Trading Licks: Episode 9 – Targeting the Six and Nine

This month we’re going to be jamming over a cool B Dorian rock progression. The B Dorian mode is the second mode in the key of A Major. Simply put, B Dorian is the A Major scale played from B to B. The intervals we create by sequencing from the second tone of a major… Continue reading Trading Licks: Episode 9 – Targeting the Six and Nine

Yamaha Guitar Development Custom Shop | Jeff Schroeder

The Smashing Pumpkins guitarist Jeff Schroeder is a tough guy to pin down. On the one hand, he plays in one of the biggest alternative bands of all time, and yet it’s not out of place for him to wear a Michael Schenker t-shirt while he does so. He seems equally at home playing dreamy,… Continue reading Yamaha Guitar Development Custom Shop | Jeff Schroeder

Yamaha Guitar Development Custom Shop | Jordan Tice

Jordan Tice’s deft fingerstyle work has made him a steadily rising star in the bluegrass and Americana worlds since his 2005 debut. Whether on his solo releases (including his most recent, Motivational Speakeasy) or his collaborations with Hawktail and Haas Kowert Tice, or even performing the music of actor/musician Steve Martin, Tice delivers touch, tone,… Continue reading Yamaha Guitar Development Custom Shop | Jordan Tice

Yamaha Guitar Development Custom Shop | Fred Sablan

Many music fans were introduced to Fred Sablan when he was tapped as the Deftones’ bassist in mid-2022. Originally from Cupertino, CA, Sablan played both guitar and bass in various punk bands and, like many of his contemporaries, was influenced by Joy Division and New Order bassist (and Yamaha signature artist) Peter Hook. Sablan’s career… Continue reading Yamaha Guitar Development Custom Shop | Fred Sablan

Trading Licks: Episode 8 – Melodic Contours

This month we’re going to be jamming over an R&B style groove, with a tonal center of E7. That means we’ll be phrasing our lines and licks towards the chord-tones of E7. The tones of E, G#, B and D will be the strongest tones to resolve on, from the two melodic devices I’ve chosen… Continue reading Trading Licks: Episode 8 – Melodic Contours

Yamaha Guitar Development Custom Shop | Corey McCormick

Corey McCormick has lent his deep bass grooves to performances and recordings with such diverse stars as Neil Young, Chris Cornell, Willie Nelson, Vertical Horizon, and his current gig with Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real. And if you’ve heard his playing or caught a live show, he was probably working his low-end magic… Continue reading Yamaha Guitar Development Custom Shop | Corey McCormick

Breakthroughs | Alison Whiteacre

Alison Whiteacre has had an amazing music career as a recording artist, producer, composer for film, TV, and commercials, and the publisher of her own 4500-plus track music catalog. She’s also a parent, a daughter, and a transition and leadership coach. Through her own transformative quest, Alison has cultivated a profound ability to guide others… Continue reading Breakthroughs | Alison Whiteacre

Record Store Day 2023: Steady Holiday

Record Store Day is a day for the people who make up the world of the record store—the staff, the customers, and the artists—to come together and celebrate the unique culture of a record store and the special role they play in their communities. To mark this year’s Record Store Day, we spoke to Yamaha… Continue reading Record Store Day 2023: Steady Holiday

Record Store Day 2023: Jamie Lenman

Record Store Day is a day for the people who make up the world of the record store—the staff, the customers, and the artists—to come together and celebrate the unique culture of a record store and the special role they play in their communities. To mark this year’s Record Store Day, we spoke to Yamaha… Continue reading Record Store Day 2023: Jamie Lenman

Trading Licks: Episode 7 – Double-Stop Phrases

This month we’re going to be jamming over a mid-tempo rock track, in the key of A. We’ll be phrasing a mixture of double-stop ideas that start on the upbeat of one. Phrasing on the upbeats sounds a little more “hip” than if we start our phrases on the downbeats … I think you’ll like… Continue reading Trading Licks: Episode 7 – Double-Stop Phrases

Record Store Day 2023 – Chris Buck (Cardinal Black)

Record Store Day is a day for the people who make up the world of the record store—the staff, the customers, and the artists—to come together and celebrate the unique culture of a record store and the special role they play in their communities. To mark this year’s Record Store Day, we spoke to Yamaha… Continue reading Record Store Day 2023 – Chris Buck (Cardinal Black)