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

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,

Guitarists are known for their passion, creativity, and unending enthusiasm for gear and techniques. But where there’s passion, there’s debate, and some topics among guitarists seem destined to spark arguments forever. From the tonal qualities of wood to the order of pedals on a board, these discussions are as varied as the instrument itself. Let’s take a closer look at the ten most enduring points of contention in the guitar community, each steeped in its own rich history an

The amplifier is the guitarist’s voice, transforming vibrations into music that fills venues, studios, or your bedroom. Choosing the right amplifier can shape your tone and elevate your playing. From the vintage warmth of tube amps to the convenience of modern modeling software, each type of guitar amp has unique characteristics and use cases. Let’s explore the history, technology, and popular examples of four main categories: tube amps, solid-state amps, modeling amps, and p

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

When learning guitar, understanding the basic building blocks of harmony and chord shapes is essential. Power chords, octaves, and octave...

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

Palm muting is a fundamental technique in rock guitar, adding depth, rhythm, and power to your playing. Whether you’re looking to play...

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