Guitar Licks and Tips

Open (Alternative) guitar tuning opens up a whole new world of possibilities for old and new inspiring guitar players. Some of the best songs I’ve ever played are in alternate tuning. Suite Judy blue eyes from CSNY, Penny for your thoughts by Peter Frampton and Never going back again from Fleetwood Mac are just a few examples of what you can do with this innovative choice of tunings.

Joni Mitchell was the first guitarist that I encountered using this technique. I never tried this form of playing for a couple of years after playing. When I ventured on this coarse, I found that it opened up a whole new world of guitar playing for me. It certainly took a while to get use to it.

After a while through trial and error, I found that i could expand my chord progressions and better yet, develop that full sound that I have been looking for. Stepping out of your comfort zone is a must for all guitar players. Remember, it’s better to goof up while practicing in the comfort of your own home first before jumping in!

Open Tuning is very frustrating to master at first glance. Check out this link and give it a whirl!

Do you use alternative or open tuning? If so, what are you favorite ones?

Keep on Jammin’

Related Reading:

Style Wars

Style-City Music Volume 2

A Lesson Before Dying (Oprah's Book Club)

Beginner Guitar Lessons

The Twilight Saga: New Moon (Two-Disc Special Edition)

I saw Elvis Costello perform his song called Town Crier on his TV show Spectacle January 2010 and after hearing it for the first time I was hooked! The song is a beautiful ballad that is so soft on the ears that it is difficult not to like it. He had the tables turned this time in playing the part of the interviewee? Mary Louise Parker is the interviewer that just sits there and melts for all to see. I know I did when I heard it.

I love how he just strums the strings on his acoustic guitar, a Stella I think, that gives off such a warm and inviting sound to the piece. This is a perfect example of how not using a pick can create a very intimate sound to a song. The chord structure and bridges that Mr Costello uses are simple and to the point.

In the beginning part before he starts playing, Elvis makes the point of saying that he would love to hear Barry White sing this one but with no disrespect to Barry, I think only Elvis could pull this one off. Mind you, it would be an interesting version for sure!

So sit back, turn down the lights, fire up a candle or two, OR if it’s raining outside get out your notebook and watch it while the rain is hitting the roof just right and enjoy!

Keep on Jammin’ Elvis

Related Reading:

Entertainment Weekly

Blue Wants to Play a Song Game!

Learn to Play the Songs of John Denver, Lesson Two: Guitar Accompaniments and Techniques: Level 3 [VHS]

Rock Music Styles

The Music of Henry Mancini Plus One: Alto Saxophone : 20 Great Songs to Play With Orchestral Accompaniment Cd

So we have a picture here of some guy playing a 12 neck guitar and one of the instrument in question sitting on a very custom made guitar stand. Yes you heard me correctly, a 12 neck guitar. Once I saw this thing I new that I had to do a post and show you right away.

As it turns out this is some of Yoshihiko Satoh’s conceptual artwork that was displayed and actually won the 2002 Kirin Art Award Grand Prix prize. It is really something to behold. The thing that got my mind going was that if you look really close to the guitar whammy/wammy bars in the top picture, all of them are not in the same position. Then if you focus your attention to the picture below, all of the tail pieces are not the same. This made me think that it’s real … or is it?

Keep on Jammin’

Related Reading:

Hair Steamer Beauty Salon Equipment Color Processing

Fender La Cabronita Especial Custom Shop (only 20 made)

Custom Made

38" Acoustic Blue Guitar with Gig bag and Accessories

Samson SAC01UPAK USB Microphone and Podcast Package