Well done for finding something that is working for you. Don't fall in the trap of using one pentatonic shape for all your solos for ever more. It is a common one. I know it took me many years (maybe decades) to break free of it.

I consider active listening as part of the learning process. Just pay attention when you’re listening to your favorite players and try to visualise what they’re doing. This is a form of practice, and it will give you ideas for your playing.

You don't need no apps for that. Easiest way to learn the fretboard is to memorize the 3rd, 5th, 7th and 9th frets on each string. Once you master them, the 15th, 17th, 19th, and 21st are the same exact notes as the 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th frets. It's really that easy.

A lot of my beginners really like learning Californication by RHCP.

Try focussing on learning triads and intervals. It really helped me break free from playing shapes and start playing ideas over chords.

Many professional recordings already use amp sims, especially for convenience. On recordings, I really do not think you could tell the difference. They are that good...

Most of my ideas start with a riff or chord progression. Once I find something that feels interesting, I build the rest of the song around it.

For recording, digital rigs are incredibly convenient and sound very convincing. Being able to change tones instantly is a massive advantage.

I mostly record direct using amp simulation plugins. It’s convenient and lets me tweak tones after recording without redoing parts.

To do this you really need a decent audio interface which provides good quality audio and low latency. If you don't have low latency then your processed guitar sound ...

I copy artist tones as a learning exercise. It really helps me understand how to better use my equipment to shape tone. Ultimately it helps me to craft my own sound based on the knowledge I gain by copying others.

I guess that's how all music works really!

I usually keep a mild overdrive on for extra warmth.

I built my own studio. Me and the band are building our own internet infrastructure. I do all of the managing in-house. I'm sort of treating it like a field of dreams. If you build it, they will come. Really the reality is. If nobody is buying. There's no point in selling out. The mainstream music ...

I think it's a shame that some musicians are resorting to AI for their visual content. It takes away the authenticity and personal touch that can really make a band stand out.

Someone recommended “The Songwriting Secrets of the Beatles” by Dominic Pedler to me a few years ago and it was the single most helpful book I have ever read in understanding practical music theory.

As a political musician, I approve this message. It's important to use our platform to speak out on issues that matter.

Have you tried experimenting with different chord inversions or adding extensions like ninths or elevenths to your chords? That can give them a darker and more complex sound.

I learned basic setups from online guides and it saved me a lot of money.

Some amazing tones come from very simple setups. What’s the simplest rig you’ve used that still sounded great?

Uhhhh no, that’s isn’t normal at all. You are tuning the low E-string DOWN to D right?

Let me put you on a super duper secret. Just practice. A lot. That’s the secret.

"playing the changes" is the improv tradition.

"Sticking to a scale" is also a way to do it.

90% of the time, those are one and the same. If you can "feel" the changes with a scale you'll sound good.

What you have to watch out for are modulations (secondary dominants, chromatic mediants etc ...

You’re in the small fish pond with a mentality / drive of someone in a big fish pond. It’s kind of a corny statement but it’s true. When you’re not successful yet but have what it takes to be, you’ll be frustrated trying to work with your peers who are around your success level but don’t have their ...

Ego checks are necessary for artistic and personal growth. Don't let it get you down. It's better to realize your shortcomings and be able to improve than to labor under the delusion that you're "good enough."

I use Am–F–C–G quite a lot. It’s simple but very versatile.

I usually change mine every few weeks if I’m playing regularly. Once they start sounding dull or feel rough, it affects tuning stability and tone.