Edward “Eddie” Van Halen is undoubtedly one of the top influential guitarists in rock history. Eddie and his brother Alex originally formed the band “Mammoth”. With the addition of bassist Michael Anthony and singer David Lee Roth, the group then became “Van Halen”. Their 1978 self-titled debut was the lunching pad for them to become one of the most popular and influential rock bands to date. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, the band has sold over 80 million albums in … [Read more...]
Joe Satriani: Made of Tears
October 3, 2009 by Leave a Comment
Joe Satriani is one of the most influential contemporary rock guitarists. In his career he has defined Instrumental Rock as a genre through his virtuosity and compositional skills. Touring consistently throughout his career, Joe has also been featured as lead guitarist with Deep Purple and The Rolling Stones. Over the decades Joe has inspired countless guitarists. As a result he has sold millions of albums and been nominated for 15 Grammy awards. In 1987 his album “Surfing with the Alien” … [Read more...]
Inspiration Through Traveling
September 26, 2009 by 1 Comment
In my experience as a guitarist, the spark of inspiration to play can come in many different forms. The inspirational factors behind consistent practice and creation can be quite personal, while also connected to the common root of a desire to improve. Think of inspiration as a spark that can ignite your motivational flame. Once lit, the energy from this flame will propel your desire into actions. But as we all know, while a flame can burn bright and strong, it can also flicker and even go … [Read more...]
Al Di Meola: Passion, Grace, and Fire
September 26, 2009 by Leave a Comment
Al Di Meola is a Jazz Fusion guitarist well known for his advanced technical approach and Latin style. He attended Boston’s Berklee College of Music in 1971 before joining the jazz fusion group Return to Forever with Chick Corea. Extreme dedication to precise picking technique, rhythm, and melody, are key elements to Al’s musicianship. The stylistic and emotional influence of the Mediterranean is the foundation of Al Di Meola’s approach. The successes of his early solo albums, such as … [Read more...]
David Gilmour: Comfortably Numb
September 16, 2009 by 2 Comments
David Gilmour is widely known as the lead guitarist and singer of the rock band Pink Floyd. His song writing and guitar playing contributions were a key element in their success. To this day “Dark Side of the Moon” remains one of the top selling albums ever. His Grammy awarded group was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996. Aside from Pink Floyd he has a successful solo career. David’s philanthropic commitments have also been a focus in his life. David is excellent at … [Read more...]
Robben Ford: Burnable
September 13, 2009 by 5 Comments
Robben Ford is without a doubt one the most tasteful fusion guitarists. One of Robben’s strongest abilities is to creatively blend his blues foundation with jazz influence in a modern context. He has worked with a diverse range of major artists such as Joni Mitchell, George Harrison, and Miles Davis. Beginning at a young age Robben had a keen interest in both blues and jazz. He began as a blues player and through the 1970’s he started a jazz fusion band called the Yellowjackets. He has also … [Read more...]
Mark Knopfler: Brothers in Arms
September 6, 2009 by 3 Comments
British guitarist Mark Knopfler is best known for his work with the rock band Dire Straits. Also a vocalist, songwriter, film scorer, and producer, Mark has sustained career longevity through his work in many aspects of the music industry. Between Dire Straits and his solo career he has been behind the sale of over 120 million albums. Formed in London in 1977, Dire Straits went on to have huge international success. Their album “Brothers in Arms” was one of the largest selling albums of the … [Read more...]
Committed to Success
September 2, 2009 by Leave a Comment
When approaching a music project, no matter whether it’s a rehearsal, a recording or a performance, an important fundamental aspect to success is commitment. Being truly committed to a project means setting a goal and following through with attaining it. Commitment lies deeper than musical skill, gratification, and ego. It’s about showing up prepared and ready to do the work using whatever means are at ones disposal. Creating a focus that is clearly defined in everyone’s mind will allow for … [Read more...]
Billy Gibbons: La Grange
August 30, 2009 by 1 Comment
Billy Gibbons is best known as the lead guitar player and vocalist in the Texas based blues-rock band ZZ Top. Formed in 1967 the band has played together for 40 years while still maintaining the original lineup. Known for their long beards and southern style, the band is heavily steeped in the blues and rock and roll. ZZ Top was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on March 15th 2004. Billy is an extremely tasteful guitar player and is known as a blues-rock guitar great. His … [Read more...]
Michael Hedges: Aerial Boundaries
August 23, 2009 by 2 Comments
Michael Hedges was a truly gifted acoustic guitar player and composer. His technically demanding approach contained elements of advanced finger-style and two-handed tapping techniques. The combination of his elaborate compositions and technique would produce the sound of several guitars playing together. While Michael had a love of rock and pop styles he earned a classical degree in composition at Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore. Often associated with the New Age genre, he transformed … [Read more...]
