marketing purposes if you opt in, and will only do so until you opt out. #### **3\. How Long We Retain Your Information** We retain your information only as long as we need it for the purposes described under How we use information, except when longer retention is required by our compliance policies and efforts toward applicable legal, tax, accounting and regulatory requirements. How long we need information for those purposes varies by category, and even within categories. These retention determinations always consider the amount, nature, and sensitivity of the personal information, the potential risk of harm from its unauthorized use or disclosure, whether we can achieve those purposes without using the personal information. For example, we delete some Internet Activity at some soon as you exit the Services, whereas we may retain records of your orders for services and products for several years as required by law or contract, such as agreements with our payment processors or under our accounting standards. #### **4\. Your Rights** (a) In General We want you to be in control of your information, so we want to remind you of the following options and tools available to you: - Content opt-outs: you may “opt-out” of any newsletters or promotional communications from us by following the unsubscribe instructions in the communication you receive. You may also opt-out of receiving newsletters and/or promotional communications through our [Opt-Out Request Form](https://www.morningbrew.com/data-requests?ref=vividguitar.co). We may continue to send you communications regarding the Services, such as notices about administrative updates, transaction reports, and changes to the Services, this Policy or the Terms. - Exercising rights - Personalized ads: For more about targeted advertising, and how to opt out with your specific browser and device, go to the [DAA Webchoices Browser Check](http://optout.aboutads.info/?c=2&lang=EN&ref=vividguitar.co) and [NAI Opt Out of Interest-Based Advertising](http://optout.networkadvertising.org/?c=1&ref=vividguitar.co). You can download the [AppChoices app](https://youradchoices.com/appchoices?ref=vividguitar.co) to opt out in mobile apps. (b) Rights under GDPR *This subsection applies to you only if you reside in a jurisdiction where GDPR applies.* 1. *Lawful bases* If we are aware that you reside in a GDPR jurisdiction, we only collect, use or share information about you when we have a valid reason. This is called a “lawful basis.” Our lawful bases generally map to the Purposes above, but specifically include: - The consent you provide to us at the point of collection of your information - The performance of the contract we have with you - The compliance of a legal obligation to which we are subject, or - The legitimate interests of Vivid Guitar or a third party. We have a legitimate interest in gathering and processing personal data, for example: (1) to ensure that our networks and information are secure; (2) to administer and generally conduct our business; (3) to prevent fraud; and (4) to conduct our marketing activities. *ii. GDPR rights* Depending on your jurisdiction’s enactment of GDPR, you may have these rights: - **Request access** (commonly known as a “data subject access request”). This enables you to receive a copy of the personal data we hold about you. - **Request correction**. This enables you to have any incomplete or inaccurate data we hold about you corrected, though we may need to verify the accuracy of the new data you provide to us. - **Request erasure**. This enables you to ask us to delete or remove personal data where there is no good reason for us to continue to process it. You also have the right to ask us to delete or remove your personal data where you have successfully exercised objected to processing (see below), where we may have processed your personal data unlawfully, or where we are required to erase your personal data to comply with local law. We may not always be able to comply with your request of erasure for specific legal reasons. If so, we will notify you at the time of your request. - **Object to processing** where we are relying on a legitimate interest (or those of a third party) and you object to particular processing due to a perceived impact on your fundamental rights and freedoms. You also have the right to object where we are processing your personal data for direct marketing purposes. In some cases, we may demonstrate that we have compelling legitimate grounds to process your information that override your rights and freedoms. - **Request restriction of processing** during the following scenarios: (a) if you want us to establish the data’s accuracy; (b) where our use of the data is unlawful, but you do not want us to erase it; (c) where you need us to hold the data even if we no longer require it as you need it to establish, exercise, or defend legal claims; or (d) you have objected to our use of your data, but we need to verify whether we have overriding legitimate grounds to use it. - **Request the transfer** of your personal data to you or a third party. We will provide to you, or a third party you have chosen, your personal data in a structured, commonly used, machine-readable format. This right only applies to automated information that you initially provided consent for us to use or where we used the information to perform a contract with you. - **Withdraw consent at any time** where we are relying on consent to process your personal data. If you withdraw your consent, we might not be able to provide certain products or services to you. We will advise you if this is the case at the time you withdraw your consent. For clarity, withdrawal is not retroactive. We do not charge for access to your personal data or to exercise any of the other rights. However, we may refuse to comply with your request or charge a reasonable fee if your request is clearly unfounded, repetitive, or excessive. (c)Canadian users *This subsection applies to you only if you reside in Canada*. *To exercise these rights, please contact us via email at* hello@vividguitar.co*.* Canadian residents have the right to request access to your Personal Information and request the correction of your Personal Information, subject to limited exceptions set out in applicable laws. You may also withdraw your consent to the collection, use and disclosure of Personal Information at any time, subject to legal or contractual restrictions. Withdrawal of your consent may affect our ability to continue to provide you with the Services that you have or would like to receive because the continued use and disclosure of your Personal Information is a necessary part of making the product or service available to you. (d) Mexican users *This subsection applies to you only if you reside in Mexico.* Mexican residents the *Aviso de Privacidad* addendum below applies to you. It includes your ARCO rights and the mechanisms to limit the processing of your personal data as well as to revoke your consent, among other applicable matters with respect to your data privacy rights. (e) International Data Transfers *If you reside outside the United States*, we transfer information about you for processing in the United States. By providing your information to us, you consent to the processing of the information in the United States. The transfer of this information to the United States is necessary for the performance of our contract for use of the Services. When we transfer personal data subject to GDPR outside of Vivid Guitar, we use standard contract clauses approved by the EU for this purpose, or another appropriate transfer mechanism. Note that U.S. law is not equivalent to GDPR. As of the *Last Updated* date above, the U.S. has not been deemed an “adequate” jurisdiction under GDPR for the purposes of international data transfers. However, the EU and the U.S. are negotiating the terms of an adequacy determination that may go into effect in the years to come. (f) Rights under California law *This subsection applies to you only if you reside in California or another U.S. state where applicable law provides for some or all of these rights, including any analogous rights*. Except as noted in this subsection, we extend these California rights to residents of those other U.S. states regardless of whether applicable law in those states includes all of these rights. 1. *Rights under CCPA* The California Consumer Privacy Act (“**CCPA**”) provides California consumers with additional rights regarding their personal information (as defined in CCPA). The categories of personal information we collect depend on how you use the Services. They’re generally described in Information We Collect. See Purposes for a general description of the reasons we collect information. For clarity, we have collected personal information for these CCPA categories of business and commercial purposes in the last twelve months: - Advertising and Marketing - Error Management - Internal Research - Provide Products or Services - Quality Assurance - Security - Short-Term Transient Use - We also "share" and "sell" (as defined in the CCPA) personal information for commercial purposes, including to advertise and market our products. The categories of third parties to whom we disclose and sell or share personal information are under for personalized ads and with your consent or at your request above. The disclosures under Purposes describe with business purpose or commercial purpose for those disclosures of information. Under CCPA, California consumers have the following rights: A. Rights to Know, Access, Correct and Delete. You have the right to request that we disclose, correct and delete personal information about you that we have collected. Your right to know includes the personal information we have sold or shared or disclosed for a business purpose or a commercial purpose. Finally, we may deny deletion requests, in whole or in part, with respect to information we reasonably need to: - comply with legal obligations; - allow you, other consumers, or us to exercise free-speech rights or other legal rights; - complete an obligation that you have requested (for instance, if a product you purchased carries a warranty or could reasonably be subject to recall under applicable law); or - if we use the information only for internal purposes reasonably aligned with consumer expectations. B. Rights to Limit and Opt-Out of Sharing/Sale You also have the right to direct us (1) not to share or sell your personal information and (2) limit our disclosure and use of your sensitive personal information to purposes necessary to provide the Services to you. To opt out of the sharing of your information, please use our [Our Opt-Out Request Form](https://www.morningbrew.com/data-requests?ref=vividguitar.co) or the ‘Do Not / Share My Personal Information’ link on our homepage. Because we do not maintain user accounts or other means of permanently logging your opt-out, your opt-out will be specific to the browser or device where you clicked ‘Do Not Sell/Share’ and will last until you clear your cookies (or local storage in apps) on that browser or device). We do not currently offer a mechanism to exercise the right to limit our disclosure of sensitive personal information, as we limit our use of any sensitive information to the purposes you consented to. As of the *Last Updated* date, we have no knowledge of any use of personal information we collect from individuals under the age of 16 for ‘sale’ or ‘sharing’ purposes. C. Right of No Retaliation CCPA prohibits us from discriminating against you if you exercise rights under CCPA, except when you opted into a financial incentive involving certain of your personal information, and subsequently restrict our use of that personal information through a CCPA rights request. - For example, if we offer you a discount code for consenting to receive marketing emails, and you then require us to delete your email address, we may not honor that discount code. Your right of no retaliation doesn’t need to be exercised. We never retaliate against anyone exercising their rights under this Policy or CCPA. D. Preference signals The Services are designed to automatically recognize and honor any global opt-out preference signal sent from a California IP address through browser or device settings, provided the signal complies with CCPA’s requirements. Our goal is for the Services to automatically respond to compliant signals by opting California residents out of any sharing or sale of their data in a frictionless manner. Please contact us at hello@vividguitar.co if you believe the Services collected or processed your information in a manner inconsistent with your opt-out preference signal. E. Request process for CCPA rights To submit a CCPA request relating to the foregoing rights, please use our [Our Opt-Out Request Form](https://www.morningbrew.com/data-requests?ref=vividguitar.co) or contact hello@vividguitar.co with “California Privacy Rights Request” in the subject line. The process described under Requesting information generally applies to requests to exercise CCPA rights. However, in addition: - A California resident's authorized agent may submit CCPA rights request. - Requests submitted by an authorized agent will still require verification of the person who is the subject of the request in accordance with the process described below. We will also ask for proof that the person who is the subject of the request authorized an agent to submit a privacy request on their behalf. - An authorized agent that has power of attorney pursuant to California Probate Code section 4121 to 4130 must submit proof of statutory power of attorney, but consumer verification is not required. We will acknowledge your request within 10 days, and our goal is to fulfill your request within 45 days. However, we may you that we will require up to 45 further days to fulfill your request, along with an explanation of why our response is delayed. - We provide responses in the manner we receive your request (i.e., with an email response to an email request). *ii. Other California law* Because we only give your information to third parties for direct marketing purposes with your consent, and always allow you to opt out of direct marketing communications after opting in, we believe we are not currently required to comply with California Civil Code Section 1798.83. (g) Requesting information 1. *Submitting requests* To exercise any of these rights, use [Our Opt-Out Request Form](https://www.morningbrew.com/data-requests?ref=vividguitar.co) or contact us at hello@vividguitar.co. Your request must: - provide sufficient information to identify you and the law that applies to you, such as your name, e-mail address, home or work address, or other information we maintain. - not disclose any social security numbers, driver’s license numbers, third-party account numbers, credit or debit card numbers, or health information. *ii. Verifying requests* We verify requests by first confirming the source of the request and then by matching the information submitted to the information we maintain. If your request is unclear or we are unable to authenticate your identity, we will respond with direction on how to remedy the deficiencies, in accordance with law that applies to you. If we cannot verify the identity of the individual making the request, we may deny it, in full or in part. *iii. Responses to requests* We will respond to your request as quickly as we can, taking into account the nature of your request and the volume of pending requests. We will always respond in accordance with any deadlines or requirements specified by the laws that apply to you. At times, we may be unable to provide responsive personal information. For example: - If disclosure would create a substantial, articulable and unreasonable risk to the security of the information, customers’ account with us, or the security of our systems or networks. - we do not disclose account passwords or any other non-personal information that enables access to an account. We reserve the right to retain an archive of any deleted information, to the extent permitted by law. We may also retain deidentified or aggregate data derived from information about you. #### 5\. Security Vivid Guitar has implemented technical, administrative and physical security measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, use or disclosure. Still, no data transmission over the Internet is 100% secure, so we cannot guarantee or warrant the security of any information you provide, and you do so at your own risk. We cannot promise that your information will remain absolutely secure in all circumstances. We are not responsible for the circumvention of any privacy settings or security measures we may provide. #### 6\. Use by Minors The Services are intended for adult users. We do not knowingly collect information from anyone under the age of majority in their jurisdiction (such as 16 in the UK or 18 in Mexico), and we do not share or sell information about anyone under 16 without affirmative authorization. If we learn that we have collected information from a child under age 16, we will delete that information as quickly as possible. - If you are under 16: sorry, but please leave the Services. If you’ve already sent us information, please contact us first so we can delete it. - If you are a parent or guardian of a child under 16 years of age and you believe your child has provided us with information, please contact us. #### **7\. Third Party Services** Some areas of the Services contain links to third-party websites, resources and advertisers. These third parties are not part of the Services. We do not control (and are not responsible for) third party content or privacy practices. Information you provide to them is not covered by this Policy. These third parties have their own policies and practices about data, which may include what information they share with us, your rights and choices on their services and devices, and where they store information. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with their privacy policies and terms of use. #### **8\. Contact us** If you have any questions or feedback about this Policy, email us at hello@vividguitar.co. ### About Vivid Guitar URL: https://vividguitar.co/about/ Last updated: 2025-02-03T20:51:18.000Z ![Vivid Guitar Logo Icon](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/02/Guitar-icon-large-new-copy.png) Hey! My name is Dustin Glass, and I'm the person behind Vivid Guitar. I live in the Burlington, Vermont area, and have been playing guitar for around 30 years. I'm mainly a home musician these days, and write and record instrumental music that's a combination of jazz, funk, rock, & blues. I like geeking out on pretty much everything guitar related - from learning new stuff, to checking out other guitar players, consuming content like videos & podcasts, and of course going down endless rabbit holes in the world of guitar gear. 😏 I like a wide range of music & guitar players, but some of my favorites include Trey Anastasio, Julian Lage, John Scofield, Bill Frisell, Mark Speer, Derek Trucks, Eric Krasno, Jimmy Page, Frank Zappa, & Jerry Garcia. ### Vivid Guitar is a weekly email newsletter for guitar players. The overall idea is to take the best aspects of magazines like *Guitar Player* and *Guitar World* (both of which I'm a big fan of), and strip them down into smaller installments; and combine that with elements of more news-focused newsletters like Morning Brew. **I created Vivid Guitar for a few reasons:** - Learning guitar can be overwhelming. There’s a seemingly never-ending amount of stuff to learn. Many guitar lessons/courses/books bombard you with lots of things at once, but studies show we learn best in small chunks. I wanted something that focused on one short, easily-digestible concept at a time. - Finding out about things like new guitar gear releases and guitar-related news shouldn’t take a ton of time. Rather than having to follow every guitar company, YouTuber, and Podcaster to stay on top of guitar info, I wanted that info in one place. - Discovering new and up & coming guitar players is a great way to get inspiration for your own guitar playing. Each [newsletter](https://vividguitar.co/tag/newsletter/) issue is a bit different, but typically features some of the following: - **Bite-sized guitar lessons.** Easily-digestible lessons focused on concepts you will remember and be able to apply to your playing, regardless of what genre you're into. - **Jam tracks.** Learning chord voicings and progressions, and soling over them is one of the best things you can do to improve your playing. - **A gear showcase**. Discover the most interesting gear, and lesser-known guitar brands. - **Guitarist Spotlight.** Learn about up & coming guitarists, guitar educators, or other items (such as books, courses, etc.). - **Guitarist Q&A.** Get practice ideas, playing tips, advice, and more from top guitar players. - **The most interesting guitar news.** I curate the news I think you'll find interesting. Find out about new gear releases, as well as things like YouTube videos and podcasts episodes worth checking out. I'll occasionally do deep-dive articles on things like specific types of gear, but the focus is on the newsletter. 📩 Shoot me an email at Dustin\[at\]vividguitar\[dot\]co to let me know what type of content you'd like to see in the newsletter, or just to say hi. **If you haven't yet, I'd love you to** [**sign up for the newsletter**](https://vividguitar.co/about/#/portal/signup)**, and I'd be super grateful if you share** [**Vivid Guitar**](https://vividguitar.co/) **with other guitarists you know!** Thanks! \-Dustin Glass ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/image-18.png) ## Sign up for Vivid Guitar The newsletter that makes it easier for you to improve your guitar playing, discover the most interesting guitar gear and guitarists, and get the guitar news that matters. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### How Pros Practice Guide URL: https://vividguitar.co/how-pros-practice-guide/ Last updated: 2026-06-04T16:57:25.000Z ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/06/how_pros_practice_popup_landscape-1.png) ## Join the Vivid Guitar newsletter, and get our free guide 'How Pros Practice'. Discover the practice habits of 20 professional jazz & improvisational guitarists - featuring insights from Adam Levy, Cecil Alexander, Ariel Posen, Molly Miller, Tim Lerch, Charlie Ballantine, Scott Metzger, and more. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### How Pros Practice Download URL: https://vividguitar.co/how-pros-practice-download/ Last updated: 2026-06-04T16:57:46.000Z [Download 'How' Pros Practice Practice Habits of 20 Professional GuitaristsHow\_Pros\_Practice\_Vivid\_Guitar.pdf306 KBdownload-circle](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/files/2026/06/How%5FPros%5FPractice%5FVivid%5FGuitar.pdf?ref=vividguitar.co "Download") ## Posts ### Matthew Stevens on Finding Space, Trusting Your Instincts, and Staying Curious URL: https://vividguitar.co/interview-with-guitarist-matthew-stevens/ Last updated: 2026-09-01T14:17:16.000Z Matthew Stevens is a Toronto-born guitarist, composer, and producer who has become one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary jazz. His playing draws from jazz, rock, ambient music, folk, and other styles, giving his music a sound that can be both adventurous and melodic. Over the course of his career, he has developed a reputation as a thoughtful musician who is equally comfortable improvising, writing, and producing. Stevens has worked with a wide range of acclaimed artists, including Esperanza Spalding, Terri Lyne Carrington, Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah, Jamire Williams, and Walter Smith III. He has also released several albums of his own, including *Woodwork*, *Preverbal*, and *Pittsburgh*. His work has earned three Grammy nominations and a Grammy win for his work with Carrington on *New Standards Vol. 1*. In 2026, Stevens released his new self-titled album, *Matthew Stevens*, on Candid Records. The album brings together acoustic and electric guitar with genre-blurring original songs and carefully chosen covers. It also features an impressive group of collaborators, including Terri Lyne Carrington, Jeff Parker, Joel Ross, Anna B Savage, and Corey King. The album represents something of a new chapter for Stevens, drawing on 20 years of experience as a guitarist, producer, and bandleader. Rather than fitting neatly into one style, *Matthew Stevens* reflects his wide-ranging musical interests while putting his own voice front and center. The result is a personal and confident record that shows why Stevens has become such an important figure in modern jazz. ➡️ In this conversation, guitarist and composer Matthew Stevens talks about how his practice routine has evolved, the importance of rhythm and space, and why sometimes playing less can make a performance more powerful. He also shares the creative process behind his new self-titled album, the musicians who have influenced him, and the simple guitar setup he relies on. Along the way, Stevens offers thoughtful advice on staying curious, trusting your musical instincts, and being open to the ideas of the people you play with. ## 🎸 Q & A ### ### **Can you describe what a typical practice session looks like for you these days? How has that changed over the years?** These days, my practice is generally broken up into a few different areas: maintaining and refining my technique, keeping my physical connection to the guitar as strong as possible, writing my own music, and learning repertoire for different concerts and tours. There are also things I’ve done consistently for over 20 years, like playing through the Segovia scales each morning. More recently, I’ve also started making a piece of what I might call *repertoire* part of my routine - essentially, a piece where I’m not improvising the notes or harmony. That allows me to focus on all the other aspects of music that are so important like phrasing, dynamics, touch, and so on. I find it really incredible how much room there is to improvise using those elements alone. One thing I did much more when I was younger, and that I’d really like to get back to, is sitting with the guitar for a couple of hours without a specific agenda and just seeing where playing leads me. In the past, that would invariably lead me to discovering something I wanted to improve upon or investigate further. I’d make a note of it and incorporate it into the small group of things I was working on at the time. That was really valuable and invigorating to me, and it’s something I’d like to make more room for again. ### **What is one exercise you return to again and again?Looking back, what's one musical concept that permanently changed the way you hear or play the guitar?** I don’t know that you’d call this an exercise per se, but one thing I come back to again and again is practicing improvisation using as many different rhythmic subdivisions as I can think of, but working with only one subdivision at a time. So, if I were working with eighth-note triplets, for example, it wouldn’t be about simply playing constant eighth-note triplets. It would be about seeing how many different phrases and ideas I could express using that particular rhythmic grid. I might do it over a song, or just freely. Really whatever feels useful. I’ve come to think about subdivisions in a way that’s similar to keys. I want to be equally fluent with all of them, in the same way that I want to be fluent in every key. Naturally, some come more easily than others, so it becomes a matter of identifying the ones that need work and bringing them up to the level of the others. As for the second part, I think I was able to articulate for myself in my late teens something that we’re all probably aware of intuitively: first and foremost, this is a rhythmic language. From that, I came to understand that although there are infinite ways of expressing yourself, a musician’s sound, feel, and rhythmic command are among their most important attributes. That’s always been a kind of north star for me. I come back to it constantly. If those elements aren’t at the front and center of whatever I’m playing, then whatever else I’m doing probably won’t be nearly as impactful as it could be. ### **Your compositions often feel spacious and cinematic. When writing, do you begin with melody, harmony, rhythm, or simply a sound you're chasing?** I begin with anything that feels fresh and exciting to me, and it could be any of the things you mentioned. Sometimes I let it unfold almost like a stream of consciousness, kind of like a linear narrative, and other times I’m very specific about not straying too far from whatever I’ve identified as the central theme or idea of the song. At the end of the day, I just want to feel excited about it, and I’ve learned to trust that feeling. I find myself saying this pretty often, but the music I connect with most has this simultaneous sense of being fresh and surprising while also feeling inevitable and familiar. I strive for that in my own work, and I feel best when I approach it from the perspective that the music isn’t really mine, but that I’m participating in something that has always existed and will continue to exist. Practically speaking, I also often start from a place of being more certain about what I want to avoid than what I want to do. Removing options and having to turn away from what might feel obvious or too familiar has often been a really useful way for me to find my way toward something that feels more interesting. ### **Many guitarists focus on playing more notes. Your playing often demonstrates the opposite. How did you develop your sense of space and restraint?** It’s not something I’ve developed consciously. I think it’s probably a combination of my limitations, my taste, and having recorded a lot. I’ve often felt, listening back to myself, that whatever I played could be better if it were just a little more self-edited and focused. As I gained more confidence and conviction in my own touch and feel on the guitar, I also became more comfortable playing less and letting what I did play just kind of hang out in the space of the music. I was more or less at peace with what a note sounded like when I played it, so I didn’t feel the same need to add something else. The other thing I’ve noticed is that when you play less, the whole performance can become more conversational. You’re no longer the one person responsible for keeping the music moving forward. In that sense, it not only takes some pressure off of you, but can actually put you more in service of the whole performance. ### **When you compare your new record to your earlier work, what do you hear that feels most different about your writing and playing?** It’s really hard to have a completely objective perspective on your own work. I think we all tend to feel like the last thing we’ve done is our best work, which of course isn’t necessarily true, and is subjective anyway. While this record may feel different on the surface, I think I’m really continuing to iterate and reiterate my taste in music, which naturally evolves and sharpens over time. Being so close to it, I can hear all the things that carry forward from record to record including the way I hear and use harmony and melody, my language as a guitarist when I improvise, and so on. I think we all have those things in us, and part of the job is to be curious about them and develop them, and to study them in the same way you would study someone else’s music. If there’s one thing that jumps out at me as different, it’s that this record feels less exclamative than some of the earlier ones. Maybe that’s partly because I’m in my 40s now and feel more comfortable with who I am. I feel less of a need to prove anything to anyone, including myself, and I think that probably finds its way into the music. ### **What's one lesson you learned while making this record that other musicians could apply to their own creative work?** I think one of the biggest lessons for me was learning to trust the people I’m making music with. I’ve found that strong musical connections usually reflect strong personal ones, and that the two tend to deepen each other over time. That’s definitely been my experience with everyone involved in this record. Sometimes the music strengthens the relationship, and sometimes the relationship makes the music stronger. I think that’s important because trusting your own instincts doesn’t mean you have to be protective of them. I trust what I hear, but I also trust the people I’m working with, and when there’s that level of mutual respect, you can let other perspectives challenge your ideas without feeling like you’re compromising your own voice. Sometimes someone reinforces what you’re already hearing, and sometimes they take you somewhere you wouldn’t have gone on your own. I think learning to recognize the value in both of those things and to be genuinely open to them is something that can make the music better. ### **What guitarists or musicians have influenced you the most?** In no particular order - Grant Green, Adam Rogers, Daniel Lanois, John Scofield, Ed Bickert, Brian Blade, John Fahey, Wayne Shorter, Jimi Hendrix, Herbie Hancock, Freddie King, John Coltrane, Pat Metheny, Billie Holiday, Kurt Cobain, Milton Nascimento, Brad Mehldau, Tony Williams, Justin Vernon, Joni Mitchell and many others I'm forgetting to mention. ### **What gear (guitar/amp/pedals) are you using lately—and why?** I use a pretty simple setup, and I’ve had essentially the same setup for quite a while. I have a 70th Anniversary Fender Broadcaster reissue that I was given during the pandemic, when I couldn’t get my other Tele repaired, and I’ve really found a vibe with it. I usually pair it with either a Vox AC30 or a ’68 Fender Princeton, and I have a few pedals I use pretty consistently—a Strymon Deco, a Flint, and an old Boss DD-6. I like the Tele because it feels like the most blank canvas to me. Other guitars I’ve played have sometimes had a tendency to push me toward things that feel less personal, whereas with the Tele I feel like I can bring whatever I want to it without the guitar suggesting too much. I really like the AC30 because of how punchy it is and how even it feels across the registers. It feels like the notes just jump out of the speaker. The low register never feels muddy and the high register never feels thin, so there’s a really consistent sense of presence across the instrument. ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/08/Matthew-Stevens-Broadcaster.jpg) ## ⚡ Lightning Round ### **One album every guitarist should listen to?** Freddie King - Getting Ready... ### **Desert island guitar and amp?** Telecaster / Vox AC 30 ### **What guitarist should everyone know about?** Lenny Breau ****Check out Matthew Stevens** [Website](https://www.milesokazaki.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/okazakistudio/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/MatthewStevensGroup/) | [Bandcamp](https://matthewstevens.bandcamp.com/album/matthew-stevens?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ### 🎉 If you enjoy geeking out on guitar, you'll love our [**free weekly guitar newsletter**](https://vividguitar.co/), and we'd be psyched if you subscribe!🤘 ### Watermelon Man, Tyler Ramsey, News & Notes URL: https://vividguitar.co/watermelon-man-tyler-ramsey-news/ Last updated: 2026-08-19T17:48:44.000Z [![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png)](http://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3q?ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 If you want to acquire a new skill, you must practice it in context. Learning enhances practice, but it doesn’t replace it. If performance matters, learning alone is never enough. - Josh Kaufman **In this week's issue** 📩 - Herbie Hancock's Watermelon Man - Spotlight on guitarist Tyler Ramsey - New & Notes *Was this email forwarded to you?*[ *Subscribe here*](https://vividguitar.co/)*!* --- ## Guitar Practice ### Herbie Hancock's Watermelon Man This week, let's take a look at Herbie Hancock’s classic “Watermelon Man”, applying it to guitar. “Watermelon Man” is one of the most recognizable compositions from his 1962 debut album, *Takin’ Off*. Built around a funky, blues-inflected groove, the tune has a deceptively simple quality that makes it a great study in rhythm, harmony, and space. Hancock later revisited the composition in a radically different, more percussion-driven version on *Head Hunters* in 1973, turning it into a landmark of jazz-funk. In the key of F, the main progression has a strong blues character, moving between **F7 and B♭7**, with **C7** providing the dominant pull back toward F. The repeated movement between F7 and B♭7 gives the tune its earthy, bluesy foundation, while the dominant-seventh harmony keeps the progression from sounding like a conventional major-key pop progression. It’s also a good example of how a relatively small harmonic palette can leave plenty of room for rhythmic and melodic creativity. When improvising over the progression, thinking in terms of **F blues/F minor pentatonic language**, while also targeting the chord tones of each dominant-seven chord, can produce a sound that fits the tune without becoming overly complicated. **Rhythm:** ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/08/image-1.png) **Head Lead Tab:** ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/08/image.png) --- ## Guitarist Spotlight ### Tyler Ramsey ![Tyler Ramsey | Image Credit: Gus Philippas](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/08/Tyler-Ramsey.jpg) Tyler Ramsey | Image Credit: Gus Philippas Tyler Ramsey is a guitarist, singer, and songwriter from Asheville, North Carolina, whose music draws from folk, country, blues, and indie rock. His guitar playing is often quiet and spacious, with fingerpicked patterns, unusual tunings, and melodic lines that give his songs a strong sense of atmosphere. There’s a relaxed, natural quality to his playing that makes even intricate guitar parts feel effortless. Ramsey’s musical roots run deep into American folk and blues. He has cited players such as Mississippi John Hurt, Mance Lipscomb, John Fahey, and Leo Kottke as influences, and you can hear that connection in his fingerstyle approach. Rather than using the guitar simply to accompany a song, Ramsey often treats it as another voice, allowing the guitar parts to carry as much emotion and personality as the vocals. He became more widely known during his time with Band of Horses, joining the group as lead guitarist and songwriter in 2007\. He spent roughly a decade with the band, touring extensively and contributing to several albums, including the Grammy-nominated *Infinite Arms*. At the same time, he continued developing his own music, releasing albums such as *A Long Dream About Swimming Across the Sea* and *The Valley Wind*. After leaving Band of Horses in 2017, Ramsey returned his focus to his solo career. His 2019 album *For the Morning* featured a mix of intimate songwriting and atmospheric guitar work, while 2024’s *New Lost Ages* took his sound in a somewhat more expansive, rock-oriented direction. Throughout those records, his guitar playing remains central without ever feeling like it is trying to show off. In 2026, Ramsey teamed up with longtime friend and My Morning Jacket guitarist Carl Broemel for *Celestun*, their first album together. The two had known each other for more than a decade and had spent years playing shows together before finally making a record. The album began during the pandemic, when they exchanged guitar parts and ideas remotely, eventually finishing the songs together in Nashville. *Celestun* is a particularly good showcase for Ramsey’s guitar playing. The nine-song album was recorded almost entirely with acoustic guitars and was originally intended to be instrumental. Ramsey and Broemel’s parts blend so naturally that it can sometimes be difficult to tell who is playing what. There are only a few vocal tracks, including “Flying Things,” which features The Secret Sisters, and a version of Neil Young’s “Sail Away.” What makes Ramsey’s playing stand out is that he rarely seems interested in playing simply for the sake of playing. His parts are carefully chosen, melodic, and full of small details. Whether he’s playing with a band, working on his own songs, or trading acoustic guitar lines with Broemel, he has a knack for making the guitar feel like an essential part of the story rather than just an instrument in the background. ****Check out Tyler Ramsey** [Website](https://www.tylerramsey.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/tylerramseymusic/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/tylerramseymusic/) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu-LVPWqiVAx0YD3w45xIeg?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## News & Notes 🗞️ - **Guitar World** posted a new [interview](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hLY46Zaye8&ref=vividguitar.co) with **Julian Lage**, where he discussed experimenting with different pickups, sitting in with the Tedeschi Trucks Band, advice for aspiring jazz guitarists, and more. - **Joe Bonnamassa** joined the [**The No Cover Charge Podcast**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlC8AjXOvNc&ref=vividguitar.co) for a deep dive into guitars, amps, tone, and life on the road. Joe shares why he's now using digital Fender Tone Master amps alongside his legendary Dumbles, and explained what finally changed his mind about modeling technology. - In other **Joe Bonnamassa** news, **Martin Guitar** announced [0-10E Retro Joe Bonamassa](https://www.martinguitar.com/00-10E-Retro-Joe-Bonamassa.html?ref=vividguitar.co) and [00-18 Joe Bonamassa](https://www.martinguitar.com/00-18-Joe-Bonamassa.html?ref=vividguitar.co) signature acoustic guitar models. - **Fender** released a couple new colors for their [Player II Series guitars](https://www.fender.com/collections/player-ii-series?ref=vividguitar.co) \- **Cactus Gray** and **Rallye Orange**. - **Fender** also released a few new colors for their [American Vintage II guitars](https://www.fender.com/collections/american-vintage-ii?ref=vividguitar.co), including Surf Green, and 3-Color Sunburst. - **Jam Pedals** announced a limited run of a '[Monterey '67](https://jampedals.com/shop/monterey-67/?ref=vividguitar.co)' mini multi-effect pedals, which combines their Retrovibe and Fuzz Phrase Si together into one pedal. - Jazz guitarist **Tim Lerch** posted a new video sharing his [favorite chord moves](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyHzA%5FOemjo&ref=vividguitar.co). - **Paul Reed Smith** [joined ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poDO36AXWhI&ref=vividguitar.co)**Zzounds** to discus the origins of the 25" scale length PRS uses on the majority of their guitars. - Wilco frontman **Jeff Tweedy** was interviewed by Guitar World, where he shared his greatest gear bargains, and offers a little advice for anyone who is in the market for a new guitar. - Pete and Lee from **Andertons** posted a new [overdrive pedal shootout](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9oNVTIxdKY&ref=vividguitar.co) vid, featuring pedals from Free The Tone, Shin’s Music, Vemuram, Wampler, Browne Amplification, Crazy Tube Circuits, Tone City, Mad Professor and more. --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Original vs. Reissue: How to Spot a Real Vintage Guitar (and Why It's Worth the Hunt) URL: https://vividguitar.co/original-vs-reissue-how-to-spot-a-real-vintage-guitar/ Last updated: 2026-07-28T15:09:38.000Z ![Vintage Guitars Collage](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/07/vintage_guitars_collage_masonry-1.jpg) [![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png)](http://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3q?ref=vividguitar.co) This week, we have a guest post from Joe Dampt from Joe's Vintage Guitars, discussing original vs reissue guitars. Vintage guitars are more than just old instruments—they’re pieces of history, and knowing how to tell the real thing from a convincing reissue can save you from an expensive mistake. In this field guide, Joe of Joe’s Vintage Guitars breaks down the clues that matter, from serial numbers and pot codes to solder joints, finish checking, hardware, and honest wear. Whether you’re hunting for a pre-CBS Fender or a legendary Gibson Burst, here’s how to separate a true vintage original from a modern copy. --- ### Original vs. Reissue: How to Spot a Real Vintage Guitar (and Why It's Worth the Hunt) *A guest field guide from Joe of Joe's Vintage Guitars* I look at a lot of guitars. Some weeks it's a real 1959 Stratocaster that's been under a bed since the Eisenhower years. Other weeks it's a Custom Shop reissue that the seller swears is "basically the same guitar." Sometimes they believe it. Sometimes they're hoping I won't notice. A good reissue is a fine instrument, and I'll stick up for them later on. But it isn't the same guitar, and the gap between the two is bigger than most people think. It shows up in the price, in the way the thing feels in your hands, and in what you actually walk away owning. A real 1959 Les Paul Standard can cost as much as a house. The reissue costs about what a used car does, and like a used car it starts losing money the day you buy it. So knowing how to tell them apart matters. Get it wrong and you're out five figures. Get it right and you might land the guitar of your life. Here's how I go about it. ## First, get your head right A reissue is a copy built to look old. The best ones come out of Fender's Custom Shop and Gibson's Murphy Lab, and they are very convincing. The finish gets checked, the plating gets dulled, the edges get worn, the plastic gets yellowed, all of it on purpose. Aging a guitar is its own craft now, and a well-relic'd reissue will fool you in a phone photo every single time. That's why you can never hang your hat on one detail. Somebody can fake finish checking. They can age a pickguard. What's hard to fake is all of it lining up at once. So I don't go looking for one smoking gun. I look at the whole guitar and check whether every part of it agrees on the same decade: the serial, the solder, the wood, the wear. When one of those pieces disagrees with the rest, that's when I slow down and start asking questions. Here's what I actually look at. ## The tells that work on almost anything Serial numbers and date stamps. Good place to start, but don't stop there. Every big brand stamps a date somewhere, and here's the funny part: the reissues basically tell on themselves. Gibson's Historic reissues have an ink-stamped serial on the back of the headstock that starts with the year they're copying. An "R9" is a 1959 reissue. Put that next to a "CS" (Custom Shop) stamp and you know for a fact you've got a modern guitar and not a real Burst. (If you ever want to check a Gibson serial, I keep a [free decoder](https://www.joesvintageguitarsaz.com/how-to-read-gibson-serial-numbers/?ref=vividguitar.co) on my site.) And a genuine vintage serial has to line up with everything else on the guitar, so the neck date, the pots, and the hardware all need to agree. One number by itself doesn't tell you much. Component date codes. This one's my favorite, because it's the toughest thing for a faker to get right. The potentiometers, the parts behind your volume and tone knobs, carry a source-date code. On a CTS pot you'll find a number that starts with 137, which is CTS's manufacturer code, followed by the year and the week. So 1376542 reads as CTS, 1965, week 42\. A real 1960 guitar is going to have pots from late 1959 or 1960\. It is not going to have pots from 1972\. When those dates land years after the guitar was supposedly built, either somebody has been in there swapping parts, or the guitar isn't what the seller says it is. The logo and decal. On a Fender, the headstock logo by itself will get you close on the year. The thin "spaghetti" logo ran from 1954 to around mid-1964\. The bolder gold "transition" logo showed up in 1965\. The black CBS logo came in around 1967 or 1968\. So if somebody's selling you a "1962" Strat and it's wearing a black logo on a big headstock, you already know something is off. (Fender made the Strat headstock bigger in late 1965, so a small headstock is one of the signs you're looking at a pre-CBS guitar.) Solder joints and wiring. Take the control cover off and look at the solder. Factory joints from the '50s and '60s are dull, a little lumpy, and untouched, with cloth-covered wire running between them. If you find bright, shiny solder that's been melted and redone, and modern plastic-coated wire, then somebody has been in there. That's not always a problem. But if the seller is telling you the guitar is all original and left the factory this way, it's a question that needs an answer. Finish and lacquer checking. As old nitrocellulose lacquer ages it shrinks and cracks into fine "checking," a spiderweb of little lines you can feel with a fingernail. The real thing is random, follows the grain and the stress points, and goes down through the color coats. Here's the catch, though. Plenty of good reissues use nitro too, and the checking Gibson's Murphy Lab does is very convincing. So checking on its own doesn't prove a guitar is old. The opposite tells you more. If a guitar is supposed to be sixty years old and the finish is dead clean, that should bother you a lot more than any amount of checking reassures you. Wear that makes sense. Honest wear follows the way people actually play. Your hand wears the back of the neck where your thumb rides, not in a neat even stripe. Your forearm wears the top. A belt buckle chews up the back. On a guitar that's really been played for decades, the wear all connects, so the frets are worn where the fingerboard is worn, where the neck finish is worn, all in the same spots. Fake relic'ing gives itself away by putting wear where nobody's hand ever goes, or by beating up the finish while the frets, plastic, and hardware still look too fresh. If the wear doesn't match the age, trust your gut. Hardware, screws, and plastic. The small stuff gives a lot away. Old Fenders used slotted screws, so a Phillips head where a slotted screw belongs means something's been replaced. Old plastic parts, the pickguard, the knobs, the pickup covers, all yellow and shrink over the years. Real celluloid even smells a little like vinegar or camphor as it ages and off-gasses. Reproduction plastic can look right, but it rarely shrinks the way the old stuff does, and it never quite gets the smell. ## Now, model by model ### Fender Stratocaster: pre-CBS vs. reissue The pre-CBS Strat (roughly 1954 to 1965) is the one everybody wants, which makes it the one people fake. On top of the spaghetti logo and small headstock, here's what I check: - Clay dots. Rosewood-board Strats from before about mid-1964 have grayish "clay" position dots. After that Fender switched to white pearloid plastic dots. Reissues use aged repro dots that get close, but they usually look a little too even and perfect. - Green and mint pickguards. The early single-ply guards, and the later three-ply "mint green" ones, get their color from nitrate plastic slowly aging under light. It's a particular yellow-green that repro guards try to copy but rarely nail. - Two date stamps. There's a penciled or stamped date on the neck heel, and another date in the neck pocket on the body. Those two should sit within a few months of each other, and within a few months of the pots. - Custom colors are a world of their own. Under the clear coat, a real early-'60s custom color has period-correct DuPont lacquer, a Fullerplast sealer beneath it, and decades of yellowing in the clear. This is the most faked corner of the whole Fender world. If you're paying the custom-color premium, get a specialist to look at it before you send a dime. ### Fender Telecaster: same rules, older bones Everything above works on the Tele too, so that's the logo era, the pot codes, the slotted screws, and the neck and body dates. A few extras I look at. The bridge should be the right three-saddle type for the year. The "ashtray" bridge cover is usually long gone, and that's fine, since most players pulled them off anyway. And the early blackguard Teles from 1950 to 1954 have their own quirks that are worth running past a specialist. Like always, you want the serial, the pots, the wood, and the wear all telling the same story. ### Gibson Les Paul: Burst vs. R9 Nothing in the guitar world has a bigger gap between the original and the reissue than the 1958 to 1960 "Burst." Here's where I look first: - The headstock stamp. Like I said above, an ink-stamped "R9" or "CS" serial means you've got a reissue. A real Burst has an ink-stamped serial with no "R" in front of it, and a silkscreened "Les Paul Model" on the headstock. - PAF pickups. The original Patent Applied For humbuckers have a small decal on the underside of the baseplate. One thing worth knowing: a little sanding around that sticker is normal factory work, done so the decal would stick, and you'll see it on real ones. What you're watching for isn't old sanding, it's fresh scraping that cuts through patina that's otherwise even all over. Reading PAFs is real expert territory, so don't go taking anything apart, and don't buy a guitar on the strength of a sticker alone. - The neck joint and the wood. Bursts have a long neck tenon under the neck pickup, a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, and a holly veneer on the headstock. Most of them weigh somewhere in the high 8 to mid 9 pound range. - The plastics and hardware. You want single-line "Kluson Deluxe" tuners, an ABR-1 bridge, and cream-colored plastics that have yellowed toward amber unevenly. On a real one, all the plastic has aged at the same rate. ## So why chase the original at all? If the reissues are this good, why do people (me included) go to all the trouble and expense of buying the real thing? A few honest reasons. What you hear and feel. I'm not going to pretend tone is something you can put a number on. But old guitars are made of old stuff: lighter, denser wood that grew slowly, thin nitro that finished curing decades ago and has basically stopped moving, hide glue, and hand-work that came out a little different on every guitar. Part of that is romance, sure. But part of it is real, and you feel it the second you play an unplugged '59 Les Paul and it buzzes against your chest. The reissues chase that feeling hard, and the best ones get close. Close is about as far as they get, though. What you own. This is the cold-eyed part. A reissue is a product. It's well made, it comes with a warranty, and it loses value like any other new gear. An original is a fixed thing. They quit making 1959 Stratocasters back in 1959, and the number left in the world only goes down as guitars get broken, burned, or locked away in collections. Over the last fifty years or so, the good vintage pieces have held their value and then some. Plenty of them have beaten investments that people take a lot more seriously. Buy the right original in good shape and you've got something that can climb in value while you play it. Buy a reissue and you've got a great guitar that's worth less next year than it is today. What it carries. A real vintage guitar has been somewhere. The wear on it is a record of somebody's band, somebody's bar gigs, somebody's fifty years of playing. A relic'd reissue is dressed up to look like it lived a life it never actually lived. For a lot of us, that history is the whole point of buying vintage in the first place. ## In defense of the reissue (yes, really) I sell vintage for a living and I still tell people to buy reissues all the time. If you gig a lot, travel, sweat all over your guitar, or just can't relax with a five-figure instrument in the house, a Custom Shop reissue or a Murphy Lab Les Paul is the smart move. You get most of the look and feel, you get a warranty, you get modern consistency, and you get to actually play the thing without a heart attack every time it picks up a ding. There's nothing wrong with owning a great copy. The only real mistake is paying original prices for one. That's the whole reason I put this together. Reissues are great, so buy one if it suits you. Just make sure you know which one is in the case before you hand over the money. ## How to buy one without getting burned - Buy the seller as much as the guitar. A good vintage dealer puts their name on every instrument they sell, and takes it back if it turns out to be wrong. That reputation is the cheapest insurance you'll ever get. - Get it in writing. A real vintage guitar should come with honest, detailed paperwork covering any repairs, refinishes, or replaced parts. And if a seller gets vague when you ask what's original, that tells you something too. - Bring a blacklight. Under UV light, touch-ups and any finish that isn't original tend to glow differently than the lacquer around them. It's not foolproof, but it's cheap and it shows you a lot. - When the money gets serious, pay an expert. On a five-figure custom color or a Burst, having a specialist inspect it costs almost nothing next to the price of the guitar, and it can save you from a very expensive mistake. Sorting out a vintage guitar really is just detective work. You gather up the clues, and you trust the guitar whose story holds together from the headstock to the control cavity. Learn to do that and you'll stay clear of the fakes. You'll also start to see exactly why the real ones are worth going after in the first place. *Joe runs* [*Joe's Vintage Guitars*](https://www.joesvintageguitarsaz.com/?ref=vividguitar.co)*, where he buys, sells, and appraises pre-CBS Fenders, vintage Gibsons, and other collectible instruments. He does free, no-obligation appraisals and keeps a set of free serial-number and dating guides on the site for anyone trying to figure out what they've got.* ****Check out Joe's Vintage Guitars** [Website](https://www.joesvintageguitarsaz.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Reverb Store](https://reverb.com/shop/joe-s-gear-emporium-4?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/joesvintageguitarsaz/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/joesvintageguitars) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@joesvintageguitars?ref=vividguitar.co) --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Day and Night Arpeggio Practice, News and Notes URL: https://vividguitar.co/night-and-day-arpeggio-practice-news-and-notes/ Last updated: 2026-07-21T14:26:29.000Z [![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png)](http://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3q?ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 I've always told the musicians in my band to play what they know, and then play above that. Because then anything can happen, and that's where great art and music happens. - Miles Davis --- ## Guitar Practice ### **Day and Night** Arpeggio Practice Today, let's work on using arpeggios to outline the chord tones for the A section of **Cole Porter's** jazz standard **"Day and Night"** The A section of Day and Night combines classic **ii–V–I harmony** with elegant chromatic movement, making it an egood study in voice leading and arpeggio playing. The progression begins with a familiar **Dm7♭5–G7–Cmaj7** cadence, firmly establishing C major before moving into a series of descending chromatic chords that add color and forward momentum. A particularly interesting section is the sequence: **F♯m7♭5 → Fm7 → Em7 → E♭dim7** Rather than functioning as a traditional key change, these chords create a smooth chromatic descent, with each chord leading naturally into the next through minimal voice movement. The **E♭dim7** serves as a passing diminished chord, increasing harmonic tension before resolving back to **Dm7**, where another **ii–V–I** progression returns the music to C major. For guitarists, this progression is an ideal vehicle for practicing **chord-tone improvisation**. Instead of thinking in terms of one parent scale, try outlining each chord with its arpeggio while connecting to the nearest chord tones as the harmony changes. This approach develops stronger melodic phrasing and highlights the sophisticated harmonic movement that makes this progression so satisfying to play. Day and Night Arpeggios 0:00 /38.4 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/07/Day-and-Night-Arpeggios.png) --- ## News & Notes 🗞️ ![Limited Edition Jim Root Telecaster®, Shoreline Gold ](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/07/Fender-Jim-Root-Telecaster.png) Limited Edition Jim Root Telecaster®, Shoreline GoldFe - **Fender** released a [Limited Edition Jim Root Telecaster®](https://www.fender.com/products/limited-edition-jim-root-telecaster-shoreline-gold?ref=vividguitar.co) in Shoreline Gold. Slipknot guitarist Jim Root worked with Fender to create a big-sounding signature Telecaster model that complements his heavy playing style, featuring a 12"-radius fingerboard, EMG® active humbucking pickups, and a sparse control layout. - **Fender** added a couple limited edition colors to their Vintera III line of electric guitars - a [White Blonde Late '50s Stratocaster®](https://www.fender.com/products/limited-edition-vintera-iii-late-50s-stratocaster-white-blonde?ref=vividguitar.co) and a [3-Color Sunburst Early '60s Custom Telecaster®](https://www.fender.com/products/limited-edition-vintera-iii-early-60s-custom-telecaster?variant=48003305275614&utm%5Fsource=newsletter&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=20260706%5FUS%5FNPI%5FECM%5FLE%5FVIII%5FPC&utm%5Fterm=fender). - **Fender** also announced new [Josefina Hand Wound Red Hot™ Telecaster® Pickups](https://www.fender.com/products/josefina-hand-wound-red-hot-telecaster-pickups?ref=vividguitar.co). Hand-wound in the Fender® Custom Shop by Master Pickup Winder, Josefina Campos, the Red Hot™ Telecaster® pickups are overwound for high output. Features an alnico 5 magnet in the bridge position and alnico 2 in the neck. - 📺 Watch **Anderton's Music** [demo and review](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbX2rYAdWqU&ref=vividguitar.co) the new **Fender** '**62 Deluxe Reissue Amp**. - **Martin Guitars** announced [000-10E](https://www.martinguitar.com/000-10E-Shawn-Mendes.html?ref=vividguitar.co) & [000-28](https://www.martinguitar.com/000-28-Shawn-Mendes.html?ref=vividguitar.co) **Shawn Mendes signature acoustic guitars**. Watch Shawn share the story behind his new signature guitars, inspired by a small-bodied Martin from the 1920s and designed to move from quiet songwriting sessions to the stage: [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JPIUznWs7U&ref=vividguitar.co) - **Martin Guitars** also announced a new [5-28 Terz](https://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/standard-series/5-28-Terz.html?ref=vividguitar.co) model, which is the smallest guitar in their lineup. - **Premiere Guitar** posted a new [rig rundown video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlEBkMrQz-M&ref=vividguitar.co) of **Marcus King** and **Drew Smithers**. - **Jens Larsen** posted a valuable [video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sr27pI72vno&ref=vividguitar.co) showing a "Boring" scale exercise that could save you years in your guitar education journey. --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Major 6 Arpeggios, Fender '62 Amp Reissue URL: https://vividguitar.co/major-6-arpeggios-fender-62-amp-reissue/ Last updated: 2026-07-07T14:00:41.000Z [![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png)](http://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3q?ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 “If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music." ― Albert Einstein --- ## Guitar Practice ### Major 6 Arpeggios Major 6 chords and arpeggios are a versatile alternative to standard major chords, offering a warmer, more colorful sound without the tension of a major 7th. They're built by combining the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 6th degrees of the major scale. For example, a C6 chord contains the notes **C, E, G, and A**. The corresponding major 6 arpeggio uses those same four notes. Practicing major 6 arpeggios across the fretboard is a great way to connect chord shapes and develop melodic vocabulary. Because the 6th adds a smooth, consonant sound, these arpeggios work well in jazz, country, pop, blues, and even fusion. Major 6 chords have a lot of flexibility. In jazz, they're often used in place of plain major triads or major 7 chords, especially at the end of a tune where a less "resolved" sound is desired. They're also closely related to the relative minor: **C6 (C–E–G–A)** contains the exact same notes as **Am7 (A–C–E–G)**, making it easy to move between major and minor sounds when improvising. Below, we'll take a look at 3 different ways (ie. *voicings*) to play Major 6 arpeggios, and run through them in a 12-bar blues. A basic blues progression can be a nice way to practice chords and arpeggios, due to the repetitive nature of the chords. Major 6 Arpeggio Blues 0:00 /26.18068 1× **Shape 1:** ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/07/image.png) **Shape 2:** ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/07/image-1.png) **Shape 3:** ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/07/image-2.png) --- ## News & Notes 🗞️ ![Fender '62 Deluxe Amp | Image Credit: Fender](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/07/image-4.png) Fender '62 Deluxe Amp | Image Credit: Fender - **Fender** announced a new ['62 Deluxe amp](https://www.fender.com/products/62-deluxe-amp?ref=vividguitar.co) reissue. It features a 1962 Deluxe 6G3 circuit with all-tube design, Two 6V6 output tubes, three 12AX7 preamp tubes, & one GZ34 rectifier tube, and a Single 12” Celestion® Custom Design speaker. 20 Watts. MSRP is $1,699. - In other **Fender** amp news, though it hasn't been announced yet, a new tweed **Tone Master '59 Twin JB** (Joe Bonamassa) Edition leaked on their website. The listing has been pulled down, but it was temporarily live. - **Martin** announced a limited edition [HD-28 Semiquincentennial](https://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/custom-special-editions/HD-28-Semiquincentennial.html?ref=vividguitar.co) acoustic guitar. It celebrates 250 years of American independence—featuring wood from the legendary Basking Ridge white oak with Golden Era appointments and custom artwork. Check out [Alamo Music Center's review of it](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9KOmYEIDEw&ref=vividguitar.co). ![Martin HD-28 Semiquincentennial](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/07/unnamed-1-.png) Martin HD-28 Semiquincentennial - **Rick Beato** posted a new [interview](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sPpncwIHqU&ref=vividguitar.co) with guitarist **Eric Gales**. They chatted about gear, how he gets his signature tone, and Eric shared insights into his wide range of musical influences. - **Lukas Nelson** joined **The Other 22 Hours** podcast. They talked about shedding expectations (around being Willie Nelson's son), the antidote to egos, and training like an Olympian. [Apple ](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-other-22-hours/id1675197759?i=1000774995569&ref=vividguitar.co)| [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/784VG5OThHjFPW1x7eOXJt?si=tRhU%5FmyyQFO0HGuf%5FXl%5F1w&ref=vividguitar.co) - **Julian Lage** teamed up with **Guitar Center** for a [video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQ%5Fq5Shsa5M&ref=vividguitar.co) honoring the 75th Anniversary of the Telecaster. --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Bob Wagner on Listening More, Playing Less, and Making His Debut Album URL: https://vividguitar.co/interview-with-guitarist-bob-wagner/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T16:05:47.000Z Bob Wagner is a Vermont-based guitarist, songwriter, and producer whose thoughtful playing and song-first approach have made him one of the region's most respected musicians. Over the years, he's built a career as an in-demand sideman, performing and recording with artists like Mike Gordon, Kat Wright, Josh Panda, and many others. Whether he's laying down a soulful slide part, supporting a singer-songwriter, or stretching out during an improvisational jam, Wagner has earned a reputation for playing exactly what the music needs. After spending years helping bring other artists' songs to life, Wagner has stepped into the spotlight with his debut solo album, *I've Been Down*. Recorded primarily in Nashville with an outstanding group of musicians—including Jano Rix, Oliver Wood, and Laur Joamets—the album blends rock, soul, Americana, and country into a collection of honest, deeply personal songs. Rather than chasing a specific genre, Wagner lets each song find its own direction, creating a record that's as varied as the influences that shaped him. As a guitarist, Wagner cites players like Derek Trucks, Jimmy Herring, John Scofield, David Gilmour, Trey Anastasio, Jerry Garcia, Oliver Wood, and Tony Rice as major influences. But if there's one idea that defines his playing, it's listening. Whether he's recording in the studio or performing on stage, his goal is to serve the song, support the musicians around him, and create meaningful musical conversations. In this interview, Bob shares the story behind *I've Been Down*, what he learned from recording in Nashville and touring with Mike Gordon, his approach to songwriting and improvisation, the gear that's inspiring him these days, and why becoming a better listener has had a bigger impact on his playing than any practice routine. ## 🎸 Q & A ### ### **After years of being the guitarist supporting other artists, what finally convinced you it was time to make a record under your own name?** I might not use the term "convinced", as I've been planning on recording my own music for a long time. I just kind of put it on pause over the years while I was more focused on other projects (mainly Kat Wright, and Josh Panda before that, and most recently Mike Gordon). But the songs had built up to a place that felt like an album. And I had a big opening on my calendar that started looking a lot like a neon sign that was pointing squarely at my songs. ### **Several songs on I*'ve Been Down* blend country, soul, rock, and Americana without feeling tied to any one genre. Do you write with stylistic boundaries in mind, or do you simply follow wherever the song leads?** Every song is unique and I try very much to not get in the way of where they want to go. I was a bit surprised to hear as much "country" influence in some of these songs, though maybe I shouldn't be as I grew up listening to 90s country radio fairly nonstop, thanks to my Dad. And I'm into a number of the contemporary country (or country adjacent) artists. I love so much different music and find it hard to stay in one lane. ### **You recorded most of I've Been Down at The Studio Nashville alongside musicians like Laur Joamets, Oliver Wood, and Jano Rix. What did that experience teach you about making records at such a high level?** Well I just can't say enough about Jano Rix. He's basically Stevie Wonder as far as I'm concerned - and that is to say he is King of Planet Music. I really think his playing is just about as good as music gets. So I was extremely happy he was available and interested to work on this record with me. And so much of his talent shines through on these songs (on piano, keyboard, Shuitar (sp?) percussion, 2nd drum set, backing vocals etc). Working with Oliver Wood on a few songs was a dream come true as well, as I'm a huge fan of his. Tracking in the Wood Brothers' studio, I got to make use of a number of Oliver's guitars on the session which was a real treat for me (his vintage Stella rubber bridge guitar, his main axe - the Guild Slim Jim, and his vintage National steel guitar). Working with Laur was a wild bit of kismet - happened at the 11th hour on my last day in the studio, a total fluke actually as he was coming in for a session the following day and I was lucky enough to enlist him on a few tunes - maybe that's the norm down there but it felt like pure Nashville magic to me. I'm a huge fan of his playing with Sturgill Simpson / Johnny Blue Skies so yeah, that was special. ### **You're known as a tasteful guitarist who always seems to serve the song. Has your philosophy on guitar playing changed as you've become more focused on songwriting?** Hopefully I'm playing less notes... but probably not. I'm just trying to listen more and more... and am mostly convinced that as long as I removed any obstacles to listening to whats going on around me (whether that be in terms of the mix on stage / stage volume / stage placement / in-ears vs wedges etc) that the playing mostly just takes care of itself. However, lately I've been thinking that I really need to focus a bit on "wrapping up solos"... that seems to be something I've let slip a bit - feels like I need to work on "navigating the exit ramp" lately. And I'd appreciate any tips out there... ### **You recently spent time on the road in Mike Gordon's band. Night after night, what did that experience teach you about being a better guitarist, improviser, or bandmate?** It's just all about listening - if you're really listening, you're ready for anything, which in turn means you're ready to best help support your bandmates on stage. Mike has such big ears, as does everyone in that band, so it's a real masterclass in listening. The key of a song or a jam can (and will) change on a dime so you can't be checked out or phoning it in. Also I need to be listening on both a macro AND micro level - making decisions on when its time to kick things up just as much as when its time to wind them down. ### **What does your typical guitar practice routine look like these days? Is there one practice habit that's had the biggest long-term impact on your playing?** I'd like to plead the 5th on this one as I'm fairly horrible at practicing, and maybe always have been. I'm more of a "playing = practicing" type, which is not perfect by any means. I'm not terribly interested in playing faster these days (thankfully) but I am trying to navigate changes in a more mature way, something I struggle with. Mostly I'm more interested in improving (or preserving) whatever ear training skills I have. ### **When you hit a creative wall, do you have any exercises or routines that consistently help you get unstuck?** Take a walk. Take a shower. Cook a meal. 9 times out 10 a good long walk yields more creative results than anything that would happen with a guitar in my hands. For me, anyway. ### **What gear (guitar/amp/pedals) are you using lately—and why?** I'm in love with my Benson Preamp. It's too versatile for its own good if you ask me - it's the best clean boost, almost the best OD, and fully dimed, its basically Band Of Gypsys level fuzz. I'd actually like to get a second one on my board and experiment with stacking them. Also I'm spending more time on my 1930s Oscar Schmidt rubber bridge guitar (usually with the Benson Preamp > a small amp). This has been a really interesting game changer for me the last few years - learning to embrace the way the notes just die off instead of sustain... it's kind of the opposite from traditional guitar playing.. and I love it. For club gigs, I'm usually a Deluxe Reverb guy, though I could be swayed towards something else right now. I'm in the market and up for a change. ### **What guitarists or musicians have influenced your sound the most?** I think I wear a lot of my influences on my sleeve so its probably not too hard to guess that I'm a fan of Derek Trucks, Jimmy Herring, John Scofield, David Gilmour, Trey Anastasio, Jerry Garcia. I adore Oliver Wood's playing. And of course bluegrass guys like Tony Rice. But that's just guitar stuff. If I started listing other instrumentalists I'd never finish writing this. --- ## ⚡ Lightning Round ### ### **One album every guitarist should listen to?** Sunset - Jim Oblon (2014) ### **Desert island guitar and amp?** Well on a desert island I'd probably prefer to have my Iris acoustic with me BUT if we're going electric... my Creston Tele + a Kay 703 (5 watts), though I've been dreaming of making a wall of 4 of these amps, like a Kay stack. ### **What guitarist should everyone know about?** Xavier Lynn (Mono Neon, Mike Gordon) --- ### Check out Bob's new album 'I've Been Down': [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/artist/2utCEWnqVt6gX221EzPfp4?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Apple Music](https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bob-wagner/1549638454?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Tidal](https://tidal.com/artist/9067154?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Bandcamp](https://bobwagner.bandcamp.com/album/ive-been-down?ref=vividguitar.co) ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/06/image-8.png) --- ****Check out Bob Wagner** [Website](https://bobwagner.art/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/bobwagner?ref=vividguitar.co) | [FaceBook](https://www.facebook.com/bob.wagner333/) --- ### 🎉 If you enjoy geeking out on guitar, you'll love our [**free weekly guitar newsletter**](https://vividguitar.co/), and we'd be psyched if you subscribe!🤘 ### Miles Okazaki on Random Practice, Monk's Hidden Lessons, and Building a Personal Musical Language URL: https://vividguitar.co/interview-with-guitar-player-miles-okazaki/ Last updated: 2026-06-17T14:03:40.000Z Miles Okazaki is one of the most original voices in modern jazz guitar. Known for his adventurous compositions, deep rhythmic concepts, and highly personal approach to the instrument, he has spent the last two decades carving out a unique path as a guitarist, composer, author, and educator. While his music can be complex and intellectually rich, it's also driven by curiosity, creativity, and a constant desire to discover new possibilities on the guitar. Born and raised in Port Townsend, Washington, Okazaki began studying classical guitar at age six and was already performing professionally as a teenager. After earning degrees from Harvard University, the Manhattan School of Music, and the Juilliard School, he moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. Since then, he has worked with an impressive range of artists, including Steve Coleman, Kenny Barron, John Zorn, Stanley Turrentine, Jane Monheit, and many others, building a reputation as a fearless and versatile musician. As a bandleader, Okazaki has released a series of acclaimed albums that blend intricate composition with spontaneous improvisation. One of his most celebrated projects is *WORK*, a six-volume recording of every composition written by jazz legend Thelonious Monk for solo guitar. The ambitious undertaking earned widespread praise and introduced many listeners to both Monk's music and Okazaki's remarkable musical vision. His ongoing projects, including the innovative quartet Trickster, continue to push the boundaries of what jazz guitar can be. Beyond performing and recording, Okazaki is a passionate teacher and thinker. He is the author of *Fundamentals of Guitar* and has taught at leading institutions including the University of Michigan and Princeton University. Whether he's exploring new rhythmic ideas, composing large-scale works, or sharing insights with students, Miles Okazaki approaches music with the same combination of discipline, imagination, and openness that has made him one of today's most respected guitarists. ➡️ We caught up with Miles to dive into his practice habits, TheloniousMonk's influence on his playing & composition style, his favorite gear, and more. ## 🎸 Q & A ### **Your book Fundamentals of Guitar represents decades of study. Looking back, what are a few practice ideas that have delivered the biggest long-term results?** The page that I use the most with students is called "The Scrambler." It's just a page full of 12 tone rows, but I use it to randomize practice of all kinds. Like, "play through triads with these roots in one position," and stuff like that. I believe in random processes to open up technique. ### **What's a practice habit you wish you had adopted earlier in your development?** Practicing with a mirror. This can really help you stay relaxed, develop good posture, and also remind you to stay engaged with those around you instead of looking at your hands. ### **After spending so much time with** Thelonious **Monk's music, did it influence your own compositions in unexpected ways? What aspects of Monk's writing do guitarists most often overlook?** I've been looking at Monk's music my whole life, so I don't have a "before and after" type of memory. All of my compositions are influenced by Monk. Not necessarily in terms of the sound or material, but in terms of the sensibility of creating a personal language that is identifiable. That's a goal that I'm working on. Guitarists sometimes will go with stock chords on Monk tunes. Like say there's a Bb7 chord, they might add some stuff like a 13th or b9\. But Monk had very specific voicings. It makes a difference if you try to learn those, because he took a lot of time to figure them out. ### **You've adapted drum rudiments and rhythmic systems to the guitar. How has that changed the way you think about right-hand technique?** It's actually always the way I played naturally. It's just that when I tried to describe it, the drum analogy seemed to work pretty well. If you think of the guitar as a pitched drum, then you have these upstrokes and downstrokes that are like the two hands of a drummer. You don't have any feet, though. This is why on solo shows I'm often tapping my foot as another instrument, to give that context. "This against that" only sounds like something if you have something playing the "that." ### **Many of your compositions are built around conceptual frameworks. Do compositions usually begin with an idea, a rhythm, a melody, or something else? Do you impose constraints on yourself when composing?** Constraints stimulate creativity, so I would say yes to that last part. If I'm trying to figure out some kind of musical problem, I'll write a tune using that idea. It could be rhythmic, melodic, harmonic, whatever. This is a pretty common technique. I want to make a musical example, otherwise it's just theory. Then I'll play that tune with people, and if it works, then that's confirmation that I have a solution. If it doesn't work, it's back to the drawing board. ### **What gear (guitar/amp/pedals) are you using lately—and why?** Mostly I play a Gibson ES-150 from 1940 straight into the amp. I use Quilter amps because they sound great and weigh almost nothing. In Europe, or somewhere where space is a premium, I'll use a Les Paul style guitar made by Daniel Slaman to sound like an old Charlie Christian guitar and request a Twin or Deluxe for backline. If I'm playing with my Trickster band or some other group that wants FX, I have a big pedalboard with everything that I use; mostly different fuzzboxes, a POG for octaves, a wah, and a mixing expression pedal. For years I played a 1978 ES-175 with a Charlie Christian pickup, and I still use that sometimes. Around NYC, if I can drive, I'll play my 1963 Super 400 with a McCarty pickup. I have specialty guitars for other projects, 7 string, fretless, microtonal, etc. And around the house I mostly play nylon string, which is my first instrument. ### **What’s next for you musically—any projects or goals you're working on?** I have a new record coming out this month on Pi Recordings called BOOMTOWN. Then there is a concert film about me doing the Monk songbook coming out in October. Besides that, various projects with friends and colleagues. My goal is to get a little bit better at playing guitar every day. --- ## ⚡ Lightning Round ### **One album every guitarist should listen to?** Grant Green, Idle Moments ### **Desert island guitar and amp?** Gibson ES 150, Quilter Aviator Cub ### What guitarist should everyone know about? Emily Remler --- ****Check out Miles Okazaki** [Website](https://www.milesokazaki.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/okazakistudio/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/WorkwithMilesOkazaki?utm%5Fcampaign=creatorshare%5Fcreator&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Fundamentals of Guitar Book](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0786697857?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ### 🎉 If you enjoy geeking out on guitar, you'll love our [**free weekly guitar newsletter**](https://vividguitar.co/), and we'd be psyched if you subscribe!🤘 ### F minor Jam Track, News and Notes URL: https://vividguitar.co/f-minor-jam-track-guitar-news-and-notes/ Last updated: 2026-06-09T14:00:25.000Z [![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png)](http://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3q?ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 "Back in bebop, everybody used to play real fast. But I didn't ever like playing a bunch of scales and shit. I always tried to play the most important notes in the chord, to break it up. I used to hear all them musicians playing all them scales and notes and never nothing you could remember." - Miles Davis --- ## Guitar Practice Today, let's practice over a jam track in the key of F minor. The Fm7, Gm7, & Ab chords are all in the key of Eb major, so the *F Dorian mode* would work well for soling over this. The C7#9 at the end of the phrase is a bit of an outlier. The C chord in the key of Eb is typically a minor chord, but playing it as a Dominant chord adds some flare here - and just sounds cool. Since the #9 note is Eb, F Dorian still works to play over this chord. Below is a jam track, the chord voicings used, and 1 position of the F Dorian Mode. Fm Jam 0:00 /201.72 1× ![Fmin Jam](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/Fmin-jam-1.png) ![F Dorian Mode](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/F-Dorian-1.png) --- ## News & Notes 🗞️ - **Bill Frisell** [joined **World Cafe**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IC1r68Nz90s&ref=vividguitar.co) for a performance and interview. - **Fender** announced a new run of [Made-In-Japan web-exclusive guitars](https://fendermusicalinstrumentscorp.sjv.io/DWnNxo?ref=vividguitar.co), including Telecasters, Stratocasters, Jaguars, and Jazzmasters. Fender Japan's factory typically makes guitars at an equal level of quality (if not better, in some cases), to Fender's American factory, generally at a bit lower prices. ![Fender Made-In-Japan Web-Exclusive Guitars](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/06/image.png) Fender Made-In-Japan Web-Exclusive Guitars - **Fender** announced a [firmware update](https://fendermusicalinstrumentscorp.sjv.io/L04NMj?ref=vividguitar.co) to their Tone Master Pro modeler, adding 8 new amps (including the '57 Champ, **’68 Custom Deluxe Reverb**, and **’68 Custom Princeton Reverb**), 8 new cabinet impulse response (IR) sets, 15 new effects, and other functionality enhancements. ![Fender Tone Master Pro | Image Credit: Fender](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/06/image-3.png) Fender Tone Master Pro | Image Credit: Fender - **PRS** released a SE Ed Sheeran Hollowbody I Piezo - Baritone model. With its hollow-body design and extended 27.7" scale length, this baritone guitar delivers rich resonance, excellent clarity, and tight low-end response—perfect for everything from alternate tunings to heavy riffs. Paired with PRS 85/15 “S” pickups and a PRS/LR Baggs piezo system, it offers a wide range of electric and acoustic-inspired tones. And it features a super cool finish.. ![PRS SE Ed Sheeran Hollowbody I Piezo - Baritone model](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/06/image-6.png) PRS SE Ed Sheeran Hollowbody I Piezo - Baritone model - **Martin Guitar** announce a new Custom Shop 0-18K2 CFM IV acoustic guitar. The flamed koa guitar is imited to just 100 instruments. ![Martin Custom Shop 0-18K2 CFM IV acoustic guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/06/image-5.png) Martin Custom Shop 0-18K2 CFM IV - **Martin Guitar** also published [Volume 16](https://www.martinguitar.com/martin-journal.html?ref=vividguitar.co) of their *Martin Journal*. The digital version is free to read on their website. - **Andertons Music** [dove into](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvjaFuh2huM&ref=vividguitar.co) Gibson's newly released '50s vs '60s ES-335 guitars. --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Dominyka Mauliūtė on Creativity, Philosophy, and Finding Her Own Voice URL: https://vividguitar.co/interview-with-jazz-guitarist-dominyka-mauliute/ Last updated: 2026-06-16T19:06:52.000Z Dominyka Mauliūtė is a rising jazz guitarist from Klaipėda, Lithuania whose passion for music began at the age of eight after hearing the Beatles for the first time. Inspired by their sound, she picked up the guitar and quickly showed a natural connection to the instrument. Her teacher, Deividas Kontrimas, introduced her to jazz and helped guide her musical development at Juozo Karoso Music School, where she performed with the school’s jazz ensemble, “Stop Jazz.” Through those early experiences, Dominyka discovered a love for improvisation and expressive playing that continues to shape her music today. Alongside her musical career, Dominyka has also pursued academic studies in philosophy at Vilnius University while studying jazz guitar performance at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre. Her interest in philosophy often overlaps with her creative work, including projects exploring the idea of an artificial “music language” inspired by logic and the philosophy of language. This unique combination of artistic and intellectual curiosity gives her work a thoughtful and original perspective. Today, Dominyka continues to perform at festivals, concerts, and jazz clubs both as a solo artist and with ensembles. She is passionate about sharing her love of jazz with younger musicians and encouraging others to explore creativity through improvisation. With her mix of talent, discipline, and imagination, Dominyka is carving out a musical identity that blends jazz tradition with cinematic atmosphere, philosophy, and emotional honesty. ➡️ We connected with Dominyka, she talked about balancing discipline with intuition, the life-changing influence of her teacher Deividas Kontrimas, and why sensitivity matters more than speed. From Wes Montgomery and Emily Remler to dream-pop textures and experimental theatre, Dominyka shares how she’s building a deeply personal artistic voice that reaches far beyond the boundaries of jazz guitar. --- ## 🎸 Q & A ### **What does your current guitar practice routine look like?** Right now my practice routine is less about “hours” and more about attention. I still work on jazz fundamentals every day — harmony, ear training, transcribing, improvisation, and technique — but I also spend a lot of time experimenting with texture and atmosphere. Some days I’m practicing Wes Montgomery lines, other days I’m building dream-pop soundscapes or writing spoken-word passages over guitar loops. I try to balance discipline with curiosity. Jazz gave me structure, but creativity happens when I leave space for intuition too. ### **What’s one piece of advice you wished you had been given when you were just starting on guitar?** That sensitivity matters more than speed. When you’re young, you often think becoming a “good guitarist” means becoming technically impressive. But music is really about emotional honesty and listening deeply. I wish someone had told me earlier that your individuality is more valuable than perfection. ### **You’ve described how you met your guitar teacher Deividas Kontrimas, who introduced you to jazz-music. How did that first encounter shape your mindset about the guitar and about jazz specifically?** Meeting Deividas Kontrimas changed everything for me. Before that, guitar was something magical but still abstract. He introduced me to jazz not just as a genre, but as a language and a philosophy. Suddenly music became about freedom, conversation, and interpretation. Jazz taught me that there isn’t only one “correct” way to express something. That mindset influenced not only my playing, but also how I think about art and life in general. ### **What gear do you currently favor (guitar, amp, pedals)? How much does gear matter for the message you’re trying to convey?** I tend to gravitate toward warm, expressive tones. I’ve played an Ibanez George Benson model quite a lot, and I also love guitars that feel slightly imperfect. For pedals, I’m drawn to reverb, delay, tape saturation, and modulation — things that create atmosphere. Gear definitely matters, but only if it helps communicate emotion more honestly. I don’t think gear can replace artistic identity. It should support the story, not become the story itself. ### **Jazz is a broad field. Which guitarists or other musicians have been your biggest influences (both inside and outside jazz) and why?** Inside jazz, Wes Montgomery was important to me because of his phrasing. Emily Remler also influenced me a lot. I also love Alice Coltrane, John Coltrane, Pharaoh Sanders, & Hailu Mergia music. Outside jazz, my influencess are very cinematic and emotional: Mazzy Star, Scott Walker, The Doors. I’m inspired by artists who create entire worlds, not just songs. I love music that feels theatrical, hypnotic, and poetic. ### **As a composer, how does your writing process begin? Do you start with melody, harmony, rhythm, or something else?** Sometimes it starts with a chord voicing, sometimes a lyrical phrase, sometimes just a feeling I can’t explain. I’m very interested in tension between beauty and discomfort. I often improvise first and then analyze later. Because I study philosophy as well, I think a lot about language and meaning, so lyrics and sound often evolve together for me. ### **What’s been your biggest challenge as a guitarist and musician?** Probably balancing technical expectations with artistic authenticity. In jazz especially, it’s easy to become trapped in comparison or perfectionism. At some point I realized I didn’t want to only become a technically “correct” musician — I wanted to create something recognizable and personal. Learning to trust my artistic instincts has been the biggest challenge, but also the most liberating thing. ### **What’s next for you musically—any projects or goals you're working on?** I’m interested in blending concert and theatre into one immersive experience, so I plan to do rock theatre shows. I’m also continuing to experiment with composition, philosophy, and the idea of music as a universal language. ## ⚡ Lightning Round ### ### **One album every guitarist should listen to?** Joe Pass - Virtuoso ### **Desert island guitar and amp?** A semi-hollow guitar and an old Fender tube. ### **What guitarist should everyone know about?** Julian Lage [](https://www.youtube.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) ### ****Check out Dominyka Mauliūtė** [Website](https://www.dominykamauliute.com/en/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@dominykamauliute?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/dominykamauliute/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/dominykamauliute/) --- ### 🎉 If you enjoy geeking out on guitar, you'll love our [**free weekly guitar newsletter**](https://vividguitar.co/), and we'd be psyched if you subscribe!🤘 ### Inside Will Brahm’s Approach to Melody, Harmony, and Modern Jazz Guitar URL: https://vividguitar.co/interview-with-guitarist-will-brahm/ Last updated: 2026-05-27T14:09:27.000Z Will Brahm is a Los Angeles-based guitarist and composer known for his creative blend of jazz, rock, and modern improvisation. Originally from Portland, Oregon, he picked up the guitar in eighth grade and quickly became obsessed with music. After high school, Brahm moved to Southern California to study jazz guitar at California State University, Long Beach, where he developed his skills under respected guitarist Ron Eschete. Early in his career, Brahm built a name for himself as a member of the New West Guitar Group, touring across the United States and around the world. Those years on the road helped shape both his playing and his musical identity. In 2019, he joined the touring band of legendary trumpeter Arturo Sandoval, performing on major stages internationally. Around the same time, he was also named a semifinalist in the Herbie Hancock International Jazz Guitar Competition. As a solo artist, Brahm has released several albums that highlight his melodic approach, expressive tone, and wide range of influences. Albums like *Homenaje*, *Venture Atlas*, and *Distance to Empty* showcase a sound that blends jazz harmony with elements of Americana, rock, and world music. His playing is thoughtful and emotional, while still full of energy and technical skill. Today, Will Brahm continues to record, tour, and collaborate with musicians from many different backgrounds. Whether he’s playing acoustic guitar, electric guitar, or composing new music, he brings a unique voice to every project. His ability to combine strong melodies with adventurous improvisation has made him one of the most exciting modern guitarists on the jazz scene today. ➡️ We caught up with Will, and he shared his daily practice structure, why cycling ideas up and down the neck transformed his playing, and how closed-position scales changed the way he hears harmony. He also talks about creating huge ambient textures in a trio setting, staying melodic over complex jazz changes, and the gear behind his signature sound. --- ### 🎸 Q & A ### **What does an ideal practice session look like for you these days?** I set a timer for 35 minutes each day and focus on warmup/harmony routines. Triad cycling, inversions etc. Then I set a timer for another 35 minutes and work on composing/arranging my music for upcoming shows and recordings. ### **What is one practice habit or approach that most accelerated your progress—and why did it work?** The most valuable way for me to practice is to follow a cycle completely UP and then back DOWN the neck in a single movement. It helps us gain fluency at any point in the neck. ### **Was there a musical concept or realization that fundamentally changed the way you approach the guitar?** Focusing on playing CLOSED scale positions, 5 inside each octave of the neck. When we focus on closed scale/arpeggio positions INSTEAD of 3 note per string scales, we can best outline collective harmony. ### **What’s your current go‑to gear or setup when recording or performing live?** My antique olive green Stratocaster, my Fender Deluxe Reverb, and my ever-shifting pedal board! ### **A lot of players struggle to sound musical over fast-changing jazz harmony. When you’re improvising over complex changes, what are the key things you’re listening for that help you stay melodic?** I focus on having the whole form playing in the back of my head. Once we really FEEL the form in our body, we can cascade over the changes, build slow musical phrases, or jump in and outline every passing chord. ### **Your playing often balances lyrical melodies with dense harmonic movement. When you’re writing or improvising, how do you think about melody vs. harmony—do you start from one or the other?** The “bones” of my writing comes from the bass motion and the melody motion. How do those two lines interact. Is it strong counterpoint? Then I can fill in 1 or 2 notes in the middle. Most importantly, does the MELODY stay clear and COHERENT to the listener? ### **Your trio recordings have a huge sound despite being just three instruments. What are the key guitar techniques or musical approaches you use to fill space in a trio without overplaying?** I use multiple delay pedals to create a “pillow” of ambience and dimension under my sound, and behind my sound. My goal is to strike a chord or a note, and when I release it there are still artifacts of those notes lingering behind me. It’s like a sustain pedal on a piano. My intention is to create a pulsating sonic bubble of sound and emotion through my instrument. ### **What’s next for you musically—any projects or goals you're working on?** Currently mixing my upcoming album “TRUST.” I’m about to release the third single off of it, called “In Dreams.” On average I play one show a month with my band, and a tour every January. I’d like to add a summer tour onto the books! ## ⚡ Lightning Round ### ### **One album every guitarist should hear?** Kurt Rosenwinkel a Star of Jupiter ### **Desert island guitar and amp?** Fender Deluxe Reverb ‘65 reissue ### **What guitarist should everyone know about?** Any Timmons --- ## Recommended Listening & Watching: **Will's new single 'In Dreams':** **The Will Brahm Quartet playing Herbie Hancock's 'Dolphin Dance':** **Will Brahm Trio playing Chick Corea's 'Bud Powel' Live at The Mint Los Angeles:** ****Check out Will Brahm** [Website](https://willbrahm.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/willbrahm/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/c/willbrahm?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/WillBrahm2/) --- ### 🎉 If you enjoy geeking out on guitar, you'll love our [**free weekly guitar newsletter**](https://vividguitar.co/), and we'd be psyched if you subscribe!🤘 ### Harrison Whitford on Alternate Tunings, Improvisation, and Letting Songs Lead the Way URL: https://vividguitar.co/interview-with-guitarist-harrison-whitford/ Last updated: 2026-05-20T15:08:31.000Z [![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png)](http://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3q?ref=vividguitar.co) Harrison Whitford is an American guitarist, songwriter, and session musician known for his thoughtful playing style and deeply personal songwriting. Based in Los Angeles, he has built a strong reputation through both his solo work and collaborations with artists like Phoebe Bridgers, Matt Berninger, and Conor Oberst. Although he grew up around music as the son of Brad Whitford (of Aerosmith), Harrison has carved out his own sound, blending indie rock, folk, ambient textures, and expressive guitar work into something uniquely his own. Whitford released his debut solo album, Afraid of Everything, in 2018\. The album introduced listeners to his honest songwriting and understated approach to guitar playing. He followed it with Afraid of Nothing, a record filled with warm tones, atmospheric arrangements, and emotionally detailed songs. Rather than focusing on flashy technique, Whitford’s playing is centered around melody, texture, and supporting the feeling of each song. In addition to his solo career, Whitford has become a respected touring and recording guitarist. His work with Phoebe Bridgers helped introduce him to a wider audience, and he has spoken about how collaborating with other musicians shaped his approach to songwriting and guitar. Known for his tasteful tone and creative use of vintage gear, Whitford has developed a style that feels both modern and timeless. Harrison has also collaborated with brands such as Heritage Guitars and Fender for guitar demo videos. Check him out jamming with [Molly Miller](https://vividguitar.co/interview-with-guitar-player-molly-miller/) for a [Heritage Guitars promo vid](https://youtu.be/vEwJFiw2Ntw?si=%5F2ET1CAS4F8EAIS3&ref=vividguitar.co), and [demoing the Fender American Ultra Luxe Vintage Stratocaster](https://youtu.be/7OYpBW5kKZ0?si=LG%5FeAXSYaS4nUdz-&ref=vividguitar.co). In 2025, Whitford teamed up with producer and songwriter Eli Hirsch to form the duo Attention Bird Utopia. Their debut album, Best of Kings, mixed indie rock, folk, and experimental pop influences into a relaxed and intimate collection of songs. The project reflected Whitford’s love of organic recording techniques, poetic lyrics, and guitar parts that serve the song rather than overpower it. We connected with Harrison for a quick Q&A. ## 🎸 Q & A ### **What does your current guitar practice routine look like?** My practice routine is a lot less regimented than it used to be. Typically I think about improvising and writing when I pick up a guitar. I try to make playing as close to breathing as possible. ### **What's the best piece of advice you have for other guitar players?** Play like you mean it. ### **What’s one technique, habit, or concept that helped you level up as a player?** Chords are melodies intersecting. ### **What gear (guitar/amp/pedals) are you using lately—and why?** My 1949 Gibson LG-2 ### **How did your project and Best of Kings album come about? Was there a specific musical or emotional thread you wanted that project to follow?** Me and my friend Eli Hirsch got along very quickly and bonded over many shared interests, music being chiefly among them. It felt natural to make a record together. We didn’t think too much about it. ### **What have you learned from playing in Phoebe Bridgers band that’s influenced your own writing or bandleading?** That a great song will tell you how it wants to be handled if you listen closely. ### **Your known for playing in alternate tunings a quite a bit. What are your favorite tunings, and what are the benefits of playing in different tunings?** I tend to play and write a lot in open D—open tunings can rearrange your sensory experience of the guitar. ### **What’s been your biggest challenge as a guitarist and musician?** Keeping my head above the water. ### **What’s next for you musically—any projects or goals you're working on?** Many projects and dreams all the time. A new record out in the world soonish. ## ⚡ Lightning Round ### **One album every guitarist should listen to?** Luiz Bonfa - Introspection ### **Desert island guitar and amp?** Gibson LG-2 ### **What guitarist should everyone know about?** Dylan Day ****Check out Harrison Whitford** [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/scarrisonwhitford/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Bandcamp](https://attentionbirdutopia.bandcamp.com/album/best-of-kings?ref=vividguitar.co) --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Drop 3 Chord Voicings, Harrison Whitford, New Gibson ES-335 models URL: https://vividguitar.co/drop-3-chord-voicings-harrison-whitford-new-gibson-es-335-models/ Last updated: 2026-05-19T14:00:18.000Z [![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png)](http://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3q?ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 Practice by the clock. Buy a decent countdown timer and set it for twenty minutes. There’s only one rule: once you start the timer, you must practice until it goes off. No exceptions. This simple technique will make it easier to complete longer periods of sustained practice, even when you get tired or frustrated. The more periods of sustained practice you complete, the faster your skill acquisition. Set aside time for three to five practice sessions a day, and you’ll see major progress in a very short period. - Josh Kaufman **In this week's issue** 📩 - Drop 3 Chord Voicings - Spotlight and Q&A with guitarist Harrison Whitford - Interesting News & Notes *Was this email forwarded to you?*[ *Subscribe here*](https://vividguitar.co/)*!* --- ## Guitar Practice ### Drop 3 Chords Drop 3 chords are a type of jazz guitar voicing created by taking a closed-position seventh chord and lowering the third-highest note by one octave. This produces a wider, more open sound that sits naturally on the guitar fretboard, especially on the lower four strings. Drop 3 voicings are compact, versatile, and work well for comping, chord melody, and solo guitar arrangements. They are commonly used for major 7, minor 7, dominant 7, and half-diminished chords, and they allow smooth voice leading across chord progressions while maintaining a full, rich harmony. Let's do a few exercises to learn different Drop 3 chord shapes. We behind on a Major 7 chord, and then move one note at a time, going down to the Diminished 7th chord. Each exercise goes in this order: Maj7, Dom7, m7, m7b5, Dim7 **Exercise 1:** ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/05/image-1.png) **Exercise 2:** ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/05/image-2.png) **Exercise 3:** For this one, we change it up a bit, by separating the bass note. ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/05/image-3.png) --- ## Guitarist Spotlight and Q&A ### Harrison Whitford on Alternate Tunings, Improvisation, and Letting Songs Lead the Way ![Harrison Whitford | Image Credit: Fender](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/05/Web_Fender_081825_American_Ultra_Luxe_Vintage_60s_Strat_HSS_ft._Harrison_Whitford_Article_HERO-1.jpg) Harrison Whitford is an American guitarist, songwriter, and session musician known for his thoughtful playing style and deeply personal songwriting. Based in Los Angeles, he has built a strong reputation through both his solo work and collaborations with artists like Phoebe Bridgers, Matt Berninger, and Conor Oberst. Although he grew up around music as the son of Brad Whitford (of Aerosmith), Harrison has carved out his own sound, blending indie rock, folk, ambient textures, and expressive guitar work into something uniquely his own. Whitford released his debut solo album, Afraid of Everything, in 2018\. The album introduced listeners to his honest songwriting and understated approach to guitar playing. He followed it with Afraid of Nothing, a record filled with warm tones, atmospheric arrangements, and emotionally detailed songs. Rather than focusing on flashy technique, Whitford’s playing is centered around melody, texture, and supporting the feeling of each song. In addition to his solo career, Whitford has become a respected touring and recording guitarist. His work with Phoebe Bridgers helped introduce him to a wider audience, and he has spoken about how collaborating with other musicians shaped his approach to songwriting and guitar. Known for his tasteful tone and creative use of vintage gear, Whitford has developed a style that feels both modern and timeless. Harrisobn has also collaborated with brands such as Heritage Guitars and Fender for guitar demo videos. Check him out jamming with [Molly Miller](https://vividguitar.co/interview-with-guitar-player-molly-miller/) for a [Heritage Guitars promo vid](https://youtu.be/vEwJFiw2Ntw?si=%5F2ET1CAS4F8EAIS3&ref=vividguitar.co), and [demoing the Fender American Ultra Luxe Vintage Stratocaster](https://youtu.be/7OYpBW5kKZ0?si=LG%5FeAXSYaS4nUdz-&ref=vividguitar.co). In 2025, Whitford teamed up with producer and songwriter Eli Hirsch to form the duo Attention Bird Utopia. Their debut album, Best of Kings, mixed indie rock, folk, and experimental pop influences into a relaxed and intimate collection of songs. The project reflected Whitford’s love of organic recording techniques, poetic lyrics, and guitar parts that serve the song rather than overpower it. We connected with Harrison for a quick Q&A. ## 🎸 Q & A ### **What does your current guitar practice routine look like?** My practice routine is a lot less regimented than it used to be. Typically I think about improvising and writing when I pick up a guitar. I try to make playing as close to breathing as possible. ### **What's the best piece of advice you have for other guitar players?** Play like you mean it. ### **What’s one technique, habit, or concept that helped you level up as a player?** Chords are melodies intersecting. ### **What gear (guitar/amp/pedals) are you using lately—and why?** My 1949 Gibson LG-2 ### **How did your project and Best of Kings album come about? Was there a specific musical or emotional thread you wanted that project to follow?** Me and my friend Eli Hirsch got along very quickly and bonded over many shared interests, music being chiefly among them. It felt natural to make a record together. We didn’t think too much about it. ### **What have you learned from playing in Phoebe Bridgers band that’s influenced your own writing or bandleading?** That a great song will tell you how it wants to be handled if you listen closely. ### **Your known for playing in alternate tunings a quite a bit. What are your favorite tunings, and what are the benefits of playing in different tunings?** I tend to play and write a lot in open D—open tunings can rearrange your sensory experience of the guitar. ### **What’s been your biggest challenge as a guitarist and musician?** Keeping my head above the water. ### **What’s next for you musically—any projects or goals you're working on?** Many projects and dreams all the time. A new record out in the world soonish. ## ⚡ Lightning Round ### **One album every guitarist should listen to?** Luiz Bonfa - Introspection ### **Desert island guitar and amp?** Gibson LG-2 ### **What guitarist should everyone know about?** Dylan Day ****Check out Harrison Whitford** [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/scarrisonwhitford/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Bandcamp](https://attentionbirdutopia.bandcamp.com/album/best-of-kings?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## News & Notes 🗞️ ![Gibson ES-335 50s and 60s models | Image Credit: Gibson Guitars](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/05/gazette_75564629-b701-43a6-999d-410192903ddd-copy.jpg) Gibson ES-335 50s and 60s models | Image Credit: Gibson Guitars - **Gibson** announced two new [50s and 60s ES-335 reissues](https://www.gibson.com/collections/gibson-es-335-50s-and-60s-collection?ref=vividguitar.co). The 50s model features a thicker neck, dot inlays, a larger pickguard, Custombucker Alnico 3 pickups, and is offered in Vintage Natural, Tobacco Burst, and Ebony. The 60s model has a thinner neck, block inlays, T-Type pickups, and is offered in Vintage Burst, Sixties Cherry, and Dark Walnut. - **Fender** released a new [Godzilla Distortion Pedal](https://www.fender.com/products/godzilla-distortion?ref=vividguitar.co) \- which they say transforms your amp into a heat-ray–breathing beast, capable of everything from thick rhythmic chugging to soaring lead tones that cut through any mix. - **Fender** also announced a limited edition [x PAC-MAN™ Player II Telecaster®](https://www.fender.com/products/limited-edition-fender-x-pac-man-player-ii-telecaster?ref=vividguitar.co). Developed in close partnership with the PAC-MAN brand team, the guitar features a fast and fluid Modern "C"-profile neck, a 9.5"-radius fingerboard with rolled edges, 22 medium jumbo frets. It cool to see a limited edition like this being offered as a Player Series model, oppossed to Custom Shop. MSRP is $1,099. ![Fender x PAC-MAN™ Player II Telecaster](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/05/image.png) Fender x PAC-MAN™ Player II Telecaster - **Lyle Brewer** joined **The Fretboard Journal** podcast. They talked about his journey as a professional guitarist and educator, how he ended up teaching at Berklee, his influences (from Pat Metheny to Andy Shauf), his love for nylon-string guitars, workshopping new music on the internet, and more. [Apple](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fretboard-journal-guitar-podcast/id394447340?i=1000763580717&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/77YsUyDDdJM9B112evXZiB?si=lgCaPSRTT5aLLSfCTTUV1A&ref=vividguitar.co) - **Here are the 3 key takeaways from the Lyle Brewer interview:** - **Tone and craft over technique.** Brewer's deepest investment on nylon-string guitar has been obsessing over right-hand technique and sound quality — treating *how* a note is produced as seriously as *which* notes are played. That same philosophy carries into his songwriting: strong melodies, subtle harmony, and purposeful arrangement choices matter more than technical flash. - **The best players make complexity invisible.** Brewer returns to this idea repeatedly — whether citing Wes Montgomery or drawing inspiration from Canadian songwriter Andy Shauf, his north star is using advanced harmonic and melodic tools in a way that serves the music rather than showcases the musician. He explicitly wants his originals to never feel like "a guitar clinic." - **Sharing your work publicly is a creative lifeline.** Posting music on the Internet — even works-in-progress — has been genuinely therapeutic for Brewer, forcing him to make peace with where he is rather than endlessly deferring to some future "ready" state. Prolific output (13 albums) and openness online are, for him, as much a mental health practice as a career strategy. - **Molly Tuttle** joined **The Other 22 Hours** podcast, chatting about genre fluidity, artistic anxiety, micro-managing tour travel, and much more. [Apple](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-other-22-hours/id1675197759?i=1000767566092&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/6MlBUZd4P3gVEWNLDsL5Pc?si=lWEOZUSkQASuXf3h9peosg&ref=vividguitar.co) - **3 Key Takeaways from the Molly Tuttle Interview** - **Trust your intuition creatively and professionally** Molly said one of the biggest lessons she’s learned is to trust her gut when making creative or career decisions, even when outside opinions push her in another direction. - **Touring is emotionally exhausting but creatively rewarding** She talked about the difficulty of constantly transitioning between home life and tour life, and how touring can make songwriting harder because so much energy goes into performing and logistics. - **She intentionally refuses to stay in one musical lane** Molly explained that her shift beyond bluegrass was driven by the songs themselves, and that she values creative freedom over sticking to a formula that already works commercially. --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Nick Granville on Practice, Improvisation, and Finding Your Own Musical Voice URL: https://vividguitar.co/interview-with-guitar-player-nick-granville/ Last updated: 2026-05-06T14:18:58.000Z Nick Granville is a New Zealand guitarist, composer, and educator known for his versatile playing style and deep roots in jazz and contemporary music. Based in Wellington, he has built a strong reputation as both a performer and a teacher, blending blues-influenced guitar with jazz harmony and modern improvisation. Over his career, he has become one of New Zealand’s most respected session musicians and guitar educators. Granville holds a Master’s degree in jazz performance with first-class honors from the University of Auckland. He has performed and recorded with a wide range of internationally recognized artists, including jazz and fusion musicians such as Mike Stern, Kurt Elling, and Dave Weckl. In addition to live performance, he has contributed to recordings, theater productions, television, and orchestral projects, making him a highly in-demand player in many different musical settings. As a bandleader, he has released multiple albums under his own name and has toured extensively throughout New Zealand and internationally. His work often appears in jazz festivals and professional concert settings, where he is known for melodic improvisation and strong technical control. Alongside performing, he has taught at institutions such as the New Zealand School of Music and runs workshops and masterclasses for developing musicians. Granville also maintains a strong online presence through his [website](https://nickgranville.net/?ref=vividguitar.co), where he shares information about his music, performances, and teaching. He is also very active on [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@NickGranville?ref=vividguitar.co), where he posts guitar performances, educational content, and insights into his playing approach. His online work has helped him reach a global audience of guitarists interested in jazz, fusion, and professional-level musicianship. ➡️ We connected with Nick, and he concisely shared a grounded, experience-driven approach to mastering the guitar, emphasizing focused practice, strong rhythm, and developing a personal strategy over trying to learn everything at once. He also reflects on improvisation, teaching, gear, and how sharing ideas through his YouTube channel has become an important part of his musical journey. ## 🎸 Q & A ### **What does your typical guitar practice routine look like?** It's different all the time, but when I'm home I do a technique routine daily (which involves picking exercises, legato etc) and I play along to recordings a lot. I practice scales and arpeggios and do some reading. But mostly I work on improvisation. ### **With so much information available to guitarists today, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. What practice approaches have consistently given you the biggest musical returns?** I've found the best approach is to focus on a single thing for a while and try to get as good at that as possible. Then move onto the next topic. Trying to do too many things at once doesn't work too well for me. ### **What musical concept or idea has influenced your playing the most?** A strong focus on rhythm and feel - and I don't just mean rhythm guitar, but how you place any note musically. ### **Your playing navigates complex harmony while still sounding melodic and relaxed. What approaches helped you become comfortable improvising over chord changes without sounding overly “theoretical”?** Change running and learning from others solos etc. Then taking this stuff and making it my own.... and do it enough and things embed in your playing. ### **You’ve taught at several universities and workshops. What are the most common things you see guitarists struggle with when learning jazz?** I've found for most people they don't have a strategy to practice. They often do what others think works, and it doesn't work for them. Then they get frustrated and it doesn't work. When we work out a way for them to practice that actually works for them, they progress quickly. and realizing that rhythm and learning tunes is so important. Far more important than how fast someone can play. etc. ### **Your YouTube channel has become a great resource for guitarists exploring jazz improvisation and harmony. What motivated you to start creating video content, and how has the process of teaching ideas online influenced your own playing or thinking about music?** Thank you! I like doing YouTube. I don't do it to try to be famous or for any kind of numbers milestone or anything like that. For me, it's about reaching people and helping people. I remember reading that YouTube had become the 2nd most used search engine after google so I needed to be involved in that more. I do find it frustrating at times, but I like it too. ### **What gear (guitar/amp/pedals) are you using lately—and why?** Been playing mostly my Strat and my Ibanez AR520\. but TBH I change all the time. I like having options and going with what inspires. Amps wise, it's my Victoria Bassman or a '73 Fender Bandmaster that I'm using the most, or the Fractal AM4 or Fm3 when I go direct (which is quite a bit). ## ⚡ Lightning Round ### **One album every guitarist should listen to?** Robben Ford: Talk To Your Daughter ### **Desert island guitar and amp?** 1959 - Gibson 335 and 1960-62 Brown panel Twin + PEDALS! ### **What guitarist should everyone know about?** Chris Cain! A master blues guitarist and deserving of more recognition. and a great human! ****Check out NICK Granville** [Website](https://nickgranville.net/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@NickGranville?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/nickgranville/?ref=vividguitar.co) --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Nick Granville Interview, News & Notes URL: https://vividguitar.co/nick-granville-interview-news-notes/ Last updated: 2026-05-05T14:00:46.000Z [![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png)](http://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3q?ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 "The empty space in a melody is just as important as the notes." - Barrett Tagliarino (guitarist/author) --- ## Nick Granville on Practice, Improvisation, and Finding Your Own Musical Voice ![Nick Granvile | Image Credit: Michelle McRae](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/04/Nick-Granville-Guitar.jpg) Nick Granvile | Image Credit: Michelle McRae Nick Granville is a New Zealand guitarist, composer, and educator known for his versatile playing style and deep roots in jazz and contemporary music. Based in Wellington, he has built a strong reputation as both a performer and a teacher, blending blues-influenced guitar with jazz harmony and modern improvisation. Over his career, he has become one of New Zealand’s most respected session musicians and guitar educators. Granville holds a Master’s degree in jazz performance with first-class honors from the University of Auckland. He has performed and recorded with a wide range of internationally recognized artists, including jazz and fusion musicians such as Mike Stern, Kurt Elling, and Dave Weckl. In addition to live performance, he has contributed to recordings, theater productions, television, and orchestral projects, making him a highly in-demand player in many different musical settings. As a bandleader, he has released multiple albums under his own name and has toured extensively throughout New Zealand and internationally. His work often appears in jazz festivals and professional concert settings, where he is known for melodic improvisation and strong technical control. Alongside performing, he has taught at institutions such as the New Zealand School of Music and runs workshops and masterclasses for developing musicians. Granville also maintains a strong online presence through his [website](https://nickgranville.net/?ref=vividguitar.co), where he shares information about his music, performances, and teaching. He is also very active on [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@NickGranville?ref=vividguitar.co), where he posts guitar performances, educational content, and insights into his playing approach. His online work has helped him reach a global audience of guitarists interested in jazz, fusion, and professional-level musicianship. ➡️ We connected with Nick, and he concisely shared a grounded, experience-driven approach to mastering the guitar, emphasizing focused practice, strong rhythm, and developing a personal strategy over trying to learn everything at once. He also reflects on improvisation, teaching, gear, and how sharing ideas through his YouTube channel has become an important part of his musical journey. ## 🎸 Q & A ### **What does your typical guitar practice routine look like?** It's different all the time, but when I'm home I do a technique routine daily (which involves picking exercises, legato etc) and I play along to recordings a lot. I practice scales and arpeggios and do some reading. But mostly I work on improvisation. ### **With so much information available to guitarists today, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. What practice approaches have consistently given you the biggest musical returns?** I've found the best approach is to focus on a single thing for a while and try to get as good at that as possible. Then move onto the next topic. Trying to do too many things at once doesn't work too well for me. ### **What musical concept or idea has influenced your playing the most?** A strong focus on rhythm and feel - and I don't just mean rhythm guitar, but how you place any note musically. ### **Your playing navigates complex harmony while still sounding melodic and relaxed. What approaches helped you become comfortable improvising over chord changes without sounding overly “theoretical”?** Change running and learning from others solos etc. Then taking this stuff and making it my own.... and do it enough and things embed in your playing. ### **You’ve taught at several universities and workshops. What are the most common things you see guitarists struggle with when learning jazz?** I've found for most people they don't have a strategy to practice. They often do what others think works, and it doesn't work for them. Then they get frustrated and it doesn't work. When we work out a way for them to practice that actually works for them, they progress quickly. and realizing that rhythm and learning tunes is so important. Far more important than how fast someone can play. etc. ### **Your YouTube channel has become a great resource for guitarists exploring jazz improvisation and harmony. What motivated you to start creating video content, and how has the process of teaching ideas online influenced your own playing or thinking about music?** Thank you! I like doing YouTube. I don't do it to try to be famous or for any kind of numbers milestone or anything like that. For me, it's about reaching people and helping people. I remember reading that YouTube had become the 2nd most used search engine after google so I needed to be involved in that more. I do find it frustrating at times, but I like it too. ### **What gear (guitar/amp/pedals) are you using lately—and why?** Been playing mostly my Strat and my Ibanez AR520\. but TBH I change all the time. I like having options and going with what inspires. Amps wise, it's my Victoria Bassman or a '73 Fender Bandmaster that I'm using the most, or the Fractal AM4 or Fm3 when I go direct (which is quite a bit). ## ⚡ Lightning Round ### **One album every guitarist should listen to?** Robben Ford: Talk To Your Daughter ### **Desert island guitar and amp?** 1959 - Gibson 335 and 1960-62 Brown panel Twin + PEDALS! ### **What guitarist should everyone know about?** Chris Cain! A master blues guitarist and deserving of more recognition. and a great human! ****Check out NICK Granville** [Website](https://nickgranville.net/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@NickGranville?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/nickgranville/?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## News & Notes 🗞️ ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/04/image-6.png) - **Eastman Guitars** announced 3 updated [**SB models**](https://www.eastmanguitars.com/electric%5Fsolid%5Fbody?ref=vividguitar.co#electric%5Fsolid%5Fbody%5Fcategories): A SB56 in Vintage Satin Gold, which comes loaded with a set of Tonerider V90 P-90s, a SB59 in Vintage Satin Burgundy Red, and and a SB59 in Vintage Satin Goldburst - both powered by Tonerider humbucker pickups. - **Eastman Guitars** also announced a new [T58 Gold](https://www.eastmanguitars.com/t58-gd%5Fnew?ref=vividguitar.co) model. It features a Truetone Gloss Gold finish, a spruce laminate top, maple laminate back/sides, and an ebony fingerboard. It has a *Göldo* 3-point vario bridge, a Bigsby B70, and a set of Tonerider Vtron pickups. - **Gibson** announced a [Jake Kiszka SG Standard ](https://www.gibson.com/products/gibson-jake-kiszka-sg-standard-faded-vintage-cherry?ref=vividguitar.co)in Faded Vintage Cherry. The signature model of the Greta Van Fleet guitarist replicates his '61 SG. - **Fender** introduced a Custom Shop [Limited Edition Brian Fallon '59 Telecaster Custom](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHun-LmiWfo&ref=vividguitar.co). It Features a '63 Telecaster bridge with RSD brass saddles, adouble bound 2-piece lightweight alder body and a '60s-style oval "C" rift sawn maple neck with slab 3A rosewood fingerboard. - **Martin Guitar** released a new special edition [00L Biosphere® IV](https://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/custom-special-editions/1000LBIOSPHEREIV.html?ref=vividguitar.co) acoustic guitar. - Retailer **Casino Guitars** posted a [new vid](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6sOcjd-vtU&ref=vividguitar.co) discussing the lack of good options in the $1000 guitar tier. - 📺 **Julian Lage** shared a couple live videos from his recent performance at the Big Ears Music Festival. Check out his quartet's takes on [Ocala](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPxkpLLQ5Sc&ref=vividguitar.co) and [Something More](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsyUkv1OInE&ref=vividguitar.co). - 📺Watch **Al Di Meola**, **Steve Lukather**, and John Scofield join forces for a great performance of Miles Davis' "All Blues" at George Benson's Breezin With the Stars Guitar Camp. [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow2-Vgsw6uo&ref=vividguitar.co) --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Thor Jensen on Right-Hand Control, Django Reinhardt, and Navigating Changes with Simplicity URL: https://vividguitar.co/thor-jensen-guitarist-interview/ Last updated: 2026-04-28T15:23:31.000Z Thor Jensen is a versatile guitarist, songwriter, and bandleader known for blending jazz, blues, country, and Americana influences into a distinctive musical voice. Raised in the Northeast U.S., and now based in London, Jensen has built a career as a touring and session guitarist, performing with artists and projects across a wide range of styles. His playing often combines melodic single-note lines with chord fragments, creating a rich and expressive sound that works equally well in solo settings and ensemble performances. Jensen has toured internationally with the retro-inspired collective Postmodern Jukebox and spent several years performing with gypsy-jazz guitarist Stéphane Wrembel. Along the way, he has collaborated with a wide range of artists and projects, including Ashley Campbell, while also performing with groups like Hazmat Modine and the rock band Quiet Life. These experiences helped him develop a broad musical vocabulary that draws from early jazz, roots music, rock, and improvisation. In addition to touring and recording, Jensen regularly shares insights from his playing and practice on his YouTube channel, where he posts lessons, demonstrations, and musical ideas for guitarists. His videos often focus on practical topics like tone, phrasing, improvisation, and hybrid picking, offering useful perspectives drawn from years of performing and studying the instrument. Jensen also teaches private guitar lessons, working with students both online and in person. Whether performing on stage, recording in the studio, or teaching, he focuses on helping musicians develop their own voice while building a strong foundation in rhythm, tone, and musical listening. ➡️ We caught up with Thor, and he shared how early-morning practice, Segovia scales, and a deep dive into Django Reinhardt’s language shaped his playing. He also discusses hybrid picking, voice leading through chord changes, and why the right hand is where phrasing, grammar, and tone truly live. --- ## 🎸 Q & A ### **What does your typical guitar practice routine look like?** It usually starts with free playing, as close to sunrise as possible. I’m an early riser and I like to start my day with coffee and guitar. I do my best to go with the flow and let that first play of the day dictate what I’d like to work on. If my hands can’t really land on anything very musical then I’ll go to my old standby the *Segovia Scales*. I started playing those about 10 years ago and I’m still a bit addicted. I find them to be a great and meditative start to a practice routine: they allow me to concentrate on how I’m playing without worrying about what I’m playing. The way I’m feeling time, the quality of my sound and especially my right hand technique. If I were to choose one thing I spend the most time thinking about it’s my right hand. I’ve been thinking a lot more about how I want to say things these last few years, and the right hand is all about grammar and punctuation to me. I’ve been delving into solo playing a lot lately too, so I try to play changes every day. Country songs, jazz tunes, anything really. Sometimes it’s just fleeting improvisation but it can lead to some really cool harmonic navigation or even to writing a tune. And of course if I have music to learn for a gig that takes up a fair amount of my routine. ### **What is one practice habit or approach that most accelerated your progress—and why did it work?** When I started getting into Django Reinhardt and trying to learn and understand that language. Learning the vocabulary is hard enough, but the techniques that go with it are essential to the music and I was determined to learn how to do it. The first 10 years of it was like finding a light switch in an unfamiliar room, but when I joined Stephane Wrembel’s band I really had to bust my ass to keep up. I had major imposter syndrome when I joined them and I really had to treat practice like a job to keep my head above water and I absolutely loved it. It was hard as hell but it gave me a whole new perspective and appreciation of playing and practicing music. Long story short, learning a specific technique- which is something I’d never really done before - really pushed me and gave me life. ### **What musical concept or idea has influenced your playing the most?** That’s a bit of a toss up, but probably a pretty even tie between blues and the major scale. The more time I spend with the major scale the deeper the valley gets, and the more time I spend playing blues the more I see it where I’d least expect. There’s a fantastic [video](https://youtu.be/rh9N0SjJJlc?si=IDV4L8d33PZ%5F9gsb&ref=vividguitar.co) of someone asking George Benson how he plays over a rhythm changes, and he just said he plays blues. That kind of blew my mind and showed me a glimpse of what’s possible with blues. ### **What’s your current go‑to gear or setup when recording or performing live?** I have a few instruments I love, but I can’t seem to stay away from my **tele**. It’s bit of a mutt I got a few years ago and it’s been my standby since. Fender Road Worn body, a Fender custom shop neck with big frets, and I put some Lollar pickups in it. I’ve been yearning for a new neck pickup sound so that’s on the agenda. Pedalboard is getting smaller by the year, but always a light to medium drive (currently **JSA Effects Hot Toddy**), a **Strymon El Capistan**, and a reverb. Lately the verb has been a **EQD Dispatch Master**. I’ve been on a Jerry Reed kick so I recently got a **MXR Phase 95**. My favorite amp is a **brown Deluxe** \-ish combo made by TJ Heimel at Love of Fuzz in Troy, NY. It’s absolutely incredible, but I don’t have a case for it and there’s only one of them so it usually stays home. I’ve been pretty hooked on my **Milkman The Amp 100** for everything these days. It’s on my pedalboard and I run a long speaker cable to a 1x12 for gigs and use the DI out for recording at home. It’s got a nice reverb, a killer boost and is delightfully simple. ### **What guitarists or musicians have influenced your sound the most?** That’s really hard to narrow down, and I feel like I’m always chasing something. I can tell you this though…..I greatly admire Jim Campilongo’s sonic control, the quality of Gonzalo Bergara’s notes, Charlie Hunter’s richness, and Jerry Reed’s ease. I think I’m a far cry from all of the above, but they all have particular thing I’m always running after. ### **Your playing often blends single-note lines with chord fragments, frequently using hybrid picking (using both a pick and fingers). How did you develop this approach, and what exercises or tips would you recommend to guitarists wanting to achieve a similar style?** That comes from a variety of places. People like Antoine Boyer, Yamandu Costa and Julian Lage do it so effortlessly and I’ve always admired that, and I definitely have more than a touch of piano envy. It developed more when I got into the idea of finding some kind of voice as a solo instrument. It’s forever a work in progress. The hybrid element came from stubbornness, if I’m being honest. I always liked the sound of grabbing a chord, but I didn’t want to commit to only using my fingers to pick the strings and I feel more in control with a plectrum. As far as tips for developing it, I practice it with tunes and voice leading mostly. Find the chord voicing around a melody and try to work my way into the next chord. And like with everything, be patient. ### **How do you think about playing over chord changes—scales, arpeggios, voice leading, or something else? What exercises help you internalize those changes?** It’s a bit of all of the above. I mostly navigate the changes with arpeggios/triads, and voice leading is kind of always on my mind. And I keep it basic: major, minor and dominant. It allows me to keep the changes simple to navigate and wide open to add color onto. Scales are there to see what’s possible around the chord tones, but I never really think with them. And as far as exercises go, practicing tunes unaccompanied has been the most helpful. Playing a chorus of the changes, then blowing over a chorus and doing my best to sound like the changes are still happening underneath me. It gets easier but never gets easy. ### **You’ve collaborated with a diverse range of artists (Postmodern Jukebox, Ashley Campbell, Stephane Wrembel, etc.)—how do you adapt your playing to fit such different musical worlds?** My approach to playing with anyone is always basically the same, which is to follow my ears, and try to be as sensitive to my band mates and the music as possible. Be in tune, be in time and everything should fall into place and allow me to be myself to interpret and respond. ## ⚡ Lightning Round ### ### **One album every guitarist should hear?** Django Reinhardt - Souvenirs ### **Desert island guitar and amp?** My Tele and my brown Deluxe ### **What guitarist should everyone know about?** Josh Dunn, amazing player in New York --- ### **Key Gear:** - Fender Telecaster (Fender Road Worn body with a Fender Custom Shop neck, & Lollar pickups) - Brown Deluxe-style amp - Milkman The Amp 100 amp in a pedal. - JSA Effects Hot Toddy - Strymon El Capistan - Dunlop Gator Grip 1.5mm pick ## Recommended Watching: ### Thoughts on Practice: ### Thoughts about practicing in segments: ### Navigating changes focusing on triads: ### Thor playing live with Ashley Campbell: ****Check out Thor Jensen** [Website](https://www.thorjensenmusic.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYkHDUsmo5ZblUabiOqItYA?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/thorbobby/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/thorband/) | [Bandcamp](https://thorjensen.bandcamp.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ### 🎉 If you enjoy geeking out on guitar, you'll love our [**free weekly guitar newsletter**](https://vividguitar.co/), and we'd be psyched if you subscribe!🤘 ### Fender Vintera III, Epiphone Futura Series, RIP Yuichiro Yokouchi URL: https://vividguitar.co/fender-vintera-iii-epiphone-futura-series-rip-yuichiro-yokouchi/ Last updated: 2026-04-21T14:00:22.000Z [![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png)](http://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3q?ref=vividguitar.co) This week's issue is a shorter one, focused on recent guitar news and notes. It's no secret that the guitar market is not currently exploding like it was during (and in the years following) the pandemic. What we're starting to see in response to that, is lower tier, more entry-level guitars featuring some premium features previously only seen on high-end guitars. **Coming next week:** An interview with [Thor Jensen](https://www.youtube.com/@thorjensenmusic?ref=vividguitar.co). In addition to being an amazing player, Thor is a great teacher (people are starting to notice his great YouTube lessons/videos, as he's built a following of nearly 10k people in a very short amount of time). --- ## News & Notes 🗞️ ![Fender Vintera III line. Image Credit: Fender](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/04/Fender-Vintera-III-hero@2000x1500-1.jpg) Fender Vintera III line. Image Credit: Fender - **Fender** announced a new [Vintera III](https://www.fender.com/pages/vintera-iii?ref=vividguitar.co) line of electric guitars. The made-in-Mexico line features several updates from the Vintera II models, including different era-specific neck shapes, era-correct pickups, era-specific hardwear, and some great new colors. ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/04/image-4.png) Image Credit: Fender ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/04/image.png) Image Credit: Fender ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/04/image-1.png) Image Credit: Fender ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/04/image-2.png) Image Credit: Fender ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/04/image-3.png) Image Credit: Fender - **Epiphone** announced a new [**Futura Series**](https://www.gibson.com/collections/epiphone-futura-collection?ref=vividguitar.co) of electric guitars. They feature new *Chromashift* high-gloss finishes that change color as you tilt them, Epiphone's ProBucker™ Ignite humbuckers™ with coil splitting, stainless steel frets, and 10 to 14-inch compound-radius ebony fingerboards. ![L-R: Epiphone Futura Flying V Custom, RD Custom, SG Custom, Les Paul Custom, ES-355 Custom, Explorer Custom & Firebird Custom. Image c/o Gibson Guitars](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/04/epiphone-futura-lineup-demo-and-guide.webp) L-R: Epiphone Futura Flying V Custom, RD Custom, SG Custom, Les Paul Custom, ES-355 Custom, Explorer Custom & Firebird Custom. Image c/o Gibson Guitars - **Martin Guitars** released new [D Jr E Walnut](https://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/junior-series/D-Jr-E-Walnut.html?ref=vividguitar.co) and [000C Jr E Walnut Burst](https://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/junior-series/000C-Jr-E-Walnut-Burst.html?ref=vividguitar.co) acoustic guitar models. The D Jr E Walnut delivers bold Dreadnought power in a compact, travel-friendly size, while the 000C Jr E Walnut Burst adds a comfortable 000 cutaway body for balance and easy upper-fret access. Both feature a full 24.9" scale length, Performing Artist necks, and are solid wood. Both are made in Martin's Mexico factory. - **Yuichiro Yokouchi**, the legendary founder of Japanese guitar manufacturing giant **FujiGen**, has passed away at the age of 98\. Known for producing high-quality instruments, FujiGen grew under his leadership to become a major OEM for brands such as Fender Japan, Ibanez, and Orville by Gibson. - **Derek Trucks** [joined *The Other 22 Hours* podcast](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MgVvr-jQzs&ref=vividguitar.co)for an insightful interview. He discussed managing a 12-piece band, the transition from prodigy to professional, how to Stay inspired after 30+ years on stage, and much more. - Guitarist **Wendy Eisenberg** joined **The Fretboard Jounral Guitar Podcast** to talk about her which just earned a Best New Music nod from Pitchfork. Wendy talked about her start playing music in Western Massachusetts, the perils of awful guitar instructors, discovering prog rock (and eventually jazz…and singer-songwriters), and more. [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fretboard-journal-guitar-podcast/id394447340?i=1000760617362&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/2YxIHS9wC0ORs9fDWceD1B?si=-Pbix3ExR56552nPsDAhzw&ref=vividguitar.co) --- ### Currently spinning in the office: **Alessia Cara: Love Or Lack Thereof** While Alessia is more known as a pop and contemporary R&B artist, for *Love Or Lack Thereof*, she re-imagined some of her past love and heartbreak songs as a jazz/soul album, on the 10th anniversary of her debut album *Love & Hyperbole*. It's not for everyone, but if you like artists like **Norah Jones**, you'll probably like this album. ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/04/image-5.png) --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Jack Handyside: Exploring Melody, Harmony, and Counterpoint URL: https://vividguitar.co/interview-with-guitar-player-jack-handyside/ Last updated: 2026-04-14T14:25:12.000Z Jack Handyside is a guitarist, composer, and educator based in Birmingham, England. His playing blends jazz, classical, folk, and rock influences, creating a style that is melodic and harmonically rich. He has performed across the UK at venues and festivals including the Cheltenham Jazz Festival, Brick Lane Jazz Festival, Moseley Jazz Festival, and Symphony Hall Birmingham. As both a bandleader and collaborator, he is known for his lyrical melodies and inventive harmonic approach. Jacj is also an experienced educator, teaching guitarists worldwide through private lessons and online platforms. In 2025, he released *The Counterpoint Guitar Method*, a book introducing guitarists to counterpoint and voice leading. Drawing inspiration from composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, the method shows how these ideas can be applied to modern guitar playing, helping musicians create independent melodic lines and richer harmonic textures. Beyond performing and teaching, Handyside has built a strong presence on Instagram, where he shares short performances, practice tips, and musical insights. His posts highlight creative ways to explore harmony, counterpoint, and melodic development, making complex musical ideas accessible to guitarists at all levels. ➡️ We caught up with Jack, and he shared how purposeful practice, collecting musical “seeds,” and exploring counterpoint have shaped his playing and composing. Whether working on jazz standards, writing new material, or sharing ideas on Instagram, his approach reflects creativity, independence, and a love of music. --- ## 🎸 Q & A ### **What does your typical guitar practice routine look like?** My practice routine is looking a little light these days! Unfortunately, I don't have the same sort of time I used to have during the pandemic to sit and practice. When I do find time to play, I'll often learn a jazz standard from the ground up by learning the melody and chords separately, transposing the piece into a few different keys. The better you know tunes, the easier they are to improvise and reinterpret. There's always something new you can extract from jazz standards that'll keep you busy for a long time. I'm also at a point in my playing career where I don't need to spend endless hours in a practice room focusing on the same thing or finding something interesting to work on. At some point, your experiences as a working musician will teach you what you're light on. It might be rocking up to jam sessions and not knowing enough tunes to participate, difficulty sight-reading in the studio, or needing more genre-specific vocabulary when playing different styles of music. As long as you continue being inquisitive and accepting new learnings, you'll always find something worth exploring in the practice room. ### **What is one practice habit or approach that most accelerated your progress—and why did it work?** At some point or another, I realized that it was important to have a connection to the material that I was practicing. If I were going to spend all that time learning a concept, idea, or technique, I felt it was important to know why I was doing it. Keeping a practice journal has always been a big part of my approach to practice, and it's helped me figure out what I want to express and where my discomforts are. The more honest you are in your practice journaling, the easier it is to see your improvements in the months and years that follow. Journals have always worked incredibly well for me as they help me track my progress over a longer-term period and streamline my approach to learning whenever I find time to play for fun. But the biggest change to my practice approach was updating my mindset. In the last few years, I've had a bit of a 'mental reset' on what practice is supposed to be. After graduating from music school, my thoughts on practice remained unchanged for quite a while: "play intensely at all possible hours of the day," and "you're never quite good enough". Eventually, your mind gets tired of being overruled by these two authoritarian statements. Developing who I was as a person had a dramatic effect on the domineering self-talk and relentless practice schedule building I was putting myself through. Nowadays, my thoughts are more purposeful and relevant to who I actually am: "Do I enjoy what I'm spending time practicing?", or "What sort of feeling or purpose can I extract from this new thing I'm learning?", and "Where could this appear in my soloing/compositional approach?" ### **What’s your typical process when composing — do you start with harmony, melody, rhythm, or an abstract concept?** Great question! I think what I love about composing is that there is no typical process. You've caught me at an interesting time, where I've recently started my own project. I've been composing quite intensely since the end of last year, trying to write material for my group that's honest and as close to my artistic vision as possible. But I couldn't honestly tell you why some songs start with a melody, or why a particular rhythm feels right to build on. In Rick Rubin's book, The Creative Act, he introduces the idea of 'collecting seeds'. The concept is about collecting tiny pieces or ideas of interest and storing them until they feel special enough to be explored. Seeds could be anything from a cool drum beat you found, an interesting lick you learned, or a melody that you heard while walking down the street. I love this idea, because I feel like I've been doing it for years without really knowing how or why. The point is to be constantly open to inspiration hitting you and to know that it's all relevant to your creative process. I don't really have a process, but I try to set aside the first hour of the morning to sit and write out song ideas. Through this, I've learned that you have to allow yourself the opportunity to write a bad song first before a great one appears. ### **What gear (guitar/amp/pedals) are you using lately—and why?** On gigs, studios, and sessions, I'm mainly using my D'Angelico Deluxe Mini DC. I've loved the D'Angelico since I bought it 4 years ago. It's the smoothest-playing guitar I have, and it's super versatile. Other than this guitar, I also use a late 80s Made-in-America Fender Stratocaster, a mid-70s Ibanez 2355 archtop, and my favorite instrument, a Fender Made-in-Japan 1985 rosewood telecaster. Amps and pedals don't change much for me either. I'm still stuck on my Supro Coronado 1690T, and for smaller gigs, the DV Mark Little Jazz. My board is pretty basic too, with a Source Audio Ventris Reverb, Line 6 HX Stomp, and a Fairfield Circuitry's Shallow Water K-Field Modulator. ### **Your playing blends jazz, folk, rock, and classical influences. How did your early experiences shape this wide-ranging style, and were there any artists or moments that had a particularly big impact on your direction?** My family have always valued music and the arts as long as I can remember. I grew up listening to everything from Keith Jarrett, Lenny Kravitz, Pink Floyd, Coltrane, and George Clinton. Classical music has certainly been a major influence on my approach and interests, though. I started taking classical guitar lessons at the age of 8 and continued until I was 18\. My education in jazz didn't start until I was around 17\. But I remember a few key moments in my early years that really changed my approach and motivation. Discovering Debussy's music sent me into a bit of a spiral. Back then, my sight reading wasn't quite good enough, so I spent a lot of time transcribing his music by ear onto the guitar. I continued doing this all the way through university with the music of Messiaen, Mendelssohn, Scarlatti, Rachmaninoff, and Ravel. I ended up with a greater fascination with the piano than the guitar - certainly a foreshadowing for my book! When I was 16/17, I went to see Jonathan Kreisberg at Le Duc des Lombards, which was the first part of a mind-altering experience that propelled me towards jazz. The second part came a little later when I eventually met my teacher, Hugo Lippi, an incredible jazz guitarist based in Paris. Perhaps it was simply being in the room with a super high-caliber player and realizing where I was in comparison. But Hugo's lessons shifted something in me permanently, and I'm still grateful for them today. Although I was pretty young at the time and had no real skills to show, I appreciated that he never sugar-coated how much practice or hard work was required. Despite my youth, he approached me as an inquisitive, real musician determined to improve, rather than a child forced into lessons by a parent. He showed me exactly what was missing from my playing, knowledge, and practice schedule, and how to build myself into a player that might one day be good enough to play professionally. I continue to hold on to many of those teachings for my own practice and approach to teaching my students. ### **In 2025 you released the book 'The Counterpoint Guitar Method', which focuses on voice‑leading and species counterpoint. What initially drew you to counterpoint, and why do you think it’s such a powerful tool for guitarists?** That was a project I felt very honored to release last year, with my publisher, Fundamental Changes. I'd been deeply interested in piano harmony for years before the book, and my slight obsession with adapting pianistic chord voicings to the guitar was definitely a catalyst. In my final year of university, I was deep into Keith Jarrett's trio and solo records, and I was awestruck by how he created incredible worlds of sound from the piano. I'd been studying pianists for years by that point, but I hadn't ever thought to try to improvise using all of those harmony and independence skills. I knew that one of the things that drew me to Keith's sound and approach was his use of counterpoint. I had studied a bit of counterpoint, SATB harmonization, and thorough bass in my final years of high school. But the species exercises that most of us are initially taught aren't particularly useful for understanding or writing real music. Using books, university libraries, and score analysis, I went way back to the original Renaissance and Baroque education materials used to teach counterpoint to keyboard players in the 16th and 17th centuries. After taking a few years out to learn the material thoroughly, I started writing some solo guitar music using those principles and eventually improvising them, too. Truthfully, I spent a lot of time struggling through the Renaissance and Baroque counterpoint materials. Much of the information had to be translated from the keyboard onto the guitar before a method or system for practice even appeared. The main purpose of the book is to teach guitarists how counterpoint works in the simplest and most actionable way. I didn't want to release a book full of indecipherable rules and conventions on harmony. I wanted to bypass the gatekeeping of this rich and interesting material and make it fun and creative for guitar players to start to explore for themselves. Hopefully, the book achieves that goal. I think guitarists are often quite interested in counterpoint because it's still rather alien to us. Certainly, many of the rules around dissonance, voice-leading, and consonance are much older than the guitar itself. So, it makes a lot of sense to realize why piano players have a much greater depth of harmony and voice leading than we do. Instead of the independence enjoyed by pianists who operate with two hands, we only have one hand. This makes independence and polyphony almost immediately more difficult. For guitarists, using counterpoint introduces a change to your thinking, overall technique, and sense of rhythmic independence. I think it makes you a more meaningful and purposeful player, and one who can operate on different melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic planes. We often forget how young the modern guitar still is as an instrument. There's lots more digging and innovation to be done! ### **When composing using counterpoint, do you tend to start with one voice and add others, or do you think about multiple voices simultaneously?** Good question! Like my previous answer to composition, it depends entirely on your intent. One thing I've learned about counterpoint through its arduous and endless rules is that you can disregard them and start from anywhere you like. Much of the harmonic and voice-leading innovations during the Baroque era were due to musicians and composers taking risks in their writing and playing. Everyone's favorite, J.S. Bach, was a notorious rule breaker and constantly sought to challenge texture, use of dissonance, and melodic development in his music. You can start from the bottom, middle, or top line. As long as a melody is convincing, you've got something to work with. If you're learning counterpoint through the strict classical lens, you'll start with the bass line and learn to harmonize, or write strict counterpoint melodies above it. For other styles of music, the rules around harmony aren't as strict, and you can craft your own rules for harmonizing a good melody. Regardless of style or genre, the most important element of composing music that uses polyphony and counterpoint is to make sure that each voice you introduce doesn't become part of the crowd. The voices need to be distinct, interesting, and clear in their intent. Composing little and often is a good start for learning how to write using polyphony. But digging into your favorite music that uses counterpoint will keep the fire burning for longer. ### **What do you hope readers of your book take away that they won’t find in other guitar methods?** I hope that readers realize that counterpoint doesn't need to be a stuffy college classroom exercise. It has the potential to completely change your approach to harmony, composition, improvisation, listening, and your relationship to the guitar. Unlike the complex, jargon-heavy textbooks I had studied when putting the book together, I wanted *The Counterpoint Guitar Method* to provide guitarists a clear, concise, and creative method for studying the traditional approaches of learning counterpoint. I felt strongly that everyone should have access to learning these important skills. ## ⚡ Lightning Round ### **One album every guitarist should listen to?** The Royal Scam - Steely Dan ### **Desert island guitar and amp?** Nishgaki Style-N and 1964 Fender Deluxe Reverb (Blackface) ### **What guitarist should everyone know about?** Two! Greg Tuohey and Kazumi Watanabe --- ## Watch Jack play a couple etudes from his Counterpoint Guitar Method book ****Check out Jack Handyside** [Website](https://www.jackhandysideguitar.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jackhandyside/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9wquS6hEiy30VXOxbuVDMw?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Jackhandysideguitar/) | [Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/jackhandyside?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Counterpoint Guitar Method Book](https://www.fundamental-changes.com/book/the-counterpoint-guitar-method/?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ### 🎉 If you enjoy geeking out on guitar, you'll love our [**free weekly guitar newsletter**](https://vividguitar.co/), and we'd be psyched if you subscribe!🤘 ### Learn a Chord Progression, News and Notes URL: https://vividguitar.co/learn-a-chord-progression-news-and-notes/ Last updated: 2026-03-31T13:59:32.000Z [![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png)](http://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3q?ref=vividguitar.co) [ ![](https://www.awin1.com/cshow.php?s=3526276&v=67144&q=479083&r=1519185) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?s=3526276&v=67144&q=479083&r=1519185&ref=vividguitar.co) ## Guitar Practice Today, let's take a look at a chord progression using some unique chord voicings, that take advantage of plenty of open strings. This progression is in the key of **A minor** and creates a dark, melancholic sound by using chord extensions and altered tones instead of basic triads. It begins with **Am9 resolving to Am**, where the added 9th creates tension that naturally pulls toward the simpler A minor chord. From there, the progression moves to **Gadd9**, which adds color and a slightly unresolved feeling that helps the harmony flow forward. The **A7sus4** acts as a dreamy substitute for A7 and leads smoothly to **Dm**, since A functions as the dominant of D minor. This movement gives the progression a satisfying sense of direction. Instead of a plain **F** chord, the progression uses **FM7♭5** and **Fadd♭5**, adding a darker and more tense quality. These altered tones make the harmony feel more emotional and atmospheric. Throughout the progression, the three minor chords in A minor (**Am, Dm, and Em**) help reinforce the sad mood, while extensions like **Em9** and suspensions such as **Esus4** add subtle tension before resolving. The progression ultimately returns to **Am**, bringing the harmony back home. ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/03/A-minor-Guitar-Chord-Progression.png) --- ## News & Notes 🗞️ ![Guitar Luthier Doug Irwin | Image Credit: Jamie Soja/Jamie Soja Photography](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/03/Doug-Irwin.webp) Guitar Luthier Doug Irwin | Image Credit: Jamie Soja/Jamie Soja Photography - **Doug Irwin**, the Northern California luthier who designed and built some of Jerry Garcia’s most iconic guitars, [has died at 76](https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/doug-irwin-jerry-garcia-guitars-22160841.php?ref=vividguitar.co). - 📺 Check out a new [masterclass ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0cReNvuxw4&ref=vividguitar.co)from **Julian Lage**, done as part of the 2026 GroundUP Music Festival. In addition to answering questions from the audience, Julian announced that he **recorded 2 more new albums**; one with his trio, and one that's a duo album with bassist Jorge Roeder. Also, check out [Julian sitting in with the Tedeschi Trucks Band](https://youtu.be/-iS1Xtuu-OM?si=0EaC-lB7OpvO0bkt&ref=vividguitar.co) during their recent run at NYC's Beacon Teather. - **Andertons Music** announced a run of [custom-spec Fender Road Worn guitars](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShL-uGv0G9k&ref=vividguitar.co). These Anderton's-exclusive guitar combine high end, vintage inspired specs with a closet vibe nitro finish, at a price you'd expect from a Mexican made Fender. - **Andertons Music** also posted a casual video chatting about the tele, titled [A Love Letter to the Telecaster](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrBQ8eKNnIg&ref=vividguitar.co). - **Doug Irwin**, the Northern California luthier who designed and built some of Jerry Garcia’s most iconic guitars, [has died at 76](https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/doug-irwin-jerry-garcia-guitars-22160841.php?ref=vividguitar.co). --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Jam Track Boss GX-1 Guitar Effects Processor, Fender 75th Anniversary Telecaster Collection URL: https://vividguitar.co/jam-track-boss-gx-1-guitar-effects-processor-fender-75th-anniversary-telecaster-collection/ Last updated: 2026-03-31T12:51:17.000Z [![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png)](http://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3q?ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 Make something new, something that wasn’t there when you woke up, by the end of every day. - Jeff Tweedy **In this week's issue** 📩 - Practice over a ii V I iv Jam Track, learning chords, arpeggios, & scales - Gear Showcase: Boss GX-1 Guitar Effects Processor - News & Notes, including 75th Anniversary Telecasters *Was this email forwarded to you?*[ *Subscribe here*](https://vividguitar.co/)*!* --- ## Guitar Practice ### Jam Track - ii V I iv in Bb This week, lets dive into a jazzy chord progression, with a backing track to practice over. Below, we have a ii V I iv chord progression in the key of Bb Major. Since this a loop starting with a Cm9 chord, we can also think of this as a C Dorian progression. First, work on learning the chord voicings (especially if these are voicings you're not familiar with), and play the rhythm along to the backing track. Next, practice the arpeggios of these chord voicings. Lastly, to solo over this progression, you can use either a Bb Major Scale, or the C Dorian Mode. C Dorian is just the Bb Major Scale, but starting and ending with C). ii V I iv in Bb 0:00 /401.293083 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/03/ii-V-I-vi-in-Bb-lead-sheet.png) Chords: ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/03/ii-V-I-iv-in-Bb-chords.png) Arpeggios: ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/03/ii-V-iv-in-Bb-Arpeggios.png) Bb Major Scale ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/03/ii-V-I-iv-in-Bb-Bb-major-scale-1.png) C Dorian Mode ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/03/ii-V-I-iv-in-Bb-C-Dorian-Mode.png) --- ## Gear Showcase ### Boss GX-1 Guitar Effects Processor ![Boss GX-1 Guitar Effects Processor | (Image credit: © Future)](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/03/Boss-GX-1.webp) (Image credit: © Future) The **Boss GX-1 guitar effects processor** is a compact, all-in-one unit that combines amp modeling, effects, and recording features into a single, portable pedal. The GX-1 is designed to cover all the basics, whether you’re practicing at home, recording into your computer, or heading out to a gig - without taking up much space or requiring a deep learning curve. At the core of the GX-1 is Boss’s AIRD (Augmented Impulse Response Dynamics) technology, which helps recreate the feel and response of real tube amps. You get **23 amp models** that cover everything from clean tones to high-gain sounds, along with **more than 140 built-in effects** like delay, reverb, modulation, and overdrive. You can run up to eight effects at the same time, so building layered, performance-ready tones is easy—even if you’re new to multi-effects units. One of the standout features is how easy it is to use. The GX-1 has a bright color screen and simple, category-based buttons that let you quickly dial in sounds without getting lost in menus. Boss also includes a “Gear Suite” system, which gives you ready-made tone setups based on specific amps and effects—perfect for getting great sounds fast. This makes the GX-1 especially appealing for beginners or players who just want to plug in and play. Despite its simplicity, the GX-1 still offers plenty of real-time control. It includes three footswitches and a built-in expression pedal, so you can adjust volume, wah, or effect parameters on the fly. You can also expand your setup with external controllers if needed. On top of that, Bluetooth and USB connectivity let you jam along with tracks, edit tones through the Boss Tone Studio app, or record directly into your DAW without extra gear. Another big advantage is portability. The GX-1 is lightweight, runs on batteries, USB power, or an AC adapter, and is small enough to fit in a backpack. That makes it a great option for players who want a grab-and-go rig for rehearsals, travel, or casual gigs. Even with its small size, it delivers solid, professional-quality sound that holds up in real-world playing situations. The Boss GX-1 strikes a nice balance between power and simplicity. It may not have all the deep editing features of high-end modelers, but it delivers a wide range of usable tones in an easy-to-use package. It retails for $229.99 USD, and can be found for under $200 on marketplaces like [Reverb](https://tidd.ly/4rOmzry?ref=vividguitar.co). ****Check out THE** ****Boss GX-1 Guitar Effects Processor** [Boss's Website](https://www.boss.info/global/products/gx-1/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/4rOmzry?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## News & Notes 🗞️ ![Fender Limited Edition 75th Anniversary Telecasters | (Image credit: Fender)](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/03/Fender-85th-Anniversary-Telecasters.webp) Fender Limited Edition 75th Anniversary Telecasters | (Image credit: Fender) - To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the iconic Telecaster, **Fender** is releasing a [collection of limited edition 75th Anniversary Telecasters](https://www.fender.com/collections/75th-anniversary-telecaster-collection?ref=vividguitar.co). The models include an American Ultra II Telecaster, American Professional Classic Cabronita Telecaster, a Vintera Road Worn 1951 Telecaster, a Player II Telecaster, and an American Professional Custom Telecaster. - **Gretsch** unveiled a new [Electromatic Premier Jet](https://www.gretschguitars.com/jet-evolved?ref=vividguitar.co). Offered in several colors, it features a chambered mahogany body, a rounded "C" neck profile, a 10”-14” compound-radius bound ebony fretboard, and Sphera™ Twin Six™ humbuckers. Retails for $799.99 USD. - **Fender** announced a new line of [UltraCore](https://www.fender.com/collections/ultracore-strings?ref=vividguitar.co) guitar and bass strings. They have a high-carbon steel core, which they claim delivers strength, elasticity, and consistent tuning. --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### The Art of Improvisation, News and Notes URL: https://vividguitar.co/the-art-of-improvisation-news-and-notes/ Last updated: 2026-03-17T14:00:23.000Z [![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png)](http://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3q?ref=vividguitar.co) *Was this email forwarded to you?*[ *Subscribe here*](https://vividguitar.co/)*!* 💬 "If you play without understanding where chord changes happen, you'll likely guess and get lost. If you don't understand the rhythm or chords behind a solo, your playing will sound mechanical - just vertical scales up and down, like an exercise." - Tomo Fujita --- ### The Art of Improvisation We have a bit of a different issue this week. There was a post in the [Telecaster Group](https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18QtWVCQRr/) on Facebook with a great asking about people's thought process when improvising. While some posts in groups on social media can end up with a cesspool of responses, this one ended up some so many incredible posts, I wanted to share it here. The comment thread is pure gold when it comes to improvising on guitar. I curated the best answers, and they're posted below. **The question:** ### For those here who are experiencing and able to improvise effortlessly, what’s your thought process when you’re playing a solo or a lick and making it up as you go? How do you make your stuff sound musical and not like you’re just playing a scale? **The answers (from various different guitar players):** - Play the chord changes and use lots of chord tones. - Music is a language. Use short phrases and build from there. - Try to hum the lines you want to play and play along to it. It will sound more musical and less mechanical that way. Singing your melody forces a more lyrical sense of phrasing, as you’ve got to take a breath every so often. Knowing your scales/arpeggios/chord tones etc. are all important too, as it gives you the tools to do this, but the focus isn’t in the tool at hand, the focus is on ideas. Melodic ideas. - Try to solo like a vocal melody. The notes aren't nearly as important as the timing, the cadence, the feel.. Think of it like a good verse of a lead vocal. - For me, you have to get to the point where when you hear it in your head you know where it is. I got there by practicing both scales and modes, sometimes by just running up and down exercises, sometimes by just noodling around in a particular one. After awhile it becomes almost a subconscious thing. You are thinking about the sounds and your hands just automatically know how to make them. The only way to get there is to practice. Play your guitar. - I would suggest that knowing how to play chords all over the guitar neck is the most important thing. You may be playing scales, but in order for it to make sense and be musical, the notes of the chord that's playing under the solo should be the main/foundational notes of your licks. Improvising is a skill like any other. Just keep doing it and you'll get better at it! - For starters, don't spend too much time learning scales (or you will sound like you're playing scales). Build up a palette of tasteful licks & phrases based around patterns on the fingerboard. Keep adding to your palette, utilize octaves of the same patterns, and use notes found within the chords to make melodic lines & patterns. Try to put feeling into each & every note. - The best advice I heard was that an on-the-spot solo is just a conversation between yourself and your guitar. Just talk with it. - Essentially you are asking your hands to do what your mind comes up with.Just as with speaking, a good vocabulary helps a lot. These are the musical ideas that you gain from listening and practice. In order for the gap between the mind and the hands to shorten, you should listen a lot, improve your guitar chops, and practice playing what you hear in your head. Sing what you play. - It's important to be able to play scales, arpeggios, etc., but only to be able to draw from them when the time is right. I try to be melodic, like the guitar is singing a melody over the band. And sometimes less is more. - Play, play & play. The more you play & experiment the quicker it will come. Jam with someone if you can. Learn from them. Find positions that work. Expand what you learn & ask questions if you find someone willing to help & encourage you. - Steal phrases you like from other people , just short licks. Play with them, change them and you'll have an inventory of words to play with rather than single letters. - You need to jam! Preferably with other players, but you can also jam with backing tracks or a looper. I generally play with a looper. It took me years of practice to sound " musical"You need to learn slurs: Hammer ons, pull offs, bends, slides etc. Learning scales is like learning your ABC useful, but it's only the starting point for creative writing. - Play along with things you're less familiar with (a playlist or the radio maybe) and find the lowest common denominator - the root note, the chord, the key it's in and play what fits. Try to get to the point where you can repeat riffs and phrases you hear in real time. Any riff or phrase you learn, find everywhere you can play it on the neck, in every octave, maybe in every key. Then when it comes time to play along with other musicians or a backing track, play what isn't already there. Play what's missing. Play what brings the other parts together. - Steal licks from your favorite guitarists, put your own little spin on it, listen to the different styles of guitar players and you'll get ideas about using vibrato, legato, hammer-ons, pulls offs, multi-step bends, smear licks. The idea when improvising, at least in my opinion: is to play what you'd want to hear played. - I pretend I am speaking. I leave gaps for you to digest what I just said ... or for you to reply. When I'm playing rhythm behind the vocals I tend to pull the chords with my fingers and try and create a groove rather than simply strumming. - Learn to play the melody, then embellish from there. Otherwise, just running licks together can sound like wanking or running scales. Playing with the melody will inherently help your phrasing. - It takes a lot of playing time (years). It's one thing to know all the scales, triads, theory etc... but to have this stuff so ingrained in your being that you don't have to think about it, and be able to play freely, takes time. One thing I tell myself is to take breaths when improvising. It helps to let a phrase sit before answering it or building on it. - An important aspect to concentrate upon is your picking hand technique. It controls the dynamics and the rhythm of play. Learning to fit triplets, quadruplets and quintuplets into the backing rhythm is very helpful. - It's all about phrasing, most solos are a call and response. Don't think about what you're playing think about what you're going to play next. You don't think about what you said in a conversation (during it); you just respond. Music is a language and improvisation is just a conversation that isn't predetermined. - Try to play the song melody including timing/phrasing to begin. Even if you hit the wrong notes, but are in the right key for the song, sometimes you are close, sometimes you hit a cool harmony to the melody by accident. Sometimes it doesn’t sound right. If the first try doesn’t sound right, move to a different starting note in the same scale and try it again. You will get in the ballpark. In effect, try to find the correct first note of the melody, and the rest of the melody is usually close to that area. - The chords. The chord changes, the root pentatonic, major or minor, and where it resolves. Get it connected to the beat. That's the brain for me. - Can you whistle a tune? When your fingers can react intuitively to find intervals that your mind is generating, you'll start to be a player. - Don't play scales. Sing a melody to the changes, then play it. My mind just keeps anticipating the changes, and then sings along. My fingers just mirror what's in my head.The music is in your head/heart, not in your fingers. But it's definitely not a "thought process," either. I'm just listening, anticipating and responding. - I play to the chord changes. Originally I focused on the chord root. I would make key points of my phrase land on the root. Now, I pay more attention to the chord's 3rd. I also try to work in notes that are common to both chords - or even better, notes that are a half step apart. There can also be arpeggios that sound fantastic when played over a different chord, like a Gmaj7 or Cmaj7 over an Am7\. I also LOVE double stops. - The best thing is to play to the melody. It's great running scales, but making your playing stay with the melody of the song is best in my opinion. - Practice soloing over a backing track. Something simple where the chord structure keeps repeating. Try ending your licks on different chord notes, not just the root. Try bends and slides to get to the next note. - I would recommend approaching it like this - first, be able to play the melody to the song. Then, here’s where it gets fun. In your head, any time of day, even if you’re not with your instrument, think about any and all variations of the melody. Different rhythms, approach notes, really anything. Then, when you get back to your instrument, see if you can get those ideas out of your head and on to the fretboard. At the end of the day, improvising is like talking - you’re not giving a pre-written speech, you’re just using your vocabulary, grammar, and syntax off the cuff. So, take those ideas that you hear in your head and try your best to make the translation seem less to your instrument. It will show you all sorts of new exercises to work on, and you’ll be playing things that you never thought you would. Also, and here’s the really important part - be patient with yourself. Don’t force it. Make up little exercises and practice them every day - even if it’s just five or ten minutes. Eventually, you will be thinking about the mechanics less and less and playing what is in your head. Remember, we all had to learn to use our lungs, lips, and tongue in order to speak. Same idea. And, the most important part of improvising - don’t overthink it. Let it be natural. And, if you mess up, just laugh and move on to the next thing. What you play next is almost always more important to give everything context. Sometimes, a mistake may lead you somewhere cooler than what you had planned! Oh yeah, don’t forget to breathe! Enjoy! And, listen to your band! --- ## News & Notes 🗞️ ![Fender John Osborne Telecaster®](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/03/image-3.png) Fender John Osborne Telecaster® - **Fender** released a [John Osborne Telecaster®](https://www.fender.com/products/john-osborne-telecaster?ref=vividguitar.co). The guitar features a B-bender, and alder body with Road Worn® nitrocellulose lacquer finish in Olympic White, a "C"-shape Maple Neck with Maple Cap Fingerboard, and custom-voiced John Osborne telecaster pickups. - In other **Fender** news, the company [won a big lawsuit](https://www.recordoftheday.com/on-the-move/news-press/fender-wins-landmark-court-ruling-protecting-the-iconic-stratocaster-body-design?ref=vividguitar.co) that protects the **Stratocaster** body design. While the ruling is specific to Germany and other countries of the European Union, it could have implications for various companies that make their own S-style guitar models. - **Martin Guitar** announced [Project 91](https://www.martinguitar.com/project-91.html?ref=vividguitar.co), which is a limited collection of 91 Martin guitars, each inspired by a specific pre-war D-45 dreadnought model serial number. - **Tommy Emmanuel** joined the **Broken Record podcast**.Tommy talked about his unique fingerstyle technique and how he developed the ability to make one guitar sound like multiple instruments. He tells the story of opening for Stevie Wonder in 1980 and walking in on him jamming with an early LinnDrum machine. And Tommy plays examples of his songs throughout the years, demonstrating his remarkable approach to the acoustic guitar. [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tommy-emmanuel/id1311004083?i=1000754060725&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/2ENEaXZ4JzNg3OwfMZp5Bc?si=tIy2Uvc5Rxuyr5TUkshELQ&ref=vividguitar.co) - **David Gilmour**'s black Stratocaster sold for $14.5million at an auction, making it the most expensive guitar ever sold. **Jerry Garcia**'s Alembic Guitars *Tiger* guitar sold for just under $12m, to **Family Guitars**. Family Guitars is co-founded by Chicagoan Bobby Tseitlin, and focuses on letting historic guitars continue to be played and experienced, rather than displayed behind glass. [Watch Derek Trucks play Jerry's Tiger](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iv4wWCC2mk4&pp=ygUYZGVyZWsgdHJ1Y2tzIHBsYXlzIHRpZ2Vy&ref=vividguitar.co) the day after it was acquired. - Mark from guitar retailer **Gary's Guitars** gave his take on the [current state of the used guitar market](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZvDfyLs3fo&t=433s&ref=vividguitar.co). His key points: - He correctly predicted a reduction of around 20% in the price of used guitars last year, and thinks the same thing will continue this year. - People are gravitating toward smaller and lighter amps. - Mid-range, unremarkable guitars are struggling to sell, as there are so many of them on the market. Guitars have to be special to sell - think vintage guitars, or limited run models. --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Trey Anastasio-Style Anchor Pedal Tone Riff, Taylor 314CE Studio and 414CE Studio, Guitar News URL: https://vividguitar.co/trey-anastasio-style-anchor-pedal-tone-riff-taylor-314ce-studio-and-414ce-studio-guitar-news/ Last updated: 2026-03-10T14:00:15.000Z [![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png)](http://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3q?ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 This will be our reply to violence: to make music more intensely, more beautifully, more devotedly than ever before. ― Leonard Bernstein. **In this week's issue** 📩 - Trey Anastasio-Style Anchor Pedal Tone Riff - Taylor 314CE Studio and 414CE Studio acoustic guitars - New Fender Hot Rod Deluxe™ 30th Anniversary amp, and other interesting news *Was this email forwarded to you?*[ *Subscribe here*](https://vividguitar.co/)*!* --- ## Guitar Practice ### Trey Anastasio-Style Anchor Pedal Tone Riff In this recent [newsletter issue](https://vividguitar.co/pedal-tone-riff-seth-lee-jones-guitars/), we took at look at an example of a riff using a *pedal tone* (which is a repeatedly-played note that stays constant while the other notes change around it). Today, we'll look at a similar concept, which can be referred to as a *anchor note*. This technique is frequently used by the great Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio. It's a cool technique that often sounds more difficult than it is, and is sure to impress your audience. 😎 In this example, we were sliding in and out of the same note (G on the 8th fret of the B string), and changing the note that follows it. We play this by *anchoring* our index finger, barred over the B and E strings on the 8th fret. The below examples shows 2 very similar riffs, over a Cmaj7 chord, and then an Em7b5 chord. You'll notice there's only 1 different note between the two sections. Start by listening to the audio example a few times to get an idea of what this technique sounds like. This clip is at a pretty fast tempo (92 bpm), but work on it slowly at first, before trying to build up speed. Guitar anchor pedal riff 0:00 /10.433424 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/03/Anchor-Pedal-Tone-Riff-1.png) --- ## Gear Showcase ### Taylor 314CE Studio and 414CE Studio ![Taylor 314CE Studio and 414CE Studio | Image Credit: Peghead Nation](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/03/image-2.png) Taylor 314CE Studio and 414CE Studio | Image Credit: Peghead Nation If you’ve spent any time around Taylor’s lineup, you already know the Grand Auditorium shape is kind of their sweet spot. The **Taylor 314ce Studio** and **Taylor 414ce Studio** take that familiar feel and give it a really appealing twist. Think of them as an upgraded, all-solid-wood take on the super popular **Taylor 214ce**—a step up in tone and depth, while keeping things practical and player-friendly. Both Studio models feature a solid torrefied Sitka spruce top, which basically means the wood has been specially roasted to give it a more broken-in, mature sound right out of the case. The 314ce Studio pairs that top with solid **sapele** back and sides, giving you a warm, balanced voice with a nice focused midrange. It’s the kind of guitar that handles strumming, fingerpicking, and light lead work without ever feeling out of its lane. The 414ce Studio swaps in solid **Indian rosewood** for the back and sides, which adds more shimmer on top and a deeper low end. If you like a bit more sparkle and complexity in your chords, the 414ce leans that way. Playability is classic Taylor. Both guitars have a comfortable 1 11/16" nut width and slim necks, which gives it a bit more of an electric guitar feel compared to the 1 3/4" nut Taylor typically uses on it's higher-end guitars. The necks are made at Taylor’s Mexico factory, while the bodies are built in the USA. That combo helps keep the price reasonable while still delivering the fit and finish people expect from Taylor. In your hands, they feel smooth, fast, and broken-in from day one. And like most modern Taylors, they’re ready for the stage. Plug in and you’ve got that clear, natural amplified sound Taylor is known for. If you’ve been playing a 214ce and love it but want more depth, more resonance, and the feel of all-solid wood, these Studio models are a natural next move. With the 314ce Studio and 414ce Studio, you’re getting a seriously capable, gig-ready acoustic that feels like a true step up without jumping into boutique pricing. ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/03/image-1.png) ****Check out the Taylor 314CE Studio and 414CE Studio** [314CE Studio](https://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/314ce-studio?ref=vividguitar.co) | [314CE Studio on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/4btJROc?ref=vividguitar.co) | [414CE Studio](https://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/414ce-studio?ref=vividguitar.co) | [414CE Studio on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/3NmRehe?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## News & Notes 🗞️ ![ Fender 30th Anniversary edition Hot Rod Deluxe Guitar Amp](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/03/image.png) Fender 30th Anniversary edition Hot Rod Deluxe Amp - **Fender** released a new [30th Anniversary edition Hot Rod Deluxe](https://www.fender.com/products/hot-rod-deluxe-30th-anniversary?ref=vividguitar.co) amplifier. 40 watts, with *Normal*, *Drive*, and *More Drive* channels. Features a commemorative black western covering and vintage 50s Brown and Gold grille cloth. Includes a Celestion 12" G12M-65 Creamback Speaker. MSRP: $1,299. - **Fender** also teased a **John Osborne signature telecaster**. The official announcement is expected today. - **John Scofield** joined *The Upside of Jazz* podcast with [**Joe Alterman**](https://www.instagram.com/p/DVZnp5TDqYw/?ref=vividguitar.co). They talked about about what playing music means for him, seamlessly flowing between genres, and more. [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-you-have-to-do-is-find-better-notes-an-interview/id1872140949?i=1000752102544&ref=vividguitar.co) - **Julian Lage** joined **Norah Jones** on her *Norah Jones Is Playing Along* podcast. They bounced between discussion and playing several duets - including Norah writing & singing her own lyrics to Julian's song *Day and Age*. They chatted about Julian's upbringing, naming instrumental songs, and much more. [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/julian-lage/id1645438817?i=1000747829359&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/46om0jnuHGuOH85ECmHCkC?si=CVtAmzcmSJ2EzFec41Lm-Q&ref=vividguitar.co) - **Richie Kotzen** joined **Rick Beato** for a [new interview](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQ%5F7kE8h0p0&ref=vividguitar.co). Richie shared some great stories about his time playing with Poison, Mr. Big, and Stanley Clarke, as well as how he developed his signature style. He also offers some great methods to help improve your playing and find your own voice on the instrument. - **Brown Amplification** introduced an updated [ALKENE Nashville Overdrive](https://browneamps.com/store/p/the-alkene-nashville-overdrive?ref=vividguitar.co) pedal. ALKENE expands on the original circuit with **two internal switches** and **one external clipping switch**, giving meaningful tonal options without overcomplicating things. --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Brad Barr on Guitar Habits, Songwriting Evolution, and Tone-Defining Gear URL: https://vividguitar.co/interview-with-guitarist-brad-barr/ Last updated: 2026-04-06T14:57:40.000Z Brad Barr is a thoughtful and deeply expressive guitarist whose playing is instantly recognizable once you hear it. He’s best known as the creative force behind **The Barr Brothers** and as a founding member of **The Slip**. Over the past 25+ years, Brad has built a sound that blends folk, blues, jazz, and indie rock into something that feels completely his own. His finger-picking style can be hypnotic, and his singing has a raw, honest quality that pulls you in. Brad grew up in Rhode Island and started making music early on with his brother Andrew, who plays drums. In the 1990s, they formed The Slip. The band mixed jazz, rock, and improvisation, and they became known for adventurous live shows. Albums like *From the Gecko* (1997), *Does* (2000), and *Eisenhower* (2006) show how wide their musical range really was—from jam-heavy tracks to tighter, indie-style songs. Brad and The Slip also joined forces with singer-songwriter Nathan Moore under the name *Surprise Me Mr. Davis*, which combined Moore’s folk sensibilities with The Slip’s adventurous grooves. Later, Brad made a big move to Montreal. There, he and Andrew teamed up with harpist Sarah Pagé to start The Barr Brothers. The harp added a whole new texture to the music, giving it a rich, cinematic feel. Songs like “Beggar in the Morning” and “Even the Darkness Has Arms” helped the band reach a wider audience. The music feels both powerful and personal, with thoughtful lyrics and detailed guitar work at the center. The Barr Brothers' newest album, ***Let It Hiss***, captures a more introspective and emotionally honest side of their folk-rock sound. It's a truly outstanding album. Brad has also released solo albums, including *The Fall Apartment* (2008) and *The Winter Mission* (2022). You can hear hints of his influences in his playing, from John McLaughlin and Wes Montgomery to Bill Frisell, Angus Young, Grateful Dead, and The Allman Brothers Band. ➡️ We caught up with Brad, and in the below Q&A, he shares the habits and routines that keep his playing grounded and evolving, from disciplined practice to tone obsession. He reflects on lyrical growth, improvisation, and why *Let It Hiss* merges The Barr Brothers’ songwriting with The Slip’s explosive spirit—plus the advice he’d give his younger self. --- ## 🎸 Q & A ### **What does your current guitar practice routine look like?** I like to use a drone app to get myself going, the Dhwani Tanpura app specifically. Usually I’ll start by singing along with it first; very simple pentatonic sounds. I find this helps connect me to what I’m about to practice; connects my playing to my breath. Then I’ll spend a few minutes slowly improvising on the guitar in whatever mode or scale I started singing in. After that, I like to work the muscles with chromatic exercises, varying the number of note groupings. I also like to practice using “cells”, or 3-note structures composed of two intervals (ie, a 2nd and a 4th) and move their inversions, eventually bringing in some chromatic shifts (up a half-step). I like playing over be-bop changes too. Hope that makes sense! ### **What’s one technique, habit, or concept that helped you level up as a guitar player?** Three things: **1)** Remembering to breath **2)** Really being in love with my tone and the way my guitar feels, and **3)** Transcribing Hank Mobley solos ### **You’ve balanced instrumental guitar music with song-based writing for years. How do you decide when a piece wants to stay instrumental versus becoming a song with lyrics?** Great question. It’s usually a matter of: does the guitar want to fill up most of the space? Or does the part I’ve come up with leave room for the voice? Most of the time I’m looking for a lyric, or at least …I’m open to words presenting themselves. For a long time, I’d write very intricate and complex instrumental songs, and the songs with words were, by contrast, really simple forms. I’ve been trying to find a middle ground lately. Also, lyric-based songs usually start as chord voicings, where instrumental songs usually start as finger-style motifs. ### **Your finger-style approach has a fluid, almost pianistic quality. How did that technique develop? Was it intentional or something that happened naturally over time?** Thank you. I think it was born out of playing and touring as a trio (The Slip) for so long. In this trio, the guitar had to cover a lot of ground melodically and harmonically, often at the same time. That lead me to a way of playing where I end up deconstructing the chords (dyads and triads, etc.) and finding the moving parts within them. ### **How has your writing process evolved from your early days with The Slip to The Barr Brothers, and your solo work?** I’m definitely more focused on writing stronger lyrics these days. With The Slip, lyrics were often an afterthought, and I was far less picky about them as long as they gave way to some fun instrumental passages. Now I try to make sure that the lyrical theme is in place before I move forward. Sometimes this takes a while…I’ve sat on ideas for years, sometimes just a single word, as long as there’s a lyric that grounds me to the music and points in a direction. I do think that with the latest record, Let It Hiss, we came the closest to capturing the lyrical integrity of The Barr Brothers and the musical explosions of The Slip. ### **What gear (guitar/amp/pedals) are you using lately—and why?** It’s gotten pretty extensive, actually. I have two pedal boards, containing an array of usual suspects and odd-ball pedals. My main goal in assembling this rig was to have a setup for playing solo and as a duo with Andrew (drums) where I could split out to a sub-octave pedal and send that signal to its own bass amp, while looping the bass and guitar together. I split the signal at the beginning of the chain with an A/B box. - “A” goes through all the guitar pedals, into a Boss RC-2 Loop Station, and out to my ‘65 Deluxe Reverb and Supro Valco. - “B” goes through the Boss OC-3 (sub-octave, able to set the low-pass to filter out high strings), through a compressor, ALSO into the RC-2, and into a bass amp. I also keep a mini Danelectro Honeytone amp mic’d up for some extra blown-out distortion One key pedal for me is the Union Tube and Transistor “More” pedal. It’s a huge part of my tone. ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/02/Brad-Barr-Pedalboard-1.jpg) ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/02/Brade-Barr-Pedalboard-2.jpg) ### If you could go back and give your 25-year-old self one piece of musical advice, what would it be? Don’t be so precious about it all. More output. Don’t take yourself so seriously. Do what makes you happy, not what you think makes you matter. ### **What’s been your biggest challenge as a guitarist and musician?** Being disciplined about practicing. ### **What’s next for you musically—any projects or goals you're working on?** I’d like to record a new solo record over the next year with different people, different collaborations, recording a mix of instrument and lyric-based songs. After this Barr Brothers album cycle and the subsequent touring, I’d like to get back to some live improvisations, picking up with different people in different cities when and where we can. sThere’s also a back catalogue of Barr Brothers music, Slip music, and Surprise Me Mr. Davis music that I’d like to see come out. An album of some kind a year. That’s my goal. ## ⚡ Lightning Round ### **One album every guitarist should listen to?** Shakti “Natural Elements(with John McLaughlin)” ### **Desert island guitar and amp?** Martin N-10 (nylon) and a Danelectro Honeytone (runs on batteries, good for desert islands) ### **What guitarist should everyone know about?** Blind Willie Johnson --- ## Recommended Listening: - The Barr Brothers: Let It Hiss - The Barr Brothers: Self Titled - The Slip: Alive Electric & Alive Acoustic - The Slip: From The Gecko - The Slip: Does - Surprise Me Mr. Davis: Self Titled ### Check out a clip from The Barr Brothers' recent appearance on CBS Saturday Morning: ****Check out Brad Barr** [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/bradbarr216/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [The Barr Brothers Website](https://thebarrbrothers.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [The Barr Brothers Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/thebarrbrothers/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) |[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/thebarrbrothers/) --- ### 🎉 If you enjoy geeking out on guitar, you'll love our [**free weekly guitar newsletter**](https://vividguitar.co/), and we'd be psyched if you subscribe!🤘 ### Pedal Tone Riff, Seth Lee Jones Guitars URL: https://vividguitar.co/pedal-tone-riff-seth-lee-jones-guitars/ Last updated: 2026-02-24T15:00:04.000Z [![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png)](http://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3q?ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 If you don't have a great song, it doesn't matter how good the solos are. They're not gonna save it. - Craig Ross **In this week's issue** 📩 - Using a pedal tone to create guitar riffs - Seth Lee Jones Guitars - Noteworthy guitar news *Was this email forwarded to you?*[ *Subscribe here*](https://vividguitar.co/)*!* --- ## Guitar Practice ### Pedal Tone Riff This week, lets take a look at a quick riff using a **pedal tone**. A **pedal tone** (or **pedal point**) on guitar is a sustained or repeatedly-played note that stays constant while the harmony or chords change around it. Think of it as a musical “anchor” note. The other notes change, but one note keeps ringing or returning, creating tension and color. 💡 The name ****pedal tone** comes from the organ. On a pipe organ, players would hold a long note using the foot pedals while playing changing harmonies with their hands. Guitar borrowed the concept. The below riff uses an B pedal tone in the Key of E major, with a line that descends and ascends below it. Pedal Tone Riff in E Major 0:00 /9.59873 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/02/image-3.png) --- ## Spotlight ### Seth Lee Jones Guitars ![Seth Lee Jones - (Image credit: Phil Clarkin)](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/02/Seth-Lee-Jones-Guitars--Image-credit--Phil-Clarkin-.webp) Seth Lee Jones - (Image credit: Phil Clarkin) Seth Lee Jones is a Tulsa-based guitar builder and musician who has built his life around great tone and great craftsmanship. After graduating at the top of his class from the Musicians Institute’s Guitar Craft Academy in 2007, Seth set out to turn his passion for guitars into a full-time calling. From the beginning, he stood out for both his skill and his dedication to doing things the right way—carefully, thoughtfully, and with a deep respect for the instrument. Early in his career, Seth apprenticed with some of the most respected names in the repair and building world. Those hands-on years shaped his approach to guitar work. He learned not just how to fix and build instruments, but how to truly listen—to the wood, to the player, and to the music the guitar was meant to make. That mindset still guides his work today. Now based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Seth runs SLJ Guitars, where he focuses on custom builds, detailed repairs, and full restorations. Whether he’s bringing an old, worn-in instrument back to life or building something completely new from the ground up, he puts care into every detail. From selecting tonewoods to shaping necks and dialing in fretwork, his goal is always the same: to create guitars that feel alive in the player’s hands. What makes Seth different is that he isn’t just a builder—he’s also a working musician. He plays regularly and understands firsthand what players need from their instruments. That real-world experience helps him build guitars that don’t just look beautiful, but perform at a high level on stage and in the studio. At the heart of it all, Seth Lee Jones is driven by a love for the guitar. His work blends tradition with personal touch, craftsmanship with creativity. Whether you’re a touring professional or a local player who simply loves to play, Seth approaches every instrument with the same respect and passion for great music. ****Check out Seth Lee Jones Guitars** [Website](https://www.lavamusic.com/lava-studio?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/sljguitars/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/SLJGuitars) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTbO7nNMvqz4IFUkX4Xs7XQ?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## News & Notes 🗞️ ![Yamaha 60th Anniversary Guitars](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/02/image-2.png) Yamaha 60th Anniversary Guitars - **Yamaha** announced a couple [60th Anniversary guitars](https://usa.yamaha.com/products/contents/guitars%5Fbasses/guitar%5F60th/index.html?ref=vividguitar.co#d2477867): the **60th Anniversary Revstar - RSP20B 60TH** electric guitar, and **60th Anniversary FG9** acoustic guitar. - **Gretsch** released an updated [G2622 Streamliner™ Center Block Double-Cut](https://www.gretschguitars.com/gear/build/center-block/g2622-streamliner-center-block-double-cut-with-v-stoptail/2817050597?ref=vividguitar.co) with V-Stoptail electric guitar. It features a double-cutaway 16" arched maple body with achambered center block, new Broad'Tron™ BT-3S humbucking pickups, and a soft C-shaped nato neck. Retails for around $479 USD. - 🎙️ **Bill Frisell** [joined **That Pedal Show**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsVztwkjCP8&ref=vividguitar.co) to chat about music, guitars & his current pedalboard. Side note: Bill's new album *In My Dreams* comes out 2/27/26. - **Seth Lee Jones** (featured above) joined **Greg Koch**'s *Chewing The Gristle* podcast. They discussed how a wrecked Tele neck and a stack of Musicians Institute lessons led Seth to a singular slide-and-bender voice, reclaimed wood guitar builds, the myth of “expensive equals better”, and more. [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chewing-the-gristle-with-greg-koch/id1525643497?i=1000749421331&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/7yHDelnxScpCx2NdZ5E6aN?si=eOAiook4QHerL2LcOhqtCg&ref=vividguitar.co) - 📺 This video is from a year ago, but wanted to give a shout out to a good interview **Guthrie Trapp** did with **The Zak Kuhn Show** discussing [how to build a career as a guitarist](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OR3AjfZFBgI&ref=vividguitar.co). --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Adam Brisbin on Restraint, Feel, and Serving the Song URL: https://vividguitar.co/adam-brisbin-on-restraint-feel-and-serving-the-song/ Last updated: 2026-04-16T16:37:33.000Z Adam Brisbin is a New York–based guitarist known for his thoughtful, space-driven playing and strong sense of musical taste. Rather than filling every moment with notes, he focuses on tone, feel, and serving the song. His style blends elements of rock, folk, and improvisation, creating parts that feel natural and deeply connected to the music around him. Brisbin’s early influences came from both hardcore punk and blues, which gave him a wide emotional range and a fearless approach to the instrument. Over time, his playing shifted toward restraint and intention, shaped in part by his work with musicians like Doug Wieselman, who helped him refine his sense of structure and arrangement. This evolution led him to become a trusted session guitarist, known for his ability to quickly find the right role within a song. He has worked closely with singer-songwriter Buck Meek since 2013, contributing guitar parts that support the songs while adding subtle hooks and textures. Brisbin is also active across a wide range of projects, collaborating with artists such as Cassandra Jenkins, Sam Evian, Joan As Police Woman, and Nuria Graham. His versatility and listening skills make him a sought-after collaborator in both studio and live settings. Brisbin’s gear choices reflect his minimalist philosophy. He often plays a Telecaster straight into a tweed-style amplifier, using few pedals and relying instead on touch and dynamics. Whether on stage or in the studio, Adam Brisbin continues to build a reputation as a guitarist who values space, honesty, and musical connection above all else. ## 🎸 Q & A **You’re known for playing with a lot of restraint and intention. Was that something you developed consciously, or did it come naturally over time?** It’s funny, I feel like the playing that comes most naturally to me is more in the vein of being completely unintentional and unrestrained. I got into guitar when I was a kid because I loved hardcore punk music. I also loved SRV, and he got into that territory too. It’s a zone of pure abandon where you transcend and subvert what it is you're supposed to be doing. It’s like, okay, I’m supposed to be standing here playing guitar, but in the heat of the moment something snaps and suddenly the guitar is flying through the air or being dragged around on the stage. The other side of that coin was developed more intentionally as a response to that, as I got older and more interested in what the instrument could do. When I moved to New York, I played a lot with Doug Wieselman, who helped me un-noodle my playing. He taught me a lot about giving myself limitations, coming up with a part, being sensitive to the other musicians in the band, finding a role to play in the arrangement, etc. ### **What does your current guitar practice routine look like?** Mostly working on restraint and intention, ha. I’m trying to see how much I can do with as little effort as possible. I’m doing an exercise where I’m going to the extreme and just barely pressing down with the fretting fingers, not even fretting the note, just kind of touching the string, with the metronome on and the right hand doing the same thing. Just getting a feel for that lightness, because I’ve found that the tone is much better when I’m light like that, and I can think more clearly about what’s coming next and construct a more coherent improvisation. It’s really fun but hard for me. I can feel my brain squeezing after a few minutes of it. I’m also working on string squeak with acoustic guitar, trying to get that sorted. The last few years I’ve become more of a session guitarist, and that’s really helped me hear what I’m doing in a more detailed way. It’s helped me realize some things. ### **How do you usually start a composition—through the guitar, a mood, or something more abstract?** I’ve been doing a lot of song-a-days and song-a-weeks with friends where I don’t do a full song but a seed of an idea, like a 45-second thing on Voice Memo. And usually they have a rule that if you don’t send in your song, you get removed from the group. Having that accountability really helps kick things off. I wait until the last second to make it and turn it in right before it’s due. This way I can’t second-guess myself at all, and what comes out is always surprising and fun, and I love hearing what the other people in the group come up with. Then later I’ll take the ideas and fit things together or plug pieces into other ones. The communal aspect makes it really cozy too. ### **How did you first start working with Buck Meek, and what do you see as your role within his music?** I started playing with Buck in 2013\. I met him at a party at my apartment shortly after I moved to New York. He was taking songwriting lessons with my roommate Jolie Holland, who I had moved to town to play with. He’s from Texas too, and I’d already heard his name a bunch from our mutual friend Albanie Falletta, who’s an incredible guitar player. So it was great to meet him and hear him play his songs. They’re like these beautiful scenes that you can really see and put yourself in. His songs are so visual to me, but also hit in a fundamental emotional place that’s abstract yet fully comprehensible and profound. So yeah, we became buds and played together around then. My role with him is to support and explore. Come up with some hook lines. He really lets me sort things out on my own. We trust each other like that. ### **Buck’s music leaves a lot of room—how do you decide when to step forward and when to stay out of the way?** It’s pretty intuitive, I’d say. His songs make it clear what to do and when. All I gotta do is listen and respond. When I’m playing with him, I have no fear. I just try and follow my formulas a little bit in terms of coming up with a “part,” a simple event that repeats and feels part of the song. For me, I’ve learned that trying to “play less” really helps. ### **What gear (guitar/amp/pedals) are you using lately—and why?** A couple years ago I saw my friend Tim Carr play guitar at Sunny’s. He was in town from LA and needed to borrow my guitar and amp. It was a Strat and a 1955 tweed Champ. The things he played that night completely blew my mind, and it was interesting because it was my stuff but a completely different sound and approach. Ever since then I’ve been exploring that setup, which is no pedals, Telecaster into a tweed Champ. Nothing else. The new Buck record that’s coming out is that setup, though I think James Krivchenia, who produced it, added some effects on later. I love tweed amps. Right now I have a tweed Champ, 5E3 Deluxe, and 5F4 Super. I find that tweeds cut in a live setting the best and have the best amp overdrive, and they fuzz out and get crazy when you crank them. I just love how unhinged they can get, whereas later-era Fenders are perhaps a little more polite. For guitars, it’s a parts Tele that I’m still tweaking. I’ve settled on the pickups, which are Throbak, and everything else, but still exploring neck options. Guitar Mill is a great company from Tennessee who makes nice bodies and necks and do great finishing. I do have a pedalboard still, but it’s been broken down to the basics. I love the Drybell Vibemachine for a Univibe sound. Origin Effects makes my favorite overdrive pedals. I fucking love BOSS. Got a BOSS EQ and DD-5\. Love the Mid-Fi Electronics House Amp. A Strymon Flint, which I wish could be replaced with a Victoria Reverberato, but it just doesn’t make sense with the kind of traveling and gigs I’m doing now. In general, I’m less interested in sounding like a synth and more excited about what’s happening with the guitar’s more inherent tonal range. There’s so much there. ### **What’s coming up next for you, both with Buck Meek and in your solo work (or other projects)?** With Buck, we’re about to put out a record, so we’re doing some UK/EU touring in March, then some US dates. More sessions with producer Phil Weinrobe — there’s one coming up in Ireland that I’m excited about. Lately I’ve been playing with Lefty Parker, Paul Spring, Dig Nitty, Ian Davis, Wish Wish, Sam Evian, Nuria Graham, Cassandra Jenkins, and Joan As Police Woman. Hopefully some other fun surprises will come up. ## ⚡ Lightning Round ### **One album every guitarist should listen to?** Harry Nilsson - Nilsson Sings Newman ### **Desert island guitar and amp?** Probably a really nice Gibson L-00 ### **What up & coming guitarist should everyone know about?** Nuria Graham shreds ## 📺 Check out Adam playing with Buck Meek: ****Check out Adam Brisbin** [Bandcamp](https://adambrisbin.bandcamp.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/young%5Fgumby/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) --- ### 🎉 If you enjoy geeking out on guitar, you'll love our [**free weekly guitar newsletter**](https://vividguitar.co/), and we'd be psyched if you subscribe!🤘 ### Julian Lage Arpeggio Riff, Jake Xerxes Fussell, Fret12, New JSH Morning Glory URL: https://vividguitar.co/julian-lage-arpeggio-riff-jake-xerxes-fussell-fret12-new-jsh-morning-glory/ Last updated: 2026-02-10T15:00:58.000Z [![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png)](http://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3q?ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 "When brainstorming, improvising, & jamming with others you’ll go much further and deeper if you build upon each contribution with a playful “yes—and” example instead of a deflating “no—but” reply.:" - Kevin Kelly **In this week's issue** 📩 - We check out a Julian Lage-inspired Arpeggio Riff - Folk guitarist and singer Jake Xerxes Fussell - Fret12 guitar shop, apparel & merchandise - This week's most interesting guitar news *Was this email forwarded to you?*[ *Subscribe here*](https://vividguitar.co/)*!* --- ## Guitar Practice ### Julian Lage inspired Arpeggio Riff Let's take a look at a 2-octave arpeggio riff that Julian Lage occasionally works into his solos. While 2-octave arpeggio runs are certainly not uncommon across jazz and other genres, what Julian sometimes does is play the root note twice. In the below examples (which are shown in both B Major and B Minor), we play 4-note clusters. The first part of the phrase (the first 4 notes) ends on B. Julian often repeats that same note on a different string - in this case the 14th fret on the A string. The examples below have this riff ascending and descending. **In B Major:** B Major Arpeggio Riff 0:00 /3.998956 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/02/image.png) **In B Minor:** B Minor Arpeggio Riff 0:00 /3.998956 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/02/image-1.png) --- ## Guitarist Spotlight # Jake Xerxes Fussell ![Jake Xerxes Fussell](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/02/Jake-Xerxes-Fussell.jpg) Jake Xerxes Fussell is a singer, guitarist, and songwriter known for breathing new life into old American folk songs. Rather than focusing on writing original material, he reimagines traditional songs, shaping them with his own voice, guitar style, and thoughtful arrangements. His music feels both timeless and personal, connecting the past to the present in a warm, approachable way. Fussell grew up in Durham, North Carolina, in a family deeply rooted in music. His father, Fred Fussell, is a well-known folklorist and archivist, which meant Jake was surrounded by field recordings, songbooks, and visiting musicians from a young age. This early exposure helped him develop a deep respect for folk traditions and a strong sense of musical curiosity. He studied at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where he honed his guitar skills and expanded his understanding of American roots music. Over time, he developed a gentle, expressive singing style and a fingerpicking approach that feels both precise and relaxed. His playing supports the songs without overpowering them, letting the stories and melodies take center stage. Jake is known for keeping his electric guitar tone simple and honest. He typically plays a Telecaster plugged straight into a Fender Deluxe Reverb or Princeton Reverb, without pedals or heavy effects. This clean, direct setup matches his overall approach to music—clear, unpretentious, and focused on feel rather than flash. Jake has released several critically acclaimed albums, including *Out of Sight*, *What in the Natural World*, and *Good and Green Again*. His recordings are known for their careful production, emotional honesty, and deep respect for the source material. Jake makes centuries-old songs feel fresh and relevant without losing their original spirit. ### Key Gear - 1976 ash-body Fender Telecaster - Fender Deluxe Reverb amp (appears to be a 1968) - Fender Princeton Reverb **Check out Jake's NPR Tiny Desk concert:** ****Check out Jake Xerxes Fussell** [Website](https://www.jakexerxesfussell.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/jxfussell/?ref=vividguitar.co)| [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb7Cc1suIkrnKTbI407id2A?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Gear Showcase ### Fret12 ![Fret12's Retail Shop in Chicago's Salt Shed](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/02/Fret12-Guitar-Shop-1.jpg) Fret12's Retail Shop in Chicago's Salt Shed I’m throwing a bit of a curveball with this week’s gear showcase. While this section usually features guitars, amps, and pedals, I wanted to spotlight a company doing something truly special in the guitar, music apparel, art, and culture space. **Fret12** is a Chicago-based lifestyle and music culture brand that celebrates guitars, live performance, and life on the road. It sits somewhere between a boutique guitar shop and a guitar-focused apparel, art, and home goods company—bringing together gear, design, and music culture under one roof. Founded in 2008, Fret12’s mission is to blend music, art, and design to create a space where musicians and fans can connect through shared passion and creativity. Through both their online store and their physical shop at Chicago’s Salt Shed, they offer a carefully curated mix of guitars, accessories, apparel, artwork, and home goods. From graphic tees and hoodies to art prints, custom guitar straps, and unique accessories, Fret12’s products are made for people who truly live and breathe music. Fret12 also places a strong emphasis on community and storytelling. Through projects like ***FRET12 Sessions*** and their online Journal, they feature local and touring artists, sharing live performances, interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories. These efforts spotlight Chicago’s music scene while building meaningful connections between artists and fans. By blending shopping, culture, and creativity, Fret12 brings the energy of the stage, the road, and everything in between to musicians and music fans everywhere. ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/02/2025_SimplyAnalog_Updated-5.webp) ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/02/FRET12_Sonic_Needs_Blue_Hoodie.webp) ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/02/2025_FRET12_Art_TripleVan-1.webp) ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/02/2025_FRET12_Art_Bronco-1.webp) ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/02/2025_CampfireAcoustic_10oz_19e96aa0-d819-40bd-8664-e3b475bf949d.webp) **Key details about FRET12:** - **Retail & Gear:** The company is an official dealer of boutique guitars (including Paul Reed Smith) and offers a wide range of pedals, amps, and accessories. - **Apparel & Merchandise:** FRET12 designs unique, road-inspired apparel, including t-shirts, hoodies, and jackets. - **The Shop:** Located in Chicago's Salt Shed concert venue & and community space, the shop is open to the public during weekends and most concert nights. - **Media & Community:** Beyond products, they produce original content, including interviews and performances with artists. - **Philosophy:** The brand focuses on the "nomadic spirit of life on the road," creating products that reflect the beauty in the toil of being a musician ****Check out FRET12** [Website](https://www.fret12.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/fret12/?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## News & Notes 🗞️ - **JHS Pedals** released a new version of their popular Morning Glory overdrive pedal - the [Morning Glory Clean](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M%5FKS9eS87Eg&ref=vividguitar.co). Taking inspiration from watching how Julian Lage dials in his tone during a sound check last year, Josh from JSH took the Morn­ing Glo­ry and re­built it around a stu­dio-grade parallel clean blend. This is designed to give you back your amp's natural warmth and that crystal pick attack. - Jazz guitarist **Kurt Rosenwinkel** joined **Rick Beato** for an [in-depth interview](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwHGtYRx5RU&ref=vividguitar.co). Kurt discusses his influences, practice routine, and how he developed such a unique sound on the guitar. - **Rick Beato** also posted a great new [interview](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=108O%5FwuMvFw&ref=vividguitar.co) with 28-year-old Gypsy Jazz guitar master **Antoine Boyer**. - **Premier Guitar's John Bohlinger** posted a [new video interview](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-krP1awMxk&ref=vividguitar.co) with guitarist **Ariel Posen**. They chatted about his signature Fender Stratocaster, moving from a sideman guitarist to a solo artist, his songwriting, improvisation & creative philosophy, and more. P.S. - check out our [interview with Ariel Posen](https://vividguitar.co/ariel-posen-interview/) as well. - Legendary Los Angeles guitar store **Norman's Rare Guitars** – one of the world's most respected vintage guitar dealers – was [acquired by TNAG Global](https://www.guitarworld.com/music-industry/normans-rare-guitars-acquired?ref=vividguitar.co) (which also owns Carter Vintage Guitars and Cotten Music Center in Nashville, TN). The store will continue to operate in its current location, with the same staff. --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### The 2026 NAMM Show Issue URL: https://vividguitar.co/2026-namm-show-guitar-gear-news/ Last updated: 2026-02-12T13:43:18.000Z [ ![](https://www.awin1.com/cshow.php?s=3526276&v=67144&q=479083&r=1519185) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?s=3526276&v=67144&q=479083&r=1519185&ref=vividguitar.co) ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/01/NAMM-2026-1.webp) (Image credit: Jackson Maxwell/Future) It's that time of year again. The 2026 NAMM show was last week. NAMM is the world's biggest music industry annual trade show. It's when many guitar companies announce their new product lineup for the year. In this issue, we highlight the most interesting new guitar gear announced for NAMM. ### Paul Reed Smith - [**DGT Semi-Hollow**](https://prsguitars.com/electrics/model/dgt%5Fsemi%5Fhollow?ref=vividguitar.co). After a couple successful limited runs, **PRS** has added the semi-hollow DGT to the Core lineup. This new model offers the unique character of a semi-hollow body while carrying over the features from the Core DGT. ![PRS DGT Semi-Hollow Guitar in Dark Cherry Sunburst](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/01/image-5.png) PRS DGT Semi-Hollow Guitar in Dark Cherry Sunburst - [**S2 Vela HHT**](https://prsguitars.com/electrics/model/s2%5Fvela%5Fhht?ref=vividguitar.co), which takes the offset staple and gives it a more modern edge with dual humbucking pickups and a tremolo bridge. - Two new satin colors to its U.S.-made **Silver Sky**: Black Plum and Mojave Brown. The **SE Zach Myers** is now also offered in a second color: Elderberry Burst. - [**Archon Classic 50 Combo amp**](https://prsguitars.com/amplifier/archon%5Fclassic%5F50%5Fcombo?ref=vividguitar.co). It's a grab-and-go version of their Archon Classic 50 head, featuring a 12″ Celestion V-Type speaker, an intuitive control layout with 3-band EQ, individual channel Volume and Master volume controls, a bright switch, and global Presence and Depth. --- ### Gibson & Epiphone **Gibson** - Custom ES-330 Reissues. The ES-330 is back in Gibson Custom lineup after an eight-year hiatus. - [**ES-335 50s & 60s**](https://www.gibson.com/blogs/gibson-gazette/seven-reasons-why-you-need-a-gibson-es-335?ref=vividguitar.co)**.** The ES-335 50s and 60s models feature era-specific plastics, neck shapes, pickups, and are offered in new colorways. Available Summer 2026. - **Gary Clark Jr. Signature ES‑355**. - Updated [J-45 acoustic guitar](https://www.gibson.com/products/gibson-j-45-standard-purple-burst?ref=vividguitar.co). Mahogany back and sides, Sitka spruce top, mahogany neck with a SlimTaper™ profile, rosewood fretboard with 20 standard frets and mother of pearl dot inlays, Grover Rotomatic tuners, L.R. Baggs VTC electronics, hardshell case - Custom [1957 Les Paul Standard Reissue,](https://www.gibson.com/products/gibson-custom-1957-les-paul-standard-reissue-vos-copper-iridescent?ref=vividguitar.co) VOS. Offered in Copper Iridescent and Double Gold. - [Custom SG Custom](https://www.gibson.com/products/sg-custom-heartwood-light-charcoal-top-gloss-gh?ref=vividguitar.co) with Figured Maple Heartwood Top, Gloss, Light Charcoal. ![ Gibson Custom ES-330 and Gibson ES-335 models alongside a sneak peek at the forthcoming Gary Clark Jr. ES-355](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/01/image-9.png) Gibson Custom ES-330 and Gibson ES-335 models alongside a sneak peek at the forthcoming Gary Clark Jr. ES-355 **Epiphone** - [**Epiphone Futura Series**](https://www.gibson.com/search?refinementList%5Bvendor%5D%5B0%5D=Epiphone&view=epiphone&q=Epiphone%20Futura&ref=vividguitar.co). The new-for-2026 Futura Series from [Epiphone ](https://www.gibson.com/pages/epiphone?ref=vividguitar.co)takes the most iconic Gibson body shapes and remixes them with modern, professional-grade features at a price point for every player. Chromashift finishes change color in real time, while stainless steel frets, compound radius fretboards, and ProBucker™ Ignite pickups deliver the feel and fire to match. Available Spring 2026. - Epiphone Les Paul Special Double Cut Figured. ![The Epiphone Futura Series alongside the Inspired by Gibson Explorer 80s EMG](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/01/image-10.png) The Epiphone Futura Series alongside the Inspired by Gibson Explorer 80s EMG --- ### Martin Guitar - Refreshed [**Road Series**](https://www.martinguitar.com/series-road.html?ref=vividguitar.co)line of acoustic guitars. The Road Series is Martin's lower-priced, made-in-Mexican line of guitars, and the lineup now includes 20 different models across a range of body shapes and tonewood options. The lineup is built around two paths: **Retro**, inspired by classic Martin style and heritage, and **Modern**, designed for contemporary playability and performance. - [**Super D-18**](https://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/standard-series/Super-D-18.html?ref=vividguitar.co) and [**Super HD-28**](https://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/standard-series/Super-HD-28.html?ref=vividguitar.co) dreadnought guitars. With approximately 20% more internal air volume than a standard Dreadnought, the Super D delivers deeper bass, greater projection, and an extended dynamic range—while keeping the iconic silhouette intact. ![Martin Super D-18 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar](https://www.martinguitar.com/dw/image/v2/BGJT_PRD/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-MartinSharedLibrary/default/dw78ee2674/images/about/press/Super-D-18.png?sw=1440&sfrm=jpg&q=80 "Super D-18") Martin Super D-18 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar - [**O’ahu K-42 Hibiscus**](https://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/custom-special-editions/Martin-Oahu-K-42-Hibiscus.html?ref=vividguitar.co). Features, a 12-fret body paired with a 14-fret neck, flamed koa back and sides, a reclaimed spruce top with a dark toasted burst, style-42 appointments, Madagascar rosewood binding, and hibiscus fingerboard inlays. Limited to 100 instruments. - [**Custom Shop M Paisley Ember Burst**](https://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/custom-special-editions/CS-M-Paisley-Ember-Burst.html?ref=vividguitar.co). Custom & Special Editions, M-14 Fret (0000-14 Fret), Acoustic-Electric**.** Quilted maple back and sides and an Ember Burst finish create a unified, premium aesthetic. - [Molly Tuttle Signature Models](https://www.martinguitar.com/news-012126-molly-tuttle-partners-with-martin-guitar-to-launch-two-new-signature-models-at-namm-2026.html?ref=vividguitar.co) \- the [**Molly Tuttle D-18**](https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=Molly+Tuttle+D-18&ved=2ahUKEwiCvfW-hZ2SAxVQGFkFHZ4fFOoQgK4QegQIARAE&ref=vividguitar.co) and the more accessible [**Molly Tuttle D-X2E**](https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=Molly+Tuttle+D-X2E&ved=2ahUKEwiCvfW-hZ2SAxVQGFkFHZ4fFOoQgK4QegQIARAF&ref=vividguitar.co). Features a 1 11/16" nut width, rear-shifted scalloped bracing, a 1940s neck profile, and Molly's signature moon phase fingerboard inlays. ![Martin D-18 Molly Tuttle Guitar](https://www.martinguitar.com/dw/image/v2/BGJT_PRD/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-MartinSharedLibrary/default/dwd7c76e38/images/about/press/D-18-Molly-Tuttle.png?sw=1440&sfrm=jpg&q=80 "The D-18 Molly Tuttle") Martin D-18 Molly Tuttle Guitar - [000-28EC Eric Clapton](https://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/custom-special-editions/000-28EC.html?ref=vividguitar.co). Honors Eric Clapton’s iconic MTV Unplugged performance with vintage styling, rich rosewood tone, and a short scale for expressive play. [View the full lineup of 2026 Martin Guitars](https://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ### Taylor - Expanded it's [Gold Label Series](https://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/gold-label-collection?ref=vividguitar.co) of acoustic guitars, including a 510e, 710e, 810e, and a Trey Hensley Gold Label 510e special edition model. - Introduced the [Next Generation line](https://www.taylorguitars.com/next-generation?ref=vividguitar.co) of Grand Auditorium models, which feature scalloped V-Class bracing, new *action control* necks, and a new Claria™ pickup system. ![Taylor Next Generation 814ce acoustic guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/01/image-8.png) Taylor Next Generation 814ce acoustic guitar --- ### Yamaha - [**Chris Buck Signature Revstar**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Hmrk-tnjao&ref=vividguitar.co). Built around a chambered mahogany body with a maple top, a carbon-reinforced 3-piece mahogany neck, and a set of custom P90-style pickups, the guitar is designed to deliver a dynamic, articulate response and a rich resonance. Finished in Honey Gold with amber hat knobs, stylish inlays, and Chris Buck’s signature on the back of the headstock. - [**Updated Pacifica line**](https://shop.usa.yamaha.com/en/c/pacifica-electric-guitars?ref=vividguitar.co). Available in both double cut and a new t-style single cut body shape, as well as in Professional, Standard, 200, and 100 series versions. They feature a newly designed alder body, updated pickups, and a slim C-shape maple neck with a rosewood or maple fingerboard. ![Yamaha Professional Pacifica Electric Guitars](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/01/Pacifica.jpg) Yamaha Professional Pacifica Electric Guitars - [**URX Series**](https://usa.yamaha.com/products/music%5Fproduction/interfaces/urx/index.html?ref=vividguitar.co)of audio interfaces. Offered in 3 different models, the **URX44**, **URX22**, and **URX44V**. --- ### Ibanez - [ASH300](https://www.ibanez.com/na/products/detail/ash300%5F5b%5F01.html?ref=vividguitar.co) Artstar semi-hollow guitar. ![Ibanez ASH300 Artstar ](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/01/image-6.png) Ibanez ASH300 Artstar - [AM153FM](https://www.ibanez.com/na/products/detail/am153fm%5F5b%5F01.html?ref=vividguitar.co) Artstar smaller-body semi-hollow guitar. - [AF115](https://www.ibanez.com/na/products/detail/af115%5F5b%5F01.html?ref=vividguitar.co) archtop guitar. View the **full list** of 2026 Ibanez guitars [here](https://www.ibanez.com/na/news/detail/20251211171912.html?ref=vividguitar.co). --- ### Vox - New [VT20X](https://voxamps.com/product/vt20x-classic-blue/?ref=vividguitar.co) and [VT40X](https://voxamps.com/product/vt40x-classic-blue/?ref=vividguitar.co) Valvetronix modeling amps. --- ### Two Rock - [Studio Overdrive](https://www.two-rock.com/amps/studio-overdrive/?ref=vividguitar.co) guitar amp. 35 watts powered by 2 6L6 tubes, 2-channel cascading overdrive, tone stack bypass, and a full tube-buffered effects loop. ![Two Rock Studio Overdrive Guitar Amplifier](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/01/image-11.png) Two Rock Studio Overdrive Guitar Amplifier --- ### Magnatone - [Kingston Amp](https://www.magnatoneusa.com/kingston?ref=vividguitar.co). Powered by two 12AX7 preamp tubes and a pair of 6V6 power tubes, the Kingston produces 12 watts of push-pull output through a Magnatone Custom 12-inch ceramic speaker. ![Magnatone Kingston Amp](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/01/image-12.png) Magnatone Kingston Amp --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Arpeggio Workout, Avi Bortnik, Lava Studio, News and Notes URL: https://vividguitar.co/arpeggio-workout-avi-bortnik-lava-studio-news-and-notes/ Last updated: 2026-02-03T15:06:21.000Z [ ![](https://www.awin1.com/cshow.php?s=3526276&v=67144&q=479083&r=1519185) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?s=3526276&v=67144&q=479083&r=1519185&ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 "Don’t keep comparing yourself to the greats. Instead, be inspired by their example and work ethic. Compare yourself to the bees, and keep on buzzing." - Danny Gregory ## Guitar Practice ### Neo Classical Arpeggio Workout Let's dive into a tricky neo-classical style arpeggio line that's great for working on finger dexterity. Not only does this use a range of finger patterns across the upper register of the fretboard, it switches from mainly using an 8th notes, to 16th note patterns in the 5th and 7th bars. To make it a bit more interesting, we add in a few chromatic passing tones in bar 7. Take this one slow, at least to start. Slowly try to build up your speed after you can play it cleanly at a very slow tempo. NeoClassical Arpeggio Workout 0:00 /21.331927 1× ![Neo Classical Arpeggio Workout](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/01/image-4.png) --- ## Guitarist Spotlight ### Avi Bortnik ![Avi Bortnik | Photo Credit: Aprile Ferrer](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/01/Avi-Bortnik-Photo-Aprile-Ferrer.jpg) Avi Bortnick is an American guitarist known for his deep sense of rhythm and ability to blend many musical styles. He was born in Petah Tikva, Israel, but grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, where he was surrounded by funk, soul, rock, and other forms of music that later shaped his unique playing style. In his early years, Bortnick played in cover bands and studied music, which helped him develop a strong foundation in groove and feel. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Avi lived in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he performed with African, Caribbean, and funk bands. These experiences expanded his musical vocabulary and strengthened his rhythmic approach. While attending graduate school at the University of Florida, he formed the band *What It Is*, which became known for touring extensively throughout the southeastern United States and building a loyal following. Bortnick became widely recognized through his long-standing musical partnership with jazz guitarist John Scofield. Beginning in 2000, he joined Scofield’s jam-focused band, contributing rhythm guitar, electronics, and samples. He appeared on several influential albums, including *Überjam*, *Up All Night*, and *Überjam Deux*, where his groove-centered playing helped bridge jazz, funk, and electronic music. Beyond his work with Scofield, Avi has performed and recorded with a wide range of artists, including Jim Weider’s Project Percolator, Zigaboo Modeliste, Bobby McFerrin, Erik Deutsch, and the Ghost Train Orchestra. He is highly respected among musicians for his ability to support improvisation while adding subtle but essential musical textures. Today, Avi Bortnick lives in New York City, where he remains active as a performer, composer, and creative collaborator. In addition to music, he works as an acoustical consultant and app developer, creating tools like *Time Guru* and *VoxBeat*. Whether on stage, in the studio, or developing new ideas, Bortnick continues to explore music with curiosity, taste, and a strong sense of groove. **Key Gear:** - Fender Highway One Stratocaster - Fender Jazzmaster - Fender 2x12 Fender Twin Reverb amp - Apple MacBook running Ableton Live for samples - Boss CE-2 Chorus - Boss TR-2 Tremolo - MXR Carbon Copy delay - Strymon El Capistan - Boss Blues Driver overdrive ****Check ouT AVI BORTNIK** [Website](https://avibortnick.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/avibortnick/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Bandcamp](https://avibortnick.bandcamp.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Time Guru App](https://avibortnick.com/time-guru/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [VoxBeat App](https://avibortnick.com/voxbeat/?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Gear Showcase ### LAVA MUSIC's LAVA STUDIO AMP ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/01/image-1.png) **LAVA STUDIO** is an all-in-one music creation system from LAVA MUSIC that goes far beyond a typical desktop guitar amp. It combines an amplifier, effects processor, recording setup, and practice tool into one modern unit. With its large **13.3-inch touchscreen**, LAVA STUDIO feels more like a creative workstation than traditional music gear. The touch-based interface makes it easy to tweak sounds, record ideas, and move quickly from inspiration to finished music without needing a computer or extra equipment. Tone shaping is a major focus of LAVA STUDIO. It features **AI-modeled amplifiers** that capture the feel and sound of classic and modern guitar amps, along with a wide range of built-in effects. These include reverbs, delays, modulation effects, and overdrives that can be arranged in a visual effects chain. This layout helps players understand their signal path and make adjustments quickly, even if they’re new to digital gear or amp modeling. LAVA STUDIO is also built to support songwriting and practice. It includes **recording, looping, and multi-track tools**, making it easy to layer parts and build full ideas. Built-in backing tracks and rhythm grooves allow players to practice timing and improvisation, while AI features like **stem separation** let users isolate or remove parts from songs. This is especially helpful for learning covers, practicing solos, or creating new arrangements. Sound quality is handled by a **built-in 2.1 high-fidelity speaker system**, which delivers clear, full sound for both guitar and music playback. The clean, minimalist design fits naturally into a home studio, bedroom, or creative workspace. LAVA STUDIO is designed for musicians who want a powerful yet simple setup that encourages creativity, practice, and recording—all in a single, thoughtfully designed unit. LAVA STUDIO is sold primarily through the LAVA MUSIC website. At around $849-$999 (depending on whether it's on sale), it's more expensive than something like the Positive Spark Grid or Boss Katana, but it makes sense considering it's basically an amp and computer/tablet combined into one unique device. Check out this deep dive **Andertons Music** recently did about LAVA Studio: ****Check out LAVA Studio** [Website](https://www.lavamusic.com/lava-studio?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/lavamusicofficial/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## News & Notes 🗞️ - The **2026 NAMM show** (the world's largest annual music trade show, where many companies announce their new products for the year) starts today inAnaheim, CA. The show runs through Saturday, January 24. - **Martin Guitar** announced they've refreshed their [Road Series](https://www.martinguitar.com/series-road.html?ref=vividguitar.co) line of acoustic guitars. The Road Series is Martin's lower-priced, made-in-Mexican line of guitars, and the lineup now includes 20 different models across a range of body shapes and tonewood options. The lineup is built around two paths: **Retro**, inspired by classic Martin style and heritage, and **Modern**, designed for contemporary playability and performance. - **Fender** launched their own “music production ecosystem”. In 2021, Fender acquired **PreSonus**, who among other things, made the **Studio One** digital audio workstation. Fender updated Studio One, and has re-branded it as [Fender Studio](https://www.fender.com/pages/fender-studio?ref=vividguitar.co). They also launched a new line of [Quantum LT](https://www.fender.com/collections/fender-quantum-audio-interfaces?ref=vividguitar.co) audio interfaces, as well as a suite of [audio plugins](https://www.fender.com/pages/fender-studio-pro-plug-ins?ref=vividguitar.co). - After a couple successful limited runs, **PRS** has added the [DGT Semi-Hollow](https://prsguitars.com/electrics/model/dgt%5Fsemi%5Fhollow?ref=vividguitar.co) to the PRS Core lineup. This new model offers the unique character of a semi-hollow body while carrying over the features from the Core DGT. - **PRS** also announced a [S2 Vela HHT](https://prsguitars.com/electrics/model/s2%5Fvela%5Fhht?ref=vividguitar.co), which takes the offset staple and gives it a more modern edge with dual humbucking pickups and a tremolo bridge. - **PRS** adds two new satin colors to its U.S.-made **Silver Sky**: Black Plum and Mojave Brown. The **SE Zach Myers** is now also offered in a second color: Elderberry Burst. - **PRS** introduced a new amp; the [Archon Classic 50 Combo](https://prsguitars.com/amplifier/archon%5Fclassic%5F50%5Fcombo?ref=vividguitar.co). It's a grab-and-go version of their Archon Classic 50 head, featuring a 12″ Celestion V-Type speaker, an intuitive control layout with 3-band EQ, individual channel Volume and Master volume controls, a bright switch, and global Presence and Depth. --- ### Currently Spinning in the Office: ### Tyler Ramsey and Carl Broemel: Celestun ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/01/image-2.png) --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Tim Watson on Rhythm, Improvisation, and Building a Personal Sound URL: https://vividguitar.co/interview-with-jazz-guitarist-tim-watson/ Last updated: 2026-04-16T16:37:51.000Z Jazz guitarist Tim Watson has built a body of work defined by an ongoing search for clarity—of sound, of rhythm, and of intent. Based in Brooklyn, Watson moves fluidly between jazz tradition, free improvisation, and electronically mediated performance, appearing at venues such as the Village Vanguard, Apollo Theatre, The Stone, and the Blue Note. His collaborations span a wide range of contemporary voices, including Marcus Gilmore, Joel Ross, Immanuel Wilkins, Emmanuel Michael, and members of groups like Flanafi and My trio, reflecting a musical life rooted as much in community as in individual expression. Watson’s path to jazz began outside the tradition, shaped early by rock and metal, where intensity and complex rhythm first captured his attention. That background continues to inform his playing, now filtered through bebop study, free improvisation, and deep rhythmic investigation. In recent years, his exposure to South Indian Carnatic music—studying and performing in Chennai—has further expanded his sense of time and form, influencing both his compositions and improvisational approach. Whether working within strict structures or open contexts, Watson treats rhythm as an active, evolving discipline rather than a solved problem. Equally committed to sound exploration, Watson has increasingly embraced laptop-based performance, favoring direct-input guitar tones and real-time processing over traditional amp-and-pedal setups. As a teacher and mentor, he emphasizes foundational feel, listening, and musical honesty over abstract complexity—an outlook that mirrors his own practice. For Watson, progress isn’t about mastery as much as maintenance: returning to the pocket, revisiting bebop language, and staying open to the next way the music might change him. We caught up with Tim to talk shop about guitar practice, his background, his thoughts on gear, and much more. ## 🎸 Q & A ### What does your current guitar practice routine look like? I have a hard time staying consistent with any sort of routine. The one thing I'm always working on is sound design in one way or another. It's feels like one of the only things in music that comes naturally to me and I consistently have a blast doing it. These days I'm working on making Ableton DI tones that have an over the top 80's DX vibe. I'm messing around a little bit with midi guitar 2 as well. Other than that, I try to alternate between working on my weaknesses and intensifying my strengths. Right now I'm trying to develop my rhythm guitar playing (something I neglected for a long time), so I'm doing a lot of very slow strumming work with the metronome and playing along to Prince and Sly and the Family Stone; stuff like that. I'm also working on playing proper free improvised music so I'm attempting to rip off Derek Bailey, and trying to integrate that harmonic and rhythmic language into my jazz playing. I've also been working on short super intense mixed meter forms (ala Christian Lillenger) and trying to play freely inside of those structures. ### Your background includes playing rock and metal in your youth before diving into jazz — how did that transition shape your approach to the instrument? Some of my favorite metal bands as a kid have stayed with me. Meshuggah is still probably my favorite band of all time. When I lived in Miami I drove 5 hours by myself to see them play in Orlando and it was one of the most incredible things I've ever witnessed. I think being so obsessed with music that's as intense as metal made me want to play guitar as expressively as I could. Prog metal was also my first rhythmic obsession. ### In addition to playing, you also teach guitar. What’s a misconception you often encounter about improvisation or jazz theory that you wish more students understood early on? This is a classic jazz education thing to say, but when I was teaching more I always had students that were obsessed with advanced harmonic concepts but weren't able to play in the pocket or lay down some solid bebop. It's something I can totally relate to. I have to deal with rhythm every day or else my feel degrades rapidly - its not something thats in my blood at all. And I periodically try to do a check up on my bebop playing and learn a little more Charlie Parker or Lennie Tristano, to make sure I still have a solid foundation and can express chords accurately. ### What gear (guitar/amp/pedals) are you using lately—and why? I'm experimenting with no amps or pedals these days, just a cheap tele straight into my Universal Audio Apollo Twin running a ton of stereo FX in Ableton live. I recently had a huge realization that my extensive pedalboard that I've been using for years has been messing up the high end clarity of my tone pretty substantially, so I'm trying no pedals for now. And for the past couple years I've been using a lot of patches that produce considerable sub frequencies so normal guitar amps are out of the question. I recently did my first tour with this setup, using a midi foot controller to switch guitar patches on my laptop and the fidelity of my tones was really satisfying. That being said, I love the feeling of being extremely nimble with a pedalboard and morphing my tone drastically over the course of a song, adding granular fx for transitions and whatnot, and the DI/midi setup that I've built doesn't lend itself to that. Eventually I think the ideal solution would be to do a setup with just my HX stomp, Red Panda tensor, and Chase Bliss mood, and then go into my laptop to get the best of both worlds. ### You’ve performed in Chennai with leading Carnatic musicians — how has studying and performing South Indian classical music influenced your sense of rhythm and composition? It's definitely opened my eyes to a number of different ways to manipulate rhythm that we barely even scratch the surface of in western music. I used an accelerating rhythmic cycle my teacher Anantha R. Krishnan showed me as the intro and outro to my song Adrenochrome Etude, and have periodically experimented with Carnatic rhythmic ideas in pieces since then. And although I've never studied the melodic aspects of Carnatic music in any serious way, I sometimes try to improvise with lots of melodic embellishments to loosely imitate my favorite Carnatic singers like Abishek Raghuram and Ranjani–Gayatri. ### Looking back at your journey so far, what advice would you give your younger self when you first picked up the guitar? I would probably tell myself to give the music theory a rest and play along to some amazing records! ### You’ve played at iconic venues like the Village Vanguard and the Apollo Theatre. What’s your approach to preparing for these different kinds of performance spaces? Ideally the venue doesn't effect your mental state and you just go into it trying to play the music well, but I'll be the first person to say the one night I played at the Vanguard I was scared shitless. I just tried to warm up really well (I try to warm up everything, my chops, my ears, my rhythmic brain, harmonic brain, even my heart) so I could do my best. ### What’s next for you — any upcoming projects, recordings, or artistic goals you’re excited to share? I'm working on a duo album with Emmanuel Michael, one live album and one studio album with the band My trio (with Yvonne Rogers and Jon Starks), and writing for my group with Dion Kerr and Craig Weinrib that plays my guitar trio music. ## ⚡ Lightning Round ### One album every guitarist should listen to? Solstice-Ralph Towner ### Desert island guitar and amp? I'm searching for that! but for now my answer is a solid stratocaster and a huge PA system. ### What guitarist should everyone know about? Simon Martinez/Flanafi ****Check out TIM WATSON** [Website](https://www.timwatsonguitar.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/%5Ftimwatson/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Soundcloud](https://soundcloud.com/timwatsonguitar?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ### 🎉 If you enjoy geeking out on guitar, you'll love our [**free weekly guitar newsletter**](https://vividguitar.co/), and we'd be psyched if you subscribe!🤘 ### Tim Watson Interview, RIP Bob Weir, News and Notes URL: https://vividguitar.co/tim-watson-interview-rip-bob-weir-news-and-notes/ Last updated: 2026-02-03T15:06:30.000Z [![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png)](http://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3q?ref=vividguitar.co) [ ![](https://www.awin1.com/cshow.php?s=3526276&v=67144&q=479083&r=1519185) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?s=3526276&v=67144&q=479083&r=1519185&ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 "I think it's real important that people understand where the music comes from. If you can see where the music comes from, you can also see the future. It gives you a trajectory." - Bob Weir ## Guitar Practice ### Tim Watson on Rhythm, Improvisation, and Building a Personal Sound ![Jazz Guitar Player Tim Watson](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/01/Tim-Watson-Guitar.jpg) Jazz guitarist Tim Watson has built a body of work defined by an ongoing search for clarity—of sound, of rhythm, and of intent. Based in Brooklyn, Watson moves fluidly between jazz tradition, free improvisation, and electronically mediated performance, appearing at venues such as the Village Vanguard, Apollo Theatre, The Stone, and the Blue Note. His collaborations span a wide range of contemporary voices, including Marcus Gilmore, Joel Ross, Immanuel Wilkins, Emmanuel Michael, and members of groups like Flanafi and My trio, reflecting a musical life rooted as much in community as in individual expression. Watson’s path to jazz began outside the tradition, shaped early by rock and metal, where intensity and complex rhythm first captured his attention. That background continues to inform his playing, now filtered through bebop study, free improvisation, and deep rhythmic investigation. In recent years, his exposure to South Indian Carnatic music—studying and performing in Chennai—has further expanded his sense of time and form, influencing both his compositions and improvisational approach. Whether working within strict structures or open contexts, Watson treats rhythm as an active, evolving discipline rather than a solved problem. Equally committed to sound exploration, Watson has increasingly embraced laptop-based performance, favoring direct-input guitar tones and real-time processing over traditional amp-and-pedal setups. As a teacher and mentor, he emphasizes foundational feel, listening, and musical honesty over abstract complexity—an outlook that mirrors his own practice. For Watson, progress isn’t about mastery as much as maintenance: returning to the pocket, revisiting bebop language, and staying open to the next way the music might change him. We caught up with Tim to talk shop about guitar practice, his background, his thoughts on gear, and much more. ## 🎸 Q & A ### What does your current guitar practice routine look like? I have a hard time staying consistent with any sort of routine. The one thing I'm always working on is sound design in one way or another. It's feels like one of the only things in music that comes naturally to me and I consistently have a blast doing it. These days I'm working on making Ableton DI tones that have an over the top 80's DX vibe. I'm messing around a little bit with midi guitar 2 as well. Other than that, I try to alternate between working on my weaknesses and intensifying my strengths. Right now I'm trying to develop my rhythm guitar playing (something I neglected for a long time), so I'm doing a lot of very slow strumming work with the metronome and playing along to Prince and Sly and the Family Stone; stuff like that. I'm also working on playing proper free improvised music so I'm attempting to rip off Derek Bailey, and trying to integrate that harmonic and rhythmic language into my jazz playing. I've also been working on short super intense mixed meter forms (ala Christian Lillenger) and trying to play freely inside of those structures. ### Your background includes playing rock and metal in your youth before diving into jazz — how did that transition shape your approach to the instrument? Some of my favorite metal bands as a kid have stayed with me. Meshuggah is still probably my favorite band of all time. When I lived in Miami I drove 5 hours by myself to see them play in Orlando and it was one of the most incredible things I've ever witnessed. I think being so obsessed with music that's as intense as metal made me want to play guitar as expressively as I could. Prog metal was also my first rhythmic obsession. ### In addition to playing, you also teach guitar. What’s a misconception you often encounter about improvisation or jazz theory that you wish more students understood early on? This is a classic jazz education thing to say, but when I was teaching more I always had students that were obsessed with advanced harmonic concepts but weren't able to play in the pocket or lay down some solid bebop. It's something I can totally relate to. I have to deal with rhythm every day or else my feel degrades rapidly - its not something thats in my blood at all. And I periodically try to do a check up on my bebop playing and learn a little more Charlie Parker or Lennie Tristano, to make sure I still have a solid foundation and can express chords accurately. ### What gear (guitar/amp/pedals) are you using lately—and why? I'm experimenting with no amps or pedals these days, just a cheap tele straight into my Universal Audio Apollo Twin running a ton of stereo FX in Ableton live. I recently had a huge realization that my extensive pedalboard that I've been using for years has been messing up the high end clarity of my tone pretty substantially, so I'm trying no pedals for now. And for the past couple years I've been using a lot of patches that produce considerable sub frequencies so normal guitar amps are out of the question. I recently did my first tour with this setup, using a midi foot controller to switch guitar patches on my laptop and the fidelity of my tones was really satisfying. That being said, I love the feeling of being extremely nimble with a pedalboard and morphing my tone drastically over the course of a song, adding granular fx for transitions and whatnot, and the DI/midi setup that I've built doesn't lend itself to that. Eventually I think the ideal solution would be to do a setup with just my HX stomp, Red Panda tensor, and Chase Bliss mood, and then go into my laptop to get the best of both worlds. ### You’ve performed in Chennai with leading Carnatic musicians — how has studying and performing South Indian classical music influenced your sense of rhythm and composition? It's definitely opened my eyes to a number of different ways to manipulate rhythm that we barely even scratch the surface of in western music. I used an accelerating rhythmic cycle my teacher Anantha R. Krishnan showed me as the intro and outro to my song Adrenochrome Etude, and have periodically experimented with Carnatic rhythmic ideas in pieces since then. And although I've never studied the melodic aspects of Carnatic music in any serious way, I sometimes try to improvise with lots of melodic embellishments to loosely imitate my favorite Carnatic singers like Abishek Raghuram and Ranjani–Gayatri. ### Looking back at your journey so far, what advice would you give your younger self when you first picked up the guitar? I would probably tell myself to give the music theory a rest and play along to some amazing records! ### You’ve played at iconic venues like the Village Vanguard and the Apollo Theatre. What’s your approach to preparing for these different kinds of performance spaces? Ideally the venue doesn't effect your mental state and you just go into it trying to play the music well, but I'll be the first person to say the one night I played at the Vanguard I was scared shitless. I just tried to warm up really well (I try to warm up everything, my chops, my ears, my rhythmic brain, harmonic brain, even my heart) so I could do my best. ### What’s next for you — any upcoming projects, recordings, or artistic goals you’re excited to share? I'm working on a duo album with Emmanuel Michael, one live album and one studio album with the band My trio (with Yvonne Rogers and Jon Starks), and writing for my group with Dion Kerr and Craig Weinrib that plays my guitar trio music. ## ⚡ Lightning Round ### One album every guitarist should listen to? Solstice-Ralph Towner ### Desert island guitar and amp? I'm searching for that! but for now my answer is a solid stratocaster and a huge PA system. ### What guitarist should everyone know about? Simon Martinez/Flanafi ****Check out TIM WATSON** [Website](https://www.timwatsonguitar.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/%5Ftimwatson/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Soundcloud](https://soundcloud.com/timwatsonguitar?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## RIP Bob Weir ![Bob Weir | (Image credit: Future/Jen Rosenstein)](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/01/image.png) (Image credit: Future/Jen Rosenstein) **Bob Weir**, legendary guitarist, singer, and songwriter best known as a founding member of the Grateful Dead, passed away age age 78. The announcement, made on Saturday evening (January 10), says: “It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Bobby Weir. He transitioned peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, after courageously beating cancer as only Bobby could. Unfortunately, he succumbed to underlying lung issues.” Co-founding the Grateful Dead (previously *The Warlocks*, before changing the name) in the mid-1960s, Weir developed a highly distinctive rhythm guitar style that blended folk, blues, jazz, and experimental rock, helping shape the Dead’s improvisational sound. His thoughtful chord voicings and willingness to play against traditional guitar roles made him an essential part of the band’s musical identity. Beyond the Grateful Dead, Weir continued to carry on the Grateful Dead's legacy through projects like RatDog, Further, Bob Weir & The Wolf Bros, and Dead & Company, continuing to push live music toward exploration and spontaneity. Fare thee well Bobby. You sure did enjoy the ride. --- ## News & Notes 🗞️ ![Fender Player II guitar collection in Lavender Haze](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2026/01/Fender-lavender-haze.webp) Fender Player II guitar collection in Lavender Haze - **Fender** released Player II collection in a [Lavender Haze](https://www.premierguitar.com/news/andertons-and-cme-launch-lavender-haze?ref=vividguitar.co) color, esclusive to Chicago Music Exchange (in the U.S.) and Andertons Music (in the U.K.). The lineup features the Jazzmaster®, Stratocaster®, Telecaster®, and Jazz Bass® – each finished in a never-before-seen Lavender Haze color and equipped with all-new proprietary Fender “Full Dip” pickups. - In other **Fender** news, the company announced that current CEO Andy Mooney is retiring in February 2026 after a decade leading the company, and Bud Cole [has been named the new CEO](https://www.fender.com/pages/executive-announcement?ref=vividguitar.co). - **Ibanez** announced their [2026 guitar lineup](https://www.ibanez.com/na/news/detail/20251211171912.html?ref=vividguitar.co). We especially dig the new semi-hollow Artstar models: The [AM153FM](https://www.ibanez.com/na/products/detail/am153fm%5F5b%5F01.html?ref=vividguitar.co), the [ASH300](https://www.ibanez.com/na/products/detail/ash300%5F5b%5F01.html?ref=vividguitar.co), and [AF115](https://www.ibanez.com/na/products/detail/af115%5F5b%5F01.html?ref=vividguitar.co) archtop. - New for 2026, **Taylor Guitars** introduced a new line of acoustic guitars they're calling '[**Next-Generation**](https://www.taylorguitars.com/next-generation?ref=vividguitar.co)**'** models. The lineup features Grand Auditorium and Gold Label Dreadnaught guitars - including revamped versions of their 814ce, 314ce, 414ce, 234ce, and other models. Key features include scalloped V-class bracing, Taylor's trademarked *Action Control* necks, and a Claria™ pickup system. - **Rivolta Guitars** announced 2 new guitars models: The Mondata CC (an offset guitar with a 25" scale, alico 5 mini-humbuckers) and the Combinata Classico P90 (which is a P90-equipped version of their standard Combinata Classico model). --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Chord Progression in C, Marc Ribot, Limited Edition Road Worn'60s Telecaster URL: https://vividguitar.co/chord-progression-in-c-marc-ribot-limited-edition-road-worn-60s-telecaster/ Last updated: 2026-02-03T15:06:40.000Z [ ![](https://www.awin1.com/cshow.php?s=3526276&v=67144&q=479083&r=1519185) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?s=3526276&v=67144&q=479083&r=1519185&ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 “Whatever you’ve learned becomes truly useful to you only once it has become second nature.” - Guthrie Govan ## Guitar Practice **Let's learn a progression.** The goal here is to learn some jazzy chord voicings you might not be familiar with (or that your fingers might not naturally gravitate towards). The audio example is played at 85bpm, but start by playing it as slowly as you need to. These voicings are most easily played finger style (or a combination of pick and fingers). Guitar Progression in C 1 0:00 /14.116145 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/image-4.png) --- ## Guitarist Spotlight ### Marc Ribot ![Marc Ribot | Photo Credit: Sandlin Gaither](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/12/marc_ribot_photo_by_sandlin_gaither.jpg) Marc Ribot is an American guitarist known for his gritty tone, adventurous spirit, and wide-ranging musical interests. Born in 1954 in Newark, New Jersey, he was exposed early to rock, jazz, and soul music, and later studied classical guitar. While he has strong technical skills, Ribot became known for valuing feel, sound, and expression over clean perfection, often using rough textures and unexpected note choices to tell a musical story. He first gained major attention in the 1980s through his long-running collaboration with Tom Waits. Ribot’s cutting, often distorted guitar sound played a huge role in shaping albums like *Rain Dogs*, *Franks Wild Years*, and *Bone Machine*. His playing on these records showed how he could balance chaos and control, adding tension, humor, and emotion without ever sounding flashy for its own sake. Outside of his work with Waits, Ribot has collaborated with an impressive list of artists across many styles. He has worked with Elvis Costello, John Zorn, Marianne Faithfull, Norah Jones, Robert Plant, and many others. Ribot is especially known in experimental and jazz circles for his work with Zorn and the downtown New York music scene, where his openness to risk and improvisation has made him a highly respected voice. As a bandleader, Ribot has led several influential projects, including Marc Ribot y Los Cubanos Postizos, which explored Cuban and Latin music, and Ceramic Dog, a loud, politically charged trio blending punk, rock, and free jazz. These groups highlight his interest in rhythm, groove, and social commentary, as well as his willingness to challenge both listeners and himself. Ribot’s guitar gear reflects his practical, no-nonsense approach to music. He is most closely associated with vintage Fender guitars, especially a heavily worn 1960s Fender Telecaster, though he has also played Jazzmasters and other solid-body electrics. He often uses small tube amplifiers and relies on simple effects—like overdrive, fuzz, and reverb—rather than complex pedalboards. For Ribot, gear is a tool, not the focus, and his sound comes more from his touch, phrasing, and fearless attitude than from any specific piece of equipment. Marc's latest album, *Map of a Blue City* is a deeply personal album that puts his songwriting and singing front and center, alongside his unmistakable guitar style. Blending folk, jazz, and experimental sounds, the record feels raw and reflective, showing a more intimate side of an artist known for pushing musical boundaries. **Marc Ribot - The Author** ![Marc Ribot Unstrung Guitar Book](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/12/image-9.png) Marc recently released a [book](https://www.amazon.com/Unstrung-Rants-Stories-Noise-Guitarist-ebook/dp/B0CRLC54S1/?ref=vividguitar.co): **Unstrung: Rants and Stories of a Noise Guitarist** It's a fun, thoughtful, and sometimes surprising read that feels a lot like a conversation with the him. Instead of telling his life story from start to finish, Ribot shares short essays, personal memories, imagined movie ideas, and reflections on music and creativity. He writes with humor and curiosity, touching on life on the road, making art, and choosing your own path as a musician. The book gives an honest look at how one of music’s most original guitarists thinks about sound, art, and staying true to yourself. ****Check out Marc Ribot** [Website](https://www.marcribot.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/marcribotmusic/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Book](https://www.amazon.com/Unstrung-Rants-Stories-Noise-Guitarist-ebook/dp/B0CRLC54S1/?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Gear Showcase # Limited Edition Vintera® II Road Worn® '60s Telecaster® ![Limited Edition Vintera® II Road Worn® '60s Telecaster®](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/12/Vintera-Telecaster.png) Limited Edition Vintera® II Road Worn® '60s Telecaster® Fender recently released a few **Vintera II Road Worn Telecasters** in limited-edition colors - **Blonde** with a maple fretboard, **Burgundy Mist Metallic** with a rosewood fretboard, and **Lake Placid Blue** with a rosewood fretboard. Fender’s Vintera II Road Worn series is designed to evoke the look, feel, and sound of well-played vintage instruments from the 1960s. They are finished with a thin layerofnitrocellulose lacquer, giving them subtle checking, gentle wear patterns, and a semi-gloss finish that mimics decades of play without going into heavy relic territory. Tonally and physically, this Telecaster stays true to its heritage. An **alder body** gives it a balanced, articulate tone, and an **early-’60s “C”-shape maple neck**—paired with a **7.25″ radius fingerboard and vintage-tall frets** give a comfortable, era-correct feel. **Vintage-style mid-’60s single-coil pickups** give you that unmistakeable Tele chime, and a **3-saddle bridge with slotted steel saddles** contribute to the classic look and string-through-body twang. **Vintage-style tuning machines** help maintain stable tuning and period aesthetics. The Limited Edition Vintera II Road Worn ‘60s Tele captures the spirit of mid-20th-century Telecasters with faithful specs and an aged finish that feels instantly familiar under your hands—ideal for players who want vintage vibe straight out of the case without paying vintage prices. **Key Specs:** - Alder Body - Road Worn® Nitrocellulose lacquer finish - 7.25" Fretboard Radius - Early-'60s "C"-Shape Neck - Vintage-Style Mid-'60s Pickups - Vintage-Style 3-Saddle Bridge with Slotted Steel Saddles - Vintage-Style Tuning Machines ****Check out THE LIMITED EDITION VINTERA® II ROAD WORN® '60S TELECASTER** [Fender Website](https://www.fender.com/products/limited-edition-vintera-ii-road-worn-60s-telecaster?ref=vividguitar.co) | [View Guitars on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/3NkI704?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## News & Notes 🗞️ - 📺 **Paul Davids** did a deep dive into the "Golden Era" of **Fender Stratocasters**, exploring the evolution of the Strat from 1954-1966, demoing a different model from each year. - 🎥 Guitarist **Chris Buck** hinted at a **Yamaha Revstar Signature model** (something fans of his have been clamoring for) in an [online masterclass video](https://www.youtube.com/live/BmSYw8Shc1c?ref=vividguitar.co). - 📺 **Robben Ford** partnered with *Guitarist* fora [lesson](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oO2Y0zASDHs&ref=vividguitar.co) on bringing a jazz influence to your blues soloing. - Guitarist **Chris Rea** passed away at age 74\. Chris was known as a virtuoso slide guitarist, for his distinctive gruff voice, and for blending blues, soul, and soft rock. - **Perry Bamonte**, guitarist and keyboardist for The Cure, [died at 65](https://pitchfork.com/news/the-cures-perry-bamonte-dies-at-65/?ref=vividguitar.co) after an undisclosed illness. - **Cooper Greenberg** from retailer **Alamo Music** **Center** posted his [predictions for the 2026 guitar market](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htxXSxeTKuM&ref=vividguitar.co), sharing some thoughts on both electric and acoustic guitars. - **Anderton's Music** posted their audience-voted "[Andertons TV Awards](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNfA3k74b0w&ref=vividguitar.co)" - showcasing the *Gear of the Year* for 2025 across various categories. --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### What Are You Doing New Years Eve? URL: https://vividguitar.co/what-are-you-doing-new-years-eve/ Last updated: 2025-12-30T15:30:24.000Z [ ![](https://www.awin1.com/cshow.php?s=3526276&v=67144&q=479083&r=1519185) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?s=3526276&v=67144&q=479083&r=1519185&ref=vividguitar.co) ⚠️ For the final newsletter of 2025, we have a shorter issue, taking a quick look the jazz standard '**What Are You Doing New Years Eve?*'. (If you prefer shorter-form issues like this, please reply and let me know!). ## Guitar Practice ### *'What Are You Doing New Years Eve?'* Chord Progression & Lead ### Frank Loesser’s “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” is a soft, thoughtful love song about the hope of spending time with someone special. Its easy melody and natural lyrics have helped it become a longtime favorite, especially with jazz singers and classic vocalists. While it's been recorded by a number of artists, the version by Ella Fitzgerald is probably the most well-known take on it. While Ella's iconic recording is in the Key of Db Major, below, we'll take a look at a version of it in the key of A. *The below arrangement was done by Bronson Ferdinand Wright.* What Are You Doing New Years Eve 0:00 /27.172086 1× !['What Are You Doing New Years Eve?' - Arranged by Bronson Ferdinand Wright](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/12/image-8.png) 'What Are You Doing New Years Eve?' - Arranged by Bronson Ferdinand Wright --- ### **H**ave a happy new year! 🎉 ### Diminished Voice Leading Chords, Eastman T59/V URL: https://vividguitar.co/diminished-voice-leading-chords-eastman-t59-v/ Last updated: 2025-12-23T17:30:18.000Z [ ![](https://www.awin1.com/cshow.php?s=3526276&v=67144&q=479083&r=1519185) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?s=3526276&v=67144&q=479083&r=1519185&ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 “It is never too late to be what you might have been.” ― George Eliot ## Guitar Practice ### Progressions Using Diminished 7th Voice Leading Chords While there are a number of ways to work diminished chords into a progression, one great way is to add it to the end of a progression, leading back to the top. 💡 A diminished 7th chord is a tense, unstable-sounding chord built from three stacked minor thirds (root, minor third, diminished fifth, diminished seventh), creating a dissonant sound that creates strong tension and a desire to **resolve* to another chord. Below, we look at 3 different progressions, showcasing 3 different voicings for a Diminished 7th chord. Play each progression as a loop (meaning, when you get to the end, go back to the beginning again). **Progression 1.** ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/12/image-5.png) **Progression 2:** ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/12/image-6.png) **Progression 3:** ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/12/image-7.png) --- ## Gear Showcase ### Eastman T59/V ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/12/cropped-t59v-thinline-laminate-hh-lollar-ht-eb-189157.jpeg) The **Eastman T59/V** is a classic-style semi-hollow electric guitar that blends vintage looks with modern craftsmanship. Inspired by iconic 1960s designs, it features a 16" thinline body made from flamed maple laminate with a solid center block. This design gives the guitar a warm, open sound while helping reduce feedback at higher volumes. The antique varnish finish and tasteful binding give it a worn-in, old-school vibe that feels right at home on any stage. The neck is made from maple and paired with a smooth ebony fingerboard, offering a comfortable feel that works well for chords, lead lines, and everything in between. With a 24.75" scale length, 12" fingerboard radius, and medium-jumbo frets, the T59/V feels familiar and easy to play for most guitarists. Gotoh relic-style hardware adds to the vintage look while providing solid tuning stability and reliability. For tone, the T59/V is loaded with a pair of Seymour Duncan Antiquity humbuckers. These pickups deliver a wide range of sounds, from warm, smooth jazz tones to punchy blues and classic rock grit. The simple control layout — two volume knobs, two tone knobs, and a three-way switch — makes it easy to dial in great sounds quickly without getting in the way of playing. Overall, the Eastman T59/V is known for offering high-end feel and sound at a more accessible price point. It’s a versatile guitar that works equally well for clean and overdriven tones, making it a strong choice for gigging musicians, studio players, or anyone looking for a well-built semi-hollow with timeless style. **Key Features:** - C-shaped neck with a 12" fretboard radius - 1.72" nut width - 24.75" scale length - Body size: 16" x 1 3/4" - Seymour Duncan Antiquity Humbuckers (pickups may vary on older models) - Solid Full Body Center Block to reduce feedback - Antique varnish finish with aged nickel hardwear for a slightly worn-in look - Pearl Split Block inlays, with a matching pearl logo on the headstock ### Check out the Eastman T59/v [Eastman Website](https://www.eastmanguitars.com/t59%5Fv?ref=vividguitar.co) | [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/3MES9sQ?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## News & Notes 🗞️ - **Neural DSP** announced a new [John Mayer X Archetype](https://neuraldsp.com/plugins/archetype-john-mayer?ref=vividguitar.co) \- Mayer's rig rebuilt in one plugin. It features multiple amps, effects, speakers cabinets, 18-presets created by Mayer, and more. Works either with DAWs or as a standalone program. - **Eastman** announced a limited run on [two models](https://www.eastmanguitars.com/electric%5Fsolid%5Fbody?ref=vividguitar.co#electric%5Fsolid%5Fbody%5Fcategories): A **SB55DC/TV** in Olive Drab, with Lollar Dog Eat P90 pickups, and a **Juliet NYC**, featuring Seymour Duncan Pscoline Filtertron pickups, and a Goldo tremolo. - **Taylor Guitars** introduced a [Taylor Swift Baby Taylor](https://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/taylor-swift-baby-taylor-tsbte?ref=vividguitar.co) acoustic guitar. - **JHS** and **Electro Harmonix** have collaborated on a [Big Muff 2 pedal](https://jhspedals.info/products/big-muff-2?ref=vividguitar.co). The Big Muff Pi 2 is a slight detour from the usual Big Muff tone. Slightly lower gain, but with the signature sustain and full-bodied BMP tone known and loved by countless players. - **Line 6** released a new update to it's popular **Helix** modeler, the Stadium Update 1.2\. It includes 7 new Agoura amp channels from 3 new amps, and new Showcase playback and automation engine. Check out the [Andertons Music demo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvaIzV7qV1I&ref=vividguitar.co) of it. --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Flat 3 Progressions, Andy Crowley, Positive Grid Spark URL: https://vividguitar.co/flat-3-progressions-andy-crowley-positive-grid-spark/ Last updated: 2026-02-02T14:19:03.000Z [![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png)](http://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3q?ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 "Practice should never be aimless. Avoid spending your time “noodling.” Instead, know exactly what you want to accomplish in each session. A strong place to begin is with chords—learn them thoroughly so you understand how your lines fit within the larger harmony. Then, listen deeply to the music you hope to play, and study how it all connects." - Ron Carter ## Guitar Practice ### I > **♭III** Progressions In jazz (along with most other genres) the **I** chord is most often followed by either the **vi**, **ii**, **IV**, or **V** chord. While those chords sound good together, they're also predictable - leading tons of songs to have a similar sound. One way we can create a different sound is the follow the I chord with a **♭III** (Flat Dominant) chord. In the key of **C Major**, the diatonic 3rd chord is **e minor**. We can switch things up by instead using a *Dominant* chord a half-step down from that - so **Eb7**. A **I → ♭III** progression is striking because the ♭III chord doesn’t belong to a major key, so it instantly adds a bold, dramatic color. Instead of creating tension like a dominant V chord, it creates a surprising but smooth modal shift, since it borrows from the parallel minor and shares some common tones with the tonic’s relative minor. You’ll hear this move a lot in rock, pop, and cinematic music because it gives a song a bigger, more emotional, slightly “epic” feel. It momentarily pulls the harmony outside the key without sounding dissonant, adding character and depth with just one unexpected chord. Below, we'll take a look at 3 different 4-chord progressions, each starting with Cmaj7 **→** Eb7. **1.** ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/12/image.png) **2.** ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/12/image-1.png) **3.** ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/12/image-3.png) To practice this concept further, try playing the same progressions using different chord voicings. Then, try to transpose it to other keys. --- ## Guitarist/Educator Spotlight ### Andy Crowley, Andy Guitar ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/12/Andy-Guitar.png) Andy Crowley is the founder of **Andy Guitar**, one of the internet’s most trusted resources for beginner guitar players. Since launching his online lessons in 2009, Andy has helped millions of new musicians pick up a guitar with confidence. His teaching style stands out in a crowded field of online instructors because he focuses on what true beginners actually need—clear guidance, steady pacing, and simple steps that lead to real progress. While many online teachers dive quickly into advanced riffs or theory, Andy takes a different approach. His lessons are intentionally slow, approachable, and carefully structured so new players never feel lost or overwhelmed. Each video is short and to the point, showing exactly what to do without unnecessary jargon. Even though he clearly knows his stuff, he avoids talking over a beginner’s head, which makes his channel an easy place to learn at your own pace. A big part of Andy’s success comes from how well-organized his curriculum is. His lessons follow a logical progression, building skills layer by layer. When covering tougher concepts, he patiently repeats ideas until they sink in, giving students the space to develop muscle memory and confidence. This supportive teaching style helps beginners see noticeable improvements quickly—something that keeps them motivated to stick with the instrument. Today, Andy’s YouTube channel has become a massive hub for new guitarists, offering hundreds of free lessons covering chords, strumming patterns, songs, theory basics, and more. For players ready to take the next step, he also runs [**AndyGuitar.co.uk**](https://www.andyguitar.co.uk/?ref=vividguitar.co), where he offers a wide library of premium, structured courses designed to guide learners through their first months or even years of playing. Whether you’re picking up a guitar for the very first time or returning after a long break, Andy Guitar remains one of the friendliest and most effective places to start your musical journey. Check out [Andy Guitar](https://www.andyguitar.co.uk/?ref=vividguitar.co) and his [YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9cvVvlvr-qBssphm1EdYGQ?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Gear Showcase ### Positive Grid Spark Guitar Amps ![Positive Grid Spark Guitar Amps](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/12/Positive-Grid-Spark-Guitar-Amps.png) The **Positive Grid Spark** is a modern, smart guitar amplifier created to make practicing, recording, and experimenting with new tones easier and more inspiring. Instead of being just a traditional amp, the Spark feels more like a practice partner—packed with amp models, effects, Bluetooth audio, and an app that can generate backing tracks, suggest chords, and help you learn songs. It’s designed for players who want great sound at home, on the go, or even on stage, without needing a big pedalboard or complicated setup. Positive Grid offers several Spark models, each tailored to different situations and playing styles: **• Spark 40** – The original and best-known model. This 40-watt desktop amp delivers surprisingly rich sound for its size, making it perfect for home practice, recording, and playing along with music. It includes a huge library of amp tones and effects, plus features like Smart Jam and Auto Chords through the Spark app. Many players see it as the “standard” Spark experience. **• Spark MINI** – A smaller, portable version that still packs in the same smart features. It can run on a rechargeable battery and has stereo speakers that sound much bigger than the amp looks. It’s ideal for traveling, jamming around the house, or plugging into your laptop for quick recording sessions. The MINI is all about convenience without sacrificing good tone. **• Spark GO** – This is the smallest Spark in the family—a pocket-sized smart amp you can toss in a bag or even clip to your guitar strap. Despite its tiny footprint, it uses the same modeling technology as the larger models and works seamlessly with the Spark app. It’s great for practice on the road, late-night sessions, or playing along with backing tracks anywhere you want. **• Spark LIVE / Spark CAB** – Spark LIVE is the performance-ready version of the Spark concept. It’s powerful enough for rehearsals and gigs and works as a full-range PA-style system, so you can run guitar, vocals, keyboards, or backing tracks through it. Paired with the Spark CAB—a matching powered speaker cabinet—you can build an even bigger, stage-worthy setup. This is the Spark option for players who want both smart features and live performance volume. Together, these models make the Spark lineup flexible for just about any guitarist. Whether you want a pocket-sized practice tool or a full-on gigging rig, every Spark amp shares the same goal: making guitar playing more fun, more inspiring, and more accessible for players at any level. **Check out the Positive Grid Spark Amplifier:** [Website](https://www.positivegrid.com/products/spark?variant=42604434227360&ref=vividguitar.co) | [View on Reverb](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=67144&awinaffid=1519185&ued=https%3A%2F%2Freverb.com%2Fmarketplace%3Fquery%3Dpositive%2520grid%2520spark%26make%3Dpositive-grid%26product%5Ftype%3Damps&ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## News & Notes 🗞️ ![Fender Tom Morello 'Arm The Homeless' Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/12/image-4.png) Fender Tom Morello 'Arm The Homeless' Guitar - **Fender** officially announced the Tom Morello 'Arm The Homeless' [signature guitar model](https://www.fender.com/products/tom-morellos-arm-the-homeless-guitar?ref=vividguitar.co). - **Fender** also started selling **American Vintage II** [replacement guitar necks](https://www.fender.com/collections/american-vintage-ii-necks?ref=vividguitar.co). These necks feature one key difference from the typical AVII models - They feature a 9.5" fretboard radius (compared to the usual 7.25" radius). - 📺 Watch this: **Billy Strings** [NPR Tiny Desk concert](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgqaxMOKfnI&ref=vividguitar.co). - **Cory Wong** interviewed **Matteo Mancuso** on his podcast. **Mancuso** discussed his early guitar influences, his unique finger picking style, his warm-up excercises, and more. [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wong-notes-live-with-matteo-mancuso/id1513405224?i=1000740675186&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Ycmd5iNWVVOOmJPzWOJXS?si=mQBmIisDTdyt44IO3UtkiQ&ref=vividguitar.co) - 📺 **Andertons Music** released a [new video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7xP1zOadRY&ref=vividguitar.co) diving into an old classic - the **Gibson ES-335**. --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Chris Parker on Practice, Slide Guitar, and Creative Confidence URL: https://vividguitar.co/chris-parker-guitar-interview/ Last updated: 2025-12-09T15:27:09.000Z **Chris Parker** is a Brooklyn-based multi-instrumentalist, guitarist, and composer known for his wide-ranging versatility on stage and in the studio. He has built a strong reputation as a go-to sideman across an eclectic mix of musical worlds, moving comfortably between singer/songwriter accompaniment, tropical lounge-jazz, groove-heavy funk, and fully improvised music. Whether playing with artists like **Christina Courtin**, diving into the warm, vintage-leaning sounds of **Kolumbo**, or leaning into the wild, freak-funk energy of **Breastfist**, Chris approaches every setting with the same goal: to elevate the music and serve the song. His adaptability and inventive guitar work have also led him to larger national platforms. Chris has appeared on *The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon* performing with UK artist Jade Bird, and on *Saturday Night Live* with Halsey—showcasing his ability to shine in high-profile, fast-moving musical environments. In addition to his sideman work, Chris leads **Guru Complex**, his instrumental sextet that highlights his compositional voice, arranging skills, and increasingly signature slide-guitar sound. The group gives Parker a space to explore rhythm, texture, and melody on his own terms, blending groove-driven improvisation with tightly crafted writing. Rooted in Brooklyn’s rich music scene and endlessly curious about new sounds, Chris Parker continues to shape a career defined by range, feel, and a deep commitment to making meaningful, exciting music. ## 🎸 Q & A ### **What does your current guitar practice routine look like?** Lately, it involves some warm-ups I devised to help strengthen my pinky, which seems to have gotten a little out of sync from wearing a slide on it for so long. Then I mostly work on the music I need to know for upcoming performances. I kept learning this lesson the hard way: whatever you need to refine in your guitar playing will be exposed by *any* music - not just 'hard' music or something you think you ought to be working on, like ‘Giant Steps.’ I used to try to get to a never ending list of scales, arpeggios, etc. when I was younger, but I was never organized enough to feel good about it. It just seemed very haphazard and it ended up linking guitar with a sense of anxiety that ruined my relationship with practicing. When a gig would come up I wouldn’t feel very prepared on the music, which makes me play tentatively. But because I had been practicing a lot of scales and stuff I thought that the gig should have been better. That is a recipe for not feeling so good about yourself. So in the last few years I've tried to **center my guitar practice on repertoire** that I need or want to learn. In working out repertoire you end up with an arrangement you could actually use on a gig. Also transcribing - it gives you all the answers. What notes do you use on a C7? I dunno, let’s see what Charlie Parker says, or John Coltrane, or etc. All the good stuff is in there if you learn it. ### **What's the best piece of advice you have for other guitar players?** Transpose. Play songs, basic chord progressions, licks, whatever you like to play in other keys. It will expose where your gaps are. It's the best way to really understand our extremely confusing and unintuitive instrument. Standard tuning makes barre chords easy and everything else hard. If we are to relate the principles of harmony and melody that are obvious to our ears to our hands, then we need to develop a tactile intelligence that is more flexible and intuitive than just licks and grips. We develop that ability through learning musical vocabulary and transposing it around the instrument. ### **How do you stay inspired when you’re balancing so many different musical roles (sideman, leader/composer, multi-instrumentalist)? Do you have specific routines, listening habits, or “reset” practices?** When I need to center myself I always find myself coming back to the mantra “Bach, Bird, Blues.” Lately its been Bird (nickname for Charlie Parker if anyone is unfamiliar). I'll just work on bits of his compositions or solos and transpose them to different strings, try different fingerings, make my own variants etc. It really connects me with the guitar rhythmically and gives me a feeling of control that somehow translates to any music. And I think **that is the point of practicing: to maintain a sense of confidence on your instrument that you can take into any musical situation.** ### **What gear (guitar/amp/pedals) are you using lately—and why?** I have an ever evolving strat project that really covers a lot of sonic ground. It has a gold foil (but soon to be P90) and a humbucker with coil split and out of phase switches. My pedal board has been shrinking, but I have come to rely on a **MXR Reverb** that I control the decay/mix with an expression pedal for things like sustain, reverb throws, and continuous control rather than just on/off. Also, the **EHX Attack Decay** is integral to getting non-guitar or synth-like sounds. It behaves interestingly with slide playing. For amps I have a **silverface Princeton** that sounds great, but I usually roll around New York on the subway with my little **ZT Lunchbox** or just play amp roulette with whatever they have at the gig - that is part of the fun of living in NYC. It has kind of become a game for me - to see if I can get a bad amp to sound good. ### **Slide guitar is a specialty of yours now. What drew you to slide guitar, what makes it unique for you in the context of Guru Complex, and how do you approach it differently than “regular” guitar?** Originally what drew me to slide guitar was hearing Derek Trucks. But then I heard Tony Scherr on a Norah Jones track ('What am I to You?') and realized you could chord with your non-slide fingers. And then I heard Sonny Landreth and learned you could fret behind the slide. And then I heard Ry Cooder and realized you could compose and arrange a whole sound world around it. And then I heard Dave Tronzo and realized that there are really no boundaries at all when it comes to slide guitar. The sound I was after with **Guru Complex** grew out of playing in a short-lived group with a master musician and percussionist from India named **Samir Chatterjee**. He taught us melodies by ear, and of course I tried to emulate sitar and sarod sounds and other non-western instruments. I sounded nowhere close to the virtuosos that actually *really* play that music, but it opened a door to playing in a way that utilized buzzy sounds and other extended techniques that I hadn’t thought of before when i was thinking in a blues and rock context. Also, when you hold a slide across the strings, there are so many rattles and buzzes that we are usually trying to eliminate, but I started to be really drawn to these percussive aspects and began to compose grooves and etudes that became the basis for some of the compositions. My approach to slide guitar differs from how I think of “regular” guitar in the way I deal with chording. As anyone reading this probably knows, the slide gives you mostly just one option - the open chord that the guitar is tuned to, which makes it essentially a movable barre. Thanks to Sonny Landreth’s fretting behind the slide innovation you can ring slide notes along with fretted notes to change chord tones. But that only allows for the lowering of pitches under the slide. If you want to raise a chord tone or get a pedal steel bend, for example, you have to raise the pitch obviously. It took a while to figure out how to bend strings against the slide from underneath - lap steel players do it from above with their free left hand fingers behind the slide bar and have a little more wiggle room. So conceptually, I think of the slide as a movable “0” fret and can get -3 or +2 frets without moving it, if that makes any sense to anyone out there. Some chords are still impossible or very uncomfortable, but it’s a work in progress. The beautiful thing about guitar is there always seems to be a workaround if you think on it long enough. ### **For emerging guitarists (or improvising musicians) trying to build a sustainable career: what would you say are the most important “business” or non-musical skills to develop?** Community building. Hanging around and being helpful without an agenda. People notice when you are being transactional and no one likes a ladder climber (unless they are too haha). Don't ask for guestlist; just buy a ticket and show up. A career will take care of itself if you are really into music and are kind and useful to others. ### **What’s been your biggest challenge as a guitarist and musician?** Trusting myself. When I was younger, I was waiting for validation or permission from teachers and older musicians. By my mid 30s I started to realize that no one is going to give me 'the big gig' and that waiting for a 'big break' is not a plan. You don't need permission from anyone to play the music that you think is cool. Almost every time I shared something that I was obsessed with in private but didn't think others would care, I was always shocked how it resonated with others. That happened with the faux pedal steel stuff I was working on: it felt like a party trick or something but when I shared it, people were really interested. I ended up connecting with people all over the world who are slide guitar nuts and builders of bending contraptions, slides and etc. If you think it's interesting, someone else is going to think so too - and therein is your audience, your collaborators and like-minded people who are going to start following what you do. ### **What’s next for you musically—any projects or goals you're working on?** I am slowly learning how to be consistent with my output. As a sideman, I often let my own projects go to the backburner, but I notice that the artists who we all know and take for granted are simply the ones who put out a record every year and go on tour. Easier said than done of course! But having a career seems to be more a function of consistency and persistence, provided you are doing something that people find interesting and valuable. ## ⚡ Lightning Round ### **One album every guitarist should listen to?** 2 Drink Minimum by Wayne Krantz ### **Desert island guitar and amp?** Strat and a tweed champ ### **What guitarist should everyone know about?** Emmanuel Michael ****Check out CHRIS PARKER** [Website](https://chrisparkermusic.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/chrisparker246/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@guitaressentialism?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ### 🎉 If you enjoy reading stuff like this, you'll love our [**free weekly guitar newsletter**](https://vividguitar.co/), and we'd be psyched if you subscribe!🤘 ### Chris Parker Interview, RIP Steve Cropper, News and Notes URL: https://vividguitar.co/chris-parker-interview-rip-steve-cropper-news-and-notes/ Last updated: 2025-12-09T15:00:04.000Z [![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png)](http://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3q?ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 "Play your part, play it simple, listen to what the other guys are doing and complement them. Make them look good, too." - Steve Cropper ## Chris Parker on Practice, Slide Guitar, and Creative Confidence ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/12/Chris-Parker-Guitar.jpg) **Chris Parker** is a Brooklyn-based multi-instrumentalist, guitarist, and composer known for his wide-ranging versatility on stage and in the studio. He has built a strong reputation as a go-to sideman across an eclectic mix of musical worlds, moving comfortably between singer/songwriter accompaniment, tropical lounge-jazz, groove-heavy funk, and fully improvised music. Whether playing with artists like **Christina Courtin**, diving into the warm, vintage-leaning sounds of **Kolumbo**, or leaning into the wild, freak-funk energy of **Breastfist**, Chris approaches every setting with the same goal: to elevate the music and serve the song. His adaptability and inventive guitar work have also led him to larger national platforms. Chris has appeared on *The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon* performing with UK artist Jade Bird, and on *Saturday Night Live* with Halsey—showcasing his ability to shine in high-profile, fast-moving musical environments. In addition to his sideman work, Chris leads **Guru Complex**, his instrumental sextet that highlights his compositional voice, arranging skills, and increasingly signature slide-guitar sound. The group gives Parker a space to explore rhythm, texture, and melody on his own terms, blending groove-driven improvisation with tightly crafted writing. Rooted in Brooklyn’s rich music scene and endlessly curious about new sounds, Chris Parker continues to shape a career defined by range, feel, and a deep commitment to making meaningful, exciting music. ## 🎸 Q & A ### **What does your current guitar practice routine look like?** Lately, it involves some warm-ups I devised to help strengthen my pinky, which seems to have gotten a little out of sync from wearing a slide on it for so long. Then I mostly work on the music I need to know for upcoming performances. I kept learning this lesson the hard way: whatever you need to refine in your guitar playing will be exposed by *any* music - not just 'hard' music or something you think you ought to be working on, like ‘Giant Steps.’ I used to try to get to a never ending list of scales, arpeggios, etc. when I was younger, but I was never organized enough to feel good about it. It just seemed very haphazard and it ended up linking guitar with a sense of anxiety that ruined my relationship with practicing. When a gig would come up I wouldn’t feel very prepared on the music, which makes me play tentatively. But because I had been practicing a lot of scales and stuff I thought that the gig should have been better. That is a recipe for not feeling so good about yourself. So in the last few years I've tried to **center my guitar practice on repertoire** that I need or want to learn. In working out repertoire you end up with an arrangement you could actually use on a gig. Also transcribing - it gives you all the answers. What notes do you use on a C7? I dunno, let’s see what Charlie Parker says, or John Coltrane, or etc. All the good stuff is in there if you learn it. ### **What's the best piece of advice you have for other guitar players?** Transpose. Play songs, basic chord progressions, licks, whatever you like to play in other keys. It will expose where your gaps are. It's the best way to really understand our extremely confusing and unintuitive instrument. Standard tuning makes barre chords easy and everything else hard. If we are to relate the principles of harmony and melody that are obvious to our ears to our hands, then we need to develop a tactile intelligence that is more flexible and intuitive than just licks and grips. We develop that ability through learning musical vocabulary and transposing it around the instrument. ### **How do you stay inspired when you’re balancing so many different musical roles (sideman, leader/composer, multi-instrumentalist)? Do you have specific routines, listening habits, or “reset” practices?** When I need to center myself I always find myself coming back to the mantra “Bach, Bird, Blues.” Lately its been Bird (nickname for Charlie Parker if anyone is unfamiliar). I'll just work on bits of his compositions or solos and transpose them to different strings, try different fingerings, make my own variants etc. It really connects me with the guitar rhythmically and gives me a feeling of control that somehow translates to any music. And I think **that is the point of practicing: to maintain a sense of confidence on your instrument that you can take into any musical situation.** ### **What gear (guitar/amp/pedals) are you using lately—and why?** I have an ever evolving strat project that really covers a lot of sonic ground. It has a gold foil (but soon to be P90) and a humbucker with coil split and out of phase switches. My pedal board has been shrinking, but I have come to rely on a **MXR Reverb** that I control the decay/mix with an expression pedal for things like sustain, reverb throws, and continuous control rather than just on/off. Also, the **EHX Attack Decay** is integral to getting non-guitar or synth-like sounds. It behaves interestingly with slide playing. For amps I have a **silverface Princeton** that sounds great, but I usually roll around New York on the subway with my little **ZT Lunchbox** or just play amp roulette with whatever they have at the gig - that is part of the fun of living in NYC. It has kind of become a game for me - to see if I can get a bad amp to sound good. ### **Slide guitar is a specialty of yours now. What drew you to slide guitar, what makes it unique for you in the context of Guru Complex, and how do you approach it differently than “regular” guitar?** Originally what drew me to slide guitar was hearing Derek Trucks. But then I heard Tony Scherr on a Norah Jones track ('What am I to You?') and realized you could chord with your non-slide fingers. And then I heard Sonny Landreth and learned you could fret behind the slide. And then I heard Ry Cooder and realized you could compose and arrange a whole sound world around it. And then I heard Dave Tronzo and realized that there are really no boundaries at all when it comes to slide guitar. The sound I was after with **Guru Complex** grew out of playing in a short-lived group with a master musician and percussionist from India named **Samir Chatterjee**. He taught us melodies by ear, and of course I tried to emulate sitar and sarod sounds and other non-western instruments. I sounded nowhere close to the virtuosos that actually *really* play that music, but it opened a door to playing in a way that utilized buzzy sounds and other extended techniques that I hadn’t thought of before when i was thinking in a blues and rock context. Also, when you hold a slide across the strings, there are so many rattles and buzzes that we are usually trying to eliminate, but I started to be really drawn to these percussive aspects and began to compose grooves and etudes that became the basis for some of the compositions. My approach to slide guitar differs from how I think of “regular” guitar in the way I deal with chording. As anyone reading this probably knows, the slide gives you mostly just one option - the open chord that the guitar is tuned to, which makes it essentially a movable barre. Thanks to Sonny Landreth’s fretting behind the slide innovation you can ring slide notes along with fretted notes to change chord tones. But that only allows for the lowering of pitches under the slide. If you want to raise a chord tone or get a pedal steel bend, for example, you have to raise the pitch obviously. It took a while to figure out how to bend strings against the slide from underneath - lap steel players do it from above with their free left hand fingers behind the slide bar and have a little more wiggle room. So conceptually, I think of the slide as a movable “0” fret and can get -3 or +2 frets without moving it, if that makes any sense to anyone out there. Some chords are still impossible or very uncomfortable, but it’s a work in progress. The beautiful thing about guitar is there always seems to be a workaround if you think on it long enough. ### **For emerging guitarists (or improvising musicians) trying to build a sustainable career: what would you say are the most important “business” or non-musical skills to develop?** Community building. Hanging around and being helpful without an agenda. People notice when you are being transactional and no one likes a ladder climber (unless they are too haha). Don't ask for guestlist; just buy a ticket and show up. A career will take care of itself if you are really into music and are kind and useful to others. ### **What’s been your biggest challenge as a guitarist and musician?** Trusting myself. When I was younger, I was waiting for validation or permission from teachers and older musicians. By my mid 30s I started to realize that no one is going to give me 'the big gig' and that waiting for a 'big break' is not a plan. You don't need permission from anyone to play the music that you think is cool. Almost every time I shared something that I was obsessed with in private but didn't think others would care, I was always shocked how it resonated with others. That happened with the faux pedal steel stuff I was working on: it felt like a party trick or something but when I shared it, people were really interested. I ended up connecting with people all over the world who are slide guitar nuts and builders of bending contraptions, slides and etc. If you think it's interesting, someone else is going to think so too - and therein is your audience, your collaborators and like-minded people who are going to start following what you do. ### **What’s next for you musically—any projects or goals you're working on?** I am slowly learning how to be consistent with my output. As a sideman, I often let my own projects go to the backburner, but I notice that the artists who we all know and take for granted are simply the ones who put out a record every year and go on tour. Easier said than done of course! But having a career seems to be more a function of consistency and persistence, provided you are doing something that people find interesting and valuable. ## ⚡ Lightning Round ### **One album every guitarist should listen to?** 2 Drink Minimum by Wayne Krantz ### **Desert island guitar and amp?** Strat and a tweed champ ### **What guitarist should everyone know about?** Emmanuel Michael ****Check out CHRIS PARKER** [Website](https://chrisparkermusic.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/chrisparker246/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@guitaressentialism?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## News & Notes - **Steve Cropper**, legendary American guitarist best known as a founding member of Booker T. & the M.G.’s and for his influential work with Stax Records, [passed away at the age of 84](https://www.960theref.com/entertainment/steve-cropper/N2T63BQVHQZLZJ7KDJVBO72XUI/?ref=vividguitar.co). Steve co-wrote the classics *Green Onions*, *Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay*, and *In the Midnight Hour*. - **Fender** announced/teased a **Tom Morello** "Arm The Homeless" Guitar. The signature model (which is coming soon) replicates his custom Strat which has undergone a huge array of mods and upgrades across its three-decade existence. You can enter to win a signed version of the guitar on [Fender's site](https://www.fender.com/pages/teaser-tom-morello-arm-the-homeless-guitar?ref=vividguitar.co). - **Fender** released a firmware update that [added 4 new amps](https://www.fender.com/articles/parts-and-accessories/tone-master-pros-latest-firmware-update-is-one?ref=vividguitar.co) to it's Tone Master Pro - **Fender ’65 Twin Reverb Blonde**, **Petrol**, **Hiway 105**, and **Fender Bassman TV**. The release also includes 6 new cabinet impluse response sets, and 23 new effects. - **Robben Ford** dropped by the **Guitarist** studios for a [rig rundown](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-vLIUsrLJk&ref=vividguitar.co) featuring his his 1960 Tele and his latest pedalboard. - The [**Always Getting Better podcast**](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-73-mark-wraith/id1711383240?i=1000738805755&ref=vividguitar.co) interviewed guitarist **Mark Wraith** — a London-based player and exceptional sight-reader currently performing on the hit musical *Hamilton*. --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Learn a Progression, Rob Chapman, Strymon El Capistan URL: https://vividguitar.co/learn-a-progression-rob-chapman-strymon-el-capistan/ Last updated: 2026-02-02T14:18:10.000Z [![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png)](http://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3q?ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 "You’re always learning about this thing every time you pick it up” -Keith Richards ## Guitar Practice ### Let's Learn a Progression Today, let's take a look at a chord progression in Db. We work in a diminished chord, a minor 11 chord, and a couple *altered* dominant chords (with a #5). ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/11/Chord-Progression.png) Want to look at it from a theory point of view? - In the first 2 bars (the top line), we have a I–ii–V iprogression in Db, using a **passing diminished** and a **tritone-sub dominant** (A7) before resolving to A♭7. - In the second 2 bars (the 2nd line), we have a I–ii–V progression with a **secondary dominant** (B♭7#5) leading into ii, and an **altered dominant** (A♭7#5) resolving back toward D♭. --- ## Guitarist Spotlight ### Rob Chapman ![Guitarist Rob Chapman](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/11/Rob-Chapman-Guitar.webp) Rob Chapman is an English guitarist, singer, YouTuber, and entrepreneur known for his high-energy playing style and approachable teaching videos. He first gained attention in the late 2000s by posting gear demos, lessons, and reviews online. His mix of humor, clear explanations, and rock-focused playing helped him build a large community of guitar players. Over time, he became one of the most recognizable online guitar personalities. Chapman has played in several bands throughout his career. He co-founded the progressive rock group Dorje, where he performed as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist. He later launched another project, Clockwork Wolf & Co., which blends blues, Americana, and rock influences. His musical style draws from hard rock, metal, and blues, shaped by guitarists like Joe Satriani, Jimi Hendrix, and Devin Townsend. In 2009, Chapman co-founded Chapman Guitars with Lee Anderton. The company became known for involving fans in the design process by letting players vote on features for new instruments. Chapman Guitars grew quickly and developed a reputation for producing modern, versatile guitars with comfortable necks and a wide range of pickup options. The brand serves players from beginners to professionals and remains an important part of Chapman’s work. In 2023, Chapman expanded his business ventures by becoming a co-owner of Cerberus Guitars and Guitarmory Pickups. Cerberus Guitars is known for its metal-inspired designs and offers both high-end U.S. custom shop builds and more affordable models made overseas. Guitarmory Pickups is a boutique company that creates high-quality pickups for a variety of styles, including single-coils, humbuckers, and P-90s. Chapman has said that these new roles complement his work at Chapman Guitars and allow him to stay involved in different parts of the guitar-building world. Throughout his career, Chapman has stayed focused on inspiring and educating guitarists. Whether through his bands, his instrument companies, or his online videos, he continues to be a major influence in the modern guitar community. ****Check out Rob Chapman** [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/rob%5Fchappers/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Chapman Guitars](https://www.chapmanguitars.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@RobChappers?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Gear Showcase ### Strymon El Capistan ![Strymon El Capistan Guitar Pedal](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/11/Strymon-El-Capistan.jpg) Strymon El Capistan The Strymon **El Capistan** is one of those guitar pedals that players fall in love with almost instantly. When it came out in 2010, it stood out for how well it captured the warm, dreamy sound of old tape echo machines—without the hassle of maintaining real tape. Guitarists quickly realized it could deliver everything from smooth, vintage-style repeats to quirky, wobbly textures that feel straight out of an old recording. Powered by a SHARC DSP processor, it doesn’t just imitate tape echo—it recreates the little imperfections that make tape delays so charming. You can hear subtle tape wear, gentle modulation, and even that slight saturation you’d get from pushing an old machine. Instead of feeling sterile or digital, the pedal responds in a very musical, organic way. The El Capistan gives you three types of tape “machines”—Fixed, Multi, and Single—each with three variations, so there’s a lot to explore. The controls let you shape everything from the delay time to how old and worn-out your “tape” sounds. There’s even a built-in spring reverb for extra vintage flavor. And because Strymon hid a set of secondary functions under the hood, you can dive even deeper if you want to fine-tune things. In 2022, Strymon released the **V2** version, adding a few modern upgrades. The sound engine remains true to the original, but V2 includes a premium JFET input for better feel, an updated ARM processor for more efficient performance, and full **MIDI control** through the TRS jack. It also features a USB-C port for easier firmware updates and a redesigned footswitch that’s quieter and more durable. Over time, the El Capistan has earned a reputation as a modern classic. It shows up on countless pedalboards because it’s reliable, sounds great, and inspires creativity. Whether you’re looking for subtle ambience, rhythmic echoes, or wild, atmospheric sounds, the El Capistan has a way of making everything feel a little more magical. **Check out the Strymon El Capistan** [Website](https://www.strymon.net/product/elcapistan/?srsltid=AfmBOoq4cu02Kv27TekJcMEV6K-dTvmwjIT0g1z-5PQbk6SJJZJnux42&ref=vividguitar.co) | [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/43Cy8Zr?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## News & Notes 🗞️ ![Gretsch Limited Edition Abbey Road RS201 Studiomatic Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/11/-Limited-Edition-Abbey-Road-RS201-Studiomatic.jpg) Gretsch Limited Edition Abbey Road RS201 Studiomatic Guitar - **Gretsch** collaborated with **Abbey Road Studios** to create a new limited-edition [Abbey Road RS201 Studiomatic](https://youtu.be/eR4I9m5mSEE?si=K17QOMd6eFyjXk0w&ref=vividguitar.co) electric guitar. The vintage-inspired hollowbody features Filter'Tron pickups, a custom-voiced Rumble Filter circuit, and an Abbey Road metal head badge. - **PRS Guitars** announced the [PRS Fiore HH](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5sek8gW9Vg&ref=vividguitar.co), a dual-humbucker version of Mark Lettieri’s signature model. The Fiore HH offers a new configuration, changing from the original’s single-single-hum pickup setup, to humbucker only, and swapping the maple fretboard for rosewood. It is available in both gloss and satin finishes. - **Taylor Guitars** announced a signature [Trey Hensley Gold Label 510e](https://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/trey-hensley-gold-label-510e-se?ref=vividguitar.co) acoustic guitar. It features a sitka spruce top with tropical mahogany back and sides, a mahogany neck, and ebony fretboard, and LR Baggs Anthem SL electronics. - **Premier Guitar** posted a new [rig rundown video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77sDQTZJjpM&ref=vividguitar.co) with **Jeff Tweedy**. - 📺 Watch this: **Trey Anastasio** discussing his pre-show [guitar warm-up routine](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnpN48ClDGs&ref=vividguitar.co). --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Arpeggio Riff, LsL Guitars, News & Notes URL: https://vividguitar.co/arpeggio-riff-lsl-guitars/ Last updated: 2025-11-25T14:27:50.000Z [ ![](https://www.awin1.com/cshow.php?s=3526276&v=67144&q=479083&r=1519185) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?s=3526276&v=67144&q=479083&r=1519185&ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 The trick is, if you get lucky enough over the years, you want to surround yourself with musicians that are better than you. You can't help but raise your baseline by trying keep up with them. You don't want to ever be the best person in the room. You want to be the weak link, because then you've got a place to grow. - Joe Bonamassa ## Guitar Practice **Arpeggio Riff in C Major** Let's take a look at an arpeggio-based riff in the key of C Major. This riff is over a**iii VI7 ii V7 I** progression, adding a b9 to the Dominant chords. Below is the riff, with the arpeggios these notes were pulled from shown above each chord. By using just *parts* of the arpeggios (rather than all of he notes), it sounds more like an interesting riff - compared to sounding like you're running through an arpeggio exercise. As always, the goal here is to learn the concept, and not necessarily to memorize the riff. Arpeggio Riff in C Major 0:00 /7.998594 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/11/Arpeggio-Riff-in-C-Major-1.png) --- ## Gear Showcase ## LsL Guitars ![LsL Guitars](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/11/LsL-Guitars.png) LsL Guitars **LsL Guitars** is a boutique electric guitar company based in Southern California, known for its hand-built instruments that blend vintage style with modern precision. The company was founded in 2008 by husband-and-wife team Lance and Lisa Lerman in their garage in Santa Clarita, California. Lance, a lifelong woodworker with a background in instrument repair, built his first guitar because he couldn’t find a vintage-style model that felt right. When local players began praising his work, the couple decided to turn their passion into a full-time business—and LsL Instruments was born. From the start, the Lermans built their company around a simple idea: do everything in-house. Every body, neck, pickup, and finish is made by hand in their California shop. This commitment to craftsmanship gives each guitar its own personality and tone. Their instruments often draw from classic designs—like the *T-Bone* (T-style) and *Saticoy* (S-style)—but each one is built to order, allowing for a high level of customization. LsL guitars are also known for their use of premium materials and vintage-inspired finishes. Builders use carefully selected woods like swamp ash and roasted maple, paired with thin nitrocellulose lacquer for a resonant, “broken-in” feel. The company’s “Era Series” offers the same quality and hand-built approach at a more affordable price point, aimed at working musicians who want boutique tone without the boutique price tag. Over the years, LsL Instruments has earned a reputation among professional players and collectors alike for its attention to detail, tone, and playability. Their guitars have been featured in major magazines and praised for their fat tone, sustain, and classic looks. What started as one man’s search for the perfect vintage guitar has grown into one of the most respected boutique brands in the industry. **Key facts:** - Founded: 2008 in Santa Clarita, California - Founders: Lance and Lisa Lerman - Known for: Hand-built guitars inspired by vintage designs - Signature models: *T-Bone*, *Bad Bone*, and *Saticoy* [Check out LSL Guitars](https://www.lslinstruments.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [View LsL guitars on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/47RQGq1?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## News & Notes 🗞️ ![Martin D-11 Stained Glass Acoustic Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/11/image-8.png) Martin D-11 Stained Glass Acoustic Guitar - **Martin** announced a [D-11 Stained Glass](https://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/D-11-Stained-Glass.html?ref=vividguitar.co) acoustic guitar. It features a high-resolution image of stained-glass artwork designed by Agnes Northrop for Tiffany Studios, currently on display at the Allentown Art Museum. Limited to 50 guitars. MSRP is $1,499. - **Taylor Guitars** released 2 new **Jacob Collier** [signature 5-string acoustic guitars](https://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/colabs/jacob-collier?ref=vividguitar.co) \- the Jacob Collier GS Mini 5-String and Jacob Collier Academy 22e 5-String. - **Cory Wong** posted Part 2 of his podcast interview with **Trey Anastasio**. Trey talked about composition, his extensive warm-up routine, and revealed that after decades of acquiring lots of expensive gear, he replaced 90% of his rig with a pair of Line 6 multi-effects pedals. [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-trey-anastasio-takeover-continues/id1513405224?i=1000736394958&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/4KV3iMKmeLjKlz3ugf60uV?si=ZH0Uuob7SUqe2g6O7UQixw&ref=vividguitar.co) - **Mixdown Magazine** posted a [gear rundown](https://mixdownmag.com.au/features/gear-rundown-ty-segall/?ref=vividguitar.co) with **Ty Segall**. - **Tapestry Music** and **Jay Leonard Jay** [discussed](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XORs9ijCOD4&ref=vividguitar.co) whether there's a difference between budget guitar cables and boutique cables. --- ### Recommended Reading: **Mike Campbell: Heartbreaker** Mike's book might be best music autobiography ever written. It's a page-turner, with great story after great story. In addition to being a great guitarist, it turns out Mike Campbell is an equally great writer and storyteller. ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/11/image-7.png) --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Learn a Riff, Powers Electric Guitars, Benson The Amp URL: https://vividguitar.co/learn-a-riff-powers-electric-guitars/ Last updated: 2025-11-11T15:00:06.000Z [![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png)](http://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3q?ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 "Human beings, it seems, are at their best when immersed deeply in something challenging." - Cal Newport ## Guitar Practice ### Let's Learn a Riff Let's take a look at a way to navigate playing over iii vi ii V I Riff in the key of C. Below, while a lot of the notes fit into the C Major Scale, we're really thinking about this on a chord-by-chord basis, and using some chromatic approach notes. An *approach n*ote is typically a note a half step below or a half step above the note we're targeting. For example if we're playing over G7, and want to target the G note, we could play a G# note that leads into (or resolves) to G. Iii vii ii V I Riff 0:00 /17.998957 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/11/iii-vi-ii-V-I-Riff.png) --- ## Gear Showcase ### Powers Electric Guitars A-Type ![Powers Electric Guitars](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/11/image-1.png) Powers Electric Guitars ***A fresh vision from Andy Powers, the mind behind Taylor Guitars.*** **Powers Electric Guitars** is a boutique electric guitar company founded in 2023 by **Andy Powers**, the master builder and CEO of **Taylor Guitars**. After decades of designing some of the world’s most respected acoustic instruments, Powers set out to create something different—a new kind of electric guitar that combined craftsmanship, innovation, and a sense of individuality inspired by his Southern California roots. Influenced by surfboards, hot rods, and skate culture, Powers wanted his guitars to feel alive, modern, and personal, not just another take on a classic vintage design. The company launched with a single model, the **A-Type**, which immediately stood out for its originality. Rather than using a traditional solid or semi-hollow construction, the A-Type features a **trussed hollow-body** design: a lightweight, fully enclosed body that resonates like an acoustic but resists feedback like a solid-body. The result is an instrument that feels responsive, open, and harmonically rich. Every part of the A-Type was designed in-house at Powers Electric. The company created two original pickups—the **PF42** (Partial Faraday) and **FF42** (Full Faraday)—which deliver a wide tonal range from bright and articulate to warm and smooth. The unique **CamTail vibrato system** offers a fluid, natural feel that stays in tune, while other small details, like the knobs made from recycled surfboard resin and the custom bridge and hardware, use the same attention to design and character found in handmade instruments. Playability was another major focus. The neck has a **24 7/8-inch scale length** \- very slightly longer than the traditional Gibson 24.75" scale length. The fretboard features an innovative **split radius**—rounder under the bass strings for comfortable chords and flatter under the treble strings for smoother leads. Together with contoured body edges and a balanced shape, the A-Type is built for both comfort and expression. Each Powers Electric guitar is made in small batches in California, where Powers and his team oversee every detail. With its mix of modern engineering, thoughtful design, and handmade quality, Powers Electric represents a new chapter in the evolution of the electric guitar—one that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and a distinctly West Coast spirit. ### Key Highlights - The brand debuted in June 2023 with the model **A-Type**, a fully enclosed hollow-body electric guitar. - Inspirations for the design come from Southern California’s surf, skate, car and music cultures—Andy Powers wanted a guitar “with a sound and feel that didn’t already exist.” - Virtually every component on the A-Type is designed and made in-house: pickups, tailpiece (the “CamTail” vibrato system), knobs made from surf-board resin, etc. - Construction features include reclaimed Urban Ash body wood, internal soundposts (to boost resonance & suppress feedback), an asymmetrical “split radius” fretboard, and bespoke hardware. - Production is small-batch and limited; the instruments are positioned as premium, artisan-crafted guitars. ### Check out Powers Electric [Website](https://powerselectricguitars.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/powerselectricguitars/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [View Powers Electric guitars on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/47Ysljp?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## News & Notes 🗞️ ![Benson The Amp Guitar Amp Pedal](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/11/Benson-The-Amp.png) Benson The Amp - **Benson Amps** collaborated with **Milkman Sound** partnered with to create [Benson The Amp](https://www.bensonamps.com/benson-the-amp?ref=vividguitar.co). The amp which places the signature preamp from Chris' Chimera and Monarch amplifier models into a grab and go format. - **Heritage** expanded it's Standard II collection to include updates the the [H-535 ](https://heritageguitars.com/pages/standard-ii-collection-h-535?ref=vividguitar.co)and [H-530 ](https://heritageguitars.com/pages/standard-ii-collection-h-530?ref=vividguitar.co)models. They feature a new slimmer neck, new pickups, a reworked headstock, and push/pull tone pots to enable series-parallel switching for single-coil brightness or full humbucker power on the H-535. - **Fender** announced the [California Standard Series](https://www.fender.com/collections/california-standard-acoustics?ref=vividguitar.co) of acoustic guitars. They feature a slim C-shaped neck, and Fender's classic 6-in-a-line headstock. - **Gibson** announced a [Noel Gallagher Signature Les Paul](https://www.gibson.com/products/gibson-noel-gallagher-les-paul-standard-ebony?ref=vividguitar.co) Standard in Ebony. - Fender released a [Johnny Marr Signature Jaguar](https://www.fender.com/products/johnny-marr-jaguar?ref=vividguitar.co). If features a maple neck based on Marr's 1965 Jaguar, with a custom profile, a 7.25"-radius rosewood fingerboard with 22 vintage-style frets, and dual custom-wound Bare Knuckle® Johnny Marr single-coil pickups. --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Exploring Sound: Luca Benedetti on Creativity, Influences, and the Gear That Shapes His Voice URL: https://vividguitar.co/interview-with-guitarist-luca-benedetti/ Last updated: 2025-11-05T18:53:42.000Z Luca Benedetti is a Brooklyn-based guitarist, composer, and producer known for his distinctive blend of jazz, blues, Americana, and beyond. A mainstay of the New York City music scene since the late 90s, he’s recognized for his expressive tone, stylistic range, and a deep-rooted feel that bridges groove-based traditions with modern improvisation. Luca is often heard with his own instrumental trio featuring bassist Tony Scherr (Bill Frisell, Norah Jones) and drummer Tony Mason (John Scofield, Charlie Hunter), exploring a dynamic sound and mix of twang, groove, and improvisation. He is also well known for his long-running collaboration with Telecaster great Jim Campilongo, which has produced several celebrated projects—including the Western swing–inspired Jim Campilongo & Honeyfingers “Last Night, This Morning”, the intimate duet album Jim Campilongo & Luca Benedetti “Two Guitars”, and the more recent Miles Davis–influenced jazz-rock outing “She Loved the Coney Island Freak Show” with the Jim Campilongo 4tet. As a sought-after sideman, session player, and producer, Luca has also performed, recorded, and toured internationally with artists including Ron Carter, Hermine Deurloo & Steve Gadd, Martha Redbone, Chris Lightcap, Erik Deutsch, Jon Cowherd, Zephaniah & The 18 Wheelers, The Brooklyn Boogaloo Blowout, Tubby, Speeding West, The Dang-It Bobbys, and The National Reserve. Born in Rome, Italy, Luca left at an early age due to his father’s work in the airline industry. His childhood was unusual, and by the time he moved to the U.S. at 18, he had lived and traveled across all five continents—experiences that exposed him to a wide range of cultures and sounds, helping to shape his distinctive musical voice. Luca attended both the Berklee College of Music and The City College of New York, where he studied under jazz legend Ron Carter. The two later collaborated on several occasions, including a memorable performance at the ASCAP Hall of Fame ceremony honoring Milt Hinton and Artie Shaw. His playing and production work have earned praise from Relix Magazine, Vintage Guitar Magazine, and Saving Country Music, among others, while his guitar work has appeared in major advertising campaigns for McDonald’s, Subway, Rolex, Arby’s, The Cotton Industry, Axe, and AT&T. He also composed the soundtrack for KPI TV’s Lucha Libre: Life Behind the Mask. Drawing on a global set of influences and a lifelong passion for blues, jazz, and improvisation, Luca Benedetti continues to carve out a singular musical voice—eclectic, expressive, and deeply groove-driven. ## 🎸 Q & A ### **How do you practice creativity — do you work on exercises, transcriptions, or simply explore ideas?** I'd say all of the above. I definitely have some exercises, and they usually involve setting certain rules or limitations. The goal is to break out of familiar patterns—the licks, habits, or rhythmic phrases we naturally gravitate toward. Sometimes the limitation is physical. For example, I might only play with one finger, which changes my phrasing and speed, or I’ll restrict myself to a single string and improvise horizontally. Other times, I’ll stay within a four-fret range—one fret per finger—and play vertically through chord changes without leaving that area. These kinds of boundaries really help break away from one’s usual fretboard habits. I also do melodic exercises. One idea is to simply remove a note from a scale. For example, in an A minor pentatonic (A, C, D, E, G), I might remove the third (C) and improvise with just four notes, which forces me to stay away from familiar licks, play differently, and often leads to new melodic ideas. Take a major scale and remove one note so it’s a six-note scale—you’ll inevitably play differently. Harmonically, I’ve been practicing voicing triads that incorporate open strings. For instance, using the open low E string and fretting the other two notes of a triad on the A and D strings below—so E–B–G# for E major, E–C–G for C major, or E–C–A for A minor. It creates a beautiful texture and is the kind of exercise from which a song might emerge just from exploring new voicings. As for transcribing, I used to do full solos, but these days I’m more likely to just grab short phrases or licks that catch my ear. I’ll then run them in different keys and fingerings and find ways to internalize them. I do, however, still transcribe full compositions. Admittedly, my practice is somewhat less structured than it was in my formative years, but I love getting into a routine when I can. The feeling of progress is always so rewarding. For warm-ups and technique, I still run through the Segovia scale fingerings and some melodic minor and harmonic minor scale arpeggio ideas I picked up from guitar great Adam Rogers. There’s just less time for hours upon hours of practice as we age and other priorities in life catch up, so with the time I have, I’m often mostly focused on writing new music, learning new repertoire for an upcoming gig or recording, or perhaps digging deeper into a specific song. ### **Who were some of your biggest influences when you were developing your sound?** In 1982, when I was 11, I was living in Nairobi, Kenya, and the most rocking album we had in the house was the soundtrack to *Grease*. Otherwise, it was mostly Beethoven or some Italian folk/pop albums my parents had. One day some family friends who had just been to the U.S. brought two cassettes for my brother and me as gifts. One was Crosby, Stills & Nash’s *Déjà Vu* and the other was Led Zeppelin’s *In Through the Out Door*. We’d never heard of either of these bands, but my older brother chose first and picked Crosby, Stills & Nash, and I was left with one of Zeppelin’s more unusual albums—but I loved it dearly. Firstly for the mere fact that it was mine, but also because it, and Jimmy Page of course, truly rocked. Shortly after—not sure how—I heard of AC/DC, and Angus Young quickly became, and still is, one of my favorites. From there, I started getting into bluesier stuff—Jeff Beck’s *Truth* album with Rod Stewart really grabbed me, which then led me to his later classics, *Blow by Blow* and *Wired*. Albert Collins was another huge influence. The Albert Collins record *Iceman* really stuck with me—it’s super funky blues, and that stinging Tele sound on 10 had a big impact on me. Of course, I listened to Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan at the time—they were both such a huge presence in the mainstream—but through them, I ultimately discovered the Black American blues artists that had an even deeper influence: all the Kings—Albert, B.B., and Freddie—plus Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Otis Rush, Earl Hooker, Magic Sam, Lead Belly, Mississippi John Hurt to name a few. Around ’89 or ’90, those were really formative years. I was about 19, and I hadn’t been playing long—started around 15—but I’d ended up at the University of Connecticut as a freshman, where dorm life exposed me to a lot of the classic rock I’d missed out on in my earlier years. Plus, this was a unique moment in time for instrumental guitar music, when a huge body of big-budget, highly produced albums were being released on major labels: Jeff Beck’s *Guitar Shop*, Danny Gatton’s *Elmira Street*, Steve Morse’s *High Tension Wires*, Joe Satriani’s *Flying in a Blue Dream*, *Iceman* by Albert Collins, Steve Vai’s *Passion & Warfare*, Eric Johnson’s *Ah Via Musicom*, Michael Hedges’ *Taproot*, Adrian Legg’s *Guitar and Other Cathedrals*, etc. Some of those prooved ultimately more influential than others but at the time I was just soaking it all in. Eventually, I decided to take the idea of a music career more seriously and transferred to Berklee, where I started sinking my teeth into jazz. In terms of guitar players, Pat Martino was a huge influence, along with George Benson, Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, and John McLaughlin—especially his work on Miles Davis’ *Jack Johnson*. Of course, the music of the original Berklee legends—Frisell, Scofield, Pat Metheny, and Mike Stern—was omnipresent while I was there, and they all were and continue to be an inspiration. I realize this seems like a linear timeline, but it isn’t, and I certainly don't recall when I first heard all the players. Steve Cropper eventually became a big inspiration, but I'd actually been listening to him since my early teens because of an Otis Redding album my parents often played. Same with Ry Cooder—his haunting soundtrack to *Paris, Texas* had been with me from early on. Other important influences off the top of my head are the country-funkiness of Albert Lee and James Burton, Leo Nocentelli and The Meters, and the more modern jazz players—Kurt Rosenwinkel, Jeff Parker, Nels Cline—the list just goes on and on. I also finally heard Blake Mills live recently—truly mesmerizing sounds and playing—really different and inspiring. The duo albums by Skúli Sverrisson and Bill Frisell are something I’ve really been into lately as well. Last but not least, the music from the places I was fortunate to visit has also played a huge part in my sound. I lived in Brazil, Ghana, and Ethiopia, to name a few, and each has its own distinctly rich musical traditions that I was able to absorb long before the ease of access that digital platforms now offer us. If I start naming all the artists that influenced me just from those countries, we’ll never end! I consider myself very, very lucky for having had those experiences. ### **You blend elements of jazz, blues, Americana, and roots — how did that hybrid approach develop in your playing? What advice would you give to a guitarist who’s trying to bridge genres like you do?** The main advice I would give is to be honest with yourself about what made you love playing music and your instrument in the first place. We all go through journeys. I’m fortunate that I was always curious about a lot of different kinds of music and was open to exploring them. Growing up, there was a lot of tape trading and recommendations from record store clerks—“Oh, if you like that, then you need to check THIS out!”—which also exposed me to a wide variety of artists. It was a much less predictable and more exciting way to discover music versus the playlist algorithms of today. Plus, it was a time when I, and most folks, would really sit and absorb full albums. Our attention span has greatly suffered with all the distractions of modern digital life and the overwhelming amount of music available at our fingertips for free. When I went to Berklee, I definitely narrowed my focus and got very into jazz, which was valuable but also restrictive. Once I left and moved to NY, it took years to deprogram from the academic-music mindset and reconnect with the music I truly loved. Much of it revolved around the basic I, IV, and V chords, which seemed almost taboo to enjoy after Berklee. To be clear, I loved my time there and all that I learned, but music school can also lead to overcomplication and not making “music”. In retrospect, going to music school and knowing what you want to get out of it ahead of time, is a good idea. It’s also great for the connections you’ll make. Around 2009, I had a bit of a turning point and began embracing much of the bluesier, raunchier, funkier music that originally inspired me. Along with that came a renewed pursuit of tone via tube amps, tinkering with pickups, etc. This is also when I started going to hear Tele-great Jim Campilongo more often at The Living Room in NY’s Lower East Side. I’m fortunate to now call him a friend and collaborator on a number of great projects. But I digress—my advice is: listen to everything, but don’t feel obligated to like it all. Give music a chance, even in genres you don’t normally gravitate toward, but also filter what truly resonates with you. That’s how you can try to keep your musical journey honest and meaningful. ### **You’re often seen with a Telecaster — what do you love about that guitar, and how does it fit your sound?** I didn’t commit to a Telecaster until about 15-20 years ago. Before that, I mostly played Strats and 335-style guitars. But at some point, it all clicked. I was a fan of Albert Collins, Steve Cropper, Roy Buchanan, and Danny Gatton, and again, seeing Jim Campilongo in New York really opened my eyes to the Telecaster’s unique and special voice. I really connect with both the neck and bridge pickups. The neck pickup captures that archtop sound, especially with flatwound strings, while the bridge pickup can really cut in a way no other guitar’s bridge pickup does. I used to ignore the middle position, but I’ve come to appreciate it more recently. I’m generally not a fan of humbuckers or Charlie Christian neck pickups on a Tele because I like going from the quieter neck pickup to the louder boost of the bridge. It really throws me off if the neck is louder—it kind of takes away some of the Tele magic. I also have an out-of-phase “quack” setting that gives me that funky thing à la James Burton, Waylon Jennings, and Albert Lee. At the end of the day, the Telecaster is just a very versatile guitar, and I’m clearly not the only one to think so! ### **Can you talk about your amp and effects setup — what’s essential for you?** A cable! I really don’t mind playing dry as long as it’s through a good amp—specifically, a good tube amp. I’m really an amp nerd, much more so than guitars, and I’ve gone pretty deep, even learning to fix and maintain all my old Fenders. I was lucky to collect a lot of vintage Fender amps from different eras long before websites like Reverb existed that inflated prices and obliterated almost all the good deals. The next most essential effect for me is tremolo, which many of my amps have. I have a Fender Brown Deluxe, a Fender Brown Princeton, a Fender Vibro Champ—all with great tremolos—and a Tweed Tremolux. I’d be happy with just that. Reverb is also great of course and kind of essential if the room you’re playing in is super dry, but I use it very sparingly. I love my ’66 Blackface Vibrolux Reverb, which has both tremolo and reverb. For me, those two effects alone are generally more than enough. If I want verb and trem on my “dry” amps, I’ll use a Strymon Flint. I do, however, also have a large board I use, in particular with a couple of great singers I play with now, Joy Askew and Margo Valiante. Their music requires a setup that’s often atmospheric and textural. It has a Tube Screamer and a Jam Pedals Rattler for long sustain, Strymon Cloudburst for ambient reverb, Jam Pedals Delay Llama, and their RetroVibe. I also use a JHS Little Big Fuzz for sputtery fuzz sounds. ### **What do you think most players misunderstand about developing their own voice on the instrument?** I don’t know that I have a clear answer to that—assuming that I even fully understand what it takes to develop my own voice. I think it goes back to what I said earlier about being honest with yourself and also about filtering—not just filtering what you listen to, but also filtering what you're playing. Even if we learn something through a transcription or emulate what someone else does, it might not be honest to what you actually want to hear. At the end of the day, it’s not your voice. I think one of the most important things you can do is at least know what you *don’t* want to sound like. It’s hard to know exactly where your voice will go, but we usually recognize what doesn’t feel right. Use that self-criticism to find the things that truly excite you, and then be honest about it—if something grabs you, play it with full intent and honesty. Bring that into your performances, whether you’re playing alone or for other people. Influences don’t have to sound like you. I love Allan Holdsworth—what a genius—and I can’t play anything like him. But his artistry, energy, and virtuosity can still influence me. The notes, technique, or sound might not be things I’d use, but they can still inform how I approach my own music. It’s not just about people in the same genre; it’s about being true to what you love and, perhaps, what you’re good at. ### **What's one musical lesson that stuck with you throughout your career?** If I were to point to a specific music lesson, I’d highlight my years doing an M.A. at City College in New York, where the ensemble teacher was legendary bassist Ron Carter. He gave us a lot of professional advice that I still value today. In his class, he would bring his own songs and have us rearrange them. He emphasized leaving with experience in writing arrangements and creating clear, professional charts. He also stressed the importance of being organized as a bandleader—knowing the forms, planning who took solos ahead of time, and being prepared for gigs, including showing up on time and dressing appropriately. Those lessons in leadership and professionalism have stuck with me. On a more general level, the biggest musical lesson for me is to be kind—to yourself and to others—and have fun! Music is challenging, and we all deal with self-doubt and ego, both our own and others’. Being supportive, offering encouragement, and acknowledging someone’s effort—even if they’re having a rough night—makes a huge difference. It’s as easy as saying, “You sound great,” to someone as they walk off stage instead of, “What year is that guitar?” So, in addition to the technical lessons, I’d say: be patient, be kind, and be supportive. ### **What's next for you musically? Any projects or goals you're working on?** Yeah, we’re going back into the studio soon with my trio—with Tony Scherr and Tony Mason. I’m really excited about it. It’s happening in a few weeks, and right now it’s crunch time getting the arrangements and music together. New tune ideas are still coming out, and we only have two days in the studio, so it’s going to be intense. I’m looking forward to capturing the group’s development on this next recording, as we’ve been refining our sound over the years. Other goals include booking more tours for my own music. I’ve had some nice runs on the West Coast and am working on something in Europe next year. Beyond that, it’s all about continuing to develop my sound and my music. ****Check out Luca Benedetti** [Website](https://www.lucabenedetti.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/lucabenedetti%5Fgtr/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/artist/32VWLbR5NEEhoKZxdhpn1V?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Apple Music](https://music.apple.com/us/artist/luca-benedetti/1467122769?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ### Recommended Listening & Watching: - 🔊 **We'll Get There** album - [Apple Music](https://music.apple.com/in/album/well-get-there/1687394188?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/4QKFiywcAqCLxREtNmvAyc?ref=vividguitar.co) - 🔊 **Ride Awhile** album - [Apple Music](https://music.apple.com/us/album/ride-awhile/1681848498?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/4MR019iaHzZHGDzHxJQGUP?ref=vividguitar.co) - 📺 **Luca Benedetti Trio** \- [Seamonster Lounge - 2024-06-28](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ooVuUMdYEs&ref=vividguitar.co) - 📺 **Luca Benedetti Trio** \- [Storm Warning (Dr John cover) at Bar Lunatico NY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJG2Sg6e00Q&ref=vividguitar.co) --- ### 🎉 If you enjoy geeking out on guitar, you'll love our [**free weekly guitar newsletter**](https://vividguitar.co/), and we'd be psyched if you subscribe!🤘 ### Scott Metzger on Effective Practice, Sound, and the Art Improvisation URL: https://vividguitar.co/scott-metzger-on-effective-practice-sound-and-the-art-improvisation/ Last updated: 2025-11-05T18:53:10.000Z Scott Metzger is a New York City–based guitarist known for his adventurous improvisation and deep musical versatility. Drawing from rock, blues, jazz, country, and surf influences, he’s built a distinctive voice on the instrument and become a fixture in the Northeast jam and rock scene over the past two decades. Metzger is probably best known for his work with Joe Russo’s Almost Dead (JRAD), where his dynamic and melodic playing has made him a favorite among fans of improvisational live music. Beyond JRAD, Metzger stays musically active with several projects, including the funk trio LaMP, the Telecaster-driven instrumental group WOLF!, and the gypsy-jazz-influenced outfit The Showdown Kids. Over the years, he has also collaborated with an impressive list of artists such as Phil Lesh, John Mayer, John Scofield, Nels Cline, and Warren Haynes, performing across the U.S., Europe, Japan, and Australia. In 2022, Metzger released his debut solo album *Too Close to Reason*, a mostly acoustic collection of introspective instrumental compositions written during the pandemic. The record highlights his melodic sensibility and fingerstyle mastery, blending influences from Django Reinhardt, Jim Hall, Richard Thompson, and Chet Atkins while remaining unmistakably his own. Thoughtful, tasteful, and inventive, Scott Metzger continues to stand out as one of the most expressive guitarists in modern live music. ## 🎸 Q & A ### **What does your current guitar practice routine look like?** I'm sort of anti routine when it comes to practice. I definitely still put in the hours, but I try to practice things that are interesting to me and come at them in the most undisciplined, random, and creative way I can. I'll zoom in on some very specific thing - maybe a progression of arpeggios, a specific phrase, or a rhythmic pattern - and tackle it from as many angles as I can think of. I'll play VERY slow, fast, VERY fast, quiet, loud, backwards, sideways, in different time signatures, in different positions on the neck, mix it up in different octaves... any way that occurs to me that keeps it fresh & interesting. Once I lose interest in and idea, it's a lost cause, so it's crucial that I keep it fresh to my ears. That way I'm practicing music, and not just some lick. Then, at some point, I'll know I internalized whatever it is - like I know I cracked the code on that specific thing and I've got it. Then it's time to move on to the next thing... ### **Who were some of your biggest influences when you were developing your sound?** I'm still developing my sound! I could go on & on & on here about guitar influences, but I'll keep it brief - my Mt Rushmore of guitar influences would have to include Jim Hall, Wes Montgomery, Jimi Hendrix, Marc Ribot, Bill Frisell, Richard Thompson, Tom Verlaine, & Pat Metheny.... Just as important, a lot of non-guitarist musicians have been super important to shaping my ideas about music - Keith Jarrett, Brad Mehldau, Lee Konitz, Paul Bley, Warne Marsh, Wayne Shorter, The Beastie Boys, Prince (who was a phenomenal guitarist as well as SUPER high level performer.) Then there are SO many bands that have impacted how I see what a band working together can be capable of - NRBQ, Sonic Youth, The Waterboys, Morphine, XTC, Ween, Deerhoof, Miles Davis's bands in the 70's... all changed how I see what's possible ### **What’s one piece of advice you’d give to players trying to find their own voice on the guitar?** Focus on the fundamentals - try not to be in too much of a hurry to get "better." Nothing good comes from putting that sorta pressure on yourself and you never really internalize what you learn if you're putting that kind of pressure on yourself. Give yourself time to fall in love with everything you play. That's how it oughta be!! ### **What’s your approach to dynamics and touch — you manage to go from subtle to explosive seamlessly.** I think sound is the most important thing in music, and sound comes from very fundamental, basic elements - loud, quiet, high, low... I'm always really aware of these super basic musical while I'm playing. It just feels good to mix things up dynamically & tone-wise - keeps things much more interesting. ### **With JRAD, how do you balance honoring the original Dead songs while bringing your own voice and edge to them?** This might be sacrilege to die hard Dead fans, but I haven't thought about it much. I mean, I definitely spend a lot of time learning the songs inside & out - some would say I'm neurotic about learning the material. I like to be able to run any & all tunes I'll be playing going thru the changes using only arpeggios, forward & backward. If I can do that without breaking a sweat, then I know I really got it. When it comes time to perform, though, I just get up there, do my best to trust my instincts and let it rip. ### **How do you and Tom Hamilton navigate trading and intertwining guitar parts onstage?** We've literally never discussed it. When we were first learning the tunes, I guess we figured out who was gonna do what, but that was so long ago now... I don't remember ever sitting down and working out parts together. ### **Do you approach improvising differently in a band like JRAD versus a trio like LaMP?** They're two completely different things. I can go in with much more of a plan with LaMP, where as JRAD is more of a free-for-all. JRAD's x-factor is in the band's group improvisations. It's a real 'mind-meld' kind of situation when it's really happening, so I don't go in with any sort of game plan because I want to be totally open to any and all ideas any of the other dudes might drop on me at any moment. With LaMP, what direction things will move in is a little more charted out & contained, so I can focus much more on whatever I'm working on behind the scenes and bring that to the table. ### **What gear (guitar/amp/pedals) are you using lately—and why?** With LaMP I play my Creston T style with Lollar P-90's thru my Victoria 35210 amp. With JRAD I play my Ronin Songbird with vintage DeArmond Gold Foils thru my Headstrong Verbovibe amp. As for pedals, with a few exceptions, I have a pretty standard rig I use. I run a Barefoot Putting Green compressor -> Benson Germanium Fuzz -> Paul Cochrane Timmy Overdrive -> Boss OC-3 Octave pedal -> MXR Phase 90 (Analogman modded) -> Ibanez Analog Delay -> Benson Analog Delay. For a wah pedal I use the KILLER Wilson Effects Rippah. ### **Your solo album showcased a more introspective, cinematic side. What inspired that record?** I recorded that album during the lockdowns in 2020\. I'm pretty happy with how it came out, though there are some things I'd do differently if I could go back. ### **When you’re not on the road or in the studio, how do you like to spend your time?** I never pass an opportunity to see a baseball game whoever is playing (though it's best if I'm seeing my beloved Philadelphia Phillies,) go for runs, and get in a round of golf whenever I can ## ⚡ Lightning Round ### **One album every guitarist should listen to?** Marc Ribot 'Los Cubanos Prostizos' ### **Desert island guitar and amp?** My beloved Ronin Songbird guitar & Victoria 35210 amp ### **What are your preferred guitar strings & pick?** D'addario NYXL 11's strings & Dunlop Prime Tone 1mm picks ****Check out Scott Metzger** [Website](https://scottmetzger.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/scottymetz/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/metzgerville/) | [Joe Russo's Almost Dead](http://www.joerussosalmostdead.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [LaMP](https://www.ilikelamp.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ### 🎉 If you enjoy reading stuff like this, you'll love our [**free weekly guitar newsletter**](https://vividguitar.co/), and we'd be psyched if you subscribe!🤘 ### Luca Benedetti Interview, News and Notes URL: https://vividguitar.co/luca-benedetti-interview-news-and-notes/ Last updated: 2025-11-04T15:00:49.000Z [![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png)](http://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3q?ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 Improvisation begins with perseverance in mastering the fundamentals of the craft, and then actively pursuing creativity, not as an abstraction, but a definite and clear-cut agenda in the practice room. - Wolf Marshall # Exploring Sound: Luca Benedetti on Creativity, Influences, and the Gear That Shapes His Voice ![Luca Benedetti | Image Credit: Brian Geltner](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/11/Luca-Benedetti_1_photo-credit_Brian-Geltner.jpg) Luca Benedetti | Image Credit: Brian Geltner Luca Benedetti is a Brooklyn-based guitarist, composer, and producer known for his distinctive blend of jazz, blues, Americana, and beyond. A mainstay of the New York City music scene since the late 90s, he’s recognized for his expressive tone, stylistic range, and a deep-rooted feel that bridges groove-based traditions with modern improvisation. Luca is often heard with his own instrumental trio featuring bassist Tony Scherr (Bill Frisell, Norah Jones) and drummer Tony Mason (John Scofield, Charlie Hunter), exploring a dynamic sound and mix of twang, groove, and improvisation. He is also well known for his long-running collaboration with Telecaster great Jim Campilongo, which has produced several celebrated projects—including the Western swing–inspired Jim Campilongo & Honeyfingers “Last Night, This Morning”, the intimate duet album Jim Campilongo & Luca Benedetti “Two Guitars”, and the more recent Miles Davis–influenced jazz-rock outing “She Loves the Coney Island Freak Show” with the Jim Campilongo 4tet. As a sought-after sideman, session player, and producer, Luca has also performed, recorded, and toured internationally with artists including Ron Carter, Hermine Deurloo & Steve Gadd, Martha Redbone, Chris Lightcap, Erik Deutsch, Jon Cowherd, Zephaniah & The 18 Wheelers, The Brooklyn Boogaloo Blowout, Tubby, Speeding West, The Dang-It Bobbys, and The National Reserve. Born in Rome, Italy, Luca left at an early age due to his father’s work in the airline industry. His childhood was unusual, and by the time he moved to the U.S. at 18, he had lived and traveled across all five continents—experiences that exposed him to a wide range of cultures and sounds, helping to shape his distinctive musical voice. Luca attended both the Berklee College of Music and The City College of New York, where he studied under jazz legend Ron Carter. The two later collaborated on several occasions, including a memorable performance at the ASCAP Hall of Fame ceremony honoring Milt Hinton and Artie Shaw. His playing and production work have earned praise from Relix Magazine, Vintage Guitar Magazine, and Saving Country Music, among others, while his guitar work has appeared in major advertising campaigns for McDonald’s, Subway, Rolex, Arby’s, The Cotton Industry, Axe, and AT&T. He also composed the soundtrack for KPI TV’s Lucha Libre: Life Behind the Mask. Drawing on a global set of influences and a lifelong passion for blues, jazz, and improvisation, Luca Benedetti continues to carve out a singular musical voice—eclectic, expressive, and deeply groove-driven. ## 🎸 Q & A ### **How do you practice creativity — do you work on exercises, transcriptions, or simply explore ideas?** I'd say all of the above. I definitely have some exercises, and they usually involve setting certain rules or limitations. The goal is to break out of familiar patterns—the licks, habits, or rhythmic phrases we naturally gravitate toward. Sometimes the limitation is physical. For example, I might only play with one finger, which changes my phrasing and speed, or I’ll restrict myself to a single string and improvise horizontally. Other times, I’ll stay within a four-fret range—one fret per finger—and play vertically through chord changes without leaving that area. These kinds of boundaries really help break away from one’s usual fretboard habits. I also do melodic exercises. One idea is to simply remove a note from a scale. For example, in an A minor pentatonic (A, C, D, E, G), I might remove the third (C) and improvise with just four notes, which forces me to stay away from familiar licks, play differently, and often leads to new melodic ideas. Take a major scale and remove one note so it’s a six-note scale—you’ll inevitably play differently. Harmonically, I’ve been practicing voicing triads that incorporate open strings. For instance, using the open low E string and fretting the other two notes of a triad on the A and D strings below—so E–B–G# for E major, E–C–G for C major, or E–C–A for A minor. It creates a beautiful texture and is the kind of exercise from which a song might emerge just from exploring new voicings. As for transcribing, I used to do full solos, but these days I’m more likely to just grab short phrases or licks that catch my ear. I’ll then run them in different keys and fingerings and find ways to internalize them. I do, however, still transcribe full compositions. Admittedly, my practice is somewhat less structured than it was in my formative years, but I love getting into a routine when I can. The feeling of progress is always so rewarding. For warm-ups and technique, I still run through the Segovia scale fingerings and some melodic minor and harmonic minor scale arpeggio ideas I picked up from guitar great Adam Rogers. There’s just less time for hours upon hours of practice as we age and other priorities in life catch up, so with the time I have, I’m often mostly focused on writing new music, learning new repertoire for an upcoming gig or recording, or perhaps digging deeper into a specific song. ### **Who were some of your biggest influences when you were developing your sound?** In 1982, when I was 11, I was living in Nairobi, Kenya, and the most rocking album we had in the house was the soundtrack to *Grease*. Otherwise, it was mostly Beethoven or some Italian folk/pop albums my parents had. One day some family friends who had just been to the U.S. brought two cassettes for my brother and me as gifts. One was Crosby, Stills & Nash’s *Déjà Vu* and the other was Led Zeppelin’s *In Through the Out Door*. We’d never heard of either of these bands, but my older brother chose first and picked Crosby, Stills & Nash, and I was left with one of Zeppelin’s more unusual albums—but I loved it dearly. Firstly for the mere fact that it was mine, but also because it, and Jimmy Page of course, truly rocked. Shortly after—not sure how—I heard of AC/DC, and Angus Young quickly became, and still is, one of my favorites. From there, I started getting into bluesier stuff—Jeff Beck’s *Truth* album with Rod Stewart really grabbed me, which then led me to his later classics, *Blow by Blow* and *Wired*. Albert Collins was another huge influence. The Albert Collins record *Iceman* really stuck with me—it’s super funky blues, and that stinging Tele sound on 10 had a big impact on me. Of course, I listened to Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan at the time—they were both such a huge presence in the mainstream—but through them, I ultimately discovered the Black American blues artists that had an even deeper influence: all the Kings—Albert, B.B., and Freddie—plus Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Otis Rush, Earl Hooker, Magic Sam, Lead Belly, Mississippi John Hurt to name a few. Around ’89 or ’90, those were really formative years. I was about 19, and I hadn’t been playing long—started around 15—but I’d ended up at the University of Connecticut as a freshman, where dorm life exposed me to a lot of the classic rock I’d missed out on in my earlier years. Plus, this was a unique moment in time for instrumental guitar music, when a huge body of big-budget, highly produced albums were being released on major labels: Jeff Beck’s *Guitar Shop*, Danny Gatton’s *Elmira Street*, Steve Morse’s *High Tension Wires*, Joe Satriani’s *Flying in a Blue Dream*, *Iceman* by Albert Collins, Steve Vai’s *Passion & Warfare*, Eric Johnson’s *Ah Via Musicom*, Michael Hedges’ *Taproot*, Adrian Legg’s *Guitar and Other Cathedrals*, etc. Some of those prooved ultimately more influential than others but at the time I was just soaking it all in. Eventually, I decided to take the idea of a music career more seriously and transferred to Berklee, where I started sinking my teeth into jazz. In terms of guitar players, Pat Martino was a huge influence, along with George Benson, Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, and John McLaughlin—especially his work on Miles Davis’ *Jack Johnson*. Of course, the music of the original Berklee legends—Frisell, Scofield, Pat Metheny, and Mike Stern—was omnipresent while I was there, and they all were and continue to be an inspiration. I realize this seems like a linear timeline, but it isn’t, and I certainly don't recall when I first heard all the players. Steve Cropper eventually became a big inspiration, but I'd actually been listening to him since my early teens because of an Otis Redding album my parents often played. Same with Ry Cooder—his haunting soundtrack to *Paris, Texas* had been with me from early on. Other important influences off the top of my head are the country-funkiness of Albert Lee and James Burton, Leo Nocentelli and The Meters, and the more modern jazz players—Kurt Rosenwinkel, Jeff Parker, Nels Cline—the list just goes on and on. I also finally heard Blake Mills live recently—truly mesmerizing sounds and playing—really different and inspiring. The duo albums by Skúli Sverrisson and Bill Frisell are something I’ve really been into lately as well. Last but not least, the music from the places I was fortunate to visit has also played a huge part in my sound. I lived in Brazil, Ghana, and Ethiopia, to name a few, and each has its own distinctly rich musical traditions that I was able to absorb long before the ease of access that digital platforms now offer us. If I start naming all the artists that influenced me just from those countries, we’ll never end! I consider myself very, very lucky for having had those experiences. ### **You blend elements of jazz, blues, Americana, and roots — how did that hybrid approach develop in your playing? What advice would you give to a guitarist who’s trying to bridge genres like you do?** The main advice I would give is to be honest with yourself about what made you love playing music and your instrument in the first place. We all go through journeys. I’m fortunate that I was always curious about a lot of different kinds of music and was open to exploring them. Growing up, there was a lot of tape trading and recommendations from record store clerks—“Oh, if you like that, then you need to check THIS out!”—which also exposed me to a wide variety of artists. It was a much less predictable and more exciting way to discover music versus the playlist algorithms of today. Plus, it was a time when I, and most folks, would really sit and absorb full albums. Our attention span has greatly suffered with all the distractions of modern digital life and the overwhelming amount of music available at our fingertips for free. When I went to Berklee, I definitely narrowed my focus and got very into jazz, which was valuable but also restrictive. Once I left and moved to NY, it took years to deprogram from the academic-music mindset and reconnect with the music I truly loved. Much of it revolved around the basic I, IV, and V chords, which seemed almost taboo to enjoy after Berklee. To be clear, I loved my time there and all that I learned, but music school can also lead to overcomplication and not making “music”. In retrospect, going to music school and knowing what you want to get out of it ahead of time, is a good idea. It’s also great for the connections you’ll make. Around 2009, I had a bit of a turning point and began embracing much of the bluesier, raunchier, funkier music that originally inspired me. Along with that came a renewed pursuit of tone via tube amps, tinkering with pickups, etc. This is also when I started going to hear Tele-great Jim Campilongo more often at The Living Room in NY’s Lower East Side. I’m fortunate to now call him a friend and collaborator on a number of great projects. But I digress—my advice is: listen to everything, but don’t feel obligated to like it all. Give music a chance, even in genres you don’t normally gravitate toward, but also filter what truly resonates with you. That’s how you can try to keep your musical journey honest and meaningful. ### **You’re often seen with a Telecaster — what do you love about that guitar, and how does it fit your sound?** I didn’t commit to a Telecaster until about 15-20 years ago. Before that, I mostly played Strats and 335-style guitars. But at some point, it all clicked. I was a fan of Albert Collins, Steve Cropper, Roy Buchanan, and Danny Gatton, and again, seeing Jim Campilongo in New York really opened my eyes to the Telecaster’s unique and special voice. I really connect with both the neck and bridge pickups. The neck pickup captures that archtop sound, especially with flatwound strings, while the bridge pickup can really cut in a way no other guitar’s bridge pickup does. I used to ignore the middle position, but I’ve come to appreciate it more recently. I’m generally not a fan of humbuckers or Charlie Christian neck pickups on a Tele because I like going from the quieter neck pickup to the louder boost of the bridge. It really throws me off if the neck is louder—it kind of takes away some of the Tele magic. I also have an out-of-phase “quack” setting that gives me that funky thing à la James Burton, Waylon Jennings, and Albert Lee. At the end of the day, the Telecaster is just a very versatile guitar, and I’m clearly not the only one to think so! ### **Can you talk about your amp and effects setup — what’s essential for you?** A cable! I really don’t mind playing dry as long as it’s through a good amp—specifically, a good tube amp. I’m really an amp nerd, much more so than guitars, and I’ve gone pretty deep, even learning to fix and maintain all my old Fenders. I was lucky to collect a lot of vintage Fender amps from different eras long before websites like Reverb existed that inflated prices and obliterated almost all the good deals. The next most essential effect for me is tremolo, which many of my amps have. I have a Fender Brown Deluxe, a Fender Brown Princeton, a Fender Vibro Champ—all with great tremolos—and a Tweed Tremolux. I’d be happy with just that. Reverb is also great of course and kind of essential if the room you’re playing in is super dry, but I use it very sparingly. I love my ’66 Blackface Vibrolux Reverb, which has both tremolo and reverb. For me, those two effects alone are generally more than enough. If I want verb and trem on my “dry” amps, I’ll use a Strymon Flint. I do, however, also have a large board I use, in particular with a couple of great singers I play with now, Joy Askew and Margo Valiante. Their music requires a setup that’s often atmospheric and textural. It has a Tube Screamer and a Jam Pedals Rattler for long sustain, Strymon Cloudburst for ambient reverb, Jam Pedals Delay Llama, and their RetroVibe. I also use a JHS Little Big Fuzz for sputtery fuzz sounds. ### **What do you think most players misunderstand about developing their own voice on the instrument?** I don’t know that I have a clear answer to that—assuming that I even fully understand what it takes to develop my own voice. I think it goes back to what I said earlier about being honest with yourself and also about filtering—not just filtering what you listen to, but also filtering what you're playing. Even if we learn something through a transcription or emulate what someone else does, it might not be honest to what you actually want to hear. At the end of the day, it’s not your voice. I think one of the most important things you can do is at least know what you *don’t* want to sound like. It’s hard to know exactly where your voice will go, but we usually recognize what doesn’t feel right. Use that self-criticism to find the things that truly excite you, and then be honest about it—if something grabs you, play it with full intent and honesty. Bring that into your performances, whether you’re playing alone or for other people. Influences don’t have to sound like you. I love Allan Holdsworth—what a genius—and I can’t play anything like him. But his artistry, energy, and virtuosity can still influence me. The notes, technique, or sound might not be things I’d use, but they can still inform how I approach my own music. It’s not just about people in the same genre; it’s about being true to what you love and, perhaps, what you’re good at. ### **What's one musical lesson that stuck with you throughout your career?** If I were to point to a specific music lesson, I’d highlight my years doing an M.A. at City College in New York, where the ensemble teacher was legendary bassist Ron Carter. He gave us a lot of professional advice that I still value today. In his class, he would bring his own songs and have us rearrange them. He emphasized leaving with experience in writing arrangements and creating clear, professional charts. He also stressed the importance of being organized as a bandleader—knowing the forms, planning who took solos ahead of time, and being prepared for gigs, including showing up on time and dressing appropriately. Those lessons in leadership and professionalism have stuck with me. On a more general level, the biggest musical lesson for me is to be kind—to yourself and to others—and have fun! Music is challenging, and we all deal with self-doubt and ego, both our own and others’. Being supportive, offering encouragement, and acknowledging someone’s effort—even if they’re having a rough night—makes a huge difference. It’s as easy as saying, “You sound great,” to someone as they walk off stage instead of, “What year is that guitar?” So, in addition to the technical lessons, I’d say: be patient, be kind, and be supportive. ### **What's next for you musically? Any projects or goals you're working on?** Yeah, we’re going back into the studio soon with my trio—with Tony Scherr and Tony Mason. I’m really excited about it. It’s happening in a few weeks, and right now it’s crunch time getting the arrangements and music together. New tune ideas are still coming out, and we only have two days in the studio, so it’s going to be intense. I’m looking forward to capturing the group’s development on this next recording, as we’ve been refining our sound over the years. Other goals include booking more tours for my own music. I’ve had some nice runs on the West Coast and am working on something in Europe next year. Beyond that, it’s all about continuing to develop my sound and my music. ****Check out Luca Benedetti** [Website](https://www.lucabenedetti.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/lucabenedetti%5Fgtr/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/artist/32VWLbR5NEEhoKZxdhpn1V?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Apple Music](https://music.apple.com/us/artist/luca-benedetti/1467122769?ref=vividguitar.co) ### Recommended Listening & Watching: - 🔊 **We'll Get There** album - [Apple Music](https://music.apple.com/in/album/well-get-there/1687394188?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/4QKFiywcAqCLxREtNmvAyc?ref=vividguitar.co) - 🔊 **Ride Awhile** album - [Apple Music](https://music.apple.com/us/album/ride-awhile/1681848498?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/4MR019iaHzZHGDzHxJQGUP?ref=vividguitar.co) - 📺 **Luca Benedetti Trio** \- [Seamonster Lounge - 2024-06-28](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ooVuUMdYEs&ref=vividguitar.co) - 📺 **Luca Benedetti Trio** \- [Storm Warning (Dr John cover) at Bar Lunatico NY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJG2Sg6e00Q&ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## News & Notes ![Fender Kingfish Delta Day Telecaster Deluxe Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/10/image-11.png) Fender Kingfish Delta Day Telecaster Deluxe - **Fender** announced the [Kingfish Delta Day Telecaster Deluxe](https://www.fender.com/products/kingfish-telecaster-deluxe?ref=vividguitar.co). The signature tele for **Christone "Kingfish" Ingram** features custom Kingfish humbucking pickups, a V-shaped roasted maple neck, and a 12" radius rosewood fretboard. Offered in Mississippi Night (purple) and Daphne Blue. - **Fender** also announced a new [Josefina Hand Wound Tomatillo Telecaster® Pickup set](https://www.fender.com/products/josefina-hand-wound-tomatillo-telecaster-pickups?ref=vividguitar.co). Hand-wound in the Fender custom shop by master pickup winder, Josefina Campos, the Tomatillo Telecaster pickups are crafted around alnico 2 magnets, designed to deliver a sweet, flavorful tone. - **Martin** announced 2 new signature Jason Isbell acoustic guitars - [the 0-17 and 0-10E](https://www.martinguitar.com/jason-isbell.html?ref=vividguitar.co). Isbell partnered with Martin to create two guitars inspired by the 1940 Martin 0-17 he used to record his latest album, Foxes in the Snow. - **PJD Guitars** announced a new “Origin Pro” series. While PJD's higher-tier guitars are hand-made in the U.K., the Origin Pro series is made in Indonesia, allowing them to offer their Carey and St. John models at a more budget-friendly price. [Offered through Andertons Music](https://www.andertons.co.uk/browse/brands/pjd-guitars/?ref=vividguitar.co), they are offered in Sea Blue, Charcoal Burst, Original Burst & Forest Green Burst colors, feature roasted Maple necks, and are loaded with PJD Custom Shop designed pickups. - **Trey Anastasio** joined **Cory Wong** on his podcast. He broke it up into 2 episodes, with Part 1 being released so far: [Apple](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trey-anastasio-on-dumbles-broadway-and-40-plus-years/id1513405224?i=1000734011202&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/7vptqoIGrzGTx7n15KEfFA?si=qibkvXd9SQmymxfcfRuZdQ&ref=vividguitar.co) - **Fender** released new [Mustang® LTX100 and Mustang® LTX50](https://www.fender.com/collections/mustang-amplifier-series?ref=vividguitar.co) guitar amps. --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### The Hexatonic Scale, Tim Lerch Interview, Fender Jaguar & Mustang URL: https://vividguitar.co/the-hexatonic-scale-tim-lerch-interview/ Last updated: 2025-10-29T13:21:23.000Z [![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png)](http://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3q?ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 “The wise musicians are those who play what they can master.” ― Duke Ellington ## Guitar Practice ### The Hexatonic Scale A hexatonic scale (*hexa* \= meaning, containing six notes) is a major scale where you avoid the 4th note. Hexatonic melodies were used often by various hard-bop jazz players, including John Coltrane, Joe Pass, Wes Montgomery, Sonny Rollins, and others. A G major hexatonic scale would be spelled G, A, B, D, E, F#, or the 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 notes of the G Major Scale. Below, we'll first look at 4 different ways to play a G major hexatonic scale. Then, we'll look at a few riffs based on this scale. ### The G Hexatonic Scale in 4 positions ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/10/image-5.png) ### Hexatonic Scale Riffs in G **Riff 1:** This first riff contains and extra chromatic note at the end of the 3rd bar (leading into the 4th bar) with a walk-down from E to D. Hexatonic Riff 1 0:00 /9.229546 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/10/image-6.png) **Riff 2:** Hexatonic Riff 2 0:00 /6.921859 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/10/image-8.png) **Riff 3:** Hexatonic Riff 3 0:00 /4.614172 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/10/image-10.png) --- # Tim Lerch on Jazz, a Lifetime of Learning, and why the Telecaster still rules ![Tim Lerch (Image c/o TrueFire)](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/10/Tim-Lerch-Guitar-1.jpg) Tim Lerch (Image c/o TrueFire) Tim Lerch is a celebrated guitarist, composer, and educator whose playing bridges the worlds of jazz, blues, and fingerstyle guitar. Based in Seattle, he’s known for his soulful tone, elegant chord melodies, and deep command of harmony. Drawing influence from icons like Wes Montgomery, Ted Greene, Joe Pass, B.B. King, and Robben Ford, Lerch has developed a sound that’s both sophisticated and deeply expressive — a seamless blend of jazz intricacy and blues emotion. Beyond his acclaimed solo work, Lerch performs with the gypsy jazz ensemble **Pearl Django**, demonstrating his stylistic range and refined musical touch. As an educator, he has reached thousands through his **TrueFire courses, workshops, and masterclasses**, and now through his own **membership website**, where he offers lessons, transcriptions, and live sessions that reflect his generous teaching philosophy. His focus on chordal improvisation, melodic solo guitar, and the intersection of blues and jazz has made him one of today’s most respected guitar teachers. Despite his many achievements — including an Emmy Award for composition — Tim is widely admired for his kindness and accessibility. He remains an active presence in online guitar communities, where he regularly shares advice, insight, and encouragement with players of all levels. ## 🎸 Q & A ### ### **You’ve taught thousands of students online. What do you think most guitar players misunderstand about learning jazz?** Often I feel people think they need to learn “jazz” to learn theory and I think sometimes teachers also make this mistake equating theory with jazz somehow. The other mistake I find is when a student is curious about learning jazz and then I asked them how much jazz they listen to, and what are some of their favorite jazz performances on record, and they really can’t tell me because they haven’t done that much listening. Another thing that I noticed is that people want a quick fix and I don’t think jazz is a quick fix kind of music. I think you have to study it long and hard and you have to love the music and put in the time. The final thing is that you need to play with other people as much as you can and as soon as you can. Take your lumps and learn by doing. This is so important. ### **What’s one concept or exercise you’d recommend to guitarists at any level to improve their musicality?** The main thing is that there isn’t just one concept or exercise that will help you improve. You need to go deep into the style of music that you want to play and you need to learn all of the things that will allow you to play it and understand it. There are no shortcuts, and if somebody tells you there are shortcuts, you might want to find another opinion. ### **You’re known for blending jazz sophistication with bluesy soulfulness — how did that mix develop in your playing?** I’ve always just played what I like. I love Blues, Soul, Gospel, Jazz and Classic Country. I’m trying to be authentic and play the kind of music that moves me. I don’t really worry too much about labels or the rules that might suggest “these two things are separate” or” these three things need to be kept apart”. I just play. It’s like a big gumbo. It’s always on my mind and always in my heart so I just play it. ### **What gear (guitar/amp/pedals) are you favoring lately—and why?** I tend to play Fender telecasters, and a Gibson L7’s. I like small amplifiers that I can get a good sound out of and don’t break my back to pick them up. I use Hendrickson amplifiers, and lately I’ve been using a Fuchs ODH 110 amplifier that is also very very good. ### **You’ve become well-known for your work with Telecasters in jazz — what do you love about the Tele for this style?** Mostly I’m just really used to how a telecaster feels in my hands. I like the way it feels to the left hand. The scale is comfortable and the radius of the fingerboard is comfortable. I use a traditional 7 1/4 radius on most of my telecasters. I also like the spread on the right hand, the string spread seems to be comfortable for me to play finger style and since it’s a solid body, I’m not hindered by volume limitations. I also like that you can sustain certain notes while you move other notes around because that is a hallmark of my approach to playing. I also really enjoyed the high-end range of the instrument. I can play things up there that are higher than I can reach on an Archtop Guitar. I put a Lollar Charlie Christian pickup in the neck position of my telecaster and I find that gives me a very clear and warm sound that I can enjoy playing clean. ### **How has teaching shaped your own playing or understanding of music?** When I teach, I learn. it’s always been that way and I really enjoy helping others. ### **What’s next for you musically—any projects or goals you're working on?** Right now, I’m in the studio with Pearl Django recording our latest record. Last month I spent a few days in the studio with Adam Levy, and we came up with a beautiful duet album that will be released very soon. I have two new books that are just about ready to be released. One is a collection of 251 melodic ideas, and the other one is going to be called **Melodic Jazz Guitar Soloing** and it’ll be emphasizing making melodies rather than playing patterns. Other than that, I always have a ton of gigs all over the place, private students and making educational videos for my website [timsguitarworkshop.com](http://timsguitarworkshop.com/?ref=vividguitar.co). Sometimes I even get to take a walk in the neighborhood with my wife. ****Check out TIM LERCH** [Website](https://www.timlerch.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Tim's Guitar Workshop](https://timsguitarworkshop.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/timlerch.guitarist/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/telebasher?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Gear Showcase ### Fender Jaguar & Mustang This week's gear showcase feature 2 lesser-known Fender guitars - the Jaguar and Mustang. ### Fender Jaguar ![Fender Jaguar Offset Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/06/Fender-Jaguar-offset-guitar.png) Known for its distinctive offset body shape and shorter 24-inch scale length, the Fender Jaguar is a unique and versatile guitar. While it's also offered with humbuckers, most Jaguar models have two single-coil pickups that deliver a bright, cutting tone, and have a complex switching system that allows for a wide range of tonal options. The shorter scale length makes it easier for people with smaller hands to play, and the floating tremolo system gives it an iconic look and feel that make it a favorite among surf rock, punk, and alternative guitarists (such as Kurt Cobain and Johnny Marr). Fender offers a variety of Jaguar models at different price points, including through it's budget-friendly Squier line. **Standout Features:** - Typically features single coil pickups that cut through the mix well. - Shorter 24" scale length. - Complex switching system featuring eight onboard controls, letting you switch between rhythm and lead tones. - Floating tremolo system [Check out the Fender Jaguar](https://www.fender.com/en-US/jaguar-feature.html?ref=vividguitar.co) [View on Reverb](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=67144&awinaffid=1519185&ued=https%3A%2F%2Freverb.com%2Fmarketplace%3Fquery%3DFender%2520jaguar&ref=vividguitar.co) --- ### Fender Mustang ![Fender Mustang Offset Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/07/Fender-Mustang.png) Closely related to the Fender Jaguar is the Fender Mustang. First released in 1964 as a redesign to Fenders student models, the Duo-Sonic and the Musicmaster, the Mustang features a bit of a more compact body shape than the Jaguar, but also has a shorter 24" scale length. While its now offered in a few different pickup configurations, The Mustang has historically featured two angled single-coil pickups, each with a 3-way on-off-on switch, and a master tone and volume control. **Standout Features:** - Offset waist body - Custom single coil pickups that give it a unique sound - Shorter 24" scale length. - Available with P90 pickups [Check out the Fender Mustang](https://www.fender.com/en-US/electric-guitars/mustang/?ref=vividguitar.co) [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/4cMDHXx?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Noteworthy 🗞️ - **Gibson** released a [Back to the Future collection](https://www.gibson.com/collections/gibson-back-to-the-future-collection?ref=vividguitar.co) featuring both Gibson and Epiphone ES-345 models (along with t-shirts, pick tins & other schwag) to commemorate one of cinema's most iconic guitars. - **Daniel Donato** filmed a [new rig rundown video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0TneAxUHX4&ref=vividguitar.co) with **Premier Guitar**. Daniel clearly likes to geek out about guitar gear, and has quite an interesting setup. - Jazz Guitarist **Jens Larsen** posted a [new video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaG55-QblDU&ref=vividguitar.co) featuring 5 jazz guitar exercises that would have saved him years. - **D'Addario** released a new video about the great jazz guitarist Julian Lage - [The Untold Story of Julian Lage’s Rise to Guitar Greatness](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fX98RkM14vU&ref=vividguitar.co). --- ### 📺 Watch This Speaking of Julian Lage, check out this oustanding 9+ minute acoustic improvisation jam between Julian Lage & Jake Workman: --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Tim Lerch on Jazz, a Lifetime of Learning, and why the Telecaster still rules URL: https://vividguitar.co/interview-with-guitarist-tim-lerch/ Last updated: 2025-10-28T13:51:08.000Z Tim Lerch is a celebrated guitarist, composer, and educator whose playing bridges the worlds of jazz, blues, and fingerstyle guitar. Based in Seattle, he’s known for his soulful tone, elegant chord melodies, and deep command of harmony. Drawing influence from icons like Wes Montgomery, Ted Greene, Joe Pass, B.B. King, and Robben Ford, Lerch has developed a sound that’s both sophisticated and deeply expressive — a seamless blend of jazz intricacy and blues emotion. Beyond his acclaimed solo work, Lerch performs with the gypsy jazz ensemble **Pearl Django**, demonstrating his stylistic range and refined musical touch. As an educator, he has reached thousands through his **TrueFire courses, workshops, and masterclasses**, and now through his own **membership website**, where he offers lessons, transcriptions, and live sessions that reflect his generous teaching philosophy. His focus on chordal improvisation, melodic solo guitar, and the intersection of blues and jazz has made him one of today’s most respected guitar teachers. Despite his many achievements — including an Emmy Award for composition — Tim is widely admired for his kindness and accessibility. He remains an active presence in online guitar communities, where he regularly shares advice, insight, and encouragement with players of all levels. ## 🎸 Q & A ### ### **You’ve taught thousands of students online. What do you think most guitar players misunderstand about learning jazz?** Often I feel people think they need to learn “jazz” to learn theory and I think sometimes teachers also make this mistake equating theory with jazz somehow. The other mistake I find is when a student is curious about learning jazz and then I asked them how much jazz they listen to, and what are some of their favorite jazz performances on record, and they really can’t tell me because they haven’t done that much listening. Another thing that I noticed is that people want a quick fix and I don’t think jazz is a quick fix kind of music. I think you have to study it long and hard and you have to love the music and put in the time. The final thing is that you need to play with other people as much as you can and as soon as you can. Take your lumps and learn by doing. This is so important. ### **What’s one concept or exercise you’d recommend to guitarists at any level to improve their musicality?** The main thing is that there isn’t just one concept or exercise that will help you improve. You need to go deep into the style of music that you want to play and you need to learn all of the things that will allow you to play it and understand it. There are no shortcuts, and if somebody tells you there are shortcuts, you might want to find another opinion. ### **You’re known for blending jazz sophistication with bluesy soulfulness — how did that mix develop in your playing?** I’ve always just played what I like. I love Blues, Soul, Gospel, Jazz and Classic Country. I’m trying to be authentic and play the kind of music that moves me. I don’t really worry too much about labels or the rules that might suggest “these two things are separate” or” these three things need to be kept apart”. I just play. It’s like a big gumbo. It’s always on my mind and always in my heart so I just play it. ### **What gear (guitar/amp/pedals) are you favoring lately—and why?** I tend to play Fender telecasters, and a Gibson L7’s. I like small amplifiers that I can get a good sound out of and don’t break my back to pick them up. I use Hendrickson amplifiers, and lately I’ve been using a Fuchs ODH 110 amplifier that is also very very good. ### **You’ve become well-known for your work with Telecasters in jazz — what do you love about the Tele for this style?** Mostly I’m just really used to how a telecaster feels in my hands. I like the way it feels to the left hand. The scale is comfortable and the radius of the fingerboard is comfortable. I use a traditional 7 1/4 radius on most of my telecasters. I also like the spread on the right hand, the string spread seems to be comfortable for me to play finger style and since it’s a solid body, I’m not hindered by volume limitations. I also like that you can sustain certain notes while you move other notes around because that is a hallmark of my approach to playing. I also really enjoyed the high-end range of the instrument. I can play things up there that are higher than I can reach on an Archtop Guitar. I put a Lollar Charlie Christian pickup in the neck position of my telecaster and I find that gives me a very clear and warm sound that I can enjoy playing clean. ### **How has teaching shaped your own playing or understanding of music?** When I teach, I learn. it’s always been that way and I really enjoy helping others. ### **What’s next for you musically—any projects or goals you're working on?** Right now, I’m in the studio with Pearl Django recording our latest record. Last month I spent a few days in the studio with Adam Levy, and we came up with a beautiful duet album that will be released very soon. I have two new books that are just about ready to be released. One is a collection of 251 melodic ideas, and the other one is going to be called **Melodic Jazz Guitar Soloing** and it’ll be emphasizing making melodies rather than playing patterns. Other than that, I always have a ton of gigs all over the place, private students and making educational videos for my website [timsguitarworkshop.com](http://timsguitarworkshop.com/?ref=vividguitar.co). Sometimes I even get to take a walk in the neighborhood with my wife. ****Check out TIM LERCH** [Website](https://www.timlerch.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Tim's Guitar Workshop](https://timsguitarworkshop.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/timlerch.guitarist/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/telebasher?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ### 🎉 If you enjoy reading stuff like this, you'll love our [**free weekly guitar newsletter**](https://vividguitar.co/), and we'd be psyched if you subscribe!🤘 ### Scott Metzger Interview, Fender American Professional Classic Series URL: https://vividguitar.co/scott-metzger-interview-fender-american-professional-classic-series/ Last updated: 2025-10-21T14:00:47.000Z [![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png)](http://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3q?ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 ”Listening is the key to everything good in music.” – Pat Metheny ## Scott Metzger on Effective Practice, Sound, and the Art Improvisation ![Scott Metzger | Image Credit: Andrew-Blackstein](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/10/Scott-Metzger-by-Andrew-Blackstein-DSC_8646-2.jpg) Scott Metzger | Image Credit: Andrew-Blackstein Scott Metzger is a New York City–based guitarist known for his adventurous improvisation and deep musical versatility. Drawing from rock, blues, jazz, country, and surf influences, he’s built a distinctive voice on the instrument and become a fixture in the Northeast jam and rock scene over the past two decades. Metzger is probably best known for his work with Joe Russo’s Almost Dead (JRAD), where his dynamic and melodic playing has made him a favorite among fans of improvisational live music. Beyond JRAD, Metzger stays musically active with several projects, including the funk trio LaMP, the Telecaster-driven instrumental group WOLF!, and the gypsy-jazz-influenced outfit The Showdown Kids. Over the years, he has also collaborated with an impressive list of artists such as Phil Lesh, John Mayer, John Scofield, Nels Cline, and Warren Haynes, performing across the U.S., Europe, Japan, and Australia. In 2022, Metzger released his debut solo album *Too Close to Reason*, a mostly acoustic collection of introspective instrumental compositions written during the pandemic. The record highlights his melodic sensibility and fingerstyle mastery, blending influences from Django Reinhardt, Jim Hall, Richard Thompson, and Chet Atkins while remaining unmistakably his own. Thoughtful, tasteful, and inventive, Scott Metzger continues to stand out as one of the most expressive guitarists in modern live music. ## 🎸 Q & A ### **What does your current guitar practice routine look like?** I'm sort of anti routine when it comes to practice. I definitely still put in the hours, but I try to practice things that are interesting to me and come at them in the most undisciplined, random, and creative way I can. I'll zoom in on some very specific thing - maybe a progression of arpeggios, a specific phrase, or a rhythmic pattern - and tackle it from as many angles as I can think of. I'll play VERY slow, fast, VERY fast, quiet, loud, backwards, sideways, in different time signatures, in different positions on the neck, mix it up in different octaves... any way that occurs to me that keeps it fresh & interesting. Once I lose interest in and idea, it's a lost cause, so it's crucial that I keep it fresh to my ears. That way I'm practicing music, and not just some lick. Then, at some point, I'll know I internalized whatever it is - like I know I cracked the code on that specific thing and I've got it. Then it's time to move on to the next thing... ### **Who were some of your biggest influences when you were developing your sound?** I'm still developing my sound! I could go on & on & on here about guitar influences, but I'll keep it brief - my Mt Rushmore of guitar influences would have to include Jim Hall, Wes Montgomery, Jimi Hendrix, Marc Ribot, Bill Frisell, Richard Thompson, Tom Verlaine, & Pat Metheny.... Just as important, a lot of non-guitarist musicians have been super important to shaping my ideas about music - Keith Jarrett, Brad Mehldau, Lee Konitz, Paul Bley, Warne Marsh, Wayne Shorter, The Beastie Boys, Prince (who was a phenomenal guitarist as well as SUPER high level performer.) Then there are SO many bands that have impacted how I see what a band working together can be capable of - NRBQ, Sonic Youth, The Waterboys, Morphine, XTC, Ween, Deerhoof, Miles Davis's bands in the 70's... all changed how I see what's possible ### **What’s one piece of advice you’d give to players trying to find their own voice on the guitar?** Focus on the fundamentals - try not to be in too much of a hurry to get "better." Nothing good comes from putting that sorta pressure on yourself and you never really internalize what you learn if you're putting that kind of pressure on yourself. Give yourself time to fall in love with everything you play. That's how it oughta be!! ### **What’s your approach to dynamics and touch — you manage to go from subtle to explosive seamlessly.** I think sound is the most important thing in music, and sound comes from very fundamental, basic elements - loud, quiet, high, low... I'm always really aware of these super basic musical while I'm playing. It just feels good to mix things up dynamically & tone-wise - keeps things much more interesting. ### **With JRAD, how do you balance honoring the original Dead songs while bringing your own voice and edge to them?** This might be sacrilege to die hard Dead fans, but I haven't thought about it much. I mean, I definitely spend a lot of time learning the songs inside & out - some would say I'm neurotic about learning the material. I like to be able to run any & all tunes I'll be playing going thru the changes using only arpeggios, forward & backward. If I can do that without breaking a sweat, then I know I really got it. When it comes time to perform, though, I just get up there, do my best to trust my instincts and let it rip. ### **How do you and Tom Hamilton navigate trading and intertwining guitar parts onstage?** We've literally never discussed it. When we were first learning the tunes, I guess we figured out who was gonna do what, but that was so long ago now... I don't remember ever sitting down and working out parts together. ### **Do you approach improvising differently in a band like JRAD versus a trio like LaMP?** They're two completely different things. I can go in with much more of a plan with LaMP, where as JRAD is more of a free-for-all. JRAD's x-factor is in the band's group improvisations. It's a real 'mind-meld' kind of situation when it's really happening, so I don't go in with any sort of game plan because I want to be totally open to any and all ideas any of the other dudes might drop on me at any moment. With LaMP, what direction things will move in is a little more charted out & contained, so I can focus much more on whatever I'm working on behind the scenes and bring that to the table. ### **What gear (guitar/amp/pedals) are you using lately—and why?** With LaMP I play my Creston T style with Lollar P-90's thru my Victoria 35210 amp. With JRAD I play my Ronin Songbird with vintage DeArmond Gold Foils thru my Headstrong Verbovibe amp. As for pedals, with a few exceptions, I have a pretty standard rig I use. I run a Barefoot Putting Green compressor -> Benson Germanium Fuzz -> Paul Cochrane Timmy Overdrive -> Boss OC-3 Octave pedal -> MXR Phase 90 (Analogman modded) -> Ibanez Analog Delay -> Benson Analog Delay. For a wah pedal I use the KILLER Wilson Effects Rippah. ### **Your solo album showcased a more introspective, cinematic side. What inspired that record?** I recorded that album during the lockdowns in 2020\. I'm pretty happy with how it came out, though there are some things I'd do differently if I could go back. ### **When you’re not on the road or in the studio, how do you like to spend your time?** I never pass an opportunity to see a baseball game whoever is playing (though it's best if I'm seeing my beloved Philadelphia Phillies,) go for runs, and get in a round of golf whenever I can ## ⚡ Lightning Round ### **One album every guitarist should listen to?** Marc Ribot 'Los Cubanos Prostizos' ### **Desert island guitar and amp?** My beloved Ronin Songbird guitar & Victoria 35210 amp ### **What are your preferred guitar strings & pick?** D'addario NYXL 11's strings & Dunlop Prime Tone 1mm picks ****Check out Scott Metzger** [Website](https://scottmetzger.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/scottymetz/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/metzgerville/) | [Joe Russo's Almost Dead](http://www.joerussosalmostdead.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [LaMP](https://www.ilikelamp.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Noteworthy 🗞️ ![Fender American Professional Classic Series (Image Credit: Fender)](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/10/image-4.png) Fender American Professional Classic Series (Image Credit: Fender) - **Fender** introduced the [American Professional Classic series](https://www.fender.com/collections/american-professional-classic?ref=vividguitar.co). The series replaces the American Performer series as the entry point to it's USA-made guitars. The collections includes a range of Strats, Teles, Jaguars, Jazzmasters, and bass guitars. They feature new pickups, updated neck profiles, tweaked finishes, updated hardware, and more. - **PRS** is updating the construction of their SE Hollowbody guitar so the shape is now 'fully PRS'. The center section is cut from solid mahogany - opposed to bending the sides. They also introduced a new color - [Vintage Sunburst](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzWLQZmh0yM&ref=vividguitar.co). - **PRS** also announced a new amp - the [DGT 15 combo amp](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHxsuva7MWg&ref=vividguitar.co). The 15-watt, single-channel amp was build in partnership with David Grissom, and is designed to deliver vintage-inspired tone and gig-ready portability. - **Epiphone** released a [Joe Bonamassa '59 Les Paul Custom guitar](https://www.gibson.com/products/epiphone-joe-bonamassa-59-les-paul-custom-antique-ebony?ref=vividguitar.co) in Antique Ebony - **Gibson** is launching a new color for it's ES-339 - [Honeyburst](https://www.gibson.com/products/gibson-es-339-honeyburst?ref=vividguitar.co). It's expected to be available toward the end of this month. - **Gretsch** released some [newly updated Electromatic Jet](https://gretschguitars.com/jet-evolved?ref=vividguitar.co) guitars. - **Kiss** guitarist **Ace Frehley** passed away age age 74 following injuries suffered during a fall last month. --- 🎉 If you enjoy reading stuff like this, you'll love our [**free weekly guitar newsletter**](https://vividguitar.co/), and we'd be psyched if you subscribe!🤘 ### Blues Endings, Dominyka Mauliūtė, Benson Nathan Jr URL: https://vividguitar.co/blues-endings-dominyka-mauliute-benson-nathan-jr/ Last updated: 2025-10-14T14:00:28.000Z [![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png)](http://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3q?ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 "Draw the art you want to see, start the business you want to run, ****play the music you want to hear**, write the books you want to read, build the products you want to use—****do the work you want to see done**." - Austin Kleon ## Guitar Practice ### Blues Ending Riffs In [last week's newsletter](https://vividguitar.co/blues-turnarouds-kris-barocsi-kauer-guitars-g-l-shut-down-rip-ken-parker/), we looked at some blues turnarounds. This week, let's take a look at a few riffs that can be used as endings (either ending a measure, or ending a song). We have one riff in C, and two in A. **Riff 1:** Blues Ending 1 0:00 /5.064 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/10/Blues-Ending-1.png) **Riff 2:** Blues Ending 2 0:00 /5.304 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/10/Blues-Ending-2.png) **Riff 3:** Blues Ending 3 0:00 /6.936 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/10/Blues-Ending-3.png) --- ## Guitarist Spotlight ### Dominyka Mauliūtė ![Jazz Guitarist Dominyka Mauliūtė](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/10/Dominyka-Mauliu--te--.jpg) Dominyka Mauliūtė is a jazz guitarist from Klaipėda, Lithuania who first picked up the guitar at age eight after being mesmerized by the Beatles. Her teacher, Deividas Kontrimas, introduced her to jazz, encouraged her musical growth, and guided her studies at Juozo Karoso Music School, where she plays in the jazz ensemble “Stop Jazz.” She gained widespread attention when her cover of Wes Montgomery’s *“D-Natural Blues”* (arranged by Emily Remler) performed on electric guitar became a YouTube sensation, earning hundreds of thousands of views. The performance won praise from critics and competition judges, putting Dominyka on the map as a young talent with both technical skill and expressive sensitivity. Beyond music, Dominyka balances dual studies: she is enrolled in philosophy at Vilnius University and studying jazz guitar performance at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre. Her philosophical interests are reflected in her creative projects, one of which is the development of an artificial “music language,” drawing on ideas from logic and the philosophy of language. Dominyka continues to perform widely—at festivals, clubs, and concerts—both solo and with her ensemble, and she works to inspire younger musicians to explore jazz and improvisation. Her fusion of academic study, creative ambition, and musical talent mark her as one of Lithuania’s promising young jazz artists. **Key Gear** - Ibanez George Benson model (GB10SE-BS) - Epiphone Les Paul Custom Pro **Watch Dominyka:** ****Check out Dominyka Mauliūtė** [Website](https://www.dominykamauliute.com/en/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@dominykamauliute?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/dominykamauliute/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Gear Showcase ### Benson Nathan Jr Amp ![Benson Nathan Jr Guitar Amp (image c/o Russo Music)](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/10/Russo_Music_Benson_Nathan_Junior_Amplifier.png) Benson Nathan Jr Guitar Amp (image c/o Russo Music) The Benson Nathan Jr (also known as the Nathan Junior) is a boutique, low-wattage combo guitar amplifier from Benson Amps, designed to deliver rich tone in a compact and portable package. Rated at 5 watts, it might appear modest on paper, but thanks to its carefully tuned circuitry and high-quality components, it produces a surprisingly big and dynamic sound. It’s well-suited for home practice, studio recording, or small gigs—any situation where you want great tone without excessive volume. Inside, the Nathan Jr features premium components and point-to-point wiring. It runs on a single JJ 6V6 power tube paired with 12AX7 and 12DW7 preamp tubes. The 10-inch Celestion Greenback speaker provides warm mids and smooth highs, while the cabinet is made from Baltic birch for resonance and durability. The control layout is refreshingly simple—Volume, Treble, Bass, and Reverb—making it easy to dial in classic tones. A genuine spring reverb adds lush ambience, enhancing the amp’s overall vintage-inspired character. At around 20 to 24 pounds, the Nathan Jr is highly portable and road-friendly. Despite its small size, it offers impressive headroom and dynamic response, delivering touch-sensitive overdrive when pushed. Many players praise it for its ability to bridge the gap between studio and stage, retaining clarity and nuance even at higher volumes. Overall, the Benson Nathan Jr captures the essence of boutique craftsmanship: simple, musical, and built to last. It’s a testament to Benson’s philosophy of creating amps that sound inspiring straight out of the box, without needing pedals or complex setups to shine. ****Check out the Benson NAthan Jr** [Benson Website](https://www.bensonamps.com/amps/nathanjunior?ref=vividguitar.co) | [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/4mWqRdI?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Noteworthy 🗞️ ![Fender'62 Super Amp](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/10/Fender-62-Super-Amp.png) Fender'62 Super Amp - **Fender** announced a new American Vintage ['62 Super Amplifier](https://www.fender.com/products/62-super-amp?variant=46704468132062&utm%5Fsource=newsletter&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=20251007%5FUS%5FNPI%5FECM%5FLCH%5F62SA%5FLG&utm%5Fterm=fender&src=email41DT100725%5FNPI%5FECM%5FLCH%5F62SA%5FLG&bcHash=55d359e782cb3eb45e140611076bc171bf546183d7725f6db179152366b62e2b&campaignId=15189430). Fender "brown panel" amplifiers bridged the gap between the raw tone of '50s-era tweed amps and the sparkling clean tone of mid-'60s "black panel" amps. The '62 Super features two 6L6 power tubes and six 12AX7 preamp tubes. [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/46YZDx6?ref=vividguitar.co) - **PRS** released a [PRS SE Chleo Herman Li Signature ](https://prsguitars.com/electrics/model/se%5Fchleo%5F2025?ref=vividguitar.co) electric guitar. Developed in partnership with the guitarist in the band *DragonForce*, it features a maple top and mahogany back with a thin maple neck and ebony fretboard, a 20" fretboard radius, and carbon fiber strength rods for extra sustain. [View on Reverb](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=67144&awinaffid=1519185&ued=https%3A%2F%2Freverb.com%2Fmarketplace%3Fquery%3DPRS%2520SE%2520Chleo%2520Herman%2520Li%2520Signature%2520Electric%2520Guitar&ref=vividguitar.co) - **Martin** announced two new [Jeff Tweedy Signature Models](https://www.martinguitar.com/jeff-tweedy.html?ref=vividguitar.co) \- the reissued [00DB Jeff Tweedy](https://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/custom-special-editions/00DB-Jeff-Tweedy.html?ref=vividguitar.co) and the brand-new [000 Jr E Jeff Tweedy](https://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/custom-special-editions/000-Jr-E-Jeff-Tweedy.html?ref=vividguitar.co). - **Berklee College of Music** is laying off 70 employees due to 'budget challenges'. - **Rick Beato** [interviewed](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPDUBXmZzow&ref=vividguitar.co) guitarist **Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal**. They covered his extensive career, his technical approach to the guitar, and the details behind his current musical projects. --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Blues Turnarouds, Kris Barocsi, Kauer Guitars, G&L Shut Down, RIP Ken Parker URL: https://vividguitar.co/blues-turnarouds-kris-barocsi-kauer-guitars-g-l-shut-down-rip-ken-parker/ Last updated: 2025-10-07T14:00:42.000Z [![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png)](http://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3q?ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 “Music is your own experience, your own thoughts, your wisdom. If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn. They teach you there's a boundary line to music. But, man, there's no boundary line to art.” ― Charlie Parker ## Guitar Practice ### Blues Turnaround Riffs Let's take a look at a few blues turnaround riffs. A common technique used in blues turnarounds is using a pedal tone - which is keeping one note the same, while the lower or higher notes ascend or descend. The first 2 riffs below are an example of that. In Riff 3, we have a descending chord riff. It starts on one voicing of A7, and ends on other voicing of A7. In Riff 4, we use the note A on the 5th fret of the high E string as a pedal tone, while the notes on both the G and B string descend. **Riff 1:** Blues Riff 1 0:00 /10.056 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/10/Blues-Riff-1.png) **Riff 2:** Blues Riff 2 0:00 /9.048 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/10/Blues-Riff-2.png) **Riff 3:** Blues Riff 3 0:00 /7.56 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/10/Blues-Riff-3.png) Blues Riff 4 0:00 /7.056 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/10/Blues-Riff-4.png) --- ## Guitarist/Creator Spotlight ### Kris Barocsi ![Guitar Player Kris Barocsi](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/10/Kris-Barocsi-Guitar.png) Kris Barocsi is a guitarist and content creator known for blending great playing with a passion for sharing knowledge. Born and raised in Hungary, he was drawn to the guitar from an early age, encouraged by the instruments around his home. Although he studied piano as a child, it was the guitar that truly captured his attention. By the time he was a teenager, he was learning chords, experimenting with new sounds, and developing the skills that would lead him toward a life in music. His first guitar teacher, Tibor Bartha, introduced him to techniques like hybrid picking and chicken picking, which gave Kris a strong technical foundation. With this guidance, he went on to study at music college in Hungary, where he spent four years immersed in blues, jazz, and fusion. During this time, he performed in college ensembles and bands, sharpening his ear and deepening his understanding of theory and improvisation. After graduating, Kris explored many styles with local groups, including power metal, folk, and pop rock, gaining experience across a wide musical spectrum. In 2008, Kris moved to Germany to further his career. He spent several years performing in Top 40 cover bands, where he learned the ins and outs of live performance, tone shaping, and professional musicianship. This period of constant gigging helped him develop a versatile style and a practical approach to gear, which would later influence both his playing and his content. His ability to balance technical skill with musical feel made him a sought-after guitarist in different live settings. By 2016, Kris began working with Thomann’s popular “Guitars & Basses” YouTube channel, producing demos and reviews that reached a wide audience. In 2019, he launched his own YouTube channel, where he showcases gear reviews, tutorials, and original music. His engaging and approachable style has earned him a dedicated following among players worldwide. In 2025, Kris released his debut solo album *Ego Town*, a collection of songs that highlight his artistry and personal voice on the instrument, marking an important step in his evolution as both a musician and content creator. ****Check out Kris Barocsi** [Website](https://www.krisbarocsi.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/c/KrisBarocsi?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/kris%5Fbarocsi/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Gear Showcase ### Kauer Guitars ![Kauer Guitars](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/09/image-7.png) Kauer Guitars is a boutique guitar company based near Sacramento, California, founded by Doug Kauer around 2007\. What began as Doug building guitars in his garage grew into a small but respected shop producing about 90 to 110 instruments per year. With a background in woodworking, Doug combined his craft with his passion for music, creating a company known for its balance, playability, and attention to detail. Today, Kauer Guitars operates with a small team, keeping the focus on handmade quality rather than mass production. The company is known for blending classic inspiration with modern design. Many of their models, such as the Daylighter, Banshee, Korona, and Starliner, take cues from vintage shapes but add updated playability, comfort, and versatility. Each guitar is built with high-quality woods, finishes, and hardware, making every instrument unique. The Korona, for example, is a modern reinterpretation of slab-style guitars that can cover everything from twang to jazz to rock, while the Starliner family — including the JR, Express, Deluxe, and Thinline — offers a slab-body, rock-focused design with options for different tones and body styles. One of Kauer’s strengths is its close relationship with players. Doug often works directly with musicians to design custom builds, ensuring their guitars not only look unique but also feel and sound right for their style. Because of this hands-on approach, Kauer has built a loyal following of players who appreciate the rare and personal nature of each instrument. Today, Kauer Guitars continues to grow while staying true to its handmade roots. By balancing tradition and innovation, the company has earned a reputation for artistry, individuality, and performance. Whether it’s a one-of-a-kind custom instrument or a thoughtfully designed model from their lineup, Kauer Guitars delivers instruments built for musicians who value both style and sound. ****Check out KAUER GUITARS** [Website](https://www.kauerguitars.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/kauerguitars/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [View on Reverb](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=67144&awinaffid=1519185&ued=https%3A%2F%2Freverb.com%2Fmarketplace%3Fquery%3Dkauer%2520&ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Noteworthy 🗞️ - After 45 years, **G&L Musical Instruments** has ceased operations, with the factory being shut down and employees being laid off. The company was founded in 1980 by Leo Fender and George Fullterton, whose initials form the company's name. There is speculation that **Fender** may acquire **G&**L, potentially to obtain rights to use Leo Fender's name and image for advertising, or just buy the intellectual property, but we'll have to wait and see if anything comes to fruition. - **RIP Ken Parker**. Parker guitars founder (and creator of the Parker Fly electric guitar) sadly passed away on October 5th after a battle with cancer. - **Iconic Guitars** launched a **new website** and announced they are switching to a ***direct to consumer*** business model (opposed to selling through retailers). - **Fender** introduced new [Breakup Drive & Boost](https://www.fender.com/pages/nail-that-tone-hammertone?ref=vividguitar.co) Hammertone™ guitar pedals. - **Epiphone** released a new [IGC 1963 Dove Reissue](https://www.gibson.com/products/epiphone-1963-dove-reissue-natural?view=epiphone&ref=vividguitar.co) acoustic guitar model. It features all solid wood construction with maple back and sides, a thermally aged solid spruce top, a one-piece thermally-aged mahogany neck with a Rounded profile, a rosewood fretboard, and L.R. Baggs electronics. - **Martin Guitars** released a OM Mikael Åkerfeldt signature model, which pairs torrefied spruce, guatemalan rosewood, and a low profile velocity neck. Limited to only 74 guitars. - **Fender** added a new offset Telecaster body style to it's [Mod Shop](https://www.fender.com/products/mod-shop-offset-telecaster?ref=vividguitar.co). - **Jens Larsen** posted a great video discussing a better way to [learn jazz chords](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wYYCfl8F%5FY&ref=vividguitar.co), taking inspiration from **Joe Pass**. --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Learn a Riff, Orangewood Clementine, Noteworthy News URL: https://vividguitar.co/learn-a-riff-orangewood-clementine-noteworthy-news/ Last updated: 2025-09-30T14:00:50.000Z [![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png)](http://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3q?ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 "I think great songs always come down to the melody. It’s the most important aspect of songwriting and is the only aspect that can stand alone and still sound like something special." - Charlie Ballantine ## Guitar Practice 🎸 ### Let's Learn a Riff Let's take a look at a short (but interesting) riff that uses *question-and-answer* chord phrases - a technique often used by jazz greats such as Joe Pass, McCoy Tyner, Herbie Hancock, and many others. In each of the 2 bars below, there is a descending moving line that is followed by an ascending moving line. We are keeping parts of the chords the same, while changing the low note on the D string. Descending Riff 0:00 /4.00399 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/09/image-6.png) --- ## Guitarist Spotlight ### Mateus Asato ![Mateus Asato (Image Credit: Rachel Billings & Guitar.com)](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/09/mateus-asato-watermarked-rachel-billings-2-1068x801.jpg) Mateus Asato (Image Credit: Rachel Billings & Guitar.com) Mateus Asato is a Brazilian guitarist known for his emotional playing and mix of pop, rock, and soul styles. Born in 1993 in Campo Grande, Brazil, he started playing guitar at the age of 9\. What began as a childhood interest soon grew into a passion. He spent hours learning songs by ear, practicing chords and melodies, and shaping a style filled with smooth bends, rich harmonies, and lines that sound almost like a singer’s voice. In his early 20s, Asato moved to Los Angeles to study at Musicians Institute. The experience gave him new musical ideas and helped him sharpen his technique. Around that time, he began posting short guitar clips on Instagram, where his expressive solos and melodic phrasing quickly went viral. His videos built a worldwide following and connected him with other musicians and fans across the globe. Asato’s talent opened doors to perform with major artists. He toured with pop stars such as Bruno Mars, Tori Kelly, and Jessie J, playing on big stages and learning from the world of professional music. While these opportunities gave him valuable experience, he also wanted to focus on creating his own music and building a personal career beyond being a sideman. Recently, Asato announced that his **first solo album is complete and ready to be released**. Stepping away from the security of touring was not easy, but he felt it was the right choice to follow his own artistic vision. Now in his 30s, Asato says he has a clear sense of direction and is excited to share his original work. With his new album, he is entering the next stage of his career—not just as a guitarist for others, but as a solo artist in his own right. Today, Mateus is seen as one of the most influential guitar players of his generation. Young musicians admire him for the way he combines feeling and technique while always keeping the music as the main focus. Even though he first gained fame through social media, his sound feels timeless and connects with listeners everywhere. ### Key Gear - Suhr Classic S Mateus Asato Signature Model - Suhr Classic T II - Suhr Classic T Mateus Asato Signature Model - Suhr Classic Telecaster Super Relic - Suhr Badger 30 Guitar Amp ****Check out** M****ateus Asato** [Website](https://mateusasato.com/en-us/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/mateusasato/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdJvnbX52LgGrmNvREvZZoQ?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/MateusAsatoOfficial/) --- ## Gear Showcase ### Orangewood Clementine ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/09/clementine-guitar.jpg) Los Angeles-based **Orangewood Guitars** started in 2018 with the goal of building a timeless guitar brand with a modern twist. While their focus in the past has been on acoustic guitars, they recently branched into the world of electric guitars - with their newest model being the *Clementine*. The **Orangewood Clementine** is the company’s first semi-hollow electric guitar and its most high-end model so far. It has a slightly smaller double-cutaway body (12.4" bout width) with a chambered design and a deep belly cut, making it comfortable to play while still keeping the rich, resonant sound semi-hollows are known for. Built with a solid carved maple top, mahogany back and sides, and a smooth satin finish, the Clementine blends classic style with modern touches. It also comes with a rosewood fingerboard, a deluxe hard case, and two pickguards so players can switch up the look. The guitar uses Seymour Duncan Seth Lover humbuckers, along with a coil-split switch that lets you switch between warm, full humbucker tones and brighter single-coil sounds. A Tune-O-Matic bridge and Grover locking tuners add to its stability and reliability, whether on stage or in the studio. Priced at $1,495 and available in Americano, Bluebird, and Evergreen finishes, the Clementine is designed for players who want a mix of comfort, versatility, and classic electric guitar tone. **Key Features:** - Comfort-first design: A modern semi-hollow electric guitar with chambered construction, solid carved top, and deep belly cut - Solid wood, smooth textures: Glossy maple top with satin mahogany back & sides - Specialty hardware: Grover Roto-Grip Locking Vintage tuners and Tune-O-Matic bridge - Award-winning pickups: Seymour Duncan Seth Lover™ humbuckers with coil-split toggle and volume/tone controls - Maintenance: Headstock truss rod adjustment; backplate for electronics access - Extras: Retro 3-ply cream pickguard installed, with a bonus black pickguard to switch up your style [Check out the Orangewood Clementine](https://orangewoodguitars.com/collections/electric-guitars/products/clementine-semi-hollow-electric-guitar-americano?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Noteworthy 🗞️ ![PRS S2 Special Semi-Hollow Reclaimed Limited Edition Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/09/image-5.png) PRS S2 Special Semi-Hollow Reclaimed Limited Edition Guitar - **PRS** announced a 700-piece limited edition [Reclaimed Wood S2 Special](https://prsguitars.com/electrics/model/s2%5Fspecial%5Fsemi%5Fhollow%5Freclaimed%5Flimited%5Fedition%5F2025?ref=vividguitar.co) Semi-Hollow guitar. Each top has it's own character, making each guitar unique. FEatures 22-frets, a 25” scale length *Pattern Regular* neck, and a humbucker/Narrowfield/humbucker pickup configuration. A 5-way blade switch and two mini-toggles allow players to tap the humbuckers, creating twelve distinct pickup combinations. - **Heritage Guitars** announced a **Standard II Collection**. The series starts things off with a [newly updated H-150](https://heritageguitars.com/pages/standard-ii-h-150?ref=vividguitar.co), which features a new headstock design, modern wiring (including push/pull tone pots), a slim 60's neck profile, custom shop pickups, and a Mahogany body with weight relief. - **Gibson** released a [Les Paul Custom 70s guitar](https://www.gibson.com/blogs/gibson-gazette/the-gibson-les-paul-custom-70s-is-a-celebration-of-50-years-in-music-city?ref=vividguitar.co), available in Tobacco Burst, Ebony, Buttercream Top, and Wine Red finishes. - **Godin** released a [ACS Denim Blue Flam](https://godinguitars.com/product/acs-denim-blue-flame?ref=vividguitar.co)e nylon-string/synth guitar. --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Jam Track, John Tuggle, Nash Guitars, Noteworthy News URL: https://vividguitar.co/jam-track-john-tuggle-nash-guitars-noteworthy-news/ Last updated: 2025-10-01T14:37:22.000Z [![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png)](http://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3q?ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 “It’s better to create something that others criticize than to create nothing & criticize others.” - Ricky Gervais ## Guitar Practice 🎸 ### Jam Track Let's take a look at a chord progression in the key of C. While this progression is simple in that it only has 4 chords, it doesn't still to chords diatonic to the key of C major. We start by going from from a C major chord, to a C minor chord. That's followed by what can be viewed as the ii chord (which is usually D minor in the key of C) played as a Dominant Chord. Then a major chord a half step down, which builds tension before going back to C major. C Chord Progression 0:00 /228.048 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/09/image-3.png) There are a couple ways we can approach soloing over this progression: **Simple way:** Mostly use the **C major scale**, and switch to **C minor pentatonic** over the Cm7 for a bluesy feel. **Jazzier way:** Switch scales for each chord — - **C major** → Use the **C major scale**. - **Cm7** → This comes from C minor. Use the **C minor scale** or **C minor pentatonic**. - **D7** → This chord doesn’t belong to C major, but it pushes the music forward. Use the **D Mixolydian scale** (same notes as G major) or try the **D altered scale** for more jazzy sounds. - **Db major** → This chord is a step down from D7 and makes tension before going back to C. You can use the **Db major scale** or the **Db Mixolydian scale**. - **C major** → Land back on the **C major scale**. --- ## Guitarist/Educator Spotlight ### John Tuggle, Learning Guitar Now ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/09/John-Tuggle.jpeg) John Tuggle is a guitarist, educator, and the founder of *Learning Guitar Now*, a leading online resource for blues and slide guitar instruction. Unlike many online teachers who spread their focus across multiple genres, John has built his reputation by specializing in what he knows best—helping players master the sound and feel of blues and slide guitar. He began his career teaching private guitar lessons before branching into instructional eBooks, DVDs, and even a podcast in the mid-2000s. In 2006, he launched *Learning Guitar Now*, which has since grown into a full-fledged membership platform serving guitarists worldwide. Over the years, John has created hundreds of hours of content, steadily refining his approach to make advanced concepts approachable for players at any level. What sets John apart is his ability to break down the nuances of legendary blues and slide players—Eric Clapton, Duane Allman, Derek Trucks, Dickey Betts, Warren Haynes, and more—and translate those techniques into clear, structured lessons. His slide guitar instruction, in particular, has become a benchmark resource for students who want to unlock the mysteries of open tunings, phrasing, and expressive slide tone. Today, through his *Learning Guitar Now All Access Pass*, John offers more than 70 step-by-step video courses covering everything from essential blues fundamentals to advanced improvisation and soloing. Combined with his library of free lessons, he’s built a community-driven learning experience that has helped thousands of guitarists worldwide improve their playing. With nearly two decades of teaching online, John Tuggle continues to be a trusted guide for players who want to go beyond the basics and truly capture the soul of blues and slide guitar. [Check out Learning Guitar Now](https://www.learningguitarnow.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Gear Showcase ### Nash Guitars T ![Nash T-Style Guitars](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/09/Nash-T-Style-Guitars.png) Nash T-Style Guitars Bill Nash's **Nash Guitars** builds guitars that capture the awesome look, playability, and feel of vintage Fender guitars, at a fraction of the price an actual vintage guitar would cost. Nash differs from many of the other guitar companies on here in that they use parts sold through big manufacturers/sellers. While some people are quick to denounce Nash guitars as 'partscasters', those people are ultimately dismissing what are great guitars. Technically, all Telecaster style guitars can essentially be called 'partscasters', and while yes, it's also technically possible to get all the parts yourself and build your own guitar for a bit less than you're paying for a Nash, that's sort of missing the point. Nash uses very premium materials for their builds, and the value is really in their professional setups. Nash is known for being very selective in the parts they use (favoring lightweight bodies!), and use top-of-the-line handwound Lollar pickups (some of our absolute favorite tele pickups) and Gotoh tuning keys. Nash uses 100% nitrocellulose finish for their guitars, and offers various levels of aging/relicing, ranging from extra light to heavily reliced, making each guitar unique. Nash guitar owners tend to love their guitars, and it's tough to deny how great they sound. Check out Nash's T-52 & T-57 for a 50's style Telecaster, or their T-63 & T-69 Thinline for 60's style teles. **Standout Features:** - Lollar pickups - Various levels of aging, for a vintage look and feel - Great value for the price - Can be custom ordered to your specs (for the most part; they don't currently offer any necks with a 22-fret fretboard) - Large amount of color options - Available as either solidbody or semi-hollow, with either single coil or humbucker pickups - Offered in either a Medium C or fat boatneck neck profile [Check out Nash Guitars](https://www.nashguitars.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/48qvfuF?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Noteworthy 🗞️ ![Limited Edition Vintera® II Road Worn® '60s Telecaster® in Blonde](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/09/image-4.png) Limited Edition Vintera® II Road Worn® '60s Telecaster® in Blonde - **Fender** released a new [Limited Edition Vintera II Road Worn](https://www.fender.com/collections/vintera-ii-roadworn?ref=vividguitar.co) series of guitars. The updated Telecasters, Stratocasters, and Jazzmaster feature nitro-laquer finishes, classic pickups, and period-correct neck shapes. MSRP is $1,599 (for the Teles and Strats and $1,699 (for the Jazzmaster). - **Anderton's** posted a [new video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyHYDpdxYwA&ref=vividguitar.co) showcasing and reviewing the new **Supro** 1825R Airwave valve combo amp. - **Taylor Guitars** introduced 3 new [Gold Label](https://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/gold-label-collection?ref=vividguitar.co) acoustic guitar models. They feature new body designs, a patented action control neck, and fanned v-class bracing. - **PRS** released a new [S2 Mira 594](https://prsguitars.com/electrics/model/s2%5Fmira%5F594%5F2025?ref=vividguitar.co). The all-mahogany electric guitar is meant to cover a wide range of styles, including rock, blues, garage, and punk. It includes PRS 58/15 LT vintage-voiced humbucking pickups - which are paired with two mini-toggle switches to individually tap the the pickups for chimey single-coil sounds. - **Rick Beato** traveled to the U.S. to [interview](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OT%5FKFCidz%5Fs&ref=vividguitar.co) **David Gilmour** in his studio. --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### 6 Chord Practice, Adam Levy Interview, Guitar News URL: https://vividguitar.co/6th-chord-practice-adam-levy-interview-guitar-news/ Last updated: 2025-09-16T14:13:26.000Z 💬 Instead of getting hung up on the infinitude of the things you don’t know, discover the limitlessness within the things you already know. - Adam Levy/Ethan Sherman (from their great book String Theories) ## Guitar Practice In a few recent [newsletter issues](https://vividguitar.co/tag/newsletter/), we took a look at some ways to use chord substitutions in jazz progressions. This week, let's look at a simple way to incorporate **6 chords** into your playing. 💡 A 6 chord starts with a triad, and adds the 6th note from the major scale to the chord. A 6 chord uses the 1, 3, 5, 6 notes of the major scale - so a C6 chord would have the notes C, E, G, A. It's used in genre's like jazz, pop, and gospel to add some color and richness to a progression. Below, we'll learn 3 different ways to play a ii V I progression in the key of Eb major. We'll learn ways to play these same chords in 3 different places on the neck. For each option below, let's first play the standard ii V I progression, ending with a **Major 7th** chord. Then, we'll simply swap out the Major 7th chord with a **6 chord**. As an alternative to the options below, try playing the same progression, but instead of playing either EbM7 or Eb6 for 4 beats, play 2 beats of EbM7 and 2 beats of #b6. **Option 1:** ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/09/image.png) **Option 2:** ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/09/image-1.png) **Option 3:** ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/09/image-2.png) --- ![Adam Levy (Image credit: Alison Hasbach - TrueFire)](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/09/Adam-Levy-by-Alison-Hasbach-TrueFire-1.jpg) Adam Levy (Image credit: Alison Hasbach - TrueFire) Adam Levy is an American guitarist, songwriter, and educator known for his expressive tone and understated style. He has toured and recorded with artists like Norah Jones, Tracy Chapman, Ani DiFranco, and Rosanne Cash, while also leading his own projects. Drawing from jazz, blues, and Americana, Levy’s playing is marked by taste and restraint, always in service of the song. Outside of performing, Levy has built a reputation as a thoughtful teacher. His *Guitar Tips* video series and masterclasses have reached players worldwide, offering clear insights into tone, phrasing, and creativity. A former student of the legendary Ted Greene, Levy continues that tradition of mentorship while also releasing solo albums that highlight his skills as both guitarist and songwriter. Balancing performance, recording, and education, Adam Levy stands out as a versatile and respected figure in the guitar world. His ability to bridge styles, share knowledge, and tell stories through music has made him both a musician’s musician and an influential guide for players everywhere. **We connected with Adam, and he shared great advice on crossing into jazz, finding your voice, strengthening musicality through practice, and supporting others with taste and simplicity.** ## 🎸 Q & A ### ### **What advice do you have for guitar players that have more of a rock or blues background, but want to learn jazz?** Understanding some music theory is important, but don't forget that jazz — just like blues and rock — is also about feel and sound. Listen to tasty players, like Kenny Burrell or Grant Green, and see if you can learn a couple of their licks by ear. Pay close attention to the sound and the feel. And learn some accessible jazz tunes, like "Blue Bossa" or "Chitlins con Carne". The more tunes you know, the more music you can make. ### **What’s one piece of advice you’d give other guitarists to develop their own voice?** Record yourself — at a jam, gig, or even a practice session — and listen to what you sound like. Discern which things you're doing that are unique or special, and then try to do more of those things next time you play. Do what you can to minimize the stuff the stuff that's borrowed and/or aimless. ### **What’s one concept or exercise you’d recommend to guitarists at any level to improve their musicality?** I recommend writing original tunes — instrumental, or with words. If you're just starting out, keep it simple. A singable melody is all you need. Add a few chords, or even two riffs for an A part and a B part. Writing is a process of making decisions: Is it this note, or that one? This chord or that one? Choosing, over and over, helps you develop your musicality. ### **While you've recorded with and played with a variety of guitars, you're largely known for using your Gibson ES-335\. What specifically drew you to that guitar?** When I was 12 years old, I already knew I wanted to be a studio guitarist. I asked my teacher which guitar he'd recommend, and he told me that the ES-335 is particularly versatile. I had seen these guitars on the cover of some records I liked — including B.B. King's 'Take It Home', Larry Carlton's 'Strike Twice', and Dave Edmunds' 'Repeat When Necessary'. So iconic! ### **This question came from the great jazz guitarist Jens Larsen: Besides being an amazing Jazz guitarist, you are also a great Blues guitarist. Who are your biggest blues guitar influences?** B.B. King. Albert King. Hubert Sumlin. Otis Rush. Jesse Ed Davis. Jeff Beck. ### **When you’re comping for a vocalist, how do you balance creativity with supporting the vocalist?** Support is always my priority. I'll do anything I can do to make their job easier. Creativity, for me, often comes in the form of simplifying my part. What can I leave out? Sometimes, if I'm feeling stuck, I'll try an alternate tuning or use a capo to put myself in a different headspace with the chords. ### **You write songs with singing as well as instrumentals—what’s your starting point when writing?** When I write songs with words, I almost always start with the words first. I'm not usually thinking, like, "I'm going to write a song about my grandmother who played piano." It usually starts with an interesting turn of phrase, or a rhyme scheme that feels fertile. It's always about storytelling and the sound of words. Once the words feel finished — or nearly so — I'll try to find a melody that flows naturally from the words. The chords usually come last, which is the easy part for me. ### **What’s next for you musically—any projects or goals you're working on?** I recently recorded a couple of live shows with a band I co-lead with pedal-steel guitarist Rich Hinman. The gigs sure were fun! We need to sort through the tunes and see if we've got enough material for an album. I also recorded a duo album with guitarist Tim Lerch. We tracked 13 tunes in two days — just the two of us. Goals wise, I just want to keep growing. Playing with new people inspires me, going out to see live shows inspires me. And I take lessons every once in awhile, which is definitely helpful. ****Check out ADAM LEVY** [Website](https://www.adamlevy.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/adamlevyguitar/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/c/AdamLevyGuitarTips?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Noteworthy 🗞️ ![New color options for the Yamaha Revstar RSS02T](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/09/New-Yamaha-Revstar-colors.jpg) New color options for the Yamaha Revstar RSS02T - **Yamaha** is launching some great [new color options](https://yamahamusicians.com/yamaha-revstar-range-gains-new-finishes/?ref=vividguitar.co) for their popular Revstar model. The RSS02T (with P90 pickups) adds the colors of Vintage White, Sonic Blue, and Fired Red. The RSS20 (with humbuckers) joins the range with Mist Green and Sonic Blue. - **Fender** added new **chambered ash bodies** to it's [Mod Shop](https://uk.fender.com/pages/fender-mod-shop?ref=vividguitar.co) \- offered in Butterscotch Blonde and 2-Tone Sunburst. - **Gretsch** launched a new [Synchromatic collection](https://gretschguitars.com/gear/collection/synchromatic?ref=vividguitar.co) of semi-hollow guitars, including the [Synchromatic Nashville](https://gretschguitars.com/gear/collection/synchromatic/synchromatic-nashville-hollow-body-single-cut-with-bigsby/2506411512?ref=vividguitar.co) and [Synchromatic Falcon](https://gretschguitars.com/gear/collection/synchromatic/synchromatic-falcon-hollow-body-single-cut-with-bigsby/2506530506?ref=vividguitar.co). - **Gibson** introduced the the [Custom SJ-200 Monarch](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MY2uJVbTg%5Fs&ref=vividguitar.co) #100 Brazilian Rosewood—a one-of-a-kind acoustic guitar and the most prestigious version of Gibson’s world-famous Super Jumbo. - **Gibson** also five new [Murphy Lab Light Aged](https://www.gibson.com/collections/gibson-custom-murphy-lab-aged-acoustic-guitars?ref=vividguitar.co) acoustic reissue models. - **Taylor** announced the [Zedd GS Mini Telos Special Edition](https://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/zedd?ref=vividguitar.co) acoustic guitar. Featuring stunning artwork, the GS Mini was designed in partnership with GRAMMY-winning producer, composer and DJ Zedd. - **Cory Wong** interviewed [**Goose**](https://www.goosetheband.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) guitarist **Rick Mitarotonda** on his podcast. They discussed their philosophies on recording, staying sharp on your instrument, all-star moments and standout players in the jam community, and feeling misunderstood as an artist. [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wong-notes/id1513405224?i=1000724698701&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/2FEgLTAjPUPQIbzdWQgPrb?si=1J2ZoMrYQ5WN0sW70p3naw&ref=vividguitar.co) --- 🎉 If you enjoy reading stuff like this, you'll love our [**free weekly guitar newsletter**](https://vividguitar.co/), and we'd be psyched if you subscribe!🤘 ### Adam Levy on Jazz, Originality, and the Art of Keeping It Simple URL: https://vividguitar.co/interview-with-jazz-guitarist-adam-levy/ Last updated: 2025-09-16T14:25:16.000Z 💬 Instead of getting hung up on the infinitude of the things you don’t know, discover the limitlessness within the things you already know. - Adam Levy/Ethan Sherman (from their great book String Theories) Adam Levy is an American guitarist, songwriter, and educator known for his expressive tone and understated style. He has toured and recorded with artists like Norah Jones, Tracy Chapman, Ani DiFranco, and Rosanne Cash, while also leading his own projects. Drawing from jazz, blues, and Americana, Levy’s playing is marked by taste and restraint, always in service of the song. Outside of performing, Levy has built a reputation as a thoughtful teacher. His *Guitar Tips* video series and masterclasses have reached players worldwide, offering clear insights into tone, phrasing, and creativity. A former student of the legendary Ted Greene, Levy continues that tradition of mentorship while also releasing solo albums that highlight his skills as both guitarist and songwriter. Balancing performance, recording, and education, Adam Levy stands out as a versatile and respected figure in the guitar world. His ability to bridge styles, share knowledge, and tell stories through music has made him both a musician’s musician and an influential guide for players everywhere. **We connected with Adam, and he shared great advice on crossing into jazz, finding your voice, strengthening musicality through practice, and supporting others with taste and simplicity.** ## 🎸 Q & A ### ### **What advice do you have for guitar players that have more of a rock or blues background, but want to learn jazz?** Understanding some music theory is important, but don't forget that jazz — just like blues and rock — is also about feel and sound. Listen to tasty players, like Kenny Burrell or Grant Green, and see if you can learn a couple of their licks by ear. Pay close attention to the sound and the feel. And learn some accessible jazz tunes, like "Blue Bossa" or "Chitlins con Carne". The more tunes you know, the more music you can make. ### **What’s one piece of advice you’d give other guitarists to develop their own voice?** Record yourself — at a jam, gig, or even a practice session — and listen to what you sound like. Discern which things you're doing that are unique or special, and then try to do more of those things next time you play. Do what you can to minimize the stuff the stuff that's borrowed and/or aimless. ### **What’s one concept or exercise you’d recommend to guitarists at any level to improve their musicality?** I recommend writing original tunes — instrumental, or with words. If you're just starting out, keep it simple. A singable melody is all you need. Add a few chords, or even two riffs for an A part and a B part. Writing is a process of making decisions: Is it this note, or that one? This chord or that one? Choosing, over and over, helps you develop your musicality. ### **While you've recorded with and played with a variety of guitars, you're largely known for using your Gibson ES-335\. What specifically drew you to that guitar?** When I was 12 years old, I already knew I wanted to be a studio guitarist. I asked my teacher which guitar he'd recommend, and he told me that the ES-335 is particularly versatile. I had seen these guitars on the cover of some records I liked — including B.B. King's 'Take It Home', Larry Carlton's 'Strike Twice', and Dave Edmunds' 'Repeat When Necessary'. So iconic! ### **This question came from the great jazz guitarist Jens Larsen: Besides being an amazing Jazz guitarist, you are also a great Blues guitarist. Who are your biggest blues guitar influences?** B.B. King. Albert King. Hubert Sumlin. Otis Rush. Jesse Ed Davis. Jeff Beck. ### **When you’re comping for a vocalist, how do you balance creativity with supporting the vocalist?** Support is always my priority. I'll do anything I can do to make their job easier. Creativity, for me, often comes in the form of simplifying my part. What can I leave out? Sometimes, if I'm feeling stuck, I'll try an alternate tuning or use a capo to put myself in a different headspace with the chords. ### **You write songs with singing as well as instrumentals—what’s your starting point when writing?** When I write songs with words, I almost always start with the words first. I'm not usually thinking, like, "I'm going to write a song about my grandmother who played piano." It usually starts with an interesting turn of phrase, or a rhyme scheme that feels fertile. It's always about storytelling and the sound of words. Once the words feel finished — or nearly so — I'll try to find a melody that flows naturally from the words. The chords usually come last, which is the easy part for me. ### **What’s next for you musically—any projects or goals you're working on?** I recently recorded a couple of live shows with a band I co-lead with pedal-steel guitarist Rich Hinman. The gigs sure were fun! We need to sort through the tunes and see if we've got enough material for an album. I also recorded a duo album with guitarist Tim Lerch. We tracked 13 tunes in two days — just the two of us. Goals wise, I just want to keep growing. Playing with new people inspires me, going out to see live shows inspires me. And I take lessons every once in awhile, which is definitely helpful. ****Check out ADAM LEVY** [Website](https://www.adamlevy.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/adamlevyguitar/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/c/AdamLevyGuitarTips?ref=vividguitar.co) --- 🎉 If you enjoy reading stuff like this, you'll love our [**free weekly guitar newsletter**](https://vividguitar.co/), and we'd be psyched if you subscribe!🤘 ### Daniel DeLorenzo on Practice, Creativity, and Staying Independent in Music URL: https://vividguitar.co/daniel-delorenzo-on-practice-creativity-and-staying-independent-in-music/ Last updated: 2025-09-09T14:00:08.000Z **Daniel DeLorenzo** is a jazz guitarist, composer, recording engineer, and teacher based in Pittsboro, North Carolina. He blends traditional jazz with a modern sound and is known for his expressive playing and creative improvisation. Daniel leads a versatile career, performing in duos, trios, and larger ensembles with bass, drums, horns, or Hammond organ. He also teaches guitar online and in person, covering music theory, improvisation, composition, and performance. His students benefit from his experience as a recording engineer, learning both musical and technical skills, including music production software and studio techniques. As a recording artist, Daniel has released several albums, including *Strive* (2018), *How Thoughtful* (2020), *SomeKindaStory* (2021), *K.BYE* (2022), *HEY* (2023), and *We Probably Wouldn’t Get Along* (2025). His music combines original compositions with jazz standards, often highlighting collaboration, improvisation, and a fresh, modern approach to jazz. ## 🎸 Q & A ### **What does your current guitar practice routine look like?** My practice is pretty flexible and changes with performance needs. Right now I'm spending lots of time on repertoire, writing tunes, and rhythmic study. ### **What's the best piece of advice you have for other guitar players?** Be productive! Composing music, recording a song, sitting in on music outside of your comfort-zone are really good catalysts to encourage new practice. If you're in a slump, it's likely you're not expanding your horizons and are visiting familiar material too often. If you have a musical goal (making a record/playing over a specific tune/writing new music) it will inform what you need to practice to achieve those goals. ### **What’s one technique, habit, or concept that helped you level up as a player?** I try not to over-judge my playing, so creativity can flow, while still being critical enough to keep my standards high. ### **What gear (guitar/amp/pedals) are you using lately—and why?** My main rig is a **Guild SC-1** with a humbucking Charlie Christian style pickup into a **Quilter Aviator Cub**, or a **Mesa Boogie Rectoverb 25**. I love the sound of the guitar plugged straight into an amp. Pedals come and go in my rig, but my favorite setup is just learning to command a guitar through an amp. ### **What are the most effective ways you've found to market yourself or your band?** I'm still trying to figure that out. I'm 100% independent and my focus has mostly been on trying to make music to the best of my ability. I'm hoping with enough dedication to my craft opportunities to grow will continue to present themselves. Giving the musical moment my fullest attention is the most valuable thing that I can offer. That said, I'd encourage anyone reading this to go check out some of my tunes wherever you stream music, or purchase some albums on [Bandcamp](https://danieldelorenzo.bandcamp.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) as it helps me continue to make music! ### **Are there any books, albums, or videos you recommend to other guitarists?** I'd recommend getting to know players in your scene! There are lots of independent musicians making music in your backyard. It's a great opportunity to support new music, meet new players, and get yourself into new playing opportunities. ### **How do you approach creativity—writing, improvising, or building a solo?** I love writing tunes with strong melodic/rhythmic hooks that can still be flexible and fun vehicles for collaborative playing in lots of different musical situations. If I write something that ticks all of those boxes, I feel pretty good about it. Good improv is like a song inside of the song and should also check a lot of those same boxes. ### **What’s next for you musically—any projects or goals you're working on?** I released my 7th album ("We Probably Wouldn't Get Along") in April of 2025 and I'm currently writing the material that will be on an upcoming release. Hoping to hit the studio in late 2025 and release the new material in 2026! ## ⚡ Lightning Round ### **One album every guitarist should listen to?**" We Probably Wouldn't Get Along" - Daniel DeLorenzo ### **What guitarist should everyone know about?** Bola Sete ****Check out Daniel DeLorenzo** [Website](https://www.danieldelorenzo.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Bandcamp](https://danieldelorenzo.bandcamp.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/daniel%5Fdelorenzo/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@daniel%5Fdelorenzo?ref=vividguitar.co) --- 🎉 If you enjoy reading stuff like this, you'll love our [**free weekly guitar newsletter**](https://vividguitar.co/), and we'd be psyched if you subscribe!🤘 ### Molly Miller on Practice, Versatility, and Musical Freedom URL: https://vividguitar.co/interview-with-guitar-player-molly-miller/ Last updated: 2025-09-02T17:18:52.000Z Molly Miller is a Los Angeles-based guitarist, composer, and educator known for blending jazz, Americana, blues, pop, and even surf rock into a soulful, dynamic style. Whether leading the Molly Miller Trio or performing alongside other artists, her live shows are full of energy and creativity. A lifelong musician, she began playing at age seven in a family band, later diving into jazz and earning her BM, MM, and Doctorate in Musical Arts from USC. Her career took off when she became the touring guitarist for Jason Mraz, a role she’s held for nearly a decade. Molly’s versatility has also led her to collaborate with artists like Zayn Malik, Shawn Mendes, and Scary Pockets. As a recording artist, her albums *St. George* and *The Ballad of Hotspur* showcase both her original compositions and inventive covers. Beyond performing, Molly is a passionate educator. She serves as Chair of the Guitar Department at the Los Angeles College of Music, offers online lessons through platforms like Pickup Music, and teaches live courses such as *Intro to Jazz 2*. Her teaching, much like her Instagram videos, reflects the same inspiring spirit and love for music that defines her career. ## 🎸 Q & A ### **What does your current guitar practice routine look like?** I have my rituals, but there is some variation, depending on what is on the docket and where my head is at. When I pick up my guitar, I spend a little time just playing without any purpose other than to connect (maybe 3 minutes, maybe 3 hours). Then I like to go into a few technical exercises that help me connect with my instrument (5 minutes-ish), read through some Bach and/or sight read, play a few tunes without judgement, and then dive in. Learn some songs, write some songs, play songs with a metronome, record myself and listen back, but really - I like to sit and play. I like playing tunes and trying to find new ways to approach them. I love learning songs. I love writing songs. I love investigating songs. I love arranging songs. That’s what I do with my time with my instrument. Of course there are other days where I have to work on music for an upcoming gig - programming sounds, learning songs for an artist, sorting gear stuff etc. The time I have with my guitar is sacred to me. Thanks to my mentor, Bruce Forman, I never really think of it as “practice” or “work”. I am always playing. ### **Your playing often bounces between rock and jazz. What advice do you have for guitar players that have more of a rock background, but want to learn jazz?** I wouldn’t get so caught up in pigeon-holing things like that. To me, it is all just guitar. The goal is to find your voice. It’s vital to study genres - listen and get the vocabulary and nuances down, but ultimately it’s just music. For those who want to start diving into jazz (or any genre for that matter) - listen and find things that you connect with. Jazz is a huge genre. It’s like learning a language - listen, soak it up, and try to speak it. Same thing with any style of music. Listen to it, work on it alone, and play with other people (all three steps are vital). And most importantly - find the joy in it. If you don’t enjoy it, don’t do it. I also offer Intro to Jazz Classes… ### **You’ve played with artists from Jason Mraz to Zayn Malik (One Direction), as well as with your own band — how do you adapt your playing to such different contexts?** There are a few things that come to mind. First off, I love so many different genres. I listen to Indie, soul, country, jazz, pop, funk, hip hop etc. It all goes in my earholes and affects what I play. Also, I grew up playing a bunch of different styles. I was in jazz band in school and had a jazz combo with my brothers, played in a top 40’s band with siblings, was in rock bands with friends. Even before college, my favorite music was very diverse - Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Wes Montgomery, Blink 182, Grant Green, Sublime, No Doubt. I was listening to and playing a huge mix of music. Then I went to USC for Studio Jazz Guitar. I studied a wide range of genres inside and outside of school. I was doing jazz casuals around town, backing artists, playing in an afro-beat funk band. I love playing music- not genre specific. That’s always been true and always will be. I believe that playing a bunch of different music strengthens you - it’s like going to the gym and working out different parts of your body. You become stronger as a whole. ### **What gear (guitar/amp/pedals) are you using lately—and why?** Gear. This is always evolving, though I do have some staples. **Guitars:** - ES-335- My baby is my 1978 Gibson that I’ve had since I was 17\. I also have a few other’s that I love. - Fender Telecaster - my 1952 reissue (Craigslist purchase - new 12” roasted maple neck, shell pink and relic by the previous owner) and my Danny Gatton Gold Tele that I got from String Tree). Powers Electric- it’s a beaut! - Les Paul- I recently got the Mary Ford Gold Top and it’s a babe! So many more. **Amps:** I am a **Benson** lady. I love my **Monarch** and **Nathan Jr.** **Pedals:** This is where it could get wild, so I will try and keep it reasonable to just what is currently on my board. - **Earthquaker Devices** \- Dispatch Master (reverb/ delay) - **Chase Bliss Audio** \- Dark World and Warped Vinyl (these have more knobs than what I normally go for, but they are also magic. Every setting is rad.) - **Keeley Electronics** \- Oxblood and Noble Screamer - **Benson** \- Germanium Preamp - **Cory Wong Hotone** \- new add. I needed something that has volume and wah in one. - **Strymon Electronics** \- Flint (I think it’s sort of the best trem) - **JAM Pedals** Waterfall. I love this modulation I use the **Line 6** Helix for when I am on the road with Zayn and Jason Mraz. It’s been great! I never thought I would go that route, but it not only makes my life easier, it also sounds great. I could go into why I love everything above. But I just do. I like the way they sound. They feel good. They inspire me. And I like the people that make the gear too. It’s really cool how that works - I’ve met some incredible builders that not only make rad gear, but also are great people that I want to hang out with. ### **You know theory inside and out; yet your playing sounds really natural. When you sit down to write or compose new music, what do you think about? Do you exploring some idea that you understand from the theoretical side? Are you just jamming with no thought about theory? Is it a mix?** Learning theory is like learning new vocabulary. At first when you are using a new word, it may sound a little awkward. Then your knowledge deepens - you understand how to use it more freely; you put it in sentences without thinking “insert word here” etc. When I compose music I do not think about theory in a conscious way. I love theory because I believe it frees you. Knowledge is power. It’s so cool to understand what you are doing. I don’t actively think - let me do this hip modulation that I learned in a theory class etc. I know how certain sounds make me feel, so I will go to them because I am aiming to express that specific emotion. But also, I write because I am hearing something and following my ear- not my brain. Some people think learning theory would make music less mysterious or magical or something - I feel quite the opposite. It just makes you more knowledgeable, gives you more options, and helps you understand what you are doing. ### **Your style blend chords/chord fragments and single note lines in such a musical, and inspiring way. Who inspired this approach, and what do you recommend other players do to break from strict chord/melody separation?** This started at USC. I was in a class called “Trio Ensemble” with Frank Potenza. Every week I would come to class with a chart and play with a bassist and drummer. I’d create an arrangement where I would play the melody, take a solo, and try to make the whole thing engaging. In that trio format I was pushed to add chords to my melodies and solos. The classic example for chordal soloing is Wes Montgomery. But also in that trio format, you need more than single notes throughout. Or rather - I wanted more. I heard more. I was highly encouraged by Frank to do so as well. This was a great class that helped shape my sound and ultimately my band, Molly Miller Trio. ### **What’s been your biggest challenge as a guitarist and musician?** Depends on the day. I love guitar more than ever. I feel like my love for music and my instrument have only grown. I don’t feel burnt out- quite the opposite really - I feel like the fire keeps growing. But of course there is an up and down to everything. I think that is just life though. I feel so lucky to have the career and life I have. I could speak to the challenges of touring or the lack of clarity of the future- but also, what a blessing to travel the world with my friends, playing music that I love. And no one knows the future. It would ruin it if we did. I’ve gotten better at embracing the yin with the yang (most days). ### What’s next for you musically—any projects or goals you're working on? I am sorting my next record. I have a bunch of new tunes. I have been touring and testing the music out with Tamir Barzilay on drums and Andre de Santanna on bass. We have been putting out a bunch of live recordings in the meantime. They are up on [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/mollymillermusic?ref=vividguitar.co) and all streaming platforms - check them out! I was going to go into the studio and cut my record in a couple days like I have in the past, but then I decided I wanted to change it up. I may have guests on some tunes or have more production. I have an idea of what it will be, but I am in a more open place, which I am really excited about. In the meantime, I am playing a ton in and out of town. I got a couple of tours in October - one headlining and one I am opening for Jason Mraz and then playing with him as well. There are some murmurs of some other tours in 2026 that I am stoked about. I will post about it all as it happens. Sign up for my [mailing list](https://www.mollymillermusic.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) for updates as well! ## ⚡ Lightning Round ### ### **One album every guitarist should listen to?** Outside of mine? JK. Hmm so many. But today, I will say **Naturally - JJ Cale** or **The Wildest Guitar- Mickey Baker** ### **Desert island guitar and amp?** My 1978 **Gibson ES-335** and **Benson Nathan Jr** ### **What guitarist should everyone know about?** **Sister Rosetta Sharpe**. She is my queen. ### **What are your preferred guitar strings & pick?** - **Strings:** Ernie Ball Slinky (I use the 10, 10.5 and 11, depending on the guitar) - **Pick:** Fender Celluloid Confetti Heavy ****Check out MOLLY MILLER** [Website](https://www.mollymillermusic.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/moodymill/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/mollymillermusic?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Guitar Course](https://www.pickupmusic.com/instructors/dr-molly-miller?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Noteworthy 🗞️ - **Pete "Danish Pete" Honore** posted a new video discussing [Tone And Feel](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCwyMPI6G2w&ref=vividguitar.co). - **Guitar World** [interviewed **Eric Johnson**](https://www.guitarworld.com/artists/guitarists/eric-johnson-early-session-career?ref=vividguitar.co)**,** discussing his days as a session guitarist, playing with Cat Stevens, getting fired by Donald Fagen, and more. - **Fender** introduced some new colors to their **Squier** [Classic Vibe guitars](https://www.fender.com/collections/squier-classic-vibe-series?ref=vividguitar.co), including Lake Placid Blue and Aztec Gold for the Custom SH Telecaster, and Shell Pink and Surf Green for their '50s HT Stratocaster. - **Fender** announced a new Dusk color for their [Player II Modified series](https://www.fender.com/collections/player-ii-modified?ref=vividguitar.co) of guitars. - **Gibson** reintroduced the [Tony Iommi signature humbucker](https://www.gibson.com/products/gibson-tony-iommi-signature-humbucker-chrome-cover?ref=vividguitar.co) pickup. - **JHS Pedals** founder **Josh Scott** is recovering after a serious cycling accident that left him with broken vertebrae, knee & shoulder damage, and stitches to his face. We wish Josh a fast and smooth recovery. --- 🎉 If you enjoy reading stuff like this, you'll love our [**free weekly guitar newsletter**](https://vividguitar.co/), and we'd be psyched if you subscribe!🤘 ### Charlie Ballantine on Creativity, Practice, and Finding His Own Sound URL: https://vividguitar.co/interview-with-jazz-guitarist-charlie-ballantine/ Last updated: 2025-08-26T15:30:41.000Z ![Jazz Guitarist Charlie Ballantine](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/08/Charlie-Ballantine--2023-Mark-Sheldon-9784-scaled.jpeg) Charlie Ballantine | Image c/o Mark-Sheldon Charlie Ballantine is a jazz guitarist and composer from Indianapolis, Indiana, known for blending jazz with rock, folk, and Americana. His emotional, storytelling style has earned him comparisons to top guitarists like Julian Lage, Bill Frisell, and John Scofield, and *All About Jazz* named him one of the top 200 living guitarists. He studied at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music with mentors like David Baker and Cory Christiansen. Charlie has released several albums, including *Life Is Brief: The Music of Bob Dylan*, *Reflections/Introspection: The Music of Thelonious Monk*, and personal projects like *Love Letters*, *Graffiti* (2024), and *East by Midwest* (2025). Charlie tours across the U.S., playing music that focuses on feeling over flash. His unique playing style—using both a pick and fingers—was inspired by Chet Atkins and Merle Travis. He also teaches and leads workshops to help young musicians grow. Charlie stands out as a creative and respected voice in modern jazz, continually evolving while staying true to his passion for music. We caught up with Charlie to discuss his practice routine, advice for aspiring jazz guitarists, a light bulb moment he had that helped develop his own voice, his current guitar gear, and much more. ## 🎸 Q & A ### **What does your current guitar practice routine look like?** I vary my practice routine drastically and frequently. I used to have a rigid warmup, but I always felt like I had to get through it all before I really played music or did anything creative. So now I typically start with something creative, whether it’s improvising on a standard, composing, taking a key center and improvising within that key randomly, or just picking up the guitar and playing a chord and seeing what comes out naturally. I don’t really do any technique work anymore. I just try and build my technique with different metronome exercises and learning more music - whether that’s jazz standards or other musicians' original music that I’m preparing for concerts. ### **What advice do you have for guitar players that have more of a rock background, but want to learn jazz?** I think I’ve fallen into that purely by accident by having different listening tastes than a lot of other jazz musicians. I grew up listening to Hendrix, the Beatles, John Mayer, Elliot Smith, Dylan, Jeff Beck, etc. so that music was already apart of me before I got into jazz or even started playing guitar. My only advice would be to leave those channels open to allow yourself to enjoy all types of music on a deep level and to not judge things based on genre, a musicians technical ability on their instrument, or any outside influences from other musicians opinions on things. Also listening to the great jazz guitarists that have other musical influences present in their playing like Frisell, Scofield, Wayne Krantz, Nir Felder. ### **What’s one technique, habit, or concept that helped you level up as a player?** I've had a few “lightbulb” moments over the years that really helped different aspects of my playing. A big one was the concept of inventing my own exercises, rather than playing scale sequences or a scale in thirds or playing triad/arpeggio shapes. I started developing my own exercises to create a situation where it didn’t necessarily sound like I was practicing. You can take a *piece* of an exercise like thirds, and then incorporate another interval so, alternating between thirds and fourths. You can also take those two intervals and alternate the direction - so doing one ascending and the next descending. Also, working with the metronome and doing them in duple and triple figures - so the beat alternates as well. You can expand the concept to 5th, 6ths, and 7ths as well. This helped me develop a creative approach to exercising scales and harmonic shapes and also developing my own voice and language on the instrument. ### **Your picking technique often combines a flatpick and your fingers. How did you develop that technique, and what advice do you have for guitarists looking to work that into their toolbox?** I’m sort of a rare case where I started playing in a fingerpicking style and didn’t actually start using a pick until I was about 20\. So there was a period of time where I was much more comfortable with my fingers than a pick, so when I started using the pick, my fingers were pretty active out of habit. I also spent a lot of time in Nashville in my younger years because my dad lived there, so I followed around guys like Guthrie Trapp, JD Simo, and Johnny Hiland - and everyone down there has a versatile right hand to get the chickin’ pickin’ sound. My advice would be to spend time without the pick, and only using your fingers to play chords, melodies, improvise. Develop the relationship with your fingers to the instrument and explore the versatility of finger style picking. Also, abandon the thought that there is a correct way to strum a chord, pick a note, play an arpeggio. Our right hand is our fingerprint and nobody has the same one, so it’s a great way to develop your own sound and tone. ### **What gear (guitar/amp/pedals) are you using lately—and why?** Lately I’ve been mainly playing a **Nash Tele** through a **68 Princeton reissue**. My dad is a musician and there were always a ton of teles around growing up so that’s always felt like home to me. I switched from a deluxe to a Princeton in the last few years because I love the warmth and the natural breakup you get with Princeton’s. I can base the tone more off of my attack and how I’m playing rather than settings on the amp. For pedals, I use a **Hall of fame reverb**, one **flashback delay** for a short analog delay, another flashback for reverse delay, a **tube screamer** that I leave on with the distortion low (mainly to eq the bass and mids), a B**oss tremolo**, and a **Ditto loop pedal**. If I’m on a gig that is open to weirder sounds I have a **mini Moog ring mod** I like a lot. ### **Your music often blends jazz, rock, and Americana—how intentional is that blend versus just a natural byproduct of your listening?** It’s totally a natural byproduct of my listening. Anything I hear that moves me I’ve always tried to emulate, whether it’s a great jazz guitarist, an indie songwriter, a blues musician, or literally anything. I think in order to capture a genre, artist, or any kind of aesthetic in your playing, it has to start with a deep love and appreciation and maybe even obsession with what you’re going for. It’s really hard to incorporate a country sound or a rock sound if you don’t love listening to that music and if you haven’t spent countless hours absorbing it. ### **When you sit down to write or compose new music, do you start with melody, harmony, rhythm, or something else entirely?** Typically I start with a melody and sometimes a chord melody so I can hear the harmony underneath the melody in some way. I’ve always felt like I write for a drum and guitar duo. I have the harmony in mind underneath the melody and I’m either working with a metronome or drum track to figure out the feel. But I think great songs always come down to the melody. It’s the most important aspect of songwriting and is the only aspect that can stand alone and still sound like something special. ### **What’s one lesson you wish you'd learned earlier as a guitarist?** I wish I had learned that failure and struggle is a natural part of the artistic process. That there’s always an ebb and flow relationship to how you feel about your playing, how you feel about the gigs your doing, the songs your writing, your tone, and how other people view your music and what your creating. The only thing that matters is that you keep going, keep creating, keep pushing towards the sound in your head and great things will happen. ### **What’s been your biggest challenge as a guitarist and musician?** I think my biggest challenge for a very long time was embracing who I am as an artist and figuring out where I fit into this art form; not knowing if I’m a jazz guy, folk guy, someone who does covers of pop songs, or if I even really belong anywhere. I think I started realizing at one point the things I viewed as my weaknesses were really what set me apart and gave me my own sound. Realizing that I may not ever take the greatest solo ever on moments notice, but what I have to offer is just as valid as all of the incredible musicians I’m constantly surrounded by. ### **What’s next for you musically—any projects or goals you're working on?** I’m currently preparing for a tour where we will be playing the music from my album “Life is Brief: The music of Bob Dylan” which we released 8 years ago. I’m also planning to release a live record and solo acoustic record in the next year. ## ⚡ Lightning Round ### **One album every guitarist should listen to?** **Pat Metheny** \- Trio Live 99-00 ### **Desert island guitar and amp?** Tele and Princeton ### **What guitarist should everyone know about?** Antoine Boyer ****Check out Charlie Ballantine** [Website](https://www.charlieballantine.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/charlieballantine%5F/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/charlieballantineguitar/) | [Bandcamp](https://charlieballantine.bandcamp.com/music?ref=vividguitar.co) --- 🎉 If you enjoy reading stuff like this, you'll love our [**free weekly guitar newsletter**](https://vividguitar.co/), and we'd be psyched if you subscribe!🤘 ### Discipline Meets Creativity: Joshua Achiron on Practice, Performance, and What’s Next URL: https://vividguitar.co/interview-with-guitarist-joshua-achiron/ Last updated: 2025-08-19T16:00:12.000Z ![Guitarist Joshua Achiron - Image c/o Luminarts](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/08/Joshua-Achiron-Guitar.jpeg) Guitarist Joshua Achiron - Image c/o Luminarts **Joshua Achiron** is a guitarist, arranger, composer, and educator based in Chicago. He holds degrees in both classical and jazz guitar from the Eastman School of Music, where he was also recognized with a Performance Certificate for his classical solo work. He later attended the Berklee Global Jazz Institute on a full scholarship, studying with Grammy-winning artists Danilo Pérez, Joe Lovano, and John Patitucci. Achiron has performed at many of Chicago’s most respected jazz venues, including The Jazz Showcase, Andy’s Jazz Club, Winter’s Jazz Club, and the Green Mill. His performances have also taken him to stages in New York, Aspen, and Washington, D.C. He has collaborated and recorded with notable musicians such as Sharay Reed, Teddy Campbell, the Soul Message band, Ben Paterson, Clark Sommers, Geof Bradfield, Marques Carroll, and Victor Garcia. In 2024, he was named a *Luminarts Fellow* in Jazz Improvisation, honoring his artistry and contributions to the jazz community. Joshua recently broadened his role as an educator by joining the faculty at Harper College, where he teaches both classical and jazz guitar. ## 🎸 Q & A ### **What does your current guitar practice routine look like?** \-I do all my fundamentals in the beginning, along with ear training \-Then I work on a transcription \-Then I work on songs I need to know for gigs ### **What's the best piece of advice you have for other guitar players?** Work on fundamentals every day; meaning play through all your drop-two voicings, and practice your scales in multiple ways, such as : - Using three notes per string - Using four notes per string, - Diatonically practice your scales with diads, triads, and seventh chords Do that in position and out of position. This will help with the intermediate slump. ### **What’s one technique, habit, or concept that helped you level up as a player?** The biggest thing that changed my plane was economy picking, and learning how to use that in a jazz context. Specifically, playing my scales with three notes per string and following the picking pattern *ascending* down down up, and *descending* up up down. ### **What gear (guitar/amp/pedals) are you using lately—and why?** I play with a [DV Mark](https://www.dvmark.it/?ref=vividguitar.co) amp. It’s really light and it’s super easy to get a sound in a room quickly. ### **What are the most effective ways you've found to market yourself or your band?** This question I’m still figuring out, but I’ve noticed when you put a lot of effort in your content, what you put in is what you’ll get out. So if you record with the intent of posting it, it will do well, and if you record for the sake of recording, it will not do well. What you put in is what you’ll get out. ### **Are there any books, albums, or videos you recommend to other guitarists?** In terms of books, I recommend Effective Practice. For videos, anything [**Cecil Alexander**](https://vividguitar.co/interview-with-jazz-guitarist-cecil-alexander/)has done. For albums, there are so many it’s so hard to pick one or even 10, but I would have to say that **Julian Lage** live at the Blue Whale (Live In Los Angeles) is the most influential album for me. ### **How do you approach creativity—writing, improvising, or building a solo?** It depends on what the band is giving me. Even for my writing. I’ll record the rehearsal and adjust the piece to fit the band. Try to not think of it as *you*, but *all of you* creating a composition based on the changes being presented. ### **What’s one lesson you wish you'd learned earlier as a guitarist?** Don’t burn bridges. You never know when you need to cross them. ### **What’s been your biggest challenge as a guitarist and musician?** Trying to stay healthy and not get tendinitis. I have a very hectic performance schedule. And I love to practice, which has caused me some pain, so my biggest challenge is staying relaxed when I play and practice. ### **What’s next for you musically—any projects or goals you're working on?** I just recorded my album with Calligram records. Dana Hall on the drums, Clark Sommers on the bass, Geof Bradfield on the Tenor Saxophone, and all my original compositions. I’m very excited to present it to the world! ## ⚡ Lightning Round ### **One album every guitarist should listen to?** **Lage Lund** \- [Small Club, Big City](https://music.apple.com/us/album/small-club-big-city/427257936?ref=vividguitar.co) ### **Desert island guitar and amp?** My archtop guitar made by [Bernie Lehman](https://www.lehmannstrings.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) ****Check out Joshua Achiron** [Website](https://www.joshachiron.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/joshuaachiron/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/joshuaachiron1998/) --- 🎉 If you enjoy reading stuff like this, you'll love our [**free weekly guitar newsletter**](https://vividguitar.co/), and we'd be psyched if you subscribe!🤘 ### Joshua Achiron, Chord Substitutions, Fender American Ultra Luxe Vintage Guitars URL: https://vividguitar.co/joshua-achiron-chord-substitutions-fender-american-ultra-luxe-vintage-guitars/ Last updated: 2025-08-19T15:55:06.000Z [![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png)](http://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3q?ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 I don't care who you are, whether you are Al Di Meola or not - I'd recommend this to any guitar player: If you spend even one day learning how to play and phrase like those lady soul singers, you will become a better musician. - Carlos Santana ## Discipline Meets Creativity: Joshua Achiron on Practice, Performance, and What’s Next ![Guitarist Joshua Achiron - Image c/o Luminarts](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/08/Joshua-Achiron-Guitar.jpeg) Guitarist Joshua Achiron - Image c/o Luminarts **Joshua Achiron** is a guitarist, arranger, composer, and educator based in Chicago. He holds degrees in both classical and jazz guitar from the Eastman School of Music, where he was also recognized with a Performance Certificate for his classical solo work. He later attended the Berklee Global Jazz Institute on a full scholarship, studying with Grammy-winning artists Danilo Pérez, Joe Lovano, and John Patitucci. Achiron has performed at many of Chicago’s most respected jazz venues, including The Jazz Showcase, Andy’s Jazz Club, Winter’s Jazz Club, and the Green Mill. His performances have also taken him to stages in New York, Aspen, and Washington, D.C. He has collaborated and recorded with notable musicians such as Sharay Reed, Teddy Campbell, the Soul Message band, Ben Paterson, Clark Sommers, Geof Bradfield, Marques Carroll, and Victor Garcia. In 2024, he was named a *Luminarts Fellow* in Jazz Improvisation, honoring his artistry and contributions to the jazz community. Joshua recently broadened his role as an educator by joining the faculty at Harper College, where he teaches both classical and jazz guitar. ## 🎸 Q & A ### **What does your current guitar practice routine look like?** \-I do all my fundamentals in the beginning, along with ear training \-Then I work on a transcription \-Then I work on songs I need to know for gigs ### **What's the best piece of advice you have for other guitar players?** Work on fundamentals every day; meaning play through all your drop-two voicings, and practice your scales in multiple ways, such as : - Using three notes per string - Using four notes per string, - Diatonically practice your scales with diads, triads, and seventh chords Do that in position and out of position. This will help with the intermediate slump. ### **What’s one technique, habit, or concept that helped you level up as a player?** The biggest thing that changed my plane was economy picking, and learning how to use that in a jazz context. Specifically, playing my scales with three notes per string and following the picking pattern *ascending* down down up, and *descending* up up down. ### **What gear (guitar/amp/pedals) are you using lately—and why?** I play with a [DV Mark](https://www.dvmark.it/?ref=vividguitar.co) amp. It’s really light and it’s super easy to get a sound in a room quickly. ### **What are the most effective ways you've found to market yourself or your band?** This question I’m still figuring out, but I’ve noticed when you put a lot of effort in your content, what you put in is what you’ll get out. So if you record with the intent of posting it, it will do well, and if you record for the sake of recording, it will not do well. What you put in is what you’ll get out. ### **Are there any books, albums, or videos you recommend to other guitarists?** In terms of books, I recommend Effective Practice. For videos, anything [**Cecil Alexander**](https://vividguitar.co/interview-with-jazz-guitarist-cecil-alexander/)has done. For albums, there are so many it’s so hard to pick one or even 10, but I would have to say that **Julian Lage** live at the Blue Whale (Live In Los Angeles) is the most influential album for me. ### **How do you approach creativity—writing, improvising, or building a solo?** It depends on what the band is giving me. Even for my writing. I’ll record the rehearsal and adjust the piece to fit the band. Try to not think of it as *you*, but *all of you* creating a composition based on the changes being presented. ### **What’s one lesson you wish you'd learned earlier as a guitarist?** Don’t burn bridges. You never know when you need to cross them. ### **What’s been your biggest challenge as a guitarist and musician?** Trying to stay healthy and not get tendinitis. I have a very hectic performance schedule. And I love to practice, which has caused me some pain, so my biggest challenge is staying relaxed when I play and practice. ### **What’s next for you musically—any projects or goals you're working on?** I just recorded my album with Calligram records. Dana Hall on the drums, Clark Sommers on the bass, Geof Bradfield on the Tenor Saxophone, and all my original compositions. I’m very excited to present it to the world! ## ⚡ Lightning Round ### **One album every guitarist should listen to?** **Lage Lund** \- [Small Club, Big City](https://music.apple.com/us/album/small-club-big-city/427257936?ref=vividguitar.co) ### **Desert island guitar and amp?** My archtop guitar made by [Bernie Lehman](https://www.lehmannstrings.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) ****Check out Joshua Achiron** [Website](https://www.joshachiron.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/joshuaachiron/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/joshuaachiron1998/) | | | | ## Guitar Lesson 📚 Let's piggyback on [last week's lesson](https://vividguitar.co/interview-with-aaron-lebos-guitar-lesson-new-dangelico-fender-signature-guitars/), and add another couple other chord substitution ideas to our arsenal. We're going to take a straightforward 3-chord progression, but change the last chord each time. 1. Standard Progression: ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/08/image.png) 1. This type around, we'll stick with a Bb7 chord at the end, but alter it by moving the 5th note down one half-step, making it a 7b5 chord. ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/08/image-1.png) 1. For the next 2 options, let's use a *tritone substitution* for the last chord. 💡 A ****tritone substitution** is a technique where a dominant 7th chord is replaced by another dominant 7th chord that is a 'tritone' (six half-steps) away. This substitution works because the two dominant chords share the same 3rd and 7th intervals - albeit reversed. For example, Bb7 and E7 are tritone substitutions of each other. In this example, we replace the Bb7 chord with an E7 chord (E7#9 in this case). ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/08/image-2.png) 1. Lastly, lets take that E7 chord, and play it with a b9 instead of a #9. ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/08/image-3.png) Cycle through these progressions, changing the last chord each time, to get a feel for the subtle differences in sound between each of the 4 chords. --- ## Noteworthy 🗞️ ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/08/image-4.png) - **Fender** debuted the [American Ultra Luxe Vintage range](https://www.fender.com/collections/american-ultra-luxe-vintage?ref=vividguitar.co). The lineup combines aspects of their modern and vintage guitars - basically the Ultra Luxe models, with a nitro finish and regular (non-noiseless) pickups. - **PRS Guitars** expanded the **SE Silver Sky** Rosewood color palette with four brand new colors - Laurel Green, Derby Red, Dandy Lion, and Trad Blue - each of which are also available in lefty formats. - **Fender** released the [Monster Hunter Rathalos Telecaster®](https://www.fender.com/products/monster-hunter-rathalos-telecaster-rosewood-fingerboard-rathalos-red?ref=vividguitar.co). The guitar commemorates the 20th anniversary of the worldwide hunting action game “Monster Hunter", and features a P90 pickup in the neck position, a single coil pickup in the bridge position, a rosewood fingerboard, a poly finish, and a unique *Rathalos Red* color & pattern design. - **Gibson** released a series of [Falcon guitar amps](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/Collection/gibson-amps?ref=vividguitar.co). The compact Falcon 5, Falcon 20, and Dual Falcon 20 combos are inspired by Gibson amplifiers from the late 1950s and early 1960s, and feature oxblood grille cloths and all-new circuits developed by Randall Smith and the MESA/Boogie Design Team. - **D'Angelico** updated their [Excel series](https://dangelicoguitars.com/guitars/excel-series/?ref=vividguitar.co) of semi-hollow guitars to include ebony fretboards, a few updated colors, and new Grover locking tuners. --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Inside the Mind of Aaron Lebos: Practice, Tone, and the Reality Behind the Grind URL: https://vividguitar.co/interview-with-guitar-player-aaron-lebos/ Last updated: 2025-08-05T15:46:38.000Z ![Guitarist Aaron Lebos](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/08/Aaron-Lebos-Guitar.jpg) Guitarist Aaron Lebos **Aaron Lebos** is a guitarist based in Miami, Florida. He began his musical journey playing piano as a child, winning state competitions before switching to guitar at age 11\. Inspired by classic rock bands and his older brother, Aaron quickly developed a passion for the instrument. He later studied music at the University of Miami, where he earned his degree and continued refining his skills. Aaron is known for blending styles like jazz, rock, and funk in both his performances and compositions. He led the fusion group **Aaron Lebos Reality**, which released several albums, including *Turning Point* and *141 Layers of Ikigai*. Aaron currently plays with the groups **Abstract Citizen** and **Anemoia**, and has played with some of the biggest names in South Florida - including the Spam-Allstars, the Nu Deco Ensemble, and jazz vocalist Nicole Henry. With over 20 years of experience, Aaron remains a vital part of the South Florida music scene. His expressive playing and creative approach have made him a respected figure in the local jazz and fusion community. He continues to perform, record, and collaborate with other musicians, always pushing his music in new directions. 👇 Aaron opens up about his intense practice routine, the importance of vintage gear mojo, and why consistency is the real key to growth. From transcribing Bach and Holdsworth to leading his projects *Anemoia* and *Abstract Citizen*, Lebos blends jazz fusion chops with a grounded, no-shortcuts mindset. “Play as much as possible, grind, and sound amazing,” he says—that’s the formula. ## 🎸 Q & A ### **What does your current guitar practice routine look like?** The most important thing (that I don't do perfectly) is get the freaking phone away from me. If I have let's say 5-6 hours I like to mix things up. Currently will play Bach cello suites for an hour or two (with a metronome), work on chord melodies in different keys to a jazz standard, maybe transcribe some Holdsworth, run through/learn a new flat picking bluegrass standard, shed the changes to one of my original tunes and always try to discover something I haven't heard - new or old. This is why I need more like 8 hours lol. ### **What's the best piece of advice you have for other guitar players?** It really depends on what your goals are. For time/pocket, play along with records/metronome, for vocabulary, learn from the masters but then take that info and craft it in your own way (through inversions, different keys, starting on different beats or off beats are a few of the endless ways). ### **What’s one technique, habit, or concept that helped you level up as a player?** Consistency is key for me, I never go more than a few hours without having a guitar in my hands. This helps maintain fluidity. Also, discovering new or old amazing music helps to keep me inspired. ### **What gear (guitar/amp/pedals) are you using lately—and why?** As the years go on, I more than ever am just into the tone/mojo that vintage instruments and amps have. That doesn't mean that I don't love my Suhr and its perfection as an instrument, but the projection of old gear is the deal for me. ### **What are the most effective ways you've found to market yourself or your band?** Play as much as possible grind, and sound amazing. ### **Are there any books, albums, or videos you recommend to other guitarists?** YouTube is pretty ridiculous, but strengthen your ear by learning from records as well. ### **How do you approach creativity—writing, improvising, or building a solo?** Creativity is an unpredictable concept for me. Some nights you can play nothing wrong, and some nights I'm too in my head. However, things that help are feeling physically connected to the guitar through days/week of good practice, being well-rested, and playing with great musicians who are bringing the vibe. ### **What’s been your biggest challenge as a guitarist and musician?** Not to be a hater, but I think in general social media is not good in some (not all) aspects. It "appears" like everyone is "better than me" and doing more in their career than me, however, I know logically that this is false - but it's not good for younger players. I think that Instagram has it's place in a fun way to share, but the skills needed to have depth as a musician - be able to play and vibe with others, play 3-4 hour gigs, be versatile etc. are not going to be learned there. Stick to the basics- learning tunes, transcribing, working on time feel, etc. This is where longevity is developed in my opinion. ### **What’s next for you musically—any projects or goals you're working on?** My two original groups **Anemoia** and **Abstract Citizen**. Becoming an all-around better guitarist and musician, always staying hungry, and simultaneously raising two boys pretty much covers every second lol. ## ⚡ Lightning Round ### **One album every guitarist should listen to?** Karim Ziad - Ifrikya ### **Desert island guitar and amp?** Vintage Fender Bassman, vintage 345 and some reverb ### **What guitarist should everyone know about?** Too many, but I'll say Tim Watson ****Check out Aaron Lebos** [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/aaronlebos/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/aaronlebos?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/aaron.lebos/) | [Abstract Citizen](https://www.instagram.com/abstract%5Fcitizen/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Anemoia](https://www.instagram.com/anemoia%5Fmusic/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) ### Check out Aaron in action: --- If you enjoy reading stuff like this, you'll love our [**free weekly guitar newsletter**](https://vividguitar.co/), and we'd be psyched if you subscribe!🤘 ### Interview with Aaron Lebos, Guitar Lesson, New D’Angelico & Fender Signature Guitars URL: https://vividguitar.co/interview-with-aaron-lebos-guitar-lesson-new-dangelico-fender-signature-guitars/ Last updated: 2025-08-19T15:55:41.000Z [![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png)](http://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3q?ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 “If you play music for no other reason than actually just because you love it, the skills just kinda creep up on you.” - Nuno Bettencourt ## Inside the Mind of Aaron Lebos: Practice, Tone, and the Reality Behind the Grind ![Guitarist Aaron Lebos](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/08/Aaron-Lebos-Guitar.jpg) Guitarist Aaron Lebos **Aaron Lebos** is a guitarist based in Miami, Florida. He began his musical journey playing piano as a child, winning state competitions before switching to guitar at age 11\. Inspired by classic rock bands and his older brother, Aaron quickly developed a passion for the instrument. He later studied music at the University of Miami, where he earned his degree and continued refining his skills. Aaron is known for blending styles like jazz, rock, and funk in both his performances and compositions. He led the fusion group **Aaron Lebos Reality**, which released several albums, including *Turning Point* and *141 Layers of Ikigai*. Aaron currently plays with the groups **Abstract Citizen** and **Anemoia**, and has played with some of the biggest names in South Florida - including the Spam-Allstars, the Nu Deco Ensemble, and jazz vocalist Nicole Henry. With over 20 years of experience, Aaron remains a vital part of the South Florida music scene. His expressive playing and creative approach have made him a respected figure in the local jazz and fusion community. He continues to perform, record, and collaborate with other musicians, always pushing his music in new directions. 👇 Aaron opens up about his intense practice routine, the importance of vintage gear mojo, and why consistency is the real key to growth. From transcribing Bach and Holdsworth to leading his projects *Anemoia* and *Abstract Citizen*, Lebos blends jazz fusion chops with a grounded, no-shortcuts mindset. “Play as much as possible, grind, and sound amazing,” he says—that’s the formula. ## 🎸 Q & A ### **What does your current guitar practice routine look like?** The most important thing (that I don't do perfectly) is get the freaking phone away from me. If I have let's say 5-6 hours I like to mix things up. Currently will play Bach cello suites for an hour or two (with a metronome), work on chord melodies in different keys to a jazz standard, maybe transcribe some Holdsworth, run through/learn a new flat picking bluegrass standard, shed the changes to one of my original tunes and always try to discover something I haven't heard - new or old. This is why I need more like 8 hours lol. ### **What's the best piece of advice you have for other guitar players?** It really depends on what your goals are. For time/pocket, play along with records/metronome, for vocabulary, learn from the masters but then take that info and craft it in your own way (through inversions, different keys, starting on different beats or off beats are a few of the endless ways). ### **What’s one technique, habit, or concept that helped you level up as a player?** Consistency is key for me, I never go more than a few hours without having a guitar in my hands. This helps maintain fluidity. Also, discovering new or old amazing music helps to keep me inspired. ### **What gear (guitar/amp/pedals) are you using lately—and why?** As the years go on, I more than ever am just into the tone/mojo that vintage instruments and amps have. That doesn't mean that I don't love my Suhr and its perfection as an instrument, but the projection of old gear is the deal for me. ### **What are the most effective ways you've found to market yourself or your band?** Play as much as possible grind, and sound amazing. ### **Are there any books, albums, or videos you recommend to other guitarists?** YouTube is pretty ridiculous, but strengthen your ear by learning from records as well. ### **How do you approach creativity—writing, improvising, or building a solo?** Creativity is an unpredictable concept for me. Some nights you can play nothing wrong, and some nights I'm too in my head. However, things that help are feeling physically connected to the guitar through days/week of good practice, being well-rested, and playing with great musicians who are bringing the vibe. ### **What’s been your biggest challenge as a guitarist and musician?** Not to be a hater, but I think in general social media is not good in some (not all) aspects. It "appears" like everyone is "better than me" and doing more in their career than me, however, I know logically that this is false - but it's not good for younger players. I think that Instagram has it's place in a fun way to share, but the skills needed to have depth as a musician - be able to play and vibe with others, play 3-4 hour gigs, be versatile etc. are not going to be learned there. Stick to the basics- learning tunes, transcribing, working on time feel, etc. This is where longevity is developed in my opinion. ### **What’s next for you musically—any projects or goals you're working on?** My two original groups **Anemoia** and **Abstract Citizen**. Becoming an all-around better guitarist and musician, always staying hungry, and simultaneously raising two boys pretty much covers every second lol. ## ⚡ Lightning Round ### **One album every guitarist should listen to?** Karim Ziad - Ifrikya ### **Desert island guitar and amp?** Vintage Fender Bassman, vintage 345 and some reverb ### **What guitarist should everyone know about?** Too many, but I'll say Tim Watson ****Check out Aaron Lebos** [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/aaronlebos/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/aaronlebos?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/aaron.lebos/) | [Abstract Citizen](https://www.instagram.com/abstract%5Fcitizen/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Anemoia](https://www.instagram.com/anemoia%5Fmusic/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) ### Check out Aaron in action: --- ## Guitar Lesson 📚 Let's take a look at a way to re-harmonize the I chord in a typical ii V I jazz chord progression. This idea, used by greats such as Horace Silver and Pat Martino, works well when the melody ends on the 9th of a major 9th chord. Instead of playing a maj9 chord (#1 below), you could play a 7#9 chord a half step below the I chord (#2 below). One other option, is to combine them, and use the 7#9 chord to resolve to the I chord (#3 below). 1. **Common jazz ii V I progression:** ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/07/image-3.png) 1. **Substitute the I chord for a 7#9 chord a half step down:** ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/07/image-4.png) 1. **Resolving the 7#9 chord back to the I:** ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/07/image-5.png) --- ## Noteworthy 🗞️ ![D'Angelico Premier Grateful Dead DC Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/07/D-Angelico-Grateful-Dead-DC-Guitar.png) D'Angelico Premier Grateful Dead DC - **D’Angelico Guitars** announced an all-new collection of officially licensed [Grateful Dead guitars](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSiIxMoCo9E&ref=vividguitar.co) celebrating the band's 60th Anniversary. The 3 models - Grateful Dead DC, Grateful Dead SS, and Grateful Dead Tammany are all part of their more budget-friendly *Premier* line. - **Fender** announced a signature [Michael Landau Coma Stratocaster®](https://www.fender.com/products/michael-landau-coma-stratocaster?ref=vividguitar.co). The guitar features a '59 alder body with *Coma Red* Satin nitrocellulose lacquer finish, custom ML Ultra Noiseless Strat® and custom ML CuNiFe Wide-Range humbucker pickups, and a custom "C" neck shape. - **Pritesh Walia** joined jazz guitar teacher **Jens Larsen** to discuss [the way he wishes he learned jazz guitar](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyA%5FSuNC404&ref=vividguitar.co). - **Fender** released a new *Sunshine Yellow* color for their [Player II Modified series](https://www.fender.com/collections/player-ii-modified?ref=vividguitar.co). - **Fulltone** brought back the custom shop [OCD v1.4 overdrive pedal](https://www.fulltoneusa.com/products/custom-shop-ocd-v1-4?ref=vividguitar.co) for a limited run of 500 units. --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Inside the Mind of a Modern Jazz Guitarist: Cecil Alexander on Practice, Creativity & Staying True URL: https://vividguitar.co/interview-with-jazz-guitarist-cecil-alexander/ Last updated: 2025-11-05T16:14:48.000Z ![Jazz Guitarist Cecil Alexander](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/07/Cecil-Alexander-2.jpg) ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png) Cecil Alexander is a jazz guitarist, composer, and educator from Michigan, now based in Boston. Influenced by legends like Grant Green, Wes Montgomery, and Jimi Hendrix, his playing blends groove, soul, and technical depth. He studied at Berklee College of Music, where he now teaches, and later earned a master’s in jazz performance from William Paterson University. He’s won several major guitar competitions and was a finalist in the Herbie Hancock International Guitar Competition. Cecil’s 2022 debut album, ***Introducing Cecil Alexander***, pays tribute to his late father and showcases his distinct style. In 2023, he and his wife, Ari Alexander, released ***Duos***, a guitar and vocal project highlighting their musical connection. He also performs with the **Ari and Cecil Alexander Quartet** and tours with trumpeter Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah. Through his online program, “Shed With Cecil,” as well as in courses through *Pickup Music*, he offers guitar lessons on topics like blues, bebop, and playing like the jazz greats. 👇 Below, Cecil, shares an honest look into his practice routine, creative process, and the lessons he’s learned on his musical journey. From focusing deeply on a small handful of tunes to exploring new genres and gear, Cecil emphasizes listening deeply, trusting your instincts, and making music that feels personal. In this interview, he also opens up about his favorite records, gear choices, and upcoming projects—including new duo and quartet albums with his wife, Ari Alexander. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, Cecil’s thoughtful advice and grounded approach offer something valuable for every guitarist. ## 🎸 Q & A ### **What does your current guitar practice routine look like?** I usually try to find ways to tackle a lot of different concepts/topics at once. When I was first getting into Jazz, this mainly consisted of transcribing lots of solos/excerpts of solos. I felt that this improved my technique (because I was learning vocabulary that was unfamiliar to my hands), my ears, time feel, familiarity with the idiom, and my theory brain. Although theory was was often the lowest of my priorities, I would still make certain breakthroughs/connections through transcription (ie: ways of making certain notes sound more musical against certain chords). Nowadays, I usually accomplish the same goals through focusing on repertoire, but not so much in the typical way. Rather than trying to learn as many tunes as possible, I focus on a small collection of tunes, and try to look for challenges within them that might improve aspects of my playing. For example: I might be working on soloing over a tune like “Countdown,” and within the framework of the tune I’ll introduce pieces of vocabulary that I would like to get into my playing, or I’ll practice playing the tune in different tempos or time signatures. This practice initially came about as a way of getting myself out of needing to play tunes in specific styles, keys, tempos, and wanting to be more free and loose. This has been the main way I’ve practiced for the last 4 or 5 years. ### **What's the best piece of advice you have for other guitar players?** A couple things come to mind: - Prioritize listening as a part of your practice routine. There’s value in listening to a lot of different music, but a lot of progress as a player can come from just listening to the same record, player, or even one song for hours on end. - Don’t compare yourself to other players. Everyone is at a different point in their development, and while there are “a-ha moments” that happen at different times along the way, they happen sooner for some people. There have been times where I think I’ve stumbled on something that is going to change playing, only to realize that someone told me the same thing years prior. I just wasn’t ready to hear it at that moment/or it didn’t make sense to me yet. - This one is something you’ll hear a lot: don’t get caught up in technique just for the sake of technique, use technique to serve the music/ or the sound you hear in your head. When I first started playing guitar, I got really into the idea of being a proficient sweep picker/economy picker/legato player/fill in the blank. But it wasn’t until I started transcribing solos that I found that you will at some point need almost every technique to express yourself to the fullest. ### **What’s one technique, habit, or concept that helped you level up as a player?** Definitely singing and trying to audiate lines/ideas before playing them on the instrument. Not only does it give you more “ownership” of what you’re playing, but it also allows you to think less and create more spontaneously. ### **What gear (guitar/amp/pedals) are you using lately—and why?** I try not to get too tied to any one piece of gear, but right now I’m really into this archtop that builder **Alexander Polyakov** made for me. It’s a 17” L5 style body but with a floating humbucker he wound himself. I love the transparency and response of floating pickups. I asked him to build a really big neck for the guitar: 1 3/4” at the nut and 1.35” thick from the 1st to the 12th fret. I don’t have super big hands or anything, but I’ve always loved the feel of a big neck. It makes my left hand relax and oddly enough I feel like I rely less on muscle memory with them. People often talk about the tonal benefits of a thicker neck, but I feel like that can vary quite a bit: some big necks I’ve played make a guitar sing and resonate more while others have a very tight and strident sound. I’ve never been particular about amps, though I tend to like **Fender Princetons**. Pedals vary a lot for me too, but lately I’ve been enjoying playing around with the **Chase Bliss Mood** and the **Gamechanger Audio Plus** Pedal. Both challenge me to play differently than I normally would. ### **What are the most effective ways you've found to market yourself or your band?** I think just staying true to yourself and your playing style usually results in an engaged audience. Just like with the music you write or the stuff you play, if it’s not coming from an honest place, people can tell and you’ll get burned out. ### **Are there any books, albums, or videos you recommend to other guitarists?** I always get a lot out of revisiting Hendrix’s “Band of Gypsys” record (as well as the expanded “Songs for Groovy Children”). I think all guitarists regardless of style can learn something from the way Hendrix stays true to himself. Allan Holdsworth’s live record “Warsaw Summer Jazz Days ‘98” is for me, some of the scariest guitar playing that’s ever been recorded, and again, is a reminder to stick to your instincts and play what’s in your head. I’ll also recommend Grant Green’s compilation record “Complete Quartets with Sonny Clark.” Grant Green is one of my favorite guitarists both because of his sound/approach but also because there’s no pretension or facade. He plays exactly what’s there and exactly what’s needed. ### **How do you approach creativity—writing, improvising, or building a solo?** I like to fuel creativity through listening to music that inspires me, regardless of style. That keeps me inspired and motivated to try new things out and challenge myself. ### **What’s one lesson you wish you'd learned earlier as a guitarist?** Play what you want to hear, and make music you’d want to listen to. ### **What’s next for you musically—any projects or goals you're working on?** A lot of different things: - My wife and I just finished recording a new duo record of songbook tunes and originals. We’ll soon be recording a quartet record with two friends of ours in Nashville - I have a math rock/prog/fusion project with two friends of mine that’s currently being mixed. - There’s a couple of other solo projects that I’m working on in various styles I’m interested in (rock, acoustic indie, funk) In terms of musical goals, I just have some things that I’d like to get together in my playing but it’s a constant work in progress. ## ⚡ Lightning Round ### **One album every guitarist should listen to?** Jimi Hendrix- Band of Gypsys ### **Desert island guitar and amp?** A 1951 Nocaster and a 1959 Super Lead ### **What guitarist should everyone know about?** ### Todd Rittmann ****Check out Cecil Alexander** [Website](https://www.cecilalexander.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/cecilalexandermusic/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@cecilalexander8773?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Guitar Courses](https://www.pickupmusic.com/instructors/cecil-alexander?ref=vividguitar.co) ### Just the Two of Us, Lucky Dog Guitars, Ariel Posen Signature Strat URL: https://vividguitar.co/just-the-two-of-us-lucky-dog-guitars-ariel-posen-signature-strat/ Last updated: 2025-07-29T14:24:04.000Z 💬 Being an artist means to be continually asking "how can it be better?" - whatever it is. It may be your art and it may be your life. - Rick Rubin ## Guitar Practice ### Let's Learn a Progression Let's learn the chord progression to the Bill Withers and Grover Washington, Jr. classic '*Just the Two of Us*'. The song is in the key of F Minor, and includes a section of minor 7th chords that descent chromatically. It's a cool little trick you can add to your toolbox when writing your own songs. Just The Two of Us Chords 0:00 /9.055419 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/07/Just-the-Two-of-Us-Chords.png) --- ## Gear Showcase ### Lucky Dog Guitars ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/07/lucky-dog-2.jpeg) **Lucky Dog Guitars** is a boutique guitar company based in Cleveland, Tennessee, started by guitarist and builder Anthony Sims. The story began around 2013, when Anthony set out to build a T-style guitar purely for personal use. Frustrated by the limitations of off-the-shelf instruments, he wanted to create the kind of guitar he had always dreamed of playing: something with exceptional tone, standout playability, and a vintage-inspired aesthetic, all built to a higher standard than what he found in most production models. What started as a one-off hobby project quickly turned into something much bigger. After spending several months crafting the guitar, Anthony played it at a local gig. The response from other musicians was immediate—players were drawn to the guitar’s sound and look, and within a week, he had a request to build another. Word began to spread organically through the local music community, and soon after, **Lucky Dog Guitars** was born—named after Anthony’s dog, Lucky. By 2018 Anthony was building guitars full-time. His guitars quickly gained a strong reputation, and a long wait list started forming with players who wanted one of their own. Every Lucky Dog guitar is handcrafted from start to finish. Anthony and his small team build the necks and bodies in-house, and each guitar is made to match the customer’s personal style and playing needs. From unique finishes to flame maple necks and custom pickup setups, no two guitars are exactly the same. Each one is made with care, precision, and a whole lot of soul. Lucky Dog’s most popular model is the **Evangelist**, a vintage-style T-style guitar that combines classic looks with modern feel and tone. It can be built as a solid body or semi-hollow, with 21 or 22 frets, and in many different pickup configurations. The Evangelist stands out both in sound and appearance—and many players consider it a dream guitar. Lucky Dog Guitars continues to grow through word of mouth and passionate fans. Even with all the demand, Anthony has kept the company small so he can focus on quality, not quantity. For musicians looking for a guitar that feels personal, sounds amazing, and looks like a piece of art, a Lucky Dog is truly something special. ****Check out LUCK DOG GUITAR** [Website](https://luckydogguitars.store/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/luckydogguitars/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/LuckyDogGuitars) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@luckydogcustomguitars2031?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Noteworthy ![Fender Limited Edition Ariel Posen Stratocaster](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/07/Limited-Edition-Ariel-Posen-Stratocaster.png) Fender Limited Edition Ariel Posen Stratocaster - **Fender** Announced a Limited Edition Custom Shop [**Ariel Posen** Stratocaster](https://www.fendercustomshop.com/series/limited-edition/limited-edition-ariel-posen-stratocaster/?ref=vividguitar.co). The guitar is a Jazzmaster/Stratocaster mash-up featuring Tim Shaw-designed custom AP-90 pickups, a 1969 U-shaped neck, a 9.5" radius, custom Caballo Férreo (master volume, master tone) wiring, and a faded lake placid blue finish. **P.S.: Check out our recent** [**interview with Ariel Posen**](https://vividguitar.co/ariel-posen-interview/) **if you haven't yet.** - The [**Chasing Tone Podcast**](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chasing-tone-guitar-podcast-about-gear-effects-amps/id891802835?i=1000717515074&ref=vividguitar.co) guys were joined by the senior director of analytics from **Reverb.com**, Cyril Nigg, and went digging for the gear industry's dirty secrets. - 📺 Watch: **Julian Lage** on [how to add dimension to your playing](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1-89g7DTjs&ref=vividguitar.co). - **Guitar World** took a look at the line of hand-wired **Vox** [AC30X, AC15X, and AC4 amps](https://www.guitarworld.com/gear/combo-amps/vox-ac30x-ac15x-ac4-handwired-review?ref=vividguitar.co). - **John Hornby Skews** (also known as *JHS* \- but not related to the guitar pedal company by the same name) is shutting down. The 6-year-old company owns the ***Vintage*** and ***Fret-King*** brands, as well as functioning a distributor for Danelectro, Godin and many other brands. --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Ari Teitel on Practice, Patience, and Playing in the Moment URL: https://vividguitar.co/ari-teitel-on-practice-patience-and-playing-in-the-moment/ Last updated: 2025-08-19T15:55:59.000Z [![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png)](http://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3q?ref=vividguitar.co) ![Ari Teitel | Image Credit: Gioele Pozzi](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/07/Ari-Teitel--A----JazzAscona---Photo-credit-Gioele-Pozzi-1-1.jpg) Ari Teitel | Image Credit: Gioele Pozzi ## Q&A with Ari Teitel **Ari Teitel** is a Detroit-born, New Orleans–based guitarist, singer, and composer known for his soulful, genre-blending style that combines funk, gospel, jazz, hip‑hop, blues, and psychedelic rock. He began playing music at age 4 and was performing with legends like Robert Randolph by 11\. After earning a degree in Jazz Studies from Michigan State, Teitel moved to New Orleans, quickly becoming a sought-after guitarist and collaborating with artists such as Ivan Neville, George Porter Jr, Nigel Hall, and members of Lettuce. He also served as musical director for Cha Wa, earning two Grammy nominations. In addition to acclaimed acclaimed solo work — *Unteiteled* (2017) and *I Got My Thing* (2022) — Ari was recently drafted as lead guitarist in the powerhouse funk ensemble **Dumpstaphunk**, founded by Ivan Neville. He also co-founded **The Rumble** featuring Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr., earning Grammy nods in 2023 and 2024, and is part of the organ trio **Deitch Fribush Teitel** (with drummer **Adam Deitch** (Lettuce, John Scofield) and organ master **Sam Fribush** (Hiss Golden Messenger), which released *Another Side of the Sound* in May 2025\. We caught up with Ari, and he shared his refreshingly grounded approach to music—from slow, intentional practice sessions and transcribing gospel records to crafting solos inspired by bandmates in real time. In this interview, Teitel talks gear, creativity, and the challenge of balancing the music with the business behind it, plus what’s next with The Rumble, Dumpstaphunk, and his new organ trio. ## 🎸 Q & A ### **What does your current guitar practice routine look like?** To warm up, I'll play along to records - often times gospel quartet records. If I have a performance that requires me to learn songs, I'll go over those. Otherwise I'll transcribe, work on improvisations, or tackle an aspect of my feel I want to improve on. A lot of times I'll watch Ella Feingold's videos on Instagram or Patreon and work on whatever she's doing. ### **What's the best piece of advice you have for other guitar players?** Don't be afraid to take things VERY slow when practicing, and be patient with yourself. ### **What’s one technique, habit, or concept that helped you level up as a player?** Transcription and meditation. ### **What gear (guitar/amp/pedals) are you using lately—and why?** My new **LSL Bad-Bone** (basically a tele with humbuckers) has been in the rotation a lot. It can handle rhythm and lead playing well, and works well in both bands I do most of my touring with, **The Rumble** and **Dumpstaphunk**. Often times I have to fly between tours so I'm unable to swap out gear. My **Eventide H90** is a staple in my rig. It kind of fills in the blanks for any pedal I might not have, and allows me to dial in specific sounds. The chorus sounds are really cool on it. Right now, my **Port City AT100**, lives in the Dumpstaphunk trailer. It's similar to a Twin Reverb circuit, but has an eminence 12" and 10" speaker. I replaced the bright switch with a cut knob, which allows me to precisely dial my high-end. ### **How do you approach creativity—writing, improvising, or building a solo?** Whatever and whoever I'm listening to permeates my playing, so I try to listen to as much good music as possible and allow it to inspire me. I try to listen to the musicians around me as much as possible. If the keyboard player plays something cool, I might start a solo with what they just played, and let that guide what follows. I've found if I can let go of preconceived notions and live in the moment, I play better. ### **What’s been your biggest challenge as a guitarist and musician?** Balancing time spent on music, and the business behind it. ### **What’s next for you musically—any projects or goals you're working on?** I just released an [organ trio record](https://dtf.ffm.to/asots?ref=vividguitar.co) with **Sam Fribush** and **Adam Deitch**. We've only played one live show but will announce more dates soon. The next Rumble album is in post-production, and will hopefully drop mid-2026\. I'm writing for both of those projects as well as my solo project. I planned on starting a Patreon, but my travel schedule has been a little too dense to get that off the ground. Hopefully I'll get that going toward the end of the year. ## ⚡ Lightning Round ### **One album every guitarist should listen to?** Virtuoso - Joe Pass ### **Desert island guitar and amp?** ES-335 and a blackface Vibrolux ### **What guitarist should everyone know about?** Prince. I don't think people really realize how prolific of a GUITARIST he is. ****Check out Ari Teitel** [Website](https://ariteitelmusic.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/ari%5Fteitel/reels/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Ariteitelmusic/) | [Dumpstafunk](https://dumpstaphunk.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [The Rumble ](https://www.instagram.com/therumble.official/?ref=vividguitar.co) ### Interview with Ari Teitel URL: https://vividguitar.co/interview-with-ari-teitel/ Last updated: 2025-07-15T14:00:02.000Z ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png) ## Q&A with Ari Teitel ![Guitar Player Ari Teitel | Image Credit: Gioele Pozzi](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/07/Ari-Teitel--A----JazzAscona---Photo-credit-Gioele-Pozzi.jpg) Ari Teitel | Image Credit: Gioele Pozzi **Ari Teitel** is a Detroit-born, New Orleans–based guitarist, singer, and composer known for his soulful, genre-blending style that combines funk, gospel, jazz, hip‑hop, blues, and psychedelic rock. He began playing music at age 4 and was performing with legends like Robert Randolph by 11\. After earning a degree in Jazz Studies from Michigan State, Teitel moved to New Orleans, quickly becoming a sought-after guitarist and collaborating with artists such as Ivan Neville, George Porter Jr, Nigel Hall, and members of Lettuce. He also served as musical director for Cha Wa, earning two Grammy nominations. In addition to acclaimed acclaimed solo work — *Unteiteled* (2017) and *I Got My Thing* (2022) — Ari was recently drafted as lead guitarist in the powerhouse funk ensemble **Dumpstaphunk**, founded by Ivan Neville. He also co-founded **The Rumble** featuring Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr., earning Grammy nods in 2023 and 2024, and is part of the organ trio **Deitch Fribush Teitel** (with drummer **Adam Deitch** (Lettuce, John Scofield) and organ master **Sam Fribush** (Hiss Golden Messenger), which released *Another Side of the Sound* in May 2025\. We caught up with Ari, and he shared his refreshingly grounded approach to music—from slow, intentional practice sessions and transcribing gospel records to crafting solos inspired by bandmates in real time. In this interview, Teitel talks gear, creativity, and the challenge of balancing the music with the business behind it, plus what’s next with The Rumble, Dumpstaphunk, and his new organ trio. ## 🎸 Q & A ### **What does your current guitar practice routine look like?** To warm up, I'll play along to records - often times gospel quartet records. If I have a performance that requires me to learn songs, I'll go over those. Otherwise I'll transcribe, work on improvisations, or tackle an aspect of my feel I want to improve on. A lot of times I'll watch Ella Feingold's videos on Instagram or Patreon and work on whatever she's doing. ### **What's the best piece of advice you have for other guitar players?** Don't be afraid to take things VERY slow when practicing, and be patient with yourself. ### **What’s one technique, habit, or concept that helped you level up as a player?** Transcription and meditation. ### **What gear (guitar/amp/pedals) are you using lately—and why?** My new **LSL Bad-Bone** (basically a tele with humbuckers) has been in the rotation a lot. It can handle rhythm and lead playing well, and works well in both bands I do most of my touring with, **The Rumble** and **Dumpstaphunk**. Often times I have to fly between tours so I'm unable to swap out gear. My **Eventide H90** is a staple in my rig. It kind of fills in the blanks for any pedal I might not have, and allows me to dial in specific sounds. The chorus sounds are really cool on it. Right now, my **Port City AT100**, lives in the Dumpstaphunk trailer. It's similar to a Twin Reverb circuit, but has an eminence 12" and 10" speaker. I replaced the bright switch with a cut knob, which allows me to precisely dial my high-end. ### **How do you approach creativity—writing, improvising, or building a solo?** Whatever and whoever I'm listening to permeates my playing, so I try to listen to as much good music as possible and allow it to inspire me. I try to listen to the musicians around me as much as possible. If the keyboard player plays something cool, I might start a solo with what they just played, and let that guide what follows. I've found if I can let go of preconceived notions and live in the moment, I play better. ### **What’s been your biggest challenge as a guitarist and musician?** Balancing time spent on music, and the business behind it. ### **What’s next for you musically—any projects or goals you're working on?** I just released an [organ trio record](https://dtf.ffm.to/asots?ref=vividguitar.co) with **Sam Fribush** and **Adam Deitch**. We've only played one live show but will announce more dates soon. The next Rumble album is in post-production, and will hopefully drop mid-2026\. I'm writing for both of those projects as well as my solo project. I planned on starting a Patreon, but my travel schedule has been a little too dense to get that off the ground. Hopefully I'll get that going toward the end of the year. ## ⚡ Lightning Round ### **One album every guitarist should listen to?** Virtuoso - Joe Pass ### **Desert island guitar and amp?** ES-335 and a blackface Vibrolux ### **What guitarist should everyone know about?** Prince. I don't think people really realize how prolific of a GUITARIST he is. ****Check out Ari Teitel** [Website](https://ariteitelmusic.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/ari%5Fteitel/reels/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Ariteitelmusic/) | [Dumpstafunk](https://dumpstaphunk.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [The Rumble ](https://www.instagram.com/therumble.official/?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Guitar Practice ### Let's Learn a Progression Let's learn a cool chord progression in C Minor. This is meant to be played in a loop. It features a couple minor **ii > V > i** sequences. Am7b5 > D7#9 is a ii > V progression leading into Gm7, and the progression ends with Dm7b5 > G7#5, which is a ii > V sequence leading back to the top (Cm7). This is best played fingerstyle. ![C Minor Chord Guitar Chord Progression](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/07/C-Minor-Chord-Progression.png) --- ## Noteworthy ![Gibson 50th Anniversary Les Paul Music City Special Guitar in Tobacco Burst](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/07/image.png) Gibson 50th Anniversary Les Paul Music City Special in Tobacco Burst - Gibson released a [Les Paul Music City Special - 50th Anniversary](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/p/Electric-Guitar/gibson-Les-Paul-Music-City-Special-50th-Anniversary/Tobacco-Burst?ref=vividguitar.co) model. Features a poplar body, maple neck with a SlimTaper profile, striped ebony fretboard with 22 medium jumbo frets, chrome hardware, Grover Mini Rotomatic tuners, & 70s Tribute humbucking pickups. Offered in Tobacco Burst, Wine Red, & Ebony. MSRP is $1,799 USD. - Greg Koch had guitarist Tyler Bryant on his podcast. They discuss his perspective on success, his production philosophy, and more. [Apple](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chewing-the-gristle-with-greg-koch/id1525643497?i=1000716623155&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/0ms5XaOlLBX7n9WDa5TcmI?si=kVXBn6prT8Ocre5OpGstHA&ref=vividguitar.co) - 📺 **Rhett Shull** featured 'the most original guitar player you’ve never heard of (**Seth Lee Jones**) on his [YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdXXZ5pj3YE&ref=vividguitar.co). - 📽️ Watch [**Julian Lage** improvising](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xm3U6wWWZUU&ref=vividguitar.co) on a **Josh Williams Guitars** *Mockingbird*. --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### All About the Music: Danny Abel on Effective Guitar Practice, Finding Inspiration, & Focusing On the Melody URL: https://vividguitar.co/danny-abel-interview-on-effective-guitar-practice-finding-inspiration-focusing-on-the-melody/ Last updated: 2025-07-15T16:01:06.000Z **Danny Abel** is a talented and versatile guitarist and producer based in the lively music city of New Orleans. Originally from Jackson, Mississippi, he moved to New Orleans in 2001 to study jazz at the University of New Orleans. Since then, Danny has become a key part of the local scene, playing with all kinds of artists across funk, jazz, R&B, and rock. He’s toured the world with the Grammy-nominated band *Tank and the Bangas* and shared the stage with big names like Big Freedia, The Revivalists, Stanton Moore, Erica Falls, and Ivan Neville. Besides performing, Danny co-founded [**Brown Hound Sounds**](https://www.brownhoundsounds.com/?ref=vividguitar.co), a music production company in New Orleans that creates custom scores for film, TV, and commercials — they even won an ADDY Award in 2023 for Best Music in a Commercial! He also leads several original projects, like **The Danny Abel Band**, the organ trio **Abelar**, the guitar collective **GuitArmy**, and the funky 70s-inspired Brazilian group **BrasiNola**. Danny’s creativity and passion have made him a beloved figure in the New Orleans music community. ## 🎸 Q & A ### **What does your current guitar practice routine look like?** This really depends on what I have going on at the time. When I have a ton of gigs that I have to learn music for, then I spend a lot of my practice time listening to that music and going over it/making notes on it, getting tones together, etc. When I have a little more free time, I like to start by finding some music that inspires me. Whether it's learning chord changes, melody, etc, or learning a solo or specific guitar part, I like to start with the inspiration of finding the thing that has been interesting me when I'm away from the guitar. Then I'll usually start my routine with just playing through some melodies, chords, soloing a little, come back to the melody (and always keep the melody in mind). I like to see where this takes me. Try to keep your playing musical at all times, and working on songs as opposed to just jumping into technique, speed, or flashy devices can really keep your musicality at the front and center. In my experience, the technique follows this. ### **What's the best piece of advice you have for other guitar players?** Kind of like what I mentioned about my practice routine, try to maintain musicality in anything you practice. To me one of the best approaches to learning a song, just as an example, let's say a "jazz standard" or something of that sort: start with listening to it. Find a few versions. Try learning as much of the chords and melody as you can by ear. (This can work for any style of music, by the way). If you can, look for some sort of chart for the song, to help if you get stumped on some elements, but start with using your ear to guide you through learning the song. This really helps you internalize it. Spend time seeing how the chords and melody work together. If there's multiple versions of the song, see how different people approach the melody or chords. When you're comfortable, try to learn a little bit of someone's solo over that same song. Approaching tunes this way really opens the door to understanding how your favorite artists are thinking when they play a song, as opposed to learning it in a vacuum of thinking "ok 7th fret on this string here and then 9th fret here". It gets you realizing, "ok, they're playing the 3rd of this chord and now the 5th of this chord," or whatever it may be. To me, the more you can grasp the bigger picture, the more you'll be prepared for any situation that may come your way, and the more you can maintain musicality throughout what you do, as opposed to sounding like you're running an exercise when you're playing in a real life situation. ### **What’s one technique, habit, or concept that helped you level up as a player?** On top of trying to remember it's all about the music all the time, also, try to realize how to stay relaxed in the moment of playing. I know this is much easier said than done, and I'm not saying I do it all the time. Sometimes you may find yourself on stage with some really intense players and you get pulled into that and it makes you feel tense. This is totally normal. But being able to realize these situations can help you to also find ways to adapt. Listening to a big array of players helps me with this, too. Whereas one person may approach a song just burning out the gate, other people may approach the same thing with less notes. There's infinite ways to play, and the more you get to know your own playing, which is related to your own taste in music, the more you can relax into what you want to do when you're in musical situations. ### **What gear (guitar/amp/pedals) are you using lately—and why?** This is always evolving, but I'll start with pedals. Just for the sake of not carrying a ton of stuff, I have a pretty small board right now. I have an **MXR Phase 90**, **Analogman King Of Tone**, this Japanese drive pedal I got called the **Organic Sounds Hades**, and then an **Eventide H90**. I do own a bunch of other pedals and sometimes swap out some stuff but that's where I'm at right now. Then, for my amp, I have this **'64 Vibrolux clone** made by a local New Orleans builder named Paul Webb. He has a small shop in New Orleans and builds incredible stuff. He calls it Webb Amplification. I have probably 3 main gigging guitars right now, my **Fender American Strat**, a **Fender Mexican '72 Tele Deluxe Reissue** that I've modified quite a bit - Lollar Pickups, and a Stetsbar whammy, and then I have a **1971 Greco SA 500**, which is a hollowbody with no F-holes and a really small body. I also have about 15 other guitars but those are the main three I've been using regularly. ### **What are the most effective ways you've found to market yourself or your band?** I'm terrible at self promotion...but I think as far as New Orleans, it's such a social town, a big part of it is just getting out and getting to know people. I'm not usually a front man so maybe I don't have to promote as much as some people, I'm more going for calls for gigs. So hanging out on music scenes that you wanna be involved with helps. Other than that, I do have a website and Instagram, but I'm not always great about being consistent with them. ### **Are there any books, albums, or videos you recommend to other guitarists?** This is tough. I've had some great teachers, which has been a huge help. I studied with David Newsam in high school, who teaches at Berklee and a few other universities, and then in college I had these two teachers, Hank Mackie and Steve Masakowski, who are two of the best guitarists I've been around. I've also learned a ton from people I've gigged with over the years, and just from listening to a lot of people. I know there's books I've used, too, but I'm trying to think of their names. I'm not exactly sure off the top of my head. I remember Pat Martino had a pretty cool book that explains how he converts whatever chord he's on to the minor equivalent to be able to translate his lines to different harmonies. That got me thinking of ways you could do that with other harmonies (take major lines for example and move them over other harmonies). Other than that, I can't recall specifically what books I've used. But these days the sources are endless, and with things like YouTube where you can slow down the speed of recordings, it's pretty crazy what you can learn. The best tool is listening a lot and checking out the people that inspire you. ### **How do you approach creativity—writing, improvising, or building a solo?** This could really come from a lot of directions. Sometimes I'll sit down with the intention of writing a certain way, but a lot of times it is just like I'll be playing and I'll do something, maybe even make a mistake, that'll send me in a different direction and I'll run with that. I have a company I started with a friend, too. We call it **Brown Hound Sounds** and we make a lot of music for video - TV, ads, etc. That can be a cool way to get inspired, like watch something that's been filmed and then try to figure out how to score to the mood of what's happening. It's kind of endless possibilities of how to approach this. As far as improvising/building a solo, a lot of that depends on who you're playing with too. Sometimes you think you're gonna come out the gate swinging hard but suddenly the drummer and band drops it way down and you're whole preconceived approach is shattered. So I try to just respond to the vibe that's happening while also keeping it moving in the direction I wanna go. ### **What’s one lesson you wish you'd learned earlier as a guitarist?** Never worry about trying to impress people. This almost never leads to anything cool. Find the music you enjoy the most and follow that. At the same time, always push yourself to expand. Just because you don't like a particular style or sound at first, doesn't mean it's not worth checking out. But if you're always seeking new ways to grow as a musician, while also trying to stay as true to your own musicality as possible, people will be impressed. ### **What’s been your biggest challenge as a guitarist and musician?** I have no idea haha. Maybe volume. That's an issue that goes beyond guitar, but I think especially for electric instruments it's more of an issue than you'd think. Like, if you're practicing at home, you can balance your room volume, amp volume, etc. You can hear every note you're playing, you can point your amp right at you and turn down your stereo or whatever you're playing along with. Everything sits in the mix just how you want it. That pretty much always goes out the window as soon as you get in a real situation with other people. I'm not sure what the solution is. I don't love using in-ear monitors, but I also don't like the tone of my amp coming through monitors on stage. I also hate being told I'm too loud or seeing people cringe at my volume. I have no idea what the solution is, some spaces it just works better than others. ### **What’s next for you musically—any projects or goals you're working on?** I've been loving 7-string Brazilian style guitar, and been working on that a lot when I have the time. But otherwise, my main focus isn't so much guitar related, but focused on my music production business where we do music for video, TV, ads, but also produce music for other artists, etc. This is a lot of fun because it's a lot of music writing, but also factors in so much - midi sounds, textures, moods, finding the right approach to the right situation, etc. And then for my more guitar related stuff, I am always writing music for myself, and have this group I helped create in New Orleans called the [**GuitArmy**](https://www.instagram.com/guitarmynola?ref=vividguitar.co). I don't even know how to describe it, in my mind it's more of a community effort than a band. We do gigs, but my long term goal is just to get guitarists playing together and learning from each other. Guitarists don't get to work together often, most bands only have one guitar. So it's a chance to nerd out on each other's pedals or technique or whatever. Basically it's this interview in a live form with tons of guitarists together. And then when we perform it can be up to like 10 guitarists on stage figuring out how to stay musical and not annoying. Which might be a lot of NOT playing. That's a good lesson for us to all to learn. ## ⚡ Lightning Round ### **Desert island guitar and amp?** If I were on an island I'd just want my 7-string nylon guitar, no need for an amp then, just acoustic on the beach, enjoying the scenery, hoping that I can find enough food and water on the island to survive. ### **What guitarist should everyone know about?** Man...I'm so bad at these things, let's just say Wes Montgomery. But there's probably at least 1,000 more. ****Check out Danny Abel** [Website](https://www.dannyabel.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/daguitar/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Brown Hound Sounds](https://www.brownhoundsounds.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [GuitArmy](https://www.instagram.com/guitarmynola?ref=vividguitar.co) | [BrasiNola](https://www.instagram.com/brasinolaband?ref=vividguitar.co) ### Ariel Posen Interview, Fingerstyle Etude, Mule Resophonic Guitars URL: https://vividguitar.co/ariel-posen-interview-fingerstyle-etude-mule-resophonic-guitars/ Last updated: 2025-08-19T15:56:26.000Z [![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png)](http://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3q?ref=vividguitar.co) ## Q&A with Ariel Posen ![Ariel Posen ](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/07/Ariel-Posen-1.jpeg) Ariel Posen is a Canadian-born guitarist and singer known for his soulful playing and emotionally rich songs. He first gained attention performing with bands and through regular appearances on Anderton’s Music YouTube channel. Since then, he has launched a successful solo career, releasing albums and touring internationally. Ariel’s playing is marked by creative riffs and smooth phrasing, blending elements of rock, soul, R&B, Americana, and Beatles-inspired pop. *Rolling Stone* called him a “modern-day guitar hero,” and he was voted a top 10 rock guitarist by *Music Radar*. He has also earned multiple honors, including twice winning Breakout Artist of the Year from the Western Canadian Music Awards. In addition to performing, Ariel is a respected educator, with popular guitar lessons available on TrueFire and Patreon. ### **What's the best piece of advice you have for other guitar players?** Don't compare! The work needs to be put in regardless, and there's no substitute for the work, but don't let what others do decide if you're worthy or not. Lean into your strength's and be the best you while also making sure you have all the bases covered. ### **What’s one technique, habit, or concept that helped you level up as a player?** I find so many people want to improve but that don't know what they want to get better at. Rather then just trying to get 'better' at the instrument, try to list at least 5-10 small things that you want to master or at least get better at. Try to knock off each thing at a time to give yourself some 'wins' rather than trying to take on everything at once all while not even knowing what it is you're trying to improve at. ### **How do you approach creativity—writing, improvising, or building a solo?** It's a fine balance of trying to stay authentic and saying something new each time, while still doing the things that make you, you! At the end of the day, its more philosophical for me. I think of it like telling a story and building an arc throughout it. It's not so much about the notes you're playing (which of course are important) but more so how you're playing them and when and where you're utilizing them in the way to get your message across. Most of the time it's about the restraint. ### **What’s been your biggest challenge as a guitarist and musician?** I think it goes back to the self doubt based on what we see on the internet. As amazing as it is online, I think its never been worse for people to look down on themselves when comparing to what they see other people doing. It's easier said than done to stay in your line and only focus on your journey, but if you can do it, you will be much happier and more importantly, you'll be making a lot more progress as a musician. ### **What’s next for you musically—any projects or goals you're working on?** I have some new music and some other really exciting things coming, and we just announced some big tours. Really looking forward to getting back out on the stage and doing our thing. Much more to come! ### ⚡ Lightning Round ### **One album every guitarist should listen to?** Standard Brands by Lenny Breau and Chet Atkins ### **Desert island guitar and amp?** Strat and a Two Rock ****Check out ariel posen** [Website](https://www.arielposen.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/c/ArielPosen?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/arielposen/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/arielposen/) | [Guitar Courses](https://truefire.com/educators/ariel-posen/e4544?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/arielposen?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Guitar Practice ### D minor Fingerstyle Etude with Alternating Bass This week, let's dig into a minor fingerstyle etude. While the melody is built with somewhat basic arpeggiated notes, adding in alternating bass notes makes it challenging to people new to fingerstyle guitar. Work on learning on bar at a time, playing each bar repeatedly until you get it down. As always, take it slow. ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/06/image-10.png) --- ## Gear Showcase ### Mule Resophonic Guitars ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/06/Mule-Guitars.webp) Mule Resophonic Guitars stands out in the ocean of guitar companies by focusing on building incredible-quality steel bodied resonator guitars. **Founding and Early Days** Mule Resophonic Guitars was founded around 2012 in Saginaw, Michigan by luthier Matt Eich. After graduating from Roberto‑Venn School of Luthiery and sharpening his skills carving hundreds of necks at Huss & Dalton in Virginia, Eich returned home following a factory layoff. Inspired by seeing Kelly Joe Phelps perform on a resonator guitar, he set out to build his own metal‑bodied resonators. Work started in a small garage and quickly grew—12 orders in two weeks, then 25 in a month, and by year‑end over 60 on the waiting list **The Team and Workshop** Now a tight-knit shop, Mule operates from a 1,600 sq ft. workshop. They craft around 120 instruments annually, specializing in steel and brass‑bodied resonators prized for their rich, full-bodied tone, impressive volume, natural resonance, and vintage-style aesthetics. **Signature Models** Mule offers several standout models: - **Resonator** – Available in tricone or single-cone variants. - **Mavis** – A sleek, thinline resonator favored for professional tone and playability. - **Mulecaster** – A T-style steel-bodied electric resonator, born from Eich’s interest in welding and metal, blending hollow‑body resonance with electric output. **Name, Philosophy, and Vision** The “Mule” name reflects the qualities of intelligence, grit, and hard work—echoing Eich’s own journey of persistence. His philosophy focuses on inspiration over perfection: crafting instruments that challenge players and spark creativity. **Artist Endorsements and Recognition** Notable musicians like Kelly Joe Phelps, Charlie Parr, Doug Wamble, Ariel Posen, Joey Landreth, Jeffrey Foucault, Dan Auerbach, and others have embraced Mule instruments. Their use of Mule’s resonators in blues, folk, roots, and country has sparked a broader appreciation for these modernized acoustic tools **Continued Storytelling and Community** More than just a shop, Mule fosters connection through storytelling—sharing customer stories, documentaries, and the “Pegamule” custom labels. Eich often speaks of the emotional power of music and craftsmanship to bring people together. --- In just over a decade, Mule Resophonic Guitars has grown from a one-man garage project to a respected boutique builder known for hand-made, resonant, and inspiring instruments. Every guitar carries the story and heart that define Eich’s resilient, creative vision. Mule Resophonic Guitars [Website](https://www.muleresophonic.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/muleresonatorguitars/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/MuleResophonicGuitars/) --- ## Noteworthy ![Gretsch Limited Edition Falcon Center Block Jr.](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/06/image-11.png) Gretsch Limited Edition Falcon Center Block Jr. - **Gretsch** announced a limited edition [Falcon Center Block Jr. in Roundup Orange](https://www.gretschguitars.com/gear/build/center-block/limited-edition-falcon-center-block-jr-with-bigsby-quilted-maple/2400963822?sf226998582=1&ref=vividguitar.co). Key features include a quilted maple top, an ebony fingerboard, a Bigsby® tremolo system, and TV Jones® TV Classic™ & TV Classic Plus™ Filter’Tron™ pickups - **Taylor** released a new [Legacy 914ce](https://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/legacy-914ce?ref=vividguitar.co) acoustic guitar. The high-end model features an Engelmann spruce top with Indian rosewood Back and Sides, a neo-tropical mahogany neck, an African ebony fretboard, LR Baggs - Element VTC Electronics, & a Venetian cutaway. - **Taylor** also announced new all-solid-wood [Gold Label Grand Pacific](https://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/features/grand-pacific?ref=vividguitar.co) acoustic guitar models. - **Greg Koch** interviewed YouTube guitar sensation and touring musician **Ben Eller** on his podcast. [Apple](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chewing-the-gristle-with-greg-koch/id1525643497?i=1000714624173&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/3sVaay3MrpUD7v0zgHplXr?si=%5FQzx64d1SaWQC6gn26Sxyw&ref=vividguitar.co) --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Ariel Posen on Restraint, Overcoming Self-Doubt, and Finding Your Voice on Guitar URL: https://vividguitar.co/ariel-posen-interview/ Last updated: 2025-07-29T14:29:27.000Z ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/07/Ariel-Posen-2-1.jpeg) Ariel Posen is a Canadian-born guitarist and singer known for his soulful playing and emotionally rich songs. He first gained attention performing with bands and through regular appearances on Anderton’s Music YouTube channel. Since then, he has launched a successful solo career, releasing albums and touring internationally. Ariel’s playing is marked by creative riffs and smooth phrasing, blending elements of rock, soul, R&B, Americana, and Beatles-inspired pop. *Rolling Stone* called him a “modern-day guitar hero,” and he was voted a top 10 rock guitarist by *Music Radar*. He has also earned multiple honors, including twice winning Breakout Artist of the Year from the Western Canadian Music Awards. In addition to performing, Ariel is a respected educator, with popular guitar lessons available on TrueFire and Patreon. ## 🎸 Q & A ### **What's the best piece of advice you have for other guitar players?** Don't compare! The work needs to be put in regardless, and there's no substitute for the work, but don't let what others do decide if you're worthy or not. Lean into your strength's and be the best you while also making sure you have all the bases covered. ### **What’s one technique, habit, or concept that helped you level up as a player?** I find so many people want to improve but that don't know what they want to get better at. Rather then just trying to get 'better' at the instrument, try to list at least 5-10 small things that you want to master or at least get better at. Try to knock off each thing at a time to give yourself some 'wins' rather than trying to take on everything at once all while not even knowing what it is you're trying to improve at. ### **How do you approach creativity—writing, improvising, or building a solo?** It's a fine balance of trying to stay authentic and saying something new each time, while still doing the things that make you, you! At the end of the day, its more philosophical for me. I think of it like telling a story and building an arc throughout it. It's not so much about the notes you're playing (which of course are important) but more so how you're playing them and when and where you're utilizing them in the way to get your message across. Most of the time it's about the restraint. ### **What’s been your biggest challenge as a guitarist and musician?** I think it goes back to the self doubt based on what we see on the internet. As amazing as it is online, I think its never been worse for people to look down on themselves when comparing to what they see other people doing. It's easier said than done to stay in your line and only focus on your journey, but if you can do it, you will be much happier and more importantly, you'll be making a lot more progress as a musician. ### **What’s next for you musically—any projects or goals you're working on?** I have some new music and some other really exciting things coming, and we just announced some big tours. Really looking forward to getting back out on the stage and doing our thing. Much more to come! ## ⚡ Lightning Round ### **One album every guitarist should listen to?** Standard Brands by Lenny Breau and Chet Atkins ### **Desert island guitar and amp?** Strat and a Two Rock ****Check out ariel posen** [Website](https://www.arielposen.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/c/ArielPosen?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/arielposen/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/arielposen/) | [Guitar Courses](https://truefire.com/educators/ariel-posen/e4544?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/arielposen?ref=vividguitar.co) ### Summertime Arpeggios, Anthology Gear, Stu Mackenzie URL: https://vividguitar.co/summertime-arpeggios-anthology-gear-stu-mackenzie/ Last updated: 2025-07-03T18:55:14.000Z [![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png)](http://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3q?ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 "Sometimes, it can be the most ordinary moment that creates an extra extraordinary piece of art." - Rick Rubin ## Guitar Practice ### Summertime Arpeggios To celebrate it officially being Summer (in the Northern hemisphere, at least), let's work on an arpeggio exercise over the George Gershwin classic *Summertime*. 'Summertime' is a well-known song from Gershwin's 1935 opera *Porgy and Bess*. Its slow, emotional melody and clear, poetic lyrics make it stand out. The song blends jazz, classical, and folk styles, and it’s been covered by many different artists over the years. ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/06/image-8.png) --- ## Guitarist Spotlight ### Stu Mackenzie ![Stu Mackenzie of King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. CREDIT: Joseph Okpako/Getty Images](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/06/stu-mackenzie-king-gizzard-and-the-lizard-wizard-getty-images-joseph-okpako.jpg) Stu Mackenzie of King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. CREDIT: Joseph Okpako/Getty Images **Stu Mackenzie**, born on October 26, 1990, in Melbourne, Australia, is the frontman, guitarist, vocalist, primary songwriter, and producer for the prolific psychedelic rock band **King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard**. Since co-founding the band in 2010, Mackenzie has led the group through an astonishingly diverse and prolific musical journey, with over two dozen studio albums spanning genres like garage rock, thrash metal, progressive jazz, microtonal psychedelia, and orchestral rock. Raised in Victoria, Mackenzie's early musical exposure came from his father, who would sing Paul Simon and Neil Young songs while strumming guitar. He picked up the guitar after seeing AC/DC on TV, initially learning on a left-handed instrument before switching to right-handed. Entirely self-taught, he described himself as always trying to “catch up” to other players—focusing more on joining the jam than on mastering theory or technique. As the creative engine behind King Gizzard, Mackenzie is known for his relentless experimentation. He helped pioneer the band's use of microtonal tuning, designing custom instruments to explore new sonic territory. Under his direction, the band is famous for its DIY ethos: minimal gear, few rehearsals, spontaneous songwriting, and recording sessions that prioritize raw, live energy over polish. Albums like *Flying Microtonal Banana*, *Infest the Rats’ Nest*, *Ice, Death, Planets... Lava!*, and *Phantom Island* showcase Mackenzie’s drive to constantly reinvent the band’s sound. In addition to his work as a performer, Mackenzie is heavily involved in production, often handling mixing, engineering, and even contributing to the visual direction of the band's albums. In 2020, he was awarded **Best Live Guitarist** at the Australian National Live Music Awards. He has also publicly shared his struggles with Crohn’s disease, a chronic condition that has at times forced the band to reschedule tours. Outside of music, Mackenzie is a family man—married since 2019 and a father of two. His personal life has increasingly influenced his lyrical themes, bringing new emotional depth to the band's later work. Through his fearless creativity and commitment to pushing boundaries, Stu Mackenzie has become one of the most innovative figures in modern rock music. ### Key Gear - Yamaha 1967 Flying Samurai - Custom-built *Flying Microtonal Banana* guitar - Hagstrom F-12S - Fender American Standard Stratocaster - Fender Hot Rod Deluxe amp - Boss DD-3 digital delay pedal - Devi Ever Torn’s Peaker fuzz pedal ### Recommended listening: King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard: *Flight b741* King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard: *Butterfly 3000* King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard: *Sketches of Brunswick East* ****Check out Stu Mackenzie** [King Gizzard Website](https://kinggizzardandthelizardwizard.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/kinggizzard/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Gear Showcase ### Anthology Gear ![Anthology Gear's El Camino Guitar Strap](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/06/image-7.png) **Anthology Gear** is a boutique company based in Portland, Oregon, that creates premium guitar straps, gig bags, cases, and other music accessories. Founded back in 2009, the company began with a simple idea: to build better gear for musicians—gear that not only looks great but also lasts a lifetime. The company was born out of frustration with the low quality of most straps and cases on the market. The goal was to create guitar straps that combined rugged durability with beautiful design - with a focus on craftsmanship, comfort, and style. All of Anthology Gear’s products are made with **full-grain leather**, the strongest and most durable type of leather available. Over time, this leather develops a unique character and rich patina, giving each piece a one-of-a-kind look. Their straps are also built for comfort, using high-density padding that makes even heavy guitars feel lighter on your shoulders. The company is known for its **artistic designs**. For example, their popular **El Camino** collection of straps feature a variety of cool-looking and colorful fabrics. Other models feature embossed patterns, distressed finishes, or custom stitching that makes each strap stand out on stage. Anthology Gear doesn’t just look good—it’s built to last. Their straps use **parachute-grade thread** and reinforced construction. Many come with a **25-year or lifetime warranty**, a testament to the company’s belief in making products that musicians can rely on for decades. Over the years, their gear has been used by professional touring musicians, including **Trey Anastasio**, **Dean Brown**, and **Greg Howe**. Today, Anthology Gear’s catalog has grown beyond guitar straps. They now offer matching **gig bags**, **drumstick cases**, **cymbal bags**, **pedalboard covers**, and more—all crafted with the same attention to detail and dedication to quality. Whether you’re a weekend player, a touring pro, or just someone who appreciates beautiful design, Anthology Gear offers products that are as reliable and expressive as the music you make. You can explore their full line of products at [anthologygearwear.com](https://anthologygearwear.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) ****Check out ANTHOLOGY GEAR** [Website](https://www.anthologygearwear.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/anthologygear/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AnthologyGear/) --- ## News & Notes ![Gibson Marcus King ES-345 Semi-Hollow Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/06/image-9.png) Gibson Marcus King ES-345 - **Gibson** announced a new signature [Marcus King ES-345](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/p/Electric-Guitar/Marcus-King-ES-345/Sixties-Cherry?ref=vividguitar.co). It is a recreation inspired by his main guitar, “Big Red,” the 1962 ES-345 handed down from his grandfather to his father and finally to him. - **Fender** announced a new [Richie Kotzen Stratocaster](https://www.fender.com/products/richie-kotzen-stratocaster?ref=vividguitar.co). The made-in-Japan Strat features an ash body with flame maple top, custom DiMarzio® pickups, and a thick “C”–shape maple neck. Offered in *Transparent White Burst* and *Transparent Red Burst*, and retails for $1,799\. - U.K. guitar & music gear retailer **PMT** (which had 11 stores) announced they're going out of business. - **Gibson** released some '*painted over*' finishes in their [Custom Select line](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/Search?q=custom+select&ref=vividguitar.co). This drop features solid colors applied over the top of an original Goldtop finish. - **Rick Beato** interviewed [**Andy Wood**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=626kvl9nKqs&ref=vividguitar.co) on his YouTube channel, discussing his approach to guitar and other instruments. --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Guitar Wisdom from Rick Stickney: Groove, Timing, and Training Your Ears URL: https://vividguitar.co/interview-with-rick-stickney/ Last updated: 2025-07-29T14:30:10.000Z ![Rick Stickney Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/07/Rick-Stickney-Guitar-1.jpg) Rick Stickney is a seasoned guitarist specializing in Funk, R&B, and Soul, with over 5,000 performances worldwide - including performances for U.S. presidents, as well has having the opportunity to jam with artists like Marcus Miller and Joseph Williams. Influenced by a diverse range of artists such as George Benson, Marvin Gaye, and Led Zeppelin, Rick developed a unique guitar style that blends groove, feel, and musicality. Rick runs ***Tasty Guitar***, focusing on teaching intermediate and advanced players. His lessons—available on his website and platforms like TrueFire—stand out for their clarity and depth, making complex concepts accessible and practical. Praised by legends like Leo Nocentelli and Bootsy Collins, his offerings include video courses, live workshops, backing tracks, and private Zoom/Skype lessons, all designed to help guitarists improve both technically and musically. --- ## 🎸 Q & A ### **What's the best piece of advice you have for other guitar players?** It's really hard to narrow it down to just one thing... but using your ears is so, so important. Don't be reliant on TAB, learn as much as you can by ear. I understand it can be frustrating at first, but be persistent, trust me, it pays off. And with the tech available today it makes it easy. You can slow things down, loop etc. Imagine back in the day people had to drop the needle over and over to pick up a lick! Think about it, if you aren't using your ears how are you ever gonna train them? ### **What’s one technique, habit, or concept that helped you level up as a player?** Definitely practicing with a metronome. At some point ages ago I heard a recording of myself at a gig and was shocked at how often I was rushing. From that time forward I have always made a point to practice with a metronome, drum machine etc.. I often hear players with great chops, technical ability but not locked in the groove because of flawed timing. Become best friends with the metronome and you will sort out any timing issues you may have. ### **What gear (guitar/amp/pedals) are you using lately—and why?** I have never been a big collector of gear. Most of my students have more guitars and amps than I do haha. But I have a couple guitars that I can't live without. A great 80's ESP 400 series tele. The neck on this guitar just fits my hands like no other guitar I've ever owned. And I picked up an Ibanez AM 200 semi-hollowbody back in '98\. It's like Scofield's AS200 but smaller body, very comfortable, and surprisingly versatile. For amps I use a Two Rock Studio Signature for most gigs, great with pedals. And for a grab and go I love the Magnatone Varsity Reverb for just pluggin' in and crankin' it. ### **What are the most effective ways you've found to market yourself or your band?** If people know me at all it's definitely from my YouTube channel. I think for longer lesson content kinda stuff like I do it's still the best platform. It is pretty tough to break through though. Youtube is so crowded in the guitar space these days so you really need to find a niche and put out good, consistent content... and hopefully with a little luck your audience will find you. ### **Are there any books, albums, or videos you recommend to other guitarists?** I never went to school for music, so on the theory side of things there was a lot of grey area for me with getting beyond the basics. The *Jazz Theory Book* by Mark Levine cleared a lot of things up for me, and its not just for jazzers. ### **What’s one lesson you wish you'd learned earlier as a guitarist?** For anyone really wanting a career as a guitarist it really helps to be in a music city. You have to go where the opportunities and best players are. If I was a young gun again, this would be the path that I would take. ### **What’s been your biggest challenge as a guitarist and musician?** Flying with guitars is always a crapshoot. I always try to carry on but you never know when are going to be asked to check a guitar. It would be awesome if there was a consistent, standard policy with the airlines but I won't hold my breath lol. ### **What’s next for you musically—any projects or goals you're working on?** Right now I'm mostly focused on growing my membership program at [tastyguitar.com](http://tastyguitar.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) and helping guitarists improve their funk, r&b/soul and blues playing :) ****Check out Rick Stickney** [Tasty Guitar](https://www.tastyguitar.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@TastyGuitarcom?ref=vividguitar.co) | [TrueFire Courses](https://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3x/[p%5Fid:1101l576286]/destination:https%3A%2F%2Ftruefire.com%2Feducators%2Frick-stickney%2Fe4657?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/tastyguitarlessons) --- ### Chet Atkins Fingerstyle, Interview with Rick Stickney, Mark Speer Signature Strat URL: https://vividguitar.co/chet-atkins-fingerstyle-interview-with-rick-stickney-mark-speer-signature-strat/ Last updated: 2025-07-03T18:56:52.000Z [![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png)](http://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3q?ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 Good musicians tend to be less inhibited by self-editing. They let their minds, voices, and fingers go, and let the music flow. - John Jacobs, Life is Good founder ## Guitar Practice ### Chet Atkins Fingerstyle Guitar Chet Atkins had a smooth and unique way of playing guitar. He used a fingerpicking style where he played the melody, bass, and chords all at the same time, making it sound like more than one person was playing. His sound mixed country, jazz, and pop music, and his clear, clean tone became a big part of what’s known as the “Nashville Sound.” This style, often called the “Atkins style,” helped shape modern country music and influenced many guitarists around the world. Let's take a look at an example of an Atkins-inspired finger-picking groove. This is tricky, and takes a while to learn - so take it slow. The alternating bass notes are played with your thumb, while the higher melody notes are played with your index, middle, and ring fingers. Chet Atkins Style 0:00 /38.402902 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/06/Chet-Atkins-Style.png) --- ## Interview with Rick Stickney ![Rick Stickney Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/06/Rick-Stickney-Guitar.jpg) Rick Stickney is a seasoned guitarist specializing in Funk, R&B, and Soul, with over 5,000 performances worldwide - including performances for U.S. presidents, as well has having the opportunity to jam with artists like Marcus Miller and Joseph Williams. Influenced by a diverse range of artists such as George Benson, Marvin Gaye, and Led Zeppelin, Rick developed a unique guitar style that blends groove, feel, and musicality. Rick runs ***Tasty Guitar***, focusing on teaching intermediate and advanced players. His lessons—available on his website and platforms like TrueFire—stand out for their clarity and depth, making complex concepts accessible and practical. Praised by legends like Leo Nocentelli and Bootsy Collins, his offerings include video courses, live workshops, backing tracks, and private Zoom/Skype lessons, all designed to help guitarists improve both technically and musically. ## 🎸 Q & A ### **What's the best piece of advice you have for other guitar players?** It's really hard to narrow it down to just one thing... but using your ears is so, so important. Don't be reliant on TAB, learn as much as you can by ear. I understand it can be frustrating at first, but be persistent, trust me, it pays off. And with the tech available today it makes it easy. You can slow things down, loop etc. Imagine back in the day people had to drop the needle over and over to pick up a lick! Think about it, if you aren't using your ears how are you ever gonna train them? ### **What’s one technique, habit, or concept that helped you level up as a player?** Definitely practicing with a metronome. At some point ages ago I heard a recording of myself at a gig and was shocked at how often I was rushing. From that time forward I have always made a point to practice with a metronome, drum machine etc.. I often hear players with great chops, technical ability but not locked in the groove because of flawed timing. Become best friends with the metronome and you will sort out any timing issues you may have. ### **What gear (guitar/amp/pedals) are you using lately—and why?** I have never been a big collector of gear. Most of my students have more guitars and amps than I do haha. But I have a couple guitars that I can't live without. A great 80's ESP 400 series tele. The neck on this guitar just fits my hands like no other guitar I've ever owned. And I picked up an Ibanez AM 200 semi-hollowbody back in '98\. It's like Scofield's AS200 but smaller body, very comfortable, and surprisingly versatile. For amps I use a Two Rock Studio Signature for most gigs, great with pedals. And for a grab and go I love the Magnatone Varsity Reverb for just pluggin' in and crankin' it. ### **What are the most effective ways you've found to market yourself or your band?** If people know me at all it's definitely from my YouTube channel. I think for longer lesson content kinda stuff like I do it's still the best platform. It is pretty tough to break through though. Youtube is so crowded in the guitar space these days so you really need to find a niche and put out good, consistent content... and hopefully with a little luck your audience will find you. ### **Are there any books, albums, or videos you recommend to other guitarists?** I never went to school for music, so on the theory side of things there was a lot of grey area for me with getting beyond the basics. The *Jazz Theory Book* by Mark Levine cleared a lot of things up for me, and its not just for jazzers. ### **What’s one lesson you wish you'd learned earlier as a guitarist?** For anyone really wanting a career as a guitarist it really helps to be in a music city. You have to go where the opportunities and best players are. If I was a young gun again, this would be the path that I would take. ### **What’s been your biggest challenge as a guitarist and musician?** Flying with guitars is always a crapshoot. I always try to carry on but you never know when are going to be asked to check a guitar. It would be awesome if there was a consistent, standard policy with the airlines but I won't hold my breath lol. ### **What’s next for you musically—any projects or goals you're working on?** Right now I'm mostly focused on growing my membership program at [tastyguitar.com](http://tastyguitar.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) and helping guitarists improve their funk, r&b/soul and blues playing :) ****Check out Rick Stickney** [Tasty Guitar](https://www.tastyguitar.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@TastyGuitarcom?ref=vividguitar.co) | [TrueFire Courses](https://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3x/[p%5Fid:1101l576286]/destination:https%3A%2F%2Ftruefire.com%2Feducators%2Frick-stickney%2Fe4657?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/tastyguitarlessons) --- ## Noteworthy ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/06/Mark-Speer.png) - **Fender** officially announced the limited edition[**Mark Speer Signature Stratocaster**](https://www.fender.com/products/limited-edition-mark-speer-stratocaster?ref=vividguitar.co). The guitar features an ash body, a 7.25" radius with jumbo frets, a custom "C"-shaped maple neck, Dimarzio ProTrack neck and bridge pickups, and vintage voiced 70’s single coil pick up for the middle position. The made-in-Mexico guitar (Mark's personal guitar is also made-in-Mexico) retails for $1,499 USD. (Check out our feature on Mark in [this newsletter issue](https://vividguitar.co/arpeggio-practice-mark-speer-fibenare-guitars/)) - Speaking of Strats, **Rick Beato** had **Paul Reed Smith** on his YouTube channel to shoot out four Fender Stratocasters against the PRS Silver Sky SE guitar. - **Supro** released a new amp called [The Airwave](https://www.suprousa.com/amplifiers/airwave/?ref=vividguitar.co). The 12AX7 tube driven preamp features a 3-band EQ, along with boost, drive, tremolo, and real spring reverb. Features a 6v6 class-A power section running into a 12" Celestion-made BD12 speaker. - **Gretsch** announced new versions of their top-end **Broadkaster** models, with the Professional Collection [Broadkaster LX and Broadkaster Jr. LX](https://www.gretschguitars.com/gear/family/broadkaster?ref=vividguitar.co). They feature powerful Pro Twin Six™ humbucking pickups and a redesigned Channel Core™ center block. Available in *Midnight Sapphire* and *Blackberry*. --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Danny Mayer on Finding Your Own Voice, Emulating Singers, & Getting Our of Your Own Way. URL: https://vividguitar.co/guitarist-danny-mayer-interview/ Last updated: 2025-07-29T14:30:51.000Z ![Guitarist Danny Mayer - Photo by liveforlivemusic.com](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/07/danny-mayer-guitar-1.jpeg) Guitarist Danny Mayer - Photo by liveforlivemusic.com **Danny Mayer** is a funk, rock, and psychedelic blues guitarist known for his unique blend of creative rhythm and soulful lead playing. Over the past 15+ years, he has toured nationally with bands like On The Spot Trio, Alan Evans Trio, Star Kitchen, the Eric Krasno Band, and his own Danny Mayer Trio. He’s also shared the stage with members of the Grateful Dead, Lettuce, Marcus King, Snarky Puppy, Trey Anastasio Band, and many others in a wide range of collaborations. ## 🎸 Q & A --- ### **What does your current guitar practice routine look like?** If I have a gig coming up, I learn & practice the songs for the gig, but the rest of the time, I just run some scales & chromatic exercises w/ alternate picking to keep my hands in the game. I believe my playing comes from my life experiences, so the best practice for me is having life experiences to draw from & as long as my hands are fluid enough to express myself, I’ve found that those experiences ranging from a beautiful sunset to a painful accident contribute to my playing more than any practice routine ever has! ### **What's the best piece of advice you have for other guitar players?** I would say, don’t be derivative or copy what other people are doing. Find your own voice & work on that. Refine it. Develop it. Make it deeply genuine. That will resonate with people more than technique. ### **What’s one technique, habit, or concept that helped you level up as a player?** Listen to other instruments & singers you like, & allow those instruments or voices influence you… Check out how Coltrane’s use of chromaticism, or Clyde Stubblefield’s use of ghost notes, or Bob Marley’s use of vibrato! ### **What gear (guitar/amp/pedals) are you using lately—and why?** I recently acquired a 1959 Gibson ES-125 TDS, & it’s my first fully hollow body guitar w/ P-90’s and it’s been a game changer for me! That, right into a Princeton Reverb & I feel like pedals are totally unnecessary, for the first time ever! ### **What are the most effective ways you've found to market yourself or your band?** If you figure this one out, let me know! Haha! ### **Are there any books, albums, or videos you recommend to other guitarists?** The new Sly Stone documentary by Questlove on Hulu! The best! ### **How do you approach creativity—writing, improvising, or building a solo?** My approach to creativity is to get out of my own way… to disappear & just let it all happen. To open my ears wide enough to have a split second of foresight, & to be able to influence what’s happening in a tasteful way. Writing for me usually starts bass & drums. A solid groove & locked in bass line make it so almost nothing else matters. As long as that foundation is feeling good, the whole thing is gonna feel good. ### **What’s one lesson you wish you'd learned earlier as a guitarist?** To not care what other people think or get hung up on why certain people or bands seem to get tremendous attention while others go completely unrecognized. ### **What’s been your biggest challenge as a guitarist and musician?** The biggest challenge for me at times has been consistently making enough money to feel that being a musician is a sustainable way to make a living. ### **What’s next for you musically—any projects or goals you're working on?** I recently moved to Florida, it’s a whole beautiful fresh vibe for me down here! It’s influenced me a lot, & I’ve been writing & recording original music that I’ll be releasing slowly over the next year or two! ## ⚡ Lightning Round --- ### **One album every guitarist should listen to?** Bob Marley & The Wailers - Live at The Roxy ### **Desert island guitar and amp?** 64-65 Fender Princeton Reverb ### **What guitarist should everyone know about?** Aaron Lebos ([Instagram Page](https://www.instagram.com/aaronlebos/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co)) ****Check out Danny Mayer** [Danny's Website](https://www.dannymayermusic.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/dannymayermusic/) ### Minor Blues Jam Track, Q&A with Danny Mayer URL: https://vividguitar.co/minor-blues-jam-track-q-a-with-danny-mayer/ Last updated: 2025-07-03T18:54:44.000Z [![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png)](http://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3q?ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 When I get the most done and I have the best practice time it’s when I really isolate an area of the music I need to work on. - Jonathan Harnum ## Guitar Practice ### Minor Blues Jam Track In the last couple issues, we took a look at a couple jazz-blues progressions. Let's look at one more progression, along with a jam track to practice soloing over. C minor Blues Jam Track 0:00 /259.512 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/06/image.png) To solo over this progression, one good option for a jazzy sound is to use the **C Natural Minor** **scale** over most of it. This even works over the **Ab13** chord if you focus on the Ab chord tone. To play over the **G7#5** chord, while we could get away with staying with the C Natural Minor Scale (and highlighting the G note), another option is to use the **C Harmonic Minor** scale. This works because the #5 note of that G7#5 chord is **B** (the C Natural Minor scale contains Bb). 💡 The Harmonic Minor Scale uses the notes ****1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7**. It's basically the Natural Minor Scale with a 7th instead of a b7. ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/06/image-6.png) --- ## Q&A with Danny Mayer ![Guitarist Danny Mayer - Photo by liveforlivemusic.com](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/06/danny-mayer-guitar.jpeg) Photo by [liveforlivemusic.com](http://liveforlivemusic.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) **Danny Mayer** is a funk, rock, and psychedelic blues guitarist known for his unique blend of creative rhythm and soulful lead playing. Over the past 15+ years, he has toured nationally with bands like On The Spot Trio, Alan Evans Trio, Star Kitchen, the Eric Krasno Band, and his own Danny Mayer Trio. He’s also shared the stage with members of the Grateful Dead, Lettuce, Marcus King, Snarky Puppy, Trey Anastasio Band, and many others in a wide range of collaborations. ## 🎸 Q & A ### **What does your current guitar practice routine look like?** If I have a gig coming up, I learn & practice the songs for the gig, but the rest of the time, I just run some scales & chromatic exercises w/ alternate picking to keep my hands in the game. I believe my playing comes from my life experiences, so the best practice for me is having life experiences to draw from & as long as my hands are fluid enough to express myself, I’ve found that those experiences ranging from a beautiful sunset to a painful accident contribute to my playing more than any practice routine ever has! ### **What's the best piece of advice you have for other guitar players?** I would say, don’t be derivative or copy what other people are doing. Find your own voice & work on that. Refine it. Develop it. Make it deeply genuine. That will resonate with people more than technique. ### **What’s one technique, habit, or concept that helped you level up as a player?** Listen to other instruments & singers you like, & allow those instruments or voices influence you… Check out how Coltrane’s use of chromaticism, or Clyde Stubblefield’s use of ghost notes, or Bob Marley’s use of vibrato! ### **What gear (guitar/amp/pedals) are you using lately—and why?** I recently acquired a 1959 Gibson ES-125 TDS, & it’s my first fully hollow body guitar w/ P-90’s and it’s been a game changer for me! That, right into a Princeton Reverb & I feel like pedals are totally unnecessary, for the first time ever! ### **What are the most effective ways you've found to market yourself or your band?** If you figure this one out, let me know! Haha! ### **Are there any books, albums, or videos you recommend to other guitarists?** The new Sly Stone documentary by Questlove on Hulu! The best! ### **How do you approach creativity—writing, improvising, or building a solo?** My approach to creativity is to get out of my own way… to disappear & just let it all happen. To open my ears wide enough to have a split second of foresight, & to be able to influence what’s happening in a tasteful way. Writing for me usually starts bass & drums. A solid groove & locked in bass line make it so almost nothing else matters. As long as that foundation is feeling good, the whole thing is gonna feel good. ### **What’s one lesson you wish you'd learned earlier as a guitarist?** To not care what other people think or get hung up on why certain people or bands seem to get tremendous attention while others go completely unrecognized. ### **What’s been your biggest challenge as a guitarist and musician?** The biggest challenge for me at times has been consistently making enough money to feel that being a musician is a sustainable way to make a living. ### **What’s next for you musically—any projects or goals you're working on?** I recently moved to Florida, it’s a whole beautiful fresh vibe for me down here! It’s influenced me a lot, & I’ve been writing & recording original music that I’ll be releasing slowly over the next year or two! ## ⚡ Lightning Round ### **One album every guitarist should listen to?** Bob Marley & The Wailers - Live at The Roxy ### **Desert island guitar and amp?** 64-65 Fender Princeton Reverb ### **What guitarist should everyone know about?** Aaron Lebos ****Check out Danny Mayer** [Danny's Website](https://www.dannymayermusic.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/dannymayermusic/) --- ## Noteworthy - **Fender** will be releasing something guitar-playing fans of **Khruangbin** have been asking for - a **Mark Speer Signature Stratocaster**. More details are expected to be revealed today (June 10th). - **Guitar Center** partnered with **Fender** to release exclusive [Sand-Blasted American Professional II Telecasters and Stratocasters](https://www.guitarcenter.com/Fender-American-Professional-II-Sandblasted-Guitars.gc?ref=vividguitar.co). - **Gibson** added a bunch of new [apparel options](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/Collection/gibson-apparel-new-arrivals?ref=vividguitar.co) to their online store. - **Greg Koch** interviewed **Dave Hill** on his podcast, discussing his knack for blending virtuosic guitar playing with razor-sharp comedy. [Apple](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chewing-the-gristle-with-greg-koch/id1525643497?i=1000711363235&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/1pQ8m277s5mmdo7QYzgSVi?si=gZApI8VaQTWI45DABnlH-Q&ref=vividguitar.co) --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Bird Blues, Ian Stich URL: https://vividguitar.co/bird-blues-ian-stich/ Last updated: 2025-07-03T18:57:32.000Z [![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png)](http://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3q?ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 Action is the only difference between someone who constantly creates and shows off their work and someone who doesn’t. Both people were afraid. Neither of them knew what the outcome would be. Neither knew how others would judge them, but the first person did it anyway. - Paul Jarvis ## Guitar Practice In the [previous issue](https://vividguitar.co/jazz-blues-progression-fgn-masterfield/), we took a look at a way to jazz up a standard 12-bar-blues progression. Today let's take it a step further, and look at a version of jazz blues sometimes referred to 'Bird Blues', from Charlie Parker using it the songs 'Blues for Alice' and 'Laird Baird'. This blues in F features a lot of chord substitutions, and uses three ii-V patterns in a row (Em7-A7 | Dm7-G7 | Cm7-F7). While there are of course many different way to play these chords, in this example, we use *shell chords*, which are basically smaller chunks of the full chords. In some of these voicings, we're not playing the root note. ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/05/image-12.png) --- ## Showcase ## Ian Stich, StichMethod ![Guitarist and guitar teacher Ian Stitch](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/05/stich-method-blog.jpg) **Ian Stich** is a guitarist and teacher who helps people learn to play guitar in a fun and easy-to-understand way. He runs a popular YouTube channel called **StichMethod**, where he shares lessons on blues, improvisation, and how to make sense of the guitar neck. His goal is to make learning guitar feel less confusing and more enjoyable for everyone. With over 25 years of teaching experience, Ian has the guitar chops and knowledge, but also has a teaching style that is friendly and encouraging, making students feel confident as they learn. Ian explains things in a way that just make sense. He does a great job of simplifying and explaining complex guitar topics - so you'll actually retain what you learn. Instead of just teaching licks and songs, Ian breaks down and analyzes music, and does a nice job of explaining how to use his lessons as a jumping off point to start doing your own thing. Ian is known for creating the **NeverLost™** system, which helps students understand how to move around the guitar neck using pentatonic scales. In addition to his YouTube lessons, Ian offers live classes, masterclasses, and personalized video lessons through his website, [stichmethod.com](https://stichmethod.com/?ref=vividguitar.co). He also teaches courses on platforms like Udemy and TrueFire, reaching students all over the world. With over 322,000 subscribers on YouTube, Ian continues to inspire guitarists of all levels to enjoy playing and keep improving. Ian's passion for music and guitar shows on all of his videos, and his engaging teaching style make sure you'll get a lot of value from his lessons. ### Check out Ian Stich [StichMethod](https://stichmethod.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@StichMethodGuitar?ref=vividguitar.co) | [TrueFire Courses](https://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3x/destination:https%3A%2F%2Ftruefire.com%2Feducators%2Fian-stich%2Fe4645%3Fsrsltid%3DAfmBOoqyf5SSgDik0Ziw1N6V0p2uxq745JcwSIDglKipU7wMIY8iNvWl?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## News & Notes ![Seventy Seven ALBATROSS-JAZZ-JT guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/05/ALBATROSS-JAZZ-NA-top-e1746765253467.png) Seventy Seven ALBATROSS-JAZZ-JT - **Deviser** & **Seventy Seven Guitars** announced Seventy Seven [ALBATROSS-JAZZ-JT](https://www.deviser.co.jp/products/albatross-jazz-jt?ref=vividguitar.co) and [ALBATROSS-HINOKI PP-SP’25/E](https://www.deviser.co.jp/products/albatross-hinoki-pp-sp25-e?ref=vividguitar.co) models. While Seventy Seven guitars are typically made in Japan, these 2 models will be produced in their overseas factory, and set up in Japan. - **Fender** released [**Fender Studio**](https://www.fender.com/pages/fender-studio?ref=vividguitar.co) \- a free new music recording app that features authentic fender amp simulators, professionally-recorded jam tracks, editing and mixing tools, and more. - **Gibson** announced a new [Historic Reissue Parts Collection](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/Collection/gibson-historic-reissue-parts?ref=vividguitar.co) featuring parts and pickups for replacing missing or damaged components on Gibson guitars. These are the same parts used on many Gibson Custom and Historic Reissue models. - **Fender** is selling a limited quantity of their [Josefina Hand-Wound Stratocaster pickups](https://www.fender.com/products/josefina-hand-wound-dual-mag-ii-stratocaster-pickups?ref=vividguitar.co). - **Greg Koch** interviewed **Seth Rosenbloom** \- a fiery young blues guitarist from Massachusetts, on his podcast. [Apple](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chewing-the-gristle-with-greg-koch/id1525643497?i=1000710400259&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/7l5LmH78OLbxMZ0ADUAc7U?si=uRIGQJBGRT2pC%5Fr9twVIPA&ref=vividguitar.co) --- ### Recommended Viewing Check out Molly Miller's jazzy take on Cat Stevens' 'Wild World": --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Jazz Blues Progression, FGN Masterfield URL: https://vividguitar.co/jazz-blues-progression-fgn-masterfield/ Last updated: 2025-05-27T15:09:23.000Z ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png) 💬 Learning to play the guitar is a combination of mental and motor skill acquisition. And to develop motor skill, repetition is essential... Whenever musicians have trouble executing a passage, they generally tend to blame themselves for not having enough talent. Actually, all that's wrong is they don't know where their fingers are supposed to go...you should learn the piece in your head before you play it. And when you do play it, play it so slow that there's no possibility of making a mistake.” - Howard Roberts ## Guitar Practice ### Jazz Blues Progression Let's take a look at a jazzed-out version of 12-bar blues progression in Bb. While traditional blues often sticks to Dominant 7 chords, jazz expands it by using *secondary chords*. The below progression uses a few ii-V chord changes. For example, heading into the Eb7 chord, we use Fm7>Bb7>Eb7\. Dm7>G7 is ii-V motion heading into the Cm7 chord. The Cm7 in bar 9 adds to the usual ii-V-I progression at the end as we head back to Bb7. ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/05/Jazz-Blues-in-Bb-1.png) --- ## Showcase ### FGN Masterfield Semi-Hollow Guitar ![FGN Masterfield MSA-HP and MSA-HP-C ](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/05/image-11.png) The **FGN Masterfield MSA-HP** and **MSA-HP-C** are high-end semi-hollow electric guitars made by Fujigen (FGN), a well-known Japanese guitar maker. FGN has been crafting instruments since 1960 and is known for its excellent quality and attention to detail. 💡 ****FGN** is the brand of ****Fujigen** \- the Japanese guitar company known for building oustanding-quality guitars. You might not know their name, but they have built a lot of guitars for various other guitar companies - including Ibanez's top-end Prestige models, several Fender Japan models, Greco, some Jackson and Charvel models, and more. These two guitars are part of FGN’s **Masterfield series**, which focuses on combining traditional design with modern innovation. Both the MSA-HP and MSA-HP-C are **semi-hollow body** guitars, meaning they have a solid center block with hollow wings. This design gives them a warm, rich sound with reduced feedback—perfect for jazz, blues, and rock. ### **What sets them apart** - **15" Body Size:** Most ES-Style guitars (such as the Gibson ES-335) feature a large 16" body, which some players find too large. Smaller options - like the Gibson ES-339, typically a have a 14" body, which some player feel is too small for this style of guitar. With a **15" body width**, the the FGN Masterfield is a great middle ground, that a lot of players seem to love. Aside from a few options (including the Collings I-35 and Eastman T185mx) there aren't many other guitars in this body size. - **Great value for the price:** FGN Guitars offer the exceptional quality seen on guitars like the Ibanez Prestige models, but at a lower price. ### **Differences between the MSA-HP** and **MSA-HP-C** - The **MSA-HP** has a **curly maple top and back** and **mahogany sides,** a **rosewood fretboard** with 22 medium jumbo frets, and nickel hardware. Inside, it features a unique carved mahogany center block that improves sustain and tone. It comes with **FGN Alnico 3 humbuckers**, known for their smooth, vintage-style sound. Currently offered in Cherry red. - The **MSA-HP-C** is a variation with similar features but has an **ebony fretboard**, a maple top & back with mahogany sides, and gold hardware. Currently offered in black. Both models also include FGN’s signature **Circle Fretting System**, where the frets are slightly curved to improve tuning accuracy and clarity. The MSA-HP and MSA-HP-C are praised for their beautiful craftsmanship, great playability, and versatile tone, making them favorites among serious guitar players around the world. --- ## News & Notes ![Gretsch Limited Edition Flame Okoume Electromatic Broadkaster Jr.](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/05/image-9.png) Gretsch Limited Edition Flame Okoume Electromatic Broadkaster Jr. - **Gretsch** released the [Limited Edition Flame Okoume Electromatic Broadkaster and Broadkaster Jr](https://www.gretschguitars.com/gear/build/center-block/electromatic-ltd-flame-okoume-broadkaster-jr-single-cut-with-bigsby/2509730523?ref=vividguitar.co). This guitar was announced earlier this year, but is now making it's way to retailers. Offered in *Roundup Orange Stain*, it features a beautiful flame okoume single-cutaway body, a rosewood fingerboard, USA Full’Tron™ pickups, jeweled G-Arrow control knobs, and gold hardware. It retails at $1,499. - As reported in the *Akron Beacon Journal*, **EarthQuaker Devices** co-founder and CEO, Julie Robbins, cautioned the company is at risk of going bankrupt by the end of the year due to tariffs. - **Fender** released some new bright web-exclusive [limited edition custom colors](https://www.fender.com/collections/painted-to-play?ref=vividguitar.co) for several models (mostly Squier models). - Taylor released a [The Last of Us Replica 314c](https://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/the-last-of-us-replica-314c?ref=vividguitar.co) acoustic guitar. The model is Identical to the guitar played by Ellie and Joel in the HBO Original show The Last of Us. --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Neo-Soul Riffs, Ahren Shreeve, PJD St. John URL: https://vividguitar.co/neo-soul-riffs-ahren-shreeve-pjd-st-john/ Last updated: 2025-05-21T17:59:05.000Z ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png) 💬 “My interest in making music has been to create something that does not exist that I would like to listen to. I wanted to hear music that had not yet happened, by putting together things that suggested a new thing which did not yet exist.” —Brian Eno ## Guitar Practice ### Neo-Soul Guitar Riffs In the [last issue](https://vividguitar.co/neo-soul-guitar-riffs-steve-stine-suhr-t/), we took a look at a couple Neo-Soul lines, focused around Major 7th chords. Let's dive a bit further into neo-soul, with a few more riffs. In addition to using plenty of hammer-ons, pull-offs, and sliding into notes, neo-soul commonly uses a combination of chords and single notes. In this first riff, we use several different chord voicings, along with some single-note hammer-ons and pull-offs. Neo Soul in D 0:00 /7.998956 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/05/image-6.png) Next, lets look at a couple examples of Major 7 and Major 6 hammer-ons, which is another technique common in Neo-Soul and R&B. Major Chord Hammer Ons 1 0:00 /13.712494 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/05/image-7.png) Major Chord Riff 2 0:00 /13.712494 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/05/image-8.png) --- ## Guitarist Spotlight ### **Ahren Shreeve** ![Guitarist Ahren Shreeve](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/04/image-29.png) **Ahren Shreeve** is a Boston-based session guitarist and educator known for his dynamic playing across genres like blues, funk, soul, and R&B. Raised in central Massachusetts, he began playing guitar at a young age, focusing on improvisation—a skill that remains central to his musical identity.​ With a picking and slide style reminiscent of Derek Trucks, Ahren's playing is creative, melodic, and drenched in soul - and people are starting to take notice. Ahren has performed with artists such as Dwayne Haggins, Erika Van Pelt, Tomo Fujita, The A-Beez, Los Elk, and Juniper, contributing to a variety of musical projects. Notably, he co-founded the indie rock band Juniper in 2017, blending alternative rock, folk, R&B, and pop influences. ​ His performances have taken him to venues like the Hampton Casino Ballroom, The Sinclair, and aboard Joe Bonamassa’s “Keeping the Blues Alive” cruise. In addition to live performances, Ahren is passionate about teaching, offering lessons and workshops to aspiring musicians. Ahren also shares his musical journey on Instagram, where he began posting guitar videos at age 15\. This platform has become a space for him to connect with fellow musicians and share his evolving artistry. At only 24 years old, Ahren stands to be a force in the guitar world for many years to come, and we look forward to watching him continue to develop his style. ### Key Gear - Josh Williams Guitars Mockingbird - Williard Guitars custom T-Style guitar - Gibson SG - Victory Amps V40 Deluxe amp - Blue Chip TD-40 picks ### Check out Ahren Shreeve [Website](https://www.ahrenshreeve.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/ahrenshreeve/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Gear Showcase ### PJD St. John ![PJD Guitars St. John Offset Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/04/PJD-St-John-offset-guitar.png) We're big fans of UK-based **PJD Guitars**, and their offset ***St. John*** is possibly our favorite model of theirs. With a body style that sits somewhere between a Jazzmaster and a Mustang, the PJD St. John draws inspiration from some of the Fender-style offset guitars mentioned above, but also has it's own thing going on. It's a simply stunning offset electric guitar. While it's offered in a dual-humbucker pickup configuration, we love the P90 neck pickup paired with the bridge humbucker, as it really helps the St. John stand out tonally. The 25.5" scale length, bolt-on neck feels right at home for Fender guitar fans, while getting a wide variety of tones that sound great both clean or with overdrive. The *Standard* St. John features a satin finish on the body, a nitro finish on the neck & fretboard, and is offered with either a maple or rosewood fretboard. The PJD Custom Shop offers an *Elite* model, which takes an already great guitar up a notch, with flamed maple tops, and optional semi-hollow body, and other customizations. **Standout Features:** - 22 frets - High-end pickups - Belly cut and arm rest contours - Wonderful neck - 25.5" scale length - C shape neck - 10" fretboard radius [Check out PJD Guitars](https://www.pjdguitars.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/3XLMCUz?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## News & Notes - **Fender** is having a [Memorial Day Sale](https://tidd.ly/4moT8un?ref=vividguitar.co), offering up to 20% off. - A couple products **Fender** announced earlier this year at the NAMM show - the Limited Edition [American Vintage II 1951 Telecaster in Prototype White](https://www.fender.com/products/limited-edition-american-vintage-ii-1951-telecaster-prototype-white?ref=vividguitar.co) and the [Blues Junior™ IV 30th Anniversary Edition](https://www.fender.com/products/blues-junior-iv-30th-anniversary?ref=vividguitar.co) amp are both now available. - **Cory Wong** interviewed **Brad Paisley** on his podcast, discussing fishing, Phish, his new signature Fender Telecaster, and more. [Apple](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wong-notes/id1513405224?i=1000708425381&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/2SbnRB9JRI2T7creiSF0YV?si=6dd6dda1c1c2484f&ref=vividguitar.co) - **Rick Beato** [interviewed](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=%5FdiG9PZ3CKI&ref=vividguitar.co) guitarist Mike McCready and bassist Jeff Ament from Pearl Jam. - **Rob Chapman** posted an [interesting video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXvf7vcZ4IA&ref=vividguitar.co) discussing the '*brutal truth after playing 4,000 guitars*'. In the pretty quick vid, he discusses the main things to look for when shopping for a guitar, the fact that the price of a guitar is often not related to the quality of the guitar, and more. *Spoiler*: A cheap guitar with a great setup will often play better than a very expensive guitar with a poor setup. - Music instrument retailer **Thomann** is acquiring amp company **Hughes & Kettner**. --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Let the Song Lead: Steve Kelly on Listening to Non-Guitarists, Developing Musical skills, & Forming Good Habits URL: https://vividguitar.co/guitarist-interview-steve-kelly/ Last updated: 2025-07-29T14:31:31.000Z ![Guitar Player Steve Kelly](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/07/Steve-Kelly-Tips.jpg) Guitarist **Steve Kelly** has been a fixture in the New Orleans music scene for the last two decades, with a style that blends Americana soul with New Orleans funk. After a long stint as the front man of the popular New Orleans Band *Gravy*, Steve has branched out into other projects, including the New Orleans-infused Talking Heads tribute *Tchoup Making Sense*, and as a solo artist. --- ### How do you approach songwriting and composing on the guitar (e.g., melody first, lyrics first, chord progression)? From the place of inspiration, wherever that might be. Sometimes it's lyrics, sometimes it's melody, sometimes it's a drum beat, etc.. I just make a point to follow the ideas as they come and always try to follow the better idea. I find that it's better to let the song show you what it wants to be than to to try and force it to be whatever you think it's supposed to be, if that makes sense. ### What artists or bands have you been interested in lately? Sault, The Smile, LCD Soundsystem, Prince, The Wood Brothers, Naughty Professor ### What guitarist should everyone know about, and why? Oh wow that's such a loaded question! Hahaha, man there are so many. Joe Pizzolato - he's just got incredible touch and such an interesting approach to the instrument. Ari Teitel - one of the baddest cats in New Orleans, he's super versatile and can play anything. Same goes for Danny Abel and Max Bronstein, they're mind -blowing in terms of how many things they can do amazingly well. And Ian Neville - one of my favorite players around because he's been taking the ego out of his playing his entire career, playing exactly what the song calls for, but when it's time to step up and rip a solo he will leave your jaw on the floor like where tf did this dude just come from?! Also gotta give a shout out to Bill Daniel from Naughty Professor, who just absolutely rips and is one of my favorite people to watch and listen to. Chris Adkins from George Porter Jr's bands is another guy who is a monster player and always leaves me trying to figure out what he's playing! The New Orleans guitar community is STRONG. Outside of New Orleans? Nir Felder and Rick Lollar are two of the most impressive players I've ever seen. Nir has a fluidity to his playing that reminds me of Charlie Parker - just complete and total mastery of his instrument in a way you don't often see in guitar players. And Rick is just a beast of a player who also happens to be a fantastic singer and songwriter and I just love everything he does. I could go on and on and on and on about this stuff hahaha, sorry! ### What's the best advice you've ever been given? Just keep playing. And you can't play your guitar if it's in the case.. ### What is one piece of gear your can't live without? Right now it's my Fractal Audio FM9\. It's been a game changer. ### How do you manage stage presence and audience engagement during a live show? That's one of those things that just has to come naturally. For me, personally, it's about out-working any self doubt so that I'm feeling confident and comfortable on stage so it's more like just having a convo with people in your living room. And a tiny bit of tequila never hurts. ### What's the best piece of advice you have for other guitar players? Listen to musicians other than guitarists. I love transcribing horn lines or keys parts, you can learn so much by listening to people on other instruments and how they approach them. Vocalists too, for that matter. Just keep your ears open! ### What are the most effective ways you've found to market yourself or your band? Hmm, that's a tough one. For me, I just try to make a point to be genuine and honest at all times, to just always be myself. If you're trying too hard to be one thing or another it tends to come through and people can sense that kinda thing. So I just try to be myself and let the rest take care of itself. ### What does your guitar practice routine look like? Not nearly as disciplined as it should be, at the moment honestly. I've been so slammed with releasing my solo record, "Here's The Thing", as well as writing stuff for other people that I've been neglecting the academic approach to practicing. I've been shedding tunes for gigs and that sorta thing but I need to get back into a regular routine of reinforcing existing knowledge and expanding that knowledge intentionally. ### What's your favorite book (doesn't have to be music-related)? Confederacy Of Dunces ### What musical skills have had the biggest impact on your playing? My ears - I have a learning disability that makes sight-reading almost impossible so even in high school I was learning full marching band scores by ear and memorizing them. Numbers don't make sense in my head so a lot of music theory is easier for me to comprehend by memorizing the sound of something than it is to understand the math behind it. ### What's an album (or albums) all guitar players need to hear? **Miles Davis** \- Kind of Blue **Pink Floyd** \- Animals **Donny Hathaway** \- Live **Radiohead** \- The Bends **Allman Brothers** \- Fillmore East ### What's you're favorite practice technique that would help other guitarists? Hmm, spider exercises maybe? I'm always trying to improve my fundamentals and make sure I've got the little things right. As a self-taught guitarist I picked up so many bad habits over the years, most of the work I've done seems to be in correcting those bad habits and trying to re-train myself to have better posture, positioning, placement, etc.. ### Is there a specific guitar book, course, or teacher you'd recommend? Whichever one speaks to you in a way that makes more sense than others. Everyone is so different, learning how you learn and finding the right solution for feeding that knowledge is clutch, but it's also a very personal journey that people kinda have to find for themselves because what works for me might not work for you and vice versa. ### Who are your biggest influences, and how have they shaped your playing style? My favorite players have always been the people who you know who it is just by hearing a few notes of their playing. David Gilmour with his incredibly lyrical approach. Prince with his minimalism and efficiency. Jonny Greenwood with his exploration and emotion. Leo Nocentelli with his hybrid rhythm/lead playing. Jerry Garcia with his philosophy and smile. Jimi with his swagger. This could be a huge list, TBH. This is pretty much my Mt. Rushmore of guitar though. ### If you had to pick one desert-island album, what would it be? Babylon By Bus - Bob Marley ### What advice would you give to someone just starting out on guitar? Just keep playing. Keep finding the things that turn you on. Enjoy and appreciate the struggle, because that's what makes you better. Focus on the process, not the results and you'll always end up happy. ### How do you stay motivated to keep improving as a guitarist? By listening to others. ℹ️ Check out Steve Kelly: [Website](https://stevekelly.io/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/nolaskelly/?ref=vividguitar.co) --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Steve Stine, Suhr T URL: https://vividguitar.co/neo-soul-guitar-riffs-steve-stine-suhr-t/ Last updated: 2025-05-14T14:00:20.000Z ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png) 💬 “You've got to learn your instrument. Then, you practice, practice, practice. And then, when you finally get up there on the bandstand, forget all that and just wail.” ― Charlie Parker ## Guitar Practice ### Neo-Soul Riffs Neo-soul is a subgenre of R&B that often incorporates elements from other genres, such as funk, jazz, and hip-hop. On guitar, it's often characterized by the use of a lot of Major 7th and Major 9th chords, and using a good amount of hammer-on, pull-offs, and sliding into notes. Let's take a look at couple examples of neo-soul lines. As always, the goal is to get an understanding of the concepts, and not to necessarily memorize the riffs. This first example in C Major is something you might here from players like Isaiah Sharkey: Neo Soul in C Major 0:00 /7.997913 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/05/image-3.png) Th e second example features some beautiful chord voicings based around a Dmaj7 vamp. This used *quartal* 6/9 chords, which are also commonly used in neo-soul. Neo Soul D major Line 0:00 /5.998956 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/05/image-4.png) --- ## Guitarist/Educator Spotlight ### Steve Stine, Guitar Zoom ![Steve Stine Guitar Educator](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/04/Steve-Stine.jpeg) Known for his ability to make learning guitar fun and easy, Steve Stine is one of the world's most sought-after guitar instructors. With a background that includes a bachelor's degree in music education, a role as the professor of Modern Guitar Studies at North Dakota State University, and experience touring in various bands, Steve has been playing and teaching guitar for over 30 years. Steve is not only a talented and knowledgeable musician, but is a fantastic teacher. Steve takes complicated topics, such as music theory, and helps make them super simple. Most importantly, he teaches you how to put all the building blocks of guitar and music all together in a practical way. Steve does a great job helping guitar students see big improvements quickly. In addition to offering tons of great free guitar videos on YouTube, Stine offers premium guitar courses, memberships, and masterclasses at [GuitarZoom.com](https://guitarzoom.com/?ref=vividguitar.co). Focusing on rock, metal, acoustic, and blues styles, the lessons on Guitar Zoom are designed to maximize your progress in the shortest time possible. Check out [Guitar Zoom](https://guitarzoom.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) and Steve's [YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3mdd4zMNosEVKQic4g7%5FJQ?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Gear Showcase ### Suhr T ![Suhr T-Style Guitars](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/04/Suhr-T-Style-Guitars.png) John Suhr took his experience as the Senior Master Builder for Fender, and launched his own guitar company back in 1997\. Suhr quickly built a legion of die-hard fans, and has built a reputation as being one of the best guitar manufactures in the world. Suhr offers a modern and innovative take on the Telecaster, and arguably sets the standard for perfection when it comes to guitar build quality. The Suhr ***Classic T*** is typically offered either with the classic 2 single coil setup or with a humbucker in the neck position, while their semi-hollow ***Alt T*** features dual humbuckers, with a 5-way selector that offers split-coil tones. The *Alt T* is truly one of the most versatile t-style guitars around, with a sound that sits somewhere between a Telecaster and an ES-style guitar. With modern features such as a compound radius fretboard, a neck heel carve that allows for easy access to upper frets, locking tuners, their own noise-cancelling system, and 22 stainless steel frets, Suhr takes playability to a new level. **Standout Features:** - Proprietary *SSCII* hum cancelling system to remove60-cycle hum. - 22 frets - Various pickup configuration options - Contoured neck heel - 9" - 12" compound radius fretboard - Locking tuners - Stainless steel frets [Check out Suhr Guitars](https://www.suhr.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/3RuK8VV?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## News & Notes ![Fender Japan Custom Shop Deck O’ Cards Stratocasters](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/05/image-5.png) Fender Japan Custom Shop Deck O’ Cards Stratocasters - **Fender Japan** released a wild Custom Shop [Deck O’ Cards Collection](https://www.guitarworld.com/gear/electric-guitars/fender-japan-custom-shop-deck-o-cards-collection?ref=vividguitar.co) of Stratocasters. - Guitarist **Lyle Brewer** [joined the Roosic Podcast](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFiwprwrLrI&ref=vividguitar.co), discussing deciding to make a career out of music, the art of playing solo guitar, not overthinking, writing music, and much more. - **Rick Beato** [interviewed Steely Dan's original guitarist **Denny Dias**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QBabd3dYPc&ref=vividguitar.co) on his podcast. Dias shared behind-the-scenes stories and insights into his unique approach to guitar playing. - **Gibson** revived it's Firebird guitar model with the all-new [Firebird Platypus](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/p/Electric-Guitar/Firebird-Platypus/Cherry-Sunburst?ref=vividguitar.co). The guitar pays tribute to the iconic 1965 guitar that's sought after by vintage collectors, and features a mahogany body & neck, a rosewood fretboard, a "Platypus" style headstock, and historically accurate Firebird Alnico 5 humbuckers. - **Fender** announced a Limited Edition Custom Shop [Brad Paisley 1967 "Lost Paisley" Telecaster](https://www.fendercustomshop.com/series/limited-edition/limited-edition-brad-paisley-1967-lost-paisley-telecaster/?ref=vividguitar.co). --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Minor Chord Chromatic Descent, Charlie Ballantine, Collings I-35 URL: https://vividguitar.co/minor-chord-chromatic-descent-charlie-ballantine-collings-i-35/ Last updated: 2025-05-06T15:09:55.000Z ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png) 💬 On being a band leader: There's no one on a team that doesn't have something to offer. You're job as a coach & leader is to find what each person has to offer & to find a place to celebrate that. - Trey Anastasio ## Guitar Practice ### Minor Chord Chromatic Descent Let's look at the idea of taking one static minor chord, and moving one note down one fret (one half step) four times. This creates 4 different related forms of the chord. ➡️ These progressions feature a *minor/major chord*, which is a minor 7th chord with a major 7th note (instead of a flat 7th). It can also be looked at as a major chord with a flat 3rd). This type of chord motion is common in Cuban music, as well as jazz (such as in Grant Green's 'Idle Moments'). You can play these with or without the root note. For the first progression below (using the G minor chord), it can be played using your thumb to fret the root note). **Progression 1:** ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/04/image-25.png) **Progression 2:** ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/04/image-26.png) **Progression 3:** ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/04/image-27.png) --- ## Guitarist Spotlight ### Charlie Ballantine ![Charlie Ballantine - Image Credit: Mark-Sheldon](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/04/Charlie-Ballantine--2023-Mark-Sheldon-9784-scaled.jpeg) Charlie Ballantine - Image Credit: Mark-Sheldon Charlie Ballantine is a jazz guitarist and composer from Indianapolis, Indiana known for his ability to blend jazz with other styles like rock, folk, and Americana. With a style and sound in the realm of Julian Lage, John Scofield, Wes Montgomery, and Bill Frisell, Charlie was named one of the **top 200 living guitarists** by *All About Jazz Magazine*. Charlie's playing is full of emotion, often featuring beautiful melodies and rich, atmospheric sounds that draw listeners in. Charlie started playing guitar at a young age, and his love for music only grew stronger over the years. He later studied jazz guitar at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, where he studied with the late David Baker, as well as guitarist Cory Christiansen - refining his technique and developing his own musical voice. Throughout his career, Charlie has released several well-received albums that showcase both his skills as a guitarist and his talent as a composer. Two of his most notable albums are *Life Is Brief: The Music of Bob Dylan* and *Reflections/Introspection: The Music of Thelonious Monk*. In these projects, he takes the work of legendary artists and re-imagines it through his own creative lens. Charlie has really hit his stride with his original music lately, as his albums *Love Letters and Graffiti (2024)* and the recently released *East by Midwest (2025)* are some of his best work. Charlie performs regularly across the United States and has built a strong following among fans of modern jazz. His music stands out because it’s not just about technical skill—it’s about telling a story and creating a mood. Whether he’s playing a gentle ballad or a more upbeat tune, his style is always thoughtful and expressive. Part of Charlie's sound is driven by his picking technique. He uses a flatpick, but also his middle and third finger - something he developed from learning Chet Atkins and Merle Travis songs. In addition to performing, Charlie is also a dedicated music educator. He teaches lessons and gives workshops to help young musicians grow and explore their own creativity. Through his work as a performer, composer, and teacher, Charlie Ballantine has become a respected and inspiring voice in today’s jazz world. His music continues to evolve, and he remains committed to pushing boundaries and sharing his passion with others. **Key Gear** - Collings City Limits guitar - Kevin Heffernan-built T-Style guitar with a Bill Lawrence mini humbucker in the neck position, and a Joe Barden single coil pickup in the bridge. - Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverb reissue - MXR Carbon Copy delay - TC Electronic Flashback delay - Boss tremolo - Rat distortion. ### Check out Charlie Ballantine [Website](https://www.charlieballantine.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/charlieballantine%5F/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/charlieballantineguitar/) --- ## Gear Showcase ## Collings I-35 ![Collings I-35 semi-hollowbody electric guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/04/Collings-i35.jpg) The **Collings I-35** is a modern take on the double cutaway semi-hollow electric guitar that combines vintage soul with impeccable craftsmanship. Handbuilt in Austin, Texas, the I-35 takes inspiration from classic 335-style designs but elevates them with Collings' signature attention to detail, premium materials, and refined aesthetics. With hand-carved **solid wood** construction that includes high arches, and a 15" body size, the Collings I-35 is arguably the highest quality double cutaway semi-hollow electric guitar on the market. The body being carved from solid mahogany and maple gives a bit of a different, more 'airy' character than the majority of other semi-hollow guitars. If you're looking for the more traditional ES-335 type sound, Collings also makes a *I-35 LC* version (with LC standing for laminate construction). The I-35 usually comes with Lollar pickups, which help the guitar sound great whether you’re playing soft and clean or loud and dirty. The thicker C-shape mahogany neck is a dream to play. It works well for lots of music styles—jazz, blues, rock, and more. The Collings I-35 is built for serious players who want great sound, easy playability, and a beautiful look. Its smooth shape, perfect finish, and top-level craftsmanship make it something really special. **Key Features:** - 15" body size - Hand-carved solid wood construction - Nitrocelulose laquer finish - Premium flamed maple top - Honduran mahogany neck - Mahogany back and sides with a maple center center block - Thick C-shape neck - Lollar Low Wind Imperial humbucker pickups - 24 7/8" scale length - Rosewood fretboard [View the Collings I-35](https://collingsguitars.com/electrics/i-35/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [View on Reverb](https://reverb.com/marketplace?query=Collings%20I-35&make=collings-guitars&product%5Ftype=electric-guitars&utm%5Fsource=aw&utm%5Fmedium=affiliate&utm%5Fcampaign=&sv1=affiliate&sv%5Fcampaign%5Fid=1519185&awc=67144%5F1745500744%5F3e618668599fd25b2b28796b9f435554) --- ## News & Notes ![G6134TG Limited Edition Paisley Penguin Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/04/image-23.png) G6134TG Limited Edition Paisley Penguin - **Gretsch** announced a new [G6134TG Limited Edition Paisley Penguin](https://www.gretschguitars.com/gear/build/solid-body/g6134tg-limited-edition-paisley-penguin-with-string-thru-bigsby-ebony-fingerboard-gold-paisley/2400549844?ref=vividguitar.co) with a String-Thru Bigsby, an Ebony Fingerboard, TV Jones TV Classi and TV Classic Plus Filter’Tron pickups, in Gold Paisley. - **Fender** added Miami Blue and Dark Night color options to its [Mod Shop](https://www.fender.com/pages/fender-mod-shop?ref=vividguitar.co). - **Gibson** released a couple limited edition SG models - a[ SG Special in Dark Walnut](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/p/Electric-Guitar/gibson-sg-special-dark-walnut-exclusive/Dark-Walnut?ref=vividguitar.co), and a [SG Junior in Vintage Cherry](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/p/Electric-Guitar/gibson-sg-junior-exclusive-vintage-cherry/Vintage-Cherry?ref=vividguitar.co). - **Catalinbread** released a new chorus/octaver pedal called [Wake](https://catalinbread.com/products/wake-chorus-octaver?ref=vividguitar.co), inspired by the early digital processing hardware of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. - **Epiphone** added a bunch of new features to their [*Inspired by Gibson Custom* lineup,](https://www.epiphone.com/en-US/Collection/inspired-by-gibson-custom-shop-collection?ref=vividguitar.co) including vintage gloss finishes, rosewood fretboards, USA-built pickups from the Gibson Pickup Shop, loads of vintage-correct details, historically accurate Gibson “open book” headstocks, and historic-inspired cases. - Jazz guitarist **Adam Levy** joined the Always Getting Better podcast, giving a lot of great advice for guitar players. [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-50-adam-levy/id1711383240?i=1000704824126&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/5WBcFIL2lbVnakfnjhTQaB?si=%5FOWz9x5iTBeJHMPfkNMG%5Fg&ref=vividguitar.co) --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Jam Track, Ari Joshua, Josh Williams Guitars URL: https://vividguitar.co/jam-track-ari-joshua-josh-williams-guitars/ Last updated: 2025-04-22T14:00:40.000Z ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png) 💬 Listening is the most important thing in music - Duke Ellington ## Guitar Practice ### Jam Track in E Today, we have a jam track based on the *I III7 IV V* chords in the key of E Major. While it's a pretty straightforward progression - in that it only uses 4 chords, the G#7 chord presents a bit of a challenge. While the key of E Major does contain a G#, it's typically a *minor* chord (G#m or G#m7). The G#7 chord is **secondary dominant** (III7 in the key of E). 💡 If we take a chord from a diatonic key other than the traditional dominant chord (the V chord), and play it as a dominant chord, it's called a ****Secondary Dominant**. **Let's take a look at the progression:** I III7 IV V Jam Track 0:00 /259.512 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/04/I-III7-IV-V-Lead-Sheet.png) To solo over this progression, an E Major Scale would work well over all the chords except for the G#7. When passing over the G#7 chord, there are a couple approaches you can take: 1. Play a G# scale, such as G# mixolydian, or an altered scale. 2. Play an E Major Scale, but **change the C# note to** **C** when playing over the G#7\. Or you could think more in terms of chord tones, instead of scales. This is the simpler approach. ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/04/image-18.png) **Sample E Major Scale:** ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/04/image-21.png) --- ## Guitarist Spotlight ### Ari Joshua ![Guitarist Ari Joshua - Image Credit: Lisa Hagen Glynn](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/04/Ari-Joshua.jpg) Image Credit: Lisa Hagen Glynn Ari is a jazz, rock, experimental, improv musician **Ari Joshua** is a dynamic jazz, rock, experimental, & improv guitarist, known for his ability to blend a variety of musical styles, including jazz, rock, funk, and world music. Born in Cape Town, South Africa, and raised in Seattle, Washington, Ari was surrounded by a wide range of sounds from a young age. He picked up the guitar at age nine and quickly developed a deep passion for music that would guide his future career. Ari went on to study at the prestigious *New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music* in New York City. There, he had the chance to learn from world-class musicians such as Reggie Workman, Robert Glasper, and Sam Yahel. This experience helped him sharpen his technique, expand his musical vocabulary, and shape his voice as an artist. Over the years, Ari has been part of several music projects and bands. He co-founded **Big High**, a Seattle-based rock band known for its raw energy and psychedelic edge. He also leads the **Ari Joshua Trio**, where his jazz roots and improvisational talents shine. His solo work and collaborations are often a mix of multiple genres, marked by expressive guitar lines, rich harmonies, and a unique melodic sensibility. Ari has recorded with and collaborated with some of today's top instrumental musicians, including Robert Glasper, Marco Benevento, John Medeski, Joe Russo, Ray Paczkowski, Russ Lawton, Delvon Lamarr, & Skerik. Beyond performing, Ari is also a dedicated educator. He’s taught at music schools, led workshops, and mentored aspiring musicians of all ages. His approach to teaching is fueled by a deep love for the guitar and a desire to help others discover their own musical voice. Ari also founded the [**Music Factory**](https://musicfactorynw.com/about/faculty/ari-zucker?ref=vividguitar.co) music school, and his own record label, **Music Factory Records**. He's set to release a new album titled *SWYWS* with a new project called **The All's Eye** on May 9th, 2025. Ari has built a growing catalog of recordings, both in the studio and captured live, that highlight his wide-ranging talent and musical curiosity. His work has earned him a strong reputation among peers and fans.. Whether performing on stage, recording in the studio, or teaching in the classroom, Ari Joshua continues to explore new creative directions, always with passion, purpose, and a spirit of innovation. ### Recommended Listening RAAR Trio (Ari Joshua, Ray Paczkowski, Russ Lawton) - [Apple Music](https://music.apple.com/us/album/raar-feat-raymond-paczkowski-russell-lawton-soule-monde/1692089485?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/7rMwk5E2JhRfhjGxMV1qIL?si=6Ah3JAGST76susbf9MFspQ&ref=vividguitar.co) ### Check out Ari Joshua [Website](https://arijoshua.com/home?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/arijoshualovesyou?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/arijoshua) | [Apple Music](https://music.apple.com/us/artist/ari-joshua/302363912?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/artist/3C9Z1YhnRr08CKRSZ7nEuV?si=Mzx7IUEqTMWt%5FxU-LnT00g&ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Gear Showcase ### Josh Williams Guitars ![Josh Williams Guitars Mockingbird](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/04/image-17.png) Josh Williams Guitars Mockingbird **Josh Williams Guitars** is a small, boutique guitar company based in Vista, California. It was started by Josh Williams, a musician and luthier with a deep love for great tone, craftsmanship, and vintage design. His goal is to build guitars that feel amazing to play, sound incredible, and inspire musicians every time they pick one up. Josh’s journey into guitar making began with a strong passion for both music and working with his hands. He studied at the Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery, where he learned how to build both acoustic and electric guitars. After that, he worked at The Blue Guitar in San Diego doing guitar repairs and trained under expert luthier Yuris Zeltins, learning techniques like French polishing and traditional methods of building classical guitars. These experiences helped him build a deep understanding of what makes a guitar truly special. Today, Josh and his small team build every guitar by hand, paying close attention to detail. Each instrument is crafted one at a time using high-quality materials and time-tested methods. Popular models like the **Mockingbird** and **Stella** are inspired by vintage guitars from the 1950s and ‘60s, but are made to meet the needs of modern players. Every guitar can be customized — from neck shape to pickups to finish — so each one is truly unique. Josh Williams Guitars has become a favorite among professional musicians and serious players. Artists like Ariel Posen, Joey Landreth, Josh Smith, and Ahren Shreeve ([watch Ahren demo the Stella](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8mPr5TD8o8&ref=vividguitar.co)) have all played these guitars, drawn to their rich tone, smooth playability, and stylish vintage look. With a strong focus on quality over quantity, Josh Williams Guitars continues to earn respect in the music world as one of the top builders of handmade, boutique electric guitars. ### What Makes Josh Williams Guitars Stand Out: - **Handcrafted from Start to Finish** Every guitar is built by hand, with attention to every detail. - **Customizable Options** Players can choose their favorite wood, neck size, pickups, and finishes. - **Vintage Look, Modern Feel** Designs inspired by old-school guitars, updated for today’s players. ### Check out Josh Williams Guitars [Website](https://joshwilliamsguitars.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/joshwilliamsguitars/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMYmN8vOP3dBXCwwA8K9PlQ/videos?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## News & Notes ![The New Fender Player II Modified Series](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/04/Player-II-Modified-Series.png) The New Fender Player II Modified Series - **Fender** announced a new [Player II Modified series](https://www.fender.com/collections/player-ii-modified?ref=vividguitar.co) of electric guitars & basses. The lineup takes their Popular Player II Models, and adds some great upgraded features such as locking tuners, push-pull switching, a tusk nut, upgraded pickups, and new color options. - **D'Angelico** released a new limited edition **Vintage Sunburst** finish for their budget-friendly [Premier DC](https://dangelicoguitars.com/guitars/premier-series/premier-dc/?sku=DAPDCVSBNS&ref=vividguitar.co#features) semi-hollow guitar. - **Epiphone** released a Guitar-Center exclusive limited-edition [Les Paul Custom Widow in Indigo Burst](https://www.guitarcenter.com/Epiphone/Les-Paul-Custom-Widow-Limited-Edition-Electric-Guitar-Indigo-Burst-1500000436834.gc?ref=vividguitar.co). - **Gibson** announced the limited edition Serj Tankian [“Foundations” Les Paul Modern](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/p/Electric-Guitar/gibson-Serj-Tankian-Foundations-Les-Paul-Modern/Sublimation?ref=vividguitar.co). The signature model of the System of a Down frontman is limited to only 25 models, and features a weight-relieved mahogany body, maple top with sublimation-printed Serj Tankian artwork, mahogany neck with a SlimTaper profile and aModern Contoured Heel. - The **Chasing Tone Podcast** [interviewed guitarist Ira Dean](https://www.wamplerpedals.com/podcast/?ref=vividguitar.co), getting the lowdown on writing, recording, and touring from the Nashville legend. --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Minor 7 Horizontal Arpeggios, Danish Pete, Heritage H-535 URL: https://vividguitar.co/minor-7-horizontal-arpeggios-danish-pete-heritage-h-535/ Last updated: 2025-04-16T22:32:34.000Z ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png) 💬 You've got to go for it all the way, and then hope the audience has enough of an open mind to deal with it. - Bill Frisell ## Guitar Practice ### Minor 7 Horizontal Arpeggios In the [previous issue](https://vividguitar.co/maj7-horizontal-arpeggios-michael-palmisano-eastman-fullertone/), we worked on some Major 7 horizontal arpeggios (arpeggios spanning multiple chord shapes/voicings). This week, lets take the same approach on several common Minor 7th arpeggios. Practice each of the below examples slowly at first, and then working on increasing your speed. ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/04/image-15.png) ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/04/image-16.png) --- ## Guitarist Spotlight ### Peter Honoré (Danish Pete) ![Guitarist Danish Pete](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/04/image-7.png) **Peter Honoré**, better known as "Danish Pete," is a professional guitarist, musician, and content creator best known for his work with Andertons Music Company, and his vibrant online presence. Originally from Denmark, Pete has built a successful career in the UK music scene, playing with major artists, working as a session musician, and inspiring other guitarists around the world with his signature blend of skill, tone, and enthusiasm. Pete spent years as a touring guitarist, performing with well-known artists like Tom Jones and Girls Aloud. His experience on big stages helped him develop a unique playing style, blending blues, rock, and pop influences into a sound that is expressive and melodic. His warm, soulful tone and tasteful phrasing have become his trademark, making him a favorite among guitar fans. In addition to his performing career, Pete became widely recognized as a key figure at Andertons Music Co., where he co-hosts gear demos, reviews, and jam sessions with fellow musicians. His friendly, down-to-earth personality and deep knowledge of guitars and equipment have made him a beloved figure in the online guitar community. Through his work with Andertons, he has helped countless players discover new gear and improve their tone. Pete has put his stamp on some seriously cool signature gear - perfect for players chasing his smooth, expressive tone. He collaborated with **Chapman Guitars** (founded by Andertons' alum' Rob Chapman) to create the **Peter Honoré Signature DPT**. Pete is probably best known for his purple Fender Custom Shop Telecaster, and the Chapman signature model is a t-style design that combines the vintage vibe of his Fender Tele, with some modern features (such as a curved heel and belly cut). ![Chapman Guitars Peter Honoré Signature DPT](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/04/image-3.png) Chapman Guitars Peter Honoré Signature DPT On the pedal side, Pete teamed up with **ThorpyFX** to create the **Dane Overdrive**, a killer low-to-mid gain overdrive + boost designed to nail his warm, dynamic bluesy sound. It’s incredibly responsive, letting you dial in everything from subtle breakup to singing sustain. If you’re after Danish Pete’s signature touch-sensitive drive, this is the pedal to grab. The newer *MKII* version of the Dane features a more compact design, and an added germanium boost switch. ![ThorpyFX Dane MKII Pedal](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/04/image-6.png) ThorpyFX Dane MKII Pedal Pete also partnered with Victory Amps, for his signature [DP40 The Duchess](https://www.victoryamps.com/product/dp40-the-duchess/?ref=vividguitar.co) amp. The amp features the same specification as the standard V40, but with a slightly tweaked reverb voice that offers a little more depth and brightness - and it's in Pete's signature purple color. Beyond his work in music retail and media, Pete is also a passionate educator. He shares playing tips, tone secrets, and musical insights through his social media channels, inspiring guitarists of all levels to keep learning and growing. Whether he’s playing on stage, testing new gear, or sharing his love for music online, Pete Honoré continues to be a respected and influential voice in the guitar world. ### Check out Danish Pete [Website](https://www.mrpeterhonore.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/mrpeterhonore/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/peterhonore?ref=vividguitar.co) | [The Dane Pedal](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=67144&awinaffid=1519185&ued=https%3A%2F%2Freverb.com%2Fmarketplace%3Fquery%3Dthorpyfx%2520the%2520dane&ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Gear Showcase ### Heritage Standard H-535 ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/04/image-13.png) The H-535 is Heritage’s soulful spin on the legendary ES-335—a semi-hollowbody that blends timeless design with modern craftsmanship. Handbuilt in Kalamazoo, Michigan (yes, the same place where the golden-era Gibsons were made), this guitar is a genre-hopping machine, equally at home with rock, blues, jazz, and everything in between. Crafted with a laminated figured maple top and back, the H-535 delivers a crisp, articulate tone with a touch of natural brightness. Thanks to its solid center block, you get all the resonance of a hollowbody without the feedback headaches—perfect for both studio sessions and live gigs. The genuine mahogany neck sports a comfy '50s C-shape, while the 12" radius rosewood fretboard feels smooth under your fingers, making bends and vibrato a breeze. Under the hood, you'll find a pair of Seymour Duncan '59 humbuckers (though older models may vary), offering rich, vintage-inspired tones. From warm, velvety cleans to gritty, overdriven growls, this guitar covers a ton of sonic ground. What makes it even cooler? Heritage guitars are built in the original Gibson factory, using the same classic equipment, by luthiers who’ve been at it for decades. That means you're getting top-tier quality, vintage mojo, and a more wallet-friendly price tag. ### **Key Features** - **Body Material:** Laminated figured maple top and back​ - **Neck Material:** Mahogany with '50s C-profile​ - **Fretboard:** Rosewood with 12" radius​ - **Pickups:** Seymour Duncan '59 humbuckers (in the current model) - **Controls:** Two volume, two tone, and a three-way toggle switch​ - **Bridge:** Locking bridge and tailpiece​ - **Scale Length:** 24.75" - **Frets:** 22 Jescar medium/jumbo​ - **Body Finish:** Nitrocellulose ### Check out The Heritage H-535 [Heritage Website](https://heritageguitars.com/pages/h-535?ref=vividguitar.co) | [View available guitars on Reverb](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=67144&awinaffid=1519185&ued=https%3A%2F%2Freverb.com%2Fmarketplace%3Fquery%3Dheritage%2520H-535%26make%3Dheritage%26product%5Ftype%3Delectric-guitars&ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## News & Notes ![Fender Mike Campbell Red Dog Telecaster](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/04/image-14.png) Fender Mike Campbell Red Dog Telecaster - **Fender** collaborated with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers guitarist **Mike Campbell** for a new signature *Stories Collection* [Mike Campbell Red Dog Telecaster](https://www.fender.com/products/stories-collection-mike-campbell-red-dog-telecaster?ref=vividguitar.co). - **Rick Beato** posted a [new vid](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSswFa8Ta1k&ref=vividguitar.co) with his thoughts on whether new AI tools will impact songwriters in 2025 and beyond. - **Eastman** released a [Henry James Signature Juliet](https://www.eastmanguitars.com/juliet%5Fhenry%5Fjames?ref=vividguitar.co) model. It features Seymour Duncan vintage mini humbuckers and a reverse headstock. - Eastman also released a Sweetwater-exclusive [Aztec Gold D’Ambrosio SC’52 Lollartron](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DASC52AG--eastman-guitars-sc52-lollartron-dambrosio-series-electric-guitar-aztec-gold?ref=vividguitar.co). - Rick Rubin's **Broken Record Podcast** release a new episode discussing Business as Art, and the entrepreneurial mindset & music. [Apple](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-of-art-the-entrepreneurial-mindset-music/id1311004083?i=1000702040628&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/3O5Ib7CuoNjoCyBF3KyLfU?si=0hkEI%5FZaRR6PX1QLaxj8dg&ref=vividguitar.co) --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Maj7 Horizontal Arpeggios, Michael Palmisano, Eastman FullerTone URL: https://vividguitar.co/maj7-horizontal-arpeggios-michael-palmisano-eastman-fullertone/ Last updated: 2025-04-09T15:38:10.000Z ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png) 💬 "Sometimes the mistakes are what makes work great. Humanity breathes in mistakes." - Rick Rubin ## Guitar Practice ### Maj7 Horizontal Arpeggios In several past issues, we looked at playing arpeggios in single 2-octave positions (loosely based around the [CAGED system](https://www.pickupmusic.com/blog/what-is-the-caged-system?ref=vividguitar.co)). Today, let's work on some Maj7 arpeggios that span 2, or even 3 different positions. The below examples navigate through a bunch of different chord shapes/voicings. As always, take it slow to start. Next week, we'll look at some minor 7th horizontal arpeggios. ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/04/image-10.png) ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/04/image-9.png) --- ## Guitarist/Educator Spotlight ### Michael Palmisano ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/Michael-Palmisano-guitar-1.png) As a guitarist, teacher, and online creator, **Michael Palmisano** has built a big following by sharing his love for music and helping others improve their guitar skills. With over 20 years of experience playing, performing, and teaching, Michael is known for making complex musical ideas easy to understand. His lessons don’t just teach people how to play notes—they help players understand why the music works the way it does. Michael started playing guitar when he was just five years old. He later attended the Guitar Institute of Technology (GIT) at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California, where he graduated with honors. After playing professionally in California, he moved back to his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland, to focus on teaching and performing. If you’ve spent time on YouTube watching guitar videos, you’ve probably come across Michael’s "Guitar Teacher REACTS" series. In these videos, he watches and listens to songs for the first time—often ones requested by his subscribers—and figures out what the musicians are playing in real-time. While he mainly focuses on the guitar parts, he also explains how they fit into the full band, like how a guitar rhythm works with the drummer’s groove. Michael is also the founder of **Guitar Gate**, an online learning platform for guitarists of all skill levels. Through step-by-step courses, personal feedback, and an encouraging online community, Guitar Gate has become a popular resource for players looking to improve. His teaching combines music theory with feel, focusing on ear training, phrasing, and understanding the fretboard in a way that’s both practical and musical. Whether he’s analyzing the emotional playing of Derek Trucks or breaking down John Mayer’s phrasing, Michael shares his expert knowledge in a fun and engaging way, making his videos both educational and entertaining. ### What Makes Him Stand Out? - **Innovative Teacher** – His Guitar Gate courses help students understand *why* music works, so they can apply what they learn to their own playing. - **Real-World Experience** – With over 20 years of professional playing and teaching, he brings valuable insights to his lessons. - **Community Builder** – He has created an online space where students can share videos, get feedback, and support each other as they learn. Michael Palmisano stands out because of his unique way of breaking down guitar playing and guiding students step by step. Through his work as a teacher, performer, and content creator, he has dedicated his career to helping people connect more deeply with the guitar—and with music itself. ### Check out Michael Palmisano [Website](https://www.guitargate.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@Guitargate?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/guitargate/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Guitargate/) --- ## Gear Showcase ### Eastman FullterTone ![Eastman Fulltertone Guitars](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/04/image.png) The **Eastman Fullertone Series** is an exciting new line of guitars designed to blend classic style with modern craftsmanship. Inspired by Eastman’s California roots, these guitars are built to be (in their words) “too good to be true, and too good to put down.” Designed by Otto D’Ambrosio, the Fullertone guitars feature a unique FullerTone 2-bolt neck joint, intended to improve resonance, sustain, and stability. They also come with Tonerider pickups - and are available in two different pickup configurations. Players can choose between a rosewood or roasted maple fretboard, and they come in stylish colors like **Moss Black, Desert Sand, and Ice Blue Metallic**. ### **Fullertone Models** - **FullerTone SC’52** – A **single-cutaway** guitar with a gold-foil soapbar humbucker in the neck and a noiseless stacked single-coil in the bridge. The roasted black limba body makes it lightweight yet incredibly resonant. *Price: $839 USD* - **FullerTone DC’62** – A **double-cutaway** model with an HSS pickup setup: a gold-foil soapbar humbucker and two noiseless single-coils. Its ergonomic design and FullerTone neck system provide great comfort and sustain. *Price: $939 USD* The Fullertone Series offers **top-quality tonewoods, high-end pickups, and excellent craftsmanship**—all for **under $1,000 USD**. These guitars have a unique character that sets them apart from the crowd, making them a great choice for players looking for something special. ### **Key Features** - 25.5-in. scale - 24 Frets - 12" fretboard radius - Medium Round neck profile - Roasted maple neck - Custom Tonerider pickups - Bone 1.68" nut - Brass block-adorned floating tremolo system (opn the DC'62) ### Check out the Eastman FullterToneSeries [SC’52](https://www.eastmanguitars.com/ft%5Fsc52?ref=vividguitar.co) | [DC'62](https://www.eastmanguitars.com/ft%5Fdc62?ref=vividguitar.co) | [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/4cdZMyR?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## News & Notes ![Heritage Guitars Core Collection H-717](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/04/image-12.png) Heritage Guitars Core Collection H-717 - **Heritage Guitars** announced a new “ultra-premium” [Core Collection H-717](https://heritageguitars.com/pages/core-collection-h-717?ref=vividguitar.co) archtop guitar. The H-717 features a spruce top and highly figured maple back and sides, a maple and walnut blended neck, an ebony fretboard, and a Heritage Custom Shop floating pickup. - **Jackson Guitars** unveiled the [Pro Series David Davidson Warrior WR7](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6P0AoAzxpY&ref=vividguitar.co). Geared toward metal-heads, the 7-string guitar has a 25.5" scale length, mahogany body and a through-body maple neck. - **John Mayer** [named the one modeling amp pedal](https://www.guitarworld.com/gear/amp-modeler-pedals/john-mayer-names-the-pedal-he-thinks-every-young-guitar-player-should-consider-buying?ref=vividguitar.co) he'd recommend. - **Universal Audio** announced they will soon be releasing a [plugin-version](https://www.production-expert.com/production-expert-1/universal-audio-announces-new-plugin-and-guitar-month-deals?ref=vividguitar.co) of their popular tweed-style [Woodrow 55 amp pedal](https://www.uaudio.com/guitar-pedals/woodrow-55-instrument-amplifier.html?ref=vividguitar.co). - **Taylor Guitars** announced 2 new [builder’s edition guitars](https://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/builders-edition-collection?ref=vividguitar.co): Shamel Ash 514ce & 524ce. --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Mixolydian b5, Luca Benedetti, Comins Guitars URL: https://vividguitar.co/mixolydian-b5-luca-benedetti-comins-guitars/ Last updated: 2025-04-02T12:15:05.000Z ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png) 💬 When you find things you genuinely enjoy, don’t let anyone else make you feel bad about it. Don’t feel guilty about the pleasure you take in the things you enjoy. Celebrate them. When you share your taste and your influences, have the guts to own all of it. Don’t give in to the pressure to self-edit too much. Don’t be the lame guys at the record store arguing over who’s the more “authentic” punk rock band. Don’t try to be hip or cool. Being open and honest about what you like is the best way to connect with people who like those things, too. - Austin Kleon ## Guitar Practice ### Mixolydian b5 When playing over a Dominant 7th chord, the **Mixolydian Mode** (the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, b7 notes of the Major Scale) is often the go-to choice. While that works well, if we take those notes, and alter one of them, we can add some different colors/sounds to our playing. Let's try taking the ***5th*** note, and moving it flat one step (or fret). This gives us: **1, 2, 3, 4, b5, 6, b7** Below, let's look at the A Mixolydian mode in 2 positions between the 4th and 10th frets. First, we have the regular Mixolydian mode, and below it, the same pattern, but with a **flat 5th**. Once you get the hang of it, try using these patterns to solo over the backing track (below). **Option 1:** ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/image-14.png) **Option 2:** ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/image-15.png) ### Jam Track: A7 Vamp Loop 0:00 /182.299863 1× --- ## Guitarist Spotlight ### Luca Benedetti ![Image Credit: Brian Geltner](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/Luca-Benedetti_1_photo-credit_Brian-Geltner.jpg) Luca-Benedetti | Image Credit: Brian Geltner Luca Benedetti is a Brooklyn-based guitarist, composer, and producer known for his unique blend of jazz, blues, and Americana. Luca's upbringing was anything but conventional. Originally from Rome, Italy, Luca developed a passion for the guitar at a young age, drawing inspiration from jazz greats, blues legends, and the twangy sounds of classic country pickers. Luca spent his early years moving between Italy, New York City, Connecticut, Africa, and Bangkok. This diverse cultural exposure has significantly influenced his musical style, giving it a rich, global flavor. ​ Luca then honed his skills at the Berklee College of Music under the mentorship of jazz legend Ron Carter. After graduating, he immersed himself in the New York City music scene, collaborating with a wide array of artists, including Jim Campilongo, Hermine Deurloo, Steve Gadd, and Martha Redbone. ​ He quickly became a sought-after session and live guitarist, performing with a wide range of artists and bringing his signature blend of tastefulness and technical skill to every project. Whether he’s laying down silky jazz lines, chicken-pickin’ country licks, or weaving through intricate improvisations, Luca’s playing is always soulful and deeply musical. **What Makes Him Stand Out?** - **Eclectic Musical Influences:** Luca's upbringing across various cultures gave him inspiration from a range of genres, including jazz, blues, and Americana. - **Collaborative Spirit:** His extensive work with artists from different genres showcases his versatility and ability to adapt to various musical styles.​ - **Critical Acclaim:** Luca's work has been recognized by esteemed publications such as Relix Magazine, Guitar Player Magazine, and Vintage Guitar Magazine.​ Luca Benedetti's ability to mix various genres and collaborate with a wide range of artists makes him a standout figure in the contemporary music scene. Whether you're a seasoned jazz enthusiast or a casual listener, Luca's music offers a fresh and enriching experience. ### Key Gear - MJT Custom Telecaster (Musikraft Blackguard neck, Glendale bridge & saddles and Amalfitano tele pickups) - Martin 1937 D-18 - 1959 Gibson ES-125 - 1953 Gibson ES-175 - Femenella Custom Strat - 1966 Epiphone Riviera - 1957 Fender Harvard amp - 1962 Fender Deluxe amp - D'addario strings ### Albums to Check Out - Luca Benedetti - *Ride Awhile (2023)* - Luca Benedetti - *We'll Get There (2019)* - Jim Campilon0 & Luca Benedetti - *Two Guitars* ### Check out Luca Benedetti [Website](https://www.lucabenedetti.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/lucabenedetti%5Fgtr/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Gear Showcase ### Comins Guitars ![Comins Guitars](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/Comins-Guitars.png) Comins Guitars, created by master luthier Bill Comins, is known for making top-quality guitars that mix classic craftsmanship with modern design. Bill Comins started as a jazz guitarist who wanted the perfect instrument. Since he couldn’t find exactly what he was looking for, he started making his own. Over the years, his guitars have become some of the most respected in the industry (especially among jazz guitarists), known for their rich sound, smooth playability, and top-tier craftsmanship. Comins specializes in archtop, semi-hollow, and solid-body electric guitars, perfect for jazz, blues, and rock players who want a rich, beautiful tone and a smooth playing experience. Comins offers a variety of guitar models to fit different styles. The **Classic Archtop Series** includes hand-carved beauties like the *Concert* and *Chester Avenue* models, which deliver warm, resonant tones and elegant looks. The **GCS Series** is a more affordable option, featuring high-quality laminate archtops that sound amazing while reducing feedback. For players who want something a little more versatile, the **semi-hollow and solid-body models**, like the *GCS-1* and *GCS-16*, provide great sustain and responsiveness, making them great for jazz, fusion, and beyond. Comins guitars are made in Korea, and then set up by Bill Comins in Philadelphia. With a strong focus on sound, design, and quality, Comins Guitars has built a great reputation among musicians. Whether you're playing on stage or recording in a studio, these guitars are made to inspire you and bring out the best in your music. --- ## News & Notes - **Gibson** launched a new limited-run Les Paul Standard [50s](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/p/Electric-Guitar/Les-Paul-Standard-50s-Double-Trouble/Vintage-Cherry-Sunburst?ref=vividguitar.co) and [60s](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/p/Electric-Guitar/Les-Paul-Standard-60s-Double-Trouble/Vintage-Tobacco-Burst?ref=vividguitar.co) Double Trouble models. They're designed for people who love the 50s and 60s Les Paul Standards, but are looking for a more unique vintage style. Offered in Vintage Cherry Sunburst and Vintage Cherry Sunburst. - The **Chasing Tone podcast** interviewed guitarist (and popular YouTube instructor and gear demo-er) **Corey Congilio**. They chatted about the challenges he faced becoming a frontman having been a legendary sideman for man years, as well as gear. [Apple](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/558-corey-congilio-preaches-the-blues-and-takes-on/id891802835?i=1000700913074&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/42h7P3rshDa1Qy2ol5kLuJ?si=%5FmpDH3cgT4yfr36cfBkPWQ&ref=vividguitar.co) - Europe’s biggest music retailer **Thomann** has partnered with Fender for a run of [exclusive satin-finished Stratocasters](https://www.thomannmusic.com/fender%5Fst%5Fmodels.html?marketingAttributes%5B%5D=PRODNEWS&gk=GIEGST&sp=solr&cme=true&manufacturer%5B%5D=Fender&bn=Fender&filter=true&ref=vividguitar.co). There are both American-made and lower budget Mexican-made options available. - **Gibson** launched an exclusive model that remixed the [Les Paul Special with mini humbuckers](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/p/Electric-Guitar/Gibson-Les-Paul-Special-with-Mini-Humbuckers/Tobacco-Burst?ref=vividguitar.co). ## Currently Spinning in the Office Luca Benedetti - We'll Get There ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/Luca.jpg) --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### ❗ Can you do me a quick favor? URL: https://vividguitar.co/vivid-guitar-newsletter-feedback/ Last updated: 2025-03-28T14:37:06.000Z Happy Friday everyone. I have a quick favor to ask that should only take **1-2 minutes**. I'm hoping to get a bit of feedback about the Vivid Guitar Newsletter, and put together a real short survey. A lot of time goes into putting the newsletter together each week, and I just want to make sure I'm including content people actually want to see and find useful. If you could take a minute to fill out the survey through the link below, I'd be super grateful! [Vivid Guitar Newsletter Feedback![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/icon/android_192.png)Google Docs![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/thumbnail/ul2rh9MQJ4HfNyh2u5WdLaRJTnd9uHxvQqgfIumHDr5D_Cx_wNPFzJ-wJtHXEjosxTl39wC3fdgom_0-w1200-h630-p)](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeNpWQOlAe2U8mET911pvBSCuHxDOiCc7u4mrH2tih4x7BGvw/viewform?usp=dialog&ref=vividguitar.co) Thanks! Dustin ### Guitar Melody, Molly Tuttle, Gretsch Nigel Hendroff Penguin URL: https://vividguitar.co/guitar-melody-molly-tuttle-gretsch-nigel-hendroff-penguin/ Last updated: 2025-03-25T14:00:02.000Z ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png) 💬 Sticking with something long enough for success to show up is a fundamental requirement for achieving extra-ordinary results. - Gary Keller ## Guitar Practice Let's take a look at an arpeggiated melody that could pass for a classical etude in the style of JS Bach, but could sound equally at home in a gypsy jazz tune. This uses a repeated pattern as it runs through a few different chords. As always, start by taking it slow, and then gradually work on building up speed. Try playing it both with a pick and fingerstyle. Glassical Gypsy 0:00 /28.056 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/image-11.png) --- ## Guitarist Spotlight ![Guitarist Molly Tuttle](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/Molly-Tuttle.jpg) ### Who is Molly Tuttle? Nashville-based Molly Tuttle is an award-winning bluegrass guitarist, singer, and songwriter - and one of today's most dynamic musicians. She's is a flatpicking powerhouse with serious guitar chops and a great voice. Molly blends bluegrass, folk, and Americana with with incredible skill and heartfelt songwriting. Whether she’s flying through fast, intricate solos or singing a ballad, she makes it all look and sound effortless. ### The Backstory Molly grew up in **California** in a musical family, surrounded by bluegrass and folk music. She started playing guitar when she was just 8 years old and quickly became known for her talent. By the time she was a teenager, she was performing on stage and amazing people with her flatpicking skills. She later attended the **Berklee College of Music**, where she studied songwriting and honed her technique before launching her solo career. ### Music Molly mixes traditional bluegrass with folk, country, and indie influences. In addition to being known for her great live shows, Molly has released many great albums, and has collaborated with a lot of other amazing musicians - including Billy Strings, Ringo Starr, Bela Fleck, Dave Matthews, Jerry Douglas, and Tommy Emmanuel. She first gained recognition as a member of The Tuttles with A.J. Lee before launching her solo career, which has earned her multiple accolades, including a Grammy Award for *Crooked Tree* (2022) with her band Golden Highway. She was the first woman to win the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Guitar Player of the Year award (which is just one of many awards she's won). Her technical mastery, expressive songwriting, and genre-bending collaborations have positioned her as one of today's most exciting contemporary bluegrass artists. ### What Makes Her Stand Out? - **Crazy good flatpicking** – She can play lightning-fast bluegrass runs while still keeping it smooth and musical. - **Beautiful, expressive voice** – Her singing is full of warmth and emotion. - **Award-winning talent** – She was the first woman to ever win IBMA’s **Guitar Player of the Year** award - **Mix of old and new** – She stays true to her bluegrass roots but adds a modern twist. ### Why You Should Care Molly Tuttle is helping shape thefuture of bluegrass and folk music. She brings fresh energy to traditional sounds, making her music exciting for both longtime bluegrass fans and new listeners. ### Key Gear - Preston Thompson Molly Tuttle Signature Model acoustic - Thompson Guitars D-BA dreadnaught (which her signature model was based after) - Huss & Dalton TD-R and the TOM-M acoustic guitars - Dunlop Jazztone 207 large round tip guitar picks - D'Addario XSAPB1356 Phosphor Bronze Coated Acoustic Guitar Strings (.013-.056) ### Recommended Listening - **Molly Tuttle &** **Golden Highway** \- *City of Gold* - **Molly Tuttle** \- *...but i'd rather be with you* (album featuring cover songs) - **Molly Tuttle &** **Golden Highway** \- *Crooked Tree* **(which won the 2022 Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album!)** ### Check out Molly Tuttle [Website](https://www.mollytuttlemusic.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyHRqAJCC5jXtnHg8j7%5FynQ?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/mollytuttle/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/mollytuttlemusic/) --- ## Gear Showcase ### Gretsch Nigel Hendroff Penguin ![Gretsch G6134TFM-NH Nigel Hendroff Penguin](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/image-9.png) ### What is the Gretsch Nigel Hendroff Penguin? The **Gretsch G6134TFM-NH Nigel Hendroff Penguin** is a beautiful, high-end guitar designed for serious players who want killer sound and stunning looks. **Nigel Hendroff**, a well-known music director, producer and worship guitarist at Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia teamed up with Gretsch to create a guitar that’s versatile, rich in tone, and built for live performance. While in many ways, the Gretsch *Penguin* is essentially a blinged-up, sexier version of their **Jet** model, it typically also has some different specs/features than the regular Jet. The Nigel Hendroff Penguin has an awesome-looking flamed maple top, a chambered mahogany body (for reduced weight, and a livelier, more articulate tone), and a smooth U-shaped neck. It comes in *Amber Flame* or *Dark Cherry Metallic Flame* finishes, with matching headcaps, a tortoise pickguard, mother of pearl fingerboard inlays and nickel hardware including jeweled arrow knobs, Grover® Imperial™ tuners, and a banjo armrest. This model takes the iconic Gretsch sound and fine-tunes it for warm, shimmering cleans and smooth overdrive—perfect for soaring leads and atmospheric chords. ### What Makes It Special? - **Flame maple top & sleek finish** – Looks as good as it sounds. - **TV Jones pickups** – Clear, rich, and powerful tones. - **Bigsby tremolo** – Classic Gretsch vibe with smooth pitch control. - **Modern feel** – Comfortable neck and top-tier craftsmanship. ### Check Out the Demo Video ### Check out the Gretsch Nigel Hendroff Penguin [Gretsch Website](https://www.gretschguitars.com/gear/build/solid-body/g6134tfm-nh-nigel-hendroff-signature-penguin/2400749877?ref=vividguitar.co) | [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/43SGmxt?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## News & Notes ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/Margo-Price-Guitar.jpg) - Gibson announced the signature [Margo Price J-45 acoustic guitar](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/p/Acoustic-Guitar/Margo-Price-J-45/Heritage-Cherry-Sunburst?ref=vividguitar.co), in Heritage Cherry Sunburst. It features a slightly thinner mahogany body, a red spruce top, a rounded neck profile, double 50s-style pickguards with red-tailed hawk graphics, and R. Baggs VTC electronics. - Looking to dig a bit further into Molly Tuttle's playing? The **Shred With Shifty podcast** posted an episode that dissects Molly's fiery flatpicking solo on “San Joaquin". [Apple](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shred-with-shifty/id1690423642?i=1000699079663&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/7oL25Y67tWYsoPfaPRhww3?si=sO4uBXamTTKPn8380l6eEQ&ref=vividguitar.co) - **Fender**'s [credit rating was downgraded](https://ratings.moodys.com/ratings-news/438909?ref=vividguitar.co) by Moody's, citing an expected challenging environment due to impacts of newly imposed tariffs, as well as things like labor inflation. - **Fender** added a cool new color to their [American Ultra](https://fender.prf.hn/click/camref:1101l49CxX/ar:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fender.com%2Fen-US%2Felectric-series%2Famerican-ultra-ii%2F?ref=vividguitar.co) guitar line - **Solar Flare**. The goldish-yellow color stands out, and looks especially good on the Stratocaster with the maple fretboard. - **Anderton's Music** demoed and compared several of the top guitar [amp profiler pedals](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWu4fE2cb74&ref=vividguitar.co). --- ## Currently Spinning in the Office **Nels Cline** \- Consentrik Quartet ![Nels Cline Consentrik Quartet Guitar Album](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/image-10.png) --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Guitar Etude, Josh Smith, Carr Amplifiers URL: https://vividguitar.co/guitar-etude-josh-smith-carr-amplifiers/ Last updated: 2025-04-16T22:32:25.000Z ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/JamPlay-Banner.png) 💬 Everyday, I try to be better than I was the day before, not better than other people. It is a competition with myself to improve my musical ability create my own musical journey. - Rock Choi ## Guitar Practice Today, we have an etude that's sure to dazzle your friends and audience. 😛 Seriously though, it's one of those lines that generally looks and sounds more difficult than it actually is (once you get it down). It's a repeating pattern, but sounds cool, especially once you get it up to a decent tempo (the example audio is at a medium tempo). This is a bit easier played fingerstyle, as the picking pattern might not be something you're used to with a pick (but is good practice for your picking hand played with a pick). Guitar Etude Eb 0:00 /22.498027 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/image-8.png) --- ## Guitarist Spotlight ### Josh Smith ![Guitarist Josh Smith - (Image credit: Future)](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/image-5.png) (Image credit: Future) ### Who is Josh Smith? Josh Smith is a blues guitar virtuoso, producer, and educator known for his soulful playing, impeccable technique, and deep understanding of the blues. His mix of blues, jazz, and rock influences has made him a sought-after session player and solo artist, earning him a reputation as one of the most skilled and tasteful guitarists of his generation. His playing is **soulful, powerful, and packed with emotion**. ### His Story Born in Florida, Josh picked up the guitar at just 6 years old. By the time he was 12, he was already performing live, and as a teenage he was sharing stages with legends like B.B. King and Jimmy Thackery. By 18, he was touring with his own band and releasing his own albums. Josh built his career by playing live, recording great music, and constantly improving his skills. Beyond his career as a performer, Josh is also a passionate educator. He has released a variety of instructional materials, including [courses for TrueFire](https://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3x/destination:https%3A%2F%2Ftruefire.com%2Feducators%2Fjosh-smith%2Fe4498?ref=vividguitar.co), [blues guitar books](https://amzn.to/41x5hE7?ref=vividguitar.co), and masterclasses that break down his unique approach to phrasing, tone, and improvisation. Josh also actively shares guitar lessons and gear demos on YouTube and social media. Josh is known for his ability to explain complex concepts in a way that’s accessible to players of all levels, making him a favorite among aspiring blues guitarists. When he’s not on stage or teaching, Josh runs Flat V Studios in Los Angeles, where he produces and collaborates with top-tier musicians across multiple genres. ### What Makes Him Stand Out? - **Incredible feel & expression** – Every note he plays has **meaning and emotion**. - **Blues with technical skill** – He respects the tradition but also **pushes the limits**. - **Amazing tone** – His guitar always sounds **rich, warm, and powerful**. ### Why You Should Listen Whether he’s playing a fiery solo, breaking down blues fundamentals, or producing records for other artists, Josh Smith is a driving force in modern blues guitar. Josh is a true master of his craft, and has played with legends like Joe Bonamassa, Eric Gales, Greg Koch, and Kirk Fletcher. If you love **authentic, soulful blues guitar**, Josh Smith is a name you need to know. ### Key Gear - Chapin T-Bird t-style guitar - Marc Rutters 1957-style Stratocaster with Ron Ellis pickups - Ibanez FlatV1 signature guitar - Morgan JS-12 (Signature Princeton Reverb-style amp) - Morgan JS40 (Signature Super Reverb-style amp) - Vox AC40 - King Tone Soloist overdrive - Eventide H9 - Cybaby Wah - Mythos Pedals Argonaut Mini Octave pedal - Vemuram Myriad Fuzz ### Watch Josh talking about improve your lead playing by practicing your rhythm playing: ### Check out Josh Smith [Website](https://www.joshsmithguitar.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/joshsmithguitarzan/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwtnTQ5g7aMj8eyY1Key5Ig?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/joshsmithguitar/) --- ## Gear Showcase ### Carr Amplifiers ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/image-1.png) ### What is Carr Amplifiers? Pittsboro, North Carolina- based **Carr Amplifiers** makes hand-built boutique tube amps that combine vintage tone with modern innovation,. Their amps are designed to give guitarists rich, dynamic sound without the old-school headaches (like weird hum and unreliable parts). ### The Story Steve Carr started **Carr Amplifiers** in the late ‘90s because he wanted **classic tube tone without the limitations of vintage amps**. Instead of just copying old designs, he took the best parts of vintage circuits and **made them better**—more reliable, more versatile, and more inspiring to play through. ### What Makes Them Special? - **All hand-built** – No mass production, just pure craftsmanship from start to finish. We're talking unique circuit designs, meticulous point-to-point construction, premium components, and hand-crafted cabinets. - **Vintage-inspired, modern-enhanced** – Classic tones without the annoying quirks. - **A-list quality** – Played by pros who demand the best possible tone. ### Why You Should Care If you’re serious about your sound, Carr Amps should be on your radar. They’re **not cheap, but they’re worth every penny**—ridiculous tone and stunning craftsmanship. ### Carr Amps You Should Check Out - [Super Bee](https://www.carramps.com/super-bee?ref=vividguitar.co) \- Designed to capture the **blackface 4x10" Super Reverb sound** in a smaller (10" or 12") package. The built-in attenuator takes it down to 2 watts for bedroom jams. - [The Rambler](https://www.carramps.com/rambler?ref=vividguitar.co) \- 1 x 12" **Deluxe**\-style amp built to be an ideal pedal platform - with dramatically expanded clean headroom & solid bass response. - [Mercury V](https://www.carramps.com/mercury-v?ref=vividguitar.co) \- Delivers 16 watts of snarling **Marshall-esque British tones.** Features lush srring reverb, an onboard attenuator, and a post-power amp Line Out to send it to the PA or into your recording interface for tracking. - [Sportsman](https://www.carramps.com/sportsman?ref=vividguitar.co) \- Very versatile 19-watt, single-channel, 1x12" combo. Features a unique **Headroom control** that lets you go from glassy cleans to tweed-style breakup with the turn of a knob. ### Check Out Carr Amplifiers [Homepage](https://www.carramps.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/carramps/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [View Amps on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/3DkIxiz?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## News & Notes ![Warren Haynes Les Paul Standard 60s Cherry](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/image-7.png) Warren Haynes Les Paul Standard 60s Cherry - **Gibson** officially released the [Warren Haynes Les Paul Standard 60s Cherry](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/p/Electric-Guitar/Warren-Haynes-Les-Paul-Standard/60s-Cherry?ref=vividguitar.co). It features a mahogany body with maple cap, mahogany neck with a50s Vintage profile, rosewood fretboard with 22 medium jumbo frets, hum-free P-90 DC Soapbar pickups, a 15 dB boost switch, and a hardshell case. MSRP is $2,799\. [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/3XMTcta?ref=vividguitar.co) - **Fender** added a new limited edition [**Sparkle 3-Color Sunburst**](https://tidd.ly/3Fnqklc?ref=vividguitar.co) finish to it's Player II series. - **Gibson** released a new [RD Custom](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/p/Electric-Guitar/RD-Custom/Ebony?ref=vividguitar.co) guitar in Ebony. Initially released in 1977, the Gibson RD is known for its unique appearance, which takes inspiration from both the Explorer™ and Firebird™ designs. Aside from it's interesting shape, the 25.5" scale length is different than the Gibson standard. - **Casino Guitars** posted an interesting [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkobYW6OuDs&ref=vividguitar.co) answering the question '**How Much Do Guitar Shops REALLY Make Each Day?**'. Spoiler: for most of them; not a lot. Reminder to **support your local mom & pop guitar shops** whenever you can. - **Philip McNight** [interviewed Guitar Center CEO Gabe Dalporto](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiOte%5FEkjR8&ref=vividguitar.co). They discussed how Guitar Center can compete with Amazon and safeguard the future of its physical stores. Something Dalporto has talked about recently is carrying higher tier guitars in their stores. After watching the Casino Guitars video above, this strategy makes sense (as guitar shops really rely on higher ticket items to make a profit). --- ## Book Recommendation **Josh Smith**: **Modern Blues Guitar Phrasing:** Learn to Transform the Ideas of Your Musical Heroes Into Your Own Unique Voice on Guitar. ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/Josh-Smith-Guitar-Book.jpg) #### [View on Amazon](https://amzn.to/3DAOmsh?ref=vividguitar.co) --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Marty Schwartz, Marty Music URL: https://vividguitar.co/marty-schwartz-marty-music/ Last updated: 2025-03-14T16:08:27.000Z ![Marty Schwartz Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/Marty-Schwartz.jpeg) If you've ever searched for guitar lessons on YouTube, chances are you've came across Marty Schwartz. Marty's road to teaching guitar online is an interesting one. After college, he was working in a music store, where he taught some lessons. He got laid off from that job, and started teaching guitar full time on his own. Years later, he taught elementary school music, while continuing to teach guitar lessons on the side. Then when the economy crashed in 2008, he got laid off from the school job, and private lessons started to dry up, as people didn't have the budget for them as they were getting laid off from their jobs as well. Basically not knowing what else he could do, he started uploading a few videos to YouTube - with the idea that maybe they'd help promote him a bit as a guitar player and local teacher. People slowly started liking his videos, and following him on YouTube. That resulted in launching a website and business called *Guitar Jamz*, which has since evolved into *Marty Music*. Marty Schwartz is amazing at teaching well-known songs. Learning popular songs is one of the best ways to learn guitar and music (as the goal as a guitar player ultimately isn't just to know a giant library of scales and chords - it's know how to play and write actual songs), and he does a great job properly breaking them down. In a world where so many instructional videos now feature flashy sets, fancy production, and over-the-top editing, Marty's videos stand out due to them basically being the opposite of that (in a good way!). Marty comes off as your friendly neighborhood guitar teacher, and his videos make you feel like you're in the room with him, getting a one-on-one guitar lesson. With well over 4 million subscribers to his YouTube channel, Marty has had a big impact on many guitar players, and offers premium guitar courses through his own website ([MartyMusic.com](https://www.martymusic.com/?ref=vividguitar.co)) that offer a deep dive into topics such as blues guitar, acoustic guitar, and much more. [Check out Marty Music](https://www.martymusic.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) and his [YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmnlTWVJysjWPFiZhQ5uudg?ref=vividguitar.co) ### Veritas Guitars URL: https://vividguitar.co/veritas-guitars/ Last updated: 2025-03-14T16:07:29.000Z ![Veritas Portlander Electric Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/Veritas-Portlander-Green.jpeg) Veritas Portlander Blending design, functionality, and aesthetic beauty, Mt Pleasant, Tennessee-based Veritas Guitars is taking custom guitars to another level. While Veritas has a number of amazing guitar models, their Portlander stands out as a crowd favorite. It's seriously one of the nicest-looking guitars we’ve ever seen. Their flagship model, the Portlander is a humbucker-equipped, highly creative take on the classic T-style guitar design. Offered as either a solid body or semi-hollow thinline, the Portlander is truly a workhorse of a guitar, in addition to being an eye-catching work of art. Veritas also offers a Double Cut version of the Portlander, as well as a more traditional t-style guitar (with 2 single coil pickups) called the *Texas Miracle*, and the offset-shaped *Riverton*. In addition to the standard models, Veritas builds fully custom guitars designed to reflect the uniqueness of its owner. While Veritas focuses on handmade custom builds, they also offer a *ProLine* series of guitars. Built in Korea, the ProLine models feature designs, materials, and electronics that are all exclusive to Veritas Guitars, offered at a lower price point. We love this approach, as it lets people that might not be ready to spend the cash on a custom-built guitar get a really well-made Veritas guitar at a much lower price. Veritas comes up with creative and elegant guitar designs, combined with outstanding tone and playability. [Check out Veritas Guitars](https://veritasguitars.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) ### Guitar Arpeggio and Diad Etudes URL: https://vividguitar.co/guitar-arpeggio-and-diad-etudes/ Last updated: 2025-03-14T16:05:48.000Z Let's look at a different way to play some common arpeggios. Here, we're (mostly) just skipping strings, which results in a cool-sounding little riff. We of course don't want to overuse this type of thing, but it's a technique/pattern you can work into your playing once in a while as an alternative to just playing scales. Arpeggio Practice in G Major 0:00 /11.998435 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/Arpeggio-Practice-in-G-Major.png) Another thing we can do is play these pairs of notes together. 2 notes played at a time is sometimes referred to as a *diad* (or dyad). Diads in G Major 0:00 /11.998435 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/Dyads-in-G-Major.png) The point here isn't to memorize these specific lines, but to open you (and your fingers) up to a couple new ideas to work into your playing. Experiment with using these technique on other chords, and start by taking it slow. ## ### Triad arpeggio exercise in G URL: https://vividguitar.co/triad-arpeggio-exercise-in-g/ Last updated: 2025-03-14T16:03:17.000Z This exercise uses common chord voicings in the key of G major. As always, take it slow at first. Work on playing it cleanly as slowly as you need to, before gradually working increasing your speed. Triad eTude in G 0:00 /31.997913 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/Triad-eTude-in-G.png) ### Justin Sandercoe (Justin Guitar) URL: https://vividguitar.co/justin-sandercoe-justin-guitar/ Last updated: 2025-03-14T16:00:28.000Z ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/Justin-Guitar.jpeg) Born in Australia, and based in London, Justin Sandercoe is a guitarist, songwriter, performer, producer, and educator - not to mention, being quite a celebrity in the guitar space. It's probably justified to call Justin Sandercoe the pioneer of online guitar education at this point. After teaching private guitar lessons, Justin started teaching guitar online back in 2001, and launched JustinGuitar.com back in 2003\. With a combination of courses, apps, books, jam tracks, and more, *Justin Guitar* is one of the most popular guitar instruction web sites in the world - with Justin being the favorite online guitar teacher for hundreds of thousands of guitar players. Justin's background includes playing in bands and teaching starting at only 12-years-old, attending and teaching at The Guitar Institute in London, and touring with various bands (including playing over 1,00o gigs in a Rolling Stones tribute band!). He's also been published in Guitar Techniques Magazine, Total Guitar, Guitar Magazine, & Guitar Tutor, and has taught masterclasses at music conferences. *JustinGuitar.com* features lessons and tools to help beginning, intermediate, and advanced guitar players. Whether you're just getting started with chords and strumming, or want to learn improvisation, blues, jazz, music theory, ear training, and transcribing, Justin covers it all. While the site contains over 1,000 lessons, it's really the quality over the quantity that keeps guitar players engaged and coming back for more. Justin does a great job breaking complicated things down into simple terms, and he even tells you not to learn things you won't use. He's honest about it and if you want to go deep into theory, the content is there, but there's no point in learning certain things if you don't apply them to your normal playing. Justin Guitar has grown in part to the large amount of great free content Justin offers, while his premium courses and other products will take your guitar playing to the next level. For gear enthusiasts, Justin has quite the [guitar collection](https://www.justinguitar.com/guitar-lessons/justin-s-guitars-list-and-info-gg-001?ref=vividguitar.co), which includes a 1964 Fender Jaguar, 1965 Gibson SG, 1966 Fender Telecaster (featured in the photo above), a 1969 Gibson ES-335, and many more. [Check out Justin Guitar](https://www.justinguitar.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) and his [YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBNkm8o5LiEVLxO8w0p2sfQ?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ### D’Angelico Deluxe & Excel Mini DC URL: https://vividguitar.co/dangelico-deluxe-excel-mini-dc/ Last updated: 2025-03-14T15:59:47.000Z ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/D-Anglico-Mini-DC.png) The D'Angelico Mini DC is a beautiful and inspiring double-cutaway semi-hollow guitar that combines classic tones with modern versatility. The compact 14” body makes it super comfortable to hold and play (especially standing up), and it’s offered in a number of killer-looking colors usually not found in ES-style guitars (including with a satin finish on the Deluxe models). The Seymour Duncan Seth Lover A4 humbuckers on the Deluxe model are bright, but easily tamed with the tone knob. The Excel model includes Seymour Duncan 59 humbuckers, which give a classic vintage tone, with clear articulation. One of our favorite features is the ability to coil-split both the neck and bridge humbuckers. Not only are the coil-split tones surprisingly really good, the middle position when you combine one humbucker with one split pickup sounds incredible. The Mini DC features the same slim C-shape neck that D'Angelico uses on most (all?) current models. While we'd love to see some D'angelico's offered with a bit fatter neck profiles, it plays fast and it easy to get around. Due the the smaller body size (compared to something like an ES-335) and the semi-hollow design, the Mini DC's can suffer from a bit of neck dive when played standing up, but this is easily remedied by using a suede strap. While we're partial to the more premium pickups and electronics included in the *Deluxe* and *Excel* models, D'Angelico also offers more budget-friendly versions of these in the *Premier Mini DC* and *Excel Mini DC Tour*. **Key Features** - A slim C-shape neck with either a rosewood fretboard (on the Deluxe) ebony (on the Excel) - Deep cutaways allow for easy access to the upper frets. - Comfortable and lightweight - Seymour Duncan Seth Lover humbuckers (in the Deluxe) or Seymour Duncan '59 humbuckers (in the Excel). Split the humbuckers with the push/pull tone knob and get very convincing single-coil tones. - Some of the best colors/finishes you’ll find in this style guitar - 22 Medium jumbo frets - Bone nut - Also available as a ‘Premier’ and 'Tour' version at a lower price point D'angelico's [demo video of the Deluxe Mini DC](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XJu3PoL9ig&pp=ygUZZCdhbmdlbGljbyBkZWx1eGUgbWluaSBkYw%3D%3D&ref=vividguitar.co) is a good watch, featuring some tasty playing by Zack Comtois. Check out the line of [D'Angelico Mini DC's](https://dangelicoguitars.com/guitars/?filter=mini-dc&ref=vividguitar.co), or view them on [Reverb](https://tidd.ly/4fX3VrZ?ref=vividguitar.co) ### Dotan 'Tane' Bergman URL: https://vividguitar.co/dotan-tane-bergman/ Last updated: 2025-03-14T15:58:46.000Z ![Dotan 'Tane' Bergman in his element](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/image-2.png) Dotan 'Tane' Bergman Guitar Dotan ‘Tane’ Bergman is a soulful and inspiring guitarist, music producer, beat maker, and producer, based in Brooklyn, NY. Bergman blends modern and vintage sounds, combining neo-soul flare with 60's and 70's funk and jazz. Dotan creates some real interesting and sultry grooves - often built around soulful guitar melodies, that grab your attention and leave you wanting more. While Bergman has released a bunch of full songs on streaming services, he has a bit of a different career path as most other guitarists featured here, in that his focus is on making and selling beats and sample packs for other artists to build songs out of. Creating sample packs and beats can be a good way for guitar players supplement their income, and Dotan Bergman is good example of how to do it well, focusing on building his personal brand (in addition to creating great music). In addition to standing out in the beat/sample pack world, Dotan is a great follow on Instagram, where he’s built a following showing his recording and beat creation process. He posts content that other guitar players and musicians can learn from, regardless of whether you’re creating your own songs or interested in selling samples. **Key Gear:** - Fender Stratocaster - Dangelico DC Excel - Fender Telecaster - Fender Precision Bass - Fender Blues Jr amp Check out Dotan 'Tane' Bergman: [Sample Packs](https://saucelabaudio.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/dotan%5Fbergman/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmZNzxUAuTAmILSJJ4X9g7g?ref=vividguitar.co) | [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@saucelabaudio?ref=vividguitar.co) ### Gretsch Players Edition Jet URL: https://vividguitar.co/gretsch-players-edition-jet/ Last updated: 2025-03-14T15:28:17.000Z ![Gretsch Players Edition Jet](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/Gretsch-Jet-BT-1.png) Gretsch Players Edition Jet While Gretsch might be best known for their big-body guitars & rockabilly twang, the Jet sits more in the Les Paul area - but still with a sound that is uniquely Gretsch. Gretsch makes a variety of Jet models at different price points (including in their Electromatic line), today, we’re taking a look at their top-end made-in Japan Players Edition model. While it might not look like a semi hollow guitar at first glance, the Gretsch Players Edition Jet features a chambered (semi hollow) body, making it lightweight and giving it a bit more of an airy tone that you usually get with this style guitar. ![The Gretsch Jet has a chambered body to reduce weight](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/image-1.png) The Gretsch Jet has a chambered body to reduce weight Offered with either a Bigbsy tremolo or hardtail, the Gretsch Players Edition Jet features a mahogany body with an arched maple top - giving it a rich and dynamic tone. The Tim Shaw-designed Broad'Tron pickups give you powerful mids, extended lows, and a clear high-end, without losing the unique sound Gretsch is famous for. **Key Features:** - Broad'Tron BT65 Humbucker pickups - Individual control knobs for Neck Volume, Bridge Volume, Tone, and Master Volume - Master volume control with treble bleed - Low profile set neck - Locking Tuners - Graph Tech® TUSQ XL nut - Scale: 24.6" - Fretboard radius: 12" - 22 medium-jumbo frets - Ebony Fretboard - Made in Japan Check out the [Gretsch Players Edition Jet](https://www.gretschguitars.com/features/players-edition-jet-bt?ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube Demo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9AS8f0ihmQ&ref=vividguitar.co) ### Julian Lage Guitar Practice Idea URL: https://vividguitar.co/julian-lage-guitar-practice-idea/ Last updated: 2025-03-14T15:26:58.000Z > Guest post by [Darren Rodney](https://www.facebook.com/darren.rodney.5/) ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/Julian-Lage.jpg) (Image credit: Douglas Mason/Getty Images) I took a private lesson with Julian Lage once and he gave me some great advice when it comes to practicing improvisation. He said to take something to improvise over, whatever it may be - a set of chord changes, a one key modal jam, whatever.... And don't stop improvising for as long as you can. Go for at least 45 minutes or more. I know, it sounds nuts. He said what will happen, is that at some point (whether it's 10 minutes, 15 minutes, or longer), you're going to run out of all the ideas you are used to playing. You'll exhaust all the stuff you're comfortable with and feel at home in. And once you are out of all those ideas - and you can't keep repeating yourself for an hour, which would be worthless, you will be forced to come up with new ideas. You won't have any crutches, and that's when you can be truly creative. Now a lot of your playing at that point might sound terrible, but you will grow as a player. You'll have to find different rhythmic ideas, or simplify things and maybe leave a lot more space etc.. All kinds of new ideas will start to develop. I think we all feel we need to learn more stuff, more scales, more arpeggios etc… to have new ideas. That we forget there’s an infinite amount of things you can do in different ways with the tools you already have. And you will start to feel more comfortable taking risks and not just playing the same old licks. It's helped me a lot (albeit frustrating at times). Try it and see what happens! ### I IV V I Guitar Arpeggio Practice URL: https://vividguitar.co/i-iv-v-i-guitar-arpeggio-practice/ Last updated: 2025-03-14T15:25:47.000Z Let's do a bit of arpeggio work with a I IV V I progression in the key of G. As guitar players, it's easy for us to default to thinking in terms of '*scales first*' when playing over a chord progression. Thinking '*chord first*' can often result in more musical lines. In the example below, we're playing chord tones by using pieces of the arpeggios of each chord. While this might seem a bit overly simplistic to some players, this approach can still be a good reminder of a way to switch up your lead playing away from just running through scale patterns and shapes. We'll expound on this further over the next couple issues. Arpeggios in G Major 0:00 /25.398435 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/Arpeggios-in-G-Major-1.png) ## ### Let's learn a chord riff URL: https://vividguitar.co/lets-learn-a-chord-riff/ Last updated: 2025-03-14T15:18:29.000Z ## Guitar Practice **Let's learn a chord riff** Below, we have an underlying chord progression of B minor> A minor > G. While we could of course just play those chords for each beat, let's jazz it up by using a different chord voicing/variation on each beat for the Bm and Am chords. Bm Am G Chord Riff 0:00 /13.712494 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/image.png) ### Ariel Posen URL: https://vividguitar.co/ariel-posen/ Last updated: 2025-03-14T15:14:24.000Z ![Ariel Posen Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/Ariel-Posen.jpg) (Image credit: Janine Van Oostrom) Combining soulful guitar playing and captivating vocals, Canadian-born Ariel Posen has been quickly gaining a following while touring worldwide. I first discovered Ariel a number of years ago from *Anderton's Music* videos on YouTube. Like many people, I tuned into their gear demo videos while researching various pieces of gear I probably didn't really need. In addition to Lee Anderton & Danish Pete, there was this random guy that kept popping up in a bunch of their videos. He'd be demoing a guitar or another piece of gear, and not only did he make every guitar sound outstanding, he had this impeccable touch and phrasing, and the ability to come up with incredibly creative riffs. It was easy to forget about whatever piece of gear I was checking out, and just stick around for his playing. That person was of course Ariel Posen. In the several years since, Posen has ventured out on his own path, developing his singing and songwriting, releasing several albums, and touring around the world. With a rootsy sound that blends rock, Americana, soul, R&B, and Beatles-inspired pop, Posen stands out with heartfelt lyrics and killer guitar phrasing. He’s been called “a modern-day guitar hero’ by Rolling Stone, was a fan-voted top 10 rock guitarist of the year by Music Radar, and has won multiple awards from the Western Canadian Music Awards (including the *Breakout Artist of the Year* twice!) In addition to being a great guitarist and songwriter, Posen is a gifted teacher, with a number great guitar courses available through [Truefire](https://truefire.com/educators/ariel-posen/e4544?ref=vividguitar.co), as well as on [Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/arielposen?ref=vividguitar.co). Ariel recently caught up with the Anderton's crew for an update, and talked about guitars, gear, recording and more: ### Key Gear: - Mule Resophonic 25"-scale baritone ‘Posencaster” with gold-foil-looking mini humbucker pickups - Two-Rock Classic Reverb Signature amp - KingTone’s The Duellist - KingTone MiniFuzz Check out Ariel: [Website](https://www.arielposen.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/c/ArielPosen?ref=vividguitar.co) |[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/arielposen/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/arielposen/) | [Guitar Courses](https://truefire.com/educators/ariel-posen/e4544?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/arielposen?ref=vividguitar.co) ### Eastman Thinline URL: https://vividguitar.co/eastman-thinline/ Last updated: 2025-03-14T15:13:13.000Z ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/Eastman-T184MX.jpeg) Eastman’s electric guitars often fly under the radar of a lot of guitar players, but since starting as a violin maker in the early 1990’s; and then moving into acoustics, they've been making high-quality electric guitars for many years now. While there's no shortage of ES-style guitars out there, the Eastman Thinline's stand out due to being solid wood (maple top, and mahogany back & sides), and that they are nearly fully hollow (with just a small block under the bridge to help with feedback, but not the full center block typically seen in this type of guitar). The result is a guitar with a more acoustic/woody sound, that resonates incredibly well. Another great thing about this model is that it's offered in 3 different body sizes: 14", 15", and 16". The 25" scale of this guitar is a great length that falls between a Gibson and a Fender, and the low output Bare Knuckle humbucker pickups can deliver anything from warmth to grit. Eastmans feature a bit of a wider nut width & fretboard than what you might be used to on an electric guitar, with a 1.72” nut width (previous versions of this same guitar featured a 1.75” nut width). That nut width works well with the 12" radius and medium-depth neck though, and is a joy to play. While some might balk at Eastman's being made in China, these are hand-made guitars with a truly outstanding build quality. While these are by no means cheaply priced guitars, they are quite a bit less expensive than options such as a Gibson ES or a Collings i-35. Eastman also offers laminate-body versions of the same guitar (T484, T485, & T486), that sell at a lower price point. The Eastman Thinlines are simply some of the best hollow body guitars out there. **Key Features:** - Bare Knuckle BC Old Guard Custom Humbuckers - 25" Scale Length - Ebony Fretboard - 22 Medium jumbo frets - Neck Material: Mahogany - Fingerboard Radius: 12" - Neck Profile:Traditional Even "C" - Offered in a 14", 15", or 16" bout size - 1.72" bone nut Check out the Eastman Thinline: [T184MX](https://www.eastmanguitars.com/t184mx?ref=vividguitar.co) | [T185MX](https://www.eastmanguitars.com/t185mx?ref=vividguitar.co) | [T186MX](https://www.eastmanguitars.com/t186mx?ref=vividguitar.co) ### Monica Valli URL: https://vividguitar.co/monica-valli/ Last updated: 2025-03-11T16:29:42.000Z ![Monica Valli Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/02/Monica-Valli.png) With a refreshing guitar style that oozes with soul and authenticity, Nashville + Austin-based Monica Valli has been making a name for herself within the guitar community and beyond. Monica’s path has been interesting and inspiring… She was first introduced to guitar at 8 years old. She took lessons, played for a year, and ended up giving it up to focus on just being a kid. At age 15, she picked it back up, and by age 16 she was playing bluesy dive bars around her hometown of St. Louis. Her dedication and talent led her to Berkeley College of Music to further develop her skills. After graduating, she moved to Nashville and started a successful career as a hired-gun guitarist & backup vocalist for a wide range of artists across various genres. Dive bars turned into theaters and bigger venues, and extensive touring and studio work gave her a ton of experience, helping her develop her own voice as a guitar player. When the Covid-19 pandemic put the live music world on hold, Monica started restructuring her musical path. In addition to developing her songwriting and recording her own original music, she started building an online presence. She started doing some online live streams playing guitar, and also started teaching guitar lessons - including through a great Patreon page where she posts guitar licks and tricks, covers, and behind the scenes content. Monica has also become a force on Instagram, where she currently has 186k followers. In addition to posting great videos of her soulful guitar playing, guitar brands (including Fender) have taken notice, and partner with her to showcase their new products. Monica recently released her debut single, "Roam," a folk-rock song that showcases her wonderful guitar work and alluring songwriting. ### Key Gear: - Fender Blues Jr. amp - Fender Telecaster - Fender Stratocaster - Gibson Les Paul with P90 pickups Check out Monica: [Website](https://www.monicavalli.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/monicavalli/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYSAI%5FQCdysGNGET68%5FEAPg?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/monicavalli?ref=vividguitar.co) ### Brown Bear Guitars URL: https://vividguitar.co/brown-bear-guitars/ Last updated: 2025-03-11T16:29:01.000Z ![Brown Bear Guitars](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/image-7.png) Brown Bear Guitars Brown Bear Guitars is the work of Ontario, Canada-based luthier Jesse Brown. Jesse specializes in building traditional designs of the ‘50s, with a modern touch. Probably best known for his killer take on vintage-inspired telecaster®\-style guitars, Brown also hand-builds guitars in the style of the Stratocaster®, Jazzmaster® and others. Using sustainably sourced woods like Swamp Ash, Mahogany, Maple, and Rosewood, in addition to exotic woods, all bodies and necks are hand-carved to precise user specifications, and Brown Bear guitars feature specially selected hardware. Jesse meticulously hand carves each guitar neck to your exact specifications. The nut width, fretboard radius, and neck profile, and more are customized to your needs. Jesse focuses on guitars that will bring out the best of you - as a player, and ships worldwide. In addition to custom guitar builds, Brown Bear offers guitar refinishing and repair work. Check out Brown Bear Guitars: [Website](https://brownbearguitars.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/brownbearguitars/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/brownbearguits/) ### Jam Track in A Minor URL: https://vividguitar.co/jam-track-in-a-minor/ Last updated: 2025-03-11T17:02:39.000Z Let's work on the Dorian mode in the key of A minor. This is a pretty straightforward progression, using all triads, with common chord shapes. Am Em D C Jam Track 0:00 /194.736 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/Am-Em-D-C-2024-10-30.png) Below is an example of the A Dorian Mode (which is the G Major scale, but starting with and focusing on the 2nd note - A), which we can use to solo over this progression. There are of course lots of ways to play scales around the neck, but it's often helpful to set constraints while practicing, and focusing on a specific position. ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/A-Dorian-1.png) ### Danny Mayer URL: https://vividguitar.co/danny-mayer/ Last updated: 2025-03-11T16:22:18.000Z ![Danny Mayer Guitar - Photo by liveforlivemusic.com](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/danny-mayer-guitar.jpeg) Photo by [liveforlivemusic.com](http://liveforlivemusic.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) Rooted in Funk, rock, and psychedelic blues, Danny Mayer's guitar playing blends creative rhythm playing with soulful lead lines - always bringing something unique to each musical situation. As the guitarist for On The Spot Trio, the Alan Evans Trio, Star Kitchen, the Eric Krasno Band, the Danny Mayer Trio, and others, Danny Mayer has toured nationally for the last 15+ years. He’s shared the stage with members of the Grateful Dead, Lettuce, Marcus King, Snarky Puppy, The New Mastersounds, Trey Anastasio Band, Ryan Montbleau, Turkuaz, Kung Fu and many more in countless collaborations. I want to share a great quote from Danny from an [interview with Live For Live Music](https://liveforlivemusic.com/features/danny-mayer-discusses-his-many-evolving-projects-including-dmt-on-the-spot-more/?ref=vividguitar.co) (condensed a bit below), as a lot of us think we have to try to play and sound like our hero's, instead of figuring out our own sound and what we do best. Y*ou have to be genuine and honest with your self about who you are as a person and as a musician. I went from trying to sound like Grant Green and John Scofield to realizing that who I am is much more blues based and simple than that! I had to realize that instead of trying to fake being a jazz guy, I could get real with myself and connect with audiences on a much deeper level by just being myself – a psychedelic blues / rock guy. That feels way better and comes way more natural to me. That mentality is also much closer to who I am as a person!* ### Key Gear: - Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster **Recommended albums to check out:** On The Spot Trio - “Straight Out The Garden” Alan Evans Trio - “The Wild Root” Danny Mayer - “Beginner’s Mind” [Danny's Website](https://www.dannymayermusic.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/dannymayermusic/) ### Kelton Swade Guitars URL: https://vividguitar.co/kelton-swade-guitars/ Last updated: 2025-03-11T16:21:14.000Z ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/image-5.png) Kelton Swade T-Style Guitar This gear showcase is a bit different, in that they're no longer being produced, as luthier Kelton Swade sadly passed away from Covid a couple years ago. I had the opportunity to check out one of Kelton's t-style guitars in a store recently, and was blown away by the quality and playability, and they remain in circulation on the used market. While other guitars are often made to look like vintage guitars, Kelton Swade guitars really feel and play like them as well. Kelton Swade was based in Nashville, and crafted hand-made authentic replicas of vintage guitars that have made it into the hands of greats such as Robben Ford and Keith Urban. Kelton Swade focused on Tele & Strat style guitars, and offered some of the most authentic-looking relicing work you’ll find anywhere. While the finish work on the body is one thing, it was the feel and playability of the neck and fretboard that really stood out on the model I tried. The attention to detail and craftsmanship that went into Kelton Swade guitars was simply awe-inspiring, and hopefully his name will at least live on in the used market. RIP Kelton Swade. [View Kelton Swade Guitars on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/3AdaKGu?ref=vividguitar.co) ### Let's Learn a riff URL: https://vividguitar.co/lets-learn-a-riff/ Last updated: 2025-03-11T16:19:50.000Z Today, let's learn a cool and ominous riff inspired by the [theme song](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPfJOUHXKAs&ref=vividguitar.co) from a somewhat obscure Italian crime film from 1969, *The Sicilian Clan (Il clan dei siciliani)*. This isn't meant to be an exact note-for-note transcription, and the goal isn't necessarily to memorize it, but it uses a picking pattern you can work on applying to various other progressions. Riff inspired by Il Clan Dei Siciliani 0:00 /30.855351 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/Inspired-by-Il-Clan-Dei-Siciliani.png) ### Jay Leonard J URL: https://vividguitar.co/jay-leonard-j/ Last updated: 2025-03-11T16:16:10.000Z ![Jay Leonard Jay - Image c/o Guitar.com](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/Jay-Leonard-J-guitar.jpg) Image c/o [Guitar.com](http://guitar.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) As a popular YouTube personality, producer, songwriter, and an outstanding award-winning guitar player, Vancouver, BC-based Jay Leonard Jay has been creating a buzz on stages and computer screens around the world. Jay Leonard J earned a from the Berklee College of Music, has performed at some of the world’s biggest venues (from the MGM Grand Arena to the Hong Kong Coliseum), has composed for films, and contributed to projects of many artists. In addition to being a super talented musician, Jay Leonard J has built a big following with his great product demos for some of the best brands in the musical instrument space. If you’ve ever browsed YouTube in search of a guitar-related gear review, you’ve likely stumbled across Jay Leonard J’s YouTube vids - and you likely stuck around for the full video and found yourself doing a deep dive into his vast YouTube catalog. His understanding of gear and tone is unmatched, and his energy and passion for guitar shines through on every video. ### Key Gear: - Lake Placid Blue Fender Custom Shop Telecaster with Bigsby (check out his [YouTube video about it](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROtIdPoDpBg&t=610s&ref=vividguitar.co)). Seriously one of the coolest teles you'll ever see. - 1968 Blonde Fender Telecaster with Bigsby - Yamaha Revstar Check him out on [Youtube](http://www.youtube.com/@JayLeonardJ?ref=vividguitar.co) and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jayleonardj/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) ### Fender Limited Edition American Professional II Thinline Telecaster and Stratocaster URL: https://vividguitar.co/fender-limited-edition-american-professional-ii-thinline-telecaster-and-stratocaster/ Last updated: 2025-03-11T16:15:15.000Z ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/Fender-Limited-Edition-thinline-.png) Fender's American Professional II line has been very popular since it's release in 2020, but their recently-released limited edition Thinlines seem to have largely flown under people's radar. While thinline Strats might not be everyone's thing from a visual standpoint, thinline Tele's have been staple since the late 1960's. In addition to lighter weight, thinlines have a bit of a more airy sound than solid bodies. While the specs are otherwise the same as the regular American Pro II line, these limited editions also stand out with some great transparent colors: Shell Pink, Surf Green, White Blonde, & Daphne Blue. The Teles have a maple fretboard, while the Strats have rosewood. The MSRP for these are $1,949.99, or check for used options on Reverb. **Key Features:** - Semi-hollow ash body for reduced weight and different tones - Rolled fretboard edges - Deep C neck - Gloss finish - 9.5" radius - Narrow Tall frets - Fender V-Mod single coil pickups - Push-Push Tone for Series Mode (which gives fatter, almost humbucker-ish tones) on the Teles and adds the neck pickup on the Strats. Check out [Fender's YouTube promo vid](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwlfBBQY2HQ&ref=vividguitar.co) or view on [Reverb](https://tidd.ly/4eRTR32?ref=vividguitar.co). ### Let's Learn a Chord Progression URL: https://vividguitar.co/lets-learn-a-chord-progression/ Last updated: 2025-03-11T16:13:54.000Z The goal here is to learn some jazzy chord voicings you might not be familiar with (or that your fingers might not naturally gravitate towards). The audio example is played at 85bpm, but start by playing it as slowly as you need to. These voicings are most easily played finger style (or a combination of pick and fingers). Guitar Progression in C 1 0:00 /14.158367 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/image-4.png) ### Rock Choi URL: https://vividguitar.co/rock-choi/ Last updated: 2025-03-11T16:11:01.000Z ![Guitarist Rock Choi](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/Rock-Choi.png) Originally from Seoul, South Korea, and currently studying at Berklee College of Music in the U.S., Rock Choi is an up-and-coming guitar player that needs to be on your radar. Rock’s creative rock and blues-inspired guitar playing caught the eyes of D’Angelico Guitars, and they frequently use him in their guitar demo videos. In Rock’s words (from an[ interview with Shoutout LA](https://shoutoutla.com/meet-rock-choi-guitarist/?ref=vividguitar.co)): “I always put serious obsession into my guitar playing and I research to improve my skills in order to make more musical characteristics and colors. It is all about attitude, consistent practice and obsession with creating my own guitar sound”. **Key Gear:** - D’Angelico Deluxe Mini DC - D’Angelico Deluxe Atlantic - Fender Stratocaster Check out the below demo vid he did for D'Angelico for a nice sample of his playing: Follow Rock online: [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/rockchoii/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/c/ROCKCHOI?ref=vividguitar.co) ### Patrick James Eggle Guitars URL: https://vividguitar.co/patrick-james-eggle-guitars/ Last updated: 2025-03-11T16:09:59.000Z ### ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/patrick-james-eggle-t-style-guitar.jpeg) Patrick James Eggle Oz With over 30 years of building guitars under his belt, Oswestry, England-based Patrick Eggle has perfected the craft, and is one of the premier luthiers in the world. Working with a small team of craftsmen, Patrick James Eggle Guitars produces a limited number of high-end electric guitars each year, aiming to produce guitars that are not only visually striking, but that also demonstrate superior play-ability and tone. Patrick has gained a reputation for designing and building some of the finest guitars in the world, attracting icons including Toni Iommi, Albert Lee, Graham Coxon, and Rory Gallagher to his guitars. While they produce a variety of styles of guitars built with impeccable craftsmanship, their '[Oz](https://www.eggle.co.uk/oz-series-1?ref=vividguitar.co)' T-Style guitars and the [Macon Series](https://www.eggle.co.uk/macon-series?ref=vividguitar.co) are some of our favorites. [Check out Patrick James Eggle Guitars](https://www.eggle.co.uk/?ref=vividguitar.co) ### F Minor Guitar Practice URL: https://vividguitar.co/f-minor-guitar-practice/ Last updated: 2025-03-11T16:09:05.000Z Let's practice over a jam track in the key of F minor. The Fm7, Gm7, & Ab chords are all in the key of Eb major, so the *F Dorian mode* would work well for soling over this. The C7#9 at the end of the phrase is a bit of an outlier. The C chord in the key of Eb is typically a minor chord, but playing it as a Dominant chord adds some flare here - and just sounds cool. Since the #9 note is Eb, F Dorian still works to play over this chord. Below is a jam track, the chord voicings used, and 1 position of the F Dorian Mode. Fm Jam 0:00 /201.72 1× ![Fmin Jam](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/Fmin-jam-1.png) ![F Dorian Mode](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/F-Dorian-1.png) ### Kellen Boersma URL: https://vividguitar.co/kellen-boersma/ Last updated: 2025-03-11T15:57:54.000Z ![Kellen Boersma Guitar - Image c/o Philamonjaro](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/09/O-PHILAMONJARO.webp) Image c/o Philamonjaro Seamlessly bouncing between chunky rhythm work, to *The Meters*\-style melodic lines - Kellen Boersma blends elements of rock, blues, r&b, and funk, into catchy, energetic and soulful grooves. Chicago-based Kellen Boersma has been making a name for himself in recent years as the guitar player in Neal Francis’s band, though he recently departed the band after a five-year run. While Neal Francis’ vocals and keyboard playing are often in the spotlight in his band, their retro-style soul and funk songs were propelled by the Infections grooves laid down on guitar by Kellen Boersma. While Boersma’s guitar work is showcased well on Francis’s studio albums, their live shows give Boersma plenty of space to let loose. We can't wait to see/hear what's next for Kellen. ### Key Gear: - 1962 Guild Starfire (with D’armond single coil pickups) - Silvertone guitar - 1960’s Ampeg Reverberocket 2 amp Check out the vid below for a great sample of his playing: ### Levinson Blade Guitars URL: https://vividguitar.co/levinson-blade-guitars/ Last updated: 2025-03-11T15:56:19.000Z ### ![Levinson Blade R3 guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/Monosnap-Levinson-Blade-R3-Candy-Apple-Red---Reverb-2024-10-01-13-39-28.png) Levinson Blade R3 Switzerland-based [Blade Guitars](http://www.bladeguitars.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) has been producing high-quality guitars and bass guitars since the 1980's, and is still going strong more than 3 decades later. Luthier Gary Levinson started repairing guitars in 1964, and what began as a hobby quickly grew into a passion. After doing guitar and violin repairs at a local shop while at the University of Illinois, he then set up a repair business with a friend. Artists including the Grateful Dead, Leo Kottke, and REO Speedwagon trusted them for guitar repair work when they came through the area on tour. After repairing guitars for over 2 decades, Levinson launched *Blade Guitars* in 1987 based on a concept he calls 'Classic Design, Creative Technology". Blade produces a wide range of guitars and basses that are played professionally around the world by the likes of greats such as Keb Mo, Bernard Allison, and many others. Blade's guitar models range from the telecaster-inspired Delta line, to the Strat-style Classic Series, to the modern look of the Durango series. Levinson Blade makes some incredibly high-quality guitars for very reasonable prices. Check out [Blade Guitars](http://www.bladeguitars.com/?ref=vividguitar.co), or find them on [Reverb](https://tidd.ly/3Zpb3YY?ref=vividguitar.co). ### ii V I in C Major Lesson URL: https://vividguitar.co/ii-v-i-in-c-major-lesson/ Last updated: 2025-03-11T15:54:36.000Z Let's practice the popular 'ii V I' chord progression. ii V I is the single most common chord progression used in jazz, and can be heard in standards like Autumn Leaves, Perdido, and countless others. The ii Chord wants to move forward to the V Chord, and the V Chord wants to resolve to the I chord. Think of it as Setup > Tension > Resolution. Below is a basic rhythm, but play around with varying it. Play the progression for several minutes straight, and then practice the below arpeggios for these chords. **Sample Chord Voicings** ![ii V I chords in C Major](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/09/ii-V-I-in-C-9-25-24.png) **Arpeggios for these voicings:** ![ii V I in C Major Arpeggios](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/06/Arpeggios1.png) **Example of connecting these:** ![ii V I in C Major Arpeggios](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/09/Monosnap-ii-V-I-in-C-.pdf-2024-09-25-10-31-27.png) ### Arpeggio Practice, Eddie Roberts, Maxey Archtops URL: https://vividguitar.co/arpeggio-practice-eddie-roberts-maxey-archtops/ Last updated: 2025-03-11T14:00:59.000Z [ ![](https://www.awin1.com/cshow.php?s=3776189&v=67144&q=504238&r=1519185) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?s=3776189&v=67144&q=504238&r=1519185&ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 If comparing yourself to other people is holding you back, unfollow them. Stop looking at it. You have to take drastic measures to progress in whatever you're doing. Get out there and make it happen. The music business is not a talent contest. It's an endurance contest. Get your foot in the door and squeeze the rest of your body through. - Guthrie Trapp ## Guitar Practice In several [past newsletter issues](https://vividguitar.co/tag/newsletter/) we worked on breaking up chords into arpeggios, but mostly focused on short chord progressions, and 2-octave arpeggios. Today, let's practice a different approach. Below, well go through all the diatonic chords in the key of G, using 1-octave arpeggios - all staying within in once scale position. **Here is the scale position we'll use:** ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/image-4.png) Below, we break it up into arpeggios. To form these chords, we're starting with the first note (G), and playing every other note from the scale. Then do the same thing with the 2nd note (A), and so on. We play these ascending and descending, and then alternating between ascending and descending. ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/image-2.png) --- ## Guitarist Spotlight ### Eddie Roberts ![Guitarist Eddie Roberts - Image Credit: Grateful Web](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/image-3.png) Image Credit: Grateful Web ### Who is Eddie Roberts? Eddie Roberts is a true funk powerhouse. As the guitarist for **The New Mastersounds** and **The Lucky Strokes**, he has spent decades playing tight, groovy, and soulful licks that make people want to dance. His style blends **blues, jazz, and funk**, mixing smooth technique with raw energy—kind of like **Grant Green meets Jimi Hendrix**. He has also toured and recorded with his band **Eddie Roberts’ West Coast Sounds**, and teamed up with **Robert Walter (Greyboy Allstars, 30th Congress)** and **Adam Deitch (Lettuce/Break Science)** in the group **W.R.D.**. ### The Backstory Born in the **UK**, Eddie fell in love with **jazz, blues, and soul music** at an early age. He played in different bands while developing his sound, but in the late ‘90s, he started **The New Mastersounds**. Inspired by classic ‘60s funk and soul, the band created a tight, high-energy groove that quickly gained a huge following. ### What Makes His Playing Special? - **Pure groove** – Every note counts. No wasted space. - **Jazz meets blues meets funk** – The perfect mix of skill and feel. - **Amazing tone** – Warm, punchy, and full of vintage soul. ### Why You Should Care Eddie Roberts doesn’t rely on flashy solos or crazy speed—he plays to **make you move**. His live shows with **The New Mastersounds** are packed with energy, fun, and deep grooves. If you like bands like **Soulive, Grant Green, James Brown, Lettuce, or The Greyboy Allstars**, you’ll love **The New Mastersounds**. ### Keys to Eddie's Sound - Uses a heavy pick and heavy strings (D’Addario .014 to .052) - Uses a lot of both left & right hand muting - He picks every note, and doesn't use any hammer-ons or pull-offs. - Uses half-step slides often ### Influences - Grant Green - Wes Montgomery - George Benson ### Key Gear - 1965 Gibson 330 hollowbody guitar with P90 pickups - Fender Twin Reverb amp - Dunlop Crybaby wah - EP Booster pedal ### Recommended Listening - **The New Mastersounds**: The Nashville Session (Vols 1 and 2) - **The New Mastersounds**: Made for Pleasure - **Eddie Robert's West Coast Sounds**: It's About Time - **W.R.D.**: The Hit ### Check out Eddie Roberts [The New Mastersounds](https://www.newmastersounds.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/theeddieroberts/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/EddieRobertsRoughneck/) --- ## Gear Showcase ### Maxey Archtops ![Maxey Archtop Guitars](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/Maxey-Archtops.png) ### What is Maxey Archtops? Maxey Archtops makes high-quality, hand-carved guitars for serious musicians who want incredible sound, a smooth feel, and a stunning design. Founded by guitarist Josh Maxey, this boutique guitar brand focuses on creating some of the most responsive and expressive instruments available today. ### The Story Josh Maxey isn’t just a guitar builder—he’s also a jazz guitarist, teacher, and passionate music fan. He grew up in Roanoke, Virginia, and started playing guitar at 12 years old. He later attended The New School in New York City, where he earned a degree in Jazz Performance and studied with well-known musicians like Rodney Jones and Charles Tolliver. Since 2003, Josh has been a full-time guitar teacher, offering [online](https://www.joshmaxey.com/guitar-heads-school?ref=vividguitar.co) and in-person lessons in Denver, Colorado. As a recording artist, he has released over 10 albums, with his music played on jazz radio stations worldwide. After years of performing and teaching, Josh founded Maxey Archtops to bring together classic archtop designs with modern playability. To create these guitars, Josh works with skilled builders in Beijing, China—small, top-tier workshops known for their world-class craftsmanship. Once the guitars are built, they are sent to their California warehouse, where the final setup, including fretwork and electronics adjustments, is completed. ### Key Guitar Models - **GH1 & GH3** – A small-body archtop inspired by Paul Languedoc. It features a 13” bout, 24 frets, and a 25.5” scale length, with cutaway horns for easy access to higher frets. Built using traditional archtop methods. - **Lark** – A fully hollow, single-cutaway archtop with a 13” body. It includes Seymour Duncan ’59 pickups, offering a wide range of tones. - **Night Owl** – A double-cutaway archtop with a unique design. It comes with a spruce top and maple back and sides, or a fully curly maple body. This model features Seymour Duncan ’59 humbuckers with series, parallel, and split-coil options for extra versatility. ### What Makes Them Special? - **Handcrafted, high-end guitars** – No mass production, just expert craftsmanship. - **Premium materials, incredible tone** – Built for deep resonance and long-lasting sustain. - **Designed for serious musicians** – Whether you’re a jazz guitarist or a tone enthusiast, these guitars deliver exceptional sound. ### Why You Should Care Maxey Archtops are made for musicians who want a well-built, lifetime guitar with warm, rich, and full jazz tones. If you're looking for something different from the big-name brands, these guitars are a fantastic choice! ### Check Out Maxey Archtops [Website](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://maxeyarchtops.com/&ved=2ahUKEwiHycGnh4CMAxW-j4kEHUCRAQ0QFnoECA8QAQ&usg=AOvVaw271A14fOQlpuFnquy%5FPF67) | [Instagram](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.instagram.com/maxeyarchtops/&ved=2ahUKEwjvoaK4h4CMAxWArYkEHdAXIQkQFnoECBwQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2LVNr6FSs7yKY6M8FIfTO5) | [Facebook](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.facebook.com/MaxeyArchtops/&ved=2ahUKEwi0wam%5Fh4CMAxWbtokEHcbbKHwQFnoECBwQAQ&usg=AOvVaw345lAAy8ENhRvCxutelTgv) --- ## News & Notes ![Taylor Super Auditorium Acoustic Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/image.png) Taylor Super Auditorium Acoustic Guitar - **Taylor** released a new [Super Auditorium](https://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/features/shapes/super-auditorium?ref=vividguitar.co) acoustic guitar. Part of their high-end 800 series, it's a new take on their signature *Grand Auditorium* body shape. It's designed for rich, deep low-end response with round, woody trebles, and to respond well to soft or hard playing. - **Gibson** announced new [acoustic Special models](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/Collection/gibson-acoustic-specials?ref=vividguitar.co) \- American-made Gibson acoustics sold at a lower price point than most other Gibson acoustic models. The *Special* models are built with all-solid tonewoods, have satin nitrocellulose lacquer finishes, & include L.R. Baggs electronics. - **Fender** started selling [aftermarket guitar necks](https://prf.hn/l/jXpgBOJ/?ref=vividguitar.co) from their American Vintage II line. - **Gibson** announced a new [Firebird Platypus](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/p/Electric-Guitar/Firebird-Platypus/Tobacco-Sunburst?ref=vividguitar.co) guitar model; offered in 3 finishes. - **Jimmy Page** criticized the UK Government about new [Artificial Intelligence proposals](https://www.guitarworld.com/artists/jimmy-age-on-ai-uk-government?ref=vividguitar.co), saying the technology is exploiting musicians. - **Fender** is offering a bunch of free upgrades to its [Mod Shop](https://fender.prf.hn/click/camref:1101l49CxX/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fender.com%2Fen-US%2Fmod-shop.html?ref=vividguitar.co), including deluxe locking tuners, Shawbucker humbucker pickups, and a white blonde chambered ash body. --- ## Book Recommendation ### The Practical Guide to Modern Music Theory for Guitarists Looking to brush up on your music theory knowledge? *The Practical Guide to Modern Music Theory for Guitarists* is a really useful book. While there are a lot of general music the makes it much more beneficial than just learning general concepts. It does a good job at breaking things down into small chunks, and you can take your time and work through it at your own pace. ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/03/Modern-Music-Theory.jpg) #### [View on Amazon](https://amzn.to/41AgXpv?ref=vividguitar.co) --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Jam Track, Daniel Ögren, DiPinto Guitars URL: https://vividguitar.co/jam-track-daniel-ogren-dipinto-guitars/ Last updated: 2025-03-04T15:00:39.000Z [ ![](https://www.awin1.com/cshow.php?s=3776189&v=67144&q=504238&r=1519185) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?s=3776189&v=67144&q=504238&r=1519185&ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 Think of it this way: music is not what we do; music is the result of what we do. We play music, but we practice movement. - Tom Heany, author, [First, Learn to Practice](https://amzn.to/41jk7is?ref=vividguitar.co) ## Guitar Practice Let practice over a jam track. Here, we have a **ii iii IV V** progression in the key of **F Major**. Since we're not actually playing an F chord, we can think of this more as being in **G minor** \- specifically built around the **G Dorian Mode**. Practice playing the chords, and then the arpeggios for these chords to help learn the chord tones. Then practice playing the Dorian Mode over the backing track. Ii iii IV V Triads in G Minor 0:00 /480.07835 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/02/ii-iii-IV-V-Triads-in-F-Major.png) ### Chord Voicings ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/02/ii-iii-IV-V-triads-in-G-Minor-chords.png) ### Arpeggios ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/02/ii-iii-IV-V-triads-in-F-Major-arpeggios.png) ### G Dorian Mode ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/02/G-Dorian-Mode.png) --- ## Guitarist Spotlight ### Daniel Ögren ![Guitarist Daniel Ögren](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/02/Daniel-Ogren.jpg) ### Who is Daniel Ögren? Daniel Ögren is one of those guitarists who flies under the radar but blows your mind once you hear him. His music is dreamy, melodic, and totally hypnotic, blending jazz, folk, and cinematic soundscapes into something uniquely his own. Whether he’s playing solo or collaborating, his guitar work is subtle and expressive, yet packed with emotion. 💬 "I strive for telling stories and explore sounds / noise / chords in a rhythmic way. Everything has a rhythm and that is music to me." - Daniel Ögren ([c/o 15questions.net](https://15questions.net/interview/fifteen-questions-interview-daniel-ogren/page-1/?ref=vividguitar.co)) ### The Backstory Hailing from Sweden, Daniel Ögren isn’t just a guitarist—he’s a composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist who treats music like an open canvas. He started as a session musician, then moved on to composing his own music (and has released 10 albums in a pretty short period of time). His albums feel like soundtracks to beautiful, unknown movies, with warm guitar tones, lush arrangements, and just the right amount of weirdness to keep things interesting. ### What Makes His Music Special? - **Signature sound** – Blends folk, jazz, and ambient textures into something completely fresh. - **Cinematic feel** – His songs don’t just sound good—they create different moods that ransport you somewhere. - **Understated but brilliant** – No flashy shredding, just pure, intentional, soulful playing. ### Why You Should Care If you’re into artists like Tommy Guerrero, Khruangbin, or Air, you need to check out Daniel Ögren. His music is the perfect mix of chill, groovy, and slightly mysterious. Whether you're working, driving, or just relaxing, his music serves as a great soundtrack. ### Influences Pat Metheny, Stevie Wonder, Vincent Gallo, Ennio Morricone, Rune Gustafsson ### **Key Gear** - Ibanez 2355 archtop guitar - Danelectro Electric Sitar - TC Electronic Pitch modulation - Roland amp - Fender Deluxe Reverb amp ### **Recommended Albums** - Pine - Fastingen -92 ### **Check out** Daniel Ögren [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/danielogren/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/danielogrenmusic/) | [Bandcamp](https://danielogren.bandcamp.com/album/fastingen-92?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Gear Showcase ### DiPinto Guitars ![DiPinto Guitars](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/02/DiPinto-Guitars.png) ### What is DiPinto Guitars? Philadelphia, PA DiPinto Guitars is a small family-owned company churning out some of the most creative and original guitar and bass designs you’ll find anywhere. DiPinto Guitars is for players who want something bold, different, and downright cool. Founded by luthier Chris DiPinto, this brand is all about retro-futuristic designs, great playability, and vintage vibes with modern reliability. ### The Story Founded in 1995 as a repair shop, the store slowly evolved into a showroom specializing in oddball vintage guitars and Chris DiPinto's own guitar creations. Over the years, DiPinto has grown to include a full scale guitar manufacturing operation while still operating the original retail outlet. DiPinto's guitar models are inspired by the wild, space-age designs of the ‘60s - guitars that look like they stepped out of a time machine, but play like a dream. ### What Makes Them Special? - **Retro-cool designs** – Think offset bodies, funky pickguards, and major ‘60s & ‘70s vibes. - **Built to perform** – Classic look, modern reliability. - **Artists love them** – Played by legends like Jack White, Dick Dale, Kurt Vile, Kyp (TV On The Radio), and even The B-52s. ### Why You Should Care If you want a guitar that sounds killer, plays smooth, and looks like no one else’s, DiPinto Guitars is are a great option. ### Check out DiPinto Guitars [Website](https://www.dipintoguitars.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/dipintoguitars/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/dipintoguitars/) --- ## Trending ![New additions to the Gibson Mod Collection](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/02/image-18.png) New additions to the Gibson Mod Collection - **Gibson** added some cool new models to their [Mod Collection](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/Collection/gibson-mod?ref=vividguitar.co): SG Standard Crimson Diablo, Les Paul Standard 50s Phlox Top, 1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue Northern Sky, & ES-335 Metallic Cyan Satin. - **Rick Beato** [posted a new interview](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlzuPGQNahc&ref=vividguitar.co) with the great bluegrass guitarist **Billy Strings**. - To celebrate their 70th anniversary, retailer **Thomann Music** partnered with **Supro** for a couple limited edition colors of their popular **Delta King 12** amp: [Burgundy & Cream](https://www.thomannmusic.com/supro%5Fdelta%5Fking%5F12%5Fcombo%5Fwine%5Fbuggy.htm?ref=vividguitar.co) and [Emerald & Cream](https://www.thomannmusic.com/supro%5Fdelta%5Fking%5F12%5Fcombo%5Femerland.htm?ref=vividguitar.co). - The **Chasing Tone Podcast** was joined by session legend Tim Pierce to chat about his gear choices and his amazing career. [Apple](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chasing-tone-guitar-podcast-about-gear-effects-amps/id891802835?i=1000696332296&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Qnm29JnIgW3B7hp1skZ4b?si=RPV4Ml0nREmZhowwHpp4iQ&ref=vividguitar.co) - **Music Radar** dug into **Steve Vai**'s [rig for the BEAT tour](https://www.musicradar.com/artists/it-is-beautiful-its-clean-and-it-works-great-and-it-does-everything-i-need-steve-vai-shows-us-just-whats-needed-to-play-80s-king-crimson-has-he-offers-tour-of-his-custom-built-beat-rig?ref=vividguitar.co). --- ## Currently Spinning in the Office: ### Josh Ritter (with Bill Frisell): Heaven, or Someplace as Nice ![Josh Ritter (with Bill Frisell): Heaven, or Someplace as Nice Guitar Album](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/02/image-17.png) --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward it to guitar player friends that might dig it.🤘 ### Double Stops, Brad Barr, Moar Guitars URL: https://vividguitar.co/double-stops-brad-barr-moar-guitars/ Last updated: 2025-02-27T21:08:38.000Z [ ![](https://www.awin1.com/cshow.php?s=3776189&v=67144&q=504238&r=1519185) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?s=3776189&v=67144&q=504238&r=1519185&ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 You go through the complex to get to the simple. - Steve Lacy, saxophonist and composer ## Guitar Practice ### String-Skipping Double Stops In the [last issue](https://vividguitar.co/dynamic-double-stops-jack-waugh-yamaha-sa2200/), we looked at ways to use scale patterns to create double stops. Today, let's take double stops & diads a step further. Instead of playing notes on adjacent strings, we'll skip strings. The layout of a guitar fretboard can sometimes work against us, and box us into using certain patterns. With double stops, we can use those patterns to our advantage, and come up with sounds that are tough to replicate on a lot of other instruments. Run through the below examples, and then try to apply this concept to other scales and in different keys. ### Example 1 In this example, we take the popular **Minor Pentatonic Scale** (1, b3, 4, 5, b7), playing 2 notes at a time, while skipping strings. A Minor Pentatonic Diads 0:00 /6.855351 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/02/image-14.png) ### Example 2 A **Blues Scale** is a minor pentatonic scale, but with an added b5 note (1–♭3–4–♭5–5–♭7). Playing the blues scale this way results in some dissonance, which gives it a darker sound. This example combines 2 blues scale patterns between the 5th and 12th frets. A Blues Scale Diads 0:00 /13.712494 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/02/image-15.png) ### Example 3 This last example uses a **Bb** **Major Scale**, but also switches things up a bit, as we're not playing the notes in order from low to high as we did in the first 2 examples. Bb Major Scale Diads 0:00 /6.855351 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/02/image-16.png) --- ## Guitarist Spotlight ### Brad Barr ![Guitarist Brad Barr - Image Credit: Guitar World](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/02/Brad-Barr-Guitar.jpg) Image Credit: Guitar World ### Who is Brad Barr? Brad Barr is the kind of guitarist who makes you stop mid-conversation and say, *“Whoa, who is this?”* He’s the mastermind behind **The Barr Brothers** and **The Slip**, blending folk, blues, and indie rock into something totally unique. Brad combines a hypnotic fingerpicking style with passionate singing & songwriting in a way that lures you in. 💬 “The guitar was this mysterious thing I couldn’t quite make work. When I can’t do something, I really want to learn how to do it, so the challenge of that kept me going." - Brad Barr (c/o [GuitarWorld](https://www.guitarworld.com/features/brad-barr-the-winter-mission?ref=vividguitar.co)) ### The Backstory Born in Rhode Island, Brad started jamming with his drummer brother Andrew early on, and by the ‘90s, they had a band—**The Slip**. It was jazz, rock, improv, and whatever else they felt like throwing in. In addition to being known for their live shows, The Slip released a number of great albums, including the jam-heavy *From the Gecko (1997)*, the jazz-jazz-focused *Does (2000)*, and the indie-sounding *Eisenhower (2006).* ### The Montreal Pivot Then, Brad made a bold move—Montreal. He and Andrew teamed up with harpist Sarah Pagé (yes, a harpist), and **The Barr Brothers** were born. Suddenly, their music got even *bigger*—cinematic, emotional, and packed with raw storytelling. Songs like *Beggar in the Morning* and *Even the Darkness Has Arms* put them on the map in a big way. ### Solo Vibes Beyond the bands, Brad’s solo work (*The Fall Apartment (2008)*, *The Winter Mission (2022)* is like stepping into his personal headspace—deep, atmospheric, and real. Whether he’s playing solo or with a group, there’s something about his music that just hits different. ### Why You Should Care Over the past 25+ years, Brad & his bands have built up a big catalog of music that has stood the test of time, and is a joy to listen to (note to Brad: we'd love to see more of the The Slip's older albums up on the streaming services. 😎) No gimmicks, no trends—just pure, intentional, and ridiculously good guitar work and inspiring songwriting. ### **Influences** John McLaughlin, Wes Mongomery, Bill Frisell, Angus Young, The Grateful Dead, The Allman Brothers ### Key Gear - Gibson SG Special with P90 pickups - Ibanez Les Paul-style guitar - 1954 Gibson ES-175 hollowbody - 1960's Guild Starfire V - 1951 Gibson J-45 ### **Recommended Listening:** - The Barr Brothers: Self Titled - Brad Barr: The Winter Mission - The Slip: Eisenhower ### **Check out Brad Barr:** [Barr Brothers Website](http://thebarrbrothers.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/bradbarr216/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Gear Showcase ### Moar Guitars ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/02/Moar-Guitars.jpg) ### What is Moar Guitars? Copenhagen, Denmark-based Moar Guitars is the work of independent luthier Dan Presencer. Dan crafts high-quality, custom-built guitars that look, feel, and sound absolutely killer. ### What Makes Them Special? - **Custom-built, premium quality** – Moar Guitars is focused on unique and bold guitars that blend style with function.. - **Looks that turn heads** – In addition to guitars that sound great, Moar is making some guitar models that look insanely cool. - **Truly custom builds** – Moar Guitars offers various woods, hardware, pickups, and body shapes, and works to build people's dream guitar. ### Why You Should Care With models including the T-style *Morty*, to offset models, and the ergonomic standout design of the *Wayfair*, Moar Guitars works closely with guitarists to craft a guitar tailored exactly to each player’s specifications. Dan Presencer has built a reputation as one of the world's best luthiers, and has a legion of fans that confirm his guitars live up to the hype. ### **Check out Moar Guitars:** [Website](https://moarguitars.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/moarguitars/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/moarguitars) --- ## Trending ![Gretsch Electromatic Flame Okoume Broadkaster Jr.](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/02/image-13.png) Gretsch Electromatic Flame Okoume Broadkaster Jr. - Pre-orders for a new **Gretsch** [Electromatic Flame Okoume Broadkaster & Broadkaster Jr.](https://tidd.ly/3WYxulN?ref=vividguitar.co) started popping up at select retailers. It has a thin "U"-shaped mahogany neck with a 12" radius rosewood fingerboard, USA Full'Tron humbucking pickups, a Graph Tech NuBone nut, and a Bigsby B70 vibrato tailpiece. Offered in Roundup Orange finish for $1,299\. Expected to ship in July or August. - **Boss** released the [**Katana:GO**](https://tidd.ly/4gO0Nyh?ref=vividguitar.co) Headphone Guitar Amplifier. It features 10 guitar amp types, 3 bass amp types, over 60 effects, and the ability to record tracks using your favorite music production software. MSRP: $129.99 - **Gibson** released a [Brian May Signature SJ-200](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/p/Acoustic-Guitar/Brian-May-SJ-200-12-String/Vintage-Sunburst?ref=vividguitar.co) 12-String acoustic guitar. - **Seymour Duncan** announced a new **Joe Bonamassa** [“Greenburst” Stratocaster® Pickup Set](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1h8UlrV50Y&ref=vividguitar.co). - **Gibson** introduced the the [Eric Clapton 1958 Les Paul Custom](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/p/Electric-Guitar/Eric-Clapton-1958-Les-Paul-Custom/Ebony?ref=vividguitar.co) guitar. - The **Play Guitar Podcast** posted a new episode about building confidence with improvised solos. [Apple](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/play-guitar-podcast/id1341900209?i=1000693928637&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/1liKmv7nRq5u6XwktUwh7U?si=pJbs42dHT7OPQYEyXo4zew&ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Currently Spinning in the Office: ### Sly & The Family Stone: Sly Lives! (aka the Burden of Black Genius) Soundtrack to the new [documentary](https://press.hulu.com/shows/sly-lives-aka-the-burden-of-black-genius/?ref=vividguitar.co) by the same name ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/02/image-12.png) --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward it to guitar player friends that might dig it.🤘 ### Dynamic Double Stops, Jack Waugh, Yamaha SA2200 URL: https://vividguitar.co/dynamic-double-stops-jack-waugh-yamaha-sa2200/ Last updated: 2025-02-18T15:00:57.000Z [ ![](https://www.awin1.com/cshow.php?s=3776189&v=67144&q=504238&r=1519185) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?s=3776189&v=67144&q=504238&r=1519185&ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 Break down your practice time on your instrument into blocks. Plan to spend a certain amount of time just playing and improvising. If you only have an hour to practice in a single sitting, this open playing could just be ten minutes at the beginning of your practice session and another ten at the end. This leaves forty minutes of that first hour to really work on specifics. Real gains will be made when you devote some of your available practice time specific tasks like improvisation strategies or exercises, focused ear training, and transcribing and learning the solos by great players on your recordings. - Andy McWainn ## Guitar Practice ### Dynamic Double Stops A double stop on guitar is two notes played at the same time. They are also known as diads. You can think of them as *partial chords*, as chords technically have to contain 3 notes. Double stops are a great way to add some color to your playing - both when playing lead and comping, and were a bit part of the arsenal of guitarists like Jimi Hendrix and B.B. King. This first example sounds like something jazz guitarist Julian Lage might work into a song or improvisation. This is based purely on notes from the C Major Scale, but playing it this way makes it sound quite different than just running through a major scale. C Major Double Stops 0:00 /7.382675 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/02/image-7.png) In the second example, we take the familiar *A minor pentatonic* *scale,* andharmonize it by playing 2 notes at a time. A minor Pentatonic Double Stops 0:00 /7.382675 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/02/image-8.png) This final example is straight out of the Allman Brothers playbook. Even being a 2-guitarist band didn't stop greats like Dickey Betts from using double stops to create an even fuller sound. Allmans Style Double Stop 0:00 /5.998435 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/02/image-9.png) --- ## Guitarist Spotlight ### Jack Waugh ![Jack Waugh Guitar - Image Credit: Bold Journey](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/02/c-1718932108678-jack_waugh_img_1074_auto_x2-4.jpg) Image Credit: Bold Journey Jack Waugh is a talented guitarist and composer based in Washington, D.C., known for his dynamic fusion of jazz, rock, Americana, and more. Jack earned a B.F.A. in Jazz Performance from the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York City 2017, studying with acclaimed educators and musicians including Ari Hoenig, Barry Harris, Gilad Hekselman, Jonathan Kreisberg, and Ben Eunson. Jack recently debuted his new Americana-jazz fusion trio project: "Jack Waugh's Americanaland". They released their first EP, *Americanaland* in 2024\. The 4 instrumental songs showcase Jack's knack for creative melodies and dynamic guitar playing. Jack believes the key to his sound is studying various genres, including modern jazz, rock, Americana, classical, bluegrass, blues, and pop. > “I play music because it’s able to transcend societal barriers and take listeners, as well as myself, to a place of unity and infinite consciousness.” - Jack Waugh Beyond his performance career, Jack is dedicated to education as an adjunct professor of jazz guitar at Towson University, where he specializes in jazz, improvisation-centered music, and popular Western music styles. **Jack's list of 3 important qualities for guitarists to develop (c/o** [**boldjourney.com**](https://boldjourney.com/meet-jack-waugh/?ref=vividguitar.co)**):** 1\. **Good ears** – must have for musicians 2\. **Spiritual connection**\- knowing your purpose and being able bypass your ego both when you play and when you think about what you want to accomplish as a musician 3\. **Dedication**\- practicing consistently, tenaciously, but also with specific intention is important Jack Waugh continues to push creative boundaries and inspire audiences, and if he wasn't on your radar - he should be. **Key Gear:** - Reverend Guitar (unclear of the exact model, but it appears to be from their RA series) - Gibson ES Guitar - Yamaha Revstar **Check out Jack's song Prairie Dog:** **Check out Jack Waugh:** [Website](https://music.jackwaughmusic.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jackwaughmusic/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8eC0CGlFcVareW4EH4G3PA?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/jackwaughmusic) --- ## Gear Showcase ### Yamaha SA2200 ![Yamaha SA2200](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/02/Yamaha-SA2200-copy.jpg) Yamaha is the biggest musical instrument company in the world, but somehow often gets overlooked by many guitar players. Those who own their instruments know that Yamaha makes some of the highest quality-instruments you'll find anywhere, and their consistency and quality assurance is arguably second to none. While Yamaha might be a bit better known for their acoustics than electrics, their semi-hollow body, ES-335-style SA2200 is an incredible guitar. Made in Japan, the SA2200 features a 16" laminated sycamore body with a maple center block to reduce feedback, a mahogany neck, and smooth-playing ebony fingerboard. The guitar has a pair of Yamaha alnico V humbucking pickups - both which are splittable with the tone knobs. These pickups are pretty high output (which they need to be to allow for coil splitting), but are easily tamed with the volume control. The SA2200 is also known for having a bit of a brighter tone than similar guitars such as the Gibson ES-335 and Ibanez AS2000, but the tone control offers plenty of flexibility. The SA2200 features the impeccable craftsmanship Yamaha is known for, and is offered in Violin Sunburst and Brown Sunburst finishes. **Key Features:** - 16" body bout width - 24 3/4” Scale Length - 1 11/16” bone nut - Ebony fretboard with abalone split-block inlays - 2 Humbucker pickups with coil spitting - Medium C mahogany neck, measuring roughly .860” at the 1st fret; .915” at the 12th fret - Gloss finish Check out the [Yamaha SA2200](https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical%5Finstruments/guitars%5Fbasses/el%5Fguitars/hollow%5Fbody/index.html?ref=vividguitar.co), or [view it on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/4hF6UGz?ref=vividguitar.co). --- ## Trending ![Limited Edition Affinity Series® Telecaster® Thinline in Lake Placid Blue](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/02/image-11.png) Limited Edition Affinity Series® Telecaster® Thinline - **Fender** released a number of new [web-exclusive guitar colors](https://fender.prf.hn/click/camref:1101l49CxX/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fender.com%2Fen-US%2Fweb-exclusive%2F?ref=vividguitar.co), especially for their **Squier** Affinity line. - **Fender** is also having a [20% off sale](https://fender.prf.hn/click/camref:1101l49CxX/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fender.com%2Fen-US%2Felectric-series%2Famerican-performer%2F?ref=vividguitar.co) on their American Performer line (only in the US) for Presidents Day. - **Gibson** updated it's lineup of [Studio acoustic guitars](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/Collection/gibson-acoustic-studio-series?ref=vividguitar.co) to include walnut and rosewood-body versions. The SJ-200 Studio, Hummingbird Studio, and J-45 Studio guitars have been updated with full-depth bodies for full-bodied tone and, and come finished in nitrocellulose lacquer. - **Louder** posted a new short [interview with Joe Satriani](https://www.loudersound.com/features/joe-satriani-g3-reunion?ref=vividguitar.co), - **Grace Bowers** joined Cory Wong's Wong Notes podcast, discussing the ups, downs, and detours of her career. [Apple](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wong-notes/id1513405224?i=1000691421977&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/4XaBr1IkhXhz8eEEXtDacS?si=NDASAr0HSG2TE8P4b3mhEg&ref=vividguitar.co) - Rockabilly guitar icon **Brian Setzer** said he's [unable to play guitar](https://www.guitarworld.com/artists/guitarists/brian-setzer-autoimmune-disease-diagnosis?ref=vividguitar.co) due to a newly diagnosed autoimmune disease. ## Currently Spinning in the Office: ### Jake Xerxes Fussell: Out of Sight [Apple Music](https://music.apple.com/us/album/out-of-sight/1454846740?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/7MdG2fvUTJJhIiLP8NowHF?ref=vividguitar.co) ![Jake Xerxes Fussell: Out of Sight](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/02/image-6.png) --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Chord Progression, Billy Strings, Snark Tuner URL: https://vividguitar.co/chord-progression-billy-strings-snark-guitar-tuner/ Last updated: 2025-02-11T17:51:12.000Z [ ![](https://www.awin1.com/cshow.php?s=3776189&v=67144&q=504238&r=1519185) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?s=3776189&v=67144&q=504238&r=1519185&ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 “The artist who aims at perfection in everything achieves it in nothing.” - Eugene Delacroix ## Guitar Practice ### Let's Learn a Progression Today, we have a short chord progression to learn. It's basically a quick, repeating GM7 > EM7 progression, but we jazz it up with some different chord voicings. The first Emaj9 chord has a particularly tricky stretch. The E chords also use some (optoinal) open strings. In the example audio track, I played it fingerstyle with my right hand. G to E Chord Progression 0:00 /24.391395 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-59.png) --- ## Guitarist Spotlight ### Billy Strings ![Billy Strings - Image c/o Alma Reed](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/02/Billy-Strings.jpeg) Image c/o Alma Reed With lightning-fast picking, a genre-blending style, soulful singing, and great songwriting, Billy Strings has taken the bluegrass world by storm in recent years. ***An overnight success story nearly 30 years in the making*** Born William Lee Apostol in 1992, Billy Strings started playing guitar at age 4\. He was nicknamed "Billy Strings" by his aunt due to his remarkable talent with stringed instruments. A few decades later, that name is gracing the marquee of sold-out arenas and amphitheaters around the world. Raised in Michigan, Billy was introduced to bluegrass early on by his stepfather, Terry Barber - an amateur bluegrass musician who was into legends like Doc Watson, Bill Monroe, and Tony Rice. Even though he grew up surrounded by bluegrass, Billy was also drawn to rock and metal, playing in punk and indie bands as a teenager. When he returned to bluegrass, he didn't just stick to tradition - he brought that same high-energy, no-rules attitude with him. Billy infused his music with jam-band energy, and a bit of psychedelic flair. His fiery live performances quickly gained attention, and he grew a passionate fan base - largely through word-of-mouth. Through constant touring, Billy had built up a pretty significant (but still relatively underground) following. He had released a couple more traditional bluegrass albums (including a release of fiddle tunes with Don Julin), but it was his 2019 album *Home* that was his breakout release. His guitar playing had always been there, but he took his songwriting to another level with the batch of songs written for that album. *Home* went on to win the Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album, putting Billy on the map - not only in the bluegrass world, but showcasing him to a broader market of music fans. His follow-up album, *Renewal* (2021), pushed the boundaries even further, incorporating everything from psychedelic rock to deep, introspective storytelling. His most recent release, *Highway Prayers (2024)* has a bit of a return to more traditional bluegrass, while still showcasing Billy's infectious songwriting. Billy remains deeply connected to his roots, often paying tribute to the legends who inspired him while forging his own path forward. Whether he’s shredding through a fast-paced instrumental, delivering a heartfelt ballad, or jamming for extended improvisational stretches, he plays with an intensity and passion that few can match. With a devoted fan base, sold-out shows, and a fearless approach to music, Billy Strings isn’t just carrying the torch for bluegrass—he’s lighting the way for a whole new generation. **Key Gear (**[**check out a Rig Rundown vid with Premier Guitar**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWp9Ha0gWfY&pp=ygUZYmlsbHkgc3RyaW5ncyByaWcgcnVuZG93bg%3D%3D&ref=vividguitar.co)**):** - Preston Thompson custom dreadnought guitar - 1948 Martin D-28 - Blue Chip TP48 pick - D'Addario XS Phosphor Bronze 13-56 strings - Chase Bliss mood pedal - Kemper Profiler modeling amp - Voodoo Lab Sparkle Drive - Electro-Harmonix Micro POG - MXR Bass Envelope Filter - DigiTech Polara reverb - Jam Pedals Waterfall Check out Billy's song *Gild the Lily*: **Check out Billy Strings**: [Website](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.billystrings.com/&ved=2ahUKEwj7h8i%5Fk62LAxUTElkFHfIqBHMQFnoECFcQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2-GmTrHuhO1NHiNphzb783) | [Instagram](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.instagram.com/billystrings/%3Fhl%3Den&ved=2ahUKEwik4rjKk62LAxV-FlkFHU4JECsQFnoECCgQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3v71rImI5FdidymCzJthM2) | [Facebook](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.facebook.com/billystrings1/&ved=2ahUKEwj1qKvVk62LAxW9FVkFHf33L8QQFnoECCYQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2y0kuEp1tzDc0fdTP3tiJk) --- ## Gear Showcase ### Snark Clip-On Tuner ![Snark Clip On Guitar Tuner](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/02/image-2.png) While this section usually features guitars, amps, and guitar effects, today we're looking at a small item that goes for around only $14.99, that can make guitarists' lives easier. Gone are the days of pitch pipes, tuning to an audible sound, and tuners you plug into with a cable. With the Snark tuner, you simply clip it on your guitar's headstock and turn it on. It automatically detects what string/note you're trying to tune. As you turn the tuner knobs on your guitar, Snark's lit-up color screen shows red if you're below pitch, green when tuned accurately, and yellow if you're tuned too high. ![Snark Tuner on Guitar Headstock](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/02/image-5.png) **Snark Tuner Features:** - Excellent accuracy - Works for Acoustic, Electric and Bass, and Violin - Display Rotates 360 Degrees - Stay-put clip that won't damage your guitar's finish. **Check out the** [**Snark Tuner**](https://amzn.to/3XeqIZp?ref=vividguitar.co) There is also a [Super Snark](https://amzn.to/4hNC3r6?ref=vividguitar.co) version that has longer battery life and vulcanized rubber joints for longevity, and a [Super Tight](https://amzn.to/3EoVHeq?ref=vividguitar.co) version. --- ## Trending ![Fender Standard Series - Image credit: Fender](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/02/image-1.png) Fender Standard Series - Image credit: Fender - **Guitar World** [chatted with Fender’s EVP of Product Justin Norvell](https://www.guitarworld.com/gear/electric-guitars/why-fender-is-building-the-standard-series-in-indonesia?ref=vividguitar.co) to talk about their decision to start producing their new Standard Series line of guitars in Indonesia. Opening up building in other countries could be a sign of them getting ahead of threatened tariffs on Chinese and Mexican imports to the U.S. - especially for models where they're trying to keep prices low. It will be interesting to see how their Standard Series competes with similar-priced guitars from Squier (which Fender also owns). - **Gibson** expanded their [Murphy Lab](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/Collection/the-gibson-murphy-lab-acoustic?ref=vividguitar.co) acoustic guitar collection with some heavy-aged vintage recreations. - **Behringer** introduced a new [B-TRON III](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z41CTFLSOt8&ref=vividguitar.co) envelope filter pedal. - The **Know Your Gear Podcast** released an episode discussing more guitar companies merging, and 2025 NAMM gear. [Apple](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/know-your-gear-podcast/id1252877095?i=1000689400621&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/0YTSkTKv8r5JO4QCf6QZWb?si=R9zaZLXsTTeMNIH75rYtiA&ref=vividguitar.co) - **Gibson** released a Falcon 20 12W 1x12 Combo Amp in Black Taurus - exclusive to Chicago Music Exchange. MSRP is $1,799 USD. - **Taylor** announced a [Koa version](https://circa74.taylorguitars.com/circa-74-amp-koa?ref=vividguitar.co) of their Circa 74 2-in-1 acoustic guitar/vocal amplifier. --- ## Recommended Reading: ### The Inner Game of Fingerstyle Guitar: How to Blend Your Intuition, Intellect, and Emotions to Achieve Guitar Mastery I really enjoyed this [book by Adam Rafferty](https://amzn.to/3QdMfx3?ref=vividguitar.co). The title is a bit misleading, as isn't very specific to fingerstyle guitar, and it has advice that applies to all guitar players. Part of the book focuses on the *mindset* side of guitar playing - from silencing your inner critic, to dealing with stage fright, and performing well in any situation. The book also gets into other topics like developing an effective practice routine, developing your own “voice” and touch on guitar, getting out of guitar ruts, finding new performance opportunities, and more. ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/02/guitar-book.jpg) #### [View on Amazon](https://amzn.to/3QdMfx3?ref=vividguitar.co) --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward it to your guitarist friends.🤘 ### Minor over Major, Anthony Wilson, CMG Guitars URL: https://vividguitar.co/minor-over-major-anthony-wilson-cmg-guitars/ Last updated: 2025-02-04T19:45:06.000Z [![](https://creative.prf.hn/source/camref:1100l4at3x/creativeref:1011l103655)](https://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3x/creativeref:1011l103655?ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 Don’t be overwhelmed by the vastness of \[guitar\]. You’ll do a lot better just focusing on a finite amount of material really getting deeply into it. - Ben Monder ## Guitar Practice ### Playing Minor Over a Major 7th Chord In the [last issue](https://vividguitar.co/newsletter/improvisation-idea-oz-noy-harmony-guitars/), we looked at improvising while thinking *Dominant 7th* over a Minor 7th Chord. Another way to add some color to your playing is to think/play *Minor* when when playing over a Major 7th chord. Below, we have a vamp on a Gmaj7 chord. While using a Major (Ionian) Scale or a Lydian mode (a major scale with a raised 4th note) would work over this, we can get some different sounds from playing minor scales/modes. In the key of G Major (harmonized with 7th chords), we have 3 minor chords: Amin7, Bmin7, & Emin7\. **If we think *modally*, we have a few options:** - A Dorian - B Phrygian - E Aoelian - E Dorian (since E Dorian has the same notes as G Lydian, it works well here) Below are examples of A Dorian, B Phrygian, and E Dorian. Play around with each of them over the backing track. The examples show these modes in one position to keep it simple, but of course feel free to explore these modes elsewhere on the fretboard. G Major7 Vamp 0:00 /228.048 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-57.png) --- ## Guitarist Spotlight ### Anthony Wilson ![Guitarist Anthony Wilson - Image Credit: Dan Bilawsky](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/Anthony-Wilson--by-Dan-Bilawsky---Jazz-Photo-2025-01-30-12-23-47.png) Image Credit: [Dan Bilawsky](https://www.allaboutjazz.com/photos/?o=74649&ref=vividguitar.co "Dan Bilawsky") Anthony Wilson is a jazz guitarist, composer, and arranger with a knack for blending tradition with fresh, modern sounds. Anthony grew up surrounded by music—his father, Gerald Wilson, was a legendary bandleader and composer, so jazz was practically in his DNA. From an early age, he absorbed everything from classic jazz records to the sounds of his father’s big band, shaping his own unique style along the way. Wilson made a big splash in the jazz world in 1997 with his debut album, *Anthony Wilson*, which featured a nine-piece ensemble. The album was a hit with critics and even earned a Grammy nomination, putting him on the map as both a gifted guitarist and a thoughtful composer. Since then, he’s released a bunch of albums that showcase his wide-ranging musical interests—mixing jazz with blues, Brazilian rhythms, and even a touch of folk and pop. Wilson always seems to be exploring new creative directions. Albums like *Goat Hill Junket* (1998), *Power of Nine* (2006), and *Frogtown* (2016) showcase his ability to blend traditional jazz influences with contemporary sensibilities. On top of being a great guitarist, Anthony is also a dynamic singer, which help him stand out in the jazz world. If you’ve ever listened to Diana Krall, chances are you’ve heard Wilson’s smooth, expressive guitar work. He’s been an essential part of her band since 2001, playing on some of her biggest albums and touring the world with her (check out Krall's album 'Live in Paris'). He’s also worked with legends like Paul McCartney, Willie Nelson, and Charles Lloyd, proving his ability to fit seamlessly into any musical setting. With his rich tone, lyrical playing style, and deep musical knowledge, Anthony Wilson continues to be one of jazz’s most respected and innovative guitarists. Whether you’re a longtime jazz fan or just discovering his music, he’s an artist worth listening to. **Key Gear:** - Monteleone archtop guitar - Gibson ‘69 Les Paul Deluxe - Gibson '58 Byrdland archtop - Fender '64-style reissue telecaster - Fender Deluxe Reverb amp - Fender '65 'Princeton Reverb amp - Fender Pro Reverb amp - Analogman King of Tone overdrive **Check out Anthony Wilson:** [Website](http://www.anthonywilsonmusic.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/wilsonthecurator/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) Check out his song **Frogtown** (off of his album with the same name): --- ## Gear Showcase ### CMG Guitars ![CMG Guitars](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/CMG-Guitars.png) While guitars made in the United States are typically known for being high quality, they’re not usually *also* known for being very affordable (at least not compared to more budget-friendly imported guitars). **CMG (Chris Mitchell Guitars)** flips this notion on its head, making exceptional guitars and selling them for affordable prices. Based in Statesboro, GA, Chris launched CMG Guitars back in 2012 with 3 simple goals: - Make a good quality instrument - Make them affordable - Make them in good conscience with respect for the world and the environment. CMG builds guitars for the working musician by taking classic designs, and refining and tweaking them until they meet Chris's vision for the ideal version of some iconic guitar models. One small, but unique and cool twist to CMG guitars actually with the naming conventions. Chris views guitars as very personal things that you have a relationship with, so he names them after people he loves, such as his wife Ashlee his brother Mark, and his mother Diane. In addition to offering several standard guitar models, CMG Guitars will build the custom guitar of your dreams ([check out some of his unique custom builds](https://www.cmgguitars.com/electrics/customs/page18.html?ref=vividguitar.co)). **Check out CMG Guitars:** [Website](https://www.cmgguitars.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.cmgguitars.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/cmgguitars/) --- ## Trending ![Gibson ES Custom Color Series (image c/o Gibson)](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-58.png) Gibson ES Custom Color Series (image c/o Gibson) - **Gibson** announced the [ES Custom Color Series](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/Collection/es-335-custom-color-series?ref=vividguitar.co). Available for the available on the ES-335 and ES-335 Figured models, the custom colors include Ocean Blue, Spearmint, Watermelon, Blood Moon Burst, Honey Amber, & Deep Ocean Burst. - **Taylor Guitars** added 4 new all-solid-wood [12-string Grand Auditorium](https://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/browse?f%5B0%5D=shape%3A8&f%5B1%5D=specialty%3A113&utm%5Fsource=email%5Ftg&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=DM468217&utm%5Fcontent=20250129&key=%407EnfULF95QdNNh4lAlduCA%3D%3D) acoustic guitars to their lineup. - **Taylor Guitars** also announced the [414ce Studio](https://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/414ce-studio?ref=vividguitar.co) Grand Auditorium acoustic guitar. The 414ce *Studio* (MSRP $2,199 USD) is a lower-price version of their 414ce model, and features a sitka spruce top, Indian rosewood back and sides, a neo-tropical mahogany neck, and an ES2 pickup. Similar to the previously announced 214ce Studio model, the 414ce Studio has a 1-11/16" nut width. - **D'Addario** interviewed **Julian Lage** to discuss the important topic of [preventing injury while playing guitar](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61NKzmzVH58&ref=vividguitar.co). - Cory Wong interviewed [**Greg Koch**](https://vividguitar.co/newsletter/the-greg-koch-issue/) on his podcast, discussing teaching, making mistakes, modern blues, modeling, and more. [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wong-notes/id1513405224?i=1000686624477&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/5EJU0xfnnvv8VXxeNsoExb?si=h1NkquywSV6Fk2qE%5FJqYvA&ref=vividguitar.co) - Alice in Chains guitarist **Jerry Cantrell** joined Rick Rubin on the Broken Record podcast to discuss his whirlwind of a career. [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/broken-record-with-rick-rubin-malcolm-gladwell-bruce/id1311004083?i=1000685834318&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/2nzh3YEMy3k9amcj61uht3?si=OIF7ctAWRhyK4EPhKYYeIQ&ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Currently Spinning in the Office: ### Lyle Brewer: Juno Great solo guitar album for a snowy winter day ([Apple Music](https://music.apple.com/us/album/juno/1347432459?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/album/6u0aDnxvBPV5pfHG77gWKi?ref=vividguitar.co)) ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/Lyle-Brwer-Juno.jpg) --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Improvisation Idea, Oz Noy, Harmony Guitars URL: https://vividguitar.co/improvisation-idea-oz-noy-harmony-guitars/ Last updated: 2025-02-03T22:42:11.000Z [![](https://creative.prf.hn/source/camref:1100l4at3x/creativeref:1011l103655)](https://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3x/creativeref:1011l103655?ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 If you can make a sound, you can improvise. Improvising is a natural human response to sound. Everybody improvises with sound all the time, every day. We call it speaking. Nobody’s scared of an improvised conversation. - Jonathan Harnum ## Guitar Practice ### Dominant 7th over a Minor 7th Chord When improvising over a Minor 7th chord, a way to temporarily switch things up (and add some dissonance) is to think/play *Dominant 7th*. If playing over Gm7, for example, we can play some riffs based around C7\. This works because both chords are in the key of F Major. The G Dorian Mode and C Mixolydian Mode both have the same notes, since they are both from the F Major Scale. The idea is to play either notes from a C7 arpeggio or C Mixolydian Mode, and then resolve it by going back to playing G Dorian. Below is a loop of a Gm7 vamp. Start by playing around with a couple C7 arpeggios over the backing track, to focus on the C7 chord tones: Gm7 loop 0:00 /192.048 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-32.png) Next, when you're ready to work in some more notes, you can use the *C Mixolydian mode*. Below is the C Mixolydian scale between the 2nd and 8th frets: ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-31.png) --- ## Guitarist Spotlight ### Oz Noy ![Oz Noy - Photo Credit: Yossi Zwecker](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/oz-noy.jpg) Photo Credit: Yossi Zwecker “**It’s Jazz. It just doesn’t sound like it.”** That's how guitarist Oz Noy describes his blend of jazz, funk, rock, blues, and r&b. Oz Noy is a true original in the world of guitar. Born in Israel, Oz started his musical journey at only 13 years old, diving into a variety of styles like jazz, blues, funk, and rock. By the time he was in his early twenties, he was already a sought-after session musician, playing on some of Israel’s biggest records and touring with top artists. In 1996, Oz made the leap to New York City, and it didn’t take long for his unique voice on the guitar to make waves in the city’s music scene. Oz's sound is a blend of jaw-dropping technical skill and deep musicality, with influences ranging from Jimi Hendrix to John Scofield. He’s best known for mixing jazz improvisation with funky grooves and rock energy—creating a style that’s entirely his own. Over the years, Oz has released acclaimed albums like *Ha!* and *Who Gives a Funk*, collaborating with some of the most respected names in music, including Vinnie Colaiuta, Dave Weckl, and John Patitucci. Whether he’s performing on stage or teaching in masterclasses, Oz brings humor, passion, and a love of music to everything he does. When he’s not redefining what the guitar can do, Oz is a down-to-earth guy who loves sharing his knowledge and inspiring the next generation of musicians. Oz has a lot of great albums, but Twisted Blues Vol 1 (*2011*) and Vol 2 (*2014*) are among my favorites, and are a good starting point. More recently, Fun One (2024) shows Oz putting his own twist on a number of great jazz standards, and on Recreational Substance (2025), him and guitarist Andrew Synowiec rip though jazz-fusion on a live-in-studio recording. Check out Oz Noy: [Website](https://www.oznoy.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/oznoyguitar/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/oznoymusic/) --- ## Gear Showcase ### Harmony Guitars ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/Harmony-Guitars.png) If you’ve been playing guitar long enough, you might remember the days when **Harmony Guitars** was a budget-oriented brand lining the shelves of stores like Sears (who actually used to own the company a long time ago). You could’ve bought a Harmony guitar for only $6 back in the late 1800’s! In its heyday, the Harmony Guitar Company was the largest manufacturer of musical instruments in the United States, but the company shut down in 1975. In 2018, Bandlab relaunched the historic brand, taking inspiration from some of the old Harmony guitar models you can sometimes at pawn shops today, but also introducing some amazing new models to their lineup. With models such as the Comet, Silhouette, Rebel , Juno, and Jupiter, Harmony Guitars have some creative body shapes, and sought out features such as nitro finishes at reasonable prices. Made in Kalamazoo, Michigan in the United States, the modern-day version of Harmony Guitars have been getting great reviews from players of all levels that are being blown away by their high quality. In addition to guitars, Harmony’s Series 6 line of guitar amps offer options ranging from use in your bedroom to the world’s biggest stages. Check out Harmony Guitars: [Website](https://www.harmony.co/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/harmonyguitars/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Trending - Jeff Beck's guitar collection [sold for $10.7m](https://www.guitarworld.com/artists/guitarists/jeff-beck-guitar-auction-results?ref=vividguitar.co) at an auction. The auction included over 130 guitars, amps, and other gear. - Fender released a bunch of new [web-exclusive colors](https://fender.prf.hn/click/camref:1101l49CxX/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fender.com%2Fen-US%2Fweb-exclusive%2F?ref=vividguitar.co) for several Squier models, as well as the Vintera II Jazzmaster. - Joel Harrison & Alternative Guitar Summit posted [Part 1 of an interview](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezzpMWdvUw4&ref=vividguitar.co) with jazz guitarist Ben Monder, discussing warmup routines, chord soloing, and more. - The [Play Guitar Podcast](https://www.playguitaracademy.com/blog/analyzing-iconic-blues-solos-what-makes-them-great-401?ref=vividguitar.co) dove into the techniques and ideas that make blues solos unforgettable. --- ## Currently Reading: ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/book-1.jpg) #### 3 Shades of Blue: Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Bill Evans, and the Lost Empire of Cool [View on Amazon](https://amzn.to/42nSh5y?ref=vividguitar.co) --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### 2025 NAMM Gear Rundown URL: https://vividguitar.co/2025-namm-gear-rundown/ Last updated: 2025-01-28T15:00:36.000Z Doing a different format for today's issue. With the 2025 NAMM Show being this past weekend (where many guitar companies announce their new gear lineup for the year), this issue features the most interesting new guitar gear that was announced at the event. --- **Fender** launched a new $599 [Standard Series](https://fender.prf.hn/click/camref:1101l49CxX/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fender.com%2Fen-US%2Felectric-series%2Fstandard%2F?ref=vividguitar.co). The made-in-Indonesia line includes a Telecaster, Stratocaster, HSS Stratocaster, Jazz Bass, and Precision Bass. They feature Fender's 'Modern C' neck, a 9.5"-radius fingerboard, and 'Fender Standard pickups'. ![Fender Standard Series Guitars (Image credit: Fender)](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-36.png) Fender Standard Series Guitars (Image credit: Fender) The Standard Series also includes an [Acoustasonic](https://fender.prf.hn/click/camref:1101l49CxX/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fender.com%2Fen-US%2Facoustasonic-guitars%2F?ref=vividguitar.co) Standard Jazzmaster and Acoustasonic Standard Telecaster, available in honey burst, aged natural, and black. They are built with braced solid Sitka spruce tops, chambered bodies, and pickups designed in collaboration with Fishman. Available in April (also priced at $599). ![Fender Acoustasonic Standard Telecaster](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-37.png) Fender Acoustasonic Standard Telecaster --- **Fender** announced the [Monster Hunter Rathalos Telecaster](https://fender.prf.hn/click/camref:1101l49CxX/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fender.com%2Fen-US%2Felectric-guitars%2Ftelecaster%2Fmonster-hunter-rathalos-telecaster-rosewood-fingerboard-rathalos-red%2F5602600899.html?ref=vividguitar.co). This guitar is a collaboration model commemorating the 20th anniversary of the worldwide hunting action game “Monster Hunter” in which players confront giant monsters in a nature setting 🤷‍♂️. It has a satin-finished alder body, a 9.5” radius “C”-shape maple neck with 22 medium jumbo frets, a neck humbucker, and a bridge single-coil pickup. Retails for $1,999\. Available in March. ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-54.png) --- **Fender** is releasing a Limited Edition American Vintage II 1951 Telecaster. Available in butterscotch blonde or 'prototype white'. ![Limited Edition American Vintage II 1951 Telecaster](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-47.png) Limited Edition American Vintage II 1951 Telecaster --- **Fender** also announced an [American Vintage II 1965 Stratocaster](https://fender.prf.hn/click/camref:1101l49CxX/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fender.com%2Fen-US%2Felectric-guitars%2Fstratocaster%2Famerican-vintage-ii-1965-stratocaster%2F0110280809.html?ref=vividguitar.co), available in Candy Apple Red, Shoreline Gold, and Sonic Blue. ![Fender American Vintage II 1965b Stratocaster in Candy Apple Red](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-55.png) --- **Fender** announced a [30th Anniversary Blues Junior Combo amp](https://fender.prf.hn/click/camref:1101l49CxX/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fender.com%2Fen-US%2Fguitar-amplifiers%2Fvintage-pro-tube%2Fblues-junior-iv-30th-anniversary%2F2231500030.html?ref=vividguitar.co) with a cool new look. Features a commemorative Black Western covering and vintage Bassman grille cloth, has a modified pre-amp circuit, and a Celestion® G12M-65 Creamback speaker. MSRP is $999 USD - though it's not expected to be available until late June. ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-38.png) --- **Martin** released 2 [Billy Strings Signature Guitars](https://www.martinguitar.com/billy-strings.html?ref=vividguitar.co): The [D-28](https://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/custom-special-editions/D-28-Billy-Strings.html?ref=vividguitar.co), and the budget friendly [D-X2E](https://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/custom-special-editions/D-X2E-Billy-Strings.html?ref=vividguitar.co). The guitars are inspired by Billy's 1940 Martin D-28 dreadnought, and feature a 25" scale length and 1 23/32'' nut width (which is a bit wider than his 1940 model). Both models feature modified low oval satin neck, designed for comfort and speed. The made-in-Mexico D-X2E features laminate sides & back (as to be expected based on the $899 price point), but does feature a pickup system and build-in tuner (which the top-end D-28 does not). ![Martin Billy Strings Signature D-28](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-34.png) Martin Billy Strings Signature D-28 --- **Gibson** announced a [1955 NAMM Show Commemorative Edition Les Paul](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/p/Electric-Guitar/1955-NAMM-Show-Commemorative-Edition-Les-Paul/Samoa-Beige?ref=vividguitar.co), recreating five rare metallic nitrocellulose lacquer finishes. ![Gibson 1955 Commemorative Edition Les Paul](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-33.png) Gibson 1955 Commemorative Edition Les Paul --- **Gibson** also announced a Gibson Warren Haynes Signature Les Paul. Offered in a 60s Cherry finish, the guitar will feature a mahogony body, a pair of P-90 pickups, and a toggleable clean boost switch. ![Gibson Warren Haynes Signature Les Paul (image c/o Gibson)](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-44.png) Gibson Warren Haynes Signature Les Paul (image c/o Gibson) --- **Collings Guitars** announced a new model called the [Ladybird](https://collingsguitars.com/electrics/ladybird/?ref=vividguitar.co). The fully-hollow, single-cut guitar has a 24 1/8” scale length, and Righteous Sound Cathedral or Bishop pickups. ![Collings Guitars Ladybird](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-52.png) Collings Guitars Ladybird --- **D'Angelico** released [Premier EXL-1 Hollowbody](https://dangelicoguitars.com/guitars/premier-series/premier-exl-1/?ref=vividguitar.co) archtop guitar. It features a custom floating mini-humbucker, a 17-inch-wide body design, a slim C-shape neck, medium vintage frets, and a 1 and 11/16" nut width. At a MSRP of $1,199, it's priced higher than most (all?) of their other Premier Series guitars, but it's also a bigger guitar. ![D'Angelico Premier EXL-1 Hollowbody Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-53.png) D'Angelico Premier EXL-1 Hollowbody Guitar --- **Gibson** announced several new acoustic guitars, including the **936 Advanced Jumbo** dreadnought, **J-45 Special**, and a **Margo Price Signature J-45**. ![Gibson Margo Price Signature J-45 (image c/o Gibson)](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-45.png) --- **Guild** released the [Travel Spruce](https://my.guildguitars.com/travel-acoustic-guitar/spruce/?ref=vividguitar.co) acoustic guitar. The small-bodied design has a 22 3/8" scale length, a spruce top with mahogany back & sides, and a satin finish. ![Guild Travel Spruce Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-35.png) Guild Travel Spruce Guitar --- **Taylor** released 2 new Builders Edition 814ce guitars. The Grand Auditorium guitars feature select tonewoods, and is offered in **Hoduran Rosewood + Sinker Redwood** and **Honduran Rosewood + Adirondack Spruce.** ![Taylor Builder's Edition 814ce in Honduran Rosewood/Sinker Redwood](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/Taylor-Builders-Edition-814ce-Sinker--Redwood-1209174107-FrontLeft-2024.png) Taylor Builder's Edition 814ce in Honduran Rosewood/Sinker Redwood --- **Ernie Ball** collaborated with Cory Wong for the [Stingray II collection](https://www.music-man.com/instruments/families/guitars/stingray-ii?ref=vividguitar.co). Offered in Standard and Deluxe models, they feature 2 humbuckers, a roasted maple neck, 22 stainless steel frets, and an ergonomic body design. ![Ernie Ball Stingray II Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-41.png) Ernie Ball Stingray II Guitar --- **Eastman** announced a new solidbody electric guitar series called the **Fullertone.** The[SC-52](https://www.eastmanguitars.com/ft%5Fsc52?ref=vividguitar.co) model features 2 pickups, and a maple fretboard, while the [DC'62](https://www.eastmanguitars.com/ft%5Fdc62?ref=vividguitar.co) has an HSS pickup configuration, with a humbucker + 2 single coil pickups. ![Eastman Fullertone Series](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-43.png) Eastman Fullertone Series --- **Orange Amplification** expanded their line of [Baby amps](https://orangeamps.com/pedal-baby/?ref=vividguitar.co). The solid-state, portable rack-mountable heads are designed to deliver big (pedal-friendly) tones in a *baby-sized* package. ![Orange Gain Baby 100 Amp](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-48.png) Orange Gain Baby 100 Amp --- **DigiTech** partnered with bassist MonoNeon for a Signature Whammy V Pedal. It expands on the Whammy V, adding a new Hypersonic Mode for a 3-octave pitch rise, an innovative Octave Blend, and a new detune function. ![DigiTech MonoNeon Signature Whammy V Pedal](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-50.png) DigiTech MonoNeon Signature Whammy V Pedal --- **Marshall** released a new line of [overdrive guitar pedals](https://www.marshall.com/us/en/amplifiers/pedals?ref=vividguitar.co): '1959', 'JCM800', 'JCM900', 'DSL' and 'JVM'. ![Marshall 1959 Overdrive Pedal](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-51.png) Marshall 1959 Overdrive Pedal --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Jam Track, Molly Miller, Furch Guitars URL: https://vividguitar.co/jam-track-molly-miller-furch-guitars/ Last updated: 2025-02-04T20:18:54.000Z 💬 One of the most important things I've figured out is to try not to judge what I'm writing - in the moment, to never decide whether it's good or bad. What's most important is that I just write...just let it out, whatever it is, and then I can go back later and decide whether it's any good. Because that judging...all that does is keep you from getting to the music. - Bill Frisell ## Guitar Practice Today, lets practice over an upbeat dixieland-style backing track. While you could of course use various different chord voicings (and focus more on 7th chords), in this example, we're mainly using familiar triads (and some Dominant 7th chords), and some open chord voicings. Dixieland Jazz Jam Track 0:00 /277.969 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-25.png) Most of the chords in this progression are in the key of B Minor (which is the same thing as D Major). The 2 exceptions are the F#7 chord (B Minor usually as an F#m chord), and the passing D7 chord (as the key of Bm typically has a D, or Dmaj7 chord). A **B Natural Minor (Aoelian) scale** works well over most of this progression. A way to navigate F#7 and D7 chords is to focus on chord tones over them. Below is an example of the **B minor scale** between the 2nd and 7th frets. ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-27.png) --- ## Guitarist Spotlight ### Molly Miller ![Molly Miller - Image c/o Anna Azarov Photography](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-22.png) Image c/o Anna Azarov Photography Los Angeles, California-based Dr. Molly Miller is a guitarist, composer, and educator - and a straight up genuine person. Molly blends jazz, Americana, blues, and pop with some folk and surf rock vibes into a creative and soulful guitar style. She is known for her dynamic live performances, whether leading the Molly Miller Trio, or sharing the stage with other artists. Molly has been playing music since age seven, when she had a family band with her four siblings. In high school, she got more into jazz, which let her to studying at the University of Southern California, where she earned her BM, MM and Doctorate in Musical Arts. Molly's career took off as the touring guitarist for Jason Mraz, - a role she's had for nearly a decade. Beyond her work with Mraz, she has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including The Black Eyed Peas, Shawn Mendes, and Scary Pockets, showcasing her versatility across different styles and genres. Her albums, including *St. George* and *The Ballad of Hotspure*, highlight her ability to create intimate yet vibrant instrumental compositions (with some amazing cover songs thrown in). In addition to her performing career, Molly is a dedicated educator. She serves as Chair of the Guitar Department at Los Angeles College of Music, and has a number of great online courses and lessons through sites like [Pickup Music](https://www.pickupmusic.com/instructors/dr-molly-miller?ref=vividguitar.co). She also has an live [Intro to Jazz 2 course](https://www.til.co/class/molly-miller-teaches-intro-to-jazz-2?ref=vividguitar.co) starting soon. Her passion for guitar and music shows in her courses, as well as through her inspiring Instagram vids. Watch Molly's great take on Cat Stevens' Wild World: **Key Gear:** - Gibson ES-335 - Fender Telecaster - Benson Nathan Junior Combo amp - Fender Princeton Reverb amp - Taylor 912 acoustic guitar - Taylor T3 electric/acoustic guitar - EarthQuaker Devices Dunes overdrive - EarthQuaker Devices Astral Destiny Reverb & Chorus - Voodoo Lab Tremolo - Fulltone Clyde wah pedal **Check out Molly Miller:** [Website](https://www.mollymillermusic.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/moodymill/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Guitar Course](https://www.pickupmusic.com/instructors/dr-molly-miller?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Gear Showcase ### Furch Guitars ![Furch Guitars Rainbow Series](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-18.png) Furch Guitars Rainbow Series Czech-based **Furch Guitars** has been crafting outstanding acoustic guitars that blend traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation for over four decades. Furch might be a bit less known than some other acoustic guitar manufactures, but they make some of the highest-quality guitars you'll find, and offer them at pretty incredible prices for what you get. They often get compared to guitars such as Collings, but at a fraction of the price. In the 1970s, František Furch was a metalworker by trade, and also a musician. High-quality musical instruments were hard to find in socialist Czechoslovakia, and importing instruments from other countries was very expensive and complicated. František first used his metalworking knowledge to create a banjo out of an old drum. A few years later, he built an acoustic guitar, using a spruce top from an old piano. He got a good response from other musicians and friends, and they started commissioning him to build guitars for them (despite the communist regime’s strict prohibition on private business), and in 1981, *Furch Guitars* was born. With the fall of communism in Czechoslovakia in 1989 - and with previous restrictions removed, František was able to move his workshop from his garage to an actual factory space, and was able to start hiring help. Over the years, Furch Guitars has grown their reputation - becoming known for meticulous attention to detail, superior sound quality, and use of premium materials. Furch was a pioneer in adopting advanced technologies such as precision laser cutting, UV finishes, and proprietary voicing processes to enhance tonal clarity and sustain. Furch guitars are broken up into different series, named after colors - ranging from the entry-level *Violet Series*, to their popular *Blue Series*, up through their top-of-the-line custom *Rainbow Series*. Like most acoustic guitar makers, Furch offers various popular body shapes and styles, as well as lots of different wood options. Furch uses a unique voicing process to fine-tune each guitar top, resulting in guitars that deliver crystal-clear, harmonically rich tone. Every Furch guitar is finished with ultra-thin lacquer that protects and enhances the guitar's natural resonance, and highlight's the beauty of the wood. Probably the most unique feature to Furch acoustics is their proprietary *CNR System® Active neck design*. It uses a dual-action truss rod in a rigid carbon structure, as well as a solid-wood 'expansion element' that automatically adjusts the neck angle to maintain consistent string action over time. The intention is for it to adapt seamlessly to changes in humidity, and minimize the need for costly neck resets. ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-19.png) Furch Guitars exports its instruments globally and remains a family-operated business committed to innovation and excellence in guitar craftsmanship. Furch guitars are known for offering a warm, resonant tone that appeals to a wide range of musicians worldwide, combined with exceptional playability. Check out Furch Guitars: [Website](https://furchguitars.com/us/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/furchguitars/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/furchguitars/) --- ## Trending ![Taylor Gold Label Collection](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-30.png) Taylor Gold Label Collection - Taylor announced a new high-end acoustic guitar line called the [Gold Label Collection](https://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/gold-label-collection?ref=vividguitar.co). They're designed to produce a deeper, fuller-bodied tone reminiscent of 1930s and ’40s flattop guitars, in a new Super Auditorium body design. - banez and digital guitar education platform JTC collaborated to create what they're calling “the world’s most advanced guitar cable.” It's called the [Glideline](https://youtu.be/tec4yQfc7cs?si=WhC47bjHDotN8xAn&ref=vividguitar.co), and they claim it delivers a high-resolution signals that “eliminate any compromise” from guitar tones. - Boutique guitar manufacturer **Iconic Guitars** welcomed former Fender Custom Shop Senior Master Builder **John Cruz** onto their team. - Cort announced the [X700 Mutility II](https://www.cortguitars.com/dp/x700-mutility-ii/?ref=vividguitar.co). The bolt-on guitars features a new 5-piece 25.0” – 25.5”, multi-scale neck, and a 5-way pickup selector. - Fender added *Texas Tea* as a color option for the [American Ultra II line](https://www.fender.com/en-US/electric-series/american-ultra-ii/?ref=vividguitar.co). ## Currently spinning in the Office **Bill Frisell: Good Dog, Happy Man** ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/BILL-20FRISELL-20Good-20Dog-20Happy-20Man.jpg) ### ### --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-23.png) ### Fingerstyle Groove, Rick Beato, Knaggs Guitars URL: https://vividguitar.co/fingerstyle-groove-rick-beato-knaggs-guitars/ Last updated: 2025-02-03T22:43:31.000Z 💬 If you have two units you want to put together, whether it be two sentences or two parts of a song, there can be a tremendous amount of power in doing so without using a transition. Try finding the simplest, most elegant way to put a point across, with the least amount of information. - Rick Rubin ## Guitar Practice Today, we have a quick minor-chord-based fingerstyle groove. Play it in a loop, alternating between the two chords. Minor Fingerstyle Groove 0:00 /15.998956 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-17.png) --- ## Guitarist/Educator Spotlight ### Rick Beato ![Guitarist Rick Beato](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/Rick-Beato.jpg) Image c/o Rick Beato There aren't many parts of the music industry that Georgia-based Rick Beato hasn't had his hands in. With experience ranging from being a university professor, to a session musician, music studio engineer and owner, record producer, music textbook writer, and of course, a guitar teacher, Rick Beato is a wealth of knowledge. Rick earned a Bachelor’s degree in music from Ithaca College and later completed a Master’s degree in jazz studies from the New England Conservatory of Music. He went on to teach jazz studies at Ithaca College, and has lectured at several schools, including Berklee College of Music. Over the past decade, Beato has built a massive following of close to 5 million people on YouTube, where he posts engaging videos covering guitar lessons, music theory, guitar gear, and outstanding guitarist interviews. In addition to his great YouTube videos, Rick Beato offers a number of great premium products, such as his book '*The Beato Book – A Creative Approach to Improvisation for Guitar and Other Instruments*', and a course on ear training. Rick even collaborated with Gibson for his own signature guitar- the [Rick Beato Les Paul Special Double Cut](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/p/Electric-Guitar/Rick-Beato-Les-Paul-Special-Double-Cut/Sparkling-Burgundy-Satin?ref=vividguitar.co). The guitar features 2 P90 pickups, has a slightly thinner body than the regular Les Paul Double Cut, and is finished in a satin nitrocellulose lacquer. Rick Beato is a true artist of his craft, and the music world is a better place due to his willingness to share his knowledge. Check out Rick Beato: [Website](https://beatoeartraining.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/c/RickBeato?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/rickbeato1/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Gear Showcase ### **Knaggs Guitars** ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/Knaggs-Guitars.png) Launched in 2009 by world-renowned designer and luthier Joe Knaggs and marketer Peter Wolf, **Knaggs Guitars** has been building incredible instruments that have caught the attention of pro players around the world. Before venturing out on his own, Joe Knaggs had been designing and building beautiful top-of-the-line guitars for PRS Guitars, as their Director of R&D and Private Stock. Knaggs pushes the limits of creativity in what can be done with custom guitar designs. Knaggs views their guitars as functioning art. Knaggs guitars are broken up into a few different Series: The *Creation Series* offers a wide range of fully custom designs. The *Chesapeake* series includes models such as the tele-inspired Choptank, the Severn, and the Tuckahoe. The *Influence* series includes the Kenai, Keya, Chena, and others (their guitar models are named after Native Indian river names in North America). Lastly, the *Signature* series offers a few different signature models. Knaggs is building some of the highest quality guitars you’ll find anywhere, and are available at [select dealers](https://www.knaggsguitars.com/dealers/?ref=vividguitar.co) around the world. Check out Knaggs Guitars: [Website](https://www.knaggsguitars.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/knaggsguitars/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/knaggsguitars/) --- ## Trending ![PRS Standard 24 Satin Guitars](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/PRS-Standard.jpeg) PRS Standard 24 Satin Guitars - PRS Guitars [announced three new 2025 USA models](https://prsguitars.com/blog/post/meet%5Fthe%5F2025%5Fmaryland%5Fmade%5Flineup?ref=vividguitar.co): the Standard 24 Satin, Swamp Ash Special, and Swamp Ash Special Maple. The all-mahgony **Standard 24 Satin** includes PRS's new 2025 "DMO" pickups. The **Swamp Ash Special** is a bolt-on model featuring an HSH pickup setup, with 12 unique sound combinations that can be accessed with 5-way blade switch, and dual mini-toggle coil-tap switches. The **Swamp Ash Special Maple** features all of the same specs of the Swamp Ash Special, but adds a maple fretboard for a bit of a brighter sound. - Eastman announced a new solidbody electric guitar series called the **Fullertone.** The[SC-52](https://www.eastmanguitars.com/ft%5Fsc52?ref=vividguitar.co) model features 2 pickups, and a maple fretboard, while the [DC'62](https://www.eastmanguitars.com/ft%5Fdc62?ref=vividguitar.co) has an HSS pickup configuration, with a humbucker + 2 single coil pickups. - Two guitar companies with 4-letter names ending with 0 decided to merge. **Fano Guitars** and **Novo Guitars** are merging under a new British-based parent company, **Psonic Design Lab** (though Fanovo seems like a better name to me). - Gibson released a few exclusive finishes for their [Les Paul Studio Series](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/Collection/gibson-les-paul-studio-session?ref=vividguitar.co) \- Cobalt Blue, Bourbon Burst, Translucent Ebony Burst, and Honey Burst. --- ## Watch This ### Matteo Mancuso & Joscho Stephan Trio playing Django Reinhardt's song 'Tiger' --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### The Greg Koch Issue URL: https://vividguitar.co/the-greg-koch-issue/ Last updated: 2025-02-04T20:19:07.000Z [ ![](https://www.awin1.com/cshow.php?s=3776189&v=67144&q=504238&r=1519185) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?s=3776189&v=67144&q=504238&r=1519185&ref=vividguitar.co) **Today's issue has a bit of a different format, as we're going to largely focus on one artist, and do a deeper-dive into them and their playing.** 💬 "At the end of time, there will be cockroaches and Telecasters - and the Teles will be in tune" - Greg Koch --- ## Guitarist Spotlight ## Greg Koch ![Greg Koch by Erol Reyal](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/Greg-Koch-by-Erol-Reyal.jpg) Image by Erol Reyal Greg Koch is a celebrated guitarist, educator, and performer, recognized for his unparalleled technique, innovative style, and vibrant personality. 🥩 Greg is affectionately known as the "Gristlemaster," a title reflecting his unique blend of musical mastery and charismatic showmanship. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Greg’s musical journey began at a young age, exposing him to a wide range of genres, including blues, rock, country, jazz, and funk. His ability to seamlessly blend these influences into his own distinctive voice has earned him a reputation as one of the most versatile and accomplished guitarists of his generation. Over his multiple-decade-long career, Greg has released around 2 dozen albums. They cover a variety of styles, but his fiery guitar playing nd original compositions are typically front and center. His latest release, '*Blues*', pays tribute to a lot of his early influences, including Jimi Hendrix, Muddy Waters, Albert King, Freddie King, and B.B. King. His albums showcase not only his technical prowess but his knack for infusing humor and personality into his music. Greg's live shows capture his larger-than-life persona, funny personality, and straight up killer guitar playing. A passionate educator, Greg has become well known in the guitar community through his instructional videos, clinics, and workshops. Through his engaging teaching style and offbeat humor, he has helped countless players greatly improve their guitar skills. In addition to offering guitar lessons on YouTube, Greg Koch has a range of courses on [TrueFire](https://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3x/[p%5Fid:1101l576286]/destination:https%3A%2F%2Ftruefire.com%2Feducators%2Fgreg-koch%2Fe3773?ref=vividguitar.co). He’s also the author of several excellent [guitar books](https://amzn.to/3Pw29mn?ref=vividguitar.co), and provides private lessons through his website. Greg’s long-standing collaborations with renowned brands like Reverend Guitars, Jam Pedals, Wildwood Guitars, Fishman, Koch Amps, and Fender (in the past) have further solidified his influence in the guitar world. Perhaps most notably, Greg collaborated with *Reverend Guitars* to design the iconic *Greg Koch Signature Gristlemaster* and *Greg Koch Signature Gristle 90* guitars. (see the ‘Gear Showcase’ section below for more info). Additionally, he worked with Fishman to create his signature pickup sets, which are incorporated into the Reverend models. He also recently collaborated with Jam Pedals to create the [*Koch Ness Monster*](https://www.jampedals.com/koch-ness-monster?ref=vividguitar.co) multi-effects unit - which combines 4 of their top effects into one pedal (plus a Supreme version, which takes it up another notch). Through his recordings, live performances, and educational contributions, Greg Koch continues to inspire, delight, and amuse musicians and audiences worldwide, leaving a notable mark on the world of guitar. **Check out Greg Koch:** [Website](https://www.gregkoch.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/gregkochmusic/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [TrueFire Courses](https://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3x/[p%5Fid:1101l576286]/destination:https%3A%2F%2Ftruefire.com%2Feducators%2Fgreg-koch%2Fe3773?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Books](https://amzn.to/3Pw29mn?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Lesson Let's take a look at a few riffs in the style of Greg Koch. The idea is to take these Gristlemaster-inspired ideas and techniques and apply them to other parts of your playing. **Riff 1:** Greg often uses country-infused hybrid picking, emulating banjo rolls on guitar. For this riff, play the notes on the A string with your pick, the notes on the G string with your middle finger, and the notes on the B string with your ring finger. Greg Koch Riff 1 0:00 /4.79873 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/Greg-Koch-riff-1.png) **Riff 2:** This second riff shows a different approach to the same chordal run. Here, we quickly play an open A string before hammering on each low note. It can be a bit tricky at first, but once you get it up to a fast speed, it has a super cool sound. Greg Koch Riff 2 0:00 /4.79873 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-15.png) **Riff 3:** The Allman Brothers, and specifically the late, great Dicky Betts, were a big influence on Greg's playing. This lick in the style of Dicky Betts uses a lot of hammer-ons and pull-offs, which help give it a vocal sound. Greg Koch Riff 3 0:00 /5.998435 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-16.png) --- ## Gear Showcase ### Reverend Greg Koch Gristlemaster & Gristle 90 ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/Reverend-Greg-Koch-1-.png) Greg Koch collaborated with Reverend Guitars to create two modern interpretations of the classic T-style design: the Greg Koch Gristlemaster and the Gristle 90. At 6 ft 7 inches tall, Greg wanted a slightly larger t-style guitar. Reverend increased the body size by 2-3%, but made it thinner except for a raised center ridge. The Gristlemaster has a chamber beneath the pickguard, which, combined with the increased body size and 25.5” scale length, results in exceptional sustain and resonance. The Gristlemaster includes *Fishman Greg Koch Signature Gristle-Tone pickups -*hum-free, rechargeable active pickups with two distinct voicings. It has a korina body, a midrange boost control, and a vintage-style Wilkinson classic 3-saddle bridge with staggered brass saddles. The medium oval roasted maple neck with a compound 10-14” radius fretboard has exceptional playability. While the *Gristle 90* may initially appear similar to the *Gristlemaster* due to their shared body design, they are two distinct guitars. The Gristle 90 features two *Fishman Greg Koch Gristle P90 Signature pickups* (with a push-pull phase switch), a Bigsby tremolo system, and an ebony fretboard with a 12” radius. The Gristle 90 also has a set-neck (instead of the bolt-on design used on the Gristlemaster) and a shorter 24 3/4” scale length. Both models are available in a range of cool original colors, making them stand out among the various t-style guitars available. Check out the Reverend [Gristlemaster](https://reverendguitars.com/guitars/greg-koch-signature-gristlemaster/?ref=vividguitar.co) and [Gristle 90](https://reverendguitars.com/guitars/greg-koch-gristle-90/?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Trending ![Martin Standard Guitars - (Image credit: Martin)](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/martin-guitars-copy.jpg) Martin Standard Guitars - (Image credit: Martin) - Martin [refreshed it's Standard Series](https://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/?srsltid=AfmBOor3G3L3IQZB1H30O7e38x0u-ADVYFtFolyN3QI0E3gQMSYeRbUI&ref=vividguitar.co) acoustic guitars for the first time since 2018\. Upgrades include new Sitka spruce Golden Era top bracing, a thinner fretboard with a beveled edge, and refined string spacing at the nut. They also introduced three new models to the series: the D-17 (dreadnought), 000-17 (triple o body) and OM-45 (orchestra model). Check out a [video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWpn-HYertY&ref=vividguitar.co) Chicago Music Exchange did showcasing the different models. - Squier released a [Limited Edition Paranormal Offset Telecaster® SJ](https://www.fender.com/en-US/squier-electric-guitars/telecaster/limited-edition-paranormal-offset-telecaster-sj-laurel-fingerboard-mint-pickguard-charcoal-frost-metallic/0377006569.html?ref=vividguitar.co). The guitar has a jazzmaster pickup in the neck, and a tele pickup in the bridge. Offered in in Charcoal Frost Metallic. MSRP is $449.99 USD. - Fender created a [California Wildfire Relief Fund](https://www.fender.com/en-US/ca-fire-relief.html?ref=vividguitar.co) to potentially help replenish gear for musicians that lost an instrument or gear in the fires. - Mike Bloomfield’s deformed Fender Telecaster that was used during Bob Dylan’s infamous 1965 Newport Folk Festival performance is [up for sale](https://www.retrofret.com/product.asp?ProductID=12583&name=Fender-Telecaster-Owned-and-Used-by-Mike-Bloomfield-Solid-Body-Electric-Guitar-1963&ref=vividguitar.co) for a cool $275k. --- ## Book Recommendation ### Greg Koch: Guitar Gumbo: Savory Licks, Tips & Quips for Serious Players ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/Greg-Koch-Gumbo-Guitar-Book.jpg) #### [View on Amazon](https://amzn.to/3PCJmpu?ref=vividguitar.co) ### --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Chord Practice, Delicate Steve, PJD Guitars, Ibanez 2025 Guitars URL: https://vividguitar.co/chord-practice-delicate-steve-pjd-guitars-ibanez-2025-guitars/ Last updated: 2025-02-03T22:44:57.000Z [ ![](https://www.awin1.com/cshow.php?s=3776189&v=67144&q=504238&r=1519185) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?s=3776189&v=67144&q=504238&r=1519185&ref=vividguitar.co) --- 💬 If you have two units you want to put together, whether it be two sentences or two parts of a song, there can be a tremendous amount of power in doing so without using a transition. Try finding the simplest, most elegant way to put a point across, with the least amount of information. - Rick Rubin --- ## Guitar Practice Today, let's take a look at a quick chord progression, and a riff based on it. It's relatively simple, but uses an often overlooked chord shape with a unique, soulful sound. A '*5*' chord is a chord built just using the root and the fifth note (often with the root also played an octave higher). In this example, we take a 5 chord, and add a 9th note to it (for the first 3 chords in the progression, at least). This requires a bit of a finger stretch, and is best played using the index, ring, and pinky finger on your fretting hand. 5add9 Chord Progression 0:00 /39.048 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-10.png) Next, we can play the notes of these chords individually, and come up with something like this: 5add9 Chord Riff 0:00 /34.056 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/5add9-Riff.png) Play around with altering the rhythm and the order you play the notes in, and see what other ideas you can come up with. --- ## Guitarist Spotlight ### Delicate Steve ![Delicate Steve on Guitar (Image credit: Eleanor Petry)](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/Delicate-Steve.jpg) (Image credit: Eleanor Petry) Delicate Steve, the stage name of Steve Marion, is a guitarist, composer, and producer renowned for his unique instrumental music that skillfully blends rock, funk, blues, and world music with a playful yet emotionally resonant style. Born in Fredon Township, New Jersey, Marion’s musical journey began at a young age. He experimented with music in his home studio, crafting a sound that challenged traditional musical boundaries. His breakthrough came with the release of his debut album, Wondervisions, in 2011\. This album established Marion as a rising star in the indie and instrumental music scenes. The album’s inventive guitar melodies and distinctive production garnered critical acclaim, solidifying his reputation as a creative force in modern music. Marion’s music is characterized by his ability to make the guitar “sing” with vocal-like melodies that evoke a sense of narrative and emotion, even without lyrics. This unique approach has led him to collaborate with a diverse range of artists, including Paul Simon, The Black Keys, Mac DeMarco, Tame Impala, and Amen Dunes. Over the years, Delicate Steve has released several well-received albums, including After Hours (2022), Positive Force (2012), This Is Steve (2017), and Till I Burn Up (2019). His latest release, Delicate Steve Sings (2024), features instrumental covers and intimate originals. Contrary to the album’s title, it remains entirely instrumental. The record revolves around channeling iconic voices through his guitar, an idea that struck him while listening to Willie Nelson during a trip to Greece. Each of Delicate Steve’s albums showcases his creative compositions, inspiring guitar work, and experimental edge, all tied together by the skillful use of effects and exceptional production. Known for his energetic and uplifting live performances, Marion’s ability to connect with audiences has solidified his reputation as one of the most inventive and versatile guitarists of his generation. His music continues to inspire and push the boundaries of instrumental music. **Key Gear:** - Gibson ’66 Melody Maker SG in Pelham Blue, modified with two PAF humbuckers - 1966 Fender Stratocaster - Strymon Lex (delay, reverb, and Leslie simulator) - Digitech Whammy - Dunlpo Cry Baby Wah - Strymon TimeLine Delay - Boss DS-1 Distortion **Check out *Street Breeze* from his album 'After Hours':** Check out Delicate Steve: [Website](https://delicatesteve.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/delicatesteve/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/DelicateSteve/) --- ## Gear Showcase ### PJD Guitars ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-13.png) PJD Guitars are meticulously crafted works of art, renowned for their stunning finishes, exceptional tone, and unparalleled playability. Founded in 2010 by Leigh Dovey, PJD Guitars emerged from Leigh’s passion for guitar building, nurtured by his woodworking skills acquired from his father. Over the past nearly-15 years, PJD has undergone remarkable growth, evolving from a focus on traditional guitar styles to the creation of their own innovative designs. PJD offers a diverse range of guitar models that truly stand out in the crowded guitar market. The Carey model draws inspiration from the Gibson Les Paul, but it boasts a neck, fretboard, and headstock reminiscent of Fender guitars, particularly with its 25.5” scale length. The St. John is a standout among offset guitar designs, featuring a unique combination of a P90 pickup in the neck position and a humbucker in the bridge, providing a range of tones that are rare on other guitars. The York, a relatively recent addition to their lineup, offers a fresh take on the t-style design, equipped with custom hand-wound single coil pickups. For those seeking an S-style guitar, PJD’s Woodford model is an excellent choice. PJD Guitars are available in two main series: Standard and Custom Shop Elite. Standard Series models typically feature a satin finish, while Elite models come with custom flame-tops, additional color options, and other premium upgrades. Both the Carey and St. John models are offered in both solidbody and semi-hollow body configurations. While most of PJD’s dealerships are located in Europe, they have recently expanded to include dealers in Thailand and Dubai, and many of their dealers offer international shipping services. [Check out PJD Guitars](https://www.pjdguitars.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## 🎸 Trending ![Ibanez 2025 Guitar Lineup](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-12.png) Ibanez announced their 2025 Guitar Lineup - Ibanez announced their [new guitar lineup for 2025](https://www.ibanez.com/na/news/detail/20241223094406.html?ref=vividguitar.co). While the updates focus pretty heavily on their AZ &RG series', there are also new/updated signature models, revamped acoustic guitars, and updates to their budget-friendly Artstar Expressionist and Artcore semi-hollow line. - Cory Wong interviewed jazz-guitar virtuoso Mike Stern on his podcast. They discussed him playing with Billy Cobham, Miles Davis, and Jaco Pastorius, the decline of arts spaces in America, and much more. [Apple](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-journey-of-jazz-guitarist-mike-stern/id1513405224?i=1000683138752&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/5y4KogqAp4KITv63We84o9?si=R7oiwF9MTWubbcSAXa2k-A&ref=vividguitar.co) - Ben Eunson posted quick a video about how to [improvise like a pro](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUZIrHXmgBI&ref=vividguitar.co) (hint: its about single string playing). - Michael Palmisano did a [deep dive](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HppjRvbDmc8&ref=vividguitar.co) into Harry Hood by Phish from a recent show (12/30/2024). - Rick Beato interviewed the incredible Tommy Emmanuel about [the Art of Solo Guitar Playing](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cn8XTWk1PS4&ref=vividguitar.co). ## Currently spinning in the Office ### **Delicate Steve: After Hours** ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-11.png) --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### ii V I Arpeggios, Rick Mitarotonda, Patrick James Eggle Macon URL: https://vividguitar.co/ii-v-i-arpeggios-rick-mitarotonda-patrick-james-eggle-macon/ Last updated: 2025-02-11T17:51:45.000Z [ ![](https://www.awin1.com/cshow.php?s=3776189&v=67144&q=504238&r=1519185) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?s=3776189&v=67144&q=504238&r=1519185&ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 “I want to figure out how I can make the most important statement with the least amount of information, so I don’t run out of ideas by the time I get to my second or third chorus.” - Larry Carlton ## Guitar Practice Let's practice some ii V I arpeggios. ii V I is the most common chord progression in jazz; used in countless songs. We'll look at a bunch of different chord/arpeggio positions, in 3 different keys. **ii V I in Bb:** Ii V I Arpeggios in Bb 0:00 /11.998435 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/ii-V-I-arpeggios-in-Bb.png) **ii V I in C Major:** Ii V I in C Arpeggios 0:00 /11.998435 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-2.png) **ii V I in F Major:** Ii V I arpeggios in F 0:00 /11.998435 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-3.png) --- ## Guitarist Spotlight ### Rick Mitarotonda ![Image c/o Deluis Guitars](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/empressfront4--1--copy.jpg) Image c/o Deluis Guitars As the guitarist and frontman for Connecticut-based jam/rock band *Goose*, Rick Mitarotonda has been making a name for himself through fiery, yet soulful guitar playing and catchy songwriting. With guitar playing that channels various influences that include John Scofield, Trey Anastasio, Jerry Garcia, Wes Montgomery, and Pat Metheny, as well as a singing/songwriting style that hints of John Mayer and Dave Matthews, Rick has helped Goose carve out their niche. Through nearly constant touring over the past decade, Rick and Goose have attracted legions of fans - ascending from clubs to large amphitheaters and arenas. The folky, hummable melodies of Goose's songs are memorable and danceable, and Rick's melody-focused approach to jams and soling keep their live shows interesting, and different from night to night. > *"I have so much to say about this band. I love their guitar player, just love. People ask me a lot, they go, “Who are you into right now?” I think Rick from Goose is a monster guitar player because, he’s … not just a great player, but he’s playing in the vocabulary of the tune." - John Mayer* After using a PRS Hollowbody II as his main gigging guitar for years, Rick recently switched to a custom model built by Deluis Guitars, named The Empress. With a maple top & back with rosewood sides, a 25” scale length, and Lollar Low/Wind Imperial Humbuckers, the guitar cuts through the mix well. **Key Gear:** - Deluis Guitars [The Empress](https://deluisguitars.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) - Mesa/Boogie Express amp - Lovepedal Eternity overdrive - Strymon Deco Tape Saturation & Doubletracker - Strymon Flint Reverb - Digitech Whammy Check out Rick: [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/uncboo/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Goose](https://www.goosetheband.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Gear Showcase ### Patrick James Eggle Macon ![Patrick James Eggle Macon](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/02/PJE-Macon.png) Oswestry, England-based Patrick James Eggle Guitars is one of the top boutique guitar builders in the world. Patrick and his team are true craftsmen, putting their own twist on electric guitars. While they make guitars in several different body styles/shapes, their single-cut Macon Series stands out as a favorite. The Macon is offered in several variations: - Macon Carved Top - Macon Carved Top Semi-Hollow - Macon Special (with an upgraded maple top) - Macon Vintage (featuring slab, one-piece mahogany body) - Macon Junior (Double-Cut slab body, contoured heel and wraparound bridge) The Macon features top-quality hardware and high-end hand-wound pickups, specifically chosen by Patrick to offer clarity, separation and extended high and low end. The Macon Vintage stands out with its slab, one-piece mahogany body, and mahogany neck. It's offered in 4 stunning, vintage-inspired colors and finished in nitro. It has a 'Staple P90' pickup in the neck and their PAF Humbucker in the bridge, complete with coil splitting capability. The Macons have medium-depth 60's style C-shaped necks, with a 12" fretboard radius. The Macon single cut also features a rear contour and sculpted neck heel for great playability and ergonomics. The Macon is setting a new bar for single-cut guitars. [Check out the Patrick James Eggle Macon](https://www.eggle.co.uk/macon-series?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Trending ![Fender American Ultra II Meteora in Texas Tea](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-8.png) Fender American Ultra II Meteora in Texas Tea - Fender introduced the [American Ultra II Meteora](https://www.fender.com/en-US/electric-guitars/other/american-ultra-ii-meteora/0119181790.html?ref=vividguitar.co). Offered in Texas Tea, Ultraburst, and Avalanche colors, the Ultra II Meteora has a quartersawn maple neck with a Modern D profile, 10”-14” compound radius fingerboards with rolled edges, medium-jumbo frets, and pair of Haymaker™ humbuckers, with an S1 for coil splitting. - The 2025 NAMM show (National Association of Music Merchants) is less than two weeks away! Guitar gear releases are typically light during the first few weeks of the year, because companies are waiting for the NAMM Show to announce their upcoming product releases. This year's event takes place January 21-26, 2025\. Fender & Gibson are back after sitting out the last couple years. [Check out my NAMM 2025 Wish List](https://vividguitar.co/2025-guitar-wish-list/). - Guitar World [spoke with Doors guitarist Robby Krieger](https://www.guitarworld.com/artists/bands/robby-krieger-the-doors-retrospective?ref=vividguitar.co) about the Doors' history – from the difficulties of working with Jim Morrison, his best guitar solo, and the time they consciously stole from Cream. - The Know Your Gear podcasts discussed [why Fender bought and sold Ovation Guitar](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/know-your-gear-podcast/id1252877095?i=1000682770081&ref=vividguitar.co). ## Currently spinning in the Office **William Tyler: Modern Country** ![William Tyler Modern Country Guitar Album](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-6.png) ### --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### 2025 NAMM Show Wish List URL: https://vividguitar.co/2025-guitar-wish-list/ Last updated: 2025-03-11T18:10:01.000Z The world's biggest guitar trade show, the **NAMM** (National Association of Music Merchants) Show runs from Tue, Jan 21, 2025 – Sun, Jan 26, 2025 in Anaheim, CA - expanding from 3 days to 5. It's when many of the top guitar and music companies from around the world announce new products, and detail some of their product plans for the year ahead. Below is my wish list (mostly focused around electric guitar releases) for NAMM 2025 announcements from some of the top guitar companies: ### Fender: - Release a '57 Tweed Tone Master Deluxe and/or Tweed Tone Master Princeton amp. Fender introduced the first Tweed-style Tone Master amp in 2024 in the Tone Master '59 Bassman. The '57 Tweed Deluxe is arguably Fender's most popular tweed amp, and a Tone Master version would likely sell like hotcakes. - Release a USA-made version of the Fender Sixty Six. The 6-string guitar with a scaled-down Jazz Bass body was part of Fender's Alternate Reality series from 2019\. It's a cool concept. An American-made version could take it to another level compared to the original made-in-Mexico model. - American Professional III? It's been 4 years since the release of the American Pro II line, and Fender's typical 4-year-cycle, combined with them seeming to discount some of the American Pro II line recently can indicate a refresh is on the way. Look for new colorways and updated pickups. - Thinline American Ultra Telecasters. The previous American Deluxe and American Elite Telecasters had thinline versions. While Fender released thinline American Professional II teles last year, a thinline hasn't yet been added to the Ultra line. - Release a new American-made Jaguar ### Gibson: - New ES-339 in additional colors/finishes. While Gibson released some new colorways for the larger-body ES-335 in 2024, it's been a few years since any updates were made to the ES-339 line. ### Paul Reed Smith: **PRS Guitars** won't have an official exhibit at NAMM this year, but it will be sponsoring stages and events, and likely getting its products into different booths. - Bring back the CE-22\. The PRS CE-24 is a very popular model, but not everyone wants a guitar with 24 frets. They stopped producing the CS22 in 2008, but I'd love to see them bring it back, even for a limited run. ### Ibanez - Update the AS/AM Artstar line. Ibanez's semi-hollow guitars are among the best out there, but the company seems to largely ignore them in favor of their models more geared toward shredders. I'd love to see some updates to the AS2000, AM2000 and lower-tier Artstar/Artcore range. Some colors other than Sunburst would at least be nice. 😏 ### Gretsch - Release a semi-hollow version of the Players Edition Jet, and maybe some additional color/finish options for the Broadkaster Jr.. ### D'Angelico I'm a big fan of the guitars D'Angelico has put out over the last decade or so, but 2024 was a relatively quiet year for them - mainly focusing on a few signature model releases. - Updates to the Deluxe & Excel DC and Deluxe Mini DC line. These are nice guitars, but it's been a few years since they've had any updates. DC models with different pickup options, such as a P90 in the neck and humbucker in the bridge would be a welcome addition. The single-coil Seymour Duncan pickups (in humbucker casing) used in the Eric Krasno Signature Brighton sound great. I'd love to see them used in a semi-hollow guitar. - Offer a Semi-hollow Deluxe Brighton and Atlantic (preferably in their great *Satin Honey* finish). - Offer some guitars with a bit fatter necks. If there's one gripe about D'Angelico's electric guitars, it's that every model seems to use the exact same neck - which is on the thin side. Offering some guitar models with different neck profiles could appeal to more players. ### Supro - Enter the digital modeling amp game. So far, Supro has remained solely focused on valve amps. Can 2025 be the year they release a digital modelling amp? ### Yamaha - Updated Pacifica. The Pacifica is due for a refresh. - Release a 14" version of the SA2200\. The SA2200 is one of the best es-335-sized semi-hollow guitars out there. I'd love to see Yamaha offer a version of it in the size of the ES-339 with a 14" body size. - Revstar with an F-hole. The Revstar already has a chambered body, but is still on the heavier side. Making it even more chambered and adding an F-hole could take a great guitar to another level. ### Eastman - Offer Thinline guitars in a natural or blonde color. It's been years since they've offered this. ### Arpeggio Practice, Mark Speer, Fibenare Guitars URL: https://vividguitar.co/arpeggio-practice-mark-speer-fibenare-guitars/ Last updated: 2025-02-04T20:20:10.000Z [ ![](https://www.awin1.com/cshow.php?s=3776189&v=67144&q=504238&r=1519185) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?s=3776189&v=67144&q=504238&r=1519185&ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 “It is not daily increase, but daily decrease; hack away the unessential. The closer to the source, the less wastage there is.” ― Bruce Lee ## Guitar Practice Today, let's look at an arpeggio idea where we take different triad shapes and move them up and down the neck of the guitar. Use your 4th finger to move up to another position, and your 1st finger to move down the neck to a lower position. ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/Vertical-Movement-Arpeggios.png) --- ## Guitarist Spotlight ### Mark Speer ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/Mark-Speer-Guitar.jpg) Best known as the guitarist of the genre-defying band Khruangbin, Mark Speer is one of today’s most creative and original guitar players. Born in (and still based in) Houston, Texas, Mark developed a deep appreciation for a wide range musical styles early in life, ranging from classic rock to global sounds such as Thai funk, Middle Eastern grooves, and African rhythms. Speer's guitar style is characterized by his dynamic phrasing and inventive use of reverb and delay, creating lush, atmospheric textures. His playing draws inspiration from global music traditions, especially 1960s and '70s Thai funk, which influenced Khruangbin's unique sound. Before forming Khruangbin in 2010 with bassist Laura Lee and drummer Donald "DJ" Johnson, Speer worked as a recording engineer and performed in various bands around Houston. His collaborative chemistry with Lee and Johnson led to the creation of a distinct musical identity that seamlessly fuses funk, soul, psychedelia, and world music. With Khruangbin, Speer has toured internationally and released critically acclaimed albums such as The Universe Smiles Upon You (2015), Con Todo El Mundo (2018), Mordechai (2020), and A LA SALA (2024). Khruangbin’s live shows are outstanding, and they’ve risen from playing mid-size clubs to large amphitheaters around the world over the last few years. Beyond his work with the band, Speer remains a passionate advocate for exploring and celebrating the richness of global musical traditions. The band regularly posts their own curated playlists on Spotify, featuring music from the around the world that you’ve likely never heard before. Speer’s playing has been a key part of the Khruangbin’s success, and his unique guitar tone is a dominant part of their sound. In addition to his phrasing and playing style, Mark’s sound comes from a Fender Stratocaster into a Fender Deluxe Reverb amp, colored by a unique pickup wiring, and some interesting uses of effects pedals. His guitar is a 2001 Fender USA-made ‘70s reissue Strat. He swapped out the neck and bridge pickups with DiMArzio Pro Track mini-humbucker pickups. When he put the neck pickup in, he wired it into the switch wrong. The result was a “weird tinny gross little sound” he wasn’t used to at all. He thought he should have someone fix it, but then played it on a gig and fell in love with how nasty it sounded. The out-of-phase sound is wired into the middle+neck combo. Mark keeps his Dunlop Crybaby wah always on. The brightness caused from the wah is evened out by a Boss distortion pedal where he sets the tone at the lowest setting. He also sets the bass at around 9 on his amp, with the treble set to around 3-5\. He also has an MXR Dyna-Comp compressor where he sets the Output to full, and the Sensitivity to be off. Reverb and delay are also a big part of his sound, and he recently switched from a Strymon El Capistan to a Strymon Timeline. Speer has become a standout figure in modern music. He continues to push creative boundaries, contributing to Khruangbin's growth as a globally celebrated act. **Key Gear:** - 2001 Fender USA-made ‘70s reissue Stratocaster - Boss DS-1 Distortion - MXR Dyna Comp compressor - Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverb - Dunlop Cry Baby Was - Strymon TimeLine Check out Mark Speer: [Personal Instagram Page](https://www.instagram.com/robotdouble/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Khruangbin's Instagram Page](https://www.instagram.com/khruangbin/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Khruangbin Website](https://www.khruangbin.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Gear Showcase ### Fibenare Guitars ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/fibenareguitars.png) **Fibenare Guitars** is a boutique guitar company founded in 1998 in Kecskemét, Hungary, by three brothers: Árpád, Attila, and Csaba Benedek. With a shared passion for music, art, and craftsmanship, the Benedek brothers set out to create guitars that combine innovative design with exceptional tonal quality. Each Fibenare guitar is meticulously handcrafted, blending traditional luthiery techniques with modern innovations. The company is known for its attention to detail, premium materials, and custom options, making their instruments highly sought after by musicians worldwide. Fibenare's designs often showcase unique aesthetics, ergonomic shapes, and proprietary hardware - such as their custom pickups. Notable guitar lines (each line features multiple distinct models) include the **Basic Jazz**, **Erotic**, and **Roadmaster**, each offering a different sound and feel tailored to different playing styles. Fibenare's commitment to quality and artistry has earned them a reputation as one of the finest boutique guitar makers in the world. Check out Fibenare Guitars: [Website](https://www.fibenare-guitars.org/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/fibenareguitars/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/fibenare/) --- ## Trending ![G&L ASAT Classic Custom](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-4.png) - 🎸 G&L partnered with Sweetwater for a limited edition run of [exclusive USA ASAT guitars in Fiesta Red](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/search?s=g%26l+sweetwater+exclusive+ASAT&ref=vividguitar.co). These include an ASAT Classic Custom, Deluxe ASAT Classic Bluesboy P90, and Deluxe ASAT Z3. - Rick Beato [interviewed Greg Koch](https://youtu.be/oLOg9ZLiHtg?si=R-7DQkLsyux9so0U&ref=vividguitar.co) to explore his eclectic technique that pulls from a variety of styles, including Rock, Blues, Jazz and Country. - Jack Fossett posted a new vid discussing [things guitar snobs get wrong](https://youtu.be/M4NTXY9QW20?si=rkOHn6lRF0xmpoTP&ref=vividguitar.co). - Gibson added some new guitars to its [MOD Collection](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/Collection/gibson-mod?ref=vividguitar.co) of customized one-off guitars, including a [ES-335 Figured Manuka Honey Burst](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/p/Electric-Guitar/MOD-RAM025300/Manuka-Honey-Burst?ref=vividguitar.co), a [Natural Walnut Les Paul](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/p/Electric-Guitar/MOD-RAM018891/Natural-Walnut?ref=vividguitar.co), a [1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue Watercolor](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/p/Electric-Guitar/MOD-RAM024509/Watercolor?ref=vividguitar.co), and many others. - The new [Keeley Rotary pedal](https://robertkeeley.com/product/keeley-rotary/?ref=vividguitar.co) has been quickly building a following (Trey Anastasio using during Phish's recent New Years run certainly helped fuel demand), and is one of the top rotary pedals I've heard (along the long-out-of-production Hughes and Kettner Rotosphere). They're being sold in batches, and the first 4 batches have all sold out quickly. No word on a date for a 5th batch. --- ## Currently spinning in the Office ### **Sturgill Simpson (Johnny Blue Skies): Passage Du Desir** ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-1.png) --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### 2025 NAMM Guitar Gear Rundown URL: https://vividguitar.co/2025-namm-guitar-gear-rundown/ Last updated: 2025-02-05T23:40:28.000Z Like Guitar? **You'll love our** [**guitar newsletter**](https://vividguitar.co/)**.** ### This article takes a look at the best new guitar gear announced at the 2025 NAMM Show. --- **Fender** launched a new $599 [Standard Series](https://fender.prf.hn/click/camref:1101l49CxX/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fender.com%2Fen-US%2Felectric-series%2Fstandard%2F?ref=vividguitar.co). The made-in-Indonesia line includes a Telecaster, Stratocaster, HSS Stratocaster, Jazz Bass, and Precision Bass. They feature Fender's 'Modern C' neck, a 9.5"-radius fingerboard, and 'Fender Standard pickups'. ![Fender Standard Series Guitars (Image credit: Fender)](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-36.png) Fender Standard Series Guitars (Image credit: Fender) The Standard Series also includes an [Acoustasonic](https://fender.prf.hn/click/camref:1101l49CxX/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fender.com%2Fen-US%2Facoustasonic-guitars%2F?ref=vividguitar.co) Standard Jazzmaster and Acoustasonic Standard Telecaster, available in honey burst, aged natural, and black. They are built with braced solid Sitka spruce tops, chambered bodies, and pickups designed in collaboration with Fishman. Available in April (also priced at $599). ![Fender Acoustasonic Standard Telecaster](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-37.png) Fender Acoustasonic Standard Telecaster --- **Fender** announced the [Monster Hunter Rathalos Telecaster](https://fender.prf.hn/click/camref:1101l49CxX/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fender.com%2Fen-US%2Felectric-guitars%2Ftelecaster%2Fmonster-hunter-rathalos-telecaster-rosewood-fingerboard-rathalos-red%2F5602600899.html?ref=vividguitar.co). This guitar is a collaboration model commemorating the 20th anniversary of the worldwide hunting action game “Monster Hunter” in which players confront giant monsters in a nature setting 🤷‍♂️. It has a satin-finished alder body, a 9.5” radius “C”-shape maple neck with 22 medium jumbo frets, a neck humbucker, and a bridge single-coil pickup. Retails for $1,999\. Available in March. ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-54.png) --- **Fender** is releasing a Limited Edition American Vintage II 1951 Telecaster. Available in butterscotch blonde or 'prototype white'. ![Limited Edition American Vintage II 1951 Telecaster](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-47.png) Limited Edition American Vintage II 1951 Telecaster --- **Fender** also announced an [American Vintage II 1965 Stratocaster](https://fender.prf.hn/click/camref:1101l49CxX/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fender.com%2Fen-US%2Felectric-guitars%2Fstratocaster%2Famerican-vintage-ii-1965-stratocaster%2F0110280809.html?ref=vividguitar.co), available in Candy Apple Red, Shoreline Gold, and Sonic Blue. ![Fender American Vintage II 1965b Stratocaster in Candy Apple Red](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-55.png) --- **Fender** announced a [30th Anniversary Blues Junior Combo amp](https://fender.prf.hn/click/camref:1101l49CxX/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fender.com%2Fen-US%2Fguitar-amplifiers%2Fvintage-pro-tube%2Fblues-junior-iv-30th-anniversary%2F2231500030.html?ref=vividguitar.co) with a cool new look. Features a commemorative Black Western covering and vintage Bassman grille cloth, has a modified pre-amp circuit, and a Celestion® G12M-65 Creamback speaker. MSRP is $999 USD - though it's not expected to be available until late June. ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-38.png) --- **Martin** released 2 [Billy Strings Signature Guitars](https://www.martinguitar.com/billy-strings.html?ref=vividguitar.co): The [D-28](https://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/custom-special-editions/D-28-Billy-Strings.html?ref=vividguitar.co), and the budget friendly [D-X2E](https://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/custom-special-editions/D-X2E-Billy-Strings.html?ref=vividguitar.co). The guitars are inspired by Billy's 1940 Martin D-28 dreadnought, and feature a 25" scale length and 1 23/32'' nut width (which is a bit wider than his 1940 model). Both models feature modified low oval satin neck, designed for comfort and speed. The made-in-Mexico D-X2E features laminate sides & back (as to be expected based on the $899 price point), but does feature a pickup system and build-in tuner (which the top-end D-28 does not). ![Martin Billy Strings Signature D-28](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-34.png) Martin Billy Strings Signature D-28 --- **Gibson** announced a [1955 NAMM Show Commemorative Edition Les Paul](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/p/Electric-Guitar/1955-NAMM-Show-Commemorative-Edition-Les-Paul/Samoa-Beige?ref=vividguitar.co), recreating five rare metallic nitrocellulose lacquer finishes. ![Gibson 1955 Commemorative Edition Les Paul](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-33.png) Gibson 1955 Commemorative Edition Les Paul --- **Gibson** also announced a Gibson Warren Haynes Signature Les Paul. Offered in a 60s Cherry finish, the guitar will feature a mahogony body, a pair of P-90 pickups, and a toggleable clean boost switch. ![Gibson Warren Haynes Signature Les Paul (image c/o Gibson)](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-44.png) Gibson Warren Haynes Signature Les Paul (image c/o Gibson) --- **Collings Guitars** announced a new model called the [Ladybird](https://collingsguitars.com/electrics/ladybird/?ref=vividguitar.co). The fully-hollow, single-cut guitar has a 24 1/8” scale length, and Righteous Sound Cathedral or Bishop pickups. ![Collings Guitars Ladybird](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-52.png) Collings Guitars Ladybird --- **D'Angelico** released [Premier EXL-1 Hollowbody](https://dangelicoguitars.com/guitars/premier-series/premier-exl-1/?ref=vividguitar.co) archtop guitar. It features a custom floating mini-humbucker, a 17-inch-wide body design, a slim C-shape neck, medium vintage frets, and a 1 and 11/16" nut width. At a MSRP of $1,199, it's priced higher than most (all?) of their other Premier Series guitars, but it's also a bigger guitar. ![D'Angelico Premier EXL-1 Hollowbody Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-53.png) D'Angelico Premier EXL-1 Hollowbody Guitar --- **Gibson** announced several new acoustic guitars, including the **936 Advanced Jumbo** dreadnought, **J-45 Special**, and a **Margo Price Signature J-45**. ![Gibson Margo Price Signature J-45 (image c/o Gibson)](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-45.png) --- **Guild** released the [Travel Spruce](https://my.guildguitars.com/travel-acoustic-guitar/spruce/?ref=vividguitar.co) acoustic guitar. The small-bodied design has a 22 3/8" scale length, a spruce top with mahogany back & sides, and a satin finish. ![Guild Travel Spruce Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-35.png) Guild Travel Spruce Guitar --- **Taylor** released 2 new Builders Edition 814ce guitars. The Grand Auditorium guitars feature select tonewoods, and is offered in **Hoduran Rosewood + Sinker Redwood** and **Honduran Rosewood + Adirondack Spruce.** ![Taylor Builder's Edition 814ce in Honduran Rosewood/Sinker Redwood](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/Taylor-Builders-Edition-814ce-Sinker--Redwood-1209174107-FrontLeft-2024.png) Taylor Builder's Edition 814ce in Honduran Rosewood/Sinker Redwood --- **Ernie Ball** collaborated with Cory Wong for the [Stingray II collection](https://www.music-man.com/instruments/families/guitars/stingray-ii?ref=vividguitar.co). Offered in Standard and Deluxe models, they feature 2 humbuckers, a roasted maple neck, 22 stainless steel frets, and an ergonomic body design. ![Ernie Ball Stingray II Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-41.png) Ernie Ball Stingray II Guitar --- **Eastman** announced a new solidbody electric guitar series called the **Fullertone.** The[SC-52](https://www.eastmanguitars.com/ft%5Fsc52?ref=vividguitar.co) model features 2 pickups, and a maple fretboard, while the [DC'62](https://www.eastmanguitars.com/ft%5Fdc62?ref=vividguitar.co) has an HSS pickup configuration, with a humbucker + 2 single coil pickups. ![Eastman Fullertone Series](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-43.png) Eastman Fullertone Series --- **Orange Amplification** expanded their line of [Baby amps](https://orangeamps.com/pedal-baby/?ref=vividguitar.co). The solid-state, portable rack-mountable heads are designed to deliver big (pedal-friendly) tones in a *baby-sized* package. ![Orange Gain Baby 100 Amp](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-48.png) Orange Gain Baby 100 Amp --- **DigiTech** partnered with bassist MonoNeon for a Signature Whammy V Pedal. It expands on the Whammy V, adding a new Hypersonic Mode for a 3-octave pitch rise, an innovative Octave Blend, and a new detune function. ![DigiTech MonoNeon Signature Whammy V Pedal](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-50.png) DigiTech MonoNeon Signature Whammy V Pedal --- **Marshall** released a new line of [overdrive guitar pedals](https://www.marshall.com/us/en/amplifiers/pedals?ref=vividguitar.co): '1959', 'JCM800', 'JCM900', 'DSL' and 'JVM'. ![Marshall 1959 Overdrive Pedal](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/image-51.png) Marshall 1959 Overdrive Pedal --- **Enjoy this post? You'll love our** [**guitar newsletter**](https://vividguitar.co/)**.** ### Jam Track, Jens Larsen, Jam Pedals TubeDreamer URL: https://vividguitar.co/jam-track-jens-larsen-jam-pedals-tubedreamer/ Last updated: 2025-02-03T22:47:55.000Z [ ![](https://www.awin1.com/cshow.php?s=3776189&v=67144&q=504238&r=1519185) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?s=3776189&v=67144&q=504238&r=1519185&ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 "Creativity isn’t about wild talent as much as it’s about productivity. To find a few ideas that work, you need to try a lot that don’t." - Scott Belsky ## Guitar Practice ### Jam Track Today, we have a funky blues jam track in the key of E. First work on learning the rhythm, and then practice soloing over it. ![audio-thumbnail](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/media/2024/12/Red-Hot-Funky-Blues_thumb.png) Red Hot Funky Blues 0:00 /316.8653 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/Red-Hot-Funky-Blues-Lead-Sheet-1.png) To solo over this, you *could* use an E Minor Pentatonic or E Minor Blues scale, but the E Mixolydian Mode opens up some additional colors and options. Below is the E Mixolydian Mode between the 1st and 7th frets. ![E Myyxolydian Mode](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/image-37.png) --- ## Guitarist/Educator Spotlight ## Jens Larsen ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/Jens-Larsen-1.jpeg) Jens Larsen is a jazz guitarist, composer, arranger, and educator based in the Netherlands - and he's had an impact on many guitar players around the world. In addition to playing in the groups Træben, Yvonne Smeets Group, Jazz4kids and Wijnen, Winter & Larsen, Jens teaches guitar at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague. He also produces great jazz guitar lessons on YouTube and writes articles for jazz publications. Since 2014, Jens has been posting free jazz guitar lessons on YouTube, building a large following of guitarists that tune in to his informative and engaging lessons. Jens' videos are typically concise, which helps make sure you won't get overwhelmed trying to grasp what can sometimes be pretty complex guitar concepts. While a lot of guitar resources give you charts (such as scales and arpeggios), Jens focuses on using that information in a way that is natural and musical, rather than running through boxed-in positions on the guitar. Jens's lessons range from concepts for people just getting started in jazz, all the way to expert level, so you can jump right in regardless of where you're at with your playing. In addition to his popular YouTube lessons, Jens has many lessons (both free and premium) and guitar study guides on [his own website](https://jenslarsen.nl/?ref=vividguitar.co). Check out Jens Larsen: [Website](https://jenslarsen.nl/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqepSCHTyWj4BzHxEEUNvlg?ybp=ggIOdml2aWRndWl0YXIuY28%253D&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jenslarsenjazz/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Gear Showcase ### Jam Pedals TubeDreamer | Lucydreamer | Doubledreamer ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/Jam-Pedals-Dreamer.png) The TubeDreamer and Lucydreamer are Jam Pedals' inspiring takes on the popular Tubescreamer/808-style pedal. The TubeDreamer and Lucydreamer have some key differences, and the DoubleDreamer combines both of them into a single dual-overdrive pedal. **TubeDreamer** The TubeDreamer takes the classic Tubescreamer design, and adds additional midrange frequency, to deliver warm and rich overdriven sound through any amp. From a technical standpoint, a main difference between the Tubedreamer and other Tubescreamers, is that it uses 3 diodes for asymmetrical clipping instead of symmetrical. This makes the pedal very responsive to your fretting and picking. The Tubedreamer also features a toggle switch to access a high gain stage, for a wider range of tones. The TubeDreamer is used by guitar greats including Bill Frisell, Dweezil Zappa, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Nels Cline, Kirk Fletcher, Gilad Hekselman, and others. **Lucydreamer** Tubescreamer pedals largely get their sound by boosting the mid frequency, and adding some compression. The Lucydreamer alters that, and delivers less mids, less compression, and more low end in comparison, making it a uniquely voiced overdrive. It still has the mid hump that is characteristic of a tubescreamer, but it is much less pronounced. It also features dry/wet mix control, a high-gain-stage footswitch (which doesn’t affect the dry signal’s level), and an internal trimmer to set the high-gain stage’s output level. Being able to use the dry/wet control to mix in the warm mid-rangey drive with your clean tone, and other effects like fuzz, phaser, or chorus makes this pedal very versatile. **Double Dreamer** The Double Dreamer is both pedals together, with the TubeDreamer on the left side, and the Lucydreamer on the right. The High-gain-stage footswitch (in the middle) can work with either the Tubedreamer, the Lucydreamer, or both. View them on the Jam Pedals' website: [TubeDreamer](https://www.jampedals.com/tubedreamer-58/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Lucydreamer](https://www.jampedals.com/lucydreamer/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Double Dreamer](https://www.jampedals.com/double-dreamer/?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Trending - Bluegrass legend Jerry Douglas joined Cory Wong on his podcast to discuss bluegrass history, technicality, and recording session secrets. [Apple](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wong-notes/id1513405224?i=1000680836973&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/1iK6fmj9VgkBoYPZ8JwlsI?si=YBDIk8TBRyGa5JbAqHxYTQ&ref=vividguitar.co) - On Phillip McKnight's *Know Your Gear* YouTube channel & podcast, he makes the argument that the market might [not need any new guitars](https://www.youtube.com/live/it37MY%5FPY9A?si=O6H65v7UGdvx66j8&ref=vividguitar.co). - Discover Music posted their take on [40 of the best guitar riffs of all time](https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/best-guitar-riffs/?ref=vividguitar.co). - Guitar World posted their picks for the [hottest guitar gear launches of 2024](https://www.guitarworld.com/gear/the-hottest-guitar-gear-launches-of-2024?ref=vividguitar.co). - Louder posted a [tribute](https://www.loudersound.com/features/musician-deaths-2024?ref=vividguitar.co) to the musicians we lost in 2024. --- ## Currently spinning in the Office ### Kacey Musgraves - Deeper Well ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/image-39.png) --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Auld Lang Syne, Cory Wong, Shelton Electric Instruments URL: https://vividguitar.co/auld-lang-syne-cory-wong-shelton-electric-instruments/ Last updated: 2025-02-03T22:48:18.000Z [ ![](https://www.awin1.com/cshow.php?s=3776189&v=67144&q=504238&r=1519185) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?s=3776189&v=67144&q=504238&r=1519185&ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 "To play a wrong note is insignificant. To play without passion is inexcusable." - Beethoven ## Guitar Practice ### Auld Lang Syne Happy New Year's Eve! Today, let's take a look at a version of the New Year's Eve staple, *Auld Lang Syne*. If you were wondering how Auld Lang Syne became the theme song for New Year's Eve, according to Google's completely hit-or-miss AI overview, "Auld Lang Syne became a New Year's Eve tradition in the United States after Canadian bandleader Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians played it on radio and television broadcasts from 1929 to 1976". We'll roll with that. ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/image-38.png) --- ## Guitarist Spotlight ### Cory Wong ![Cory Wong Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/Cory-Wong.jpg) Image Credit: Fender While there's no shortage of guitarists that command the spotlight through flashy lead work, every once in a while you hear someone playing rhythm guitar in a way that makes you open your eyes, bop your head, and drop your jaw. Minneapolis-based Cory Wong combines energetic rhythm guitar with soulful lead work - tied into creative compositions and wild improvisations. Best known for his solo work, as well as with the funk band Vulfpeck, and the Fearless Flyers (along with Mark Lettieri), Cory took elements of his early influences - including the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Primus, and combined them with his experience studying and playing jazz. The result is a unique style that brings rhythm guitar to the forefront, showcased in a band that is tight as hell. Cory's impact on the guitar world extends beyond his playing. Cory's *Wong Notes* [podcast](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wong-notes/id1513405224&ved=2ahUKEwikpIKApb6KAxWmEVkFHbyZDNoQFnoECB4QAQ&usg=AOvVaw2hewqGuJlGhqEhWcnUXADA) features outstanding interviews with today's most interesting guitar players, and has become my favorite guitar podcast. Fender released a Cory Wong Signature Stratocaster, and Neural DSP tapped Cory to developer their killer *Cory Wong Archetype* plugin. Cory's main guitar is a Sapphire Blue Fender Highway One Stratocaster, and he typically uses a clean tone. Like for many of us, his rig is often evolving, and varies a bit from band to band (and tour to tour). Below is some of the gear he's recently been gigging with (check out a [rig rundown](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DF8uc6mpr88c&ved=2ahUKEwj68%5F37vMiKAxVnlIkEHfZSLk0QwqsBegQICBAF&usg=AOvVaw2A6u%5FNSZxlpyEJUg0GMI-j) his did with Premier Guitar). **Key Gear:** - Fender Highway One Stratocaster - DV Mark Eric Gales signature Raw Dawg amp heads - DV Mark cabinets - Wampler Ego Compressor - Hotone Soul Press II volume/wah - GFI Systems - Rossie envelope filter - Beetronics Vezzpa octave fuzz - Vertex Ultra - Phonix Special Overdrive - Jackson Audio The Optimist overdrive - Strymon Big Sky reverb - TC Electronic Sub 'N' Up dual octave pedal. - Ernie Ball Paradigm steel .010 guage strings & Dava Delrin medium picks **Check out Cory Wong:** [Website](https://www.corywongmusic.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Podcast](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wong-notes/id1513405224&ved=2ahUKEwikpIKApb6KAxWmEVkFHbyZDNoQFnoECB4QAQ&usg=AOvVaw2hewqGuJlGhqEhWcnUXADA) | [Instagram](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.instagram.com/coryjwong/%3Fhl%3Den&ved=2ahUKEwiJwJuxpb6KAxWeEVkFHW%5FcGZsQFnoECB8QAQ&usg=AOvVaw1-%5FIvnKSxP0okFAzpkHCj5) | [Facebook](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.facebook.com/corywongmusic/&ved=2ahUKEwiXz427pb6KAxX-GFkFHX%5FuId0QFnoECBoQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0ZosNTHGjSrrLPGDxRUAEz) **Album pick:** Cory Wong - Live in London --- ## Gear Showcase ### Shelton Electric Instruments ![Shelton Electric Instruments GalaxyFlite Electric Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/front-shelton-galaxyflite-car-front.png) Shelton Electric Instruments GalaxyFlite What started as a shop selling a wide selection of carefully-curated used and vintage guitars back in 2005, evolved into a boutique guitar company producing a line of outstanding handcrafted USA-made guitars. With models such as the Tele-Style Timeflite, Jazzmaster-style Galaxyflite, the Strat-style Skyflite, as well as some unique original designs, Shelton Electric Instruments pays tribute to the classics, but often with a creative twist. With various finish options (including nitro finishes with various aging options), solid body and thinline options, various pickup configurations, and premium components used across all their guitars, Shelton does a great job combining vintage and modern design and specs. Shelton Guitars can be purchased through their own website, as well as select retailers, including Eddie’s Guitars. Their Instagram page is straight up eye candy as well. **Check out Shelton Electric Instruments:** [Website](https://sheltonelectricinstruments.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/sheltonelectricinstruments/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sheltonelectric) --- ## Trending - The Fender Princeton Reverb has been one of the most popular amps ever since it was was released in the 1960's. If there are any complaints about it, it's typically that it doesn't have any *mid* control. Well, Sweetwater is offering an [exclusive Mod Shop version](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PrinceRev65M1--fender-65-princeton-reverb-1-by-10-inch-12-watt-tube-combo-amp-black-tolex-silver-grille-sweetwater-exclusive-mod-shop?ref=vividguitar.co) with an added a rear-panel midrange control, enabling you to dial the amp from standard Blackface tones all the way to scooped and mid-forward Tweed-like tones. - The film **A Complete Unknown** hit theaters last week. The film follows the life and career Bob Dylan from January 1961, when he moves from Minnesota to New York City, to his 1965 concert at the Newport Folk Festival (and the controversy over Dylan's use of electric instruments). View [the trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdV-Cs5o8mc&ref=vividguitar.co). - Paul Reed Smith wrote a [short article](https://www.premierguitar.com/pro-advice/a-builders-perspective/go-down-all-the-rabbit-holes?ref=vividguitar.co) for Premier Guitar, where he mentioned the importance of being curious, and going down different rabbit holes for experience and inspiration. - Guitar World posted a list of the [best guitar albums of 2024](https://www.guitarworld.com/artists/music-releases/the-best-guitar-albums-of-2024?ref=vividguitar.co). While there are several notable albums they missed (Julian Lage's *Speak to Me* and The Black Keys' *Ohio Players* are two that come to mind), the albums by The Black Crowes and MJ Lenderman are a couple of my favorites from the year. --- ## Currently spinning in the Office ### Spencer Pope: The Dark, The Day ![ Spencer Pope: The Dark, The Day Guitar Album](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/Spencer-Pope-Album-copy.png) --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Christmas Time is Here Chord Melody, Scott Metzger, Taylor 214ce URL: https://vividguitar.co/christmas-time-is-here-chord-melody-scott-metzger-taylor-214ce/ Last updated: 2025-02-03T22:48:48.000Z [ ![](https://www.awin1.com/cshow.php?s=3776189&v=67144&q=504238&r=1519185) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?s=3776189&v=67144&q=504238&r=1519185&ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 "You will be a thousand times more successful if you wake up eager to share and create something because you believe the world will enjoy it" - Gary Vaynerchuck ## Guitar Lesson ### 🎄 Christmas Time is Here chord melody Let's take a look at a great jazz chord melody arrangement of Vince Guaraldi's [*Christmas Time is Here*](https://youtu.be/YvI%5FFNrczzQ?si=7Y5B3xP3RKFq0-IF&ref=vividguitar.co) (arranged by [Freeway Music](https://www.facebook.com/freewaymusic/reels/)). The simple, yet catchy melody of "Christmas Time Is Here" has made it a holiday staple since it was released in *A Charlie Brown Christmas* in 1965\. This arrangement uses some unique chord voicings. Learn it, and entertain your friends & family at holiday get-togethers this week. 😀 **A Section (play twice):** ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/Christmas-Time-Is-Here-A-Section.png) **B Section (play once):** ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/Christmas-Time-Is-Here-B-Section.png) **Then play the A section again.** --- ## Guitarist Spotlight ## Scott Metzger ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/scott-metzger-waltz-for-betsy-1200x630.jpeg) Image c/o [Vic Brazen](https://www.instagram.com/vicbrazen/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) Pulling from a wide range of influences including rock, blues, jazz, country, and surf, NYC-based Scott Metzger has developed a unique musical voice on guitar, earning a reputation as one of the most adventurous improvisers in live music. Probably best known for his work with the popular Grateful Dead tribute **Joe Russo’s Almost Dead (JRAD)**, Scotthas been a big part of the Northeast Jamband/rock scene for the last 2+ decades. Metzger is also in the funk trio LaMP, as well as in various part-time projects including the Telecaster-driven instrumental trio WOLF!, and the gypsy-jazz-influenced The Showdown Kids. Going back even further, Metzger played in the band Amphibian, RANA, and more. Scott has played and recorded with many musical legends and heroes including Phil Lesh, John Mayer, John Scofield, Nels Cline, Warren Haynes, and many others, and has played all over the United States, Europe, Japan, and Australia. Scott's playing stands out due to his focus on serving each individual song and group he's playing in. Scott is a great improviser, with a tasteful and melodic playing style. His playing can be patient and sensible, and yet edgy at the same time. In addition to being a key part of various bands, Metzger released his first solo album '*Too Close to Reason'* a couple years ago. The mostly-acoustic album is a collection of beautiful instrumental tracks composed during the pandemic. It shows influences like Django Reinhardt, Jim Hall, Richard Thompson, and Chet Atkins - infused with his own personal style. Check out the song *Don't Be a Stranger* from the album: **Key Gear:** - Harmony Silhouette - Creston Guitars bound black custom T-style guitar - ’72 Telecaster with a ’68 neck - 1955 Martin OOO-18 acoustic - Ronin T-Songbird Guitar - Timmy Overdrive - Benson Germanium Fuzz - Strymon Flint Reverb/Tremolo - Bearfoot FX Putting Green Compressor - Headstrong King Reverb amp ('65 Deluxe Reverb style amp) Check out Scott Metzger: [Website](https://scottmetzger.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/scottymetz/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/ScottMetzgerCartoons/) --- ## Gear Showcase ### Taylor 214ce ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/image-30.png) The 214ce is one of Taylor's most popular guitars, combining high-quality craftsmanship, playability, and affordability. Part of Taylor's 200 Series, the 214ce was designed to provide players with a high-quality instrument that bridges the gap between entry-level and professional-grade guitars. The 214ce features Taylor's signature 'grand auditorium' body shape, which is a bit more compact than a dreadnought guitar, making it comfortable, and well suited for both strumming and finger picking. The guitar's top is made from solid sitka spruce, which gives it a bright and dynamic tonal response. It's offered with either layered walnut or layered rosewood back and sides. You'd have to go up to Taylor's 300 series for solid-wood sides and back, but the price goes up quite a bit with that as well. The satin mahogany neck is on the thinner side, but is super comfortable to play. The 214ce has a 25-1/2 scale length, and a 1-11/16" nut width (which is thinner than the 1.75" nut used on most higher-end Taylor guitars). The 214ce includes Taylor's Expression System 2 (ES2) electronics system, giving you the option to play through an amp, or recording it directly into a DAW. The base model 214ce has a satin finish, but Taylor also offers it in Plus and Deluxe versions, which include upgraded features such as a gloss finish, different inlays, and higher-quality cases. There are also versions with a Koa top, and one with a Spruce top and laminated koa sides and back. Key features: - 1-11/16" nut width - Ebony fretboard - Satin neck - Electronics system - Cutaway for higher fret access - Torrefied spruce top - C-Class bracing for more volume and sustain --- ## 🎸 Trending ![Tone City Double Durple Dual Overdrive](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/image-32.png) Tone City Double Durple Dual Overdrive - Tone City collaborated with Danish Pete on a new double overdrive pedal called the [Double Durple](https://www.andertons.co.uk/Tone-City-Double-Durple-Danish-Pete-Collaboration-Dual-Overdrive-Pedal/?ref=vividguitar.co). The pedal features low-mid gain crunch, flexible EQ customization, and harmonic detail voiced to Pete's blue-rock tones. Retails for $105 USD. - Fender is offering their [Vintera II guitars](https://www.fender.com/en-US/electric-series/vintera-ii/vintera-ii-guitars/?utm%5Fsource=newsletter&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=20241219%5FEVG%5FVII%5FAwareness%5FPL14&utm%5Fterm=fender&src=email51DT121924%5Fevg%5Fvii%5Fawareness%5FPL14&bcHash=55d359e782cb3eb45e140611076bc171bf546183d7725f6db179152366b62e2b) at $150 off. - 'Best of 2024' lists are making the rounds. Guitar.com posted their picks for the [best new guitar pedals](https://guitar.com/guides/best-effects-pedals-guitars-2024/?ref=vividguitar.co) and [best new acoustic guitars](https://guitar.com/guides/best-acoustic-guitars-2024/?ref=vividguitar.co) of 2024\. See Anderton's [Gear of the Year](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wp9sah0OGQg&ref=vividguitar.co). Watch Andy Martin's [Top 5 Effects Pedals of 2024](https://youtu.be/kxHwH4pa9eI?si=vnvZZUnnUt6HgqTg&ref=vividguitar.co). - Guitar World [interviewed](https://www.guitarworld.com/gear/electric-guitars/allen-abbassi-fender-american-ultra-ii-interview?ref=vividguitar.co) Fender's Director of Electric Guitars Allen Abbassi about some of their most notable guitar releases this year; namely the Ultra II series. - The Replacements guitarist Slim Dunlap [passed away](https://www.mprnews.org/story/2024/12/18/minnesota-native-slim-dunlap-replacements-dies-age-73?ref=vividguitar.co) at age 73. - Want some album picks from one of the world's best guitarists? Julian Lage recorded a 'What's in my Bag?' [video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=%5F7NmtW23k%5FQ&ref=vividguitar.co) with Amoeba Music in Hollywood. --- ## Book Recommendation ### String Theories: Tips, Challenges, and Reflections for the Lifelong Guitarist ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/String-Theories-book-1.jpg) #### String Theories. View on Amazon --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 **Have a great holiday!** ### Hybrid Picking part 2, Matt Warnock, Tone King Gremlin URL: https://vividguitar.co/hybrid-picking-part-2-matt-warnock-tone-king-gremlin/ Last updated: 2025-02-03T22:49:12.000Z ![Miles Davis Quote](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/Miles-Davis.png) ## Guitar Practice ### Digging further into Hybrid Picking In the [last issue](https://vividguitar.co/newsletter/hyrid-picking-steve-kelly-wide-sky-guitars/), we looked at some of the basics of hybrid picking (using a combination of a pick and your fingers on your picking hand). Today, we'll get into a bit more practical uses for it. --- One thing hybrid picking is great for is playing notes on 2 different strings at the same time - especially when the notes aren't on adjacent strings. Below is a short example of a riff based on a Bb major scale. Use your pick for the lower notes and your middle for the higher notes. '*P*' means play the note with your pick. '*m*' means use your middle finger. Bb Major Riff 0:00 /9.597482 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/image-25.png) --- So far, we've focused on using our pick and middle finger. This next example adds your ring finger to the fun. This example is in 3/4 time. The ring finger is labeled '*a*' below. Hybrid Picking Chords 0:00 /11.997913 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/image-26.png) --- Hybrid picking is a staple in 'chicken pickin' country music. In this countrified example, we're mostly using alternate picking with a pick on the lower notes, and our middle finger for the high notes. Take it slow at first. Hybrid Chicken Picking 0:00 /5.998435 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/image-27.png) --- ## Guitarist/Educator Spotlight ## Matt Warnock, Matt Warnock Guitar ![Matt Warnock Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/Matt-Warnock.jpeg) Matt Warnock is one of today's most highly respected and prolific jazz guitar educators. With a background that includes a *Doctor of Musical Arts in Jazz Performance* degree, collegiate faculty positions, as well as having over 2,500 gigs around the world under his belt, Matt is an outstanding guitar teacher and player. What started as a set of jazz guitar resources and lessons Matt put together for his guitar students, evolved into *Matt Warnock Guitar* \- one of the premier online destinations for guitarists looking to learn jazz guitar. Matt's guitar website and products have progressed from a blog, to eBooks, and now into a robust member-based guitar course platform featuring nearly 200 courses, a private forum, live workshops, chord & scale libraries, and much more. Matt's lessons are very detailed, but he takes complex concepts and makes them simple to understand and apply. Even if you're not into jazz, Matt's lessons contain countless principles that you can apply to your favorite styles and genres of music. You'll need to put in the work, but Matt's lessons and courses are structured in a way that lets you go at your own pace, and will ensure that you take huge leaps forward in your guitar playing. 💬 ****Matt's advice for people who can't find a lot of time to practice each day:** "People should run through a few chords of a tune, or transcribe one bar of their favorite solo, or even just learn one lick from their favorite player. Try to cover one or two of these areas each day for even a few minutes, and then, over the course of a week, they would have practiced each one a few times or more." Matt also recently launched his debut solo jazz guitar album, 'Homecoming.' The album's tracks tell his story of of reconnecting with his roots, family, and moving back home to the charm of Northern Ontario after 25 years away. [Check out Matt Warnock Guitar](https://www.mwgcourses.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Gear Showcase ### Tone King Gremlin Combo Amp ![ Tone King Gremlin Combo Guitar Amp](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/image-24.png) The last few years has seen a trend toward guitarists moving to smaller, lower watt amplifiers. They often make more sense for home and studio use, and can sound great mic'd at gigs. One of the top options in this category is the **Tone King Gremlin**. The Gremlin is a 1×12” 5-watt all-tube combo with a variety of vintage tones. There are 3 features that really set the Gremlin apart from other amps in this field: - It **features 2 channels**: One voiced as a Blackface amp, and one voiced as a tweed-style amp. - It has a **built-in power attenuator**, allowing you to get cranked tones at low volume. - The **12" speaker**. A lot of 5 watt amps have a 10" or 8" speaker. The Blackface channel offers more headroom (ideal for rhythm playing), while the Tweed channel has a more driven voice ideal for lead playing. You can either select your input or jump the channels with an optional A/B/Y footswitch. To be clear, while the channels are modeled after Blackface and Tweed amps, the Gremlin has a bit of its own thing going on in terms of tone. If it's a pure Fender low-watt tube amp sound you're after, you might be better off with something like a Fender Vibro Champ or '57 Custom Champ. That said, the Tone King Gremlin produces a wide range of outstanding tones. On the technical side, the Gremlin uses 1 x KT66 tube and 2 x 12AX7 tubes, and has an 8-Ohm, Ceramic Magnet 12” Celestion speaker. Tone King amps are built in the USA, using premium worldwide components. Oh..and it's offered in 4 different colors..and looks pretty damn cool. The Tone King Gremlin might be perceived as pricey for a 5W amp (MSRP is $1,395 new), but it's a boutique-quality amp that is essentially 2 different style tube amps in one. It hits the sweet spot of size, wattage, tones, and functionality. **Key features:** - 5W power - 1 x KT66 tube and 2 x 12AX7 tubes - Offered in 4 colors - 12” Celestion speaker - Separate rhythm (Blackface) and lead (Tweed) channels - Volume and tone controls - Built-In Ironman II Compensated Power Attenuator - Dimensions: 10″(L) x 19″(W) x 17″(H) - Weight: 27 lbs Check out the [Tone King Gremlin](https://www.toneking.com/shop/amps/gremlin/?srsltid=AfmBOoowK2oz-r2hEXwRht6bCpvxwvCi70f4OY%5FSiouXC4L1RZ3z7qyB&ref=vividguitar.co), or view it on [Reverb](https://tidd.ly/3Dj7aMj?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## 🎸 Trending ![Squier FSR Classic Vibe Telecaster Candy Tangerine](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/Squier-FSR-Classic-Vibe-Telecaster-Candy-Tangerine.jpg) Squier FSR Classic Vibe Telecaster Candy TangerineSquier FSR Classic Vibe Telecaster Candy Tangerine - Squier released a run of FSR Classic Vibe guitars, including Double-Bound Custom 60s Telecasters (offered in Candy Tangerine and Olive Green), and a Blue Sparkle Jaguar. Offered at select retailers, including [Andertons Music](https://www.andertons.co.uk/browse/brands/squier-guitars-basses/squier-fsr-guitars-basses/?ref=vividguitar.co). - R.J. Ronquillo posted a [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPwZpcGdFAs&ref=vividguitar.co) showcasing what he thinks is the perfect pedal platform amp. - The Guitar Nerds podcast did a 'Gear of the Year 2024' rundown. [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/guitar-nerds/id991621063?i=1000680657066&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/6JPF510kDnQDb8jo6y0zTu?si=0fab7f5bb55c40d2&ref=vividguitar.co) - D'Addario CEO Jim D'Addario [chatted with Billboard Magazine](https://www.billboard.com/pro/jim-daddario-ceo-50th-anniversary-interview-guitar-gear-maker/?ref=vividguitar.co), looking back at the bold moves that have kept the brand relevant for 50 years. ## Currently spinning in the Office ### Geordie Greep: The New Sound This album from the former frontman and lead guitarist of the rock band Black Midi sounds like a wild combination of Zappa, the Talking Heads, Steely Dan, and the Dead Kennedys. It's crazy, but in good way, and features some super creative compositions and guitar playing. ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/image-28.png) ### 📮 If you like this newsletter, I'd be super grateful if you share it with anyone you know that might be interested. Thanks! - Dustin ### Hybrid Picking, Q&A with Steve Kelly, Wide Sky Guitars URL: https://vividguitar.co/hyrid-picking-steve-kelly-wide-sky-guitars/ Last updated: 2025-02-03T22:49:40.000Z ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/WArren-Haynes-2-1.png) ## Guitar Practice ### Intro to Hybrid Picking *Hybrid Picking* is using a combination of a pick and fingers on your picking hand. While we tend to usually focus more on what our fretting hand is doing, hybrid picking can open some new doors, and change how you approach playing certain lines. While you can also use your ring finger (and even your pinky) on your picking hand, let's start by just using our pick and middle finger. In the examples below, play the notes labeled '*p*' using your pick. Pick the notes labeled '*m*' with your middle finger. In the first example, we have an *A minor pentatonic* scale. We alternate between pick and middle finger. ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/image-20.png) The 2nd example is a simple *A Major scale* in 2 octaves. This picking pattern is trickier than the first example, since it's not always 2 notes per string. ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/image-21.png) Hybrid picking really comes in handy when skipping strings. While this last example might look a bit more difficult than the first 2 due to the string skipping, you'll likely find it to be a bit easier. Example 3 is using a *G minor pentatonic* *scale*. While in the first 2 examples, we alternated between pick and finger the whole line, in this one, there are a couple times where we use our middle finger or pick for 2 notes in a row. There are no set rules here; do what's comfortable for you. ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/image-22.png) In Thursday's issue, we'll dig into hybrid picking a bit further. --- ## Guitarist Q&A 🆕 Trying out a new idea: A guitarist Q&A section. Please reply to let me know if you like this! ### Steve Kelly ![Steve Kelly at the legendary Tipitinas](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/Steve-Kelly-Tips.jpg) Steve Kelly at the legendary Tipitinas Guitarist Steve Kelly has been a fixture in the New Orleans music scene for the last two decades, with a style that blends Americana soul with New Orleans funk. After a long stint as the front man of the popular New Orleans Band *Gravy*, Steve has branched out into other projects, including the New Orleans-infused Talking Heads tribute *Tchoup Making Sense*, and as a solo artist. 🎶 Steve's new album '**Here's the Thing**' is due out in February of 2025\. [Pre-save it](https://stevekelly.ffm.to/howarewehereagain?fbclid=IwY2xjawHGmF9leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHSCIZ3GQXZCbbGSXmgLm8z5-x%5FjR9Zc1AaheRAmjlvPJfa1nvjhIurKrrw%5Faem%5FQm9t98TNsC4YQzsoATwC2Q&ref=vividguitar.co) on streaming services. ### How do you approach songwriting and composing on the guitar (e.g., melody first, lyrics first, chord progression)? From the place of inspiration, wherever that might be. Sometimes it's lyrics, sometimes it's melody, sometimes it's a drum beat, etc.. I just make a point to follow the ideas as they come and always try to follow the better idea. I find that it's better to let the song show you what it wants to be than to to try and force it to be whatever you think it's supposed to be, if that makes sense. ### What artists or bands have you been interested in lately? Sault, The Smile, LCD Soundsystem, Prince, The Wood Brothers, Naughty Professor ### What guitarist should everyone know about, and why? Oh wow that's such a loaded question! Hahaha, man there are so many. Joe Pizzolato - he's just got incredible touch and such an interesting approach to the instrument. Ari Teitel - one of the baddest cats in New Orleans, he's super versatile and can play anything. Same goes for Danny Abel and Max Bronstein, they're mind -blowing in terms of how many things they can do amazingly well. And Ian Neville - one of my favorite players around because he's been taking the ego out of his playing his entire career, playing exactly what the song calls for, but when it's time to step up and rip a solo he will leave your jaw on the floor like where tf did this dude just come from?! Also gotta give a shout out to Bill Daniel from Naughty Professor, who just absolutely rips and is one of my favorite people to watch and listen to. Chris Adkins from George Porter Jr's bands is another guy who is a monster player and always leaves me trying to figure out what he's playing! The New Orleans guitar community is STRONG. Outside of New Orleans? Nir Felder and Rick Lollar are two of the most impressive players I've ever seen. Nir has a fluidity to his playing that reminds me of Charlie Parker - just complete and total mastery of his instrument in a way you don't often see in guitar players. And Rick is just a beast of a player who also happens to be a fantastic singer and songwriter and I just love everything he does. I could go on and on and on and on about this stuff hahaha, sorry! ### What's the best advice you've ever been given? Just keep playing. And you can't play your guitar if it's in the case.. ### What is one piece of gear your can't live without? Right now it's my Fractal Audio FM9\. It's been a game changer. ### How do you manage stage presence and audience engagement during a live show? That's one of those things that just has to come naturally. For me, personally, it's about out-working any self doubt so that I'm feeling confident and comfortable on stage so it's more like just having a convo with people in your living room. And a tiny bit of tequila never hurts. ### What's the best piece of advice you have for other guitar players? Listen to musicians other than guitarists. I love transcribing horn lines or keys parts, you can learn so much by listening to people on other instruments and how they approach them. Vocalists too, for that matter. Just keep your ears open! ### What are the most effective ways you've found to market yourself or your band? Hmm, that's a tough one. For me, I just try to make a point to be genuine and honest at all times, to just always be myself. If you're trying too hard to be one thing or another it tends to come through and people can sense that kinda thing. So I just try to be myself and let the rest take care of itself. ### What does your guitar practice routine look like? Not nearly as disciplined as it should be, at the moment honestly. I've been so slammed with releasing my solo record, "Here's The Thing", as well as writing stuff for other people that I've been neglecting the academic approach to practicing. I've been shedding tunes for gigs and that sorta thing but I need to get back into a regular routine of reinforcing existing knowledge and expanding that knowledge intentionally. ### What's your favorite book (doesn't have to be music-related)? Confederacy Of Dunces ### What musical skills have had the biggest impact on your playing? My ears - I have a learning disability that makes sight-reading almost impossible so even in high school I was learning full marching band scores by ear and memorizing them. Numbers don't make sense in my head so a lot of music theory is easier for me to comprehend by memorizing the sound of something than it is to understand the math behind it. ### What's an album all guitar players need to hear? Miles Davis - Kind of Blue, Pink Floyd - Animals Donny Hathaway - Live Radiohead - The Bends Allman Brothers - Fillmore East ### What's you're favorite practice technique that would help other guitarists? Hmm, spider exercises maybe? I'm always trying to improve my fundamentals and make sure I've got the little things right. As a self-taught guitarist I picked up so many bad habits over the years, most of the work I've done seems to be in correcting those bad habits and trying to re-train myself to have better posture, positioning, placement, etc.. ### Is there a specific guitar book, course, or teacher you'd recommend? Whichever one speaks to you in a way that makes more sense than others. Everyone is so different, learning how you learn and finding the right solution for feeding that knowledge is clutch, but it's also a very personal journey that people kinda have to find for themselves because what works for me might not work for you and vice versa. ### Who are your biggest influences, and how have they shaped your playing style? My favorite players have always been the people who you know who it is just by hearing a few notes of their playing. David Gilmour with his incredibly lyrical approach. Prince with his minimalism and efficiency. Jonny Greenwood with his exploration and emotion. Leo Nocentelli with his hybrid rhythm/lead playing. Jerry Garcia with his philosophy and smile. Jimi with his swagger. This could be a huge list, TBH. This is pretty much my Mt. Rushmore of guitar though. ### What is an unusual habit or an absurd thing that you love? My dogs. They're absolutely absurd in the best possible way. ### If you had to pick one desert-island album, what would it be? Babylon By Bus - Bob Marley ### What advice would you give to someone just starting out on guitar? Just keep playing. Keep finding the things that turn you on. Enjoy and appreciate the struggle, because that's what makes you better. Focus on the process, not the results and you'll always end up happy. ### How do you stay motivated to keep improving as a guitarist? By listening to others. ### What’s one piece of music every guitarist should learn? The song that inspired them to pick up the guitar in the first place. ℹ️ Check out Steve Kelly: [Website](https://stevekelly.io/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/nolaskelly/?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Gear Showcase ### Wide Sky Guitars ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/Wide-Sky-Guitars-1.jpeg) The goal of Wide Sky Guitars is to make art that inspires others to make their art. Wide Sky Guitars is the result of a lifetime of experience and dedication from Patch Rubin - from growing up in a musical household, to studying guitar and playing in multiple bands, having an apprenticeship at a big instrument rental company in Los Angeles, and eventually working with a custom furniture builder. It was while working with the furniture builder in New Mexico that Patch decided to try to build his own acoustic guitar - learning from buying a book and researching on the internet. He showed his first guitar to musician David Lindley, and he loved it and wanted to buy it. He then built a 2nd guitar - and it won *Best In Show* at the Taos Fall Arts Festival. Building guitars was clearly Patch’s calling, and Wide Sky Guitars was born. Word about the incredible quality of Wide Sky Guitars quickly spread, resulting in customers including Gary Clark Jr, Thom Yorke, Billie Joe Armstrong, Jeff Tweedy, and Gregory Alan Isakov. With a move a few years ago from New Mexico to the Big Island of Hawaii, and seemingly shifting focus a bit from acoustics to electrics, Patch Rubin continues to push his boundaries. Not only has moving into a larger shop help Patch expand his production abilities, he now has access to unique woods indigenous to Hawaii. Wide Sky Guitars are true works of art, and Patch seems set up for an exciting future. **Check out Wide Sky Guitars:** [Website](https://www.wideskyguitars.com/guitars/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/WideSkyGuitars/) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/wide%5Fsky%5Fguitars/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Trending - 📹Watch: [Warren Haynes: How To Stop Sounding Like An Amateur as a Musician](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbr%5FYVcFQA0&ref=vividguitar.co). This clip is a section of a broader interview Warren did with Rick Beato earlier in the year. It's a great listen (especially when he talks about phrasing, starting around 3:38). - Derek Trucks joined Chris Shiflett's podcast to teach his Indian-inflected solo on "Midnight in Harlem". [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shred-with-shifty/id1690423642?i=1000680111540&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/4c39fiDOtS9FcLozcR8Std?si=-Mt9bjbgTK2AoIfpJu0lxw&ref=vividguitar.co) - Since most guitar picks seem to vanish into thin air to never be seen again, there can apparently never be enough of them. Startup [PickTwist](https://picktwist.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) seems to agree, and launched a Kickstarter campaign to create a new 3D guitar pick, that they claim never slips, and 'makes you better at guitar'. - Jol Dantzig with Premier Guitar tried tackling the age-old question of whether you can [hear a difference from guitars with a nitro finish](https://www.premierguitar.com/pro-advice/esoterica-electrica/can-you-hear-a-nitro-finish?ref=vividguitar.co). --- ## Currently spinning in the Office ### Andy Wood: Charisma ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/awood-charisma-2023-600x600-1.png) --- **Enjoy this newsletter?** Please forward to a friend or hit reply to share your thoughts.🤘 ### Daniel Donato, Harmony Jupiter, Jam Track URL: https://vividguitar.co/daniel-donato-harmony-jupiter-jam-track/ Last updated: 2025-02-03T22:50:07.000Z ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/Bruce-big-1.png) ## Guitar Practice Sometimes we feature riffs. Sometimes we feature chord progressions. This one is a bit of both. In this jam track, instead of just playing straight chords, we add in some single note voice leading. Probably the trickiest thing here is the Bbsus2 > Bb. The Bbsus2 should be played with your pinky, index finger, and middle finger. You then use your index finger to hammer on the D note on the 7th fret of the G string. It's a bit of an awkward finger movement that make take a bit of time to get used to. D minor Jam Track 0:00 /384.048 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/Dm-Bb-Gm-C-Chord-Progression.png) To solo over this progression, we can use a D minor pentatonic scale, or a D natural minor scale (otherwise known as the D Aeolian mode). Examples of both of those are below. ![D Minor Pentatonic Scale](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/image-13.png) ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/image-14.png) --- ## Guitarist Spotlight ### Daniel Donato ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/Daniel-Donato-2.webp) (Photo by Gary Miller/Getty Images for Shock Inc.) Blending country and rock, with a heavy dose of improvisation, Daniel Donato is one of today's most exciting guitarists. Daniel was born in New Jersey in 1995, and spent his early years in Atlantic City - but his family relocating to Tennessee when he was around 7 years old was a move that would eventually shape his future. Donato found his passion for music and guitar at around 12 years old, digging into the music of bands like Led Zeppelin, Rush, and Guns & Roses. That evolved into discovering folk and blues, and getting into Clapton, B.B. King, Joe Bonamassa and others. After a couple years exploring rock & blues, Daniel started heading into Nashville, where he was drawn to the energy and twang of the honky tonk clubs. He started busking on Broadway Street as a teenager, and started getting invited to sit in with other bands, and getting hired as a lead guitarist. By learning the licks of monster country players such as Danny Gatton and Brent Mason by ear, and then taking lessons from Johnny Hiland, Daniel quickly developed his chops. He eventually put together his own band, and started getting booked around Nashville. People took notice, and word spread that people had to go check out this new guitar phenom. After a few years of heavy gigging, Donato started to really develop his own style - which is a mix of rock, jam, bluegrass, and of course lots of high-energy twang, with some catchy songwriting - a sound he refers to as *Cosmic Country*. - Cosmic Country was a term originally coined by a fan at one of this shows, but Daniel latched onto it, and it’s become big part of his identity and he now tours as ‘Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country’. Donato’s live shows showcase his fiery Telecaster playing and extended improvisation, but his music is equally focused on the art of the song, as his singing and songwriting help him stand out in the sea of country-focused guitarists. The guitarist that Rolling Stone recently called the “New Guitar Hero of Nashville" released his most ambitious record to date, Reflector’, about a year ago. The album is full of great songs and creative guitar playing, and I highly recommend it. In addition to nearly constant touring, Daniel Donato also openly shares his guitar techniques on places like social media, but also through a Country Learning Pathway course offered in partnership with Pickup Music, as well in a great [book](https://amzn.to/4ivl0uY?ref=vividguitar.co) he released a decade ago, which shows you his unique "pathways" approach to guitar playing. **Check out Daniel Donato:** [Website](https://danieldonato.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/thedanieldonato/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/DanielDonatoCosmicCountry/) | [Guitar Pathways Book](https://amzn.to/4ivl0uY?ref=vividguitar.co) **Key Gear:** - DGN Custom Guitars [Epoch](https://dgncustomguitars.com/products/epoch/?ref=vividguitar.co) T-style guitar with 2 humbuckers, and a strat pickup in the middle. - Fender '62 reissue Custom Shop Telecaster - Fender 1966 Pro Reverb amp (on the road) - Fender 1966 Princeton Reverb (in the studio) - Gravity Jazz III acrylic picks - Keeley Electronics Cosmic Country Phaser - Strymon Timeline - Eventide H90 Harmonizer Multi-Effects Pedal --- ## Gear Showcase ### Harmony Jupiter Thinline ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/Harmony-Jupiter-copy.jpg) Combining a lightweight, semi-hollow mahogany body, a maple top, smooth mahogany neck, with goldfoil pickups, the new Harmony Jupiter Thinline stands out with it’s resonant sound and stunning looks. The Jupiter is lightweight, fun to play, sounds great – and is one of the best values for an American-made guitar you'll find. While some Harmony guitar models try to recreate their vintage models, their *Standard* series are designed for the modern player. We like the Jupiter's simple two-knob/three-way-switch configuration, and the full-size 'gold foil' humbucker in the bridge, paired with a gold foil mini humbucker in the neck give it a versatle and inspiring range of tones. Other features include a 25" scale length, locking tuners, a nitro finish, a rosewood fretboard, a bone nut, and a 12" fretboard radius. At only around 5lbs, the Jupiter can experience some neck dive, though that can largely be fixed by using a suede strap. The Harmony Jupiter is offered in Cherry, Black and Sky Blue, and stands out in the sea of single-cutaway electric guitars. **Key Features:** - Lightweight Semi-Hollow Body - Custom Gold Foil Mini-humbucker (Neck), Custom Gold Foil Humbucker (Bridge) - Nitrocellulose Lacquer Finish - “C” Shape Neck Profile - Neck heel carve for easy playing in the upper register - 25” scale length - Made in the USA [Check out the Harmony Jupiter ](https://www.harmony.co/pages/jupiter-thinline?ref=vividguitar.co)| [Demo Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6ttkyUCw8E&ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## 🎸 Trending ![Jam Pedals Koch Ness Monster](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/Koch-Ness-Monster-11-1024x683.jpg) Jam Pedals Koch Ness Monster - [Jam Pedals](https://www.jampedals.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) released the [Koch Ness Monster](https://www.jampedals.com/koch-ness-monster/?ref=vividguitar.co) and [Koch Ness Monster Supreme](https://www.jampedals.com/koch-ness-monster-supreme/?ref=vividguitar.co). Designed in partnership with Greg Koch, **The Kochness Monster** is Greg’s ultimate on-the-go remedy, designed with ease of travel in mind. The multi-effect pedals includes Jam Pedal's **Lucydreamer** Overdrive, **Eureka!** Fuzz, **Harmonious Monk** Harmonic/Amplitude tremolo, and **Delay Llama** Delay, all in one. The Supreme version includes 10 different pedals, including the Wahkco wah and Greg's signature Gristle King Overdrive. - Gretsch released the Streamliner Jet Club guitar. The Jet Club features new Twin Six™ humbucking pickups, a comfortable Soft “C” shaped neck with a bone nut, and an adjustable wraparound tailpiece. Offered in Mint Metallic, Vintage White, and Dark Denim, and priced at only $399 USD. - Looking for new pickups? K-Line Guitars is [having a sale](https://k-lineguitars.com/store/?fbclid=IwY2xjawHFkRRleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHeLCB-NhmAzm7zJny7rUWOwyrnh-UBQ2t-hwmL7KgE7K2cOaiksvUN7CZQ%5Faem%5F5%5F6EqJo99O9S12%5FDoIF2dg&ref=vividguitar.co) on a number of their great pickups. - 🎥 Stop whatever else you're doing and watch Matteo Mancuso play the Angelo Debarre gypsy jazz song 'Swing Gitan' 😲 : ## Currently spinning in the Office ### Fergus McCreadie: Stream Creative & inspiring jazz album from 27-year-old Scottish pianist Fergus McCreadie. If you like players like Brad Mehldau, I think you'll really like this. ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/image-11.png) 📮 If you like this newsletter, I'd be super grateful if you share it with anyone you know that might be interested. Thanks! - Dustin ### Twisted Blues, Crook Custom Guitars, Tim Lerch URL: https://vividguitar.co/twisted-blues-crook-custom-guitars-tim-lerch/ Last updated: 2025-02-03T22:50:48.000Z 💬 "What you don't play can be more important than what you do play" - Thelonius Monk ## Guitar Practice ### Blues Scale with no 5th Playing the blues scale, but leaving out the 5th (1-b3-4-b5-b7) results in a distinct sound that can spice up your solos. Try the following licks over an A7 or A7#9 chord. Then try them with Am7 and Am7b5. Working this scale and these type of riffs into your blues soloing can provide an interesting twist to your improvising that your listeners won't expect. **Scale Pattern, Example 1:** ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/image-7.png) **Example Riff 1:** Blues Scale with no 5th in A 1 0:00 /7.997913 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/image-8.png) **Scale Pattern, Example 2:** ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/image-9.png) **Example Riff 2:** Blues Scale with no 5th in A 2 0:00 /7.997913 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/image-10.png) --- ## Gear Showcase ### Crook Custom Guitars ![Bill Crook Paisley Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/bluegoldpaisley2.jpg) During his days as a touring sound engineer, Bill Crook worked closely with many guitar players, often hearing about the shortcomings of the vintage style guitars they were playing. He would update their guitars, adding modern features to make them usable in the real world and to improve stage sound and playability. After hearing the great results when mixing live shows, Crook started building guitars on the side, including those ideas he picked up on the road. After Brad Paisley had Bill build him a custom paisley t-style guitar that sounded like his beloved vintage ’68 paisley, Crook Custom Guitars became known for..you guessed it..paisleys. Perfecting the paisley design was the result of lots of failed experiments, but through lots of trial & error, Bill finally came up with a technique that worked. Crook expected the blue paisley guitar he built for Brad (that debuted in Brad’s 2002 “I’m Gonna Miss Her” video) to be end of his experimentation with paisley finishes, but people from around the world soon started asking for them. Crook of course offers t-style guitars (along with some other body shapes) in more traditional paint colors as well, finished with various levels of relicing. Bill Crook works one-on-one with guitarists looking for their ideal electric guitar, customizing them down to the neck size and shape, hardware and electronics, body style, paint scheme, and wood type and weight. Crook's one-of-a-kind t-style guitars have attracted a legion of fans around the world. **Key Features:** - Comfortable necks - Custom paint job and finishes - Uses only the highest quality guitar parts - Available in 22 frets [Check out Crook Custom Guitars](http://www.crookcustomguitars.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Guitarist Spotlight ### Tim Lerch ![Tim Lerch Guitarist](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/tim-lerch.jpg) (Image credit: Future) Tim Lerch is a highly regarded guitarist, educator, and Emmy award winning composer known for his mastery of jazz, blues, and fingerstyle guitar. Based in Seattle, Tim is recognized for his soulful tone, intricate chord melodies, and deep understanding of harmonic concepts. Lerch draws inspiration from jazz greats like Wes Montgomery, Ted Greene, and Joe Pass, as well as blues legends such as B.B. King and Robben Ford, seamlessly blending these influences into his own distinctive style. In addition to solo work, Lerch is a member of the renowned gypsy jazz ensemble *Pearl Django*, showcasing his versatility and finesse in various genres. Tim is also a sought-after educator, sharing his knowledge through workshops, masterclasses, books, and online platforms, including his popular instructional videos and lessons on TrueFire. His teaching emphasizes the art of solo guitar, chordal improvisation, and integrating elements of blues and jazz. Tim also has a new membership website, where he offers courses, lessons, transcriptions, livestreams, and much more. With a career spanning decades, Tim Lerch continues to inspire guitarists worldwide with his artistry and dedication to the craft. In addition to all the accolades, Tim is just a flat-out nice and helpful guy. He’s a frequent contributor to various Guitar forums and Facebook groups, and if you reach out to him with questions, he’s typically quick to respond. **Key Gear:** - Fender Telecaster (he has multiple different teles, including one with Lollar Charlie Christian pickups he features often in videos) - 1933 Gibson L-4 - A late-’60s or 1970 Guild CE-100D formerly owned by Ted Greene - Comins GCS-1 - Comins GCS-16-1 - Mike Lull signature TLTX Chubby Signature Guitar - Henriksen Amplifiers - Quilter Amplifiers Check out Tim Lerch: [Website](https://www.timlerch.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/timlerch.guitarist?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/p/Tim-Lerch-Guitarist-100063598897806/) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/telebasher?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## 🎸 Trending ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/Fender-Timber-1.png) Limited Edition American Performer Timber Stratocaster® and Telecaster® - Fender announced Limited Edition American Performer Timber [Stratocaster](https://www.fender.com/en-US/electric-guitars/stratocaster/limited-edition-american-performer-timber-stratocaster/0171032703.html?ref=vividguitar.co)® and [Telecaster](https://www.fender.com/en-US/electric-guitars/telecaster/limited-edition-american-performer-timber-telecaster/0171042742.html?ref=vividguitar.co)®. This unique take on these guitars are available in Sassafras, Sugar Pine, or Spruce bodies. They have a satin finish (on the neck & body), Fender's 'Modern C' neck profile, and jumbo frets. **Say 'Sassafras Stratocaster' 10 times fast**. 😛 - Gibson released the [Les Paul Studio Session](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/Collection/gibson-les-paul-studio-session?ref=vividguitar.co) guitar. It's an upgraded version of the classic Les Paul Studio, with features including a light-weight mahogany body with a figured maple cap, a nitrocellulose finish, a bound ebony fretboard, and '57 Classic pickups with push/pull volume and tone controls for coil tapping, phase, and Pure Bypass switching. Offered in 4 different colors. MSRP is $1999 USD. - The Play Guitar Podcast put out an episode with [Tips on Mixing Chords and Scales](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sODb5VhG0yE&list=PL3WNVOl-akd36v5CUQjDba9dh6VD7HWo4&index=1&ref=vividguitar.co). - The Chasing Tone Podcast interviewed the legendary Brent Mason. Brent goes through a detailed journey through his career, gave insights into how hard he had to work to get to his big break, and provided some great insights for all guitar players to learn from. [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/542-the-legendary-brent-mason-is-in-the-house/id891802835?i=1000679354092&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/6JAQt3uLRdGPnTtJ3LeswW?si=-6X0akGbTWGompm3oyv9iw&ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Currently spinning in the Office Mdou Moctar: Afrique Victime ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/image-4.png) ### 📮 If you like this newsletter, I'd be super grateful if you share it with anyone you know that might be interested. Thanks! - Dustin ### Soling over changes, Rick Stickney, Ibanez Artstar URL: https://vividguitar.co/soling-over-changes-rick-stickney-ibanez-artstar/ Last updated: 2025-02-03T22:51:25.000Z 💬 Part of the process is that you climb up the slope, you get to the top, and then as you look out, you see there's a further peak beyond. There's always another peak to climb. That's the part that makes you realize you never really get to where you want to get, or where you could get to. You step ahead, you learn things, and you accomplish certain things, but there's always something that keeps driving you forward, always something out there that we're looking for - the meaning of life, the meaning of music. - John Surman, Saxophonist & composer ## Guitar Practice ### Getting started soloing over jazz changes A question guitarists often ask is “How can I get started soloing over common jazz chord changes?”. A good starting point is to practice outlining the chord progression. This works because: - It helps you get the sound of the chord changes in your ears. - It helps your hands remember the location of the chords - It's the first step to get your solos to sound like the chord progression (and the song) - Many jazz techniques (especially in BeBop) are focused around the chord tones. So, how do we do this? 1. **When there are 2 chords in a measure (in 4/4/ time), play the Root – 3 – 5 – 7 of each chord in a 1-&-2-& rhythm.** For example, over a D-7 to G7 progression: D-7 G7 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & d f a c g b d f If we expand that to a ii V I VI progression in the key of C, that looks like this: ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/image-2.png) 1. **When there is 1 chord per measure, play the Root – 3 – 5 – 7 of each chord TWICE, in a 1-&-2-&-3-&-4-& rhythm.** For example: D-7 G7 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & d f a c d f a c g b d f g b d f That looks like this: ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/image-3.png) ➡️ Next steps: - Create a backing track or a loop (using a looper pedal) of you playing this chord progression, and practice using this technique over it. - Work on applying this to other positions of these chords - Start applying this to other chord progressions. --- ## Gear Showcase ### Ibanez Artstar ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/image-1.png) While often best known for their guitars geared towards shredders, Ibanez makes some killer semi-hollow guitars that jazz and funk greats such as John Scofield and Eric Krasno have been playing for decades. Ibanez makes Artstar Models in 2 main sizes: - '**AS**' models, which have a 15 3/4" body width, similar to Gibson's popular ES-335. - '**AM**' models, which have a smaller body width, ranging from 13 7/8" to 14 1/2" - so more in line with the Gibson ES-339. Ibanez offers AS and AM models at various price points, from the high-end made-in-Japan *Prestige* models (such as the AS2000h and AM2000h), to lower priced models made in Indonesia (such as the AS153, AM153, and AS93). The Prestige models feature a bit slimmer necks, and have some other differences (such as the AM2000h being nearly fully hollow), include Ibanez's 'Prestige fret edge treatment', and are of course built with Japan's renowned craftsmanship. The lower-price Artcore models offer incredible value for the price, featuring ebony fretboards, and include Ibanez's popular proprietary Super 58 pickups (which are also in the Prestige models). The Artstar necks stand out for their incredible playability, and the Super 58 pickups have a unique sound that's tough to find in other pickups. One other cool feature included in certain Artstar models is Ibanez's *tri-sound switch*, which switches the neck pickup to either regular humbucking mode, single coil mode or parallel mode. The Ibanez Artstar is one of the best semi-hollow/hollowbody guitar lines, and perfect for jazz, funk, blues, and rock. If there's any criticism of this line, it's that they're offered in very limited choices in color/finish. Ibanez doesn't seem to refresh this line very often, and they've been using their same sunburst finish on these guitars for decades. I'd love to see them get more creative with the colors on their semi-hollow guitars, in the same way that brands like D'Angelico, Eastman, and others have in recent years. **Key Features:** - Set-in neck - Flamed Maple top/back/sides - 22 Medium jumbo frets - Bound Ebony fretboard - Bone nut - Pearl/ Abalone block inlays - Super 58 Custom humbucker neck pickup - Super 58 Custom humbucker bridge pickup - Tri-sound switch for coil splitting (in select models) - Max body width: 15.75" - Scale length: 24.7" - Fretboard radius: 12" --- ## Guitarist/Educator Spotlight ### Rick Stickney, Tasty Guitar ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/Rick-Guitar-4404-1024x683.jpg) Specializing in Funk, R&B, and Soul, Rick Stickney has played over 5,000 gigs all over the world - from Las Vegas to Bangkok, and even the North Pole! In addition to his own bands, he has played with artists including bassist Marcus Miller, Jane L. Powell, Randy VanWarmer, Toto vocalist Joseph Williams - as well as performing for U.S. presidents. Rick grew up listening to a wide range of music, including Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton, George Benson, and Marvin Gaye, which helped shaped his guitar style. In 2016, Rick started focusing on teaching, and launched [Tasty Guitar](https://www.tastyguitar.com/?ref=vividguitar.co). Rick has been consistently putting out amazing guitar lessons that are unlike any others. Targeting intermediate and advanced players, Rick offers guitar lessons, courses, and eBooks focused on R&B, Soul, Funk and Blues guitar through his website, and on sites like [TrueFire](https://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3x/[p%5Fid:1101l576286]/destination:https%3A%2F%2Ftruefire.com%2Feducators%2Frick-stickney%2Fe4657?ref=vividguitar.co). Rick's lessons stand out due to his ability to break down complex aspects of groove, feel, and much more into easy-to-grasp lessons. His lessons help students grow significantly as guitarists and musicians, and have earned praise from greats such as Leo Nocentelli, Steve Cropper, and Bootsy Collins. In addition to many free lessons, Rick offers a membership program that features video lessons, guided rhythm courses, live workshops, professional backing tracks, and much more. Rick also offers private guitar lessons over Zoom or Skype, with a personalized approach that will take your guitar playing to another level. Check out Rick & Tasty Guitar: [Website](https://www.tastyguitar.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@TastyGuitarcom?ref=vividguitar.co) | [TrueFire Courses](https://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4at3x/[p%5Fid:1101l576286]/destination:https%3A%2F%2Ftruefire.com%2Feducators%2Frick-stickney%2Fe4657?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/tastyguitarlessons) --- ## 🎸 Trending ![Taylor 314ce Studio Acoustic Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/image-17.png) Taylor 314ce Studio Special Edition - Taylor Guitars announced the new [314ce Studio Special Edition](https://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/314ce-studio?ref=vividguitar.co) acoustic guitar. The Grand Auditorium guitar features a solid, torrefied Spruce & solid Sapele back and sides, V-class bracing, rounded body edges, and a gloss body. Possibly most notably, it has a slightly narrower 1-11/16” nut width (the regular 314ce, and most other Taylor solid-wood guitars have a 1.75" nut width). It retails for $1,999 USD. - Fender introduced the [Telepath™ Wireless System](https://www.fender.com/en-US/accessories/wireless/telepath-wireless-system/0239780001.html?ref=vividguitar.co), which is designed to deliver full-frequency wireless audio with sparkling clarity across any stage. - Gibson announced the [Jimmy Page EDS-1275 Doubleneck](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/p/Electric-Guitar/Jimmy-Page-EDS-1275-Doubleneck-VOS/69-Cherry?ref=vividguitar.co). Featuring mahogany six and 12-string necks with custom Jimmy Page profiles, Indian rosewood fretboards, Jimmy Page *Custombucker* pickups with Alnico 5 magnets, the guitar can be yours for a cool $10k. - 🎥 YouTuber Ben Eunson posted a [new vid](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bu1cS5lh%5FF8&ref=vividguitar.co) about why guitarists don't improve, and what to do about it. --- ## Book Recommendation ### The Birth of Loud: *Leo Fender, Les Paul, and the Guitar-Pioneering Rivalry That Shaped Rock 'n' Roll* The Birth of Loud is a fascinating book that details the early history of Fender, Gibson, and the electric guitar. It's a real fun read, and essential reading for guitar fans. ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/birth-of-loud-2.png) #### The Birth of Loud by Ian Port [View on Amazon](https://amzn.to/3ANtj4l?ref=vividguitar.co) 📮 If you like this newsletter, I'd be super grateful if you share it with anyone you know that might be interested. Thanks! - Dustin ### The Best Online Guitar Teachers URL: https://vividguitar.co/the-best-online-guitar-teachers/ Last updated: 2025-12-10T14:59:02.000Z \\While our focus is on our [free guitar email newsletter](https://vividguitar.co/), we sometimes take deeper dives into things that we hope you'll find valuable as a guitar player. This post digs into the very best online guitar teachers. We're lucky to live in a time where learning guitar without having to leave your home is easier than ever. With advances in technology making it easier than ever for anyone with a guitar and a phone to start posting guitar lessons online, its resulted in an influx of new online guitar teachers in recent years. While in some ways that's a good thing, as a guitar student, it can make it overwhelming trying to figure out which online guitar teachers are worth your time and money, and will have the biggest impact on your playing. While the process of recording and uploading an instructional video might *technically* be pretty easy, crafting high-quality guitar lessons than truly help students improve their guitar playing is not. While it's one thing to to be a great guitar player, being a great teacher is another thing. Being able to take something like guitar and music - with a seemingly infinite amount of concepts to learn, and breaking it down and explaining things in a way that makes sense is truly an art form. Some of the guitar teachers featured here focus on YouTube videos. Others offer complete guitar courses, eBooks, and other training materials through their own websites. Some focus on a wide range of guitar-related topics, while others focus on specific genres, like jazz or blues. No matter what style of music you play, and what your preferred learning style is, we hope you'll be able to find a teacher here that you jive with. Most of the teachers listed here have been teaching guitar online for many years, showing they are committed to putting out great content, and most importantly, have lots of students that keep going back to them for more, due to how effective they are. **Let's go! - These guitar teachers are listed in no particular order.** --- ## Justin Sandercoe, Justin Guitar ![Justin Guitar best online guitar teacher](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/07/Justin-Guitar.jpeg) It's probably justified to call Justin Sandercoe the pioneer of online guitar education at this point. After teaching private guitar lessons, Justin started teaching guitar online back in 2001, and launched JustinGuitar.com in 2003\. With a combination of courses, apps, books, jam tracks, and more, *Justin Guitar* is one of the most popular guitar instruction web sites in the world - with Justin being the favorite online guitar teacher for hundreds of thousands of guitar players. Justin's background includes playing in bands and teaching starting at only 12-years-old, attending and teaching at The Guitar Institute in London, and touring with various bands (including playing over 1,00o gigs in a Rolling Stones tribute band!). *Justin Guitar* features lessons and tools to help beginning, intermediate, and advanced guitar players. Whether you're just getting started with chords and strumming, or want to learn improvisation, blues, jazz, music theory, ear training, and transcribing, Justin covers it all. While the site contains over 1,000 lessons, it's really the quality over the quantity that keeps guitar players engaged and coming back for more. Justin does a great job breaking complicated things down into simple terms, and he even tells you not to learn things you won't use. He's honest about it and if you want to go deep into theory, the content is there, but there's no point in learning certain things if you don't apply them to your normal playing. Justin Guitar has grown in part to the large amount of great free content Justin offers, while his premium courses and other products will take your guitar playing to the next level. [Check out Justin Guitar](https://www.justinguitar.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) and his [YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBNkm8o5LiEVLxO8w0p2sfQ?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Marty Schwartz, Marty Music ![Marty Schwartz Online Guitar Teacher](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/07/Marty-Schwartz.jpeg) If you've ever searched for guitar lessons on YouTube, chances are you've came across Marty Schwartz. Marty's road to teaching guitar online is an interesting one. After college, he was working in a music store, where he taught some lessons. He got laid off from that job, and started teaching guitar full time on his own. Years later, he taught elementary school music, while continuing to teach guitar lessons on the side. Then when the economy crashed in 2008, he got laid off from the school job, and private lessons started to dry up, as people didn't have the budget for them as they were getting laid off from their jobs as well. Basically not knowing what else he could do, he started uploading a few videos to YouTube, with the idea that maybe they'd promote him a bit as a guitar player and local teacher. People slowly started liking his videos, and following him on YouTube. That slowly resulted in launching a website and business called *Guitar Jamz*, which has since evolved into *Marty Music*. Marty Schwartz is amazing at teaching well-known songs. Learning popular songs is one of the best ways to learn guitar and music (as the goal as a guitar player ultimately isn't just to know a giant library of scales and chords - it's know how to play and write actual songs), and he does a great job properly breaking them down. In a world where so many instructional videos now feature flashy sets, fancy production, and over-the-top editing, Marty's videos stand out due to them basically being the opposite of that (in a good way!). Marty comes off as your friendly neighborhood guitar teacher, and his videos make you feel like you're in the room with him, getting a one-on-one guitar lesson. With well over 2 million subscribers to his YouTube channel, Marty has had a big impact on many guitar players, and offers premium guitar courses through his own website ([MartyMusic.com](https://www.martymusic.com/?ref=vividguitar.co)) that offer a deep dive into topics such as blues guitar, acoustic guitar, and much more. [Check out Marty Music](https://www.martymusic.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) and his [YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmnlTWVJysjWPFiZhQ5uudg?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Matt Warnock, Matt Warnock Guitar ![Matt Warnock online jazz guitar lessons](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/07/Matt-Warnock.jpeg) Matt Warnock is one of today's most highly respected and prolific jazz guitar educators. With a background that includes a *Doctor of Musical Arts in Jazz Performance* degree, collegiate faculty positions, as well as having over 2,500 gigs around the world under his belt, Matt is an outstanding guitar teacher and player. What started as a set of jazz guitar resources and lessons Matt put together for his guitar students, evolved into *Matt Warnock Guitar* \- one of the premier online destinations for guitarists looking to learn jazz guitar. Matt's guitar website and products have progressed from a blog, to eBooks, and now into a robust member-based guitar course platform featuring nearly 200 courses, a private forum, live workshops, chord & scale libraries, and much more. Matt's lessons are very detailed, but he takes complex concepts and makes them simple to understand and apply. Even if you're not into jazz, Matt's lessons contain countless principles that you can apply to your favorite styles and genres of music. You'll need to put in the work, but Matt's lessons and courses are structured in a way that lets you go at your own pace, and will ensure that you take huge leaps forward in your guitar playing. [Check out Matt Warnock Guitar](https://www.mwgcourses.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Jens Larsen ![Jens Larsen online guitar teacher](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/07/Jens-Larsen-1.jpeg) Jens Larsen is a jazz guitarist, composer, arranger, and educator based in the Netherlands - and he's had an impact on many guitar players around the world. In addition to playing in the groups Træben, Yvonne Smeets Group, Jazz4kids and Wijnen, Winter & Larsen, Jens teaches guitar at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague. He also produces great jazz guitar lessons on YouTube and writes articles for jazz publications. Since 2014, Jens has been posting free jazz guitar lessons on YouTube, building a large following of guitarists that tune in to his informative and engaging lessons. Jens' videos are typically concise, which helps make sure you won't get overwhelmed trying to grasp what can sometimes be pretty complex guitar concepts. While a lot of guitar resources give you charts (such as scales and arpeggios), Jens focuses on using that information in a way that is natural and musical, rather than running through boxed-in positions on the guitar. Jens's lessons range from concepts for people just getting started in jazz, all the way to expert level, so you can jump right in regardless of where you're at with your playing. In addition to his popular YouTube lessons, Jens has many lessons (both free and premium) and guitar study guides on [his own website](https://jenslarsen.nl/?ref=vividguitar.co). Check out Jens Larsen: [Website](https://jenslarsen.nl/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqepSCHTyWj4BzHxEEUNvlg?ybp=ggIOdml2aWRndWl0YXIuY28%253D&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jenslarsenjazz/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Paul Davids ![Paul Davids Online Guitar Instructor](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/07/Paul-Davids.jpeg) The main goal of Netherlands-based Paul Davids is to inspire fellow guitar players all over the world to create and play music. With nearly 2.5 million subscribers to his YouTube channel, saying that Paul Davids has had a great impact on the guitar world would be an understatement. Paul's videos and lessons stand out do to his personable demeanor and high-quality production. With videos ranging from guitar tutorials, to lessons on music theory and ‘Live Guitar Looping’ videos that deconstruct well-known songs, Paul does an amazing job explaining everything and dumbing it down to make sense. In addition to his great YouTube channel, Paul offers in-depth guitar courses aimed at beginning and intermediate guitar players through [his website](https://pauldavidsguitar.com/guitarcourses/?ref=vividguitar.co). [Check out Paul Davids' website](https://pauldavidsguitar.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) and [YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/pauldavids?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Rick Stickney, Tasty Guitar ![Rick Stickney Online guitar Courses and Lessons](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/07/Rick-Stickney.jpeg) Las Vegas-based Rick Stickney has been putting out amazing guitar lessons that are unlike any others. Targeting intermediate and advanced players, Rick offers guitar lessons and eBooks focused on funk, blues, and R&B through his website, *Tasty Guitar*. In addition to many free lessons, Rick offers a membership program that features video lessons, guided rhythm courses, live workshops, professional backing tracks, and much more. Looking for 1-on-1 lessons? Rick also offers private guitar lessons over Zoom or Skype, with a personalized approach that will take your guitar playing to another level. [Check out Tasty Guitar](https://www.tastyguitar.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Rick Beato ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/01/Rick-Beato-1.jpg) There aren't many parts of the music industry that Georgia-based Rick Beato hasn't had his hands in. With experience ranging from being a university professor, to a session musician, music studio engineer and owner, record producer, music textbook writer, and of course, a guitar teacher, Rick Beato is a wealth of knowledge. Rick earned a Bachelor’s degree in music from Ithaca College and later completed a Master’s degree in jazz studies from the New England Conservatory of Music. He went on to teach jazz studies at Ithaca College, and has lectured at several schools, including Berklee College of Music. Over the past decade, Beato has built a massive following of close to 5 million people on YouTube, where he posts engaging videos covering guitar lessons, music theory, guitar gear, and outstanding guitarist interviews. In addition to his great YouTube videos, Rick Beato offers a number of great premium products, such as his book '*The Beato Book – A Creative Approach to Improvisation for Guitar and Other Instruments*', and a course on ear training. Rick even collaborated with Gibson for his own signature guitar- the [Rick Beato Les Paul Special Double Cut](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/p/Electric-Guitar/Rick-Beato-Les-Paul-Special-Double-Cut/Sparkling-Burgundy-Satin?ref=vividguitar.co). The guitar features 2 P90 pickups, has a slightly thinner body than the regular Les Paul Double Cut, and is finished in a satin nitrocellulose lacquer. Rick Beato is a true artist of his craft, and the music world is a better place due to his willingness to share his knowledge. Check out Rick Beato: [Website](https://beatoeartraining.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/c/RickBeato?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/rickbeato1/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Michael Palmisano, Guitar Gate ![Michael Palomisano online guitar teacher](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/07/Michael-Palmisano-guitar-1.png) With a combination of guitar videos on YouTube and his *Guitar Gate* membership site, Michael Palmisano stands out with his unique approach to dissecting guitar parts, as well as helping students progress through his step-by-step guitar courses. Michael is one of those people who's videos you start watching for a few seconds, and the next thing you know, it's 25 minutes later - and you're still watching. If you're a guitar player that spends any decent amount of time on YouTube, you've probably come across Michael's 'Guitar Teacher REACTS' videos. He plays videos of bands/songs (often requested by his YouTube subscribers) that he hasn't ever seen or heard before, and then attempts to figure out and analyze what they are playing in real-time. While the focus is on the guitar player, he often goes beyond that, discussing how the guitar parts fit in within the context of the full band (ie. how a guitar rhythm fits in with the dummer's groove). In addition to his original YouTube videos, Palmisano runs *Guitar Gate*, an impressive online and interactive learning platform for guitar students. Michael's goal with Guitar Gate is to recreate what it's like to go to a music school, but letting you learn from the comfort of your home (and at a small fraction of the price). And unlike most online guitar courses, Michael takes a more personal approach, letting you upload videos of your playing, so he can provide feedback and advice. Check out [Guitar Gate](https://www.guitargate.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) and Michael's [YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/c/Guitargate?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Steve Stine, Guitar Zoom ![Steve Stine Guitar Lessons](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/07/Steve-Stine.jpeg) Known for his ability to make learning guitar fun and easy, Steve Stine is one of the world's most sought-after guitar instructors. With a background that includes a bachelor's degree in music education, a role as the professor of Modern Guitar Studies at North Dakota State University, and experience touring in various bands, Steve has been playing and teaching guitar for over 30 years. Steve is not only a talented and knowledgeable musician, but is a fantastic teacher. Steve takes complicated topics, such as music theory, and helps make them super simple. Most importantly, he teaches you how to put all the building blocks of guitar and music all together in a practical way. Steve does a great job helping guitar students see big improvements quickly. In addition to offering tons of great free guitar videos on YouTube, Stine offers premium guitar courses, memberships, and masterclasses at [GuitarZoom.com](https://guitarzoom.com/?ref=vividguitar.co). Focusing on rock, metal, acoustic, and blues styles, the lessons on Guitar Zoom are designed to maximize your progress in the shortest time possible. Check out [Guitar Zoom](https://guitarzoom.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) and Steve's [YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3mdd4zMNosEVKQic4g7%5FJQ?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Ian Stich, StichMethod ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/05/stich-method-blog-1.jpg) **Ian Stich** is a guitarist and teacher who helps people learn to play guitar in a fun and easy-to-understand way. He runs a popular YouTube channel called **StichMethod**, where he shares lessons on blues, improvisation, and how to make sense of the guitar neck. His goal is to make learning guitar feel less confusing and more enjoyable for everyone. With over 25 years of teaching experience, Ian has the guitar chops and knowledge, but also has a teaching style that is friendly and encouraging, making students feel confident as they learn. Ian explains things in a way that just make sense. He does a great job of simplifying and explaining complex guitar topics - so you'll actually retain what you learn. Instead of just teaching licks and songs, Ian breaks down and analyzes music, and does a nice job of explaining how to use his lessons as a jumping off point to start doing your own thing. Ian is known for creating the **NeverLost™** system, which helps students understand how to move around the guitar neck using pentatonic scales. In addition to his YouTube lessons, Ian offers live classes, masterclasses, and personalized video lessons through his website, [stichmethod.com](https://stichmethod.com/?ref=vividguitar.co). He also teaches courses on platforms like Udemy and TrueFire, reaching students all over the world. With over 322,000 subscribers on YouTube, Ian continues to inspire guitarists of all levels to enjoy playing and keep improving. Ian's passion for music and guitar shows on all of his videos, and his engaging teaching style make sure you'll get a lot of value from his lessons. Check out [StichMethod](https://stichmethod.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) and Ian's [YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzArv1HZtOroXdla0jT8Zuw?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Andy Crowley, Andy Guitar ![Andy Guitar Online Guitar Teacher](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/07/Andy-Guitar.png) Andy Crowley is the founder of **Andy Guitar**, one of the internet’s most trusted resources for beginner guitar players. Since launching his online lessons in 2009, Andy has helped millions of new musicians pick up a guitar with confidence. His teaching style stands out in a crowded field of online instructors because he focuses on what true beginners actually need—clear guidance, steady pacing, and simple steps that lead to real progress. While many online teachers dive quickly into advanced riffs or theory, Andy takes a different approach. His lessons are intentionally slow, approachable, and carefully structured so new players never feel lost or overwhelmed. Each video is short and to the point, showing exactly what to do without unnecessary jargon. Even though he clearly knows his stuff, he avoids talking over a beginner’s head, which makes his channel an easy place to learn at your own pace. A big part of Andy’s success comes from how well-organized his curriculum is. His lessons follow a logical progression, building skills layer by layer. When covering tougher concepts, he patiently repeats ideas until they sink in, giving students the space to develop muscle memory and confidence. This supportive teaching style helps beginners see noticeable improvements quickly—something that keeps them motivated to stick with the instrument. Today, Andy’s YouTube channel has become a massive hub for new guitarists, offering hundreds of free lessons covering chords, strumming patterns, songs, theory basics, and more. For players ready to take the next step, he also runs [**AndyGuitar.co.uk**](https://www.andyguitar.co.uk/?ref=vividguitar.co), where he offers a wide library of premium, structured courses designed to guide learners through their first months or even years of playing. Whether you’re picking up a guitar for the very first time or returning after a long break, Andy Guitar remains one of the friendliest and most effective places to start your musical journey. Check out [Andy Guitar](https://www.andyguitar.co.uk/?ref=vividguitar.co) and his [YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9cvVvlvr-qBssphm1EdYGQ?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## John Tuggle, Learning Guitar Now ![John Tuggle Learning Guitar Now Blues Guitar Lessons](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/07/John-Tuggle.jpeg) John Tuggle is a guitarist, educator, and the founder of *Learning Guitar Now*, a leading online resource for blues and slide guitar instruction. Unlike many online teachers who spread their focus across multiple genres, John has built his reputation by specializing in what he knows best—helping players master the sound and feel of blues and slide guitar. He began his career teaching private guitar lessons before branching into instructional eBooks, DVDs, and even a podcast in the mid-2000s. In 2006, he launched *Learning Guitar Now*, which has since grown into a full-fledged membership platform serving guitarists worldwide. Over the years, John has created hundreds of hours of content, steadily refining his approach to make advanced concepts approachable for players at any level. What sets John apart is his ability to break down the nuances of legendary blues and slide players—Eric Clapton, Duane Allman, Derek Trucks, Dickey Betts, Warren Haynes, and more—and translate those techniques into clear, structured lessons. His slide guitar instruction, in particular, has become a benchmark resource for students who want to unlock the mysteries of open tunings, phrasing, and expressive slide tone. Today, through his *Learning Guitar Now All Access Pass*, John offers more than 70 step-by-step video courses covering everything from essential blues fundamentals to advanced improvisation and soloing. Combined with his library of free lessons, he’s built a community-driven learning experience that has helped thousands of guitarists worldwide improve their playing. With nearly two decades of teaching online, John Tuggle continues to be a trusted guide for players who want to go beyond the basics and truly capture the soul of blues and slide guitar. [Check out Learning Guitar Now](https://www.learningguitarnow.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) --- We're continually on the lookout for the best new online guitar teachers, and will update this post as we discover them. ### Jazz Jam Track, Harmony Comet, Chris Buck URL: https://vividguitar.co/jazz-jam-track-harmony-comet-chris-buck/ Last updated: 2025-02-03T22:52:07.000Z 💬 "Creativity isn’t about wild talent as much as it’s about productivity. To find a few ideas that work, you need to try a lot that don’t." - Scott Belsky ## Guitar Practice Today, let's practice over a jazzy jam track in the key of C Major. This progression uses the I VI ii V chords in C. While the VI (6th) chord is usually a minor chord, we're making it a Dominant chord here. Practice over the jam track, playing rhythm, arpeggios, the C Major scale (and any other possibilities you think of). I VI ii V in C Major backing track 0:00 /505.338775 1× Progression: ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/I-VI-ii-V-in-C-Major-lead-sheet.png) Chord Voicings: ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/I-VI-ii-V-in-C-Major-Chords.png) Arpeggios: ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/I-IV-ii-V-in-C-Major-Arpeggios.png) Two C Major Scale Patterns: ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/C-Major-Scale-.png) --- ## Gear Showcase ### Harmony Comet ![Harmony Comet Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/Harmnony-Comet.png) Image c/o Harmony Guitars; Vista Musical Instruments LLC The Harmony Comet is one of the most unique and eye-catching semi-hollow guitars that have been released in recent years. The revitalization of the 130+ year old *Harmony* brand has brought a lineup of outstanding, high quality, made-in-America guitars, and the Comet stands out as one of our favorites. With the Comet, Harmony innovated on the typical ES-style body shape with their unique twist. The carved mahogany body results in a warm, acoustic-like tone, while the set neck construction, and 25" scale length increases sustain. The goldfoil pickups sound killer, and the six-in-line headstock makes this guitar stand out even further from other guitars in this style. The nitro finish will let the guitar age over time, and the *Sunburst*, *Trans Red*, and *Midnight Blue* finishes all look amazing. A bit more access to the upper frets could make a V2 of this guitar even more perfect, but the Harmony Comet is an outstanding guitar, offered at a competitive price for what it offers. **Key Features:** - Lightweight Semi-Hollow Body - Six-in-Line Headstock for good tuning stability - Harmony Gold Foil Humbuckers - Nitrocellulose Lacquer Finish - “C” Shape Neck Profile - 22 Medium Jumbo Frets - Locking tuners - Push/pull master volume pot for out-of-phase sounds - 25” scale length - Offered in Sunburst, Trans Red, and Midnight Blue finishes - Made in the USA [Demo video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ao0--Ebd%5F4k&ref=vividguitar.co) Check out the [Harmony Comet](https://www.harmony.co/pages/comet?ref=vividguitar.co), or view available Comets on [Reverb](https://tidd.ly/4hQHiaj?ref=vividguitar.co). --- ## Guitarist Spotlight ### Chris Buck ![Chris Buck Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/Chris-Buck.jpg) (Image credit: Ross Madden) Blending remarkable touch with killer phrasing and some serious energy, British guitarist Chris Buck has been making a name for himself in recent years. The accolades are there: Chris was voted ‘Best New Guitarist’ and ‘Best Blues Guitarist’ by Guitarist Magazine. ‘Best New Guitarist’ by Music Radar. He was selected to judge Guitarist Magazine's Young Guitarist of the Year competition. Those type of awards often seem to showcase guitarists that have flashy technical chops, but that doesn’t always translate to interesting music. Chris of course has the chops, but it’s his electrifying and soulful playing that makes him really stand out. Known for a pick + fingers technique that results in swift and unique guitar lines, Chris seamlessly bounces between creative rhythm parts and dynamic lead runs. Chris has released music under his own name, as well as a few bands - most recently, and probably most notably, [Cardinal Black](https://www.thecardinalblack.com/?ref=vividguitar.co). While he’s best known for playing a P90-equipped Yamaha Revstar, Chris is a known gear addict, having various Strats, Les Pauls, ES-335’s, Teles, and much more, plus a big collection of amps. **Playing ideas from Chris:** - Vary your pick position. Switch between playing close to the neck for a darker tone and closer to the bride for a bright and twangy sound. - Practice your vibrato. Work on perfecting both a gradual, slow vibrato, to a fast and frenetic vibrato. - Practice playing intervals on single strings - If you mainly play with a pick, get comfortable playing with your fingers as well. Not only will it help you get a wider variety of sounds, you never know when you might drop your pick! **Key Gear:** - Yamaha Revstar RS502T BGR - Fender Pro Reverb amp - Fuchs Clean Machine amp - Victory Copper Deluxe amp - Analogman King of Tone overdrive - Snouse Black Box Overdrive - Great Eastern FX Small Speaker Overdrive - Mythos Mjolnir Klon-style Overdrive - Line 6 HX Stomp HL Check out Chris Buck: [Website](https://www.chrisbuckguitar.co.uk/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/chrisbuckguitar/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/ChrisBuckGuitar/) --- ## 🎸 Trending ![Gibson Hummingbird EC Collection](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/unnamed.jpg) Gibson Hummingbird EC Collection - Gibson announced the [Hummingbird EC acoustic guitar collection](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/Collection/gibson-hummingbird-ec-collection?ref=vividguitar.co). The 3 models (Hummingbird Studio EC, Hummingbird Standard EC, and the Hummingbird Rosewood EC) feature cutaway bodies with improved upper fret access, round 'SlimTaper' profile mahogany necks, and L.R. Baggs electronics. - Cory Wong interviewed guitarist Mark Tremonti on his podcast, discussing his line of signature PRS gear, what makes a good riff, and his musical trajectory since the late ’90s. [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wong-notes/id1513405224?i=1000676766789&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/0whbbpShYWyv0YgLr3Cbys?si=Mh3FSosDRl-xS3NLRWpWmA&ref=vividguitar.co) - D'Angelico released the [Excel Giacomo Turra Bedford SH](https://dangelicoguitars.com/guitars/excel-series/excel-giacomo-turra-bedford-sh/?ref=vividguitar.co). Giacomo Turra built a big following online with his funky live looping videos, and is now selling out clubs. His signature D'Angelico Bedford is offered in a Peppermint finish, that looks pretty incredible. - Behringer released a $69 [Klon Centaur clone](https://guitar.com/news/gear-news/behringer-centaur-overdrive/?ref=vividguitar.co) pedal. --- ## Currently spinning in the Office ### The Cure: Songs of a Lost World ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/image-12.png) 📮 If you like this newsletter, I'd be super grateful if you share it with anyone you know that might be interested. Thanks! - Dustin ### Learn a riff, K-Line Guitars, Lyle Brewer URL: https://vividguitar.co/learn-a-riff-k-line-guitars-lyle-brewer/ Last updated: 2025-02-03T22:52:36.000Z [ ![](https://www.awin1.com/cshow.php?s=3727560&v=67144&q=499135&r=1519185) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?s=3727560&v=67144&q=499135&r=1519185&ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 “My goal every time I perform is to lose myself, to lose my ego and let the music just take me wherever it goes.” - Allison Miller ## Guitar Practice ### Let's Learn a Riff This riff used part of couple chord arpeggios, with the highest note going up chromatically a half-step each of the 4 times we play them. This requires quite a pinky stretch and hand movement that might take you a bit out of your comfort zone. The example track is at a moderate tempo, but play it slowly to start. Once you get it down, then work on increasing your speed. This riff can be played in a loop. After the end of the Cmaj7 line, go back to the beginning of the C#m7 line. Lastly, try playing around with this concept with other chord voicings. Cm7 Riff 0:00 /19.197482 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/C-m7-Riff.png) --- ## Gear Showcase ### K-Line Guitars ![K-Line Truxton T-Style Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/truxton-blonde-2.jpeg) K-Line Truxton T-Style Guitar St. Louis, Missouri-based *K-Line Guitars* builds classic-style electric guitars using hand selected woods, top-notch hardware, and custom hand wound pickups. Chris Kroenlein has been building guitars since 1995, when he combined a struggle finding quality guitar construction priced for average working musicians with a passion for vintage guitars. With there being so many guitar options available, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of choices. K-Line strives to make the process easy, making you part of the process to make sure you get what you want. Whether you are looking for a distressed/road-worn look, or a non-aged guitar that will age well from your own use, Chris takes the time to work with you to make sure you get your dream guitar. From the T-style Truxton, to the S-style Springfield, the offset bodies of the Texola & San Bernardino, and others, K-Line has perfected the art of vintage-style guitar craftsmanship. Perhaps the standout feature on K-Line guitars is the neck & fretboard feel and playability. Chris uses a thin nitrocellulose lacquer finish on their guitar necks (& bodies), which results in a silky smooth feel and an open, woody tone. K-Lines play like butter, and you'll be tough pressed to find a more comfortable neck. Chris has earned a reputation as one of the best boutique guitar manufactures on the planet, and his guitars arguably reach the level of perfection when it comes to vintage-style guitar builds. Check out K-Line Guitars: [Website](https://k-lineguitars.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/k%5Flineguitars/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/klineguitars/) --- ## Guitarist Spotlight ### Lyle Brewer ![Lyle Brewer Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/Lyle-Brewer.jpg) Hailing from Boston, Massachusetts, Lyle Brewer has carved out a unique spot in the music world by blending jazz, classical, folk, and rock into a sound that's as soulful as it is mesmerizing. Lyle studied at The New England Conservatory of Music starting in 2004 and has been a big presence in the Boston and Northeast music scene for the past couple decades. Lyle is an incredibly dynamic and versatile guitarist, with music that basically lives in a couple different worlds. As the guitarist for rock/jam band [Neighbor](https://www.neighbortunes.com/?ref=vividguitar.co), Lyle is a force on electric guitar (typically wielding a Telecaster or Les Paul), powering soulful songs and lengthy, high-energy improvisational jams. As a solo artist, Brewer showcases his impeccable fingerstyle technique with creative and emotive compositions. Brewer has released several solo (largely acoustic) albums & EPs filled with intricate instrumentals that are like mini soundtracks for daydreams. Brewer is also an educator, inspiring musicians through private lessons and workshops. Brewer is also an assistant professor at Berklee College of Music, where he teaches guitar theory, harmony, and technique, and posts weekly lessons to subscribers on [Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/lylebrewerguitarlessons?ref=vividguitar.co). Lyle Brewer is one of the most exciting and inspiring guitarists out there. Check out Lyle's blissful composition *Juno*: **Key Gear** - Fender Custom Shop Telecaster - Gibson Les Paul - Fender Deluxe Reverb amp - Fulltone Wah - Mad Professor Royal Blue Overdrive - Analogman King of Tone - Nobels ODR-1 overdrive - Two MXR carbon copy delays, one set to slap back - Boss Super Chorus - MXR Phase 90 **Album recommendations:** - Juno - Get it Together - Hold On - Neighbor: Boston Deluxe (Live from the Wilbur) **Check out Lyle Brewer:** [Website](http://www.lylebrewermusic.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/lylebrewermusic/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/lylebrewerguitarlessons?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Trending ![Godin 5th Ave TL Vintage Burst HG Gold Foil Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/image-13.png) Godin 5th Ave TL Vintage Burst HG Gold Foil - 🎸 Godin released the [*5th Avenue Thin Line*](https://godinguitars.com/product-category/electrics/5th-avenue?ref=vividguitar.co), which is a blend of two iconic series' — the Montreal series and the 5th Ave series. It features a medium-sized fully-hollow body, and offered with either P90 pickups, or Gold Foils with excellent high-end response. - 💰 Jeff Beck's personal guitar collection is [going up for auction](https://www.premierguitar.com/news/jeff-beck-guitar-auction?ref=vividguitar.co). - The *Play Guitar Podcast* covered ways to change up your guitar practice routine. [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/change-up-your-practice-routine/id1341900209?i=1000677603424&ref=vividguitar.co) | [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/4KZFkg3WgiEqvi1U266z4m?si=nY0bbxaYRw2umeoyHtLZag&ref=vividguitar.co) - Fender released an update to its [Tone Master Pro](https://www.fender.com/en-US/guitar-amplifiers/contemporary-digital/tone-master-pro/2274900000.html?ref=vividguitar.co) which added new features including new guitar amps, new guitar effects, as well as new amps, cabs, & effects for bass players. - PRS announced a [Kanami Limited Edition guitar](https://prsguitars.com/electrics/model/kanami%5Flimited%5Fedition%5F2024?ref=vividguitar.co). The signature model of the Band-Maid’s lead guitarist is based off her PRS Custom 24-08 guitar but, has PRS’s 85/15 humbuckers. - If you're looking for guitar tabulature/sheet music, Guitar Pro is running a [30% off Black Friday sale](https://www.guitar-pro.com/?ref=vividguitar.co#ae944) right now. This is the software used for the majority of lessons featured in this newsletter. ☺️ --- ## Currently spinning in the Office **Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio (featuring Jimmy James): Cold as Weiss** ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/image-14.png) 📮 If you like this newsletter, I'd be super grateful if you share it with anyone you know that might be interested. Thanks! - Dustin ### The Eric Krasno Edition URL: https://vividguitar.co/the-eric-krasno-edition/ Last updated: 2025-02-04T20:19:55.000Z **Today's issue has a bit of a different format, as we're going to largely focus on one artist, and do a deeper-dive into their background and playing.** 💬 "I only got a seventh-grade education, but I have a doctorate in funk, and I like to put that to good use" - James Brown ## Guitarist Spotlight ### Eric Krasno ![Eric Krasno](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/Eric-Krasno-Press-Photo-2021.jpeg) , Eric Krasno is a three-time Grammy award winner, guitarist, songwriter, and producer, with a captivating style that bridges the gap between various genres. As the founder of funk/jazz bands Soulive and Lettuce, a solo artist, and as a collaborator with many of this generation’s most notable musicians, *Kraz*’s style is drenched in funk, r&b, blues, soul, and rock. With influences ranging from the funk sounds of James Brown, Herbie Hancock, & Tower of Power, to the catchy rock riffs of Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, and the Grateful Dead, Eric Krasno has become a super versatile guitarist, letting him jump into a variety of music styles and projects. A few of his many accomplishments include: - Production and songwriting collaborations with Norah Jones, Tedescki Trucks Band, Robert Randolph, the Marcus King Band, Pretty Lights, Talib Kweli, 50 Cent, Aaron Neville, Vieux Farka Toure, Allen Stone, Nigel Hall, Melvin Sparks, and others. - Shared the stage with the Rolling Stones, Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer, John Scofield, Phil Lesh & Friends, the Tedescki Trucks Band, Gov’t Mule, The Roots, Vulfpeck, the Marcus King Band, and countless others. - Has released numerous albums, including 12 with Soulive, a collaboration with Stanton Moore, several solo albums, King Canyon, E3 Trio, as well as appearing on albums from artists including the Tedeschi Trucks band and Nigel Hall. - Collaborated with D’Angelico and Ibanez for his own signature guitar models Kraz continues to evolve as a guitar player, producer, songwriter, and recently, as an educator - and he shows no signs of letting up. He recently partnered with Marty Schwartz for a great [Guitar Masterclass](https://www.martymusic.com/eric-krasno-masterclass?ref=vividguitar.co), as well as [Rhythm & Lead courses](https://truefire.com/educators/eric-krasno/e4807?ref=vividguitar.co) through Truefire. **Key Gear:** - D’Angelico Deluxe Brighton (which has Seymour Duncan single coil pickups in humbucker casing). - PRS silver sky - Ibanez AS200 - D’Angelico Excel DC - Supro Jupiter Amp - Fender Princeton Reverb (used on the Krasno Moore Trio album) - MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz - Analog Man King of Tone overdrive - Dunlop Crybaby wah pedal **Recommended albums to check out:** - **Soulive:** Turn It Out & Soulive (live) - **Krasno/Moore Project:** Book of Queens - **King Canyon:** Self Titled - **Eric Krasno:** Always Check out Eric Krasno: [Website](https://www.erickrasno.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/erickrasno/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/erickrasnomusic/) --- ## Guitar Practice While Eric Krasno is an outstanding lead guitar player, his creative, funky rhythm playing shines in various bands & projects - from Soulive, to his solo albums. Let's dig into some examples of how Kraz approaches rhythm playing. Eric often combines chunks of chords with single notes (reminiscent of funk masters such as Leo Nocentelli of The Meters), as well as muting with both his fretting and picking hand. **The first example shows how Krasno might approach a vamp over a dominant seventh chord.** This rhythm outlines a D7 chord, but uses your pinky to work in 7#9 and Dominant 9 chord shapes. Anchor your middle finger on the 5th fret of the A string, and use it to mute the D string. In the end of the first line, we use a quick slide move that outlines the top 3 notes of D9 > E9 > D9 chords. Listen to the examples, and then play around with the rhythm. The idea isn't necessarily to play these exactly as they are here, but to work this type of technique into your playing. Krasno Funky Rhythm 0:00 /22.92 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/Krasno-Funky-Rhythm.png) **Next, let's take a look at the chord progression for the jam section of the great Soulive tune, *Steppin*'. Krasno uses somewhat of a staccato, syncopated rhythm - that grooves hard:** Soulive Steppin Jam 0:00 /12.552 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/Soulive-Steppin-Jam.png) **In the into to the great Soulive song *Turn it Out*, Krasno turns to some chord voicings that are staples of funk guitar:** Soulive Turn it out Chords 0:00 /22.68 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/image-15.png) **Lastly, let's take a look at the into to the Soulive song *Azucar*. Rather than playing straight chords (as in the previous 2 examples), Eric arpeggiates the notes, bringing in an element of neo-soul:** Azucar 0:00 /25.296 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/image-16.png) --- ## Gear Showcase ### D'Angelico Deluxe Eric Krasno Brighton ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/Brighton.png) Designed in collaboration with Eric Krasno, the *Deluxe Eric Krasno Brighton* took Eric's favorite aspects of vintage guitars, and combined them with modern features D'Angelico is known for. The *Brighton* has been one of D'Angelico's most popular guitar models in recent years. Eric was drawn to it, in search of a guitar that could be part of his identity, and different from the common guitars you see in the hands of countless other guitar players. While he liked the design and body shape of the original Deluxe Brighton, he started modding it to best suit his style, including swapping out the pickups. While this model has the same body style and neck profile as the other production-line Deluxe Brighton models, the standout feature with the Krasno version is that it features Strat-style single coil pickups from the Seymour Duncan USA Custom Shop. They retained the humbucker casing for visual appeal. The Krasno model also has simplified 50's style wiring, with single volume and tone controls. It also retains the top-end as the volume knob is rolled down, giving some extra flexibility. The *Deluxe Eric Krasno Brighton* features a solid swamp ash body that gives a clear tone, with plenty of sustain. The deep double-cutaway body shape allows for better access to upper frets than you'll find on nearly any other electric guitar. The model is limited to only 50 pieces worldwide and available exclusively at Sweetwater in the USA and Anderton's Music in the U.K.. **Key Features:** - Grover 509 Super Rotomatic locking tuners - 22 Jescar 47/104 Nickel Silver frets - 24.85" fretboard radius - 3-piece set-thru neck with a satin finish - Gloss finish on the body - 2 Custom Seymour Duncan "Strat in Humbucker" Alnico V pickups - 3-way Toggle Switch Check is out on [D'Angelico's website](https://dangelicoguitars.com/guitars/deluxe-series/deluxe-eric-krasno-brighton/?ref=vividguitar.co), or view the [YouTube Demo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmC2bvLG-JI&t=498s&pp=ygUcZCdhbmdlbGljbyBlcmljIGtyYXNubyBtb2RlbA%3D%3D&ref=vividguitar.co). --- ## 🎸 Trending ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/Gibson-Les-Paul-Double-Cut.jpg) - Gibson released exclusive Les Paul Junior Double Cut guitars. Offered in [Vintage Cherry](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/p/Electric-Guitar/Les-Paul-Junior-Double-Cut-Vintage-Cherry/Vintage-Cherry?ref=vividguitar.co) and [TV Yellow](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/p/Electric-Guitar/Les-Paul-Junior-Double-Cut-TV-Yellow/TV-Yellow?ref=vividguitar.co), they have a double-cutaway mahogany body, mahogany neck with a SlimTaper profile, rosewood fretboard with 22 medium jumbo frets, a single Dogear P-90 pickup, & comes with a hardshell case. Retails for $1,699 USD. - Dunlop released a limited edition [Eric Clapton Signature CryBaby Wah](https://www.peachguitars.com/dunlop-ec95-eric-clapton-signature-cry-baby-wah.htm?ref=vividguitar.co) pedal. The pedal pays tribute to Clapton's 60-year career, and features the classic sound of the GCB95 Cry Baby Standard Wah, encased in a gold-plated housing. It's currently available through Peach Guitars, and will be offered through other retailers shortly. - Fender announced a Chris Shiflett Signature Telecaster. Designed in collaboration with the Foo Fighter's guitarist, it is offered in both a Fender [Custom Shop version](https://www.fendercustomshop.com/series/limited-edition/master-built-greg-fessler-chris-shiflett-telecaster-closet-classic-cardinal-red/?ref=vividguitar.co) that features 2 P90 pickups in a nice Cardinal Red color, and a Made-in-Mexico version that has 2 humbuckers, offered in Shoreline Gold. - Fender also released a [Jack White Pano Verb](https://www.fender.com/en-US/fender-artist-gear/jack-white-pano-verb/8151900000.html?ref=vividguitar.co) signature amp. inspired by three of Jack White’s vintage amps – a 1964 Vibroverb™, a 1960 Vibrasonic™ and a 1993 Vibro-King®, it pumps a loud 70 watts through both 15" & 10" speakers. --- ## Currently spinning in the office ### Krasno/Moore Project: Book of Queens ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/Krasno-Moore-Project-Krasno-Moore-Project-Book-Of-Queens-Music-Performance-Vinyl_67691442-bca1-4a98-9b21-82036e462747.b57b417a7b96d60bc3edc4c9b5d608f6.webp) 📮 If you like this newsletter, I'd be super grateful if you share it with anyone you know that might be interested. Thanks! - Dustin ### Jam Track, High Water Guitars, Cecil Alexander URL: https://vividguitar.co/jam-track-high-water-guitars-cecil-alexander/ Last updated: 2025-02-03T22:53:20.000Z [ ![](https://www.awin1.com/cshow.php?s=3727560&v=67144&q=499135&r=1519185) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?s=3727560&v=67144&q=499135&r=1519185&ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 ‘We begin with the possible, and move gradually towards the impossible.’ – Robert Fripp ## Guitar Practice Today, lets do some practice with a jam track. This progression might look simple. We're just using a few common triads. Trying to solo over this can be tricky though, as we're quickly bouncing between 3 keys. If you want to approach this by playing scales: - The **G Dorian Mode** would work well over **G minor > C**. - **A > D minor** can throw us for a bit of a loop. If we think of this bar being in the key of A major, that D chord would usually be a *major* chord, and not minor. So using a regular A Major Scale wouldn't work well here. - There's a mode called **Mixolydian b6** that would work over this. The fifth mode of the Melodic Minor scale, *Mixolydian b6* contains the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, b6, b7 notes of the major scale). This is sometimes also called the *major/minor scale,* as it starts off as a major scale and finishes as a natural minor scale. - The *A Phrygian Mode* (A, B♭, C, D, E, F, G) is another option over A > Dm. - For **Bb > F > Eb**, a Bb Major Scale would work, as these are the I, V, IV chords in Bb. That said, I'd argue that since we're not sitting in any one key for very long, a another way to approach this might be to think in terms of each chord, rather than strictly scales. This is especially true for the A > Dm section. For the sake of practice and learning some scale patterns, I included some options below, but when passing through the A > Dm section, I find myself thinking more in terms of just playing chord tones, rather than trying to use 3 different scales over quick changes. G Minor Jam 0:00 /207.203313 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/G-minor-Jam-Nov-2024.png) ![G Dorian Mode](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/image-5.png) ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/image-10.png) ![Bb Major Scale](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/image-7.png) --- ## Gear Showcase ### High Water Guitars ![High Water Guitars 'The Miracle'](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/hwg-mirBRup-2.JPG) High Water Guitars 'The Miracle' High Water Guitars is the dream turned into reality of New Jersey-based artist and master builder, Mark Megaro. High Water Guitars combines hand-made craftsmanship with the accuracy of technological breakthroughs, creating artistic custom guitars that play like no other and have their own identity and soul. While a lot of luthiers talk about building guitars as being an art form, Mark Megaro came from a true art background. After graduating from art school majoring in ceramics and sculpture, Mark worked for several sculptors, learning the ins and outs of a 3D studio, and how art, craft, and construction really all came together. He was training and working as an artist and art teacher, and his personal art work became focused on sculptures. In addition to visual art, Mark was also interested in guitar. He bought, traded, and modified all types of guitars, but realized that most production models guitars didn't have the feel, tone, and vibe he was looking for. Mark's skills and passions came together, and he researched and learned everything he could about how to build guitars. Rather than using a blueprint or trying to replicate existing guitars (which is the more traditional way for luthiers to get started), he started by reinventing the guitar from the ground up. Each guitar Mark builds shows an evolution as a builder, and he tries to make each new guitar the best one he's ever built. While High Water Guitars focuses on a few different guitar designs, the Jerry Garcia inspired 'The Miracle' stands out. It's 'Super Strat' construction results in an incredibly versatile guitar (especially with pedals)..not to mention being straight up eye candy. Check out High Water Guitars: [Website](https://www.highwaterguitars.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/high%5Fwater%5Fguitars/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/highwaterguitars) --- ## Guitarist Spotlight ### Cecil Alexander ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/Cecil-Alexander.jpg) Cecil Alexander is a jazz guitarist, composer, & educator from Michigan, and now based in Boston, MA. With a range of influences including Grant Green, Wes Montgomery, Jimi Hendrix, George Benson, Pat Martino, B.B. King, Frank Zappa, and others, Alexander’s music grooves pretty damn hard. He graduated with a bachelors degree in Jazz Composition from Berklee College of Music (where he’s now an Assistant Professor of Guitar), and then went on to get a masters in Jazz Performance at William Paterson University. Cecil has racked up some nice accolades, including winning the 2017 Wilson Center Jazz Guitar Competition and the 2018 Lee Ritenour Six String Theory Competition, and was a finalist in the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz International Guitar Competition in 2019. While guitar awards often tend to favor the fastest and flashiest players - and Cecil can certainly pull off those things well - it’s his creative, dynamic, and soulful playing that really makes him stand out. After playing with and recording with various different musicians, Cecil released his debut album ‘Introducing Cecil Alexander’ on Kurt Rosenwinkle’s Heartcore Records in 2022\. While the album is Alexander introducing his own music to the world, it’s also a tribute to his father Cecil Alexander Sr. (who passed away in 2019) who was a big influence on his development. In 2023, Alexander released Duos, a collection of guitar and vocal duets with his wife, Ari Alexander, which showcases his brilliant accompaniment skills. Check out their take on the Beatles Here, There and Everywhere. Recently, Cecil has begun playing in the touring band of American jazz trumpet player Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah, as well as gigging with his wife in the Ari and Cecil Alexander Quartet. Cecil Alexander also teaches private lessons, as well as offering "Shed With Cecil" membership. It’s an organized lesson plan designed after years of creating a practice approach for himself as well as his students at Berklee College of Music. Each month, he explores a new topic, such as pre-bebop, bebop, the blues, pentatonics, specific players, and much more. **Key Gear:** - L5 style arch top guitar made by Alexander Polyakov - Thinline Telecaster with a humbucker pickup in the neck position - Fender ’65 Princeton Reverb amp Check out Cecil Alexander: [Website](https://www.cecilalexander.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/cecilalexandermusic/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/ceciljazzjazz251/) --- ## 🎸 Trending ![Fender 70th Anniversary Stratocaster Book](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/Fender-Stratocaster-Book-1.png) Fender 70th Anniversary Stratocaster Book - Fender released 70th Anniversary [Stratocaster coffee table books](https://www.fender.com/en-US/70th-anniversary-stratocaster-books/?ref=vividguitar.co). The book features 224 pages of rare archival images and stories from the shop floor. The Deluxe version includes a presentation case, decals, guitar picks, a poster, and a signed & numbered certificate of authenticity. - [JHS Pedals](https://guitar.com/brands/jhs-pedals/?ref=vividguitar.co) has pulled the plug on its Ross effects line, just 18 months after reviving the brand. Despite excitement about the launch, JHS founder Josh Scott said they sold less than 400 Ross pedals in 2024, and the pedal line became too much of a drain on their time and energy. They did a fire-sale this past Friday, and sold around 3k pedals within just a couple hours, with some pedals selling out in minutes. 😮 - The *Play Your Guitar* podcast posted a great episode about **developing your signature guitar style**. It's a quick 19-minute listen that can have an impact on your guitar playing. Listen on [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Fv-CXrDXh8&list=PL3WNVOl-akd36v5CUQjDba9dh6VD7HWo4&index=1&ref=vividguitar.co), [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/play-guitar-podcast/id1341900209?i=1000676767918&ref=vividguitar.co) or [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/4QexbczJa75HzvFkfwULQx?si=624ZCchNReOtqH%5FlRUKtpA&ref=vividguitar.co). - Gretsch announced a limited edition [Billy Duffy Signature Falcon](https://gretschguitars.com/features/billy-duffy?ref=vividguitar.co) to honor The Cult's 40th anniversary. The headstock of each guitar is hand signed by Billy. - Guitar Center announced a couple exclusive limited-edition colors of the Fender Player II Stratocaster: An HSS in [Ocean Turquoise](https://www.guitarcenter.com/Fender/Player-II-Stratocaster-HSS-Rosewood-Fingerboard-Limited-Edition-Electric-Guitar-Ocean-Turquoise-1500000442328.gc?ref=vividguitar.co), and a SSS version in [British Racing Green](https://www.guitarcenter.com/Fender/Player-II-Stratocaster-Rosewood-Fingerboard-Limited-Edition-Electric-Guitar-British-Racing-Green-1500000428929.gc?ref=vividguitar.co). Both models have a rosewood fretboard. --- ## Currently spinning in the office ### Orions Belte: Villa Amorini ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/Orions-Belte-Album.png) 📮 If you like this newsletter, I'd be super grateful if you share it with anyone you know that might be interested. Thanks! ### Guitar Practice, Veritas Guitars, Marty Schwartz URL: https://vividguitar.co/guitar-practice-veritas-guitars-marty-schwartz/ Last updated: 2025-02-03T22:53:49.000Z [ ![](https://www.awin1.com/cshow.php?s=3727560&v=67144&q=499135&r=1519185) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?s=3727560&v=67144&q=499135&r=1519185&ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 Sometimes you have to play a long time to be able to play like yourself. - Miles Davis ## Guitar Practice Let's look at one more way to play through the same arpeggios we used in the last couple [issues](https://vividguitar.co/tag/newsletter/). Here, we're (mostly) just skipping strings, which results in a cool-sounding little riff. We of course don't want to overuse this type of thing, but it's a technique/pattern you can work into your playing once in a while as an alternative to just playing scales. Arpeggio Practice in G Major 0:00 /11.998435 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/Arpeggio-Practice-in-G-Major.png) Another thing we can do is play these pairs of notes together. 2 notes played at a time is sometimes referred to as a *diad* (or dyad). Diads in G Major 0:00 /11.998435 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/Dyads-in-G-Major.png) The point here isn't to memorize these specific lines, but to open you (and your fingers) up to a couple new ideas to work into your playing. Experiment with using these technique on other chords, and start by taking it slow. --- ## Gear Showcase ### Veritas Guitars ![Veritas Portlander Electric Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/Veritas-Portlander-Green.jpeg) Veritas Portlander Blending design, functionality, and aesthetic beauty, Mt Pleasant, Tennessee-based Veritas Guitars is taking custom guitars to another level. While Veritas has a number of amazing guitar models, their Portlander stands out as a crowd favorite. It's seriously one of the nicest-looking guitars we’ve ever seen. Their flagship model, the Portlander is a humbucker-equipped, highly creative take on the classic T-style guitar design. Offered as either a solid body or semi-hollow thinline, the Portlander is truly a workhorse of a guitar, in addition to being an eye-catching work of art. Veritas also offers a Double Cut version of the Portlander, as well as a more traditional t-style guitar (with 2 single coil pickups) called the *Texas Miracle*, and the offset-shaped *Riverton*. In addition to the standard models, Veritas builds fully custom guitars designed to reflect the uniqueness of its owner. While Veritas focuses on handmade custom builds, they also offer a *ProLine* series of guitars. Built in Korea, the ProLine models feature designs, materials, and electronics that are all exclusive to Veritas Guitars, offered at a lower price point. We love this approach, as it lets people that might not be ready to spend the cash on a custom-built guitar get a really well-made Veritas guitar at a much lower price. Veritas comes up with creative and elegant guitar designs, combined with outstanding tone and playability. [Check out Veritas Guitars](https://veritasguitars.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Guitarist Spotlight ## Marty Schwartz, Marty Music ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/Marty-Schwartz.jpeg) If you've ever searched for guitar lessons on YouTube, chances are you've came across Marty Schwartz. Marty's road to teaching guitar online is an interesting one. After college, he was working in a music store, where he taught some lessons. He got laid off from that job, and started teaching guitar full time on his own. Years later, he taught elementary school music, while continuing to teach guitar lessons on the side. Then when the economy crashed in 2008, he got laid off from the school job, and private lessons started to dry up, as people didn't have the budget for them as they were getting laid off from their jobs as well. Basically not knowing what else he could do, he started uploading a few videos to YouTube - with the idea that maybe they'd help promote him a bit as a guitar player and local teacher. People slowly started liking his videos, and following him on YouTube. That resulted in launching a website and business called *Guitar Jamz*, which has since evolved into *Marty Music*. Marty Schwartz is amazing at teaching well-known songs. Learning popular songs is one of the best ways to learn guitar and music (as the goal as a guitar player ultimately isn't just to know a giant library of scales and chords - it's know how to play and write actual songs), and he does a great job properly breaking them down. In a world where so many instructional videos now feature flashy sets, fancy production, and over-the-top editing, Marty's videos stand out due to them basically being the opposite of that (in a good way!). Marty comes off as your friendly neighborhood guitar teacher, and his videos make you feel like you're in the room with him, getting a one-on-one guitar lesson. With well over 4 million subscribers to his YouTube channel, Marty has had a big impact on many guitar players, and offers premium guitar courses through his own website ([MartyMusic.com](https://www.martymusic.com/?ref=vividguitar.co)) that offer a deep dive into topics such as blues guitar, acoustic guitar, and much more. [Check out Marty Music](https://www.martymusic.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) and his [YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmnlTWVJysjWPFiZhQ5uudg?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## 🎸 Trending ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/PRS-40th-Anniversary-copy.jpg) Image c/p Paul Reed Smith Guitars - PRS announced Limited Edition 40th Anniversary [Custom 24](https://prsguitars.com/electrics/model/40th%5Fanniversary%5Fcustom%5F24%5Flimited%5Fedition%5F2024?ref=vividguitar.co) and [Private Stock McCarty Dragon](https://prsguitars.com/electrics/model/private%5Fstock%5F40th%5Fanniversary%5Fmccarty%5Fdragon%5F2024?ref=vividguitar.co) Guitars. 😮 The Custom 24 will be Limited to 400 pieces worldwide, while the Dragon will be limited limited to 165. - Your life-long dream of having a Hello Kitty® branded Fender Stratocaster, Fuzz pedal, and guitar strap has [finally come true](https://www.fender.com/en-US/fender-hello-kitty-collection/?ref=vividguitar.co)! 🤷‍♂️ Fender's Hello Kitty® Collection also includes co-branded shirts, hats, a gig bag, and more. Jokes aside, it's cool seeing a guitar company trying to appeal to a variety of audiences. - Gibson announced the release of the [Mary Ford Les Paul Standard Goldtop](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/p/Electric-Guitar/Mary-Ford-Les-Paul-Standard/Goldtop?ref=vividguitar.co). It's the first public release of an ultra-rare signature model from the Golden Era, with a mahogany body, maple cap, ES-295-style floral pickguard and matching armrest, Slim Taper mahogany neck with rosewood fretboard, and Burstbucker pickups. MSRP is $2,999 USD. - In the market for a new acoustic guitar? Rhett Shull & Chris Alvarado dove into [what he wished he know before buying an acoustic guitar](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dti%5FjVVbgaM&ref=vividguitar.co). ## Currently spinning in the office ### Julian Lage: Speak to Me ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/julian-lage-speak-to-me.jpg) ### Triad Edude, D'Angelico Mini DC, Justin Sandercoe URL: https://vividguitar.co/triad-edude-dangelico-mini-dc/ Last updated: 2025-02-03T22:54:20.000Z [ ![](https://www.awin1.com/cshow.php?s=3727560&v=67144&q=499135&r=1519185) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?s=3727560&v=67144&q=499135&r=1519185&ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 The 10,000-hour benchmark is a red herring for several reasons. First, the only practice that is vitally important is the practice you’re doing right now. Forget about accumulating 10,000 hours and focus instead on today’s learning challenge. Experts who accumulated 10,000 hours of practice weren’t trying to accumulate those hours; their focus was elsewhere, on the task at hand. - Jonathan Harnum (from the book book **The Practice of Practice: How to Boost Your Music Skills*) ## Guitar Practice Let's build on the triad arpeggio exercise from [last Thursday's issue](https://vividguitar.co/newsletter/julian-lage-practice-idea-gretsch-players-edition-jet-dotan-bergman/). We'll use the same chord progression and chord voicings, but dig into it a bit further, using some picking/note patterns that might take a bit of practice get used to. As always, take it slow at first. Work on playing it cleanly as slowly as you need to, before gradually working increasing your speed. Triad eTude in G 0:00 /31.997913 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/Triad-eTude-in-G.png) --- ## Gear Showcase ### D’Angelico Deluxe & Excel Mini DC ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/D-Anglico-Mini-DC.png) The D'Angelico Mini DC is a beautiful and inspiring double-cutaway semi-hollow guitar that combines classic tones with modern versatility. The compact 14” body makes it super comfortable to hold and play (especially standing up), and it’s offered in a number of killer-looking colors usually not found in ES-style guitars (including with a satin finish on the Deluxe models). The Seymour Duncan Seth Lover A4 humbuckers on the Deluxe model are bright, but easily tamed with the tone knob. The Excel model includes Seymour Duncan 59 humbuckers, which give a classic vintage tone, with clear articulation. One of our favorite features is the ability to coil-split both the neck and bridge humbuckers. Not only are the coil-split tones surprisingly really good, the middle position when you combine one humbucker with one split pickup sounds incredible. The Mini DC features the same slim C-shape neck that D'Angelico uses on most (all?) current models. While we'd love to see some D'angelico's offered with a bit fatter neck profiles, it plays fast and it easy to get around. Due the the smaller body size (compared to something like an ES-335) and the semi-hollow design, the Mini DC's can suffer from a bit of neck dive when played standing up, but this is easily remedied by using a suede strap. While we're partial to the more premium pickups and electronics included in the *Deluxe* and *Excel* models, D'Angelico also offers more budget-friendly versions of these in the *Premier Mini DC* and *Excel Mini DC Tour*. **Key Features** - A slim C-shape neck with either a rosewood fretboard (on the Deluxe) ebony (on the Excel) - Deep cutaways allow for easy access to the upper frets. - Comfortable and lightweight - Seymour Duncan Seth Lover humbuckers (in the Deluxe) or Seymour Duncan '59 humbuckers (in the Excel). Split the humbuckers with the push/pull tone knob and get very convincing single-coil tones. - Some of the best colors/finishes you’ll find in this style guitar - 22 Medium jumbo frets - Bone nut - Also available as a ‘Premier’ and 'Tour' version at a lower price point D'angelico's [demo video of the Deluxe Mini DC](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XJu3PoL9ig&pp=ygUZZCdhbmdlbGljbyBkZWx1eGUgbWluaSBkYw%3D%3D&ref=vividguitar.co) is a good watch, featuring some tasty playing by Zack Comtois. Check out the line of [D'Angelico Mini DC's](https://dangelicoguitars.com/guitars/?filter=mini-dc&ref=vividguitar.co), or view them on [Reverb](https://tidd.ly/4fX3VrZ?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Guitarist/Educator Spotlight ### Justin Sandercoe (Justin Guitar) ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/Justin-Guitar.jpeg) Born in Australia, and based in London, Justin Sandercoe is a guitarist, songwriter, performer, producer, and educator - not to mention, being quite a celebrity in the guitar space. It's probably justified to call Justin Sandercoe the pioneer of online guitar education at this point. After teaching private guitar lessons, Justin started teaching guitar online back in 2001, and launched JustinGuitar.com back in 2003\. With a combination of courses, apps, books, jam tracks, and more, *Justin Guitar* is one of the most popular guitar instruction web sites in the world - with Justin being the favorite online guitar teacher for hundreds of thousands of guitar players. Justin's background includes playing in bands and teaching starting at only 12-years-old, attending and teaching at The Guitar Institute in London, and touring with various bands (including playing over 1,00o gigs in a Rolling Stones tribute band!). He's also been published in Guitar Techniques Magazine, Total Guitar, Guitar Magazine, & Guitar Tutor, and has taught masterclasses at music conferences. *JustinGuitar.com* features lessons and tools to help beginning, intermediate, and advanced guitar players. Whether you're just getting started with chords and strumming, or want to learn improvisation, blues, jazz, music theory, ear training, and transcribing, Justin covers it all. While the site contains over 1,000 lessons, it's really the quality over the quantity that keeps guitar players engaged and coming back for more. Justin does a great job breaking complicated things down into simple terms, and he even tells you not to learn things you won't use. He's honest about it and if you want to go deep into theory, the content is there, but there's no point in learning certain things if you don't apply them to your normal playing. Justin Guitar has grown in part to the large amount of great free content Justin offers, while his premium courses and other products will take your guitar playing to the next level. For gear enthusiasts, Justin has quite the [guitar collection](https://www.justinguitar.com/guitar-lessons/justin-s-guitars-list-and-info-gg-001?ref=vividguitar.co), which includes a 1964 Fender Jaguar, 1965 Gibson SG, 1966 Fender Telecaster (featured in the photo above), a 1969 Gibson ES-335, and many more. [Check out Justin Guitar](https://www.justinguitar.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) and his [YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBNkm8o5LiEVLxO8w0p2sfQ?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## 🎸 Trending ![Ibanez Tubescreamr Pro](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/Ibanez-TS808HWV2-Pedal@2000x1500-1068x801.jpg) Image c/o Ibanez - Ibanez has a new revamped, handwired [Tube Screamer Pro](https://guitar.com/news/gear-news/ibanez-revamped-ts808-tube-screamer-ts808hwv2/?ref=vividguitar.co). Per Ibanez, the new TS808HWV2 has an upgraded circuit design that maintains the original’s transparent and mid-range-focused tone, and is designed to cut through mixes well. - Keeley Electronics released the [ZOMA Stereo Reverb and Tremolo](https://robertkeeley.com/product/zoma-stereo-reverb-and-tremolo/?ref=vividguitar.co), which is getting great reviews, and quickly made it's way onto the pedalboards of players including Trey Anastasio. The pedal combines the most popular reverb & tremolos into three different pairs: Spring Reverb & Sine Tremolo, Plate Reverb & Harmonic Tremolo, and Plate Reverb & Pitch Vibrato. - [Michael Palmisano](https://www.youtube.com/@Guitargate?ref=vividguitar.co) broke down a collaboration between Cory Wong and Billy Strings. - We're starting to head into Black Friday deal season, and Guitar Center announced up to [$150 off](https://www.guitarcenter.com/Black-Friday-Electric-Guitar-Deals.gc?icid=LP9122&filters=brand:Epiphone&ref=vividguitar.co) Epiphone Les Paul, SG, and ES-335 models. ## Currently spinning in the office ### Cecil Alexander: Introducing Cecil Alexander ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/Ceceil-Alexander-1.jpg) ### Julian Lage Practice Idea, Gretsch Players Edition Jet, Dotan Bergman URL: https://vividguitar.co/julian-lage-practice-idea-gretsch-players-edition-jet-dotan-bergman/ Last updated: 2025-02-03T22:54:41.000Z [ ![](https://www.awin1.com/cshow.php?s=3727560&v=67144&q=499135&r=1519185) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?s=3727560&v=67144&q=499135&r=1519185&ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 “In jazz improv, there is no such thing as wrong notes, only notes that are better chosen - and it’s not about the note you play, it’s about the note you play next.” – Larry Carlton ## Guitar Practice Let's do a bit of arpeggio work with a I IV V I progression in the key of G. As guitar players, it's easy for us to default to thinking in terms of '*scales first*' when playing over a chord progression. Thinking '*chord first*' can often result in more musical lines. In the example below, we're playing chord tones by using pieces of the arpeggios of each chord. While this might seem a bit overly simplistic to some players, this approach can still be a good reminder of a way to switch up your lead playing away from just running through scale patterns and shapes. We'll expound on this further over the next couple issues. Arpeggios in G Major 0:00 /25.398435 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/Arpeggios-in-G-Major.png) ## Practice Idea from Julian Lage > Guest post by [Darren Rodney](https://www.facebook.com/darren.rodney.5/) ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/Julian-Lage.jpg) (Image credit: Douglas Mason/Getty Images) I took a private lesson with Julian Lage once and he gave me some great advice when it comes to practicing improvisation. He said to take something to improvise over, whatever it may be - a set of chord changes, a one key modal jam, whatever.... And don't stop improvising for as long as you can. Go for at least 45 minutes or more. I know, it sounds nuts. He said what will happen, is that at some point (whether it's 10 minutes, 15 minutes, or longer), you're going to run out of all the ideas you are used to playing. You'll exhaust all the stuff you're comfortable with and feel at home in. And once you are out of all those ideas - and you can't keep repeating yourself for an hour, which would be worthless, you will be forced to come up with new ideas. You won't have any crutches, and that's when you can be truly creative. Now a lot of your playing at that point might sound terrible, but you will grow as a player. You'll have to find different rhythmic ideas, or simplify things and maybe leave a lot more space etc.. All kinds of new ideas will start to develop. I think we all feel we need to learn more stuff, more scales, more arpeggios etc… to have new ideas. That we forget there’s an infinite amount of things you can do in different ways with the tools you already have. And you will start to feel more comfortable taking risks and not just playing the same old licks. It's helped me a lot (albeit frustrating at times). Try it and see what happens! --- ## Gear Showcase ### Gretsch Players Edition Jet ![Gretsch Players Edition Jet](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/Gretsch-Jet-BT-1.png) Gretsch Players Edition Jet While Gretsch might be best known for their big-body guitars & rockabilly twang, the Jet sits more in the Les Paul area - but still with a sound that is uniquely Gretsch. Gretsch makes a variety of Jet models at different price points (including in their Electromatic line), today, we’re taking a look at their top-end made-in Japan Players Edition model. While it might not look like a semi hollow guitar at first glance, the Gretsch Players Edition Jet features a chambered (semi hollow) body, making it lightweight and giving it a bit more of an airy tone that you usually get with this style guitar. ![The Gretsch Jet has a chambered body to reduce weight](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/image-1.png) The Gretsch Jet has a chambered body to reduce weight Offered with either a Bigbsy tremolo or hardtail, the Gretsch Players Edition Jet features a mahogany body with an arched maple top - giving it a rich and dynamic tone. The Tim Shaw-designed Broad'Tron pickups give you powerful mids, extended lows, and a clear high-end, without losing the unique sound Gretsch is famous for. **Key Features:** - Broad'Tron BT65 Humbucker pickups - Individual control knobs for Neck Volume, Bridge Volume, Tone, and Master Volume - Master volume control with treble bleed - Low profile set neck - Locking Tuners - Graph Tech® TUSQ XL nut - Scale: 24.6" - Fretboard radius: 12" - 22 medium-jumbo frets - Ebony Fretboard - Made in Japan Check out the [Gretsch Players Edition Jet](https://www.gretschguitars.com/features/players-edition-jet-bt?ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube Demo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9AS8f0ihmQ&ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Guitarist Spotlight ### Dotan 'Tane' Bergman ![Dotan 'Tane' Bergman in his element](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/image-2.png) Dotan 'Tane' Bergman in his element Dotan ‘Tane’ Bergman is a soulful and inspiring guitarist, music producer, beat maker, and producer, based in Brooklyn, NY. Bergman blends modern and vintage sounds, combining neo-soul flare with 60's and 70's funk and jazz. Dotan creates some real interesting and sultry grooves - often built around soulful guitar melodies, that grab your attention and leave you wanting more. While Bergman has released a bunch of full songs on streaming services, he has a bit of a different career path as most other guitarists featured here, in that his focus is on making and selling beats and sample packs for other artists to build songs out of. Creating sample packs and beats can be a good way for guitar players supplement their income, and Dotan Bergman is good example of how to do it well, focusing on building his personal brand (in addition to creating great music). In addition to standing out in the beat/sample pack world, Dotan is a great follow on Instagram, where he’s built a following showing his recording and beat creation process. He posts content that other guitar players and musicians can learn from, regardless of whether you’re creating your own songs or interested in selling samples. **Key Gear:** - Fender Stratocaster - Dangelico DC Excel - Fender Telecaster - Fender Precision Bass - Fender Blues Jr amp Check out Dotan 'Tane' Bergman: [Sample Packs](https://saucelabaudio.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/dotan%5Fbergman/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmZNzxUAuTAmILSJJ4X9g7g?ref=vividguitar.co) | [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@saucelabaudio?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## 🎸 Trending ![D'Angelico Premier DC XT and Premier Mini DC XT](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/image-3.png) D'Angelico Premier DC XT and Premier Mini DC XT - D'Angelico released a pair of Sweetwater exclusives; the [Premier DC XT](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F40wobfg%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0xnUyxZqysxabYmZMA6hun1cBqYTpTFpnDtcdo4s3DjYtA7dZJMCNf1Go%5Faem%5FDAZKqF3-%5FUJqUvDhxYiMTQ&h=AT1pXS3vNFNgsbol98fh74pP8T0SYrwvgtLopfbsB4m3eu037ED4GGpSu73rj170XaX1qlgCfr-lDJfpKaggyKJEa18r5nj--EMgBSZrx6QFnAIXBIANYE-2F5g3KqLzSZz0l-w&%5F%5Ftn%5F%5F=-UK-R&c[0]=AT2rY6pbt1bfEm8AXeB5Q0CLMPDoLdBDzNGBuMKToQ490VDMF6jCSdmyY6gGD0ROJwX0Jdaq4QUqCx9RPV-DADU5FgEIxUlqrg5xCTT-lPae0O8HXfEy7seg1oHqg3EQqMXQwCdqGFQtv8JWhqSUuiorzwM5nwTklWUubhwt3JHB1k5avr26aMRrUmE-vml7YQ&ref=vividguitar.co) and [Premier Mini DC XT](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F4fyWXsI%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR32HnxqnhkFLThiPm6pmUL1FDCW%5F6HTDrJ9odBISHX1L-6MzFwumW6SUQs%5Faem%5FGzVlpiMC34giFuC0JYp%5FYw&h=AT2uQkLF-5-VvzAUfz80c0RpaDhylPt8NtJX7lzaW-XnnkcCW8kKIKeS%5FxcdbAr21kuLkYqA-Nz-y-7e2fR6KeYg4sG2H0NPZyavxFi3PcPFDHeUXimrlHV9Obwn5bM0tNCzgb0&%5F%5Ftn%5F%5F=-UK-R&c[0]=AT2rY6pbt1bfEm8AXeB5Q0CLMPDoLdBDzNGBuMKToQ490VDMF6jCSdmyY6gGD0ROJwX0Jdaq4QUqCx9RPV-DADU5FgEIxUlqrg5xCTT-lPae0O8HXfEy7seg1oHqg3EQqMXQwCdqGFQtv8JWhqSUuiorzwM5nwTklWUubhwt3JHB1k5avr26aMRrUmE-vml7YQ&ref=vividguitar.co). The XT models feature premium upgrades ⁠like Supro Bolt Bucker pickups, new finishes, and stainless steel frets. - Fender added some new options to its [Mod Shop](https://www.fender.com/en-US/mod-shop.html?ref=vividguitar.co), including a chambered ash Stratocaster body in white blonde, a maple Deep C neck with block inlays, American Vintage II 1957 Strat pickups. - The Guitar Nerds podcast did a [roundup](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/guitar-nerds/id991621063?i=1000675167578&ref=vividguitar.co) of the 2024 London International Guitar Show. - Rick Beato posted an interesting [video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxR6Zi1euvc&ref=vividguitar.co) talking about whether aging affects a musicians ability to write and improvise music. - [Michael Palmisano](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCDexOmD5ts&ref=vividguitar.co) dove into what made Phil Lesh (who passed away on October 25th) so great. Phil of course played Bass Guitar, but there are some good takeaways for guitar players about fitting into a groove. ## Currently spinning in the office ### Scary Goldings: IV Scary Goldings is a collaboration between organist Larry Goldings and the L.A. band Scary Pockets (guitarist Ryan Lerman and keyboardist Jack Conte, joined by a rotating roster of L.A. session musicians). IV features **John Scofield** on 6 tracks..and it rips. ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/Scary-Goldings.jpg) ### Chord Riff, Eastman Thinline, Ariel Posen URL: https://vividguitar.co/chord-riff-eastman-thinline-ariel-posen/ Last updated: 2025-02-03T22:55:08.000Z [ ![](https://www.awin1.com/cshow.php?s=3727560&v=67144&q=499135&r=1519185) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?s=3727560&v=67144&q=499135&r=1519185&ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 “I mean, give me a guitar, give me a piano, give me a broom and string, I wouldn't get bored anywhere.” ― Keith Richards ## Guitar Practice **Let's learn a chord riff** Below, we have an underlying chord progression of B minor> A minor > G. While we could of course just play those chords for each beat, let's jazz it up by using a different chord voicing/variation on each beat for the Bm and Am chords. Bm Am G Chord Riff 0:00 /13.712494 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/image.png) --- ## Gear Showcase ### Eastman Thinline ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/Eastman-T184MX.jpeg) Eastman’s electric guitars often fly under the radar of a lot of guitar players, but since starting as a violin maker in the early 1990’s; and then moving into acoustics, they've been making high-quality electric guitars for many years now. While there's no shortage of ES-style guitars out there, the Eastman Thinline's stand out due to being solid wood (maple top, and mahogany back & sides), and that they are nearly fully hollow (with just a small block under the bridge to help with feedback, but not the full center block typically seen in this type of guitar). The result is a guitar with a more acoustic/woody sound, that resonates incredibly well. Another great thing about this model is that it's offered in 3 different body sizes: 14", 15", and 16". The 25" scale of this guitar is a great length that falls between a Gibson and a Fender, and the low output Bare Knuckle humbucker pickups can deliver anything from warmth to grit. Eastmans feature a bit of a wider nut width & fretboard than what you might be used to on an electric guitar, with a 1.72” nut width (previous versions of this same guitar featured a 1.75” nut width). That nut width works well with the 12" radius and medium-depth neck though, and is a joy to play. While some might balk at Eastman's being made in China, these are hand-made guitars with a truly outstanding build quality. While these are by no means cheaply priced guitars, they are quite a bit less expensive than options such as a Gibson ES or a Collings i-35. Eastman also offers laminate-body versions of the same guitar (T484, T485, & T486), that sell at a lower price point. The Eastman Thinlines are simply some of the best hollow body guitars out there. **Key Features:** - Bare Knuckle BC Old Guard Custom Humbuckers - 25" Scale Length - Ebony Fretboard - 22 Medium jumbo frets - Neck Material: Mahogany - Fingerboard Radius: 12" - Neck Profile:Traditional Even "C" - Offered in a 14", 15", or 16" bout size - 1.72" bone nut Check out the Eastman Thinline: [T184MX](https://www.eastmanguitars.com/t184mx?ref=vividguitar.co) | [T185MX](https://www.eastmanguitars.com/t185mx?ref=vividguitar.co) | [T186MX](https://www.eastmanguitars.com/t186mx?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Guitarist Spotlight ### Ariel Posen ![Ariel Posen Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/Ariel-Posen.jpg) (Image credit: Janine Van Oostrom) Combining soulful guitar playing and captivating vocals, Canadian-born Ariel Posen has been quickly gaining a following while touring worldwide. I first discovered Ariel a number of years ago from *Anderton's Music* videos on YouTube. Like many people, I tuned into their gear demo videos while researching various pieces of gear I probably didn't really need. In addition to Lee Anderton & Danish Pete, there was this random guy that kept popping up in a bunch of their videos. He'd be demoing a guitar or another piece of gear, and not only did he make every guitar sound outstanding, he had this impeccable touch and phrasing, and the ability to come up with incredibly creative riffs. It was easy to forget about whatever piece of gear I was checking out, and just stick around for his playing. That person was of course Ariel Posen. In the several years since, Posen has ventured out on his own path, developing his singing and songwriting, releasing several albums, and touring around the world. With a rootsy sound that blends rock, Americana, soul, R&B, and Beatles-inspired pop, Posen stands out with heartfelt lyrics and killer guitar phrasing. He’s been called “a modern-day guitar hero’ by Rolling Stone, was a fan-voted top 10 rock guitarist of the year by Music Radar, and has won multiple awards from the Western Canadian Music Awards (including the *Breakout Artist of the Year* twice!) In addition to being a great guitarist and songwriter, Posen is a gifted teacher, with a number great guitar courses available through [Truefire](https://truefire.com/educators/ariel-posen/e4544?ref=vividguitar.co), as well as on [Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/arielposen?ref=vividguitar.co). Ariel recently caught up with the Anderton's crew for an update, and talked about guitars, gear, recording and more: ### Key Gear: - Mule Resophonic 25"-scale baritone ‘Posencaster” with gold-foil-looking mini humbucker pickups - Two-Rock Classic Reverb Signature amp - KingTone’s The Duellist - KingTone MiniFuzz Check out Ariel: [Website](https://www.arielposen.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/c/ArielPosen?ref=vividguitar.co) |[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/arielposen/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/arielposen/) | [Guitar Courses](https://truefire.com/educators/ariel-posen/e4544?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/arielposen?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Trending ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/Fruscianti-strat.png) Fender Limited Edition Masterbuilt John Frusciante Stratocaster - 🎸 Fender has released an extremely limited run of [John Frusciante's signature Custom Shop Masterbuilt Stratocaster](https://www.fendercustomshop.com/guitars/stratocaster/limited-edition-masterbuilt-john-frusciante-stratocaster/?ref=vividguitar.co)®, based on his iconic '62 Sunburst Strat. - Gibson released a [Jimmy Page 1964 SJ-200 Cherry Tea](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/p/Acoustic-Guitar/Jimmy-Page-1964-SJ-200/Cherry-Tea?ref=vividguitar.co) acoustic guitar. - D'Angelico released a new [Premier EXL-1](https://dangelicoguitars.com/guitars/premier-series/premier-exl-1/?ref=vividguitar.co) archtop, available in Honey Blonde or Brown Burst. - Speaking of Anderton's (above), to celebrate their 60th anniversary, they teamed up with Fender to release a limited run of made-in-Mexico nitro closet classic road worn FSR [Stratocasters](https://www.andertons.co.uk/fender-limited-edition-andertons-60th-anniversary-64-road-worn-stratocaster-fiesta-red/?ref=vividguitar.co) and [Telecasters](https://www.andertons.co.uk/fender-limited-edition-andertons-60th-anniversary-64-road-worn-telecaster-fiesta-red/?ref=vividguitar.co) in Fiesta Red. - Julian Lage joined Don Was on the [Broken Record Podcast](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/broken-record-with-rick-rubin-malcolm-gladwell-bruce/id1311004083?i=1000673210941&ref=vividguitar.co) to discuss practice techniques, what it was like growing up as a child prodigy, his newest record, and more. ## Currently spinning in the office Warren Haynes: Million Voices Whisper ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/11/Monosnap-WarrenHaynes_IndiePS.jpg--WEBP-Image--2048---2048-pixels----Scaled--47---2024-11-01-13-57-21.png) ### Jam Track, Monica Valli, Brown Bear Guitars URL: https://vividguitar.co/jam-track-monica-valli-brown-bear-guitars/ Last updated: 2025-02-03T22:56:28.000Z [ ![](https://www.awin1.com/cshow.php?s=3727560&v=67144&q=499135&r=1519185) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?s=3727560&v=67144&q=499135&r=1519185&ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 “The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you.” ― B.B. King ## Guitar Practice Last week, we had a jam track in F minor/Dorian. Let's revisit the Dorian mode again, but this time in the key of A minor. This is a pretty straightforward progression, using all triads, with common chord shapes. Am Em D C Jam Track 0:00 /194.736 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/Am-Em-D-C-2024-10-30.png) Below is an example of the A Dorian Mode (which is the G Major scale, but starting with and focusing on the 2nd note - A), which we can use to solo over this progression. There are of course lots of ways to play scales around the neck, but it's often helpful to set constraints while practicing, and focusing on a specific position. ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/A-Dorian-1.png) --- ## Gear Showcase ### Brown Bear Guitars ![Brown Bear Guitars](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/image-7.png) Brown Bear Guitars Brown Bear Guitars is the work of Ontario, Canada-based luthier Jesse Brown. Jesse specializes in building traditional designs of the ‘50s, with a modern touch. Probably best known for his killer take on vintage-inspired telecaster®\-style guitars, Brown also hand-builds guitars in the style of the Stratocaster®, Jazzmaster® and others. Using sustainably sourced woods like Swamp Ash, Mahogany, Maple, and Rosewood, in addition to exotic woods, all bodies and necks are hand-carved to precise user specifications, and Brown Bear guitars feature specially selected hardware. Jesse meticulously hand carves each guitar neck to your exact specifications. The nut width, fretboard radius, and neck profile, and more are customized to your needs. Jesse focuses on guitars that will bring out the best of you - as a player, and ships worldwide. In addition to custom guitar builds, Brown Bear offers guitar refinishing and repair work. Check out Brown Bear Guitars: [Website](https://brownbearguitars.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/brownbearguitars/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/brownbearguits/) --- ## Guitarist Spotlight ### Monica Valli ![Monica Valli Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2025/02/Monica-Valli.png) With a refreshing guitar style that oozes with soul and authenticity, Nashville + Austin-based Monica Valli has been making a name for herself within the guitar community and beyond. Monica’s path has been interesting and inspiring… She was first introduced to guitar at 8 years old. She took lessons, played for a year, and ended up giving it up to focus on just being a kid. At age 15, she picked it back up, and by age 16 she was playing bluesy dive bars around her hometown of St. Louis. Her dedication and talent led her to Berkeley College of Music to further develop her skills. After graduating, she moved to Nashville and started a successful career as a hired-gun guitarist & backup vocalist for a wide range of artists across various genres. Dive bars turned into theaters and bigger venues, and extensive touring and studio work gave her a ton of experience, helping her develop her own voice as a guitar player. When the Covid-19 pandemic put the live music world on hold, Monica started restructuring her musical path. In addition to developing her songwriting and recording her own original music, she started building an online presence. She started doing some online live streams playing guitar, and also started teaching guitar lessons - including through a great Patreon page where she posts guitar licks and tricks, covers, and behind the scenes content. Monica has also become a force on Instagram, where she currently has 186k followers. In addition to posting great videos of her soulful guitar playing, guitar brands (including Fender) have taken notice, and partner with her to showcase their new products. Monica recently released her debut single, "Roam," a folk-rock song that showcases her wonderful guitar work and alluring songwriting. ### Key Gear: - Fender Blues Jr. amp - Fender Telecaster - Fender Stratocaster - Gibson Les Paul with P90 pickups Check out Monica: [Website](https://www.monicavalli.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/monicavalli/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYSAI%5FQCdysGNGET68%5FEAPg?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/monicavalli?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Trending ![Fender Champion II 50-watt 1 x 12-inch Combo Amplifier](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/image-10.png) Fender Champion II 50-watt 1 x 12-inch Combo Amplifier - 🎸 Fender introduced an updated line of budget-friendly [Champion II amplifiers](https://www.fender.com/en-US/guitar-amplifiers/contemporary-digital/champion-ii/?ref=vividguitar.co). - David Gilmore [sat down with Guitar World](https://www.guitarworld.com/artists/guitarists/david-gilmour-luck-and-strange-interview?ref=vividguitar.co) to chat about his new solo album, why he loves Strats so much, and more. - Martin Guitar recently [announced a new Custom Shop Experience Center](https://www.martinguitar.com/news-101024-martin-guitar-unveils-new-custom-shop-experience-center.html?ref=vividguitar.co) in at its headquarters in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. In their words 'This new facility aims to provide an unparalleled environment where Martin’s valued retailers, distributors, select customers, and artists can immerse themselves in the artistry and craftsmanship behind Martin’s custom-built instruments.'. - 😔 In a continued wave of guitar-focused print magazines shutting down, joining *Guitar Player Magazine*, are *Total Guitar* and *Guitar Techniques Magazine*. I guess you can now stand in the magazine section at Barnes & Noble and read this newsletter on your phone. 😉 - Supro announced a new [Black Magick Reverb TB](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geopva1sC2g&ref=vividguitar.co) (TB = Tyler Bryant), which is a higher-powered version of their popular 1x12" amp. ## Currently spinning in the office Molly Miller Trio's new live album: Last Sunday ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/molly.jpg) ### Learn a riff, Kelton Swade, Danny Mayer URL: https://vividguitar.co/learn-a-riff-kelton-swade-danny-mayer/ Last updated: 2025-02-04T00:37:41.000Z [ ![](https://www.awin1.com/cshow.php?s=3727560&v=67144&q=499135&r=1519185) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?s=3727560&v=67144&q=499135&r=1519185&ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 It's taken me all my life to learn what not to play. ― Dizzy Gillespie ## Guitar Practice ### Let's learn a riff Today, let's learn a cool and ominous riff inspired by the [theme song](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPfJOUHXKAs&ref=vividguitar.co) from a somewhat obscure Italian crime film from 1969, *The Sicilian Clan (Il clan dei siciliani)*. This isn't meant to be an exact note-for-note transcription, and the goal isn't necessarily to memorize it, but it uses a picking pattern you can work on applying to various other progressions. Riff inspired by Il Clan Dei Siciliani 0:00 /30.855351 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/Inspired-by-Il-Clan-Dei-Siciliani.png) --- ## Gear Showcase ### **Kelton Swade Guitars** ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/image-5.png) Kelton Swade T-Style Guitar This gear showcase is a bit different, in that they're no longer being produced, as luthier Kelton Swade sadly passed away from Covid a couple years ago. I had the opportunity to check out one of Kelton's t-style guitars in a store recently, and was blown away by the quality and playability, and they remain in circulation on the used market. While other guitars are often made to look like vintage guitars, Kelton Swade guitars really feel and play like them as well. Kelton Swade was based in Nashville, and crafted hand-made authentic replicas of vintage guitars that have made it into the hands of greats such as Robben Ford and Keith Urban. Kelton Swade focused on Tele & Strat style guitars, and offered some of the most authentic-looking relicing work you’ll find anywhere. While the finish work on the body is one thing, it was the feel and playability of the neck and fretboard that really stood out on the model I tried. The attention to detail and craftsmanship that went into Kelton Swade guitars was simply awe-inspiring, and hopefully his name will at least live on in the used market. RIP Kelton Swade. [View Kelton Swade Guitars on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/3AdaKGu?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Guitarist Spotlight ### **Danny Mayer** ![Danny Mayer Guitar - Photo by liveforlivemusic.com](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/danny-mayer-guitar.jpeg) Photo by [liveforlivemusic.com](http://liveforlivemusic.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) Rooted in Funk, rock, and psychedelic blues, Danny Mayer's guitar playing blends creative rhythm playing with soulful lead lines - always bringing something unique to each musical situation. As the guitarist for On The Spot Trio, the Alan Evans Trio, Star Kitchen, the Eric Krasno Band, the Danny Mayer Trio, and others, Danny Mayer has toured nationally for the last 15+ years. He’s shared the stage with members of the Grateful Dead, Lettuce, Marcus King, Snarky Puppy, The New Mastersounds, Trey Anastasio Band, Ryan Montbleau, Turkuaz, Kung Fu and many more in countless collaborations. I want to share a great quote from Danny from an [interview with Live For Live Music](https://liveforlivemusic.com/features/danny-mayer-discusses-his-many-evolving-projects-including-dmt-on-the-spot-more/?ref=vividguitar.co) (condensed a bit below), as a lot of us think we have to try to play and sound like our hero's, instead of figuring out our own sound and what we do best. Y*ou have to be genuine and honest with your self about who you are as a person and as a musician. I went from trying to sound like Grant Green and John Scofield to realizing that who I am is much more blues based and simple than that! I had to realize that instead of trying to fake being a jazz guy, I could get real with myself and connect with audiences on a much deeper level by just being myself – a psychedelic blues / rock guy. That feels way better and comes way more natural to me. That mentality is also much closer to who I am as a person!* ### Key Gear: - Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster **Recommended albums to check out:** On The Spot Trio - “Straight Out The Garden” Alan Evans Trio - “The Wild Root” Danny Mayer - “Beginner’s Mind” [Danny's Website](https://www.dannymayermusic.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) | [Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/dannymayermusic/) --- ## Trending ![Fender Buck Owens Telecaster](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/Monosnap-Buck-Owens-Telecaster----Electric-Guitars-2024-10-23-11-29-17.png) Fender Buck Owens Telecaster | Image c/o Fender Musical Instruments - 🎸 Fender introduced the [Buck Owens Collection](https://www.fender.com/en-US/buck-owens-collection/?ref=vividguitar.co), featuring a signature Telecaster® and a Kingman acoustic guitar. - 🎧 Greg Koch interviewed blues rock guitar maestro Jeff McErlain on his [podcast](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chewing-the-gristle-with-greg-koch/id1525643497?i=1000666250189&ref=vividguitar.co), where they dive into live musical performance, debate tube vs digital amps, and discuss music business industry changes. - 📹 [Anderton's](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8PpX69PcYM&ref=vividguitar.co) checked out Fender's new American Ultra II guitar line. - Fender continued the trend of new signature guitar models with a [Jack White Triplecaster™ Telecaster®](https://www.fender.com/en-US/electric-guitars/other/jack-white-triplecaster-telecaster/0176812706.html?ref=vividguitar.co). It's a pretty wild take on a t-style guitar, featuring a a CuNiFe® Wide Range humbucker in the neck, JW-90 in the middle, and a custom Jack White humbucker in the bridge.The custom configured controls include an arcade-style "Stutter" switch, a switch to mute the signal entirely, and “Direct-To-Jack” selection for more bite. --- ## Currently spinning in the office The Smile: Cutouts ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/image-6.png) ### Chord Progression, Fender Thinlines, Jay Leonard J, PRS CE-24 Limited Edition URL: https://vividguitar.co/chord-progression-fender-thinlines-jay-leonard-j/ Last updated: 2025-02-04T00:38:32.000Z [ ![](https://www.awin1.com/cshow.php?s=3727560&v=67144&q=499135&r=1519185) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?s=3727560&v=67144&q=499135&r=1519185&ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 "We’re not striving for perfection. We are just trying to have fun. None of the music that we like is perfect. It’s good, and real. We just want to make real records, flaws and all." - Dan Auerbach ## Guitar Practice **Let's learn a progression.** The goal here is to learn some jazzy chord voicings you might not be familiar with (or that your fingers might not naturally gravitate towards). The audio example is played at 85bpm, but start by playing it as slowly as you need to. These voicings are most easily played finger style (or a combination of pick and fingers). Guitar Progression in C 1 0:00 /14.158367 1× ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/image-4.png) --- ## Gear Showcase ### Fender Limited Edition American Professional II Thinline Telecaster® and Stratocaster® ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/Fender-Limited-Edition-thinline-.png) Fender's American Professional II line has been very popular since it's release in 2020, but their recently-released limited edition Thinlines seem to have largely flown under people's radar. While thinline Strats might not be everyone's thing from a visual standpoint, thinline Tele's have been staple since the late 1960's. In addition to lighter weight, thinlines have a bit of a more airy sound than solid bodies. While the specs are otherwise the same as the regular American Pro II line, these limited editions also stand out with some great transparent colors: Shell Pink, Surf Green, White Blonde, & Daphne Blue. The Teles have a maple fretboard, while the Strats have rosewood. The MSRP for these are $1,949.99, or check for used options on Reverb. **Key Features:** - Semi-hollow ash body for reduced weight and different tones - Rolled fretboard edges - Deep C neck - Gloss finish - 9.5" radius - Narrow Tall frets - Fender V-Mod single coil pickups - Push-Push Tone for Series Mode (which gives fatter, almost humbucker-ish tones) on the Teles and adds the neck pickup on the Strats. Check out [Fender's YouTube promo vid](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwlfBBQY2HQ&ref=vividguitar.co) or view on [Reverb](https://tidd.ly/4eRTR32?ref=vividguitar.co). --- ## Guitarist Spotlight ### **Jay Leonard J** ![Jay Leonard Jay - Image c/o Guitar.com](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/Jay-Leonard-J-guitar.jpg) Image c/o [Guitar.com](http://guitar.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) As a popular YouTube personality, producer, songwriter, and an outstanding award-winning guitar player, Vancouver, BC-based Jay Leonard Jay has been creating a buzz on stages and computer screens around the world. Jay Leonard J earned a from the Berklee College of Music, has performed at some of the world’s biggest venues (from the MGM Grand Arena to the Hong Kong Coliseum), has composed for films, and contributed to projects of many artists. In addition to being a super talented musician, Jay Leonard J has built a big following with his great product demos for some of the best brands in the musical instrument space. If you’ve ever browsed YouTube in search of a guitar-related gear review, you’ve likely stumbled across Jay Leonard J’s YouTube vids - and you likely stuck around for the full video and found yourself doing a deep dive into his vast YouTube catalog. His understanding of gear and tone is unmatched, and his energy and passion for guitar shines through on every video. ### Key Gear: - Lake Placid Blue Fender Custom Shop Telecaster with Bigsby (check out his [YouTube video about it](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROtIdPoDpBg&t=610s&ref=vividguitar.co)). Seriously one of the coolest teles you'll ever see. - 1968 Blonde Fender Telecaster with Bigsby - Yamaha Revstar Check him out on [Youtube](http://www.youtube.com/@JayLeonardJ?ref=vividguitar.co) and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jayleonardj/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Trending ![PRS CE24-08 Limited Edition](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/PRS-CE-24-Limited-Edition-copy.jpg) PRS CE24-08 Limited Edition | Image c/o PRS Guitars - PRS released [CE 24-08 Limited Edition Models](https://prsguitars.com/news/story/prs%5Fguitars%5Freleases%5Fce%5F24%5F08%5Flimited%5Fedition%5Fmodels?ref=vividguitar.co), available in either Black Limba or Swamp Ash. They retail at $1,999 USD. - Fender and Gibson will be returning to the 2025 NAMM Show in Anaheim, California in January - Yamaha introduced a concept of building guitars out of [upcycled defective and scrap wood](https://mymodernmet.com/yamaha-upcycled-guitar-wood-scraps/?ref=vividguitar.co) produced during the regular manufacturing process. They're testing various types of wood, including some not traditionally used in guitar manufacturing - Guitar.com [sat down with Taylor Guitars founder Bob Taylor](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8kUddbOhaA&ref=vividguitar.co) to discuss how Taylor Guitars became one of the world’s biggest acoustic guitar companies. - Gretsch released a Limited Edition [Jack Antonoff Signature CVT](https://www.gretschguitars.com/gear/build/solid-body/jack-antonoff-signature-princess-antonoff-electromatic-cvt/2505384505?ref=vividguitar.co) and a [Martin Gore Anniversary Center Block](https://gretschguitars.com/gear/build/center-block/g6618-mg-martin-gore-anniversary-center-block-with-g-cutout-tailpiece/2411161871?sf204474390=1&ref=vividguitar.co) guitar. --- ## Currently spinning in the office Khruangbin: Live at Sydney Opera House ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/Khruangbin.jpg) ### End of an era for Guitar Player Magazine, Patrick James Eggle Guitars URL: https://vividguitar.co/end-of-an-era-for-guitar-player-practice/ Last updated: 2025-02-04T00:41:31.000Z [ ![](https://www.awin1.com/cshow.php?s=3727560&v=67144&q=499135&r=1519185) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?s=3727560&v=67144&q=499135&r=1519185&ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 "Being familiar with your gear is more important than having really good gear." - Trey Anastasio ## Guitar Practice Today, let's practice over a jam track in the key of F minor. The Fm7, Gm7, & Ab chords are all in the key of Eb major, so the *F Dorian mode* would work well for soling over this. The C7#9 at the end of the phrase is a bit of an outlier. The C chord in the key of Eb is typically a minor chord, but playing it as a Dominant chord adds some flare here - and just sounds cool. Since the #9 note is Eb, F Dorian still works to play over this chord. Below is a jam track, the chord voicings used, and 1 position of the F Dorian Mode. Fm Jam 0:00 /201.72 1× ![Fmin Jam](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/Fmin-jam-1.png) ![F Dorian Mode](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/F-Dorian-1.png) --- ## Gear Showcase ### **Patrick James Eggle Guitars** ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/patrick-james-eggle-t-style-guitar.jpeg) Patrick James Eggle Oz With over 30 years of building guitars under his belt, Oswestry, England-based Patrick Eggle has perfected the craft, and is one of the premier luthiers in the world. Working with a small team of craftsmen, Patrick James Eggle Guitars produces a limited number of high-end electric guitars each year, aiming to produce guitars that are not only visually striking, but that also demonstrate superior play-ability and tone. Patrick has gained a reputation for designing and building some of the finest guitars in the world, attracting icons including Toni Iommi, Albert Lee, Graham Coxon, and Rory Gallagher to his guitars. While they produce a variety of styles of guitars built with impeccable craftsmanship, their '[Oz](https://www.eggle.co.uk/oz-series-1?ref=vividguitar.co)' T-Style guitars and the [Macon Series](https://www.eggle.co.uk/macon-series?ref=vividguitar.co) are some of our favorites. [Check out Patrick James Eggle Guitars](https://www.eggle.co.uk/?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Guitarist Spotlight ### Rock Choi ![Guitarist Rock Choi](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/Rock-Choi.png) Originally from Seoul, South Korea, and currently studying at Berklee College of Music in the U.S., Rock Choi is an up-and-coming guitar player that needs to be on your radar. Rock’s creative rock and blues-inspired guitar playing caught the eyes of D’Angelico Guitars, and they frequently use him in their guitar demo videos. In Rock’s words (from an[ interview with Shoutout LA](https://shoutoutla.com/meet-rock-choi-guitarist/?ref=vividguitar.co)): “I always put serious obsession into my guitar playing and I research to improve my skills in order to make more musical characteristics and colors. It is all about attitude, consistent practice and obsession with creating my own guitar sound”. **Key Gear:** - D’Angelico Deluxe Mini DC - D’Angelico Deluxe Atlantic - Fender Stratocaster Check out the below demo vid he did for D'Angelico for a nice sample of his playing: Follow Rock online: [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/rockchoii/?hl=en&ref=vividguitar.co) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/c/ROCKCHOI?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Trending ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/Guitar-Player.webp) Guitar Player magazines from 1967-2024 (Image credit: Future) - 😢 Guitar Player Magazine announced that after 58 years, it will [end it's print publication](https://www.guitarplayer.com/news/guitar-player-print-to-cease?ref=vividguitar.co) after the December 2024 issue. Guitar Player will continue to exist as an online-only site at GuitarPlayer.com. As for the final print issue? It will feature Jimmy Page on the cover, and will include a brand new interview with him. - Supro announced the [Montauk](https://www.suprousa.com/amplifiers/montauk-1x10/?ref=vividguitar.co) \- a new 1x10 6L6-powered amp. The Montauk features tube-driven spring reverb, independent Gain and Master Volume knobs, a 10" Celestion speaker, and one of our favorite features - Wet, Dry, & Mix line outs for recording or to feed another amp. MSRP is $999 USD. - ▶️ Wach jazz guitar great Julian Lage talk about [How to Improvise on Guitar](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImAJx%5FSfwMA&ref=vividguitar.co) as part of D'Addario's *Sound Advice* series. - Fender released a few new limited edition exclusive guitar colors on their [online store](https://www.fender.com/en-US/web-exclusive/?ref=vividguitar.co) for both Player Series II guitars as well as a few Squier models. - Cory Wong recently [chatted with Dave Navarro](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wong-notes/id1513405224?i=1000671501845&ref=vividguitar.co) on his podcast (recorded before the recent Janes Addiction confrontation) to discuss influences, jamming, and his unique practice style. --- ## Currently spinning in the office Bill Frisell: Orchestras ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/image-2.png) ### Jazz Practice, Fender American Ultra II announced, Blade Guitars URL: https://vividguitar.co/jazz-practice-blade-guitars/ Last updated: 2025-02-04T00:42:20.000Z [ ![](https://www.awin1.com/cshow.php?s=3727560&v=67144&q=499135&r=1519185) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?s=3727560&v=67144&q=499135&r=1519185&ref=vividguitar.co) 💬 "That's what music has shown me: that it's not about a goal, or anything. You have to feel good about being in the process rather than expecting some ultimate reward. Just to be in it, and enjoy being in it, and doing the best you can: that's the whole idea." - Bill Frisell ## Guitar Practice Today, let's practice the popular 'ii V I' chord progression. ii V I is the single most common chord progression used in jazz, and can be heard in standards like Autumn Leaves, Perdido, and countless others. The ii Chord wants to move forward to the V Chord, and the V Chord wants to resolve to the I chord. Think of it as Setup > Tension > Resolution. Below is a basic rhythm, but play around with varying it. Play the progression for several minutes straight, and then practice the below arpeggios for these chords. **Sample Chord Voicings** ![ii V I chords in C Major](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/09/ii-V-I-in-C-9-25-24.png) **Arpeggios for these voicings:** ![ii V I in C Major Arpeggios](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/06/Arpeggios1.png) **Example of connecting these:** ![ii V I in C Major Arpeggios](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/09/Monosnap-ii-V-I-in-C-.pdf-2024-09-25-10-31-27.png) --- ## Gear Showcase ### Levinson Blade Guitars ![Levinson Blade R3 guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/Monosnap-Levinson-Blade-R3-Candy-Apple-Red---Reverb-2024-10-01-13-39-28.png) Levinson Blade R3 Switzerland-based [Blade Guitars](http://www.bladeguitars.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) has been producing high-quality guitars and bass guitars since the 1980's, and is still going strong more than 3 decades later. Luthier Gary Levinson started repairing guitars in 1964, and what began as a hobby quickly grew into a passion. After doing guitar and violin repairs at a local shop while at the University of Illinois, he then set up a repair business with a friend. Artists including the Grateful Dead, Leo Kottke, and REO Speedwagon trusted them for guitar repair work when they came through the area on tour. After repairing guitars for over 2 decades, Levinson launched *Blade Guitars* in 1987 based on a concept he calls 'Classic Design, Creative Technology". Blade produces a wide range of guitars and basses that are played professionally around the world by the likes of greats such as Keb Mo, Bernard Allison, and many others. Blade's guitar models range from the telecaster-inspired Delta line, to the Strat-style Classic Series, to the modern look of the Durango series. Levinson Blade makes some incredibly high-quality guitars for very reasonable prices. Check out [Blade Guitars](http://www.bladeguitars.com/?ref=vividguitar.co), or find them on [Reverb](https://tidd.ly/3Zpb3YY?ref=vividguitar.co). --- ## Guitarist Spotlight ### Kellen Boersma ![Kellen Boersma Guitar - Image c/o Philamonjaro](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/09/O-PHILAMONJARO.webp) Image c/o Philamonjaro Seamlessly bouncing between chunky rhythm work, to *The Meters*\-style melodic lines - Kellen Boersma blends elements of rock, blues, r&b, and funk, into catchy, energetic and soulful grooves. Chicago-based Kellen Boersma has been making a name for himself in recent years as the guitar player in Neal Francis’s band, though he recently departed the band after a five-year run. While Neal Francis’ vocals and keyboard playing are often in the spotlight in his band, their retro-style soul and funk songs were propelled by the Infections grooves laid down on guitar by Kellen Boersma. While Boersma’s guitar work is showcased well on Francis’s studio albums, their live shows give Boersma plenty of space to let loose. We can't wait to see/hear what's next for Kellen. ### Key Gear: - 1962 Guild Starfire (with D’armond single coil pickups) - Silvertone guitar - 1960’s Ampeg Reverberocket 2 amp Check out the vid below for a great sample of his playing: --- ## Trending ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/Fender-American-Ultra-II.png) Fender American Ultra II Guitars - Fender announced it's new [American Ultra II line](https://www.fender.com/en-US/electric-series/american-ultra-ii/?ref=vividguitar.co). The guitar lineup includes both SSS and HSS Stratocasters, Telecasters, and the offset Meteora - which is new to the Ultra line. The most notable changes from the original American Ultras is updated pickups, revised S1 switching and electronics, quartersawn maple necks with an ebony fretboard on some models, and of course new colors (we really like the 'Avalanche'). *American Ultra* remains Fender's most modern guitar lineup, featuring comfortable body and neck heel contours, noiseless pickups, compound radius fretboards, & rolled fretboard edges. - Epiphone announced a new [Joe Bonamassa Signature](https://www.epiphone.com/en-US/p/Electric-Guitar/Joe-Bonamassa-1955-Les-Paul-Standard/Copper-Iridescent?ref=vividguitar.co) P90-equipped Les Paul, based on his own 1955 Les Paul Standard. - Keith Urban is working with PRS on a [new Tele-style guitar](https://guitar.com/news/gear-news/keith-urban-new-prs-guitar-tele/?ref=vividguitar.co). In other Keith Urban news, Cory Wong recently [chatted with him](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wong-notes/id1513405224?i=1000669894896&ref=vividguitar.co) on his podcast, covering his favorite budget pedals, the impact of social media and podcasts on today's musicians, and much more. - Guitar World posted a new [Trey Anastasio guitar lesson](https://www.guitarworld.com/lessons/trey-anastasio-phish-masterclass?ref=vividguitar.co). - Harley Benton announced their affordable gear will be shipped directly in the U.S. for the first time through their own official [Reverb Store](https://tidd.ly/3Bkvqwj?ref=vividguitar.co). --- ## Currently spinning in the office Billy Strings - Highway Prayers ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/Billy.png) ## ### The Art of Effective Guitar Practice URL: https://vividguitar.co/the-importance-of-mastering-one-thing-at-a-time/ Last updated: 2025-03-11T18:11:06.000Z While our focus is on our [free guitar email newsletter](https://vividguitar.co/), we sometimes take deeper dives into things. In this article, we'll dive into some tips to get the most out of our guitar practice sessions. Do you ever feel like you're practicing guitar a lot, but not making progress? While any practice is better than none, there are a few things we can do to make our guitar practice sessions more effective. In this quick guide, let's take a look at a few things we can do to get more out of our guitar practice. ## **Focus on one specific thing at a time** If you’re trying to get good at too many things, it’s hard to get great at any of them. There's an endless amount of things we want to learn as guitar players. As soon as we get to the top of one peak, there's another even bigger peak ahead of us. I've found myself getting overwhelmed with guitar on many occasions. We think in order to be a 'good' guitarist, we need to learn how to how to play every genre of music - from rock, to jazz, bluegrass, funk, and more. We think we need to master things like alternate picking and fingerstyle. Bill Frisell and Julian Lage are regarded as 2 of the best guitar players in the world. Frisell plays with nearly all downstrokes. Lage has admitted he can't really play fingerstyle. We think we need to know a ton of music theory. The Beatles are the most successful band of all time, and knew very little music theory. John Mayer has said he never learned much music theory. We think we have to be experts at reading music. Many of the most highly regarded guitar players of all time (including Jimi Hendrix) never learned to read music. **You don't need to know everything.** The goal is to play the music in your head on guitar - and to have fun doing it. Find the style of music you enjoy listening to and playing, and fully commit to it. Enjoy the process of practicing and learning, with the understanding that you will never know everything about guitar. Nobody does. Research shows that people who have multiple goals at a time (such saying “I’m going to practice guitar an hour a day, exercise a half hour a day, drink 8 glasses of water every day, and write an hour a day”) ended up being less committed – and do not have the same likelihood of succeeding. When you try to start a new habit, it takes conscious effort to remember to do it. We all have a lot of different things going in our lives. If you try to do too many new things consistently, you typically end up getting overwhelmed and don’t do any of them. After a while though, you develop a pattern, and doing the task you set out to do becomes easier and easier. It eventually becomes mindless; you just do it. When you begin practicing a new habit it requires a lot of conscious effort to remember to do it. After awhile, however, the pattern of behavior becomes easier. Eventually, your new habit becomes a normal routine and the process is more or less mindless and automatic. This only occurs as the result of lots of repetition and practice. When you start, you need to put in a conscious effort to do the task (in our case, practicing guitar). After around 30 days, the habit becomes pretty routine. After 60 days, the process becomes automatic. Multiple studies have shown that it takes an average of 66 days for a habit to become automatic, but it can often be much faster than that. ## **Use the Pomodoro Technique** ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/10/Monosnap-Amazon.com--Secura-60-Minute-Visual-Timer--Classroom-Timer--Countdown-Timer-for-Kids-and-Adults--Time-Management-Tool-for-Teach--2024-10-14-11-49-58.png) The Pomodoro Technique uses a simple timer to help you manage your time. First, remove all distractions beforehand. Put your phone in a different room. Turn of distractions on your computer. Set a timer for 25 minutes, and work on one specific task. After those 25 minutes, take a 5 minute break. Repeat this process as many times as time allows. When it comes to guitar practice, this can mean working on one specific section of a song, one chord progression, one scale, etc.. 25 minutes goes by very quickly when you're not constantly distracted by other things. ## Break Things Down into Small Chunks We learn best by focusing on small amounts of material at a time. If you're trying to learn a long and complex song or guitar part. Break into into small pieces. That can be as small as one bar of music, or one short section of a piece. Get that section down before moving on to the next. ## Be Consistent Regardless of what you're trying to accomplish, you don't have to be the fastest, smartest, or more talented person to reach your goals. You have to be the most consistent. To create long-term habits, you have figure out how to be consistent. I know that seems overly obvious and simplistic, but *how* can we do that? Research shows that you are 2-3 times more likely to stick with your habits if you make a specific plan for when, where, and how you will perform the behavior. When it comes to practicing guitar, our goal should be to come up with a consistent plan where we state the time and place to practice. For example,“During the next month, I will practice guitar at 8:00 pm for at least 20 minutes in my bedroom”. Research also shows that writing this down and putting it on a calendar greatly increases the likelihood you’ll stick with the schedule. I prefer using actual paper and a physical calendar for this type of thing, compared to using an app on my phone. We typically have too many apps on our phone, and too many things fighting for our attention. It’s too easy to just ignore the app and never complete the task. This simple technique has been shown to greatly increase the odds that people will stick with things such as exercising, stopping smoking, and studying. We all have different schedules. Practicing guitar a half hour a day is more beneficial than 3 & half hours once a week. ## Be Productive; Not Busy There's a difference between being productive and being busy. Let's say you want to learn how to cook. The best way to learn is so get some, recipes, ingredients, and start cooking. That's productive. What a lot of people do is first think they need to get some high-end pots, pans, and cooking tools, so they spend time shopping for cooking *gear.* Then they read 5 books about various styles of cooking. Then they watch a bunch of YouTube videos about cooking, and follow the top chefs on Instagram. While those things can be helpful, what they really need to do is just start experimenting with cooking. All the other stuff is making them feel like they're being productive, when they're really just being busy. You won't learn how to swim by reading books on swimming. You need to jump in the water. ## Practice New Things Deliberate practice is important. Instead of sitting down and playing the same song, chord progression, or guitar solo you've been playing forever, try to play something that's challenging, and a bit outside of your comfort zone. ## Take it slow Learning guitar is not a race. A lot of learning guitar is building muscle memory, and it's more effective to practice a piece slowly and accurately than to try to play it fast, but sloppily. --- Lastly, remember playing guitar is supposed to be fun. While some people make a living from music and guitar playing, the reason all of us originally picked up a guitar was to have fun, and to create music. Enjoy the journey; That's the whole point. ### The Best Semi-Hollow Guitars URL: https://vividguitar.co/best-semi-hollow-guitars/ Last updated: 2025-04-24T13:42:07.000Z While our focus is on our [free guitar email newsletter](https://vividguitar.co/), we sometimes take deeper dives into things like guitar gear. Semi-hollow guitars take all the great things you love about solid body electric guitars, but typically have a bit of an 'airy' acoustic tone, and are usually lighter weight (which your back will thank you for). Semi-hollowbody guitars are super versatile instruments that can work great for for rock, jazz, funk, blues, or country. As someone ~~with a geeky gear problem~~ who loves semi-hollow guitars, I've owned and demoed a lot of them over the years. The options for semi-hollow guitars are probably greater than ever, and this article dives into the best semi-hollow body guitars available in 2021. It's probably worth pointing out that I have **no** affiliate or other type of relationships with any of these guitar manufacturers. I'm not trying to sell you anything here (if there's any shameless plug, it's that I'd love you to check out the new free [guitar email newsletter](https://vividguitar.co/) that I will be launching soon 😏). Carrying on... While this is a 'best of' list, I decided to set a price cap at $3K (though the majority of the guitars in this list sell for under $2,000). While you can certainly have a semi-hollow guitar built for you custom, I wanted to keep this list focused on guitars that are generally available at guitar retailers. While most of the guitars listed below fall in the $1000-$2000 range, many of these manufacturers have more budget-friendly versions of the same model guitars available. Along those lines, it's important to point out that due the pandemic, some guitar manufactures have continued to face the same type of supply & distribution issues that have affected so many industries. Depending on when in 2021 you read this, some of the guitars listed here might be harder to find than others, but there are often great deals out there on used guitars if you're patient and do a bit of digging. Let's go. ## D'Angelico Excel/Deluxe DC ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/03/D-angelico-excel.png) The D'Angelico Excel DC is a beautiful and inspiring double-cutaway semi-hollow guitar that combines classic tones with modern versatility. A slim C-shape neck with a rosewood fretboard (or ebony on the Limited Edition Deluxe model) plays like a dream, and deep cutaways allow for easy access to the upper frets. The Seymour Duncan '59 humbuckers (in the Excel) or Duncan Seth Lover humbuckers (in the Deluxe) are 2 of my favorite humbucker pickups, and can cover everything from rock to jazz. Split the humbuckers with the push/pull tone knob and get very convincing glassy single-coil tones. In addition to great tones and playability, with some of the nicest finishes & color options you'll find on any 335-Style guitars, these D'Angelicos really stand out among all the semi-hollow guitars out there. **Key Features:** - Wonderfully playable C-shape set-in neck - Great finish/color options - Fretboard: Rosewood or Ebony (Deluxe Model) - 22 Medium jumbo frets - Bone nut - Mother of Pearl block inlays - Pickups: Seymour Duncan '59 Humbuckers (Excel) or Seymour Duncan Seth Lover Humbuckers (Deluxe) - split-able through push/pull tone knob - Max body width: 16" - Fretboard radius: 16" - Scale length: 24.7" - Set up very well out of the box - Made in Korea - Includes a hardshell case If you are on a tighter budget, check out D'Angelico's *Premier DC* and *Premier DC Boardwalk*, which give you different pickup options, an ovangkol fretboard, and different color options at a much lower price. [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/41Pzj5L?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## D'Angelico Excel/Deluxe Mini DC ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/03/D-Angelico-Excel-Mini-DC.png) One of the biggest complaints guitarists often have about double-cutaway semi-hollow guitars is that the body on them is usually pretty big. They are usually fine to play sitting down, but can be a bit cumbersome to play standing up. D'Angelico stepped up (pardon the dumb pun) and boldly solved that problem with the outstanding Excel Mini DC. While most guitars in this style have a max body width of around 16", D'Angelico's Mini DC (DC = Double Cutaway) packs a ton of tone into only 14" (for comparison, the max width of a Fender Stratocaster is around 12.7"). It's as comfortable as a pillow in your arms...well, almost. D'Angelico's top-of-the-line *Deluxe* range of guitars are made in Korea, and the quality of them in recent years has been great. In addition to the smaller size (which actually has a smaller headstock to match, to prevent the guitar from being neck-heavy), probably the biggest standout feature of the Mini DC are the pickups. The main *Excel* Mini model features Seymour Duncan 59 humbucker pickups, and a Deluxe Limited Edition model has Seymour Duncan Seth Lover Humbuckers. On both models, the humbuckers can be split by pulling the tone knob, giving you single-coil tones. As with the larger Excel model featured above, the ability to split the pickups is something often not seen on ES-335-style hollow body guitars - making these guitars perfect if you only want to bring one guitar to a gig. **Key Features:** - Wonderfully playable C-shape set-in neck - Great finish/color options - Lightweight (around only 6.6 lbs) - 22 Medium jumbo frets - Fretboard: Rosewood or Ebony (Deluxe Model) - Bone nut - Mother of Pearl block inlays - Pickups: Seymour Duncan '59 Humbuckers (Excel) or Seymour Duncan Seth Lover Humbuckers (Deluxe) - split-able through push/pull tone knob) - Max body width: 14" - Fretboard radius: 16" - Scale length: 24.7" - Set up very well out of the box - Includes a hardshell case **Negatives:** - The light weight of the body results in this guitar being real neck heavy. The neck dive is real with this one. D'Angelico also makes a lower-budget version of the Mini DC called the *Premier Mini DC*. Made in Indonesia, they are offered in some different colors, feature a slightly rounder 14" fretboard radius, have Seymour Duncan-designed HB-102 pickups, but don't offer the same ability to split the pickups like the higher end models. While the *Premier* line does seem to have some reports of occasional setup issues out of the box, they are very good guitars for the money. [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/3tX838G?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Ibanez Artstar ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/03/Ibanez-Artstar.png) While often best known for their guitars geared towards shredders, Ibanez makes some killer semi-hollow guitars that jazz and funk greats such as John Scofield and Eric Krasno have been playing for decades. The Ibanez AS153 is my current top pick from Ibanez, as it features an exceptional build quality at a great price. At a cost of around $999, the AS153 offers a ton of value, and is arguably a higher-quality guitar than many semi hollow body guitars over twice the price. I'm a big fan of Ibanez's tri-sound switch, which lets you go between full humbucker (wired in series), single coil, and the humbucker in parallel. Having a dedicated control for coil splitting (opposed to the push/pull tone knob) is a real nice feature. It's a bit faster to switch the pickup configuration on the fly, and an issue with push/pull tone knobs is they often end result in you unintentionally adjusting the tone at the same time you push/pull it. While The AS153 only has a tri-sound switch for the neck pickup, Ibanez has a couple guitars (the AS2000 & AR520HFM) coming out soon that have tri-sound switches for both pickups (sweet!). In addition to the AS153, check out the Eric Krasno Signature model (pictured in wine red above), which offers a slightly different take on this model (mainly, including vibrato). **Key Features:** - Set-in neck - Flamed Maple top/back/sides - 22 Medium jumbo frets - Bound Ebony fretboard - Bone nut - Pearl/ Abalone block inlays - Super 58 Custom humbucker neck pickup - Super 58 Custom humbucker bridge pickup - Tri-sound switch for the neck pickup, which offers coil tapping & the humbucker in parallel. - Max body width: 15.75" - Scale length: 24.7" - Fretboard radius: 12" **A couple (slightly) negative things to point out:** - There aren't very many finish/color options available. We'd love to see Ibanez refresh this line more frequently, and release some new colorways. - Depending on your tastes, they can often use a custom setup, as they sometimes ship from the factory with the string action being somewhat high. - Upper fretboard access isn't quite as good as some of the other options listed here. Ibanez also makes a more budget-friendly version of this same style of guitar, known as their Artcore line. While their Artcore guitars use slightly lower-end materials, and don't include features such as the pickup coil tapping seen in the AS153, they feature the same Super 58 pickups as the higher-end models, for that unmistakable Ibanez tone. [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/3vr7rIR?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Gretsch Players Edition Jet ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/03/Gretsch-Jet-BT-1.png) While it might not look like a semi hollow guitar at first glance, the awesome Gretsch Players Edition Jet features a chambered (semi hollow) body, making it lightweight and giving it a bit more of an acoustic tone that you usually get with this style guitar. While often associated with country and rockabilly, Gretsch (owned by Fender), makes plenty of guitars that break that mold, and the Jet is one of my favorites. Offered with either a Bigbsy tremolo or hardtail, the Gretsch Players Edition Jet features a mahogany body with an arched maple top - giving it a rich and dynamic tone. The Tim Shaw-designed Broad'Tron BT65 pickups give you powerful mids, extended lows, and a clear high-end, without losing the unique sound Gretsch is famous for. While this guitar sells for over $2K new, it can be readily found used in the $1,500-$2,000 range. ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/03/gretsch-chambered-solid-body-1.jpeg) ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/03/gretsch-headstock.jpeg) **Key Features:** - Broad'Tron BT65 Humbucker pickups - Individual control knobs for Neck Volume, Bridge Volume, Tone, and Master Volume - Master volume control with treble bleed - Low profile set neck - Locking Tuners - Graph Tech® TUSQ XL nut - Scale: 24.6" - Fretboard radius: 12" - 22 medium-jumbo frets - Ebony Fretboard - Made in Japan [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/3tMLvHP?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Gretsch Players Edition Broadkaster Jr. ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/01/gretsch-broadkaster-jr-guitar.png) While Gretsch might be best known for their big-bodied semi-hollow and hollowbody guitars, the Broadkaster Jr delivers the famous Gretsch sound and design in a smaller 14" body. The Broadkaster Jr features a center block to reduce feedback, 22 medium jumbo frets, Tim Shaw designed Full'Tron™ humbucker pickups, gold hardware, a matching headstock, a string-thru Bigsby, locking tuners and some amazing finishes. **Key Features:** - Full'Tron™ humbucker pickups - Scale length: 24.6" - Fretboard: Ebony - 22 Medium jumbo frets - String-thru B7 Bigsby - Fingerboard Radius:12" - Locking Tuners - Gloss finish - Matching headstock **Negatives:** - The Bigsby can produce some issues with tuning stability [View on Reverb](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=67144&awinaffid=1519185&ued=https%3A%2F%2Freverb.com%2Fmarketplace%3Fquery%3Dgretsch%2520broadkaster%2520jr%26product%5Ftype%3Delectric-guitars&ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Collings I-35 ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/01/Collings-i35.jpg) The **Collings I-35** is a modern take on the double cutaway semi-hollow electric guitar that combines vintage soul with impeccable craftsmanship. Handbuilt in Austin, Texas, the I-35 takes inspiration from classic 335-style designs but elevates them with Collings' signature attention to detail, premium materials, and refined aesthetics. With hand-carved **solid wood** construction that includes high arches, and a 15" body size, the Collings I-35 is arguably the highest quality double cutaway semi-hollow electric guitar on the market. The body being carved from solid mahogany and maple gives a bit of a different, more 'airy' character than the majority of other semi-hollow guitars. If you're looking for the more traditional ES-335 type sound, Collings also makes a *I-35 LC* version (with LC standing for laminate construction). The I-35 usually comes with Lollar pickups, which help the guitar sound great whether you’re playing soft and clean or loud and dirty. The thicker C-shape mahogany neck is a dream to play. It works well for lots of music styles—jazz, blues, rock, and more. The Collings I-35 is built for serious players who want great sound, easy playability, and a beautiful look. Its smooth shape, perfect finish, and top-level craftsmanship make it something really special.**Key Features:** - 15" body size - Hand-carved solid wood construction - Nitrocelulose laquer finish - Premium flamed maple top - Honduran mahogany neck - Mahogany back and sides with a maple center center block - Thick C-shape neck - Lollar Low Wind Imperial humbucker pickups - 24 7/8" scale length - Rosewood fretboard **Negatives:** - Being a very high-end solid wood guitar, that naturally comes with a bigger price tag [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/41PHT4t?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Eastman Thinline ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/03/Eastman-T184MX.jpeg) Eastman typically flies under the radar of a lot of guitar players, but since starting as a violin maker in the early 1990's, they've been making high-quality, affordable guitars for many years now. Eastman's Thinline stands out - not only due to its great design and build quality, but because it's actually offered in 3 different body sizes: 16" (the T186MX model), 15" (T185MX), and 14" (T184MX). The T184MX (pictured above) is probably my favorite of the group, as as I love the smaller body width, and Eastman is one just a few companies that make ES-Style guitars in this size. The 25" scale of this guitar is a great length that falls between a Gibson and a Fender, and the low output Bare Knuckle humbucker pickups can deliver anything from warmth to grit. Eastman offers a couple versions of their Thinline semi-hollow guitar line. The T184, T185, and T186 options are all built with solid wood, while the T484, T485, and T486 feature laminate construction, and are sold at a lower price point. While the solid wood models have their own dynamic character, the laminate versions are also great guitars that offer a bit of a more traditional es-style sound (keeping in mind that iconic guitars like the Gibson ES-335 also feature laminate construction). **Key Features:** - Solid wood construction (on the T184, T185, & T186 models) - Pickups: Bare Knuckle BC Old Guard Custom Humbuckers - Great upper fretboard access - Scale length: 25" - Fretboard: Ebony - 22 Medium jumbo frets - Neck Material: Mahogany - Fingerboard Radius:12" - Neck Profile:Traditional Even "C" - 1.72" nut width **Negatives:** - Wider fretboard and relatively thin neck might not everyone's thing [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/3RVoXfW?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Suhr Alt T ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/06/Suhr-Alt-T-Gutiar.png) Suhr is known for their exceptional quality, and the Alt T is no exception. Suhr makes some of the top t-style guitars around, taking the best parts about vintage teles, and adding a modern twist. The Alt T stands out with it's 2 humbuckers, and a 5-way switch that gets you some of the most convincing split-coil sounds you'll find. Suhr's are expensive, but feature top-of-the-line features such as stainless steel frets, great custom pickups, and a compound radius fretboard - things you'd be paying extra for at other guitar manufacturers. **Key Features:** - Scale length: 25.5" - Neck profile: 60's C Vintage Medium .830" - .950" - Frets: 22 medium jumbo, stainless steel - Pickups Suhr SSV humbuckers - 5-way pickup selector for humbucker and single coil tones - 9" - 12" compound radius fretboard - Suhr locking tuners - 1.650" Tusq nut **Negatives:** - Limited color/finish options without ordering from their custom shop [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/3vyOZyk?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Fender Thinline Telecaster ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/03/2.png) While quite a bit different from all of the other semi-hollow body guitars featured here, Fender's *Thinline* semi hollow Telecasters should not be overlooked. While most hollow and semi-hollow guitars have a 24.75" scale, telecasters have the 25.5" scale Fender is known for, giving them a brighter and snappier tone, which works great for jazz, funk, country, rock and more. This one is going to take a bit more explaining than most of the other options here. First, Fender has made a various different semi-hollow Telecasters in recent years. Listing out specs for every individual model would be a post in itself, so I'm going to lump them together, and give some specific advice and recommendations. Secondly, you might have to do some digging to find the model(s) you're looking for. At the time of writing, Fender is currently only producing Thinline Telecasters out of their Mexico facility. A quick word on American vs Mexican Fenders: For anyone unaware, Fender primarily produces certain guitar models out of their facility in Corona, California, and certain guitars out of their Mexico facility. Their American-made guitars typically cost about twice as much as their Mexican-made guitars, and are generally viewed as being higher quality (and people argue about this all day long on Reddit). Their American guitars are usually better overall guitars, but Fender Mexico is putting out great guitars at great prices these days, and they are a great value. The area where (in my opinion) you typically see the most noticeable difference between their American and Mexican guitars is with the neck and fretboard (hey, if the guitars were equal, they wouldn't be able to charge more for the American guitars). Fender's American fretboards often feature rolled edges, their necks have higher-quality finishes, are offered in more fretwire choices, and I honestly usually find them easier and smoother to play overall. Fender's Mexican necks frequently have frets with rough edges or 'fret bloom', which can be frustrating. One piece of advice is that if you are patient, there are sellers on Reverb and eBay that sell stand-alone Fender necks and loaded bodies (bodies that include the pickups and all controls). You can sometimes put together a great guitar at a good price by buying a Mexican Fender body and pairing it with an American Fender neck. Whew..Now that that's covered, let's get to some of the best Fender Thinline telecaster models that can be found pretty regularly, especially on the Used market: **American Deluxe/Elite Thinline Telecaster** ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/03/fender-american-deluxe-telecaster-thinline-192317.jpeg) Fender's *Deluxe* guitar line was renamed *Elite* a few years ago, but they are mostly the same guitar. They feature a thin compound-radius fretboard with 22 medium jumbo frets, and 9.5" fretboard radius. They have Fender's N3 (Deluxe) or N4 (Elite) Noiseless pickups, which are very good - without the noise/hum typically associated with single coil pickups. They also feature Fender's S1 switch on the volume knob, which puts both pickups in series, allowing you to get humbucker-ish tones from a guitar with 2 single coil pickups. Available in a number of great colors, as well as a natural finish. **Deluxe Thinline Telecaster (made in Mexico)** ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/03/0147602309_gtr_frt_001_rr.jpeg) This model is currently available at retailers, and is an outstanding guitar that holds it's own against similar American-made models. It has a slightly thicker (compared to the Deluxe and Elite models) C-shaped neck, a flatter 12" fretboard radius, and 22 narrow-tall frets. It features Noiseless pickups (not the exact same pickups as the Elite model, but they're close), and a 4-way pickup selector to give you the option to have both pickups in series. Offered in either a killer-looking candy apple red or 3-color-sunburst. **American Original '60s Telecaster** ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/03/american-original-surf-green.jpeg) Features Tim Shaw designed '60s-style Telecaster pickups, 21 Vintage Tall frets, a medium-C neck, and a 9.5” fretboard radius. Available in Surf Green, aged-natural, or 3-color sunburst. [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/3tLQmJm?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## G&L ASAT Semi-Hollow ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/03/g-l-asat-semi-hollow.jpeg) Along the lines of the Fender Telecaster, G&L's American-made guitars are exceptional quality (and their Tribute Series models are solid guitars at low prices). American-made semi-hollow G&L ASATS can be tough to find in retail stores, but G&L lets you order guitars to your custom specs (they usually fall in the $1,500-$2,000 range - a great price for what is essentially a Custom Shop guitar). Certain smaller retailers actually order and stock custom-ordered G&L guitars (I'm a bit fan of [UpFront Guitars](https://www.upfrontguitars.com/?ref=vividguitar.co)). G&L ASAT's stand out with their MFD (Magnetic Field Design) pickups, which are higher output than most Telecaster pickups, but cover a very wide range of tones. Due to the fact that G&L Guitars can be ordered with lots of different options, it's not worth listing specs here, but their ASAT Bluesboy (neck humbucker & bridge single coil), ASAT Classic (2 single coils), and ASAT Special (2 Jumbo single voils) are all offered with semi hollow bodies. [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/3SdoXt5?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Gibson ES-335 ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/03/gibson-es-335.png) While the original goal was to keep this list focused on guitars under $2,000, it would be tough to leave out the Gibson ES-335, as it was really the pioneer of this style of guitar. The Gibson ES-335 has remained an icon since 1958, and is the guitar a lot of the other guitars featured here were modeled after. Despite all the other ES-335 style guitars now available, the tone of this guitar is uniquely *Gibson*. It's the sound that has powered so many guitar greats - from B.B. King, to Chuck Berry, Larry Carlton, and now young players like Marcus King. With it's signature vocal-like creamy sustain and great playability, the Gibson ES-335 is one of the most versatile guitars ever made. **Key Features:** - Scale length: 24.75" - Neck shape: Rounded C - 22 medium jumbo frets - Great upper fretboard access - Neck Pickup:Calibrated T-Type Rhythm Humbucker - Bridge Pickup:Calibrated T-Type Lead Humbucker - Rosewood fretboard - Pearloid dot inlays - Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer finish **Negatives:** - As with most Gibson guitars, the quality comes at a cost. There's no question that Gibson still makes great guitars, but the question is always whether they are twice - or even 3 or 4 times, as good as many of the other guitars listed here that sell for quite a bit less money. For a more budget friendly version of this, check out the Epiphone (also owned by Gibson) Casino and Dot models. [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/47zfQY6?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Gibson ES-339 ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/01/Gibson-es-339-semi-hollow-guitar.png) The Gibson ES-339 semi-hollow guitar is designed for people looking for the look and tone of the iconic ES-335, but in a smaller body size and lighter weight. **Key Features:** - Comfortable body size - Lighter weight than the ES-335 - Scale length: 24.75" - Neck shape: Rounded C - Great upper fretboard access - Grover Rotomatic tuners provide great tuning stability - 22 medium jumbo frets - 57 / 57 Classic + humbuckers - Rosewood fretboard - Pearloid dot inlays - Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer finish [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/3vvmSzS?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## PRS CE24 Semi-Hollow ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/01/PRS-CE-24-Cherry.png) Offered as both a solidbody and semi-hollow body guitar, the CE24 is a bit of an outlier in the PRS lineup. It's bolt-on maple neck, combined with a 25" scale length, pulls in some twang and neck/fretboard feel from something like a Strat, with with a sound and look that remains pure PRS. The 'pattern-thin' neck plays like butter, and the thin body shape is super comfortable to play both standing or sitting. PRS's 85/15 pickups are some of our favorites. They are clear and articulate, and push-pull functionality on the master tone control for coil splitting makes this an incredibly versatile guitar. **Key Features:** - Scale length: 25" - Rosewood fretboard - Bolt-on neck - 24 frets - PRS Pattern-Thin neck - Push/pull on the tone knob for convincing single-coil sounds - PRS 85/15 pickups (with other pickups being offered in some limited edition releases) - Satin finish on the neck - Semi-hollow mahogany body; figured maple top with single F-hole - Bird fretboard inlays - Many great colors/finishes to choose from, including some amazing-looking limited edition 'wood library' releases. **Negatives:** - The single f-hole chambered body won't give you quite the same big-body acoustic-like sound as something like a Gibson-335 (though the comfort and versatility make up for that). [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/4aTn0t2?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## PRS SE Custom 22 Semi-Hollow ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/03/PRS-SE-Custom-22-Semi-Hollow.png) While PRS' high-end guitars are known for being expensive, their SE (Student Edition) line features well built guitars at great prices. The PRS SE Custom 22 is beautiful, comfortable, plays and sounds great, and is a true workhorse guitar. When it comes to gigs where you need a super-reliable and versatile (and not expensive) instrument, the SE Custom 22 fits the bill perfectly. The semi-hollow body provides an airy, sweet tone, and the push/pull tone knob coil-taps the humbuckers, letting you get plenty of bright spank. **Key Features:** - Scale length: 25" - Rosewood fretboard - Bird inlays - Chambered body with Single F-Hole - Wide thin neck **Negatives:** - The wider neck can take a bit of getting used to, especially if you're most used to Fender guitars. [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/48LPenY?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Heritage H-535 ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/03/Heritage-H-535.png) With the vibe of a late-'50s semi-hollowbody, The Heritage H-535 excels at rock, jazz, and country music. Featuring either Seymour Duncan Seth Lover or '59 Humbuckers (depending on the model), The H-535 produces sounds as bold as its appearance. The Heritage H-535 is a timeless guitar that delivers vintage tones, ranging from bright spanky sounds from the bridge pickup to jazzy warmth from the neck pickup. **Key Features:** - Neck Shape:Standard C - Radius:12" - Rosewood fretboard - 22 Medium Jumbo frets - Scale Length:24.75" - Pickups: Seymour Duncan Seth Lover or '59 Humbuckers - Beautiful and unique color options **Negatives:** - A bit heavier than some other guitars featured here - No locking tuners - Could sometimes use some setup work out of the box. [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/41UDgpM?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Guild Starfire ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/03/Guild-Starfire.png) I saved one of the best for last. Guild has been building iconic semi-hollow guitars since the 1960's, and its Starfire model stands out due to it's distinct sound. The "Little Bucker' pickups have an incredibly balanced and unique tone, and are perfect for a wide variety of styles and genres. The Starfire has a three-piece maple/walnut/maple neck and a bound ebony fingerboard inlaid with mother-of-pearl and abalone V-blocks. It also features a pinned Tune-o-Matic bridge with a rosewood base, gold hardware, and a Guild Vibrato Tailpiece. The Starfire is a very comfortable guitar to play, and produced tones that are simply inspiring. **Key Features:** - Unique Little Bucker pickups - Thinner body than most other Guild guitars - Max body width: 16 3/8" - Scale Length: 24 3/4" - Fingerboard Radius: 9 1/2" - 22 Jumbo Narrow frets - Fretboard: Ebony - Neck Shape: Vintage Soft "U" - Pickguard with the Guild logo **Negatives:** - Body is pretty wide - Heavy for a semi hollow guitar [View on Reverb](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=67144&awinaffid=1519185&ued=https%3A%2F%2Freverb.com%2Fmarketplace%3Fquery%3DGuild%2520Starfire%26make%3Dguild%26product%5Ftype%3Delectric-guitars&ref=vividguitar.co) --- That's a wrap on the best semi-hollow guitars. I will continue to keep an eye out for new releases, and will update this page as new semi hollowbody guitars hit the market. ### The Best Offset Guitars URL: https://vividguitar.co/the-best-offset-guitars/ Last updated: 2025-03-11T18:10:42.000Z While our focus is on our [guitar email newsletter](https://vividguitar.co/), we sometimes take deeper dives into things like guitar gear. In this article, we'll dig into the best offset guitar models. Offset body electric guitars are known for their distinctive shapes that set them apart from more traditional designs (such as Strats, Teles, ES-style guitars). These guitars often feature a body that appears to be shifted or "offset" from the centerline, giving them a unique and often more ergonomic feel. And they straight up look damn cool. Some of the most iconic models in this category have been embraced by genres ranging from surf rock, to alternative and indie music, and more. ➡️ This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of **every* offset electric guitar model. The goal is to narrow it down to the best offset guitar options (including models in various price points, and including options from large-scale guitar builders and small batch boutique guitar builders). ## Fender Jazzmaster ![Fender Jazzmaster Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/06/Fender-Jazzmaster.png) The Fender Jazzmaster stands out due to it's quirky offset design, original pickups, and versatile sound. Leo Fender first introduced the Jazzmaster in 1958 as a guitar intended for jazz - and jazz players largely ignored it. Surprisingly, it instead became a favorite among surf rock musicians, and later found a home in the hands of alternative and indie rock players (go check out Nels Cline). The Jazzmaster features a unique floating tremolo system, which allows for expressive pitch bending, and its dual-circuit design offers a wide range of tonal possibilities. Other than the unique offset body shape, the Jazzmaster is known for it's pickups. While often mistaken for P90's, the Jazzmaster has wide soapbar-style pickups that are unlike any other single coil guitar pickup, giving a fatter, more hi-fi sound. Fender produces a wide range of production-model Jazzmasters, ranging from the vintage-spec'd American Vintage/Original line, to American Professionals, and several offerings from their Mexican factory, as well as low-priced Squier models. **Standout Features:** - Large single-coil pickups that sound warmer and fatter than traditional single coils, but not quite as hi-fi sounding as most P90 pickups. - Contoured body that is comfortable, especially when standing up. - Unique lead and rhythm circuit controls - Floating tremolo bridge system [Check out the Fender Jazzmaster](https://www.fender.com/en-US/jazzmaster-feature.html?ref=vividguitar.co) [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/3VGqc5K?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Fender Jaguar ![Fender Jaguar Offset Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/06/Fender-Jaguar-offset-guitar.png) Known for its distinctive offset body shape and shorter 24-inch scale length, the Fender Jaguar is a unique and versatile guitar. While it's also offered with humbuckers, most Jaguar models have two single-coil pickups that deliver a bright, cutting tone, and have a complex switching system that allows for a wide range of tonal options. The shorter scale length makes it easier for people with smaller hands to play, and the floating tremolo system gives it an iconic look and feel that make it a favorite among surf rock, punk, and alternative guitarists (such as Kurt Cobain and Johnny Marr). Fender offers a variety of Jaguar models at different price points, including through it's budget-friendly Squier line. **Standout Features:** - Typically features single coil pickups that cut through the mix well. - Shorter 24" scale length. - Complex switching system featuring eight onboard controls, letting you switch between rhythm and lead tones. - Floating tremolo system [Check out the Fender Jaguar](https://www.fender.com/en-US/jaguar-feature.html?ref=vividguitar.co) [View on Reverb](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=67144&awinaffid=1519185&ued=https%3A%2F%2Freverb.com%2Fmarketplace%3Fquery%3DFender%2520jaguar&ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Fender Mustang ![Fender Mustang Offset Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/07/Fender-Mustang.png) Closely related to the Fender Jaguar is the Fender Mustang. First released in 1964 as a redesign to Fenders student models, the Duo-Sonic and the Musicmaster, the Mustang features a bit of a more compact body shape than the Jaguar, but also has a shorter 24" scale length. While its now offered in a few different pickup configurations, The Mustang has historically featured two angled single-coil pickups, each with a 3-way on-off-on switch, and a master tone and volume control. **Standout Features:** - Offset waist body - Custom single coil pickups that give it a unique sound - Shorter 24" scale length. - Available with P90 pickups [Check out the Fender Mustang](https://www.fender.com/en-US/electric-guitars/mustang/?ref=vividguitar.co) [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/4cMDHXx?ref=vividguitar.co) # Languedoc G2 & G4 ![Languedoc offset guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/06/Languedoc-offset-guitar.png) Best known as the guitar built for and played by Phish's Trey Anastasio, the *Languedoc* is guitar craftsmanship at its highest level. Before you get too excited, it's important to point out that Paul only produces a handful of guitars a year (if that), not to mention they now sell in the neighborhood of $20K, but they are arguably among the best guitars ever made. There are also now some alternatives to get this style of guitar in a quicker time frame, and at a lower price point. Paul Languedoc began building guitars at age 18, leading to him building hundreds of guitars as a luthier for *Time Guitars* in Burlington, VT. He then went on to become the chief sound engineer and house mixer for Phish, leading to Trey working with to build him his ideal custom guitar. After only building guitars for Trey (and Phish bass player Mike Gordon), Paul started taking custom orders in 2006, so we've started seeing Languedocs show up on stages in the hands of a select few lucky guitar players in recent years. Featuring an offset body shape that looks somewhat similar to a shrunken-down Fender Starcaster, the Languedoc was designed to have the meaty middle of something like a Les Paul, the bite of a Strat (due to the 25.5" scale length), and the sustain of a hollow body. Languedoc's are fully hollow, with bracing like a violin (it doesn't have a small block in the middle like typical hollow-bodies). The goal was to get a smaller-bodied fully hollow guitar that is rich in sustain, won’t feed back a ton, and has a bunch of electronic versatility (2 humbucker pickups plus two mini-switches that allow for individual coil splitting and series/parallel options). While getting a guitar built by Paul has typically involved having to email him a few times (often over the course of a few years) to get onto a wait list, there are thankfully now some alternative options. Paul Languedoc recently started collaborating with Vermont guitar company [Circle Strings](http://www.circlestrings.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) to have them start producing small batches of the Languedoc G4 model. They're priced similar to guitars made by Paul (the first batch is listed at $16,500), but at least gives some people the chance to buy one without as long of a wait list). Other guitar companies such as [Phred Instruments](https://shop.phredinstruments.com/hollow-body-guitars?ref=vividguitar.co), [RM Olson](https://rmolsonguitars.com/?ref=vividguitar.co), and [Eastwood](https://eastwoodguitars.com/products/classic-6-ta-ph?variant=31823824978005&ref=vividguitar.co) also produce much more budget-friendly Languedoc clones that are also worth checking out. **Standout Features:** - 24 frets - Hand-made from select woods - 1 11/16 nut width - Ebony Fretboard - Seymour Duncan '59 humbuckers with coil splits [Check out Languedoc Guitars](https://www.languedocguitars.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/4cgr0Uz?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## PJD St. John ![PJD St John offset guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/07/PJD-St-John-offset-guitar.png) We're big fans of UK-based PJD Guitars, and their offset *St. John* is possibly our favorite model of theirs. With a body style that sits somewhere between a Jazzmaster and a Mustang, the PJD St. John draws inspiration from some of the Fender-style offset guitars mentioned above, but also has it's own thing going on. It's a simply stunning offset electric guitar. While it's offered in a dual-humbucker pickup configuration, we love the P90 neck pickup paired with the bridge humbucker, as it really helps the St. John stand out tonally. The 25.5" scale length, bolt-on neck feels right at home for Fender guitar fans, while getting a wide variety of tones that sound great both clean or with overdrive. The *Standard* St. John features a satin finish on the body, a nitro finish on the neck & fretboard, and is offered with either a maple or rosewood fretboard. The PJD Custom Shop offers an *Elite* model, which takes an already great guitar up a notch, with flamed maple tops, and optional semi-hollow body, and other customizations. **Standout Features:** - 22 frets - High-end pickups - Belly cut and arm rest contours - Wonderful neck - 25.5" scale length - C shape neck - 10" fretboard radius [Check out PJD Guitars](https://www.pjdguitars.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/3XLMCUz?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Kauer Korona ![Kauer Korona Offset Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/07/Kauer-Korona-1.png) The Kauer Korona takes some of the best parts of the Telecaster, and re-imagines it with a slightly offset, curvier body - and the result is a thing of beauty. Featuring a super playable C-shape neck (that has some heft to it), a comfortable contoured body, and a variety of pickup configurations, the Kauer Korona is an incredibly well-built boutique guitar. The Korona is an upscale, unique, versatile "T"-style guitar with a range of options not available in any other format, packaged into a stylish design. **Standout Features:** - Offered in various pickup configurations - Thermo Pine body (Standard) or offered with Pine body/ Maple top but more snap - 25.5” scale neck, medium C profile - Comfortable contoured body - Bound Wenge fretboard, 1.65” nut width, 12” radius, 22 med/jumbo frets - Two bridge options: Full T style w/ brass compensated saddles and half T bridge w/ brass compensated saddles - Universal routing under the pickguard with near limitless pickup options from Lollar, Wolfetone, TV Jones - Locking Tuners - Plek’d in house [Check out the Kauer Korona](https://www.kauerguitars.com/instruments/korona?ref=vividguitar.co) [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/3ROvqKk?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Yamaha Revstar ![Yamaha Revstar Offset Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/07/Yamaha-Revstar.png) The newly-updated Yahama Revstar is one of our favorite guitar releases from recent years, and guitarists such as Matteo Mancuso, Chris Buck, and many others have taken noticed and have made it their primary guitar. *There's admittedly a bit of a gray area on what's considered an offset guitar, but the Revstar has a slight offset body, and is killer guitar.* Yamaha has long been a bit of a sleeper guitar brand (what other musical instrument company also makes jet skis and motorcycles?), but it is by far the largest musical instrument manufacturer in the world. They make great-quality guitars, with value typically far exceeding their prices. The Revstar features a double-cutaway design with a hip retro vibe (with some amazing color options). A maple cap over a chambered mahogany body makes the Revstar lightweight, and a joy to play either sitting or standing. Offered with either a pair of P90 pickups or a pair of humbuckers, as well as a 5-way switch, and a push/pull tone knob for a passive boost, the Revstar is an absolute tone machine. One of the many highlights of the Revstar is it's super fast and smooth neck, which fills your hand at .82" depth at the 1st fret, and .94" at the 12th. The Revstar is offered in Element, Standard and Professional models. The Element and Standard are manufactured in Indonesia, while the Professional gets special attention from Yamaha’s Japanese factory. The Standard features a carbon-reinforced neck, while the Professional has a carbon-reinforced neck and body. The Professional also includes a hard case, compared to the gig bag with the Standard, cut the specs are largely identical between the two, and the Standard is one of the best values going in electric guitars. **Standout Features:** - Chambered body with an acoustic design - Offered either with dual humbuckers or P90 pickups - 5-way pickup selector - Focus/boost switch - Maple and mahogany body - Various finish options - Carbon-reinforced - Wonderful neck - 22 frets - Tune-O-Matic bridge [Check out the Yamaha Revstar](https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical%5Finstruments/guitars%5Fbasses/el%5Fguitars/rs%5F2022/index.html?ref=vividguitar.co#product-tabs) [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/3VOl7as?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Reverend Double Agent ![Reverend Double Agent Offset Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/07/Reverend-Double-Agent.png) Reverend Guitars seep with quirkiness, creativity, & value, and the offset *Double Agent* stands out with it's cool design and versatile tones. The Double Agent is offered in 2 styles: the *OG* (Original Guitar) and the *W*. The main differences being the OG has a single-cutaway body & a stop tail bridge, while the W has a double-cutaway of sorts (with a long horn) & a tremolo. The combination of a P90 in the neck position and humbucker in the bridge is arguably an ideal pickup combination, giving a variety of great tones. The roasted maple neck gives the Double Agent some added brightness and stability. The fretboard is offered in either rosewood or roasted maple. The various color options gives you plenty of ways to suit your style. Reverend is known for selling guitars at affordable price points, while including features typically seen in high-priced guitars, and the Double Agent is no exception. **Standout Features:** - Korina body - Roasted Maple neck - 12" fretboard radius - Proprietary custom pickups - Bass Contour (Passive bass roll-off lets you tighten up the low end, or re-voicing the pickups to make the humbucker sound like a single-coil, or give the P-90 a classic twang sound) - 43mm bone nut - 25 1/2" scale length [Check out the Reverend Double Agent](https://reverendguitars.com/guitars/double-agent-og/?ref=vividguitar.co) [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/3LhEBiW?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Novo Serus J & Mirus J ![Novo Serus J & Mirus J Offset Electric Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/07/Novo-Serus-J-1.png) While we haven't felt the need to list some of the various companies that make their own version of the Fender Jazzmaster here (and there are lot of great ones), Novo put a bit of their own twist on the classic JM design with their *Serus J,* and the semi-hollow body version, *Miris J*. Novo is a high-end guitar builder, and their Serus J is for fans of the Jazzmaster looking for something that stands out from the crowd, and that will be a lifetime guitar. Aside from the unique body shape, the Serus J P90 pickups give it a different sound from the typical Jazzmaster. It also being offered in a semi-hollow option is something you don't typically see if this style of offset guitar. With a master volume and tone and a three-way toggle pickup selector switch, the controls are simple, while the pickups produce monster tone. **Standout Features:** - Light distress - Fralin P-90 pickups - Mastery M1 bridge and NV vibrato with lightning bolt arm - Medium ‘C’ (.830″) neck shape - 25.5” scale length - 1.65″ nut width - Tempered pine body - Tempered maple neck - Rosewood fingerboard - 9.5″-14” fingerboard radius Check out the Novo [Serus J](https://www.novoguitars.com/collections/nucleus/products/serus-j?ref=vividguitar.co) & the [Miris J](https://www.novoguitars.com/products/miris-j?ref=vividguitar.co) [View the Serus J on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/3VV1cGX?ref=vividguitar.co) [View the Miris J on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/3xCzgzG?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Jennings Voyager ![Jennings Voyager Offset Electric Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/07/Jennings-Voyager-offset-guitar.jpg) Jennings is a somewhat of a lesser-known boutique guitar builder, but that's quickly changing, due to luthiers Chad Jennings and Devin Murdoch churning out a variety of beautiful, high quality guitars. The Voyager (and the semi-hollow Voyager Deluxe), features a well balanced offset design made from hand selected tonewoods, with a fast neck. The semi-hollow Deluxe version offers a bit of a more transparent, articulate tone, covering everything from jazz and blues all the way to hard rock and even metal. The Voyager was designed to get our of the way, and let you fully express yourself.. **Standout Features:** - Offered in a variety of tone woods - Smooth, medium depth neck - Offered in a few high quality pickup options - Available with a Bigsby tremolo [Check out the Jennings Voyager](https://jenningsguitars.com/voyager/?ref=vividguitar.co) [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/461Nd6H?ref=vividguitar.co) ### The Best Telecaster-Style Guitars Not Made By Fender URL: https://vividguitar.co/best-telecaster-style-guitars-not-made-by-fender/ Last updated: 2025-04-30T21:46:28.000Z While our focus is on our [free guitar email newsletter](https://vividguitar.co/), we sometimes take deeper dives into things like guitar gear. This post digs into the best Telecaster-style guitar makers that aren't named Fender. Used by guitarists across virtually every genre of music, the Fender Telecaster is one of the most iconic and versatile electric guitars ever created. While Fender continues to put out outstanding teles to this day, there are a lot of boutique guitar builders that put their own twist on the classic t-style guitar. In an effort to narrow down the list of custom telecaster makers down to the top tier of builders, we combined our own experience with lots of feedback from guitar owners on Facebook groups, Reddit, forums such as [The Gear Page](https://www.thegearpage.net/?ref=vividguitar.co) and the [TDPRI Telecaster Forum](https://www.tdpri.com/?ref=vividguitar.co), YouTube, and elsewhere. When it comes to the best boutique telecasters, you tend to find 2 different approaches: - **Vintage:** Builders honor the history of the Telecaster by building guitars with looks and specs that strive to replicate the original Telecasters from the 1950's & 1960's. In addition to things like vintage-style pickups, bridges, and tuners, many manufacturers offer different levels of relicing/aging to try to make the guitars look and feel like they've been around since that era. - **Modern**: Some t-style guitar makers take arguably the best aspects of the original Telecasters, and add more modern features, such as a contoured neck heel, locking tuners, compound-radius fretboards, belly cuts, and noiseless single coil pickups. It's completely a matter of personal preference - whether you prioritize comfort vs the history of the instrument (or look for a combination of those things). It's great to have a lot of options, so everyone can find the guitar that best suits their own needs. Let's dive into our list of the best non-Fender Telecaster style guitars (**not listed in any specific order**). ## G&L Musical Instruments ![G&L ASAT T-Style Guitars](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/06/g-l-ASATs-1.png) Being that Leo Fender (The *L* in G&L) co-founded the company (after selling Fender, and owning CLF Research), it seems like a good place to start. The G&L ASAT is offered in various configurations, and typically feature G&L's own unique pickups. G&L's MFD pickups are higher-output than most Fender telecaster pickups, and their Jumbo MFD pickups in the ASAT Special are one of our favorite single coil pickups, with a glassy tone that sits somewhere in the P90/Jazzmaster range tonally. The Bluesboy - with a neck humbucker, is another great guitar that offers specs tough to find in t-style guitars. If you're not a fan of G&L's MFD pickups (they're admittedly not for everyone), they do offer alnico pickups as well for that classic tele tone. While G&L offers a budget friendly line of guitars called the Tribute Series (which typically have the same pickups as their American guitars), we generally recommend their American guitars (if your budget allows for it, and they're often available at very reasonable prices on the used market). G&L's American-made guitars are incredibly high-quality, especially for the price. Another great feature of G&L is that you can order their guitars made to your specs for roughly the same cost as their retail model guitars. **Standout Features:** - 22 frets - Offered in various neck profiles and fretboard radiuses - Belly carve offered on most models - Their MFD pickups have a unique sound tough to find from other pickups - There aren't many other companies that offer a semi-hollow t-style guitar with a neck humbucker and bridge single coil pickup. - Great value for the price [Check out G&L Guitars](https://glguitars.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/3Tz6GHQ?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Kelton Swade ![Kelton Swade Telecaster Guitars](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/06/Kelton-Swade-T-Style-Guitar-Maker.png) While other guitars are often made to look like vintage guitars, Kelton Swade guitars really feel and play like them as well. Based in Nashville, Kelton Swade crafts hand-made authentic replicas of vintage guitars that have made it into the hands of greats such as Robben Ford and Keith Urban. **Standout Features:** - Vintage-style, but some some more modern features, such as a 9.5" fretboard radius and narrow-tall frets - Nitrocellulose finish - Authentic-looking distressing (ranging from light to heavy distressing depending on your desire) [Check out Kelton Swade Guitars](https://keltonswade.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/41D41Pu?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## K-Line Truxton ![K-Line Truxton T-Style Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/06/truxton-blonde-2.jpeg) K-Line is the product of St. Louis, Missouri-based Chris Kroenlein, and his *Truxton* t-style guitar is a killer take on the classic tele design. K-Line uses hand selected woods, top-quality hardware, and K-Line custom hand-wound pickups. Whether you are looking for a distressed/road-worn look, or a non-aged guitar that will age well from your own use, Chris takes the time to work with you to make sure you get your dream guitar. The reviews of K-Line guitars are generally as good as it gets, and Chris has earned a reputation is one of the best boutique telecaster-style guitar manufactures out there. **Standout Features:** - Hand made - Beautifully done nitrocellulose finishes - Aesthetically accurate in color, finish and components - Single coil, P90, & humbucker pickup options - Great service [Check out K-Line Guitars](https://k-lineguitars.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/3TxzxfK?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Suhr T ![Suhr Telecaster Guitars](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/06/Suhr-T-Style-Guitars.png) John Suhr took his experience as the Senior Master Builder for Fender, and launched his own guitar company back in 1997\. Suhr quickly built a legion of die-hard fans, and has built a reputation as being one of the best guitar manufactures in the world. Suhr offers a modern and innovative take on the Telecaster, and arguably sets the standard for perfection when it comes to guitar build quality. The Suhr *Classic T* is typically offered either with the classic 2 single coil setup or with a humbucker in the neck position, while their semi-hollow *Alt T* features dual humbuckers, with a 5-way selector that offers split-coil tones. The *Alt T* is truly one of the most versatile t-style guitars around, with a sound that sits somewhere between a Telecaster and an ES-style guitar. With modern features such as a compound radius fretboard, a neck heel carve that allows for easy access to upper frets, locking tuners, their own noise-cancelling system, and 22 stainless steel frets, Suhr takes playability to a new level. **Standout Features:** - Proprietary *SSCII* hum cancelling system to remove60-cycle hum. - 22 frets - Various pickup configuration options - Contoured neck heel - 9" - 12" compound radius fretboard - Locking tuners - Stainless steel frets [Check out Suhr Guitars](https://www.suhr.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/3RuK8VV?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Lucky Dog Televangelist ![Lucky Dog Evangelist T-Style Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/06/lucky-dog-2.jpeg) Around 2013, Cleveland, Tennessee's Anthony Sims decided to build himself a T-style guitar just for fun. He wanted to build the type of guitar he always wanted to buy - with tone and playability that was beyond most of the mass-produced guitars found at guitar shops. After spending a few months building it, Anthony played the finished guitar at a gig. Local musicians in attendance started asking him about the guitar, and just a week later, he had a request to build a custom guitar for a local musician. Word quickly spread about the outstanding quality of his guitars, and *Lucky Dog Guitars* (named after Anthony's dog 'Lucky') was born. Anthony went full-time with the business in 2018, and a long wait list quickly formed from people looking to get their hands on his guitars. Lucky Dog handcrafts guitar necks and bodies to customer specifications, and builds guitars with a level of attention to detail that is tough to match. The Lucky Dog *Evangelist* is a vintage-style tele with aesthetics and tone that will blow you away. Each *Evangelist* is a unique work of art that any guitar player would be lucky to own. **Standout Features:** - Guitars are hand-built to your specs - Offered in 21 or 22 frets - Offered as a solid body or semi-hollow - Various pickup configurations are offered - Incredible-looking flame maple necks [Check out Lucky Dog Guitars](https://luckydogguitars.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/3TtaIl2?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Nash Guitars T ![Nash T-Style Guitars](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/06/Nash-T-Style-Guitars.png) Bill Nash's **Nash Guitars** builds guitars that capture the awesome look, playability, and feel of vintage Fender guitars, at a fraction of the price an actual vintage guitar would cost. Nash differs from many of the other guitar companies on here in that they use parts sold through big manufacturers/sellers. While some people are quick to denounce Nash guitars as 'partscasters', those people are ultimately dismissing what are great guitars. Technically, all Telecaster style guitars can essentially be called 'partscasters', and while yes, it's also technically possible to get all the parts yourself and build your own guitar for a bit less than you're paying for a Nash, that's sort of missing the point. Nash uses very premium materials for their builds, and the value is really in their professional setups. Nash is known for being very selective in the parts they use (favoring lightweight bodies!), and use top-of-the-line handwound Lollar pickups (some of our absolute favorite tele pickups) and Gotoh tuning keys. Nash uses 100% nitrocellulose finish for their guitars, and offers various levels of aging/relicing, ranging from extra light to heavily reliced, making each guitar unique. Nash guitar owners tend to love their guitars, and it's tough to deny how great they sound. Check out Nash's T-52 & T-57 for a 50's style Telecaster, or their T-63 & T-69 Thinline for 60's style teles. **Standout Features:** - Lollar pickups - Various levels of aging, for a vintage look and feel - Great value for the price - Can be custom ordered to your specs (for the most part; they don't currently offer any necks with a 22-fret fretboard) - Large amount of color options - Available as either solidbody or semi-hollow, with either single coil or humbucker pickups - Offered in either a Medium C or fat boatneck neck profile [Check out Nash Guitars](https://www.nashguitars.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/48qvfuF?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## LSL T-Bone ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/06/LSL-T-Bone-t-style-guitar.png) LsL was founded in 2008 by husband-and-wife couple Lance S. Lerman and Lisa S. Lerman in the garage of their home (I guess when you both have the same initials, your company name is basically already decided for you). LSL's T-Bone, Bad Bone, and other Telecaster-style guitars are made completely in-house in Southern California, starting with sourcing the highest quality lumber they can find, and extending to hand-carved necks, and custom hand-wound pickups. Their guitars are finished with nitrocellulose lacquer, and set up to perfection. **Standout Features:** - Various levels of aging - Different neck profile, fretboard radius, and fretwire options - LSL hand-wound pickups [Check out LSL Guitars](https://www.lslinstruments.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/3TQm3vR?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Tom Anderson Guitarworks T ![Anderson Guitarworks T-Style Guitar Maker](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/06/Anderson-Guitarworkd-T-Style-Guitar-Makers.png) Tom Anderson's **Anderson Guitarworks** is one of the world's premier guitar manufacturers, relied on by pros ranging from Keith Richards to Kirk Hammett. Anderson's T-Style guitars are some of the best telecasters you'll find, and they are offered in a variety of configurations. Anderson's t-style guitars typically feature modern features, including 22 frets, and even a front body contour on some models. Anderson uses only the finest and most beautiful woods from select lumber mills, and uses Computer Aided Design technology to create some of the most precise and comfortable guitar bodies and necks in the industry. Anderson's custom shop offers pretty much every configuration option you can imagine, making them a great option for your dream guitar. **Standout Features:** - 22 frets - Body contour options for comfort - 3-way or 5-way pickup selector options - Solid or chambered bodies - They offer hundreds of paint and finish options - Various neck profiles, fret sizes, and materials - Various body materials, including hard-to-find exotic woods - Many pickup options [Check out Anderson Guitarworks](https://www.andersonguitarworks.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/485bPff?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Creston Electric Instruments ![Creston T-Style Electric Guitars](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/06/Creston-T-Style-Guitar-Maker.png) Based in Burlington, Vermont, Creston Lea combined his passion as a musician with his experience as a carpenter, and launched Creston Electric Instruments back in 2004\. While Creston might be a bit less known than some of the other companies listed here, musicians have taken notice, as guitarists such as Jay Farrar, Scott Metzger, Charlie Parr, and many others play (and praise) Creston guitars. Creston is known for his unique guitar designs, often making guitar bodies from old barn beams and other unorthodox materials (in addition to the usually more traditional woods). Operating with the principles that 1.) he doesn't want to make any guitar that looks just like a guitar you can get somewhere else, and 2.) he wants to be excited about every guitar he builds, Creston will work closely with you to create a guitar that is unique to your style and desires. **Standout Features:** - Nitrocellulose lacquer finish - All guitar necks and bodies are custom made - Cool and unique designs - Great service. Creston works closely with you to build your dream guitar [Check out Creston Electric Instruments](http://www.crestonguitars.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) [View on Reverb](https://reverb.com/marketplace?query=creston&ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Xotic Guitars XTC ![Xotic T-Style Guitars](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/06/Xotic-T-Style-Guitar-Maker.png) Perhaps a bit better known by some guitarists for their great effects pedals, California-based Exotic is one of the world's best high-end guitar manufacturers. Xotic's XTC series features some of the best Telecaster-style guitars around. The XTC models combine a vintage appearance and tone with premium features such as stable roasted flame maple necks and a compound radius fretboard. Offered with a thin nitro finish and available in light, medium, heavy and super-heavy aging options, if you're looking for a guitar with a reliced look, Xotic does some of the most authentic-looking aging you'll find. **Standout Features:** - Nitrocellulose lacquer finish - Outstanding-sounding pickups - Wonderfully playable necks - Authentic-looking aged finish options [Check out Xotic Guitars](https://xotic.us/?ref=vividguitar.co) [View on Reverb](https://reverb.com/marketplace?query=Xotic%20xtc&make=xotic&product%5Ftype=electric-guitars&ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Ron Kirn ![Ron Kirn Barnbuster T-Style Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/06/Ron-Kirn-Barnbuster-1.jpeg) With over 40 years of experience under his belt, Ron Kirn has perfected the art of building custom guitars. Kirn is a true expert, and a great member of the guitar building community - having published 6 booklets that educate people about building guitars. Perhaps best known for his *Barnbuster* (T-Style guitars made with 100 or so year old reclaimed wood and buildt to 1950 Broadcaster specs), Kirn is highly regarded amongst Telecaster fanatics. All of Kirn's guitars are built with a great attention to playability, and he's even known for spending a week or so playing custom guitars he builds, tweaking the setup until it's perfect. Kirn's are truly designed to be your 'forever guitar'. **Standout Features:** - Custom built to your specs - Incredible attention to detail - Great value for the price - Nitrocellulose lacquer finish - Guitars are set up great out of the shop [Check out Ron Kirn Guitars ](https://www.ronkirn.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/476LOLk?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Veritas Guitars Portlander ![Veritas custom t-style guitars](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/06/Veritas-Portlander-Green.jpeg) Looking for a unique T-style guitar that really stands out? Mount Pleasant, Tennessee-based Veritas builds incredible guitars that are straight up eye candy. From their humbucker-equipped *Portlander*, to the more vintage-inspired *Texas Miracle*, Veritas comes up with creative and elegant designs, combined with outstanding tone and playability. Veritas will work with you to build a custom guitar where they'll take your vision and create the guitar of your dreams. Not ready to dish out the money for a fully custom guitar? Check out Veritas' *ProLine* series. Built in Korea, their ProLine models feature designs, materials, and electronics that are all exclusive to Veritas Guitars, offered at a lower price point. **Standout Features:** - Custom built to your specs - Incredible attention to detail - Innovative guitar designs - Solid body and Thinline guitars [Check out Veritas Guitars](https://veritasguitars.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/4769H5G?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Patrick James Eggle Guitars Oz ![Patrick James Eggle Oz T-Style Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/06/patrick-james-eggle-t-style-guitar.jpeg) Based in Oswestry, England, Patrick Eggle has perfected his craft from building guitars for over 30 years. Working with a small team of craftsmen, Patrick produced a limited number of high-end electric guitars each year, aiming to produce guitars that are not only visually striking, but that also demonstrate superior play-ability and tone. The Patrick James Eggle 'Oz' T-Style guitar stands out due to its impeccable craftsmanship. Featuring carefully chosen hardware, hand-wound vintage correct pickups, and unique patinated pickguards, the *Oz* simply looks and sounds outstanding. **Standout Features:** - Mojo Pickups - Sources beautiful and unique tone woods from around the world - Beautiful flame maple neck options [Check out Patrick James Eggle Guitars](http://www.eggle.co.uk/?ref=vividguitar.co) [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/4aqk0El?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Nacho Guitars ![](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2023/12/Nacho.jpg) Ignacio Baños' T-style guitars (often referred to as *Nachocasters*) have developed the reputation of arguably being the pinnacle of vintage style telecaster builds. Nacho Guitars' focus on the smallest details have attracted some of the world's most notable telecaster players, including Julian Lage, Bill Frisell, and Redd Volkaert. Nacho Guitars operates a bit differently than all the other t-style guitar makers on here. They produce guitars in small batches, and sell exclusively through an online membership club/shop. Members are then notified each time new guitars become available. **Standout Features:** - Incredible finish and relic jobs - Nearly all features, down to the electronics, pickups, pickguards, and more are produced in-house - Impeccable built quality [Check out Nacho Guitars](https://www.nachoguitars.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/478e000?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Whitfill Custom Guitars ![Whitfill T-Style Guitar Maker](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/06/Whitfill-T-Style-Guitar-Maker-1.png) Take a background working with metals & precision machinery, follow it with experience overseeing the manufacturing of wooden wine barrels, as well as a decade of repairing musical instruments on the side. Combine it with a passion for musicians and wood, and the result is Charles Whitfill's **Whitfill Custom Guitars**. Known for superior wood sourcing, proprietary pickups, and top notch electronics/hardware, Whitfill 's 'T' guitars have a mojo that is tough to find elsewhere. Whitfield's 'T' Guitars are possibly the closest to a great vintage Telecaster you will find for both vintage tone & feel. The "T" features a super smooth and playable neck, and pickups that sound great in every position. Guitarists ranging from Jack Pearson, to Brent Mason, Johnny Hiland and countless others consider Whitfill one of their favorite guitar manufacturers. **Standout Features:** - Light, resonant, and harmonic woods - Proprietary pickups - Authentic-looking guitar aging - Offered in various fretboard radius options - Various neck profiles, including Modern C, Vintage U, & Baseball Bat [Check out Whitfill Guitars](http://www.whitfillcustomguitars.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/3tnEMUB?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Crook Custom Guitars ![Bill Crook Paisley Guitar](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2024/12/bluegoldpaisley2-1.jpg) During his days as a touring sound engineer, Bill Crook worked closely with many guitar players, often hearing about the shortcomings of the vintage style guitars they were playing. He would update their guitars, adding modern features to make them usable in the real world and to improve stage sound and playability. After hearing the great results when mixing live shows, Crook started building guitars on the side, including those ideas he picked up on the road. After Brad Paisley had Bill build him a custom paisley t-style guitar that sounded like his beloved vintage ’68 paisley, Crook Custom Guitars became known for..you guessed it..paisleys. Perfecting the paisley design was the result of lots of failed experiments, but through lots of trial & error, Bill finally came up with a technique that worked. Crook expected the blue paisley guitar he built for Brad (that debuted in Brad’s 2002 “I’m Gonna Miss Her” video) to be end of his experimentation with paisley finishes, but people from around the world soon started asking for them. Crook of course offers t-style guitars in more traditional paint colors as well, offered with various levels of relicing. Bill Crook works one-on-one with guitarists looking for their ideal electric guitar, customizing them down to the neck size and shape, hardware and electronics, body style, paint scheme, and wood type and weight. Crook's one-of-a-kind t-style guitars have attracted a legion of fans around the world. **Standout Features:** - Comfortable necks - Custom paint job and finishes - Uses only the highest quality guitar parts - Available in 22 frets [Check out Crook Custom Guitars](http://www.crookcustomguitars.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/41DvaBJ?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Reverend Guitars ![Reverend Best T-Style Guitars Not Fender](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/06/Reverend-T-Style-Guitars-better-than-Fender.png) Reverend Guitars has been putting out high-quality, innovative, and flat out *cool* guitars since the late 1990's. Reverend guitars are designed in Toledo, Ohio, manufactured in Korea by boutique guitar manufacturer Mirr Music, and then set up by their own tech team. Don't be deterred by them being made in Korea. Doing so lets you get a consistently very well made guitar at a fraction of the price than many of the other companies mentioned here. In addition to coming up with creative guitar designs and body shapes, T-style guitars have been a mainstay in Reverend's guitar lineup, and are proudly played by pros and hobbyists around the world. The *Greg Koch Signature Gristlemaster* is one of our favorite new tele-style designs on the market. Featuring a slightly bigger body size, Fishman's hum-free single coil pickups, a roasted maple neck, a light-weight chambered body, 22 frets, a raised center ridge, and even a boost button, the Gristlemaster is one of the most versatile t-style guitars around. Reverend's *Pete Anderson Eastsider T* is a modernized take on the Telecaster, and is a favorite among tele fans. Featuring 22 frets, a compound radius fretboard, and a push-pull phase switch, the Eastside T is a true workhorse guitar, and is a tremendous value for the price. **Standout Features:** - Real comfortable and playable necks - 22 frets - Compound radius fretboards on some models - Modern features - Custom pickups - Chambered body on some models - Treble Bleed Circuit on some models [Check out Reverend Guitars](https://www.reverendguitars.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/3v7ZcS1?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## ESP Guitars ![ESP Boutique Telecaster Guitars](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/06/ESP-Boutique-Telecaster-guitars.png) While they might be a larger company than many of the others listed here, ESP has been putting out great guitars with the same level of attention-to-detail usually associated with small boutique guitar makers since the 1970's. With guitars ranging from their imported budget-friendly *LTD* line, up to top-shelf custom shop guitars, ESP offers modern-style Teles to suit virtual every level of guitar player - from beginning bedroom players, to the Rolling Stones' Ron Wood. Speaking of which, the ESP Ron Wood Signature model stands out as a favorite, with a neck humbucker and bridge single coil pickup. **Standout Features:** - Offered in various price ranges - 22 frets - A lot of t-style guitars with humbuckers, catering more toward rock players [Check out ESP Guitars](https://www.espguitars.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/3GSWEK6?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Mario Martin Guitars ![Mario Martin Boutique T-Style Guitars](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/06/Mario-Martin-Telecaster-Guitar.jpeg) After developing his guitar building chops working at Gibson Guitar and Fender Custom Shop, as well as overseeing the factory authorized repair work for Yamaha Guitars, Mario Martin branched out on his own in 2005, and has been creating some of the best guitars on the planet ever since. Made at the The Guitar Mill in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Mario Guitars are boutique vintage recreation*s* of the classic electric guitars, and their T-Style guitars are among the top of the class. Known fortheir superior playability, lightweight construction, unmatched resonance, and prolonged sustain, Mario's T-Style guitars sound incredible. Whether you're looking for a solid body or Thinline guitar, reliced or non-aged finish, single coil or humbucker pickups, Mario will work with you to build your ideal guitar. **Standout Features:** - Some of the best relicing/aging you'll find anywhere - Various configuration options including solid body & semi-hollow, different pickup options, body binding, and much more - Outstanding design, tone, and playability [Check out Mario Guitars](https://marioguitars.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/48onHZx?ref=vividguitar.co) --- ## Iconic Guitars Tamarack ![Iconic Guitars Telecasters](https://cdn.getmidnight.com/f655f096d6a1f6fbcbed5d050759ab54/2021/06/Iconic-Guitars-Telecasters.png) The goal of Southern California's *Iconic Guitars* is pretty simple: Build guitars that inspire you to be your most creative, and to be your go-to guitar that you can't put down. They accomplish that by using top-quality materials and components that are crafted and put together exceptionally well, and set up perfectly. Iconic's *Vintage T52* is based on the legendary 1952 Telecaster, featuring a one-piece swamp ash body, and a quarter-sawn maple neck featuring a compound 7.25″ – 9.5″ radius fret board, and Iconic Revolution T pickups. Available in Blonde, Dirty Blonde or Butterscotch, and offered in 2 popular neck profiles. Their 60's-style Vintage 67T features a Medium C neck profile with an Indian Rosewood fretboard, with either a 7.25″ – 9.5″ or 9.5″ – 12″ compound radius, and Lollar pickups. Looking for something more modern? Check out their Evolution T, featuring a fast and thin neck and *Bare Knuckle* single coil pickups If these default models don't meet your needs, Iconic accepts custom orders, but we like their approach of offering a few default models, as sometimes having tons of custom configuration options can be overwhelming. **Standout Features:** - Killer finish jobs, featuring either nitrocellulose lacquer (with different levels of aging) or thin polyurethane. - Offered in various body and neck woods - Offered in 21 or 22 frets depending on the model [Check out Iconic Guitars](https://iconicguitars.com/?ref=vividguitar.co) [View on Reverb](https://tidd.ly/3NFuvdd?ref=vividguitar.co) --- We're continually on the lookout for the best Telecaster style guitars, and will update this post as we discover the latest and greatest new options. ### D'Angelico Deluxe Mini DC Review URL: https://vividguitar.co/dangelico-deluxe-mini-dc-guitar-review/ Last updated: 2025-03-11T18:11:34.000Z While our focus is on our [free guitar email newsletter](https://vividguitar.co/), we sometimes take deeper dives into things like guitar gear. In this video, I took an in-depth look at the D'Angelico Deluxe Mini DC semi-hollow guitar in Matte Walnut finish. D'Angelico has been putting out a lot of really nice guitars in recent years. I've owned their solid-body Deluxe Atlantic and Deluxe Brighton in the past, but had been intrigued by the D'Angelico Deluxe Mini DC for a while. I've been a big fan of ES-style semi-hollow guitars for a long time, owning and playing models from Gibson, Ibanez, Gretsch, and others. While I love the tone that comes from those guitars, and main downside was always the large 16" body size. **Enter the D'Angelico Mini DC.** With its 14" body, the mini DC offers the sound and playability of an ES-style semi-hollow guitar, in a more compact and comfortable size. While D'Angelico is certainly not the first company to offer this style of guitar in a 14" size (the Gibson ES-339, Ibanez AM series, and the Eastman 184 and 484 models are other standouts in this size), they offer some unique features, such as coil tapping on both pickups, and some beautiful modern colors/finishes. Some of the key features of the Deluxe Mini DC include an ebony fretboard, a 24.75" scale, locking tuners, Seymour Duncan Seth Lover A4 humbuckers with coil tapping, medium-jumbo frets, and being offered in several great colors. Check out the video below for a more in-depth look at this guitar, but overall, dispute a couple shortcomings, I was very impressed with this guitar. **Pros** - Lightweight - 14" body size is quite comfortable to play - Neck, fretboard, and fretwork feel and play great - Coil tapped sounds are surprisingly pretty good, especially in the middle pickup position when you're blending one single coil sound with one of the humbuckers. - The multiple colorways it's offered in are great, and a nice change of pace to the basic sunburst option ES guitars are often offered in. - I'm a bit torn on the pickups, but listing them here as a pro. I found them to be a bit shrill and piercing in some situations (and with certain overdrive pedals), but warm and wonderful in others. I prefered the sound with the tone control rolled off quite a bit. **Cons** - The tradeoff of the guitar body being super lightweight is that it is very neck heavy. It's not much of an issue when playing sitting down, but you really need to support the guitar with your fretting hand and with your picking hand forarm when playing standing up. Using a suade strapped was a noticeable improvement over a leather strap, but it's still an issue. Trying to add some typ of small weights within the f-holes, and switching to plastic tuners could potentially help alliviate the issue further. - Tuning stability could be better. The headstock has a pretty sharp string break angle, resulting in some tuning instability, especially with the D and G strings. - The tone knobs used for coil tapping are a bit hard to grip. Also, having seperate switching for the the coil tapping (similar to Ibanez's Tri Sound switch) would be ideal, as with the push/pull on the tone knobs, it's tough to not inadvertantly adjust the tone when you are pushing/pulling the knobs. - The 16" fretboard radius is a bit flatter than I'd ideally prefer. It's great for lead playing, but I found it a bit more difficult to get every note to ring out when playing certain barre chords compared to other guitars with a rounder radius. ### G&L ASAT Classic Custom Guitar Review URL: https://vividguitar.co/g-and-l-asat-classic-custom-guitar-review/ Last updated: 2025-03-11T18:11:41.000Z While our focus is on our [free guitar email newsletter](https://vividguitar.co/), we sometimes take deeper dives into things like guitar gear. Check out my review of the new G&L ASAT Classic Custom Guitar, offered as a limited edition model through Sweetwater. ### Overview G&L typically produces 3 different versions of their popular ASAT tele-style guitar line: - ASAT Classic: Features 2 G&L MDF (magnetic field design) pickups - ASAT Special: Features 2 G&L Jumbo MFD single coil pickups - ASAT Bluesboy: Features a single coil pickup in the bridge position, and a humbucker in the neck position. In the ASAT Special, the neck pickup is the main one people seem to rave about, and in the ASAT Classic, people tend to favor the bridge pickup. Every once in a while, G&L releases a limited edition run of a model called the 'ASAT Classic Custom'. This guitar is arguably the best-of-both-worlds, featuring a standard MFD single coil pickup in the bridge position, and a Jumbo MFD single coil pickup in the neck position. The middle position is of course a combination of the two pickups. While I was familiar with the regular MFD pickup from owning an ASAT Bluesboy, this is the first time I've had the chance to play a guitar with their Jumbo MFD pickup. The Jumbo pickup has a such a cool and unique sound to it. It's often mistaken for a P90, but it's a single coil. I've heard it described as 'hi-fi', which is pretty accurate. It's a bit of a fuller tone than the regular MDF pickup, but is still a single coil pickup at heart. The MFD pickups are pretty bright, and I find myself usually dialing in the tone volume to only around 40-50% to find the sweet spot. I also tend to prefer this guitar with the volume knob turned slightly down. Check out the video above for a more detailed review and specs on this great guitar.