Monthly Archives: November 2011

Great gift ideas for musicians – when a Hello Kitty guitar strap isn’t perfect

Posted on November 30, 2011 by

If you can afford that vintage Fender, go for it. If your budget is smaller than the Trumps’ you might want to look at my ideas. I don’t have any sponsors so I get no cut from mentioning any of … Continue reading →

Posted in Playing the guitar | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Flying with instruments and mastering the fine art of Bambi eyes

Posted on November 23, 2011 by

You’re traveling to Grandma’s for the holidays and you’d like to play her that Hendrix solo you just learned. Do you slap your Strat into a gig bag and head to the airport? You might as well run over it … Continue reading →

Posted in Music business, Playing the guitar, Stories from the road | Tagged , , , , | 11 Comments

Ten great songs for beginning guitarists – from Cash to Green Day

Posted on November 16, 2011 by

 You’ve got that shiny new guitar, now what? Feel like you’ve got five thumbs? Don’t start with “Stairway to Heaven.” Begin with songs that won’t make you want to throw that Martin across the room. Here are the most popular … Continue reading →

Posted in Playing the guitar | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Ten steps to getting better press – a guide for musicians

Posted on November 9, 2011 by

I’ve toured for over 20 years plus I’m a music journalist so I’ve seen this from both sides. I’ve gotten press in Billboard and I’ve written for publications like SingOut! and Acoustic Guitar. Here are some tips to get your … Continue reading →

Posted in Music business | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

Winter care and feeding of your guitar or mandolin

Posted on November 2, 2011 by

In January a few years ago I had a gig in Fairbanks, Alaska. It was 30 below (F); I watched in horror as my host placed the case with my thousand dollar guitar inside into the back of her open … Continue reading →

Posted in Playing the guitar | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments