We're Not Saving Lives Here - Exploring Guitar Pro

Every once in a while I’ll get overwhelmed at work, and one of my colleagues will have to remind me that “we’re not saving lives here”. It’s a quick phrase that puts everything into perspective, and oftentimes brings me back down to earth.

I was thinking about this phrase when it comes to Guitar Pro and some of my students. Guitar Pro is a fantastic notation app, geared towards guitarists. I’ve been using it for years, and it’s been one of my most indispensable tools as a musician and teacher.

Students will open the app, see the sidebar with all sorts of notation elements, and quickly get discouraged. Here’s what I tell them to do - rather than get nervous when opening an app like this, instead develop a curious mindset, a playful mindset.

We’re not saving lives here, and no one will fault you for messing things up in the app. This sort of expermentation is half of the fun of being a musician in the first place. I recommend going into the app, writing some notes and seeing what works. What you’ll quickly find out, is you learn to see patterns. The human mind is a pattern recognization machine!

Transcribing someone’s licks or writing down your own ideas will make you a better musician. Once you start understanding notes and rhythm, then you can mess with the fun stuff, like bends, hammer-ons, pull-offs, legato, and more.

If you’re still a little too overwhelmed with getting started, I recommend downloading someone else’s Guitar Pro file. See how other transcriptionists lay out their songs, and then bring those ideas into your own transcriptions.

And of course, if you ever need help, that’s what I’m here for. Send me your questions!

StrapGraphics Guitar Straps Review

StrapGraphics Guitar Straps Review

I geek out about custom, well crafted made things. Objects where you can feel the quality, know it’s one of a kind, and that’ll last you a lifetime. The other thing that is of the utmost importance to me, is that the company I’m dealing with has great customer service.

StrapGraphics is a guitar strap manufacturer that’s been making straps in the U.S. since 2008. They’re based out of Portland, and offer a range of straps that are incredibly customizable. When I’m talking about great customer service, I’m talking about Nate from SG, who helped me along with the process, and was a breeze to deal with.

KraftGeek Music Stand Review

Today we're checking out the awesome KraftGeek Music Stand. This stand is super portable, durable, and perfect for if you're on the go to a gig or recording session, or if you're practicing at home. It's also great for music teachers and students.

We're also checking out the phone/tablet holder and light accessories, which make this an awesome bundle. And when you pair it up with the carrying case, you're ready to read music wherever you go. Never thought I'd be able to get excited about a music stand, but this one is awesome!

If you'd like to get 10% off this stand, you can use my affiliate link - CHASINGSOUND https://kraftgeek.com/?ref=chasingsound

You can also pick up the stand on Amazon - https://a.co/d/9DuAaoz

Chris Brooks' Guitar Alchemy

I've been loving Chris Brooks' new 'Guitar Alchemy' series on YouTube. The videos all have exciting and fun licks to learn, and to back all of that up, Chris is offering a crazy deal on his Gumroad page.

For just 3 bucks, you can get the PDF, Guitar Pro, and backing track files for all the videos in this series. If you want to work on your picking, position shifting, speed and more, you owe it to yourself to check this series out.

I've been following and purchasing Chris' books from Fundamental Changes for the longest time - and they're always jam packed with great instruction.

You can check out the link to his Gumroad page here, and view the first episode in the series below.