It’s becoming increasingly rare these days to see a guitarist without a pedalboard at his feet – but what about us bassists?

Traditionally bassists have played clean, but it’s becoming more and more common to use effects. You may be familiar with effects used on guitar, but which ones work well on bass?

Here are the top 5 effects I’ve seen and used most often in my many years as a bass player.

1. Fuzz

A fuzz pedal is a great way to give your basslines that extra bite. A lot of pedals lose the low-end signal, so you’ll want to make sure you get one that retains it. Several fuzz pedals include a blend knob, so you can blend the fuzz effect in with your clean signal to keep the low end. The EHX Bass Big Muff is a popular choice in this category. Read the rest of this entry

One of the most common things I hear from fellow guitar players when I ask them if they’ve been playing at all is “man I just don’t have the time”. I totally understand since I’ve been there before myself so I usually throw out this simple guitar playing  tip.

It’s real simple….make sure you see your guitar at all times. Just set that sucker next to the TV, computer or somewhere else where you will be able to see it alot. If it is there you will pick it up, trust me. It will call to you. I started doing it with my PRS Guitar all the time and it worked like a charm.

Hell, even if you pick it up for just two minutes and it doesn’t do anything for you that time, that’s fine, I guarantee there will be that time where a quick pick-up turns into a stress relieving marathon or an inspiring journey of learning and discovery (how’s that for cheesy?). Read the rest of this entry

Get A Free Snark Guitar Tuner!

As a performer and guitar player, I often get asked questions about playing guitar. So I figured I would get them out of my brain and in writing. Today, lets talk guitar tools.

Here are a few that I use that make life with my ax easier and more productive .

1. Electric Tuner - It is ideal knowing how to tune your guitar by ear but if your pitch is a little off, your guitar – and therefore your songs – may sound a little off. Tuners are very inexpensive (as low as $10-$15) and they will ensure that your instrument and your songs are sounding their best. (psst..here’s how you can get one free).
2. Metronome – If you ever want to play in a band or are looking to record anything, it is a good idea to practice with a metronome. These handy little devices will help you stay in time. Again, these are a pretty inexpensive devise to have around ($10-$15). Also, there are some great beat generators that are free to download too. The cool thing about them is that they sound a little more like a drum beat. HammerHead Rhythm Station is one I can think of off the top of my head and you can usual set something up in a DAW’s .
3. Digital Recorder – This little device can really help you improve by keeping you honest. You may think you are sounding good but when you listen to a recording of yourself, you might find out otherwise. Digital recorders always tell the truth and will help you hone your skills. Also, if you are thinking about doing some songwriting, this thing will become your closest friend. You always want to record your ideas because they can escape your mind almost as fast as they came in to it.
4. Small Tool Kit – Get yourself a small tool box or small plastic container and fill it with the following items: string winder, wire cutter, peg puller, cotton cloth, extra picks, extra strings, toothbrush and toothbrush. Read the rest of this entry

Distortion can sound great, we all love distorted guitar sounds, however there is a big audible difference between overdriving valves in a guitar amp and overdriving semi pro recording equipment.The following explains how to reduce harsh unpleasant distortion during recording and mixing.

All current digital audio workstations can operate at 24 bit resolution so what does this actually mean and how will it help your music sound better? One of the most important factors of improvement by using 24 resolution in recording and mixing is being able to set your recording and mix gain structure up for lower distortion. Read the rest of this entry

I just had to share this with all you guitar players out there. Check this out. Gibson has developed a self-tuning guitar.

Not only does it handle standard tunings but it also has presets for alternate tunings. Great news for anyone who wants spice up the play list without the need to spend the time or lug around multiple guitars.

Now if someone could come up with a way for the guitar to change its own strings.

This stuff comes right out the “I wish they had this stuff when I was a kid” category. Check out these sites and develop, or start learning, your guitar chops.

Pick your medium. I’ve only found three but I just bet there are quite a bit more

Via video – GuitarTricks.com

Via email – GuitarTips.com.au

Via blog – GuitarMX.com

Like I said, I just bet there are a ton more out there. Come on…share the love brothas and sistas! Show us what you got in the comments below.

Hey! Do you want a really short blog post telling you where you can go kill some time and maybe even write a hit single?

I thought so.

Go now and check out the website Chordstudio. You can choose your very own chords and then pick the instruments to play them.

No musical talent required and you might even learn something. What could possibly be more entertaining than that?

Are you thinking about learning an instrument or maybe just sharpening your skills? Check out this cool site. A week or so ago I came across this cool site. The good people over at the Berklee School of Music are offering some free music lessons.

They have a little something for everyone. You can get great instruction from these professionals on instruments like guitar, horns, keyboards and drums as well as tips on being a DJ and using turntables. You can also let them help you develop your singing voice.

Check it out. Very cool.

Being a child of the 80′s, I remember when everyone had a boombox. They were everywhere and pumping out everything from Run DMC to Slayer. I figured they were a thing of the past.

But then, the other day I stumbled across this state-of-the-art beauty and had to share. Check it out – TDK Life on Record 77000015360 3-Speaker Boombox Audio System(affiliate link).