Most of the follow-up album to Serenade of Strings was recorded between 2011-2012, but I’ve recently written two new acoustic guitar songs. This week I recorded the rhythm guitar, bass, and drums on both, and some melodies on one. More Read More …
Author: Rand
New Photos and Updates
In advance of the release of Utopia, the debut album by my metal band, Black Halo, I’ve had new photos done ; I also removed all older ones from here. The two I’m sharing now are in this post. I guess Read More …
New Acoustic Album
I’ve resumed work on a follow-up to Serenade of Strings. Most of it was actually recorded over a decade ago before I semi-retired. In the past two months, I wrote most of a new one, updated an older one, and have Read More …
New Store Open!
While I’ve been selling music and books for decades, I’ve finally opened my own online store, which you can visit here. Why? Well… Revenue. Depending on the format and store, like Amazon, I lose between 30-75% of the money. With Read More …
New Band Site
I’ve created a new website for my metal band, Black Halo, and the new logo has been revealed. While the site is up, it will be a while before we have photos, videos, and more, but we do have a Read More …
Interval Riffs, Part 3: Simple Counterpoint
Counterpoint is defined as two or more simultaneous melodies that maintain their independence while still forming a harmonic relationship. A single instrument like classical guitar can perform counterpoint with three or four lines seeming like a single part. However, rock Read More …
Interval Riffs, Part 2: Ornamentation
In a previous article, Interval Riff Basics, we looked at and heard examples of using only two notes, or intervals, for rhythm guitar parts. The two main intervals are fifth and thirds, with the latter adding more variety and color Read More …
Interval Riffs, Part 1: Basics
Many guitarists use chords for rhythm guitar without considering another option: intervals. While a chord is three (or more) notes, an interval is only two. This might seem a trivial difference, but using just part of a chord lets you Read More …
Music Degrees and Rock Guitarists, Part 2
Read Part 1 here. Earning a traditional four-year degree in music, and specifically classical guitar, can make guitarists better at rock music, but it usually takes some effort to transport what you’ve learned from the classical concert hall to the Read More …
Music Degrees and Rock Guitarists, Part 1
Many guitar players learn music theory and consider a degree in music, but wonder what they will gain from a traditional four-year degree and whether it’s worth it. The answer isn’t the same for everyone, but here’s what I can Read More …