Learn about beginner guitar amplifiers, software modeling, and my top recommendations for each. Amplifiers can change the sound of the guitar more than the guitar itself. Today’s beginner amps can model expensive tube amplifiers for […]
Question How do I measure signal latency to improve my real-time use of modeling software? Answer If you use modeling software like Amplitube in real-time, you will need to understand signal latency. The round-trip latency […]
Question What are your personal favorite 3 “exotic” or less commonly known guitar chords that you recommend for intermediate/advanced guitarists? Answer Exotic chords usually require a special rule to use it well. I don’t recommend […]
Question What are some of the biggest mistakes you see beginner guitar players make when learning: a) basic guitar chords and b) barre chords. Answer a. Every individual is different, but a common issue is […]
Question I am trying to learn some theory and got confused about a statement that was made by an on-line instructor. I had been using CAGED theory as the basis to connect octaves, scales, and […]
Question … Something I don’t understand is, for example, say a simple 3 chord song such as Can’t You See by Marshall Tucker is D-C-G. If I were to make my own solo up to […]
Question: When I try to improvise over a backing track, I always get kinda lost. I’m always concentrating on which notes I am playing and not on which bar I am on. Do you have […]
Question I started my music course this week and had to play a song from memory. I struggled to recall the chord progression without my safety net. Any advice on how to improve this please?
Question Why are chords called major chords or minor chords? ~Tony Answer Major and minor chords have a difference in one particular note, the third. Let’s look at how it gets that name through a […]
Question Love your website! I am taking lessons from a guitar instructor here in Los Angeles for a half hour once a week. However, not a lot can be done in such a short lesson. […]
Question I am a rank beginner to the guitar. I am trying to learn the function of the fretboard. The guitar I have borrowed is classical with 12 frets. How do I transfer what I […]
Question What is the official name of the decorative ring around the sound hole of an acoustic guitar? ~Bob
Question In making an arrangement with any song. How close must a person stay to the original timing. I have been told I can vary within a measure, but must be with count 1 of […]
Question: I will paraphrase a question that I received from Alan Mullins. In a I-IV-V progression, do I always have to play a C scale over a C chord? Answer: The short answer is no, […]
Question: What are your thoughts on gold or chrome plug for your cable? ~Eric Lopez Answer: Eric, thank you for your question. This is a question that can have an impact on your tone and […]
Learn how to choose a durable cable that also gives you the best tone. I will also give you my top 3 recommended guitar cables.
When asked, how I practice the guitar, I tell people that the secret is to practice a little each day. The hardest part is staying motivated and focused. Practice is all about putting the work […]
I often get asked where I buy my guitars. I’ve purchased 11 guitars to date. I have purchased them from small local stores, large retail stores, online, and from private parties. I’m going to give […]
One of the most important accessories to buy is a digital guitar tuner. Digital Tuners Digital tuners are any type of tuner that uses electronics to tune your guitar. There are two basic types: a […]
A few years ago, I adapted the lyrics to “Twas the Night before Christmas”. I hope you enjoy it! Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the stage Not a strummer was strumming, not […]
Copyright © 1996-2021 Patrick MacFarlane. All Rights Reserved.