Warning: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is deprecated, use preg_replace_callback instead in ..../includes/class_bbcode_alt.php on line 1270

Warning: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is deprecated, use preg_replace_callback instead in ..../includes/class_bbcode_alt.php on line 1270

Warning: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is deprecated, use preg_replace_callback instead in ..../includes/class_bbcode_alt.php on line 1270

Warning: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is deprecated, use preg_replace_callback instead in ..../includes/class_bbcode_alt.php on line 1270

Warning: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is deprecated, use preg_replace_callback instead in ..../includes/class_bbcode_alt.php on line 1270

Warning: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is deprecated, use preg_replace_callback instead in ..../includes/class_bbcode_alt.php on line 1270

Warning: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is deprecated, use preg_replace_callback instead in ..../includes/class_bbcode_alt.php on line 1270

Warning: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is deprecated, use preg_replace_callback instead in ..../includes/class_bbcode_alt.php on line 1270

Warning: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is deprecated, use preg_replace_callback instead in ..../includes/class_bbcode_alt.php on line 1270

Warning: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is deprecated, use preg_replace_callback instead in ..../includes/class_bbcode_alt.php on line 1270

Warning: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is deprecated, use preg_replace_callback instead in ..../includes/class_bbcode_alt.php on line 1270

Warning: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is deprecated, use preg_replace_callback instead in ..../includes/class_bbcode_alt.php on line 1270

Warning: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is deprecated, use preg_replace_callback instead in ..../includes/class_bbcode_alt.php on line 1586

Warning: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is deprecated, use preg_replace_callback instead in ..../includes/class_bbcode_alt.php on line 1270

Warning: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is deprecated, use preg_replace_callback instead in ..../includes/class_bbcode.php on line 2958

Warning: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is deprecated, use preg_replace_callback instead in ..../includes/class_bbcode_alt.php on line 1586

Warning: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is deprecated, use preg_replace_callback instead in ..../includes/class_bbcode_alt.php on line 1270

Warning: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is deprecated, use preg_replace_callback instead in ..../includes/class_bbcode.php on line 2958

Warning: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is deprecated, use preg_replace_callback instead in ..../includes/class_bbcode_alt.php on line 1586

Warning: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is deprecated, use preg_replace_callback instead in ..../includes/class_bbcode_alt.php on line 1270

Warning: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is deprecated, use preg_replace_callback instead in ..../includes/class_bbcode.php on line 2958
Guitar Discussion Forum - The Fret - Blogs http://www.thefret.net/blog.php This is a friendly discussion forum for guitar players and bass players of all ages and abilities. en Tue, 19 Mar 2024 02:28:29 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.thefret.net/images/misc/rss.jpg Guitar Discussion Forum - The Fret - Blogs http://www.thefret.net/blog.php <![CDATA[Day 145: "Picking" up where I left off...]]> http://www.thefret.net/entry.php/41-Day-145-quot-Picking-quot-up-where-I-left-off Fri, 09 Nov 2012 07:38:46 GMT One of my biggest obstacles over the past 20 years has been guitar picks!

Picks felt foreign and unwieldy right from the get-go. I didn't feel as connected to the instrument and it was easier to lose track of my strings. So rather than work hard, develop skill and master the pick, I became steadfastly opposed to their existence. I would lobby about the unnecessariness of picks to anyone who would listen. In hindsight, this was an obvious self-defence mechanism. I was only fooling myself.

Let's pause here and agree on 3 things:
  1. picks are not essential to playing a guitar well
  2. picks do offer specific tonal options that can't be ignored
  3. mastering picks and fingerstyle is the best scenario for a student

"So, Dave, what does this mean for an aspiring 'guitar chef' like yourself"

When I resumed my guided self-instruction last month, I swallowed my pride and embraced the pick whole-heartedly. Picks are optional but this is an exercise in maximizing my guitar options. A pick may never feel as comfortable as my raw fingertips, but it's a weapon I want in my arsenal and I'm finally willing to work for it.

"So, Dave, how is it going?"

Better than expected. I purchased a "sampler pack" off eBay and play-tested dozens of different picks, weights, materials, etc. I quickly settled on one that feels comfortable and offers me the control I need at this point in my development. Also, as my skills improve, I still have this sampler pack to gauge my evolving pick preferences over time.

Suffice to say, it's all good and there's still room to grow.

"So, Dave, which pick are you using?"

For the past month, I've been exclusively picking with a Wedgie Delrin EX 0.60mm (orange). I prefer the EX line because it isn't dimpled or studded for grip. I didn't think I'd like a smooth-surfaced pick, but then again this journey is about debunking myths, preconceived notions and expanding my guitar consciousness... so I'm not totally surprised by where I've ended up.

In a nutshell, I've stopped being close-minded and unnecessarily picky!

<ba-da-bump!>

Anyways, enough chit chat--my lesson plan awaits. G'nite! ]]>
davewrites http://www.thefret.net/entry.php/41-Day-145-quot-Picking-quot-up-where-I-left-off
wiring advice needed http://www.thefret.net/entry.php/40-wiring-advice-needed Tue, 23 Oct 2012 07:24:40 GMT So, i want to get a Fernandes sustainer, but i still want to use my neck and bridge pickups. I was wondering if there was a way can wire the sustainer to the toggle switch so it will activate regardless of pickup position. Any help would be greatly appriciated^^ So, i want to get a Fernandes sustainer, but i still want to use my neck and bridge pickups.

I was wondering if there was a way can wire the sustainer to the toggle switch so it will activate regardless of pickup position.

Any help would be greatly appriciated^^ ]]>
A.Santana94 http://www.thefret.net/entry.php/40-wiring-advice-needed
<![CDATA[Day 121b: <Tangent> Top 10 guitar terms that sound filthy to the uninitiated...]]> http://www.thefret.net/entry.php/39-Day-121b-lt-Tangent-gt-Top-10-guitar-terms-that-sound-filthy-to-the-uninitiated Tue, 16 Oct 2012 05:59:27 GMT #10... hammer-ons & pull-offs

#9... bending above the nut

#8... headstock

#7... bolt-on

#6... buckle rash

#5... hot pickups

#4... bone nut

#3... single coil

#2... brown sound

#1... humbucker!



Honourable mentions: G-string, F-hole and speed knobs.

Feel free to add more in the comments section.

:spank ]]>
davewrites http://www.thefret.net/entry.php/39-Day-121b-lt-Tangent-gt-Top-10-guitar-terms-that-sound-filthy-to-the-uninitiated
Day 121: Life gets in the way sometimes... http://www.thefret.net/entry.php/38-Day-121-Life-gets-in-the-way-sometimes Tue, 16 Oct 2012 05:30:16 GMT My hiatus is officially over and it's time for an update.

Since my last post I:
  1. moved my family out of one house and into another,
  2. had a serious bout of bronchitis and pneumonia,
  3. was promoted at work,
  4. turned 40,
  5. lost over 25 pounds (including 1.5" from my neck, 2" from my chest and 4" off my waist),
  6. and suffered a ligament injury to the thumb on my fret hand, which still hasn't fully healed.

Even if I had the time or inclination to play guitar, I'm not sure I could have. It's been over three months and I've made ZERO progress toward becoming a Guitar Chef. As you know, ZERO progress over an extended period of time is ultimately a set back. So I will restart my lesson plan from scratch.

<insert long sigh to signal self pity>

Anyways, the hiatus is over because I've finally decided it's over. I can't just want this to happen. I have to will it to happen.

Here we go (again)! ]]>
davewrites http://www.thefret.net/entry.php/38-Day-121-Life-gets-in-the-way-sometimes
Day 27: Reflections on a clean axe... http://www.thefret.net/entry.php/37-Day-27-Reflections-on-a-clean-axe Sat, 14 Jul 2012 04:39:18 GMT One of the easiest and most expensive ways to motivate yourself and practice more is (you guessed it!) buy a new guitar.

Justifications for the investment:
  • you can't wait to pick it up and hold it
  • you want to play it non-stop
  • it's more comfortable/easier to play than your current guitar
  • it provides a better tonal range for expressing yourself musically
  • you haven't purchased a new guitar in almost 5 years
  • this is the Summer you turn 40
  • you recently received a promotion at work
  • a guitar for life costs less than what your wife spends on her hair in 6 months
  • it totally matches your Couch guitar strap
  • the Sun came up this morning

So now I'm the proud owner of a black No. 2 from Hell Guitars. It's been 2 weeks and all the above bullet points still apply. It's an odd honeymoon phase as I'm experiencing a blend of procrastination and dedication. This feels like a selfish, spontaneous decision that's paying short- and long-term dividends in my quest to achieve Guitar Chef status.

The Germans probably have a word for this ironic sensation, like verschtüpenlützeffekt. ]]>
davewrites http://www.thefret.net/entry.php/37-Day-27-Reflections-on-a-clean-axe
<![CDATA[Day 16: Just in case you're wondering...]]> http://www.thefret.net/entry.php/36-Day-16-Just-in-case-you-re-wondering Tue, 03 Jul 2012 06:51:19 GMT I am reading Gary Marcus' Guitar Zero. In fact, I finished it tonight.

It's an excellent read for a middle-aged analyst and guitar enthusiast like myself. The book offers enormous insight into how we learn, how our brains re-wire themselves, how music affects us, music history, theories, studies, observations, anecdotes, opinions...

I read a digital copy on my iPhone. This was also a new experience for me and, surprisingly, not unpleasant. I was a hardcover guy, now I'm sold on iBooks. I don't have to worry about clutter or waste and I can maintain an entire library on my phone—astonishing schtuff technology is.

Anyways, I recommend the book to any adult struggling to take their guitar game to the next level. Why? It provided this 40-year-old Music Virgin with a tremendous amount of hope. I'm inspired to work hard, if not harder, on my lesson plan.

:lecture[spoiler alert]

To sum up Gary Marcus' thesis: learning an instrument at a young age does offer tremendous advantages, but they're mostly due to a child's lifestyle (e.g., ample free time, pre-existing academic focus, comfort level with repetition). There is no proof that, as an adult, I'm handicapped... unless I don't have the time to commit, the will to push myself and the focus to stay on course.

It's time to prove Gary right. It's time to kick some axe! ]]>
davewrites http://www.thefret.net/entry.php/36-Day-16-Just-in-case-you-re-wondering
<![CDATA[Day 13: My first "real" challenge...]]> http://www.thefret.net/entry.php/35-Day-13-My-first-quot-real-quot-challenge Sat, 30 Jun 2012 05:50:23 GMT Ties and dots.

Ugh.

Ties and dots.

I get it. They're simple concepts, but this is the first music notation that made me roll my eyes and want to go to bed early.

I've had minimal difficulty with whole, half, quarter and eighth notes writhing up, down and across the staff. It's cool. It's an alphabet. There's a natural flow and familiarity. These are notes/letters forming riff/words... but now I have to deal with these accents--these ties and dots modifying my precious letters.

I may start tapping my foot.

Ugh.

And, yes, I'm fully aware that this isn't the most difficult leg of my journey. I assume this is the first breaking point for students and it must be hell for players with arrhythmia.

Well, it's time to prove I'm the wheat worth saving and not the chaff.

Bring• It^ On•



P.S. I'm also fully aware that, in six months' time, I will re-read this post and laugh my effin' @$$ off. ]]>
davewrites http://www.thefret.net/entry.php/35-Day-13-My-first-quot-real-quot-challenge
Day 10: Joy! (An Ode to...) http://www.thefret.net/entry.php/34-Day-10-Joy!-(An-Ode-to-) Wed, 27 Jun 2012 06:49:45 GMT I've definitely played more difficult songs than "Ode to Joy." I can't recall playing an entire song on just 2 strings. I can't recall playing an entire song with only 5 recycled, natural notes.

So why am I grinning from ear to ear? Because I can read EEFGGFEDCCDEEDD | EEFGGFEDCCDEDCC | DDECDFECDFEDCFG | EEFGGFEDCCDEDCC across a treble staff as fast as you can read it here.

Sure, it's just "Ode to Joy." But playing it from sheet music at a decent tempo without error is something I couldn't do last week. I've developed skill. I've made progress. In fact, I refuse to memorize this song. I don't have to. I'll just open my songbook and play it again tomorrow.

Of course, if my wife or any co-workers ask me for a progress report, I'll probably say: "It's going great. I can read sheet music well enough to play Beethoven now."

Bonus revelations:
  • Despite sounding like a complete dork, it helps to read the notes aloud as you play.
  • Being a decent typist sure helps with fretting.
  • When you're relaxed, the notes come easier and cleaner.
  • My DVD guitar course has a free iPhone app with a metronome.
  • You don't need a pinky finger to play "Ode to Joy" 10 times in a row. (Heck, you don't need dignity either!)
  • I'm ready to make "Jingle Bells" my b!tch.
]]>
davewrites http://www.thefret.net/entry.php/34-Day-10-Joy!-(An-Ode-to-)
Day 6: Insidious rationalization... http://www.thefret.net/entry.php/33-Day-6-Insidious-rationalization Sat, 23 Jun 2012 05:35:32 GMT I wanted to play the guitar tonight. So I did, but I didn't.

I wanted to play the guitar tonight, but I didn't want to practice fretboard fundamentals or learn foundational music theory. I told myself to play the guitar because practice is just practice and it's not really playing. I convinced myself to play/not play.

This is perhaps the most insidious trap in adult learning: rationalizing procrastination. In effect, I played myself.

All I've ever wanted to do is play the guitar. This whole thing is about playing the guitar. It's a long journey with tremendous payoffs, but it's also tempting to take shortcuts.

Tonight I opted for instant gratification. Instead of sticking to the program, I strummed a handful of songs I already know for 20 minutes. I didn't learn anything new or grow as a musician. I didn't even play the songs well... which is a good thing because I didn't get the gratification I was expecting. My shortcut lead me nowhere.

I didn't learn a music lesson tonight, but I did reinforce an ongoing life lesson: do your work.

I know what I need to do. I signed up for this willingly. Now I must do the work.

If there's no marked improvement, I've just spent the time and my time is too precious these days. I can't spend or waste time. I have to invest it. I will only get better if I challenge myself. I must work on what I can't do until I'm able to do it well. I also have to remind myself that the work itself can be as satisfying as ducking it.

<sigh> If only my goal was to become better at procrastination. </sigh>

Now, if you will excuse me, I'm logging out to resume an unfinished guitar lesson. My delinquent pinky isn't going to straighten itself out. ]]>
davewrites http://www.thefret.net/entry.php/33-Day-6-Insidious-rationalization
Day 4: Thumbs up for thumbs down... http://www.thefret.net/entry.php/32-Day-4-Thumbs-up-for-thumbs-down Thu, 21 Jun 2012 06:41:16 GMT Previously, I expressed concern over the inconsistency of thumb placement by my fret hand. Eerily, my pre-recorded guitar teacher addressed the issue tonight.

What's scarier is his advice made instant sense and had an immediate impact (paraphrasing): don't worry about your thumb, worry about your wrist--keep your wrist down and your thumb will fall into place.

The prescribed wrist-down technique has also improved my fingertip angles. As well, it helps keep my fret hand open and more relaxed, which reduces tension and strain.

I've had three flesh-and-blood guitar teachers as an adult student. None of them offered this advice. Two of them had me obsess about my thumb while the third had deplorable technique I could not replicate. (Hint: I called the 3rd dude "The Choker.")

To be clear, I'm not saying this wrist-down technique is a unique revelation or that it will work wonders for everyone. And I'm not disrespecting one-on-one instruction. Live or pre-recorded, what matters most is connecting with your instructor.

Bonus revelations:
  1. Dammit, I should buy a metronome.
  2. Dammit, I should change my strings.
  3. Dammit, if the fate of the world hinges on consistent fretting by my left pinky... we're screwed.
]]>
davewrites http://www.thefret.net/entry.php/32-Day-4-Thumbs-up-for-thumbs-down
Day 1 - Lesson 1... http://www.thefret.net/entry.php/31-Day-1-Lesson-1 Mon, 18 Jun 2012 03:35:41 GMT Noble me, I literally started from scratch. I did not fast forward through the pre-lessons like "the parts of the guitar" or "the names of the strings." In recognition of this miracle, I may change my handle to Saint David.

Early comments about Gibson's Learn & Master Guitar program:
  • Outstanding production value
  • Nice balance between high-level concepts and low-level details
  • Steve Krenz is a genuinely nice guy and his voice is well suited for instruction
  • Appreciate the tips or things to master before moving to the next lesson

Early observations about me:
  • This process will test my patience more than any innate musical talent I may have
  • I prefer naming strings by number and not by letter (e.g., calling it the 1st string instead of the E string), which may help alternate tunings
  • I'm really inconsistent with the thumb on my fret hand
  • I hold a pick properly but it still feels unnatural
  • I already have calluses and hand fatigue is not a problem
]]>
davewrites http://www.thefret.net/entry.php/31-Day-1-Lesson-1
Day 1 - Taking inventory... http://www.thefret.net/entry.php/30-Day-1-Taking-inventory Sun, 17 Jun 2012 19:28:49 GMT Acoustic guitar? Check!
Chromatic tuner? Check!
Picks of various shapes and sizes? Check!
DVD-based guitar learning program? Check!

Some backstory: last year I received Gibson's Learn & Master Guitar as a gift. It's a high-end product in this saturated market and emphasizes music theory as much as technique. Plus, L&MG was already an established thing before Gibson funded some reshoots and attached their brand to it. Vote of confidence, right?

Anyways, good enough. Let's go! Let's see what it can do for me.

Other notes and excuses:
  • I would prefer one-on-one lessons, but they are cost prohibitive at this stage of my life.
  • I have a 14-month-old son, which impacts my guitar time, volume, budget and storage (i.e., no stands, guitars stay in their cases).
  • I actually began this DVD program last year, graduated to Disc 3 and then broke the ring finger on my fret hand. This is the re-start. Back to Disc 1, Lesson 1.
  • My finger has taken 18 months to heal. I couldn't make a fist for more than a year. Hopefully, there isn't permanent damage that could impair my musical development.
  • My natural inclination is fingerstyle picking. I dislike picks, but for the sake of learning and developing into a Guitar Chef, I will embrace all traditional tools... including the dreaded plectrum.

Okay, let's get down to music! ]]>
davewrites http://www.thefret.net/entry.php/30-Day-1-Taking-inventory
Yamaha shredder to hardtail dee-construction http://www.thefret.net/entry.php/29-Yamaha-shredder-to-hardtail-dee-construction Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:18:15 GMT I got bored with the Floyd on my Yamaha...and the guitar needs a complete work-over anyway...so I ordered a Gibson-style wraparound-bridge and I'll do the Davette thing on the axe...rip out the Floyd, carve a large opening in its place and glue in a big block of new wood...plane it nice and install a fixed bridge. Sand down and slightly V-shapify the neck, re-shape the headstock, sand and re-finish the entire body. Actually cover the front entirely with aluminum.

Heres' what happens:

Here's some progress info:



Got everything taken apart, drew outlines to the aluminum sheet & got the router sorted...so all that remains now is to start working! I'll first have to route the cavity for the wood block (in the picture; I'll make it smaller first tho) and then glue it in and await a day or two...then saw and shape the aluminum & glue that on and again wait a few days...and meanwhile need to go over the neck. Already gave it a slight fret job and cleansed and oiled the fretboard nice. Next ripping off the lacquer and reshaping it gently. ]]>
deeaa http://www.thefret.net/entry.php/29-Yamaha-shredder-to-hardtail-dee-construction
Jig Saw Circel Jig http://www.thefret.net/entry.php/28-Jig-Saw-Circel-Jig Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:04:20 GMT I bought my bar jig at the Home Despot for jig saws. The mechanism for attaching the bar to the saw is really lousy, the vibrations from the saw and cutting would cause it to move. Really useless. So I drilled a hole in the bar and used the plastic handle as a stop for the saw. I put the step drill... I bought my bar jig at the Home Despot for jig saws. The mechanism for attaching the bar to the saw is really lousy, the vibrations from the saw and cutting would cause it to move. Really useless. So I drilled a hole in the bar and used the plastic handle as a stop for the saw. I put the step drill in the stop bar where I drilled the pivot hole to highlight the hole and to illustrate how the jig works.

]]>
Commodore 64 http://www.thefret.net/entry.php/28-Jig-Saw-Circel-Jig
AX84 Cab and Tweed 5E3 Build http://www.thefret.net/entry.php/27-AX84-Cab-and-Tweed-5E3-Build Thu, 19 Jan 2012 01:13:35 GMT Around Christmas, 2011 I decided that I wanted to build an amp. Originally I planned to heavily mod a Valve Jr that I traded a couple of pedals for...After doing a lot of reading, I decided to go with a PCB from ppwatt.com. I'll build a head, and I need a speaker cabinet too. So I ordered up a Jensen Jet Falcon, 12-inch and a bunch of T-Nuts (part# S-HTN1032) from Antique Electric Supply (AES).


I decided to use the cabinet plans from http://www.ax84.com/corecabinets.html Got some cabinet grade birch 3/4-inch plywood. Couldn't find any Baltic Birch, the void free kind, locally. The cabinet grade stuff at my local lumber yard is made in China, with lots of voids. Oh well, this is my first try so it won't likely be my last. I cut enough parts to make 2 cabinets, knowing that I'm a crap woodworker. Joined the first cab with biscuits. And it wasn't square. Not salvageable. My second attempt, I used my Krek pocket hole jig and pocket holes. This worked much better. I had camera issues, so apologies for the lack of progress pics.

I used hardwood baffle supports (oak). Hard as Hell (more on that later). I fought with several types of glue for covering the cab. I bought brown tolex from AES (part number S-G308-A), $13 a yard. High VOC contact cement almost killed me in my basement. It's 20 degrees outside so I couldn't really do it in the garage. So then I ordered some granular hide glue. The kind you gotta melt and bake for a couple hours before you use it (apparently Fender used hide glue back the day for affixing tolex). Well, that was really hard to work with, because it would cool while I was painting it on the sides of the cab, and then had no tack. It has a small window with which to work. And it smells bad. You can see the cab up in the corner.


So...2 sides of the cab I used Contact cement, 2 sides I used Hide Glue, and the back panels I used 3M Spray 77. None of them are ideal. I will buy the "tolex Glue" from AES (part #S-F316G) when i build my head cab. I painted the front speaker panel black. Here's a pic of the panel and the partially finished cab. I got some burlap/wicker type grill fabric, but it was woven pretty loosely. So I went to www.partsexpress.com and ordered a yard of cheap black generic grill cloth. You can see that I put the T-Nuts on all of the holes in the baffle supports...


Got the speaker mounted. The T-Nuts are the kind with sharp points that are supposed to dig into the wood. But the oak baffle supports were so freakin' hard, that the sharp points flattened. And the T-nuts kept popping out when I tried to put the 10-32 screws in.Maddening. Also, next time I will wait to drill the holes in the baffle supports and panels. I will drill them at the same time. It was a true mother F'r to get the holes to line up.


I half assed the front. I couldn't figure out what I wanted to do with the grill gloth, so I just mounted the Tnuts right through. I'll build another cab in the spring when I can work in my garage. I ordered Ernie Ball cabinet corners, but they didn't fit. It said they would fit 3/4 stock. Luckily I had also ordered some from AES (part# P-H1084N ) that worked. You do have to bang on them with a hammer to get them to conform to the corner shape. I also used a generic handle from AES (part #P-H261 ), $4. Here it is, in all it's glory with my Pro Jr... If you guys are really nice, I'll record some clips (soon).



Now I can FINALLY move on to the amp building part! ]]>
Commodore 64 http://www.thefret.net/entry.php/27-AX84-Cab-and-Tweed-5E3-Build