''GUITAR GODS: Chris Poland''

-- David "Skinny Devil" McLean
originally published at Tinfoil Music
Date: Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 14:59:10 GMT

If you are a fan of Megadeth, you need no introduction to Chris Poland - the man who ripped out half the guitar work for the band along with founder Dave Mustaine. You've heard his playing on the classics "Peace Sells...but Who's Buying?", "Devil's Island", and more, and know all about his flowing, legato style. Then again, you might know Chris as the west coast fusion player instead, who tore through the clubs 20 years ago with his band The New Yorkers.

If you're new to Chris Poland, you might only have heard his amazing work with Damn the Machine or his solo project or maybe his main gig, OHM:. Even many a Poland fan don't know about the wide scope of his career, but Chris Poland is pouring out fresh ideas faster than they can be recorded.

Learn all about Chris at his web-site! I had the chance to speak with Chris recently - check it out!

''GUITAR GODS: Neil Zaza''

- David :Skinny Devil" McLean
originally published at Tinfoil Music
Date: Monday, March 14 2005 @ 02:36:28 GMT


Neil Zaza is an amazing player who has been a staple on the guitar hero scene for over a decade. He has performed across the globe, holds more endorsements than you can shake a stick at, has released 8 solo albums and is featured on 2 compilations, and has shared the stage with the like of Joe Satriani, and was recently featured at the NAMM All-Star Jam, hitting the stage with Nuno Bettencourt, Tom Morello, Yngwie Malmsteen, George Lynch, and more!

Neil's playing is lightning fast and he knows every trick in the book, but the prime element is how melodic and soulful he can be. Give a listen to his new disc, "Melodica", and you'll be astonished with his lyrical approach to instrumental guitar music! Tracks like the opener, "On With the Show", the gorgeous title track, or the quiet "Good-Bye" will have you asking why Neil's face doesn't grace the cover of every guitar magazine across the globe with more regularity!

SDML Instructors Speak: 10 Best Live Albums of All Time!

We'll have an on-going series from SDML certified guitar instructors talking about all manner of music trivia (and non-trivia). Thought we'd start light-hearted but controversial (hahaha!). What "best of..." list isn't? So I asked several of our instructors this question, and I give you lists from Cris, Davey P, JD, Luke, Matt, Paul, Tim, and yours truly below....with wrap-up at the end.

Should be noted that opinions vary greatly...and often! Meaning, most of these guys would have handed me a different list if I'd asked 2 weeks before or if you ask them 2 weeks from now. No worries - nothing in stone and nothing sacred. We march on.....

Donna Lee

"Donna Lee" by Elizabeth Beck
Living With Memories - elizbeck.blogspot.com

-for Almira

''GUITAR GODS: Ron 'Bumblefoot' Thal''

- David "Skinny Devil" McLean
originally published at Tinfoil Music
Date: Tuesday, March 08 2005 @ 13:26:28 GMT
 
(editor's note: Ron has since gone on to join Guns-n-Roses)

Ron Thal. They call him, affectionately, "Bumblefoot". He is a god of the underground rock guitar scene, fusing heavy rock sounds with all manner of esoterica, experimenting effortlessly with weird harmonies, blazing speed, odd sounds, near-criminal abuse of his gear....

In The Neighborhood

 - Elizabeth Beck
Living With Memories -  elizbeck.blogspot.com

 










Whatever you do, take care of your shoes – Trey Anastasio

It’s not my fault if you can’t keep up.

''GUITAR GODS: Mattias 'Freak Guitar' Eklundh''

- David "Skinny Devil" McLean
originally published at Tinfoil Music

Date: Tuesday, December 14 2004 @ 13:33:49 GMT


What can you say about Mattias IA Eklundh? If you've heard him, you are already smiling - if you haven't, you should.

Mattias, Mr. Freak Guitar, is an amazing talent...coming at you with aggressive, funky, bizarre, beautiful music that twists and turns like an electric labyrinth and leaves you stunned but wanting more. With titles like "Faith in Chaos", "When Sam Played it Again", and "(Friday Afternoon) in a Galaxy Far Away", you know you're in for something more than a little different from one of the most original artists you've ever heard.

"Intro to Jazz Guitar"

-- Tim Fowler
originally published at Timfowlerguitar.com
May 16, 2012


I’ve been working with a student on some jazz concepts. Jazz can get really “out there” if you let it, but you have to start with playing over chord changes. This example from Madeilene Peyroux’s “I’m All Right” is a great way to hear playing over chord changes. This song uses some really nice jazz idioms and is very accessible.(that means it is easy to listen to, not too fast, not too weird) But don’t let that fool you. This is a masterfully constructed solo that you’ll want to get the feel for.

Steve Vai: "John The Revelator"

World premiere of the blues/gospel classic "John the Revelator" by Steve Vai from his soon-to-be-released new album:

http://www1.rollingstone.com/hearitnow/player/stevevai.html

 See the whole story here:

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/song-premiere-steve-vai-john-the-revelator-20120724

Viral Crèche

"Viral Crèche" by Joshua McLean
part 3 of 3
Also see Ootheca and Nodal Point

"Viral Crèche" - Joshua McLean