Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Blues had a baby, and they named it Rock and Roll—McKinley Morganfield (Muddy Waters)  Does The Blues have “the blues?” I have had several conversations recently about the relevancy of blues music today. Sometimes these statements and conversations surprise me–but they probably shouldn’t. Several once vibrant and thriving blues scenes are now remnants ofContinue reading “Why the Blues is STILL Important (maybe now more than ever)”

There is a language that is common in blues music—terms and concepts commonly understood by players as way of communicating and talking about the music. Some terms mentioned may vary slightly, and I will note that as I discuss specific things below. Knowing these things will help you go a long way as a playerContinue reading “The Language of the Blues: Terminology and other things all players need to know”

This is a question I’ve been pondering for a while. There are a number of well-known rock bands that dive into “Blues songs,” from Jackyl to Van Halen and even AC/DC. There are also many bands of different kinds who will toss out the occasional (or maybe frequent) “blues songs,”—often a straight 12 slow bluesContinue reading “Is There a Difference? Bands that play “Blues Songs” vs. Blues Bands”

As we officially get back into the blues world after primarily being a rock, funk and soul band (Go here for more information on our band Big Road), I’ve done a bit of reflecting on this art form, how it works, the community that surrounds and supports it and everything involved in playing this musicContinue reading “Learning to REALLY Play the Blues—Keys for finding your groove”

A friend alerted me to something on YouTube recently that has become a favorite of mine. This channel has also brought me back in touch with what could arguably be two of the greatest records in the history of rock. A tall order I know but bear with me.  The YouTube channel is Bobby WhitlockContinue reading “Great Records, Influences and Magical Moments in Music History”

I was listening to a great YouTube discussion between John Meyer and Paul Reed Smith. At one point during this very interesting and far-ranging discussion, John asked Paul, if he could go back in time and play through any rig, what would it be? (go to 20:00 for the question) Paul went with either HendrixContinue reading “Questions Most Musicians (especially guitarists) Ask”

I posed this question on our Facebook page recently and got some interesting answers, all of which we will address in future posts. Most of what people posted were, interestingly, what I would call “soft skills.” In other words, skills related to interaction and connections within the band context. I agree that collaborative skills, personalContinue reading “The #1 Thing Every Guitarist Needs to Know (if they want to play well with others in most band situations)”

I get this question all the time: How do I REALLY learn to play an instrument, learn how to play with others, learn to be in a band, etc.? There are SO many choices and options and nothing seems to help. It was a question I had at one time as well and I knowContinue reading “Learning the Music World: How to find your groove in a world with so many choices”