Guitar Nine Columns

Back when I got my hands on my first multi-track recorder, I was fascinated with overdubbing, piling things on top of things, and recording anyone that came in my grip. I recorded hundreds of hours of stuff. Then I released the record `Flexible,` my first solo record.

Favored Nations is my new independent record company. It`s something I knew I was going to do. I knew I was destined to do a record company eventually. It`s a great concept and I found a great partner, Ray Sheer. We had similar concepts on how we would like to construct a label. I`ve been in the business for a long time, and I understand the infrastructure of how a label works and how they promote and market. So we put together this concept, sort of a musicians label.

You know, the early rock bands that I was into, like Deep Purple and Queen were very guitar oriented bands. I just wanted to start playing, so I got a guitar one year for Christmas. I had no interest in the guitar on Christmas day, I played more with the box. It grew on me and I got real serious after a couple of years.

I believe that back in the 80`s it was a very novel thing to be an instrumental rock guitarist. I mean we`ve had rock instrumental songs since rock began, but the technical advances made by many of us were very charming and, for a while, in vogue. These are the very same qualities that almost killed the genre.

Millennial, Shred Metal Instrumentals

Instrumental Guitarist Seeks Record Deal

Guitar, Rap & Techno Blend

Unusual Acoustic/Electric Guitar Duo

Instrumental CD Featuring Ultra Tasty Solos

Music industry guru Christopher Knab is back to help you professionally develop your music for the marketplace.

Understand how your body functions when you`re playing guitar, and you can get out more of your practice routines.

Will Landrum is back with an exercise will single handedly improve multiple areas of your playing and thinking.

Check out this excerpt from Niccolo Paganini`s "24 Caprices" for your introduction into the neo-classical style.

Rut busting tips from the guitarist behind the amazing "First Light".

I find it hard to believe that some people have trouble getting press. It`s not really that difficult to do. I think the hardest part is letting go of the fear of a bad review. I`ve spoken to colleagues who don`t send their CD out because they`re afraid it`ll get trashed. Yeah, it might. But you have to take that chance.

Well, there really isn`t that big a demand for that kind of music that I write and play over the radio. So what I`ve been able to do by doing my own records and doing my own website is basically ignore the record company thing where the whole machinery has to be in place for airplay, promotions and tours. Now I can make the music I want to make, and so far so good.

Rhythmically Intense Jazz Fusion

Instrumental Acoustic Music Coveys Soaring Freedom

Original Jazz CD Emphasizes Songs

Fingerstylist Blends Jazz, Folk and New Age Influences

Modern Guitar Flavors Jungle Rhythms

Italian Shred "Extravaganza"

Music industry guru Christopher Knab is back with dozens of thought-provoking and essential questions you need to consider before taking the plunge.

Good advice for building smooth speed from the guitarist behind the amazing "First Light".

Haven`t you always wanted to play what you hear in your head? Be sure to check out super-picker Shane Theriot`s exercise.

Will Landrum is back with a cool right-hand tapping riff, culled from his self-titled CD.

There`s more to the simple plectrum than meets the ear.

How to get that twangin` country crosspicked sound, when the pressure is on.

Blues Rock Band Poised To Explode

Fifteen Years Of Progressive Rock Fusion

Guitar-Based Improvisational Pieces Kick-Off Trilogy

High Energy, Blues/Rock Guitar

Music Creating An Uplifting Ambience

Meaningful Progressive Rock

New Progressive Band Forges Original Sound

Finnish Shredder Pours Out Emotion

Veteran Guitarist Goes Instrumental

Broadening His Horizons With Solo Release

Aggressive, Unorthodox Fingerstyle Wins Fans

Polish Shredder Continues Development

Pointing Toward The Future Of Modern Music

Trio Releases Instrumental Rock Demo