How sweet it is

Plus, Randall Smith leaving Mesa/Boogie

If you’re wondering why you’re getting this week’s issue a little later in the day than usual, it’s because I’ve just returned from a much needed vacation to the land of chocolate - Hershey, PA. While I’m still detoxing from way too much candy, I wanted to share a couple of links that I’ve been checking out this week. While I’m not doing commentary on every single link this week, I did want to talk about the first two.

Let’s start off with the Rick Beato video “I Only Have Myself to Blame”. If you’re looking to get out of a rut, and if you’ve ever thought “it’s too late for me”, this is one of the most inspiring videos I’ve seen in a long, long time. Beato talks about two principles he’s lived his life by, and how he turned out being wrong on one of them. It’s a short video, and I recommend anyone who needs a dose of positivity in their life watch it.

The second thing I was compelled to comment on, was that Randall Smith is leaving his partnership with Gibson. Ever since starting guitar over 25 years ago, I always coveted a Mesa/Boogie amp. I had used a Boogie combo for years, with a super heavy EV speaker in it, and then eventually when I was doing my first national tour, I was able to pick up a Mesa Mark series head, that I still own to this day.

I’ve always adored the sound of a Mesa/Boogie, and they’ll forever be a big part of why I love playing guitar. I hope Randall finishing up his Mark VII amp was his graceful bow out, and that he gets to retire knowing he went out on top. I also hope that Gibson continues putting out these amps and that they don’t tarnish such a fantastic legacy. It seems that Randall has taught a number of people on the team his methods and ideas, and that we could see more amps from Mesa or Gibson in the future. I’ll be sure to keep an eye on it. What’s your take on this story?

With all of that being said, let’s get into this week’s links.

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This week’s guitar links!

• “Randy leaves us in good stead to carry on his legacy and tradition of excellence; he has left an indelible mark on the sound of electric guitar and bass over the last 55 years”: MESA/Boogie founder Randall Smith and Gibson part ways

• I Only Have Myself To Blame

• Why Your Guitar Solos Don't Sound Like the Pros....(and what you SHOULD practice)

• Your Favorite Guitar Players Favorite Guitar Player - Steve Morse

• 3 Levels to Mixing Major & Minor Pentatonic Scales

• Pinkie Power: Long-Form Arpeggio Workout

• Foo Fighters' Chris Shiflett Rig Rundown Guitar Gear Tour 2024

• “It’s more important than ever that the music-making community has access to affordable musical instruments”: Fender has launched its first-ever Certified Pre-Owned program on Reverb – and it will sell pro-inspected, Fender-backed used gear at a discount

• “One of the first 500 Jackson guitars ever made, it helped shape the sound of metal and shred”: Marty Friedman’s Rust In Peace-era Jackson Kelly has been listed on Reverb

• Once You KNOW This TRICK...Hendrix Is EASY

• Use Triads For Rhythm Guitar!

• Slide Guitar 101 Standard Tuning

• 50 Tips to Help You Play Guitar (50k Subscribers Celebration Stream)

• My New Guitar is STUNNING (and I’m gonna GIVEAWAY one to you)