Yamaha artist Miki Santamaria collaborated with the Yamaha Guitar Development Custom Shop in Calabasas, Los Angeles, to design his dream Yamaha bass, an instrument which reflects his personal sound and artistic vision. We had the pleasure of speaking with Miki about this custom project, as well as his journey and inspirations. First Impressions When Miki… Continue reading Yamaha Guitar Development Custom Shop | Miki Santamaria
This month we’re going to be jamming over a C Dorian progression using diatonic triads, melodic motifs and descending Intervallic lines. Let’s take a look at the chord progression first, and get a visual breakdown of why we are looking at a C Dorian tonality. The Chord Progression This month’s two-bar chord sequence contains a… Continue reading Trading Licks: Episode 12 – Triads, Motifs and Intervallic Lines
Although he had been performing and recording for many years, most listeners first heard the talented guitar stylings of David Ryan Harris on Dionne Farris’ hit single “I Know,” back in 1995. The rootsy slide parts of Farris’ tune might seem disconnected from Harris’ smooth R&B work or his playing with John Mayer, but dig… Continue reading Yamaha Guitar Development Custom Shop | David Ryan Harris
Kentucky native Theo MacMillan is currently taking Nashville by storm (along with his banjo-playing sister) and he has lots to say about acoustic construction, good tone, and cool custom inlays.
This month we’re going to be jamming over a funky D7(#9) progression. In fact, all three chords in this progression are altered dominant 7th chords with a sharp ninth alteration. These chords are often referred to as the “Hendrix” chord. Think of the song “Purple Haze” and you’ll understand why. The tonal center resolution point… Continue reading Trading Licks: Episode 10 – Nailing The “Hendrix” Chord
The master of tone and touch reveals what makes him feel “connected” to a guitar and why sometimes less input produces better results.
The “Big Four” of thrash—Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax, and Slayer—rewrote the rules of metal in the 1980s. And if you were ever to expand that list beyond four bands, Exodus would most certainly make the cut. The Bay Area outfit was wildly influential and are regarded worldwide as pioneers of the genre. For more than 20… Continue reading Yamaha Guitar Development Custom Shop | Jack Gibson
The late, great Les Paul once said he wanted to create music that was so unique his mother could instantly tell his playing apart from anyone else’s. It’s a goal few guitarists have truly achieved, and one met by perhaps an even smaller number of bassists. One four-stringer, however, who has always had a super… Continue reading Catching up with Billy Sheehan
