GTRNRD: Music and Gear Tips for Guitar and Bass Players

Ep035 - 4 Reasons You Must Master the Blues

In this episode of GTRNRD, Andy Schneider delves into the importance of mastering the blues for musicians of all levels. He highlights how the blues is foundational to modern music genres such as rock, jazz, and R&B, making it essential for any guitarist or bassist. Andy explains that understanding the blues is like having a cheat sheet for Western music, allowing musicians to communicate more effectively with audiences and other musicians. Key reasons to master the blues include: 1. **Foundational Influence**: The blues is the root of many popular music styles, originating from the deep south and evolving into jazz, rock, and pop music. 2. **Improvisation and Ear Training**: The blues provides a fantastic platform for developing improvisation skills, starting with simple pentatonic scales and building complexity. 3. **Groove and Rhythm**: A strong groove is essential in blues music, and mastering rhythm is crucial for engaging performances. 4. **Musical Language and Dialects**: The blues is a rich language with various dialects like Chicago, Delta, and Texas blues, each offering unique techniques and styles. Andy also introduces chord substitutions, a technique used in jazz and R&B to add color and movement to music. He encourages listeners to experiment with the blues and observe its influence across different music genres. For those looking to enhance their blues skills, Andy recommends checking out his new series of music education books available at seeingmusicbooks.com, including "Weekend of Blues Guitar," "Weekend of Blues Bass," and "Blues for Banjo," complete with streaming video examples. Listeners are encouraged to explore the blues this week and notice its impact on their playing and musical expression.

Ep034 - Walking Bass Lines (Part 3 - Chromatic Notes)

In this episode of GTRNRD, Andy Schneider delves into the intricacies of walking bass lines, focusing on the use of chromatic notes, leading tones, and rhythmic variations to enhance musical interest. Building on previous discussions, Andy explains how these techniques can add sophistication and depth to your bass lines, making them not only functional but also musically engaging. Andy emphasizes the importance of walking bass lines across various genres, highlighting their role as the rhythmic and harmonic foundation of music. He introduces the concept of chromatic notes as a way to connect the dots between notes, creating a smooth, flowing movement from one chord to the next. By using leading tones, musicians can create tension and resolution, adding a layer of drama and suspense to their music. Listeners are encouraged to experiment with these techniques, whether they're beginners or experienced players, to energize their music and take it to the next level. Andy also promotes his new book, "Beginning Bass Scales and Exercises," available at SeeingMusicBooks.com, which offers practical exercises and companion videos to help musicians develop their skills. Join Andy in this episode to explore advanced walking bass line techniques and discover how they can transform your musical journey.

Ep033 - Easy Octave Upgrades

In this episode of GTRNRD, Andy Schneider explores the concept of octaves and how they can be an easy upgrade to your guitar playing. Octaves can make riffs sound fuller, melodies clearer, and bass lines more authoritative. Andy breaks down the simplicity and impact of using octaves, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced players. Andy demonstrates how to find and play octaves on the guitar, using his trusty 1957 Silvertone hollow body. He explains the basic concept of an octave, which is the distance between one musical pitch and another with the same note name, but higher or lower in pitch. Andy guides listeners through playing octaves on the guitar, starting with the G note on the low E string and moving through different positions on the fretboard. The episode also touches on advanced techniques, such as playing double stops (two notes at the same time) and shifting melodies up or down an octave to add spice and interest. Andy encourages listeners to experiment with these techniques to enhance their solos and melodies. For those interested in diving deeper into music theory, Andy recommends his books "Guitar Theory Nuts and Bolts" and "Bass Guitar Theory Nuts and Bolts," available at SceneMusicBooks.com. These books offer a practical approach to music theory with clear diagrams and exercises. Andy also highlights the use of octaves by legendary guitarist Wes Montgomery and modern pianist Norah Jones, showcasing the versatility and impact of octaves in music. Listeners are encouraged to experiment with octaves in their playing and to check out the next episode, which will focus on walking basslines. Andy emphasizes the importance of getting your music out into the world and the role octaves can play in that journey.

Ep032 - Never Surrender!

In this episode of GTRNRD, Andy Schneider addresses the universal challenges faced by musicians, from beginners to seasoned pros. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance in overcoming self-doubt and frustration, which are common hurdles in the musical journey. Andy shares personal insights and experiences, encouraging listeners to never give up, as persistence is key to success. Andy highlights the significance of seeking help from mentors or teachers to accelerate learning and overcome obstacles. He suggests that a fresh perspective or guidance from an experienced musician can provide the breakthrough needed to move forward. Additionally, Andy discusses the self-critical nature of accomplished artists, using a cowboy metaphor to illustrate the journey of musical growth. He reassures listeners that while they may see their own limitations, others see their progress and talent. The episode concludes with a reminder that the road to great musicianship is paved by persistence, and that every step forward is a step towards creating music that the world needs. Andy encourages listeners to keep pushing through challenges and to believe in the value of their music.

Ep031 - Game Killers: Is Your Guitar Holding You Back?

In this episode of GTRNRD, Andy Schneider explores the common issues that might be hindering your guitar playing experience. He delves into how your guitar or bass might be the "game killer" holding you back and offers insights on identifying and fixing these problems. From poor neck action and setup issues to cheap pickups and tuning problems, Andy provides practical advice on how to address these common guitar ailments. He emphasizes that most of these issues are simple fixes that can be done at home or with the help of a local technician. Andy also highlights the importance of understanding the wood choice of your guitar, as it significantly affects the tone and response. He encourages players to research and become familiar with their instrument's materials to make informed decisions in the future. Additionally, Andy introduces his new books, "Beginning Bass Scales and Exercises" and "Beginning Left-Handed Bass Scales and Exercises", designed to help bassists master scales and improve their playing in just 10 minutes a day. For seasoned players, Andy discusses more advanced topics like the impact of wood choice on tone and the importance of good sustain. He also teases an upcoming three-part special on guitar pickups, promising to dive deep into their design and impact on sound. Listeners are encouraged to take a closer look at their instruments to identify any game killers that might be affecting their playing. With a few adjustments, players can unlock their full potential and enhance their musical journey. Andy wraps up by teasing next week's episode on "Easy Octave Upgrades," promising to share tips on adding energy and impact to your playing with minimal effort.