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The SILENT Guitar Speaks
My first experience with a Yamaha SILENT Guitar was back in 2012 while filming a new guitar instructional course for the online video company Truefire. We wanted to capture the sound of a...
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Layering Guitar with Studio Response Technology
There is nothing quite like walking into a well appointed state-of-the-art recording studio. Living and working in Nashville for 17 years gave me the opportunity to witness some of the world’s finest...
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Crafting Your Signature Guitar Sound
Musicians are often gifted with additional creative talents such as fine art painting, photography and/or graphic design. We can use these skills to produce our own gig posters and to build websites...
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The Art of Looping
If you’ve been following my postings here on the Yamaha blog, you may have gathered by now that art and artistry are an integral part of who I am, what my music is about, and how I live my life. Color...
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Utilizing Modeling Technology
Keyboard samples and drum machines have been used to emulate real instruments in popular music for decades now. In the guitar world, the current trend is to “model” key components in the effects/amp...
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The Principles of Musical Architecture
When I write songs, produce an artist or mix a project, I think in terms of architecture: musical architecture. I try to build a strong foundation on which to add multiple layers, weaving...
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Breathing Between the Notes
I’m often asked by my fellow guitar players what kind of music I listen to when I’m relaxing at home. Honestly, I mostly like to just listen to the peace and quiet around me. I spend most of my working...
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Playing with Intention
I love the excitement, optimism and hope that comes with the start of a brand new year. Resolutions are shared, goals are set and plans are made to fulfill lifelong dreams. The word “resolute” means...
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Brand Evolution
Each and every one of us is born with a unique DNA strand and genetic code of characteristic qualities. We inherit personality traits and physical features from our parents. Our interactions with...
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Resonant Frequencies, Part 1
The human body, as well as the hard and soft objects around us, water, air and gas, are all vibrating at specific resonant frequencies. Testing shows that the human body resonates between 5 and 10 Hz....
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Resonant Frequencies, Part 2
In Part 1 of this two-part series, we talked about resonant frequencies as they relate to the human body, to “good vibes” (and bad), to colors, and to music in general. In this installment, we’ll talk...
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Ambient Inspiration
In my last two postings I talked about the fact that literally everything on this planet has a resonant frequency — a vibrational pitch that our senses can sometimes detect, and sometimes not. We can...
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Major Scale Modes, Part 1: Ionian Mode
The major scale is one of the most commonly used scales in western music. Famous composers have used this scale for centuries to write incredible masterpieces, including Mozart’s Piano Sonata No.16 in...
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Major Scale Modes, Part 2: Dorian Mode
In Part 1 of this two-part article, we discussed the major scale and the process of harmonization, focusing on Ionian mode, with definitions of each of those terms. This month, we’ll examine Dorian...
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The Importance of Aesthetics
In 1985, I graduated from the Hastings College of Arts and Technology in my native England, with an Advanced Craft diploma in Decorative Painting. I used my extensive training to great effect while...
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Going Solo
When I moved to Hawaii four years ago, I formed a band and began gigging at various resort venues on the islands. At the same time, I was also regularly performing as a solo artist, singing and playing...
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Dialing In Your Live Sound
An evening walk is a great way for me to unwind from the day, stretch my body and enjoy the scent of the local Hawaiian flora as the sun sets across the ocean. But I also use this time to clear my mind...
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The Song Remembers When
I was born in 1966, the same year that “Eleanor Rigby” and the album Revolver went to Number 1 for The Beatles. I grew up listening to (arguably) some of the best music and songwriting we will ever...
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The Power Of Five
As an online guitar instructor and Yamaha guitar clinician, I like to share ideas and concepts with students that they can apply quickly to their own playing, with a minimum of technical effort. I...
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Hitting the Sweet Notes
I often represent Yamaha Guitars at the NAMM show — something I love doing. Preparation for events like this starts weeks in advance. It involves prerecording tracks, rehearsing solos, selecting songs...
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