Recently, I had some powerful magnets glued into the lower horn of a few of my guitars. This holds a metal slide in place so I can easily get to it and put it back, even in the middle of a song.
A scale is just the notes that are in a chord played one at a time instead of together. That's what has allowed me to go through the possible notes that work with a chord and make choices about which ones I like best. I go through by ear; you can do it by theory too, but the best way is to learn by ear.
There's always more than one way to play the same notes because of the nature of guitar.
I did take some cooking classes in high school. Boys weren't really supposed to take them. I had to risk being made fun of.
I've certainly enjoyed doing clinic tours for larger audiences, but the most valuable teaching experience has been the hundreds of lessons that I've given where I can hear the students play.
As far as pedals are concerned, the test for me is if I step on it, do I seem to be playing better?
I really genuinely love 'To Be With You.' I don't get tired of playing it.
Gilbert Hotel' is my first all-acoustic record.
I've realized that, as the years have gone on, I have become completely impatient with the demo process.
When it comes to vibrato, a lot of people look at their hands when they do it. Which is pretty much of no use. Because vibrato is one of those things you have to hear. There are some guitar things where the visual is really useful, like seeing chord shapes or scale patterns. But vibrato isn't one of those things.
Blues is the first step to get to jazz.
I waited until the end of the 'Behold Electric Guitar' recording sessions to record 'A Herd of Turtles,' as I knew the unusual arrangement might raise some eyebrows.
Normally, I can get through a whole show with one guitar pick.
The Great Guitar Escape is built around world-class seminars, concerts and jam sessions. It's a chance to learn and be inspired by some truly amazing musicians. And it's just a great way for everyone to hang out together in a beautiful place.
After playing for 40 years, I've been able to evolve the way I see the fretboard and how I hear the guitar in my head.
I especially like the songs Hurry Up and The Curse Of Castle Dragon, and I often include them in my live show.
I love my job as a musician, and I am filled with gratitude that good people support my endeavors.
My initial ideas are just a starting place. As a record goes along, it becomes more about making discoveries and getting excited about new songs.
It took me a long time to accept the idea that the guitar can take the place of a singer.
It's so easy to make albums with overdubbing and editing these days, but I really prefer playing live and just getting the music to sound right because the musicians, the songs and the performances are good.
