Guitar Goodness

Every invention is connected to an inventor who in turn is remembered in history for his/her contribution. Here we will learn about the history of the electric guitar.

Every style of music, be it jazz, blues, country, new age, rock and roll and even contemporary classical music - all have been associated with the electric guitar at some point or another. Unlike the classical and acoustic guitar, the electric guitar is the signature instrument of the twentieth-century music because of its distinctive sound and intimate connection with many legendary internationally famous musicians.

Like all other instruments, the electric guitar can also be divided into parts like the body, frets, neck, headstock, bridge, nut, pickup switch, pickups, tremolo, tuning pegs, volume and tone control.

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Here are some suggestions for caring for your guitar:

• Wipe down the neck with a dry cloth after every use to protect your fretboard and to prolong string life. Sweat, oils, dirt and grime can accumulate very quickly, and if you wipe the fretboard frequently, you can make dressing the frets a much simpler task. You will also prolong string life by removing some of the elements that cause strings to deteriorate.
• Dress the frets every time you change strings. If you play often,a lot of dirt, grime and oils from your hands can build up on the fretboard. This isn't good for the strings and probably affects the sound also. I use a very soft-bristled toothbrush and a little soapy water, and I make sure to wipe the fret dry after cleaning. Use this routine when your change strings and your fretboard won't ever have that 'soft' feel.
• Clean and polish the top, sides and back of your guitar regularly. You can use a top-of-the line furniture polish to apply to your guitar, or your can buy any number of polishes offered by guitar companies specifically for the guitar application. If you establish a regular clean and polish regimen, your guitar will always look good. The beauty of the woods will be enhanced, and if you should ever decide to part with your guitar, it will bring a premium price because of your efforts.

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During my last tour, Brent (my group's bassist) and I were discussing our practice routine and what it takes to succeed playing our instruments. I mentioned to him how people will tell Me I have such a gift for playing the guitar and even though I am extremely flattered, my subconscious is grumbling back at me "It's not a gift; it's an extreme amount of never ending HARD WORK!

Brent's reply to me was it is not that we are born with a magical ability to learn our instrument effortlessly. The "Real Gift" is that we have the motivation & drive to learn and study at all costs! Never to give up! We have a real burning desire to learn and play. If we let the instrument sit untouched too long, a piece of our being disappears. (Similar to feeling a loss of a good friend who has moved away)

So... What is it that drives me to pick up the guitar and to begin learning to play? How do you find that burning desire (the gift) to becoming a great guitarist?

The desire comes from discovering, seeing and listening to great professional guitarists. For me, it is guitarist such as David Gilmore (Pink Floyd), Joe Satriani, Steve Morse (Deep Purple), Joe Pass (Jazz), Django Rienhardt (Jazz), Tony Rice (country), Paco DeLucia (Flamenco), and my current guitar idol... Vicente Amigo. When I grow up, I am going to be just like all of them! It's so exciting; there is so much to learn from these guys!

Every time I need a shot of desire to get me practicing and playing, I would put on a cd or DVD of any of my favorite guitar heros! Instantly! That feeling comes over me... "I WANT TO BE JUST LIKE THEM"

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