I’ll play whatever song sounds good on guitar. That doesn’t mean you’ll need to play the entire thing, though. In most band situations, I play about 10% of the song, or so, but it’s not a requirement.
I’m new to your band and can’t pick a favorite lead, what’s the first song you learn them for?
Don’t fret too much if your guitarist isn’t sure whether a song is a lead or not—just get them in an easy groove. If they don’t know, you can teach them. You can also find any kind of band in the local area—anything with drums, bass, guitar and a vocalist—and have them practice their songs.
Do you have any tips for someone wanting to learn to play guitar?
For beginners, I like to have an overview of their skills before we begin, so you can see where they’re at with their technique and progress. This way, the lessons are less about getting the guitar in their hand and more about them building something that is fun for them.
What’s your songwriting background? Do you write music alone?
I started playing in high school, and the one thing it taught me was how to create music with friends. A lot of people think guitar is only for guitarists—it sure looks like it! I enjoy the writing process as well. I write out notes on paper, then play and work the music and feel, and send it back to the songwriter. It’s the best way I know how to learn!
Any advice for musicians who want to learn guitar?
If you don’t know your instrument well, you’re not going to be as good at playing all the other things I mentioned. Try to get up early during the day if you don’t already. Even if you just have a little practice, just to get in a light practice, a lot of things change up. As my students and myself get to know each other, it will all become much more comfortable together.
How important is it to play live?
It depends on what you want to do and what’s available…it just takes practice time and some patience.
How do you keep a band going after years working on it?
For a group to survive well, you have to have common things in common…it’s not about who is hot, who is not hot. You have to do your best. If I