ArtistWorks Blog

One of the most important musical elements that contributes to the aesthetic of traditional country guitar playing is the use of two-note harmonizations. These two-note harmonizations, often called double-stops, can be heard in almost every classic country recording ever produced.

Andy McKee is widely considered to be one of the most prolific artists in the world of modern acoustic guitar playing. Alongside guitarists like Michael Hedges, Preston Reed, and Billy McLaughlin, Andy has pioneered countless techniques on the acoustic guitar that have taken the instrument to new heights and completely reshaped the way in which the world perceives the role and capabilities of the acoustic guitar.

When first learning to play the guitar, oftentimes our primary focus is on hitting the “correct notes,” whether they be in the context of a song or riff, or within an improvisation or solo. However, crafting a truly musical and emotive performance requires much more than simply playing the “right notes.”

Earlier this week, world-renowned mandolinist, Grammy-nominated musician, and ArtistWorks bluegrass mandolin instructor, Mike Marshall, released his latest album, Mike Marshall Mandocello J.S. Bach Cello Suite No. 4, BWV 1010.

As guitar players, oftentimes when we think of “sweep picking” techniques, the first stylistic associations that come to mind are heavy metal and shred guitar playing. However, sweep picking methods are used in a variety of different guitar styles, including, but not limited to, flatpick and bluegrass guitar playing.

On Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at 4:00 pm PT / 6:00 pm CT, ArtistWorks will be hosting a free virtual live-streamed event featuring both of our world-renowned fiddle instructors: Darol Anger and Brittany Haas. We are also excited to announce that Darol and Brittany will be joined on the live-stream by special guests Deanie Richardson (IBMA award-winning fiddler and co-founder of the Grammy-nominated bluegrass quintet, Sister Sadie) and Alex Hargreaves (nationally renowned fiddle virtuoso and the current fiddle player for Billy Strings).

For most aspiring jazz musicians, one of the more intimidating elements of the genre to learn is the art of improvisation. When first learning to improvise, it can feel daunting, and understanding where to begin can often feel like a mystery.

Having an instrument that is comfortable, easy to play, and produces a pleasing tonal quality is important when you’re first learning to play the saxophone. It makes learning the instrument more enjoyable and exciting and keeps you inspired to pick up your horn to practice and play. However, one of the most critical factors that is often overlooked and contributes heavily to a horn’s playability and the quality of tone that it produces is the reed. There are a wide variety of reed types and brands that each produce a unique tone quality and have a distinct feel and response.