Guitar Nine Columns: Inspiration and Motivation

Over the past 50 years, one of the hardest working guitarists in the world.

One of the very first shred guitar heroes promoted by the Shrapnel Label in the 1980s.

Vai's whammy antics, speed and 'detuned' playing is highly unusual and original.

Since "Not Of The Earth" and "Surfing With The Alien" in the '80s, there's been a lot of Joe S. playing in our studio.

Who could predict in 1980 that Def Leppard would have a 40+ year career, and that the addition of Collen would make such an impact?

"Eruption", "Atomic Punk" and a fiery cover of "You Really Got Me" blew us away in 1978.

How old is too old? The answer may surprise you.

Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page inspired a generation of guitarists.

Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour's unique sound.

Studio wizard Tom Scholz literally altered the trajectory of my life.

The perils of an out-of-balance guitar practice.

A collection of quotations to inspire and motivate.

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.

Anyone (including yourself) can learn to develop creativity by using the proven methods and strategies for reaching this goal.

Not quite ready to release that record yet? You may be underestimating yourself.

An article designed to help you on the road to achieving your dream of completing your first CD release.

Did you ever wonder where confidence comes from? How is it possible to have confidence at times, and suddenly lose confidence at critical moments?

Are you a half-finisher? Always eighty percent complete? How you can finish what ya started.

Don't fall into the same old trap of convincing yourself that now is not the time.

How to trigger inspiration by understanding what causes it, and more importantly, what causes it for you.

Sometimes it seems every guitar riff and chord progression has been done to death. How you can avoid the tendency to copy.

British guitarist David Knopfler has a few words to say about the separate lead guitarist vs. rhythm guitarist identities.

British guitarist David Knopfler recalls the days when the Stratocaster was held in esteem as the instrument of choice--if you could afford one, that is. A tale of how dreams can come true, and how old feelings never quite die.

How to keep from destroying your confidence by setting realistic expectations for your recording projects.

No man is an island. No indie label is an island either. The importance of cooperation.

The odds of doing anything significant in the music business are long from the start, but artists who can't think beyond the short term have it thousands of times harder.

McAvinchey signs off on the popular series; what will the future bring.

Do you wonder if you could ever be as good as your favorite guitar player? Will Landrum is back with good news.

Acoustic, electric, if it`s got six, Steve Booke plays `em. He`s here to reveal the essence of recording legacy.

Ready to experience horrific encounters with pop culture? Take a ride with Joboj.

Playing guitar in a purple haze, with no concept of the real world? Curtis relates his own take on musical devotion.

Virtuoso classical guitarist and instructor Jamie Andreas discusses a controversial topic, is talent born, or made? You decide.

Neo-classical guitarist Tom Hess will break you of your tendency to quit.

Hard questions to ask yourself before your next recording session begins.

Stop pulling out your hair, read the latest gem from Mr. Hess.

Tom Hess takes an original approach to the subject of originality in music.

Virtuoso classical guitarist and instructor Jamie Andreas on how to make progress, real progress, in your abilities.

Tom Hess is back with the twenty concepts you need... and the five things to forget.

Neo-classical guitarist Tom Hess discusses the motivations of a true artist.

Drew Vics paraphrases the famous Nike slogan and applies it to the six string.

You`ve had it, you know you have.