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

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

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,

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

To articulate a phrase or melody, in fact any musical idea, is to give it your own personal signature. From another perspective, it is imperative to copy the articulations used by a guitarist if you wish to accurately emulate their style.  For many beginners it is difficult to execute many different articulations, and the different variations from there. When a beginner starts to incorporate this into their playing, they begin to border on intermediate territory. After this,

Country music and pop might seem like strange bedfellows at first glance, one rooted in storytelling and twangy tradition, the other driven by hooks and glossy production. Yet, in the past few decades, country pop has emerged as a dominant force in the music industry, seamlessly blending the best of both worlds. From heartfelt lyrics to irresistible melodies, this genre has captivated global audiences and launched artists like Taylor Swift and Kacey Musgraves into superstardo

There’s something magical about Celtic music. Whether it’s the lilting strains of a fiddle, the haunting call of a tin whistle, or the rhythmic pulse of a bodhrán, this traditional music of Ireland and Scotland stirs the soul. It’s music that tells stories of love and loss, of joy and rebellion, of laughter and tears. But what exactly makes Celtic music so special, and why has it endured for centuries? Let’s explore the history, styles, and instruments that define this iconic

Blues is the foundation of so much modern music that it’s easy to take its influence for granted. From the twangy chords of country to the electrifying solos of rock, and even the soulful rhythms of pop, the unmistakable fingerprints of blues are everywhere. But where did this genre come from, and how did it end up transforming the global music scene? Let’s trace the history of blues and explore how it shaped the sounds we love today, with special attention to the guitar, the

Imagine lounging on a breezy Rio de Janeiro beach, the sun setting over the waves, and a soft guitar melody floating through the air. That, my friend, is the vibe of bossa nova —a Brazilian music style that’s smooth, sophisticated, and effortlessly cool. Whether you’ve heard “The Girl from Ipanema” at a café or caught its gentle rhythms in a movie, bossa nova has a way of making everything feel just a little more glamorous. But what exactly is bossa nova, and why has it captu

After many years of playing, even the most seasoned of professionals develop bad habits, or at least habits that are bad for other people. This could be based on technique, a different way of learning a song or anything in between. However, there are also many different things that you pick up along the way, either out of necessity or otherwise, that offer a substantial improvement in every day operations.  In this blog post, I will go over five things that no one tells you b

It is an unfortunate fact that if you own a guitar then, at some point, something will go wrong or at least require adjustment. This is...

In the age of a million different music streaming services, and algorithm-driven music suggestions, it is easy to discover new music....

When it comes to electric guitars, few names are as iconic as the Fender Stratocaster and Telecaster. These two models have shaped the...

There is a huge market for budget equipment, and I would not be surprised if a greater share of the market was appropriated to budget...

Feeling stuck in a guitar-playing rut? Maybe you’re tired of the same old chords, or you feel like your playing is missing a little...

At risk of explicitly stating the obvious, the answer to this question really depends on what music you are required to make, or if you...

There is a seemingly endless number of ‘standard’ shaped guitars, such as the Fender Stratocaster or a Gibson Les Paul – all of which are...

A few months ago, we were delighted to host the fingerstyle magician himself, Mr Hide Takemoto! A Kyoto native originally, Takemoto moved...