[NGD - a Tele?!?!]

You probably saw my post about our trip to Nashville and visiting the requisite guitar shops: Gruhn's, Carter's, Rumble Seat.  The day after going to the Eric Clapton concert we visited the first two of those. And before visiting those I had given some thought to what I am missing in my guitar "stable".  I had been giving some thought to this even before the drive down.  And it became obvious what I am missing is the Tele "snap".    I, of course, being a blues guy, or wanting to be, never saw me with a Tele.  But then I thought about Robben  Ford, Keith Richards, The boss Bruce Springstein, and others.  

And most influential among those was Robben Ford.  Here is the blues guy playing a Tele.  

So with the decision made, or almost firmly decided, it was off to the stores the day after the Clapton concert.  And certainly we had to hit Gruhn's first.  They had about five Teles including a Vintera, a couple 75th Anniversary one, a Signature (I can't remember who) and a Professional.  I didn't like the Vintera at all.  I'm opposed to relicing.  The Signature was way too heavy.  And the was something distasteful about the Anniversary ones.  They just didn't connect.  But the Professional did.

Gorgeous natural wood finish, not painted.  And it played really nice.  I didn't plug it in and told the salesman we would think on it.  Which was code for we still had to check out the other stores.  Which we did.  We went to Carter's.  And I was shocked.  I'm not sure if before composing his Guitar Stores List @Dave White felt this way, but I found Carter's inventory to be way bigger than Gruhn.  But nothing in the Teles called out.  

So the next day we went back to Gruhn's and I played the Professional plugged in.  And it WAS awesome.  I loved it.  And kids!  Here is the life lesson.  I told the guy I wanted to think on it one more day.  We were leaving town the next day and would stop back to play it one more time on the way out.  And now you know where this is going🤔  On the way to Gruhn's my wife pointed out a shop and said, "There's a guitar store!  Called Rumble Seat.  why haven't we gone there?"  

So finally, we are packed and heading out of town and I am just going to swing by Gruhn's and pick up my new Tele.  Which we did.  At least stop by.  And the Tele is gone!    So we headed back to the parking lot with the intent of pointing the car west.  And I said, "Ok.  Just while we are here, so I can say I've been there, let's just pop in Rumble Seat".

And we did.  And they had a shocking inventory on the wall.  A Strat played by Ronnie Wood and a Tele played by Keith Richards just for two examples.    And about 10 Teles.  And here is the one that spoke to me!   It's a 2018 and it played great.  And sounded great.  And so Bryan @Plantsman13, it is going to be a very long time before another NGD post from me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Since being home now better than a week I've played almost nothing else:

 

 

[Eric Clapton Concert in Nashville!!!]

Bryan, I will  fulfil that promise, hopefully within a day.  And, yes, I see how it can appear I have had some "insider connections".   But there is nothing sinister here. 😅 And I realize how fortunate I am.   Not that anyone is interested, but we took the profits on a couple investments.  Some of that profit is going to the new house (and new music room).  We agreed to diverting a couple bucks to a few new guitars.  And I can promise you there will not be another NGD for a long, long time, if ever!😏 

[Eric Clapton Concert in Nashville!!!]

I alluded to it in my post in the thread about Nashville guitar stores.  Surprisingly, as excited as we were about it, I didn't make a bigger deal about it.  I don't know why I didn't start a new thread about it?!?!  WE WENT TO NASHVILLE AND SAW ERIC CLAPTON IN CONCERT!  One week ago today. What can I say about it beyond it was one of the greatest musical experiences in my life?

My wife and I discussed it at length before clicking on "Purchase" on the Ticketmaster site.  It was a significant investment, not just in terms of ticket cost, but it would be a two day drive each way and, if going that far, we decided to make a week long vacation out of it.  But we reasoned that Eric may not be touring that much longer.  We may not get this opportunity again.   

Immediately after the last song he played, before leaving the arena, we agreed we were so glad we made the decision we did!  What an experience.

The concert was an experience but so was the entire trip.  We saw the Country Music Hall of Fame, The Ryman, most of the expected tourist sites.  But what fun downtown Nashville is. Walk into a bar or restaurant and a band is playing.  And the band is great!  Walk a couple doors down the street and another great band is playing.  Every few doors the same experience and all no cover charge.  And not just country bands.  Lots of cover bands.  And here is what is almost depressing.  Every guitar player is amazingly talented.  Every one.

And...........while in Nashville, I worked in a face-to-face lesson with Steve.  And it was, predictably, hugely helpful, encouraging and educational.  Thanks @Steve Krenz!   Now I have to work on those 3 notes on a string scales!  And the 7th chords!

Oh, and I did mention the guitar stores, didn't I?  Well I did hit Gruhn's and Carter's Vintage and Rumble Seat!  And, yes, there will be a NGD post coming in the next day of two.  I just have to get a photo.  It's probably not going to be what most of you expect.

[Summer Fun]

On 8/30/2021 at 3:03 PM, gotto said:

This has been a fun summer for my band.

Greg, this looks like great summer fun.  I am really glad you were able to get out and do this.

[Post your favorite acoustic!]

Thanks to @Fred B for resuscitating this thread.  I'd be interested in what other acoustics people are now playing years later (after the original post).  I hope some more people join in and share.  

It should be pretty obvious to you my favorite acoustic if you saw my recent NGD post.   I am still loving this Martin M36.

[Members Recordings - Songs, Lessons, Open Mic!]

What great playing Neil!  Very impressive.  I enjoyed it a lot.  Thank you for sharing it.

[WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! - Tell Us About Yourself, Receive Encouragement and Advice!]

LV, welcome to you.  I will second what Doug just said.  L&MG was never intended (in my estimation) to be the easiest course.  It was intended to teach you to be a complete musician, including a knowledge of reading music and of theory.  Or, as Doug said, "a real musician".  

The fact that you have your friend, that gave you the course, to bounce questions off of should be a plus.  Or anytime you have a question or get discouraged come here and post on the forum.  There are a lot of knowledgeable, helpful guitarists on here.  And definitely attend Steve's Live Lessons on Tuesday nights.

And please keep us up to date on your progress.

[Nashville Guitar Stores]

Any particular reason Rumble Seat Music has never been mentioned in this list?  I know nothing about them.  I just stumbled across a video on YouTube where a vintage Strat was being demonstrated.

And I'm doing my planning for our trip to Nashville in a few weeks to see Clapton.

And here is a question for you all.  We are going to spend several days in Nashville.  Should I:

1. Get it all out of the way at once.  Visit all the guitar stores one day.  Get all the pain for my wife out of the way in one session?  Or,
2. Sneak a guitar  store in.  Then do other things.  Sneak another guitar store in.  Do other things.  Continue until they are all visited.

Seeking advice here! 

[Charlie Watts Dead at 80!]

A shocker.  I had heard he wasn't going to tour due to "a medical procedure" but this is still a shock.

 

Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts dies at 80.

 

[NGD! - Martin M-36]

@Fretless   very definitely I find myself playing one more.  But before answering that I can tell you that since getting them I have played almost nothing but acoustic.  I'm an electric guy; always have been.  After finally unboxing after the move in the new house, I picked up an electric for the first time about a week ago.  Of course part of that is the new guitar smell.  But it's more than that.  I have just really enjoyed the acoustic more than ever since starting to learn. I don't know why that is.   I had an acoustic before.  But since getting these I have developed an appreciation for acoustic that was absent before.  That has to be a good thing.

To answer your question I really enjoy the M-36.  I enjoy them both, of course.  But given a situation I had to choose one, it would be that one.  And, again, I don't know why that is. It is nothing more tangible than feel.  Don't misunderstand, I really enjoy the M15.  If it was all I had I would feel so very fortunate.  It has such great tone.  And the difference is so slight and just "feel".  But you asked which.

[Paul Reed Smith 3rd Annual Music School]

It is going well.  I failed to mention in my op the cost of the 4 day school is $100.  I can tell you after the first day, if all I received was that first day, it was worth it.  Tim Pierce put on an (almost) 2 hours (1:15 - 3:00) Masterclass.  Hugely educational.  And at the end of the day he and Gary Grainger (bass), Greg Grainger (drums), Mia Samone (vocals), Michael Ault (guitar), Benji Porecki (keyboards), Bill Evans (sax) and PRS jammed.  But it was so much more than a jam.  They would play for a couple minutes and then discuss.  And PRS would suggest, "OK.  What if we want to funk it up more?".  And they would play.  And then PRS would suggest, "OK What if we West Coast it more?".  I can't describe it better.  It was a session in "feel".  Fascinating.  

The sessions are going to be available after the school is over to anyone that subscribes.

[Paul Reed Smith 3rd Annual Music School]

This is late notice, I know. I've known about it for days (weeks?) and been signed up for days. But in my defense I got a new computer and have been preoccupied with transferring everything.
 

Paul Reed Smith's 3rd Annual Music School at Maryland Hall.

I wanted to sign up last year and had a conflict. I hope it is as good as it sounds.

"This Summer, Paul Reed Smith and Maryland Hall will present the “3rd Annual Paul Reed Smith Music School at Maryland Hall.” The school’s teachers are top professional musicians to include renowned guitar maker Paul Reed Smith, legendary drummer Dennis Chambers, world renowned guitarist John McLaughlin, celebrated saxophonist Bill Evans, acclaimed Celtic guitarist Tony McManus, YouTube guitar teaching experts Tim Pierce and Tyler Larson, and Session Directors Gary Grainger (groove & bass) and Greg Grainger (groove & drums), known worldwide as the “Grainger Brothers.” Included as well are some of Maryland’s best musicians, Michael Ault (guitar), Bryan Ewald (guitar), Benjie Porecki (keys), Mia Samone (vocals), and Bill Nelson (guitar). When faced with the challenge of continuing the successful summer Music School under COVID-19 restrictions in 2020, the entire teaching staff and Maryland Hall decided to make the school/summer camp accessible worldwide by offering a live virtual 4-day event. This year’s event will take place August 9-12, 2021. The school’s Masterclasses are open to musicians and enthusiasts of all ages around the world. Be ready for a fun, interactive experience of learning music with some of the world’s most gifted musicians, all from the comfort of your home. In addition, each day participants will be eligible to win one of four PRS guitars being given away during the event. As in years past, the school will make a donation to the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center."

[Ardour Open Source, Free (Almost) DAW]

If you have been learning guitar any length of time you have probably thought about recording yourself.  Or maybe you have recorded yourself.  Congrats!   And at some point you have heard the expression DAW, which stands for Digital Audio Workstation.  

And I put this is the Guitar Gear subforum.  Although it isn't gear, if one considers gear hardware, it is a tool and I thought the best fit here.

In terms of cost, DAW's run the extremes of free, as with Audacity and the topic of this post, Ardour, to the, what some might consider obscenely expensive, $3,000, Avid Pro Tools Ultimate.  Since cost is a consideration for most of us, especially if just dipping the digital toes in  the recording pool, I'm posting this information about Ardour.  If you are at the beginning stages of hooking up your interface and recording this software may be worth a look.  Perhaps future learners will find this.

Audacity has most likely been the free DAW choice of many recorders.  In May of this year Audacity was acquired by a company and shortly after the rumors began that Audacity was spyware and collecting private information.  I certainly don't know whether this is true.   Even if not true, Ardour seems an alternative worth considering on its own merits.

I say "its own merits".  Let's be very clear.  The presenter here goes into great length describing all the features of this software.  For most of it I have absolutely no clue what he is talking about.😉🙃  He is describing functions that I will never use.  And I have not installed this software, I have not run it and I am therefor not recommending it.   I use Reaper.

This is solely for you to consider.   And what about almost free?!?  Apparently there is a suggested $1 per month donation to support further development.

 

 

 

[Session 7 - Barre Chords on the 6th String]

19 hours ago, Randy Breeding said:

 I just cannot consistently get the barre chords to ring clearly. I’ve just been trying to get my index finger down let alone adding in the other fingers. I’ve been at it for 2-3 weeks... 

 

First off, do not throw the guitars in the lake!  If you have been at it 2-3 weeks you should not expect the barre chords to ring clearly yet.  And this frustration you are expressing is very common.  Just look back at some of the previous messages here.

You need to understand the physical difference with mastering barre chords.  With previous lessons, be it individual notes, open chords, or the strumming that will come next, it is mastering technique.  You can move the mastering speed to large extent by more practice.  With mastering barre chords you must develop finger muscle strength.  It just takes time and the exercises, lots of both.

In response to lots of similar, former posts like yours I went back and examined my practice log.  I spent over 9 months on combined sessions 7 and 8.  Don't worry!  I'm not suggesting you do the same.  With the clarity of hindsight I wish I had moved on.  I wish I had continued working barre chords for a (small) portion of each practice session but also moving on to strumming and working songs and whatever else was on the agenda.  

I suggest you do the same.  And I think Steve would approve this suggestion.

You have only been on session 7 a couple weeks.  Work it a couple or few more weeks.  The same for 8, barre chords on the 5th string.   Work it a month or so.  Then do as I wish I had.  Work barre chords each day, building up that finger muscle strength.  And soon they will ring out clearly.

You said the music is for you.  You can also do as TJ suggested, if your audience is ok with it!😉, play a "mini" version of the chord.  Lots of people, experience guitarists, play a 4 string version of the F barre chord.  Or play the open chord version.  If you're into blues, as I am, there are lots of 7 chords and most have open chord versions.  Instead of G7 5th fret barre chord play the open chord G7.  But most likely you'll be more satisfied mastering the barre chords.

But it's your music!!! 

good luck to you.  And keep us up to date on your progress.

[Dusty Hill bass player for ZZ Top Dies]

Definitely a loss for Blues and R&R. RIP Dusty.

For anyone that is any level of ZZ Top fan, Netflix has a documentary about them, ZZ Top: That Little Ol' Band From Texas.  An hour and a half well spent.

[American Masters Presents Buddy Guy]

This was just an exceptional show.  First, thanks to @DianeB for alerting us about it.  This was one of those that I will probably watch several more times.  If you are a fan of Buddy Guy do not miss the rebroadcast.  If you are a fan of the blues, do not miss the rebroadcast!  If you are a fan of guitar music, do not miss the rebroadcast.

Yes, it was a documentary about Buddy Guy.  But it was so much more.  Much time was spent about the British fascination with American Blues and then bringing it back to America.  Interviews with Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, John Mayer, and others.  A lot of history of Chicago blues and Muddy Waters and Howlin Wolf and Lightnin' Hopkins.  

There is just no way I can recommend this more highly.

It will broadcast again several times this week and next.  All these times are Central time on my local PBS station.  You may have to convert/search.

Thursday, July 29, 2 AM

Saturday, July 31, 2 AM

The following are on the #2 subchannel on my Over the Air (OTA) station.  So if you don't have an OTA antenna you may not be able to get it.  Your cable/satellite carrier probably doesn't provide this.

Sunday, August 8, 9 PM

Monday, August 9, 1 AM

Monday, August 9, 9 AM

[Practice Space - home recording. Need some help/ideas/advice]

@QuietlyBold Thanks for keeping us updated. Sounds like it's coming together.

[Modulation Pedals Explained - JHS Pedals]

@Oldjock Henk, do you really think this is a different path?  Whether your pedal is the little box on a board variety, or the digital variety, don't you think an explanation of "what a phaser is" is just as valuable?  Or what a tremolo is? 

I don't see this video as exclusively for board users. In fact, near the end of the  video Josh pulled out a couple different multi boards he recommends for people to try to sample different effects.  The point of this was to allow those new to the "Rabbit Hole" the ability to sample different effects and decide if that effects would work in that person's signal chain. 

And I know exactly what you mean about the expense of a pedal board.  I don't want to know what I have in amps and pedals.  Look at the amps in my sig.  Then I currently have 7 pedals on my board, plus the Ditto Looper (which I have yet to use) and I have 3 or 4 pedals not on the board.  It is silly.  Today I played through the board and the Quilter and my homemade cab.  Since we moved in our new house I haven't played through the Blues, Jr., or the POD.  For home use I don't know why I need anything other than the POD.  Other than messing with pedals is fun! 

Jeff McErlain just did a great video on this.  Jeff has a (a couple?) Marshall Stacks, a Two Rock amp a Vox and I don't know what else.  At home all he ever plays through is his digital modeller.  He says that he will continue to only use a tube amp on stage but I sense he is rethinking that.  Maybe I am reading something into it that isn't there.  A great video about exactly what you are talking about.

If you don't watch the entire video at least listen to his gorgeous soloing during the beginning.

 

 

[Modulation Pedals Explained - JHS Pedals]

Do you think you understand modulation pedals?  Or want to know more about them? Or starting out with pedals and don't understand the category, "modulation pedals".  

This video is for you. 

Actually, if you are early in L&MG and starting to think about pedals, and starting down that "rabbit hole" we call tone, there's nothing wrong with jumping ahead to session 15, "Electric Guitars - The Heart of Rock & Roll".  At least I don't think there is anything wrong with doing so.  In addition to the excellent lesson on power chords and everything else that makes R&R, Steve goes into a section he calls "Guitar Effects".  Here he discusses distortion, chorus, delay and reverb.  

Or, if you have started your pedal board, or are ready to, you need to study Steve's video on how to do just that, How to Build an Electric Guitar Pedalboard.   So much information for only $15.  

But now you want to know more about modulation?  As I said, this video is for you.  I don't think there is any more nebulous group of pedals than the modulation one.  We all know the chorus as a representative member of this group.  And it's one of the first pedals to go on most of our boards.  But what about tremolo, vibrato, rotary, phaser, flanger?  Josh Scott, of JHS Pedals, goes through all the different categories and types of modulation pedals.  And he does it in historical order, adding a little historical insight with each, making it even more interesting.

And he does it with his usual tongue-in-cheek humor.  If you are getting started on your (addictive?) journey on pedals and tone I'm confident this is going to add to your knowledge of modulation.

 

[​ 🎼🎶 ​​Summer Recording Challenge - Blues / Open Mic ​ 🎙️🎸 July - September 2021]

On 7/18/2021 at 10:11 AM, Wim VD1 said:

Rosedale Blues is a slow steady thumb blues in E from David Hamburger's Fingerstyle Blues Factory course on TrueFire.

Wim.

 

Wim, really nice recording.  I enjoyed it a lot.  David has some very good blues courses on TrueFire.  And I don't know if you are on his mail list or not.  If you are, you know his writing is right up there with his blues teaching, always fun and entertaining.

[Session 4 - Eight Notes]

1 hour ago, Marshall said:

 Question: Is it okay to continue the course with a electric guitar?

 

Of course!!!  Which type of guitar you use should be dictated purely by which you enjoy most.  Nothing else.  Some use an acoustic for the course; some an electric.  Some, like Doug ( @Eracer_Team-DougH) and myself, use both. 

[Practice Space - home recording. Need some help/ideas/advice]

I mentioned above we are moving and the new home has a music room/studio/man cave that is huge.  This is it!  This was shot before the move and I would be too embarrassed to show it to you now.  But it is mine!!!!   All mine!!!!! 😉🙃  It is a shambles with boxes everywhere.  But I hope that I can show you an organized practice room in the near future.

@DianeB is helping me with that by PM.   Thanks Diane!

Practice has been almost non-existent the last couple months.  But, hopefully, in the very near future I will have no excuse. 

And, I took a Zoom lesson with @Steve Krenz recently (before starting the move).  Predictably, it was hugely helpful and educational.  Of course it was! And I purchased 4 more lessons.

So with the great practice space and lessons with Steve I am going to have no excuse to not progress and finish up L&MG!!!!!  Finally.

[News from the 2021 Gathering]

On 7/13/2021 at 6:46 PM, Nancy Lawing said:

Thanks for posting, Diane, so I can enjoy it vicariously.  What a great opportunity for small group interaction!  And I heard that Cory Congilio, an instructor I adore on Udemy, will be there.  Stay in touch.  I'm there in spirit!

Yes! Diane, a lot of us are living vicariously through you.  Keep the news & updates coming please.

Is Corey there?  I recall Steve had him teach a blues session one of the early Guitar summer Gatherings.

[Practice Space - home recording. Need some help/ideas/advice]

@DianeB I'm sure that @QuietlyBold appreciates the pdf on setting up a home studio.  But so you know, I also appreciate it.  I haven't shared on here the fact that my wife and I are moving after 41 years in the same house.  We are "moving to town" as the expression goes (in the rural community).  I won't go in to the significance of the expression.  It means much more than just changing mailing address.

But because of the move, which occurred last Friday, I haven't been practicing and probably won't for another week or so. 

But............. the new house has a room that is huge and is going to be solely Ron's studio/music room/man cave!  so I am interested in any suggestions for making it an ideal practice space.

Thank you!

[Guitar Gathering 2021 List of Attendees]

You people make me very envious.  Have a wonderful time!

"Learn all you can!"