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Jimmy Page Breaks His Finger
2007-11-02 21:08:00
Pic from RollingStone.com Take a look at that junk, ATOMIC fans. Ouch! I'd be like, *&@#$*(@#$*(&! So the Led Zeppelin Reuinion Show that was supposed to go down on the 10th of this month is being postponed until December. It's a good thing Jimmy Page is a right handed guitarists or he wouldn't be coming back for a while. It would probably take physical therapy for any finger that's used on the fretboard. Rolling Stone makes a good point in their Zep news blurb: "...we?ve waited twenty-seven years for this show, so what?s another fourteen days? That is, of course, unless you already bought plane tickets and made hotel reservations." Man I feel sorry for those of you who have bought plane tickets and made reservations. Hey, you could be like the Rolling Stones' fans and try to sue Led Zeppelin for canceling their show. Joking of course... What a bunch of losers.
More About: News , Jimmy Page , Breaks

20 Sites For Learning How to Play Guitar
2007-11-02 01:25:00
Around 70,000 people on the net each month ask the same question: "How do you Play Guitar ?" or they type in "How to Play Guitar." This is like the same as asking how to build a replica of the O2 Arena in London. There are so many elements involved in playing guitar that it's not even funny. Learning to play the instrument is a lifelong journey. It's not as simple as the legends make it look. For you absolute beginners out there asking this question, I'm going to try and point you in the right direction. The first few months to a year of learning is completely frustrating. Your fingers just won't do what you want them to. If you can push through this difficult time period, you'll be an intermediate guitarist. At the very beginning of learning, you should consider getting a private guitar teacher to teach you how to tune your guitar, how to restring your instrument, to teach you the right technique, a few chords, a scale or two, and maybe a song. It's hard learning how to...
More About: Sites , Earning

5 Difficult Guitar Soloing Exercises
2007-11-01 21:40:00
ATOMIC fans, if you've ever climbed scales by 3rds, 5ths, 6ths, and by Ooctaves, this won't be hard, but if you've never done any of these on your guitar, this lesson is going to make you want to blow your head off. The exercises sound great in solos. Play them as slow as a turtle so you can hear what each interval sounds like and to train your muscle memory. Take each exercise section by section and you'll get them down. As soon as you feel comfortable, let it rip. Take the Lesson
More About: Guitar , Exercises , Diff

How to Become the Greatest Rock Guitarist Ever
2007-11-01 18:32:00
This is going to be an easy one, ATOMIC fans. Because I'm actually the greatest Rock guitarist ever. But not really. In theory what would you have to do to become the greatest Rock guitarist of all time? Here's my list: 1. Surpass the Most Skilled Guitarist s First you'd have to be better than, say, Joe Satriani on a pure skill level. You'd also have to get better than Jimi Hendrix, Steve Vai, Eddie Van Halen, and plenty of other legends. 2. Become More Famous and More Influential You'd also have to become more famous than the most famous guitarists of all time like Jimmy Page, Kurt Cobain, and the others mentioned above. You'd also need to be famous and at the same time more influential than the most influential guitarists of all like Stephen Malkmus (Pavement/low-fi movement), Joey Santiago (Pixies/pre-grunge), Johnny Ramone (Ramones/punk rock), Neil Young ("slop rock"), the others mentioned above, and many many more. 3. Be More Progressive In order to become the greates...
More About: The G , Greatest

IGUITARGOD New to the Guitar Blogosphere
2007-11-01 02:30:00
Hi ATOMIC fans. Did you have a rockin' Halloween? My old lady and I just sat around watching some bad follow-ups to the original Halloween and handed out some candy. It was fun though. Today I'd like to welcome John of the new IGUITARGOD to the guitar blogging neighborhood. So far John has some put up some links to cool guitar resources on the web. Check out IGUITARGOD. ...Today also begins the first day of Movember, yes Movember. So you might want to grow a mean handlebar stache and raise some money for charity. Besides being a guitarist, there's nothing the ladies love more than a man with a sick-nasty mo.
More About: Guitar , Blogosphere , The G

Gross Halloween Band Names
2007-10-31 22:14:00
Hey ATOMIC fans. It's Halloween , so what's the most gruesome or scary band name you can come up with? Here's mine: 180 Severed Heads in My Mom's Basement, Drenched in A1 Sauce
More About: Band , Gross , Names , Allo

My Thoughts on the Versatility of Rock Guitar
2007-10-31 21:30:00
ATOMIC fans, besides enjoying simple melodies and chord progressions of Rock music, Rock guitar is always open for expansion of creativity. There are already thousands of styles of rock (i.e. Alternative, Punk, Surf, Progressive Metal, Death Metal, Soft Rock, "Acoustic Rock," Acid Rock). They say Jazz is the supreme music of the universe. I'd say this is true in complexity, but I'll also say that Jazz appears to be bound by common rules of thumb. Usually... no effects, bending, hammer-ons, simple chords, etc. Though Jazz Fusion sometimes borders on Rock. Point is: Rock guitar is wide open, no boundaries. You can choose to play Rock n' Roll (or a set style) or you can venture off into completely uncharted territory. Think about all the new acoustic finger tappers out there and the bands on independent labels who are experimenting with noise. With Rock guitar, you have absolute, unrestricted freedom. And that's why I think Rock is always evolving into new styles. Now, this ...
More About: Guitar , Opinion , My Thoughts , Thoughts

A Case of Guitar Burnout
2007-10-31 01:00:00
It's one of those guitar burnout days again, ATOMIC fans. They come usually once every couple weeks for me. Anyway, been listening to some other guitarists and some radio tunes. It's unlike me to throw up any old guitarist on a video. Take a look at Cesar Amaro from Uruguay tare up this Classical guitar. What a nerd, but holy mother of Steve Vai. This foreign John Lennon-looking guy must have no life whatsoever. Anyway, it's Halloween today, so you might want to check out How to Play the Halloween Theme Song on Guitar .
More About: Case , Burnout , Burn

Kid Rock was Beat Down in My Hometown Guitar Jam
2007-10-30 22:55:00
The other day Kid Rock got in a fight at a Waffle House in Atlanta, my former hometown. So I'm calling this guitar jam ATOMIC fans, simply "Kid Rock was Beat Down in My Hometown." Play MP3
More About: Guitar , Beat down

Metallica is Finishing a New Album... Whoopa-dee-doo
2007-10-30 20:57:00
Metallica is currently putting their finishing touches on a new album follow-up to 2003's St. Anger. Don't get me wrong. Metallica has put out some seriously head-bangin' and rockin' material. But after sewing their fan base and all that mess (like their stupid, embarassing acoustic/funk performance the other night), it seems they're releasing their new album for greedy reasons. It's supposed to be released in spring of 2008 and according to the band, "These new songs echo some of our stuff from the ?80s - long, epic journeys through different musical landscapes, heavier, but a lot more melodic." What you mean to say is St. Anger didn't do well so we're repackaging some old stuff. There was once a time long, long ago in a seemingly far away land when Metallica were passionate and absolutely needed to play the music they did. Now they're a bunch of pricks who have turned their backs on their fans (and good music). I for one would like to see them leave their legac...
More About: Opinion , Album , Metallica , Finish , Nish

What's Going Down Around the Guitar Blogosphere
2007-10-30 01:00:00
Hi ATOMIC fans. Time for a little update on what's going down around the guitar blogosphere this week. Nick has created a great 3-pentatonic-licks lesson over at his Guitritus. Jon of Guitar Noize writes about the $23,000 PRS 10th Anniversary Private Stock Custom 22. IG took some notes from a wild and crazy gig the other night. JP at Strat-O-Blogster has been blogging it up Strato-style with new posts on recent inaugurations into the world-famous StratoBrothers. Kyle at Guitar MX Blog posted about Metallica's acoustic/funk performance the other day. The Mad Stratter now has his own merchandise line. GL at Guitarz is standing up for the victims of domestic Strat abuse. Robert at Building the Ergonomic Guitar reviewed the book Guitar Making: Tradition and Technology.
More About: Blogosphere , Going , The G , Goin

My Informative and Raving Review of Guitar Tricks
2007-10-29 22:32:00
Hi ATOMIC fans. I've been part of Guitar Tricks Online Lessons for almost a week now. I'm so blown away by the original style/content of these lessons that I've decided to start recommending it at ATOMIC and write a thorough review of what's inside. First off, I want to say that I don't normally invest in online guitar lessons. When I came across Guitar Tricks, I thought the teachers wouldn't be near my level, but they're actually much better than I. That's why I decided to join (owner Jon Broderick said they'd be better and he was right), that and several other reasons I'm going to talk about. One biggie is that everything I've learned from Guitar Tricks has been useful, not even close to the same old useless guitar lesson. While you can click on areas for learning scales, chords, modes, and theory, the videos (along with tablatures and mp3s) teach you how to play in the style of my selected guitar legend, by level, or style. When you go to Guitar Tricks and sign u...
More About: Review , Informative , Ravin

The Gecko is English Guitar Jam
2007-10-29 20:44:00
As confirmed by Jon of Guitar Noize (check out his jam on that page by the way), the gecko from the commercials isn't Australian, but English . So now you know, ATOMIC fans. And here's a wacky guitar jam for that piece of knowledge: Play MP3
More About: The G

You Know More About Playing Guitar than You Think
2007-10-29 18:36:00
This is supposed to be one of those uplifting posts, ATOMIC fans. The other day I realized a lot of other guitarists share the same perspective: whenever you watch a guitar lessons video by Paul Gilbert (or something) it makes you feel like a novice. Makes you feel almost ill about where you're at on your instrument. It's okay, let it out, let the tears flow. Watching monster Frank Gambale play makes me want to jump off the Empire State Building sometimes because I know I'll never be as good. Last week when I created the Ultimate Pentatonic Guitar Soloing Lesson, Mastering the Phrygian Mode Lesson, and some advice about why you need to learn scales, I had a realization that I know more than I thought even though the top players make me sick to my stomach. I bet it's the same for you. No matter what level, you know more about playing guitar than you think. After countless hours of playing you may have learned some, most, or all of these things and more: Power Chords 12 Triad...

If you could have an instant quality of any guitar legend...
2007-10-29 01:04:00
ATOMIC fans, If you could have a quality of any guitar legend instantly, what would it be? For me it would be a pitch-perfect, incredible ear. That would be sweet to attain effortlessly right this moment. The kind of ear that can help you play any lick, any solo, any progression by hearing it only once. Maybe one day it'll happen, but for now I guess I have to keep on dreamin'. You?
More About: Guitar , Legend , Quality , Ality

Ultimate Pentatonic Guitar Soloing Lesson
2007-10-28 17:09:00
Hi ATOMIC fans. Boy do I have a lesson for you today. If you can get through this one, you'll have absolutely enslaved the pentatonic scale all over your fretboard. For some of you, your soloing command will increase to a point you never thought possible. Penta tonics are great for phrasing and they provide a roadmap for rock soloing. Ready to make the pentatonic scale your b****? Take the Lesson
More About: Guitar , Ultimate

Sideways Guitar Jam
2007-10-28 02:04:00
Here's a little Sunday guitar jam for you, ATOMIC fans. Some of the guitar work was inspired by Peter Buck's guitar work on one of R.E.M.'s more obscure albums, Up. So I'm calling it "Sideways." Play MP3
More About: Guitar

Why do I need to learn guitar scales?
2007-10-27 21:50:00
ATOMIC Insider Jordan dropped me an e-mail today: "I notice all your speed exercises are based on the major scale, minor scale, and what I've never heard of until your e-mails modes. Memorizing all of these patterns are a lot of work. What's the point in learning all these guitar scales?" Jordan, first off. It's unnecessary to try and memorize every mode of the major scale and pentatonic scales all at once. Not only memorize them, learn them to the point where you can apply them. You'll also want to listen to what each interval sounds like with each scale. If I were to list them in order of importance for rock music, I would say: #1 Pentatonic Scales #2 Major Scale #3 Minor Scale #4 the 5 Modes that go with the Major and Minor Scale After that, if you want to venture elsewhere, I'd say work with the Blues Scale, Harmonic Minor Scale, Melodic Minor Scale, and others. This is why you need to learn guitar scales. (I may have already said some of this before on ATOMIC, but ...
More About: Advice , Guitar , Learn

Guinness Book Record Broken by 1,730 Guitarists in India
2007-10-27 16:13:00
Here's some interesting news, ATOMIC fans. A year ago 1,721 guitarists in Kansas City gathered to play "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple, setting a Guinness Book record. Just yesterday Reuters reported 1,730 guitarists in Shillong, India assembled in a stadium and played Bob Dylan's "Knockin' on Heaven's Door." However... the record could be incorrect. A commenter on the article at Rolling Stong Magazine claims 1,802 German guitarists played "Smoke on the Water" during June of this year. What I would like to see is something like 2,000 guitarists performing "The Wind Cries Mary." That would be crazy cool. Any ATOMICians up for the challenge?
More About: News , Record

Darth Avery Guitar Jam
2007-10-26 02:38:00
Hey ATOMIC fans. I'm feeling experimental but rockin' today, so I pumped out this 12-track guitar jam in honor of Darth Avery , the supreme baby from the TNA Morning Show on 101.7 KZQ Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Play MP3
More About: Guitar

How to Play Halloween Theme Song on Guitar
2007-10-25 23:01:00
Having trouble getting into the Halloween spirit this year, ATOMIC fans? This Halloween theme song guitar tab should help.
More About: Guitar , Song , Play , Theme

Write a Guitar Letter and Send it Through Time
2007-10-25 02:00:00
Guitar blogger pal IG posted The Future You is Calling and The Future You is Calling, Take Two that says we guitarists should write a letter to ourselves as if we were two years older and could send it through time to ourselves now (yes, like in the Lake House... which I was forced to watch against my will). You're supposed to tell yourself what breakthroughs you've had advancing in your guitar playing. It's supposed to give you focus and relieve thoughts that you'll never reach your potential on your instrument. Feel free to write your own below or at a blog somewhere. Here's mine. Dear 23-year-old Jason, Believe it or not, a whole lot of time has gone by and more changes have happened than you can imagine, only within a two-year time period. Note: If you don't read the rest of this, I'm going to give away our dog, so listen up. Right now you might think you're a lazyass guitarist who relies on your strengths and with no drive to learn new things. All you do is play...
More About: Guitar , Time , Write , Letter , Send

Rewind Guitar Jam
2007-10-24 04:45:00
What's happenin' ATOMIC fans? Here's a jam for you called "Rewind ." The chord progression was written by an old guitarist friend of mine by the name of John Stun (stage name). I haven't played this progression in 5 years until now. Somehow it came to me. Makes for a groovy little melodic jam. Play MP3
More About: Guitar

Mastering the Phrygian Mode
2007-10-24 02:00:00
ATOMIC fans, first I'd like to say that I'm not a master of the Phrygian Mode , but I am about to show you exercises that will increase your speed and fluidity on the B Phrygian Mode (the 3rd Mode of the G Major Scale). You can use these exercises to gain fluidity on any of your 3-note-per-string scales: fluidity for soloing fast, creating rockin' melodies, and the like. Take a step closer to Modal mastery... Go to Part II for the Goods.
More About: Erin , Aster

How to Get Better at Guitar by Recording
2007-10-23 23:16:00
Hi ATOMIC fans. In my mind there are 4 pillars for getting better at guitar: 1) Learning, 2) Practicing, 3) Jamming with other musicians, and 4) Recording . Without the rest you obviously couldn't record, but I think recording is the best way to breakthrough to higher levels with your guitar playing. For one, recording forces you to play everything perfectly. It puts you on the spot for over a minute and makes you a sharp player. I remember actually getting nervous when I first started recording with a Fostex tape 4-track. Another reason why recording makes you a better guitarist is that you can listen to the tracks and analyze yourself. On another note, I love recording because you're creating music, which is the entire purpose of playing guitar. Besides digging the music you make, you're developing your creativity and styles. If you've been reading this blog for a while, you know I'm not a rich guy. Although I have a job, I'm lazy as hell and all I want to do is han...
More About: Advice , Guitar , Cord

Bring Back the Mullet Guitar Jam
2007-10-23 03:29:00
Hi ATOMIC fans. I have a short guitar jam for you today called "Bring Back the Mullet " and I mean that with all my heart and soul. ...Because it's ridiculous. Play MP3
More About: Guitar

Let's Jam
2007-10-23 02:00:00
Hey ATOMIC fans. How are you? I'm excited to find this cool, free Jam Machine at JamCenter.com. Select a key and a style and you have a constant backtrack you can wail to for hours. For those of you who have taken my Insider Lessons and ATOMIC Key to Speed course, you might have a blast soloing with this thing in the keys of G and C. Some of the tracks are cheesy, but it's all very professional.

Slash's Autobiography... Can the Man Even Read?
2007-10-22 02:00:00
Kidding! Well, it's possible Slash's brain cells have lost the ability to comprehend writing (it has to be ghost written is what I'm saying). But really, the guitar hero Slash is releasing an autobiography on the 30th. The book will contain, as far as I know, how Guns and Roses formed, collaborated, and broke up. Expect to hear insane stories of drugs, sex, and rock n' roll. Even to this day it's reported that Slash is a world-class partier. (I mean, he's hanging with Scott Weiland and Velvet Revolver). You can pre-order/buy Slash's autobiography here.
More About: News , Read , Autobiography , The Man , Tobi

Easily Memorize the Guitar Fretboard
2007-10-22 02:00:00
This might seem elementary to you, but I personally know a lot of great guitarists who don't know the notes on every string/every fret. It's vital to memorize each note on your fretboard because: You can move scales around and play in any key. You can understand what power chords and barre chords you're playing for the sake of playing in harmony/in key. You can improvise solos without thinking "scale." You'll know the notes of every chord you play and you'll have a good understanding of how chords relate to each other for creating harmonious and melodic music. I have a simple method I used to teach my students that will help you easily find every note on the fretboard once you've memorized all the notes on only the 6th and 5th strings. I'm not saying to treat guitar as if you're studying it in school, but if you can locate any note you want quickly, you'll eventually begin memorizing them naturally. You'll be on your way to playing in 12 different keys. Go to Part ...
More About: Guitar , The G

Guitar Blog World 10-21-07
2007-10-21 21:27:00
Here's what's gone down in the guitar blog world this week, ATOMIC fans. Jon over at Guitar Noize has been going on a tare reviewing guitar software like Riffworks and PROGRESSION. IG wrote The future "you" is calling about how to improve your guitar playing pretty much the old Indian guru spiritual manifesting way. And other great things... JP from Stratoblogster found a pic of the very first serial numbered Strat from 1954. He also posted some stuff about the Guitar Player Magazine Guitar Hero competition winner and how the key of A can drive a man to "shoot things, eat raw venison and drive a Hummer around your yard." Kyle at Guitar MX posted some news about Rock House donating guitar instructional DVDs to US soldiers and informed us about the free access to Guitar Alliance up until the 24th. The Mad Stratter put out a humor post on why guitars are better than women. The dude over at Acoustic Guitar Player has been pumping out free guitar lessons all week. If you have anythi...
More About: World , Blog