226 Reply by Buzzwagon

(4 replies, posted in Acoustic)

Just about every one ever written and there are 100's of artists to check out. Go back to the start and check out Robert Johnson then you could try Elmore James, Albert King, BB King, Albert Collins moving through to the legend that is Stevie Ray Vaughan and Johnny Winter and some Texas Blues, Alvin Lee, Gary Moore, Eric Clapton, his album "From the Cradle" has some absolute classics on it. There are so many that it's difficult for me to pin down just a few, have a listen and play what YOU like.

Blues is fairly easy to play the basics, typically 3 chords and you can play loads of lead using the minor pentatonic scale.

Jerry

Go to forum: Acoustic

227 Reply by Buzzwagon

(15 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

Seasick Steve's a legend, I bought his last album. He's the only multi millionaire I know that dresses like a tramp and only has three strings on his guitar.

Jerry

Go to forum: Chordie's Chat Corner

228 Reply by Buzzwagon

(14 replies, posted in Electric)

There I was, GAS cured with the purchase of a new amp and a Boss loop station and you have to post that! Lovely Strat man, I'd go for the blue.

Jerry

Go to forum: Electric

229 Reply by Buzzwagon

(231 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

Funeral March

A man was leaving a convenience store with his morning coffee when he
noticed a most unusual funeral procession approaching the nearby
cemetery.

A black hearse was followed by a second black hearse about 50 feet
behind the first one.

Behind the second hearse was a solitary man walking a dog on a leash.

Behind him, a short distance back, were about 200 men walking single file.

The man couldn't stand his curiosity.

He respectfully approached the man walking the dog and said, "I am so
sorry for your loss, and this may be a bad time to disturb you, but I've
never seen a funeral like this. Whose funeral is it?"

"My wife's."

''What happened to her?"

The man replied, "My dog attacked and killed her."

He inquired further, "But who is in the second hearse?"

The man answered, "My mother-in-law. She was trying to help my wife when
the dog turned on her."

A very poignant and touching moment, of brotherhood and silence,
passed between the two men.

"Can I borrow the dog?"

The man replied, "Get in line.

Go to forum: Chordie's Chat Corner

230 Reply by Buzzwagon

(14 replies, posted in Electric)

Hi Livebaitman

I have an SSS strat and I've never had any hum, buzz or feedback and while it's a cracking guitar a friend of mine recently bought a fat strat and that humbucker really makes a difference, I love it, and ever since I've been thinking about sticking a humbucker in mine. It just gives you so much of a bigger sound but there you go, horses for courses I guess.

THe only advice I can really give you is that I don't think I've ever played 2 strats that felt the same so play as many as you can until you get one that you're completely happy with, although saying that allmost everything can be adjusted on a strat so unless you've got one that's really messed up you'll be able to get it perfect for you.

I'm playing mine through a Peavey Windsor and he plays his through a Marshall tube amp, (not sure what model), but we don't get problems through either.

Jerry

Go to forum: Electric

231 Reply by Buzzwagon

(17 replies, posted in Acoustic)

nevets17 wrote:

I have have no problem getting an acoustic and adding a pickup.

The truth is I don't really have a NEED to go electirc I just figured if I was spending close to $300(or more) on a new guitar I might as well get more bang for the buck.

Getting back to the used Alvarez RD8 for $120. I played the heck out of it on Saturday night at the store. It would definately be a fun cheap guitar to beat on while I am stilllearning to play. But , as I mentioned it had a small impact dent/crack on the bottom(near the seam where the top and bottom meet). Did this affect the playing? I am not sure. It may or may not cause a problem so I decided to wait on the possibility of another used Alvarez down the road.

You have $300 to spend, why take a chance, you're doing the right thing waiting. As for going electric giving you bang for bucks, I'm not sure that would be the case. For $300 you won't be getting anything like a top line guitar and you be better off spending your money on a better quality acoustic. You will notice the difference in quality and it will show in your playing.

A little known fact: Eric Clapton very nearly gave up the guitar before he'd even started due to his first guitar being a cheap and almost unplayable piece of junk, when he bought a better guitar he found it all became so much easier and he kept it up. Bang for bucks doesn't necessarily equate to electricity!

Jerry

Go to forum: Acoustic

232 Topic by Buzzwagon

(9 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

I dont know whether its the same in other countries but every year in the UK the Xmas chart is big news and in recent years it's been overtaken by Simon Cowell and his brand of manufactured rubbish. This year a mate of mine, Tim Hain, and a few others who've been given the big "No" from Mr. Cowell have got together and made a song to try to stop the X Factor getting to #1 this year. It's available to download on iTunes so do us all a favour and download this single, even if it's not your thing it's championing genuine musicians so everyone has a reason to download it, think of it as your annual gift to charity! I've also stuck one of Tims CD's in the "Picks around the World" box that's currently wending it's way to Portugal so if you want to hear more either check out www.timhain.com or stick your name down for the Picks Around The World.

Here's the link for the youtube video and it's on iTunes under the band name Jam Side Up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uu-qpnohnI

Thanks

Jerry

Go to forum: Chordie's Chat Corner

233 Reply by Buzzwagon

(76 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

I've done a fair bit in my time too. Initially worked in the City for 18 years, finishing up as an Operations Manager for US stockbroker, Instinet. Packed that in and took a year off before deciding I didn't want to go back. Since then I've been a prison officer, ran my own landscaping business during which time I emplyed 14 guys and built medal winning gardens at the Chelsea Flower Show, I've been a motorcycle courier and a semi professional drummer, (about 25 years ago). These days I manage a 150 acre private country estate in Surrey with Mrs Buzzwagon. It's a great life with no pressures and there are times I feel semi retired!

Jerry

Go to forum: Chordie's Chat Corner

234 Reply by Buzzwagon

(17 replies, posted in Acoustic)

You could get an electro acoustic for that money.

The advantages would be that you could play with others who are amplified, (assuming you're also amplified), ie a band, and you can play around with some effects which is always good fun. In terms of playability electro acoustics change nothing. I'm assuming here that your talking about an acoustic with a pick up.
If however you're talking about something like an archtop then you gain the benefits of lighter gauge strings, faster action and potentially more tonal variation.

Jerry

Go to forum: Acoustic

235 Reply by Buzzwagon

(5 replies, posted in Guitars and accessories)

Don't know anything at all about the Lindo but Yamaha, Ibanez and Epiphone all make good low end bases.

Jerry

Go to forum: Guitars and accessories

236 Reply by Buzzwagon

(518 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

Nice one Pete, me and Mrs Buzzwagon still go and see Quo when they tour every year here in the UK. It's a cracking night out, a real party atmosphere.

Jerry

Go to forum: Chordie's Chat Corner

237 Reply by Buzzwagon

(4 replies, posted in Guitars and accessories)

Hey Accoustik, are you sure you're not describing my rig, it sure sounds like it, I've got an ME50 and an RC2 as well!!

I'd suggest looking at what most people use, if he doesn't have anything yet how about an overdrive pedal, a chorus pedal, a flanger, maybe a delay or a wah pedal. How much does he want to spend? It's a bit of a tricky one isn't it? How about an ME25?

Jerry

Go to forum: Guitars and accessories

238 Reply by Buzzwagon

(412 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

The picks are off on their way again, they'll be leaving for the Algarve in Portugal on Monday morning.

Enjoy Roger

Jerry

Go to forum: Chordie's Chat Corner

239 Reply by Buzzwagon

(57 replies, posted in Acoustic)

Roger Guppy wrote:

Not wanting to cause controversy but I have to say I disagree with Nela over the guitar position.

Having the guitar tilted back makes barre chords even more difficult to play, in fact tilting it back makes any chord more difficult to play as your wrist ends up in an unatural angle. I suggest you learn any chord but especially barre chords in front of a mirror to see the fretboard and keep the guitar and your wrist in a normal position.

Roger

Good post, tilting the neck back, even a little, will put extra strain on the wrist and put your thumb in the wrong position on the back of the neck and one of the key issues when learning to play barre chords, or any chord for that mattter, is a lack of strength. The fretboard should ideally be angled at 90 degrees to the floor. Don't only stick to 3 chord songs either, to play a minor when using the E shape just lift your middle finger, when playing the A shape make the A minor shape, lo and behold you just opened up a whole load of songs, 7th's is even easier. The more you play, the easier it gets.

The key is not to be frightened of barre chords and use the whole neck, try it and once you have the physical strength you'll wonder what the all the worry was about barre chords. Play songs you already know but instead of using open chords, use barre chords, this willgive you an opportunity to build upyour strength and muscle memory without the additional problem of learning new songs.

Jerry

Go to forum: Acoustic

240 Reply by Buzzwagon

(6 replies, posted in Acoustic)

He's having a laugh, I wouldn't give you $4.90 for it.

Jerry

Go to forum: Acoustic

241 Reply by Buzzwagon

(518 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

How about a little of the legendary Albert Lee and The Refreshments doing an old Fats Domino number. Not only a musical genius but also an all round good guy. I was lucky enough to jam with Albert about 25 years ago in a pub in London so I can vouch that he does only have the 5 fingers on each hand. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4qEBIWYobo

And another from Albert that makes me realise I should just throw my guitars away and take up something else!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIxmhjiE … re=related

Jerry

Go to forum: Chordie's Chat Corner

242 Reply by Buzzwagon

(10 replies, posted in Electric)

Take a look at the Blackstar HT5. It's swept the boards for "Best this", "Best that" since its release. Just read the reviews and try one. You'll change your mind about the Vox and the little Fender. The Vox Night Train is also worth a look as is the Laney VC15, the Fender Pro Junior and the Fender Super Champ XD.

Be aware that there's a massive power difference between 5 and 15 watts when talking about tube amps.

If you want a tube amp to break up at low volume try using the guitar, turn the amp up and the guitar down! Seems that most people just stick everything to max on the guitar and try to control everything using their amps and fx. Using your guitar to control tone is becoming a lost art!

Jerry

Go to forum: Electric

243 Reply by Buzzwagon

(7 replies, posted in Song requests)

Try Amazon, there are hundreds available.

Jerry

Go to forum: Song requests

244 Reply by Buzzwagon

(25 replies, posted in Electric)

patrickjacques wrote:
christopaul wrote:

I recon, the best thing to do with a strat is to fit an extra spring to pull the bridge real tight and remove the tremlo altogether.

sorry to chang the subject but I have a strat (deluxe model, USA) and if I try to tune to open E the bridge lifts up, out of posision. Do you think an extra spring or two would take care of this problem (it came with 3 springs)Also I would like to say that I have owned 3 different strats over the years (I have allways loved them) I find that the quality has gone down with the one I purchaced about a year ago. The 5 position swich is not operating properly and the holes on the back cover did not aline with the holes too restring, so I removed the back cover plate

Without meaning to upset anybody, contrary to what many people have said Fender Strats don't just drop out of tune, (I can't vouch for any copies). The problem most people have is set up and setting up any guitar properly isn't a 5 minute job for the untrained. No, your bridge shouldn't lift out of position, it should lie flat on the body of the guitar, you'll also find that if you hit for example, the bottom E string and the B string and bend the B string the note coming from the E string will also go up. This is down to set up, nothing else. I've added an additional spring to mine, (now 4 springs), this keeps the bridge secure while still allowing for the use of the trem, and no, it doesn't just drop out of tune. Doing this may mean that you'll also have to adjust your saddles. Your other option would be to hardtail it, if it's good enough for Eric Clapton......

I'd suggest taking your guitar to somebody who knows what they are doing with regards set up, don't just go by the fact that they call themselves a luthier, anybody can set up as a luthier as it's a completely unregulated industry, ask around to see who other people use as a their techy. The cost of a good set up, in the UK anyway, is about £25, will take a good techy about half an hour and you'll find it'll be like playing a new guitar if its done right.

The thing with Strats, and Tele's for that matter, is that most problems are down to set up and almost any problem can be solved quickly and cheaply if you know what you're doing.

Jerry

Go to forum: Electric

245 Reply by Buzzwagon

(412 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

Come on then ladies and gents, let's keep this going, I've put some good stuff in so whoever wants it next get in touch.

Jerry

Go to forum: Chordie's Chat Corner

246 Reply by Buzzwagon

(3 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

zguitar wrote:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5Pn4LMJ9ZM
On the same note... What makes people awe at the likes of Eddie Van Halen, Steve Vai, Yngwie Malsteen, Gary Hoey and other guitar "gods"? All of them shred, and that in itself is amazing. But is it really that hard and that impressive? Is it just so fast and flashy that makes people think they're awesome?

Now that is a really good question. Personally, while I can appreciate the talent that goes with playing fast I'm done after listening to somebody shredding after about 5 minutes. I'd much rather listen to someone playing with feeling and there are players who are fast who can do that, Gary Moore and Albert Lee to name two.

Jerry

Go to forum: Chordie's Chat Corner

247 Reply by Buzzwagon

(412 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

A small box turned up this morning!! I'm putting off opening it until I finish work, (even Mrs Buzz is excited!). First to post or email me gets it next.

Jerry

Go to forum: Chordie's Chat Corner

248 Reply by Buzzwagon

(16 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

cameronkl7 wrote:

You could open up a new rock and roll band called "BadEye"

You could open up your first set with

1- Badeye to the bone
2- Bad barrel of booze
3- Bad Barrel of Blues
4- We are Badeye
5- I got a Badeye
6- My Badeye done got worse
7- Blackeyed Badeye
8- Badeye cryin in the rain
9- Don't it make my Badeye Blue
10- Black and Blue Eyed

Anyone got anymore?

Cam

Encore with Nazareths "Badeye, Badeye Boy" and The Beautiful Souths "Old Badeye is Back" or anything by the Badeyed Peas.

Jerry

Go to forum: Chordie's Chat Corner

249 Reply by Buzzwagon

(6 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

I reckon any half decent lawyer would get you your bonus pro rated. Get yourself half an hour of legal advice.

Jerry

Go to forum: Chordie's Chat Corner

250 Reply by Buzzwagon

(62 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

I started out as drummer at school at about 15. When I was 17 I got my first job with a country rock band and made a living playing drums for a couple of years before we imploded. We had 3 guitarists in the Jailhouse Band, one of whom, a lightning picker, very much in the mode of Albert Lee, became a really good friend and he taught me a few chords. It all stemmed from there, I bought a Fender F75 acoustic, the sheet music to The Eagles Greatest Hits and taught myself the album. I've spent thousands on lessons over the years and loved every little bit of my guitar playing life except my attempt at learning to play classical guitar properly, (far too regimented for an old rock and roller like me).

Over the years I've played some cracking gigs, those that stick in mind are playing in front of 3000 people at Peterborough Country Festival, jamming with Albert Lee at the Tunnel Club, playing at John Dankworths jazz club, playing a gypsy wedding!! I've recorded a couple of CD's with different people which is fun and really teaches you whether or not you know a song well enough. These days I like nothing better than to get together with mates and just jam and drink beer!

I'm now 47, don't play the drums anymore, and I like to think I'm pretty conversant with my guitars. I own 5, a 2005 Strat, (which is off to the tech today), a beautiful 1995 Japanese Tele, an Epiphone Wildkat, an Ovation Celebrity and a Tanglewood classical guitar.

Jerry

Go to forum: Chordie's Chat Corner