Communication is one of the most important aspects of playing music, both on and off stage. You cannot truly make great music without it, and it is essential for a successful gig. The Three Key Areas of Musical Communication There are three critical areas where communication matters. Of course, you need it on stage, but you also need it before the gig. The other two areas are communication between you and your bandmates, and communication between your band and the venue. Ever

Today, I'd like to share some points I’ve gathered over my years as a professional musician. They may seem a bit random, but I’ll keep things as organized as possible. Let’s start with the foundation: the music itself. No matter your level, it always comes down to the music. Whether you’re creating something new or reproducing someone else’s work, this is where it begins. Playing as a Band   If you’re in a band, you must play like a band.  This means listening and paying atte

They say tone is in your hands. While that’s true for great players, some aren’t quite there yet. Today, I’d like to help with that. Let’s start with what tone actually is. Tone is basically making your notes sound good. Even if you’re playing the right notes, you still need the right tone to truly create a good sound. It comes from a combination of things, gear, EQ, effects, and more. Gear Matters Certain guitars are more prevalent in different genres than others. Since I’m

Not all gigs are the same, especially when it comes to travel dates. Whether you’re playing for an artist, loading up a van for a road trip,

A few months ago, I covered the importance of being a professional musician and shared advice on leading a band....