Learn a riff, K-Line Guitars, Lyle Brewer

Vivid Guitar -
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Heads up: There will be no newsletter issue this Thursday (11/28) in observance of the Thanksgiving Day holiday in the U.S.. Wishing everyone a happy holiday!

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“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
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Gear Showcase

K-Line Guitars

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 | Instagram | Facebook

Guitarist Spotlight

Lyle Brewer

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, 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.

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 | Instagram | Patreon

Godin 5th Ave TL Vintage Burst HG Gold Foil
  • 🎸 Godin released the 5th Avenue Thin Line, 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.
  • The Play Guitar Podcast covered ways to change up your guitar practice routine. Apple Podcasts | Spotify
  • Fender released an update to its Tone Master Pro 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. 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 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

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If you like this newsletter, I'd be super grateful if you share it with anyone you know that might be interested. Thanks! - Dustin