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Arpeggio Patterns and Fretboard Diagrams for Guitar

In Arpeggios, Guitar Blog, Practice and Technique by Craig Smith

Table of Contents Introduction Often when I improvise using arpeggios on guitar, I like to add more scale tones to the typical triads or CAGED shape arpeggios in any given key. There a few reasons why you might want to add some extra notes to your arpeggios on the guitar: What is An Arpeggio? If you need a refresher lesson, I did one a while back on standard diatonic arpeggios for guitar you can check …

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How To Choose Your First Guitar

In Guitar Blog, Interviews and Insights, Music, Reviews and Gear by Craig Smith

In 2024, the guitar is the most popular instrument in the world. Regardless of your age, if you’re looking to learn to play the guitar, you should take the time to choose the right first guitar. Choosing a guitar however, can sometimes be confusing and overwhelming for any new guitarist. There are countless styles available for both electric and acoustic guitars. When you walk into a musical instrument store, you can easily get lost in …

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The 5 Best Guitar Books For Practicing Musicians

In Guitar Blog, Interviews and Insights, Music, Reviews and Gear by Craig SmithLeave a Comment

Updated: The 5 BEST Guitar Books for 2024! I’ve updated one of my most popular articles on best guitar books to include some new info. These include some new changes for the best guitar books for past years and 2024.  Despite trends, for many guitarists, books are still the best way to learn the instrument. In the age of Youtube videos and guitar learning apps, the online community has created an overload of information. Consequently, …

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Tips For Becoming a Successful Music Photographer

In Interviews and Insights, Music by Joe Weintraub

Playing in a band isn’t the only way to make money if you’re passionate about music. There are all sorts of things you can do in and around the industry. Consequently, you’re still surrounded by music all of the time, even if you don’t play.  Being a music photographer is a great option if you are interested in photography. You get to go to tons of amazing gigs for free is a perk. As a …

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Line 6 HX Stomp Review – Great Guitar Gear Gifts

In Guitar Blog, Interviews and Insights, Music, Reviews and Gear by Craig Smith

As the 2024 Holidays approach, I’ve decided to update my Line 6 HX Stomp Review and accompanying Holiday Guitar Gift Guide. Guitarists and guitar students always ask me what pedals, amps, cables, picks, and stings I’m using. As the Helix Line 6 stuff is still so hot, I’ve also updated my initial review. In This Article: Is the Line 6 HX Stomp still viable in 2024 and beyond? We think so. As Thanksgiving and Black …

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4 Tips for Expanding Your Musical Taste

In Interviews and Insights by Craig Smith

Having the ability to deeply enjoy music is a gift that not everyone possesses. If you’re one of the lucky ones, it’s in your interest to nurture that gift by listening to as great a variety of music as possible. It’s nice to enjoy our old favorites, sure, but there’s magic in pushing ourselves to try new sounds. It’s part of your musical evolution — in any case, you won’t lose the ability to listen …

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3 Essential Concepts To Kick Up Your Guitar Skills

In Guitar Blog, Music by Craig Smith

As guitarists, we are notorious for learning just enough to get by and calling it a day. We’re typically trusting that only a few chords or scales will be enough to get by. Learning guitar music theory methodically can be difficult. The way the guitar fretboard is laid out is unintuitive when compared to the piano or other instruments. This makes working through guitar lessons tedious for many players who early on just want to …

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How To Get Your Kids Enthusiastic About Learning The Guitar

In Guitar Blog, Interviews and Insights by Craig Smith

Getting your little one to appreciate guitar playing means getting them to appreciate good music. Learning the guitar, just like any other musical instrument, holds so many health benefits. It helps boost confidence, enhances your creativity, and gives you a different avenue to express your emotions, among other numerous benefits. Learning to play the guitar can be a great and fun experience for your kids. It gives them something they can hold on to even …

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Music, Its Good For You!

In Interviews and Insights, Music by Craig Smith

The power of music is, quite frankly, mind-blowing. It is amazing how we can play a song, and within 30 seconds, our mood can change. Whether it is a slow love song or an upbeat summer jam, it can transport us to a different place entirely, completely impacting our emotions. This is something that you can use to your advantage, giving you the all-important pick-me-up whenever you need it. Music can lift your spirits when …