Aug 13
Let’s get one thing straight before I get loads of complaints. Singers ARE musicians. We do a very good job at being musicians. The title is a bit pedantic, but I am trying to make a point here. I think it is about time that those of you who are not singers, need to understand our “ways”. Yes I know some of us throw tantrums, lash expensive mic’s to the floor, kick speakers, and walk out of rehearsals in disgust-never to be seen again, or in the nearest bar drowning our sorrows and saluting Freddy Mecury, et al: “why can’t I sing like them?”. Continue reading »
Jul 19
As a guitarist for hire I’ve learned a couple of things: keep your teeth together, attitude professional, gear in top form, and ears wide open. As Frank Zappa said, “Shut up and play your guitar!” Here are some thoughts about a past gig. Continue reading »
Jul 10
Buckminster Fuller, the acclaimed Canadian scientist who invented the geodesic dome, described the universe, in his book ‘Utopia or Oblivion’ as entropic. By this he meant that energy escapes from ‘local systems’ causing the Law of Increase of the Random Element. Continue reading »
Jun 28
These bits of advice that I’ve heard or read over the years have earned their weight in gold…. Continue reading »
Jun 11
In this section I ask some of the best what they look for in a player, to give you some idea on what is expected of you as a bassist. Some helpful hints to help you nail that next gig. Continue reading »
Jun 11
“What is it like to be a Working Musician?” Welcome back to part 2 “What is it like?” Well,…it can be like anything in life. Some days it’s just a job. Other days.. a pretty cool experience, but always interesting. The one thing you must get use to is the up and the down, the yin and the yang of life. What does that mean? As I’ve said in the past, learning by example can sometimes be the best way. Here’s my tale. Continue reading »
Jun 10
Intermediate, Beginner, Practice, Music Education, Opinion, Theory, Solo, Styles, Blues, Rock, Guitar, Articles
As far as rock guitar lead is concerned, it is the scale of all scales, the mother lode so to speak, the scale used early and often by such lead guitar greats as Jimmy Page, Edward Van Halen, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Slash, and Neal Schon, to name a few. If indeed a rock n’ roll encyclopedia exists specifically for rock lead guitar (and who knows, there might be one floating out on the web somewhere), this scale would and should appear on the top, right up front. Continue reading »
May 26
If you’ve managed to find your way to Intellectual Musician then there’s a good chance that you are someone who has all the ingredients for a successful musician. “What?” you say, “how can that be?” What you may not have realized is that the only tools you’ll ever need are already in your possession: curiosity and drive. Continue reading »
