Mixing blues with heavy rock and a dash of classical too!

In a previous post I mentioned that I appreciate all styles of playing, this video clip is taken from the 1986 movie called Crossroads starring Ralph Macchio ( better known as The Karate Kid) and shows how varius styles can be intermixed and really appreciated. He is basically going on a journey into the roots of Mississippi blues with the help of an old man (Joe Seneca) who was the sidekick of the legendary Robert Johnson, the story goes that Seneca sold his soul to the devil for fame and fortune that never materialized and eventually he agrees to bring . Macchio  (a highly talented classical guitar player) to go on a journey to discover the 'lost song'. The attached clip is the end of the movie where Macchio must play against Steve Vai, if Macchio wins, Seneca gets his soul back and if not the devil also gets Macchio's soul. This is some fantastic guitar playing:

Greatest guitar player ever?

Its all a matter of personal opinion. You could argue about this subject until Christmas but it is really a just a personal opinion. My opinion is Jimi Hendrix (1942-1970). I have watched many of his performances and the man was just in a world of his own! He completley blew the boundaries of learning out of the water and to this day nobody has managed to recreate his exact sound. The first player I really listened to and admired was The Edge from U2, then I heard Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page and the list goes on. He lived his life and he was easily led, what a shame he died so young. Check out the attached videos:

                         

A famous interview given by Pete Townsend from 'The Who'

                                   

Lesson 3

Hi folks, this may be my last lesson I can post but will try to post up the larger ones If I can. This one covers the famous tune 'Shakin All Over' by Johnny Kidd and The Pirates. This has been covered by various bands over that last 40 years or so. My apologies if the sound isn't the best but hopefully you get something out of it, I have attached the original version so you get the idea - Enjoy!

My favourite guitar player

I couldn't write this blog without mentioning who my favourite guitar player is. Although I listen to a lot of different players from jazz, classical, blues, rock, country etc and appreciate them all, my outstanding favourite has to be Mark Knopfler. I have listened to all of his stuff (Dire Straits, working with other artists, and solo) plus  have seen him three times in concert. He is very expressive through his sound and (in my opinion) is the best ever. I found this video clip of him discussing his first guitar which was a cheap copy of the beloved Fender Stratocaster and how he managed to get different sounds from it. Enjoy!

Acoustic or Electric?? This is my opinion

I wanted to answer a question that is frequently asked by people learning to play. "Should I buy an electric or an acoustic guitar"? Well, its really up to yourself as there is no right or wrong answer. Some people think that the electric is a follow on from the acoustic (its more advanced) but in my opinion it isn't. If you take two guitars in the same price range that are both correctly set up, the acoustic will probably be harder to play as in most cases you have to press on the strings harder. This is one of the reasons (in my opinion) that people give up trying to learn so soon, the fingers become very sore and the notes they are hitting will sound awful. With an electric guitar however, it is easier to move and down the fret board (you will still develop sore finger tips but not as harsh) as the necks on electric guitars are generally smoother. Your choice will also be influenced on the style of music you want to play, if hard rock is your thing then go for the electric. If you want to learn classical or folk music, it has to be an acoustic.Having said all that most guitar players I know own both electric and acoustic guitars (some just own an acoustic and dislike electric!!). If I had to choose one it would be the electric. Like I said this is just my opinion, the final decision is down to you. Keep practicing!! I one met this girl at a guitar exhibition here in Ireland two years ago and she gives some good advice - Enjoy!