Imagine playing a gig where the keyboardist suddenly switches key, and amidst the rapid melody changes, you’re left in the dust—or at least you would have been, if not for one game-changer: the Nashville Number System. It’s a fascinating piece of music theory that converts the complexity of songs into a simple, shorthand music notation. … Read more
They say that country music is the soul of America’s heartland, and if that’s true, then Merle Haggard and Marty Robbins were its master composers. Imagine the moment when Haggard’s rugged storytelling first met Robbins’ smooth ballads—two legendary voices, seemingly worlds apart, yet both deeply rooted in the very essence of country. I was there, … Read more
Did you know that the humble Carter Starter pedal steel guitar could be the unexpected key to unlocking your musical journey? With its perfect balance of quality and affordability, it’s no wonder that many beginners find themselves irresistibly drawn to it. As someone who has spent decades helping budding musicians find their footing, I’ve seen … Read more
What if I told you that the right amplifier could transform not just your sound, but your entire approach to jazz guitar? Enter the DV Mark Jazz 12. This guitar amplifier has dramatically shifted the landscapes of tone and performance for many jazz guitarists, including myself. When I discovered its potential, everything about my playing … Read more
On a rain-soaked evening while attending a local gig, I witnessed a moment that redefined my sonic journey. As the guitarist powered up his Fender Mustang GT 100, a surge of untamed electric energy swept over the room, leaving me both awed and curious. I knew then that this amplifier was not just another box … Read more
I remember the day I stepped into Guitar Center, drawn by the promise of in-ear monitors that could revolutionize my sound experience. It was a turning point, a profound moment where I sensed that something drastic in audio quality was waiting to be unlocked—an event that changed my approach to listening. Instinctively, I was captivated … Read more
The first time I stumbled upon a snippet of Faye Webster’s new album, it felt like witnessing the beginning of a transformative era in indie music. I still recall the anticipation building within me as I discovered hints of fresh sound and introspective lyrics that echoed my own evolving journey as a music journalist. Every … Read more
In the early days of my journey into lutherie, I stumbled upon a local band where the haunting melodies of a steel guitar transformed the ordinary into the extraordinary. But was it a lap steel or a pedal steel? That question sent me down a path of discovery, learning to differentiate between these two captivating … Read more
Introduction to Paul Franklin and Steel Guitar In the dim light of an intimate venue, I first heard the soulful resonance of a steel guitar that changed everything I thought I knew about music. It was a moment when Paul Franklin’s innovative technique cut through the silence with such raw emotion that I felt as … Read more
Imagine the first time I encountered a Sho-Bud steel guitar—the notes seemed to dance with an ethereal quality, transforming the mundane into the sublime. This experience was not just an auditory revelation; it marked the beginning of a deep dive into the world of steel guitars—a journey that has absorbed my passion ever since. Yet, … Read more