Synaptic Studios — Chris Finch

John McLaughlin: Remember Shakti – Giriras Sudha

October 23, 2010 By Chris Finch 1 Comment

Regarded as one the worlds finest jazz fusion guitarists, John McLaughlin’s extraordinary guitar playing has inspired professional and aspiring guitarists for decades. His musical and spiritual path has led him to play in a depth of styles ranging from Jazz Fusion to Classical and Indian Music. Some of his early session playing can be heard on Miles Davis’ In a Silent Way and Bitches Brew. In his dynamic career John has also collaborated with a staggering range of brilliant musicians, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Essential Listening Tagged With: classical, fusion, jazz, melodic, solo, technique

Freddie King: Ain’t Nobody’s Business

October 19, 2010 By Chris Finch 1 Comment

Known as one of the “Three Kings of Blues Guitar”, along with BB King and Albert King, Freddie emerged from Texas as one of the most influential and powerful blues guitarists. A dynamic stage performer, Freddie had a command on both vocals and guitar. A move to Chicago in 1950 allowed him to see blues legends such as Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf. These electric players would prove to be very inspirational to Freddie, who grew up listening to country blues players: such as Lightnin’ … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Essential Listening Tagged With: blues, major, rock

Peter Gabriel’s Secret World

March 5, 2010 By Chris Finch Leave a Comment

“Sometimes, when you look around, everything seems still and calm on the surface. And then you detect a little disturbance and you know for sure that underneath the surface lies some other secret world.” — Peter Gabriel Peter Gabriel is an extremely passionate musician and songwriter who has earned international acclaim, not only for his music but also for his human rights work and his promotion of world music. Born on February 13, 1950, Gabriel grew up on a farm in Woking, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Essential Listening

Derek Trucks: Desdemona

February 2, 2010 By Chris Finch 1 Comment

Few guitarists have achieved the level of notoriety that Derek Trucks has at such an early stage in their career. Born in 1979, the Grammy nominated guitarist began playing at age 9 and by age 11 was performing gigs. It was at this time where he was invited to sit in with The Allman Brothers Band, in which his uncle Butch Trucks was a founding member. Derek received a genuine music education through touring and sitting in as a special guest with the band. Throughout his teens Derek was … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Essential Listening Tagged With: rock

Lenny Breau: You Needed Me

December 20, 2009 By Chris Finch Leave a Comment

Born in Auburn, Maine to a musical family, Lenny Breau began playing the guitar at age 8. His parents were both professional musicians who played together in their touring country band, "Lone Pine and Betty Cody". By age 14 he was the lead guitarist in their band where he first performed and recorded professionally. The family eventually moved to Winnipeg when Lenny was 16, where he branched out on his own and developed a keen interest in Jazz music. Throughout his career, Lenny worked in … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Essential Listening Tagged With: Chords, jazz, technique

Sonny Landreth: Next to Kindred Spirit

November 14, 2009 By Chris Finch 4 Comments

Born in Mississippi and raised in Louisiana, Sonny Landreth is revered among guitarists as a true original. The influence of the south is reflected is his guitar playing, singing, and compositions, through growing up with Blues, Zydeco, and Rock music. Through being immersed in various styles Sonny became a sought after session guitarist and has recorded with artists such as Junior Wells, Bonnie Raitt, Jimmy Buffett, John Hiatt, and Mark Knopfler. In Sonny’s latest release From the Reach, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Essential Listening Tagged With: melodic, rock, solo

Steve Morse: Deep Purple

November 1, 2009 By Chris Finch Leave a Comment

Steve Morse is potentially one of the most diverse and virtuosic guitarists alive today. A true master of the guitar, Steve is an extremely versatile guitarist. His style and compositional skills draw from classical, jazz, country, blues, folk, and rock. As a founder of the fusion band Dixie Dregs, Steve has been playing and touring since the 1970’s. He has also released over ten albums between his solo efforts and The Steve Morse Band. In 1992 he replaced the legendary guitarist Richie … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Essential Listening Tagged With: fusion, rock, solo, technique

Duane Allman: Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’

November 1, 2009 By Chris Finch Leave a Comment

For passionate guitarists, developing their sound and technique is an experimental quest that lasts a lifetime. Some search and develop their sound for years, and others are never truly satisfied. There are also a select few who possess their musical voice early on. This can be said about Duane Allman. One of a small group of guitarists in rock history, Duane left a major impact over the span of only a few years. Known as a powerful slide guitarist and improviser, Duane also co-founded … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Essential Listening Tagged With: major, rock, technique

Finger Picking Pattern 2: Landslide by Fleetwood Mac

October 21, 2009 By Chris Finch 5 Comments

Our second finger picking lesson is another example of pattern picking. “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac uses a similar picking pattern to “Dust in the Wind”. However, the chord changes here require more movement. For your convenience, the chord shapes and fingerings are as follows: Click here if you’re not sure how to read the chord blocks. For the picking pattern, you will use your … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Finger Picking, Lessons Tagged With: Chords, finger picking, major, minor

Les Paul: How High the Moon

October 18, 2009 By Chris Finch 1 Comment

Les Paul June 9, 1915 - August 12, 2009 Les Paul was one of the most significant musical inventors and innovators of our time. Born in Waukesha, Wisconsin in 1915, Les began playing harmonica at the age of 8. His lifelong music career began soon thereafter. By age 13, Les was performing as a country western singer. A move to Chicago at age 19 sparked his interest in jazz. Soon after, Les formed the Les Paul Trio. By 1939 the group left for New York where Les began experimenting and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Essential Listening Tagged With: jazz, major, rock, technique