Alternate guitar tuning can inspire your songwriting
Let’s explore some common — and some of the more obscure — alternate guitar tunings to inspire you to write your next musical masterpiece. Read the post
musical influence
How to get the gig: Submission, research, and audition tips
Musician, author, educator, and music industry consultant Bobby Borg talks with Barry Squire about how to submit, research and conduct yourself when you’re trying to land a big audition and get the gig. Read the post.
Craft three band bios to describe you and your music
Your band bio can compel the press/media to write about you, bookers to contact you to play live, and potential fans to check out your music. But one size does not fit all, so you’ll need three versions. Read the post.
From demo to classic: She Said She Said
Though labeled a Lennon/McCartney song, “She Said She Said” was more truly a Lennon/Harrison song that was a late addition to one of the pivotal albums in the Beatles’ esteemed catalog. Read the post.
Breaking down two iconic songs from the Rolling Stones
In part two of our series, we break down two more iconic songs from the Rolling Stones’ library: 1966’s “Under My Thumb” and “Ruby Tuesday.” Read the post.
Guitar riffs, sonic hooks, and the Rolling Stones’ iconic sound
With guitar riffs like the one in “The Last Time,” the Rolling Stones established their musical signature on the way to becoming songwriting legends. Read the post.
How The Beatles changed music and the world (or at least got credit for it)
We all know The Beatles were a massively influential band who contributed to changes in music and culture in countless ways. Here are four concrete examples of how The Beatles changed music and the world. Read the post.
Songwriting lessons from John Lennon
We settled on three compositions that provide virtual songwriting lessons from John Lennon: “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away,” “Julia,” and “Watching The Wheels.” Read More.
Are you bimusical? You should be.
As a musician, it’s important to listen to music genres outside of your own. The term “bimusical” has been coined to express a degree of fluency in different styles of music, and there are compelling reasons to aspire to being bi. Read More.
George Harrison’s songwriting brilliance
From his earliest work to his successful career as a solo artist and collaborator, the simplicity of George Harrison’s songwriting belies the brilliance of one of popular music’s great artists. Read More.
Creative strategies to keep your songwriting flowing
Sometimes you may need a prompt or a process to keep the creative juices flowing and get your critical mind out of the way. Here are three strategies to get your songwriting on track. Read More.
After The Beatles: Paul McCartney’s bass playing, Part II
Paul McCartney’s bass playing genius never wavered, but his choices as a bass player post-Beatles show his focus is more on the song and serving the melody. Read More.
The creative genius of Paul McCartney’s bass lines
Paul McCartney’s bass lines became an integral part of the Beatles’ evolution from world beating pop band to musical pioneers. We identify just what Paul did to make his parts stand out from what other bassists were doing at the time. Read more.
Is it time to take the plunge or hang up the axe?
A personal exploration into this writer’s lack of enthusiasm for performing live. It’s been a part of my life for over 30 years, I’ve been at this for so long. I’ve been practicing with my buddy and collaborator for three years, and we can be impressive when we play to our strengths. – what’s holding me back? Read more.
A look at Ringo Starr’s enduring musical influence
Few would argue that the drumming of Ringo Starr was one of the most singular aspects to the band’s music. We’re here to make that argument. Ringo’s playing added shape and texture to the band’s iconic recordings while carefully creating patterns and dynamics to create and resolve tension within each song. Read more.