It was a long time decision making kind of thing but, I finally ordered a Chapman N/S Stick. The NS version differs from the typical Stick instrument in that it has a body, and a pick up configuration much like a guitar and bass. It also has a familiar looking Steinberger designed bridge and saddle system.  My guitar teacher showed me the Chapman, and I picked up on the NS version and thought I would give it a go! Since I do not play with a pick anyway, I am hoping my percussive playing style will be a good match. I should have it by the end of January (2013).

Check it out here:
http://www.stick.com/instruments/ns/

I suck at music theory – specifically for guitar. So, when I discovered this on my own and brought it to my guitar teacher he looked at my like I was from another planet (which I am, actually). He told me it was a good way to remember, and has shown a few of his other students who have problems memorizing sharps and flats.

If you are familiar with things numerically rather than alphabetically, this simple trick I figured out for myself to
help me bridge both letters and numbers together remember how many sharps and flats in each key may help.
It is as simple as even’s and odds. (adding or subtracting)

If you can “count” A, B, C, as 3 – 5 – 7 (how many sharps each letter/key has and…
D, E, F, as 2 – 4 – 6 (again, how many sharps each letter/key has) then…

Check it out here:
Anthony’s Sharps & Flats

www.grenadeofsunshine.com

A question about improvisation -  what’s more important?

Knowing what you’re playing or, knowing what to play?

It was the first time I had heard Spinal Tap on the radio – FM or otherwise. What a treat. The song was Big Bottoms!  YT

As one can imagine, Nadia necame highly frustrated and killed the whole town. All because of A Minor.

Greatest t-shirt for some reason.

I keep saying I am all set buying more guitars, but I could not resist this one. My guitar teacher has the crazy FLY Parker, and so, because Im a jackass and loved the neck, I wanted one. This LP type is a lot more affordable and the neck is awesome. The STINGER humbuckers were replaced with some other crazy “boutique” pickups, as the seller told me. I don’t quite know what “boutique” means as it pertains to anything except a store-type, but WHO CARES anyway? I love the guitar and now it is part of my family.

It can’t be bargained with. It can’t be reasoned with. It doesn’t feel pity, or remorse, or fear. And it absolutely will not stop, ever, until your fingers fall off.