Guitar Nine Columns: Guest Columnists

Hit the 'EASY' button - ear training ideas for the rest of us.

What we are being told by traditional music theory, is a load of crap.

A basic skill you need to have - here's how to get it.

If you're going to record with your band, or play live, then it's nothing short of vital.

Learning a tune by heart - where to begin and how to make it sound natural.

Stuck inside? Take advantage of the time and challenge yourself to get to the next level.

The more you get to know chords the better time you will having using them.

Control your dynamics by controlling the force of your picking.

You'll sound “outside” once you have mastered the “inside sound”.

When used correctly, guide tones outline the flavor of the chords you’re improvising over.

Creative ways to move around the fretboard at a blazing fast speed.

Creating unlimited licks using the pentatonic scale.

The pentatonic scale contains 5 notes; the melodic combinations you have to work with are endless.

Creativity takes practice, just like anything else.

Learn the essence of blues, in the key of G.

It’s really not about how fast technically advanced it is, but rather how it is phrased.

This scale is most common in jazz, but can be applied to any style of music.

Let's explode this myth.

Let's get those creative wheels turning, shall we?

Mavers-Chance catches up with Andy James at Tech Fest.

Taking the diminished scale and incorporating it with a basic blues scale box.

Answering yes to this question may be a little deceiving.

Koto on guitar - let's get exotic, shall we?

More about the chords, triads, and arpeggios that are built from the major scale.

Some rare studio gems which can be found for under $500.

Is any time a good time to learn?

Even more ideas to spice up your arpeggio sequences by altering the order of the notes.

Let's see what we can do to overcome our hand's size.

Songwriting can’t be taught… can it?

If you know scales and chords, then you are ready to start learning music theory.

How ear training helps you develop skills that are at the core of your musicianship.

Time to build technique and spice up your arpeggio sequences by altering the order of the notes.

Is it possible to get by as a musician without learning to read music?

Think outside the box when it feels like you've already played everything of which you feel capable.

A collection of quotations to inspire and motivate.

This article is a great place to start if you are ready to learn music theory in a more useful and effective way.

Gaining knowledge of all the chords, triads, and arpeggios that are built from the major scale.

Did you know? Professional guitarists may spend at least 30% of their time refining this skill.

Now, Mike mixes up the rhythms when practicing scales to make things that much more interesting.

A list of six refreshing ways you can take care of yourself and get back to writing.

Showing the benefits of music education, and how it positively impacts the lives of students.

Remember: your unique intuition is the most important asset you possess.