Steve Krenz
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Posts posted by Steve Krenz
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Thanks Diane!
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A fascinating look into the cutting edge of innovation of what a guitar could be by some of the best guitar builders in the world.
Learn more about these amazing instruments here...
Boutique Guitar Showcase: https://www.boutiqueguitarshowcase.com/
- Steve
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Yes, I forgot to mention that one. Yes, it would sometimes indicate a slide as well.
In strict guitar notation (in other words, if the sheet music was written for guitar) a "slide" would be indicated with a straight line between two notes as opposed to a curved line.
But, much of the time, you will be reading music that is written for other instruments. In that case, it wouldn't be uncommon to interpret a curved line as a slide.
So, the question becomes as the player, "What do I play? a Pull-Off, Hammer-On or Slide". The answer is is that it is up to you as the performer to play whatever you prefer.
If the composer had a preference then he should have taken the time to write in specifically what he wanted - otherwise it's the performer's choice.
- Steve
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Yes, I would read that as a pull-off in guitar notation.
Here's the scoop...
1) Curved line (Tie) between two notes of the same pitch = A TIE that functions as a rhythmic extension of the first note to make the first note longer in duration. You'll see these on notes within the same measure and also to hold a note over the barline.
2) Curved line (Tie) between two notes of different pitches = A SLUR indicator for a wind instrument.
If you were playing a clarinet then you wouldn't re-articulate the second note.
BUT, guitar players are not wind instruments, so if we see this between two notes in a guitar piece it would indicate to use either a Hammer-On (if the second note is higher in pitch than the first note) or a Pull-Off (if the second note is lower in pitch than the first note.)
Hope this helps.
Learn all you can! - Steve
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Tuesday August 20th, 2019
Topic: Being a Singer/Songwriter with Rob Harris
7pm Central Time US
You can watch the lesson HERE.
Rob Harris Website: https://robharrisonline.com/home
Have you ever dreamed about performing your own songs? Or perhaps even playing gigs as a solo guitarist at a local restaurant?
Nashville singer/songwriter Rob Harris is a master at both of these. He performs regularly at the world famous songwriters mecca the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville.
He is also an in-demand solo guitar artist playing several times a week around Nashville's finest restaurants.
Rob will be giving some valuable tips for getting your songs heard as well as tips for performing as a solo guitarist.
PLUS we will be giving a guitar away to our good friends at the Sounds of Acoustic Recovery (S.O.A.R.) program to help another vet learn music!
There will be music, laughs, giveaways and more. I look forward to seeing you there!Watch on our Guitar Gathering YouTube Channel HERE
- Steve
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Hey gang,
Just noticed this morning that we crossed a milestone last night. We are over 16000 subscribers on the Guitar Gathering YouTube channel!!
It's got every live lesson that I was able to save from our old Ustream account plus all of the current live lessons (minus a couple that had technical difficulties).
Lots of great stuff over there. If you haven't subscribed then maybe you can be 16001!
GUITAR GATHERING YOUTUBE CHANNEL
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Tuesday August 6th, 2019
Topic: Using Chord Tones as Seeds for Soloing
7pm Central Time US
You can watch the lesson HERE.
Here is the PDF for this lesson... Using Chord Tones as Seeds.pdf
Some may think that improvising is pure creativity - a person creating on a blank canvas - which can be quite intimidating. But, often, it's more like combining creative links to make a chain of ideas.
These links or idea "seeds" can be built from the chord tones using some simple techniques that we'll be showing tonight.
You can start off by using simple tricks around the chord tones to jump start the creativity. It's a great technique.
There will be music, laughs, giveaways and more. I look forward to seeing you there!Watch on our Guitar Gathering YouTube Channel HERE
- Steve
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Yes, that would be nice. It's never going to happen - but it would be nice.
I've asked about it in the past. It's always been a non-negotiable.
- Steve
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Yes, I've noticed this as well. It's been down for over a month. I could send an email regarding it but I doubt it would do any good.
The company that I once lived and loved and poured my life into so dearly Legacy Learning Systems has moved on. They are no longer in the music education business - on to other endeavors.
They'll keep discounting and selling the remaining Learn and Master courses until the last one sells.
It's profoundly sad but not surprising that they have let the old discussion board dissolve.
But, I'm so happy that we have the new discussion board here and the continued life and learning that we are all a part of.
Thankful for all of you.
- Steve
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Tuesday July 9th, 2019
Topic: Solutions for Boring Chords
7pm Central Time US
You can watch the lesson HERE.
(We tried to do this lesson last year but had some technical problems so it was never released. I've always wanted to do it again so here's our chance.)
Tired of playing the same old way? Bored with your own playing?
Let's learn some quick, simple ways to take basic chords and turn them into something memorable. There's more to do than just strum along with a chord progression. With a little help you can learn to create guitar parts that shine!
There will be music, laughs, giveaways and more. I look forward to seeing you there!Watch on our Guitar Gathering YouTube Channel HERE
- Steve
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Hey everyone,
Wow, have we got a great time planned for this years Fall Fingerstyle Guitar Retreat!
Three of the world's best fingerstyle guitarists for several days of intimate guitar instruction, masterclasses, jamming and fun!
Here they are...
DON ROSS (Two-Time International Fingerstyle Champion)
In 1988, Don Ross became the first Canadian to win the U.S. National Fingerpick Guitar Championship. He won again in 1996, still the only two-time winner of the competition.
Don was the flagship fingerstyle artist on CandyRat Records and has released numerous projects with them. He tours extensively across Canada, the USA, Europe, Japan, Taiwan, China, Australia, Russia and India. He has played with symphony orchestras and collaborated live and on recording with Andy McKee, Dan McCrary, Tony McManus and others.
Don is one of the true "founding fathers" of modern fingerstyle guitar known for his pristine technique and lyrical melodies.
IAN ETHAN CASE (Double Neck Guitar / Looping)
“One of the most creative and engaging fingerstyle guitarists in the world” - International Center for Creativity
Double-neck guitarist and CandyRat recording artist Ian Ethan Case's video of his song “Butter II” introduced his music to over 6 million listeners around the world in the course of a month. Hardly an overnight sensation, Ian is a true craftsman and thoughtful composer bringing a fresh sound to the guitar through innovative tapping, use of double-necked guitars, altered tunings and multiple loopers layering a rich kaleidoscope of sound.
Listeners have described his music as a cross between Michael Hedges and Pat Metheny.
It is rare to find an artist truly forging new creative ground on the instrument - Ian is doing just that.
VAN LARKINS (Percussive Fingerstyle)
“Van Larkins’ technique is a fluid motion of beauty in sound.” - Mixdown Magazine
Australian guitarist, Van Larkins, is quickly distinguishing himself as an artist whose command of the instrument combined with musicianship and energy captivates the listener.
Van Larkins plays a modern fusion of traditional styles with a mesmerizing “one man band” percussive approach incorporating bass, rhythm, melody and harmony. Van’s eclectic music has transitioned from Metallica to finger-style acoustic guitar to playing transpositions of 400-year-old harp songs.
A true artist and excellent teacher, Van brings a fresh approachable-ness to those he helps learn fingerstyle.
COLLIN HILL
One of our own guitar family, Collin Hill is a 21 year old Fingerstyle guitarist based in Nashville TN.
Originally from California, Collin brings great technique to a sense of musicianship. This young artist is finding his voice to the delight of his many fans on YouTube, Instagram and Spotify.
With over a million streams on Spotify and over 14000 Instagram followers, Collin's exciting music is turning heads in the fingerstyle world.
He's also a gifted and conscientious educator with some of the best reviewed classes of any of our events.
Four days of world-class fingerstyle instruction, hands-on workshops and intimate evening concerts in the stunning Tennessee autumn during peak fall colors.
If you haven't been, it's one of the best events we have ever put together.
Last year, the Fall Fingerstyle Retreat sold out months in advance and slots are already filling up for this year.
If you're interested in getting all the info, check out www.FingerstyleRetreat.com
See you there,
Steve
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Nope, it didn't slip my mind (as slippery as my mind is during conference week!).
I inquired about next years dates but Trevecca is holding off on setting dates for anything next summer for a few weeks due to some building renovations scheduled on campus and they aren't sure how they are going to effect everything.
Rest assured, I'll be bugging the events coordinator at Trevecca and as soon as they commit to something I'll let you know.
- Steve
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Tuesday June 4th, 2019
Topic: Guitar Questions Answered/Open Talk!
Back to live lessons tonight!
It's been way too long since we took some time to answer your questions, but tonight bring your guitar questions and let's get some answers.
PLUS, one lucky viewer will win Joe Robinson's incredible new guitar course "Joes12" with tips from guitar legends Tommy Emmanuel, Eric Johnson, Robben Ford and others.
You can learn more about this amazing 12 week mentorship course with guitar legends here....
Watch it live at 7pm Central tonight HERE
Great music, giveaways and more. See you there!
Make sure to subscribe to our Guitar Gathering YouTube Channel HERELearn all you can
- Steve
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Hey Gang,
Here is the official schedule/itinerary for the Guitar Gathering 2019
A few things might shift around as we get closer but here it is!
Guitar Gathering 2019 Itinerary 5-27.pdf
If you have any questions about anything, email us at Service@MightyOakMusic.com
Looking forward to a great time!
- Steve
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Neil,
Yes, Joe is an amazing example of determination, passion, risk-taking and hard work.
We've talked many times, on camera and off, about his amazing journey.
Let me sum it up.
He wanted to play guitar and decided nothing would stop his determination to make it his career.
He's had tons of setbacks. None that he decided to agree with and make an excuse for not moving forward.
He wasn't afraid to give up "everything" to pursue his goals.
"Everything" also included his personal comfort - which is something that most stop short of when they say they are willing to do everything it takes.
Yes, he gets up and practices at 4am in the morning.
But I've also watched him play big events and small events with the same amount of determination. It's clear that the motivation is not the size of the event but whether he can personally do his best.
He's extraordinary and we all could use a good dose of Joe's determination in our own development.
- Steve
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Looking forward to an amazing live lesson with Australia's Got Talent winner and Fingerstyle wizard Joe Robinson!
If you have any questions for Joe for tomorrow night, let me know!
- Steve
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Hey gang,
I recently had a question about playing guitar on hymns from a hymnbook. It's something I have to do quite a bit.
Here's the deal... Hymns are surprisingly tricky for a guitar player.
Most hymns are written by keyboard players for keyboard players so they are commonly written on a piano staff with treble and bass clef. For a guitar player, trying to keep up with reading two different clefs, all of those notes and no chord changes can make even a pro sweat a bit. Add a choir and a piano player an no rehearsal and you have the makings of a Sunday morning heart attack!When in Doubt - Just Play the Melody
As a guitar player, here are your options, you can read and play the single-note melody (usually the top line) pretty easily. I can usually do this with one time through rehearsing - especially if I'm already familiar with the song.
If You Have Time - Grab a Pencil, Figure Out the Chords and Strum Along
If I want to try to play chords and strum, things can get a bit trickier.
To try to analyze the chords takes a bit more time - generally more than I can read at sight. So, I'll take 5 minutes and go through the song, analyze the chords and jot down the chords above the melody line.
If you can, take a minute and try to figure out the chords. Look at the bass line - often that will outline what the chords are doing. Then try to analyze the chord tones above the bass to assimilate them into a familiar chord that works in the key. (Don't get too perplexed if the melody note doesn't match the underlying chord tones exactly. Melodies don't have to follow the chord tones exactly.)
Think of it as a puzzle!
Usually the chord has 4 notes - i.e. four part harmony.
Here are the clues...
Example 1: Bass note is G. Notes above it are D, and B, and melody note is a G.
This is pretty easy. This would be a G major chord... G.
Example 2: Bass note is a C. Notes above it are F, and A, and melody note is an A.
This is an F chord with a C in the bass... F/C. If you want to play the C in the bass then great, other wise just play a standard F chord and it will work.
Example 3: The key of the song is A. Bass note is a D#. Notes above it are F#, and B, and melody note is an A.
(First let's determine what the chord is and then we'll figure out why it's there.)
Your chord tones are D#-F#-B-A. In this order they don't make a lot of sense. But if I switch them into a different order - B-D#-F#-A, they turn into a B7. But the D# is in the bass so it would be a B7/D#.
Now, why do you think a B7/D# would be in a song in A? The answer?... I would bet that it is functioning as a secondary dominant ( a V of V) and that the next chord is some sort of an E chord (the V chord in A).
Yep, hymns are tricky.
Simplify the Chord Changes
Another way hymns are tricky is that they are often written with constant chord movement, so if I strictly write out the chords I'll end up with chords changing every beat. (Keyboard players like their movement!) But often, with a bit of thought, all of this movement can be greatly simplified to where they can be played on guitar much easier.
Example:
The analyzed chords may be... || G - G - Am - G/B | C - C/E - C/G - C ||
But don't worry about all of this bass line movement - especially if it is just between chord tones. This progression can be simplified to just a measure of G and a measure of C.
Just Do the Best You Can and Smile
Here's my general rule. If I have time to write it out then I'll do that. If I don't, and I don't know the song, then
I'll just play the single-note upper line melody.
If I do know the song, then I'll glance at the bass line and strum the chords that make sense to my ear go along with
the song. Occasionally I'll miss a few but generally I'll be pretty close.
Hope this helps.
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Tuesday May 21st, 2019
Topic: Fingerstyle Guitar with Joe Robinson!
“ONCE IN A GREAT WHILE A YOUNG GUITARIST CAPTURES THE ATTENTION OF MUSIC LOVERS EARLY IN HIS CAREER AND MANAGES TO SUSTAIN THIS INTEREST AS HE MATURES CREATIVELY AND SHEDS THE ‘PRODIGY’ LABEL. JOE ROBINSON IS ONE OF THOSE RARE TALENTS.”- Premier Guitar
Joe Robinson https://www.joerobinson.com/ is a self-taught Australian guitarist who has toured the world as a solo guitarist.
He won Australia's Got Talent. (WATCH HERE) and launched his career when he was 16. He moved to Nashville and now tours the world playing solo guitar concerts.
He's a relatively new friend to our Guitar Gathering family and has just released a new project.
Here are a few videos....Watch it live at 7pm Central tonight HERE
Great music, giveaways and more. See you there!
Make sure to subscribe to our Guitar Gathering YouTube Channel HERELearn all you can
- Steve
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Hey gang,
We had the live lesson with Rick Derringer last night. What an amazing guy with such Rock and Roll history. There's folks that know Rock history and then there's folks that lived it. From Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, to Eric Clapton, to Weird Al Yankovic, Rick Derringer has been in the middle of that.
From the first few minutes of the live lesson I realized that my plans and script for this live lesson were going to be useless. It was one of the few live lessons that I felt pretty out of control. Rick just started talking and rarely came up for air, each story more amazing than the last.
I'm sure many of you were wondering why he didn't play. (Here we had one of the greatest living guitarists, who played on countless hits, and I think he played just a handful of chords then entire broadcast.)
Well, here's the deal. He recently, injured his hand, and the part of the finger that was still injured was just at the point where the finger contacts the strings. Any of you who have had an injury in just that place on your finger can relate and know exactly the razor-blade like pain on touching the strings that comes with it.
I found out about it only about an hour before the show. So, we decided to make the best of it and just talk about the guitars that he was offering for sale at Gruhn's.
He was a very kind man on and off camera.
I'd love to have him back sometime - and get to hear him play! - Steve
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Any questions for Rick Derringer tonight?
- Steve
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Looking forward to a great show tomorrow night with Rick. If you have a question for Rick, just post it and I'll try to ask him.
Should be a great time!
- Steve
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Great question,
I'm glad you're learning. Session 2 in the Fingerstyle course is a big one, so it's not surprising to me if it takes a month or two.
This session is all about muscle control and finger dexterity. In other words, getting your fingers to cooperate with what your brain is telling them to do.
My advice is to practice it slowly and carefully.
The primary goal is to get the finger motions correct.
Once you do that then it's pretty easy to pick up the tempo. But speed will never happen until the finger motions are correct. So focus mainly on getting the finger motions correct.
Try and get as many notes and strings to ring out as possible. In other words - don't cut off notes or strings before you need to.
Strive for a very smooth and legato flowing sound - not short and choppy.
Follow along with me in the video at the end of your practice session to make sure you are doing the exercise correctly.
Hope this helps.
Glad you're part of our guitar family!
- Steve
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Wonderful! We have that on our resources for this month. It's a good, foundational theory book.
Lots of creativity.
Learn all you can from everywhere you can.
- Steve
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Live Lesson: September 17th - Thumbpicking Champion Parker Hastings!
in 2019 Live Lessons
Posted
Tuesday September 17th, 2019
Topic: Thumbpicking Champion Parker Hastings
7pm Central Time US
You can watch the lesson HERE.
Parker Hastings Website: https://www.parkerhastingsguitar.com/
I have wanted to have this amazing young guitarist on for a couple of years. I'm excited about him finally getting introduced to our guitar family.
Currently as a teenager, Parker Hastings has done incredible things in the guitar world - including being named "Thumbpicker of the Year" by the National Thumbpickers Hall of Fame.
Parker is a joy to be with and hear. He stole the show at a recent fingerstyle event here in Nashville that I had the treat to be in the audience for.
There will be music, laughs, giveaways and more. I look forward to seeing you there!Watch on our Guitar Gathering YouTube Channel HERE
- Steve