As I held my first JB Player guitar, I couldn’t help but wonder: how had this brand managed to fly under the radar for so long? The sleek curves, the surprisingly rich tone – it was a revelation. But little did I know, this was just the beginning of a journey that would reshape my … Read more
As I sat in my studio, a student’s frustrated sigh caught my attention. “I just can’t get this pull-off to sound right!” he exclaimed, his fingers fumbling over the fretboard. It was a moment that took me back to my own journey, reminding me why I wrote ‘Guitar Aerobics‘ and dedicated my career to demystifying … Read more
The moment I first laid hands on a Reverend bass guitar, I knew I was experiencing something extraordinary. As a seasoned bassist and former Editor in Chief of Guitar Player magazine, I’ve encountered countless instruments, but Reverend’s basses possess a unique allure that sets them apart. What makes these instruments so captivating? Is it their … Read more
As I settled onto my Martin guitar stool for the first time, I felt a sudden shift in my playing. The comfort was undeniable, but it was the unexpected improvement in my technique that truly astounded me. Could a simple seat really make such a profound difference? This revelation sparked a years-long journey into the … Read more
As I stood on stage, my fingers poised over the fretboard, I could feel the audience’s anticipation. They were expecting another run-of-the-mill metal solo, but I had something different in mind. With a deep breath, I launched into a blistering Locrian scale run that left jaws hanging. The haunting dissonance filled the venue, transforming the … Read more
I never thought a chair could make or break my guitar playing until that fateful day. After a grueling four-hour practice session, I stood up from my trusty kitchen stool, my back screaming in protest. That’s when I realized the profound impact a proper guitar chair can have on both comfort and performance. As a … Read more
The first time I laid hands on a PRS bass guitar, I knew I was in for something special. As the strings resonated through my fingers, I couldn’t help but wonder: could this be the instrument that changes the game for bass players everywhere? With decades of experience as a guitar journalist and editor of … Read more
As I popped in my first Stefan Grossman guitar DVD, I was skeptical. Could a video really teach me the intricacies of fingerstyle and blues guitar? Little did I know, I was about to embark on a transformative journey that would revolutionize my playing. Stefan Grossman’s guitar DVDs aren’t just instructional videos; they’re a gateway … Read more
I’ll never forget the day I first laid hands on a Johnson bass guitar. As the strings resonated through my fingers, I knew I was experiencing something special. Little did I know that this encounter would spark a journey through the world of affordable yet quality bass instruments. What made this particular bass stand out … Read more
As I meticulously crafted the neck of a custom guitar, my eyes caught a glimpse of the morning newspaper. The crossword puzzle stared back at me, its clues a jumble of letters and numbers. Suddenly, a six-letter clue caught my attention: “Famous electric guitar maker.” My hands, calloused from years of shaping wood, instinctively reached … Read more