Musical Tips & Advice
Latest about Musical Tips & Advice

5 ways to improve your hybrid picking technique
By Simon Barnard published
Make like Brad Paisley, Danny Gatton, Brent Mason et al and combine pick n' fingers to play both bass and melody, skip strings effortlessly, and add a little country sizzle to your playing

5 ways to improve your acoustic guitar tone
By Guitarist editors published
When your unplugged tone is under the spotlight, there’s nowhere to hide – but there are ways to enhance your sound

Eric André’s advice for aspiring upright bass players: “Don’t play it. Run for the f**king hills”
By Matt Owen published
The comedian and Berklee-educated bassist issued a stark warning to those hoping to follow in his musical footsteps during an interview in which he also compared guitar players to gnats

5 ways to improve your sweep picking technique
By Simon Barnard published
Sweep picking is a technique that stumps many, infuriates others, but is unmatched for delivering fluid arpeggio runs. This lesson follows in the pick sweeps of Synyster Gates, Frank Gambale et al

How to tell if you’re a beginner, intermediate or advanced guitar player
By Justin Sandercoe published
How many of us know exactly where we're at with the instrument? Renowned six-string educator Justin Sandercoe explains all

5 ways to play a blues turnaround on guitar
By Jenna Scaramanga published
Give your solos a satisfying ending with these foolproof lead ideas

Exploring Brad Paisley’s awe-inspiring acoustic country playing
By Stuart Ryan published
Let's dive headlong into the acoustic style of a Nashville superstar who’s better known for ripping out scary electric licks. Spoilers: he's just as spectacular unplugged

What is economy picking and how can it benefit your guitar playing?
By Simon Barnard published
A more efficient way to pick, economy picking will make you a more fluid player, whether you’re playing jazz and fusion or shred à la Yngwie Malmsteen

Make your blues swing with this guide to Honky Tonk hero Billy Butler’s techniques
By John Wheatcroft published
A hero to the great Danny Gatton, Billy Butler was a trailblazing player, and this lesson into his jazzy blues style will underpin your technique and improvisational sensibility
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