A Tom Bukovac Rhythm Masterclass
Plus, what was your favorite guitar link of 2023?
Even with 2023 winding down, this issue is still packed with some amazing videos. Two I have to highlight are the rhythm masterclass from Tom Bukovac, and Tim Lerch sitting down with Five Watt World to talk about the most influential jazz players who use a Telecaster. Both were super enjoyable to watch.
But that’s not all - we also have Joe Bonamassa getting interviewed by Rick Beato, Al Joseph showing us how to not get hurt while playing guitar, some awesome major scale shred licks from Cameron Cooper, and a bunch more.
With this newsletter going out each Sunday, I have to imagine just this year alone I’ve shared over 500 links - and that’s a low estimate! I’d love to hear what one or two of your favorite links were this year? Let me know by replying to this email, or leaving a comment if you’re reading this on Substack. Alright, let’s get into this week’s links!
- Jared James Nichols - three things that help improve your solos - Jared James Nichols is one of the most electrifying blues rock guitarists out there. He recently sat down with Guitarist to talk about 3 ways to make your solos better. In addition to the more technical tip of linking your pentatonic boxes, the other two ideas fall more in the storytelling category of advice.
- Play by ear without effort - I've been enjoying all the new music coming out from Rotem Sivan. Go check out his album 'Far From Shore’ on your favorite streaming service of choice. Sivan recently put out a video that's a bit heady - he talks about playing by ear, with the idea that you attach certain feelings or concepts to how chords or lead lines might sound. Check out the video, and let me know what you think.
- Joe Bonamassa: His Influences, Technique, and Soloing Style - Rick Beato had the always fun, Joe Bonamassa on his show this week. They touch on gear a bit here and there, but the bulk of this interview focuses on Joe's amazing improvisational style. Beato also asks him about these misconceptions of where Joe came from, and if everything was handed to him. Joe said, “The narrative is I grew up in a rich family – wrong. The narrative is it was handed to me – wrong. It’s sweat equity over 35 years, and I make no apologies for it. All I do is collect guitars and things that I’m into, because that's what my heroes played.”
- Hands Cramping While Playing Guitar? Try This! - Every guitar player should watch this video with Al Joseph, who's playing a beautiful Kiesel. Al talks about how you can avoid injuries as a guitarist, how to warm up, and even how to come back from an injury. I've dealt with some hand issues over the years, and it's really devastating not to be able to play the instrument you love. Take care of yourself!
- Nashville Session Guitarist Tom Bukovac Teaches One Of The Best Rhythm Guitar Lessons I've Ever Seen - Tom Bukovac's guitar playing is on another level. Whether you're listening to Plexi Soul, or his collab with Dean DeLeo, or even a random video on his YouTube channel, his playing always will turn your ear. His sense of melody is otherworldly, and his tone usually is incredible as well. Bukovac sat down to do a mini masterclass on rhythm. Everyone can benefit from watching this one.
- Top Jazzers on a Telecaster and the Blues: w Tim Lerch - Tim Lerch is another guy who's playing and teaching is incredible. I'm still making my way through his two books with GuitarVivo. Here he sits down with Five Watt World to talk the best jazz players who used a Telecaster. Aside from a few technical hiccups, this was a great video.
- This Lick Will Make Your Stepdad RESPECT You - Half of the reason I'm linking to this Ben Eller video is because of Ben's skill at making YouTube video titles. The other half is because it's a sick hybrid picked E minor pentatonic shred lick that has you working on multiple ideas at a time.
- STEAL THESE LICKS... Major Scale Licks EASY - HARD - WEIRD - Once you've warmed up your hands and got a handle on that Ben Eller lick, check out this video from Cameron Cooper. He just put up a great video with some awesome major scale licks. The licks are in the style of guys like Vai, Nuno, Dweezil and more.
- Wolfgang Van Halen on using Eddie’s Frankenstein and Marshall rig - We can't talk about shred without talking about Van Halen. I loved hearing Wolfgang Van Halen talk about using his dad's Frankenstein on one of the solos off his new album. Mammoth WVH has put out two great records so far, and they did a great job opening up for Metallica this year. If you want to hear the Frankenstein appearance, check out Mammoth's song “Take A Bow".
- Sophie Lloyd says self-doubt led her to “almost quit guitar completely” - Whether it's on her YouTube channel, on her solo album, or playing with MGK, Sophie Lloyd has been everywhere lately. Even though she has some of the highest profile gigs, there was a time where she “almost quit guitar completely”. Guitar.com talked to Lloyd about how she rediscovered her love for guitar when she got back to playing music she enjoyed, rather than practicing scales for hours on end.
- One TS lover’s day-off. - Had to include this one at the end here. 🙂
