Jimi’s Rhythm Magic
Plus, a ton of great lessons on focused practice
We’re right in the middle of the holidays, and one of the only things that’s kept me even keeled during these times, is playing guitar. Not only does just playing guitar help me out, but also learning new ideas on the instrument - which is probably why my “digital shelf” is filled with so many guitar education materials.
As a musician, what are you looking forward to getting as a present? A new pedal, some new strings…maybe even a new guitar if you’re really lucky? I have a lot of great links in this week’s issue - a ton of ideas on practicing smarter, some talk about new gear, and a lot more. Let’s get right into this week’s issue!
This week’s guitar links!
Improve Faster by Doing Nothing: The Science of Smart Practice - Having a limited amount of time, I'm all about getting the most from my practice sessions. I liked this video from Jon Bjork where he talks about how to improve retention by taking short breaks in between exercises. I've found this works when I'm working on a really tough lick or riff. Forcing myself to try and play something I'm not ready for yet always has diminishing returns if I just keep hammering away at it. That being said, if I take a break and come back to the idea, I'll notice I've made progress. Give yourself a break, and see if it improves your guitar playing!
Why Discipline Is THE Key To Your Success... - This video ties nicely in to the one above, because it focuses on discipline, and how you can progress your playing. Ben Eunson hits us with 4 ideas on how to be more intentional with learning guitar. It all starts with getting rid of distractions, and making a routine for yourself. Check out the video for some great tips.
The secret to Practice MAXXING - What about one more when it comes to practicing really well? Nashville's Justin Ostrander has a simple idea this week - take some awesome backing tracks, and always play with musicians who are better than yourself. This will inherently make you a better player, because you'll be forced to play over new progressions. Justin also had one of his friends who's a drummer what his practice schedule looks like, how to get gigs and more. * Note this looks like this video could've used a bit more editing, but the information is good either way!
5 Insider Secrets from One of the World’s Best Guitarists, Brent Mason - Speaking of guys from Nashville, Brian Wampler sits down with the legendary Brent Mason. Brent talks about what he looks for when picking up a new guitar, how to develop your ear, what type of touch works best on guitar and much more. It was also fun to see Wampler with Mason's signature guitar, and then Mason playing his own sig. and how worn in it was. Google says Brent has played on over 1,000 sessions - pretty wild!
Slide Secrets with Yannie Reynecke | PRS Guitars - One more Nashville based vid - PRS artist Yannie Reynecke put out a helpful video about slide techniques - focusing on fretting behind the slide, how to sound like a pedal steel player, and more. If you dig this stuff, what slide guitarists are you currently listening to? I can't get enough of players like Derek Trucks, Warren Haynes and Ariel Posen.
Open Up The Fretboard With "The 2 2 1 Rule" - Might be the first time I'm linking to Andrew Clarke's channel, but I had to include this helpful video for new guitarists. Want to map out the fretboard, and you're just getting going on guitar? This 2-2-1 rule helps with mapping the major scale all over the fretboard. If you've been playing for a while, you can also use WWHWWWH. What kind of tricks do you use to see the fretboard more clearly? Later in the week, Chris Sherland came out with a helpful scale drill that uses the major scale also. You can check that video out here.
My Top 3 Hendrix Rhythm HACKS (anyone can play these...) - Hendrix is without a doubt one of the most influential guitarists of all time (there’s no debate about that, right?) Ross Campbell is always coming out with great guitar lessons, and his latest is all about 3 “hacks” to play rhythm guitar like Jimi. Not only that, but he has a course out on Hendrix’s rhythm too - might add that to my practice sessions soon!
UPGRADE YOUR EXPRESSIVE PLAYING WITH THESE TWO UNUSUAL VIBRATO TECHNIQUES | Tom Quayle Lesson - Happy to see a new Tom Quayle lesson this week. He’s focusing on two interesting vibrato techniques that you can start adding in to your playing. Vibrato is one of those things that truly separates a good player from a great player. This video will help you with violin style vibrato and somewhat of a trill style vibrato. The coolest thing about both, is that they’re horizontal rather than vertical. Lots of fun to work on.
All the Guitar Hacks - There are some great tips in Samurai Gutiarist's latest video, but one I want to spotlight is playing with a lighter touch. This has taken me so long to learn, but after fretting hand injuries, and watching guys like Jack Ruch, I've made it a point to be way more dynamic with my playing, and go easier on my hands.
Julian Lage - "Northern Shuffle" (Live in London) - I've been trying to watch every performance of this song all over YouTube. It's one of my favorite tracks from Julian's ‘Speak to Me' album. The way he weaves in and out of ideas, and always gets back to the original rhythm is super fun to watch. Can't say enough good things about his playing.
You've NEVER Seen A Guitar Pedal Do This - Had to include this in this week's issue - what do you think about Michael Palmisano's new pedal, the Teleport? It seems to be a interesting concept, where you can trade ideas without having to be in the same room. It happens all between the pedal and your phone, and plays out of your amp. Nothing beats playing in a room with other people, but this might be good for situations where you can't.
Freak Guitar Camp 2025 - I've been watching the follow up videos from Mattias Eklundh's Freak Guitar Camp for years now. At some point I have to get out there and join this crazy crew of musicians. Mattias always has great guests, and the students always look like they're having a blast and learning a ton. Registration for 2025's event begins in February!
Fretboard Knowledge - Horizontal and Vertical Arpeggios - So happy to see Rick Graham uploading more videos lately! This one is all about a dominant 7th arpeggio, and how to play it both horizontally and vertically up the fretboard.
Guitar Techniques - All of the good magazines are shutting down! Luckily it seems like David Brewster has a large library of back issues. In this video, he's celebrating with some killer licks that came out of Guitar Techniques.