GIBSON AND EPIPHONE

I will not talk about the specs and stuff because we all know that already or we could always search for it in the internet. What we do want to know is this: is there any difference between the sound and the tone of the Gibson Models and the Epiphone Models? Well, I for once had the chance to play both guitars, same model at one show. And I think there’s actually no difference with the two guitars except for the feel. I don’t know how to explain it but the Gibson Les Paul Standard that I used had a vintage feel that comes with it. How do I describe that vintage feeling; I can’t. It is something that you have to experience personally. Epiphone sounded as good as Gibson However but there was just this slight difference on the feel. I used both guitars on the same amp, same effects pedal and same settings, but different tunings. I also used the same string gauge for both guitars and they did awesome.

Anyway, another difference between these two guitars is that Epiphones are relatively cheaper than the Gibson guitars. That is because of the materials used in making the guitars and other factors. So if you don’t have enough cash to cough up for a Gibson Les Paul Standard, try the Epiphone equivalent.

PHRASING

if you want to be a good guitar player, you must not over look the word phrasing. Phrasing is the same method that we humans use in talking. It is also the same term used for playing guitar solos. Only that instead of words and tone and accent, we have dynamics, notes and expressions. Intermediate and advanced player often overlook this subject because they feel that it is not important as long as you know and master all the guitar techniques but that is definitely wrong. Expression comes out of good phrasing; it’s like making your guitar talk or express emotions. This is perfect for playing blues guitar since blues is full of emotions and drunken drama.

Techniques are only there to emphasize the emotions that are conveyed thru phrasing. I would like to emphasize the need to practice phrasing if you want to do sensible guitar solo improvisations, not just running around with notes and speed, though that is impressive, nothing impresses me more than a good phrased guitar solo which is full of emotions, as if its telling me something or making me feel something. BB King is the bomb when it comes to this subject. Also, you could check out John Mayer, he’s got great talent on phrasing.

NATURAL HARMONICS

Harmonics are the high – pitched, bell like sound produced by gently touching the strings over specific frets on the guitar. Natural harmonics are produced on the open strings of the guitar. There are other methods of doing harmonics and one of them is natural harmonics. There are artificial harmonics, pinch harmonics, tap harmonics and touch harmonics but today we’ll talk about natural harmonics.

Now how do you do a natural harmonic? You gently touch the string with your fingers and pluck it then remove your fingers quickly to let it resonate. It’s kinda difficult at first but you’ll get used to it. Try doing a natural harmonic on the open sixth string.

Actually, this is how I do relative tuning. I do an open harmonics on the 12^th fret on the 6^th string and compare it with note on the 7^th fret on the 5^th string and do the same with the other remaining strings. By doing so, I can assure accurate relativity with the tuning, all I have to do is get a basis for the 5^th string or the A note and that’s it. Why don’t you try it see if it works on you. Sometimes, octaves are much clearer to listen to when I’m tuning so I tune this way.

MUSICAL FRUSTRATION

If you are frustrated over not being good enough in whatever musical endeavor you take, this is normal. It is normal for people to be frustrated, even musical geniuses gets frustrated. The thing with this is, knowing how to deal with this frustration. Are you letting this eat you all up? Or are you going to use this to your advantage? It doesn’t take a genius to answer that question. Of course, the most positive thing to do is to use it to your advantage. Let it inspire you more. You see Satriani noodling on his guitar like a maniac and it frustrates you, making you think you’ll never get there, use it to your advantage, think on the reverse, Satriani did it, Satriani is human, I am human, and therefore I can do it too. Use simple logic, this works. Don’t get frustrated over things that you never tried as hard as other people. Those guitar players are what they are now because they turned these frustrations into something good. They were what they are now because they tried harder than others, and they are only human, definitely human. So therefore, you , me and Satriani has no difference at all, except for the fact that he’s already there, but when we acquire the right attitude over these problem, we could be able to get there, someday, with Satriani.

THE BEST GUITAR ALBUMS EVER

They are not literally guitar albums, but records which contains great guitar manifestations in it. This is just my opinion and please don’t hate me for it. Anyway, I just scanned my tracks on my computer and made this list so you could compare it with yours. So here goes:

1. AC / DC – Back in Black

- Who would disagree with this? Angus Young’s guitar playing on this album was splendid, as well as on their other albums but this one just stood out among the rest.

2. Cream – Live

- This is definitely one of Eric Clapton’s best performances ever.

3. Deep Purple – Made in Japan (Live)

- Ritchie Blackmore proves them Jap people how he could pull it off live or not.

4. Dire Straits – Self – Titled

- Mark Knopfler’s Masterpiece.

5. Jimi Hendrix – Band of Gypsys (live)

- No need to argue, right?

6. Pantera – Official Live

- Dimebag Darrell Abbott left us with all the necessary ingredients for some good metal loving.

7. Led Zeppelin – The Song Remains The Same (live)

- Jimmy Page is definitely someone who could rock you out cold.

8. Frank Zappa – The Best Band You Never Heard in Your Life (live)

9. Van Halen – Self Titled

- I like to call this album, Van Hagar instead of Van Halen but anyway, Eddie made this one EPIC.

10. John Mayer – Where The Light is (live)

- This is definitely the all in one John Mayer total experience. Watch it!

Now that’s it. My list of the greatest guitar albums in the world. Love it or hate it, it’s all on you.