Dread scales? So did I... For guitar that is.

Guitar scales have been tough for me to learn. Even though I have an understanding of how they work, that doesn't always translate into practical fretboard knowledge. So if you are like I am and scales seem impossible to memorize, here is a glimmer of hope.

Think of your understanding as a puzzle. You've got most of the pieces, but the picture just doesn't make sense. Those missing pieces are out there! And if you can find them, they might save you years of frustration. These pieces might be in a instruction book, a YouTube video, or as in my case, a professional guitar instructor. I had a breakthrough in my own learning process in regard to scales that I hadn't been able to understand on my own. It was my guitar instructor who supplied the missing piece. (In short, that there is a "rhyme and reason" to the patterns of scales in relation to chords;)

The bottom line? You might be on the threshold of breaking through to a more satisfying experience as a guitarist, but it might take a bold step on your part. Maybe you should take those guitar lessons that you've been talking about for years! Go ahead and explore instructional videos on that one skill or technique that eludes you.

Hope you feel inspired! Now go get your guitar! Lol

Native Guitar Joe

Coffee and music!

So, there is this cool little coffee shop in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, that has an open mic on Monday evenings. The shop is called Calypsos Coffee & Creamery. I had the opportunity to play a few flute songs for them last monday, and had a great time doing it. If you want experience playing in front of people, open mic nights are one way to get that. Plus, you can get a great cup of coffee and listen to the other musicians, poets, etc.

This is the latte that I had on monday eve. They make some pretty cool designs! Calypsos roasts their own coffee, and what I've had has always been pretty smooth and flavorful. Definitely worth checking out if you are in the area.

-Native Guitar Joe-

Workin' On a Christmas Song!

I hope to be able to put a song together for the holidays, and make it available soon. It is mainly guitar and definitely has an interesting feel to it. Hopefully, a good background track for those nice holiday moments!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope everyone gets to spend some time with family and friends. This year, I am especially thankful for family and friends.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Update on Tuners

So I finally settled on a new tuner. I've been pretty happy with the previous version of this tuner. These are based on vibration rather than sound. It makes them better for noisy situations. The one I have seems to tune a little tighter than the other brand I tried.

Clip-on Snark Guitar Tuners

My album is available on iTunes!

After 10 months of intermittent hard work, my debut album is available on iTunes. The name of the album is "A Lonely Road Together". It is a glimpse into some of my travels along with the important things that I have carried with me everywhere. Important things like faith, family, and love. I have had a blast recording and producing this little project and look forward to more in the future! Here is the link:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/a-lonely-road...-together/id571066574

Guitar Tuners

Tuning a guitar in front of an audience can be nerve racking, especially when it is extremely quiet! My guitar teacher suggested buying one of the clip on, vibration based tuners. I actually had the privilege of watching him perform. Throughout the performance, he seemed to have an effortless time tuning. He did an excellent job playing as always, and I left the auditorium determined to get a clip on tuner. I may post a description and evaluation of the one that I get. The Fat Boy clip on listed here may be the one that I pick up. I at least would like to try one out. There are other brands out there with good options, one of which is Korg. We will see!

Fat Boy Accessories FBET3000 Clip-On Electric Guitar Tuner (Google Affiliate Ad)