It is all well and good having a nice selection of pedals, sometimes people put weeks of research, testing and decision making into choosing the right product for them. Then it goes right next to the equally as special pedal and then it all gets powered by something from the Stone Age. Often the one part of a rig that lets a guitar player down is the power supply, and they are not all made equally. In this blog post, I will discuss the pros and cons of different power supplie

Funk music is all about groove, rhythm, and style. Whether you’re laying down tight, percussive rhythms or throwing in some tasty licks, your guitar needs to match your vibe. The Fender Stratocaster, with its bright tone and versatile design, is one of the best tools for the job. But to truly unleash its funky potential, you’ll want to fine-tune your setup. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to set up your Strat for funk playing. From hardware t

If you have read any of my gear related blog posts in the past, you would have undoubtedly come across my advice where I explain the approach I recommend you take when buying new gear. This includes figuring out what you need, what gear you use, factoring in budget and various other points of interest. In this blog post, I want to walk you through my own personal journey that happened very recently – buying a new delay pedal. Read on to learn when I decided I wanted a new del

Music is more than sound; it’s a pulse, a rhythm, and a vibe that brings people together. Few genres embody this better than funk, soul, R&B, and their related styles. These groovy genres have roots that run deep in African American musical traditions, evolving over decades and branching into countless substyles that inspire artists and audiences alike. Let’s take a journey through the rich history, defining characteristics, and notable artists of these enduring genres and th

Rock music is more than just a genre, it’s a cultural movement that has evolved over decades, branching into countless subgenres that reflect its dynamism and diversity. From the early days of Rock ‘n’ Roll to the experimental worlds of post-rock and shoegaze, rock’s evolution mirrors cultural, technological, and musical shifts. In this article, we’ll dive into the history, defining characteristics, and notable bands of rock’s foundational and alternative subgenres, concludin

Drive pedals are one of those strange things that guitar players love, despite the fact that most of them are derived from a select few circuits. Some people buy specific models because their favourite player uses them, and manufacturers like to over complicate things by having a million different drive sounds in one.  Josh Scott of JHS Pedals proved that you can make something cheap like the Digitech Bad Monkey sound almost indistinguishable from an original Klon Centaur, so

Neo-soul is more than just a genre—it’s a vibe that bridges the timelessness of classic soul with the innovation of modern music. Emerging in the 1990s, neo-soul blends the best elements of soul, R&B, jazz, funk, and hip-hop, creating a sound that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Known for its authenticity, emotive lyrics, and organic instrumentation, neo-soul has captured the hearts of music lovers seeking depth and groove in equal measure. This article explores neo-soul’s de

Rock ballads have a way of hitting you right in the feels. Whether it’s the soaring vocals, heartfelt lyrics, or unforgettable guitar parts, these songs linger in your mind and often become a soundtrack to life’s big moments. For beginner guitarists, rock ballads are not only inspiring but also a fantastic way to build skills. They typically feature simple chord progressions, making them accessible while still feeling rewarding to play. Rock ballads hold a special place in th

All too easily the word ‘legend’ is passed around, in all walks of life but especially in regards to music. However, on December 3 rd  2025, certified music industry legend Steve Cropper sadly passed away at the age of 84. Please see below for the interview our leader Michael Kaplan did with Steve back in 2017 (the picture above is from that same day). He was a true gentleman too! Steve Cropper Interview Career Highlights I suggest watching the interview above, and checking o

I find that sometimes the most impressive players are not necessarily the flashiest, the fastest or write the heaviest riffs. As I get older and mature as a musician, I constantly find that I am enamoured with those players that just sit in the pocket as tight as possible, become one with the rhythm section and remove the work ‘shred’ from their dictionary. As you can see by the title of this blog post, today I want to talk about some great funky players, those that have a st

Tuning your guitar for the first time can feel intimidating, especially if you’re worried about breaking a string or don’t know where to start. Don’t worry! With a little guidance, you’ll have your guitar sounding great in no time. This guide will walk you through the entire process step-by-step, using clear explanations for every detail. By the end, you’ll be ready to strum confidently. Step 1: Gather Your Tools Before you begin, you’ll need a guitar tuner. There are several

Have you ever imagined what our life would be like if you were a noble adventurer, fighting dragons and ancient beasts in mystical realms in forgotten times? Well, some people have anyway. One small problem with this is that it is not really possible given that dragons and other assorted beats are rather hard to obtain. The closest we can get is to immerse ourselves in the world of power metal, where the themes often revolve around fantasy and, in many cases, the whole band i

One thing that surprises me all the time with rock guitar players is how many random bits of riffs they know. In fact, I would hazard a guess that the average player would only be able to get through the whole song that those riffs come from 1 in 10 times. This is where rock guitar players differ from a jazz guitarist, because the latter tend to memorize changes and melodies much more frequently.  Some players, like Paul Gilbert, are a veritable encyclopedia of guitar riffs,

Picture this: you’re sitting at a piano, staring at a sea of black and white keys. It looks like the designer accidentally spilled a chessboard on it. But fear not, brave beginner! Today, we’re diving into the fascinating (and surprisingly simple) world of sharps (#) and flats (♭). By the end of this article, you’ll not only understand what these mysterious symbols mean but also learn how they connect to the white and black keys on a piano. Step One: Meet the “Natural” Notes

Learning guitar can feel like climbing a mountain when you’re just starting. But here’s a secret weapon for every aspiring rockstar:...

Mastering challenging musical passages is a common hurdle for musicians, but with the right approach, even the most intricate pieces can become second nature. Precision practice is a structured and intentional method designed to help musicians break down difficulties and progress with confidence. By incorporating deliberate practice, slow play, mental visualization, and tools like a metronome, you can refine your technique and turn struggles into strengths. This guide outline

Contrary to popular belief, guitarists are not perfect. As much of a shock as that may be, you may find yourself doing any number of these things and inadvertently annoying those that you work with. No musician of any discipline is entirely innocent here, so feel free to populate your own list of annoying things that saxophonists do if you like! Let us break down a few things that I am definitely guilty of, and how I have personally tried to overcome those issues.  Caring Too

For semi-professional musicians, building a successful career often relies as much on who you know as what you play. While talent and dedication are essential, networking is the key to discovering opportunities, from landing gigs to collaborating with other artists and gaining industry visibility. Strategic networking in local and online communities can help you grow your influence and unlock new pathways in your musical journey. Here’s how to cultivate meaningful connections

Christmas music has a unique way of bringing people together, filling homes with warmth, joy, and nostalgia. Among the countless carols that grace the holiday season, “Jingle Bells” and “Deck the Halls” stand out as enduring favorites. Their lively melodies and festive charm have delighted generations, and now, you can bring them to life with your guitar. Whether you’re playing for family, friends, or simply for yourself, these free Christmas guitar arrangements are sure to a

You may have come across the idea of travel guitars before, but that is not what we are discussing in today’s blog post. Most travel guitars are a gimmick, and have issues with performance like tuning and ease of adjustment. Some even fold in half so they fit in a backpack, though the good ones from Ciari guitars, as demonstrated by guitar legend Steve Stevens, are notoriously expensive. You get what you pay for, I guess! You may be thinking that all electric guitars are basi