HARD N' HEAVY

Sweet Child O' Mine - Trace Bundy

2009-11-09T13:29:00.001+01:00

Lately, YouTube has become my biggest time consumer when browsing the web. I recently stumbled upon one of the best performances of this song ever. It simply consumed my attention an it's been my "hit of the day" ever since. :)

The performer is Trace Bundy. I just have to get his discography!

Here's Sweet Child O' Mine, originally by Guns N' Roses, re-arranged and performed by Trace Bundy.

Enjoy!

Composite acoustics

2009-11-03T13:35:00.001+01:00

The cold and wet weather inspired my latest concerns about the well being of my acoustic guitar. You probably know the effects of temperature and moisture on an acoustic guitar so I won't bother you with that. Never the less, I solved my concerns but it inspired me to write this text.

Imagine that you have a guitar that is not affected by weather, heat, cold, moisture but is still a top quality instrument, durable, strong and reliable. You don't have to imagine anything. Someone already did.

I recently discovered the website of an innovative company called Composite Acoustics. Their line of work - producing carbon fiber acoustic and recently electric guitars. You can read all you want at their website, but the bottom line is that the guitars are works of art. Not only they sound great they look great as well.

I decided to present one of the models that caught my eye. It an acoustic, model OX.

Here are the guitar's features.

I would definitely like to put my hand on this guitar but at a price of $ 1.099 it will have to wait some better times (and maybe even a dealer in Macedonia).

Stay tuned!

Lawson Rollins, Guitar Virtuoso

2009-10-15T15:15:00.001+02:00

This song and video are the highlight of my week. I listened it over and over and it never stops to impress me. It's a happy sound that simply lifts your spirit and mood. Regarding his style and technique, well... see for yourself.

Enjoy!

Black and tight

2009-10-14T09:09:00.000+02:00

Make sure to trow a glimpse at the guitar as well ;)

ZZ TOP Live in Skopje!

2009-10-02T15:37:00.000+02:00

19 days remaining! Counting the days till October 22nd, the date of the ZZ TOP concert in Skopje, Macedonia. Here's some more info.

Can't wait!!! :)

Iris by Goo Goo Dolls

2009-09-25T11:18:00.000+02:00

The original is kind of weird :). It's in BDDDDD tuning. It you strive to play it like the original, you can find the tabs HERE.

But, I'm not going to share the original here. There's a version in standard tuning (EADGBE) that sounds great on a acoustic guitar.

Here are the chords. (Download PDF file)

Click to enlarge

Dean girl

2009-09-24T11:37:00.000+02:00

Buy the guitar, get the girl ;)

Walden D350CEB

2009-09-13T01:53:00.000+02:00

I'm definitely not objective when it comes to Walden Guitars as I own one my self and I'm deeply pleased to do so. I bought a Walden Natura D670 some time ago and got truly surprised, positively of course, by the craftsmanship, look, feel and sound of this particular guitar. With the low price range it's definitely a great value for your money.

The model I want to present here is the D350CEB from the standard series. I was captured by its looks but I'm sure that it offers the same pleasure and performance as the other Waldens. I've always wanted to have a black guitar. This just might be the one.

Use the link to see the specs if you're interested in the details.

Just add a guitar

2009-09-08T02:06:00.001+02:00

I know that it's not fair to compare music, especially if the songs are completely different style, but I'll be comparing the same song, or better said the original and its cover, so it's OK.

First just let me say that I didn't like this song when it became popular, but over the time I warmed up to it.

This is a perfect example of how you can turn a shitty song (my personal opinion!) into something nice when you add a guitar into the picture.

Enjoy!

* If you want to see the original (by 50 cent) go to YouTube and watch it there, since the author requested to disable the embedding option (which lowers my low opinion for that music even more!)

I Love Guitar

2009-09-07T09:55:00.002+02:00

You know I do! If you're reading this blog probably you do as well.

I Love Guitar is the my new awesome discovery. It's the vault of guitar knowledge. It offers guitar systems, chords, scales, arpeggios, reading, theory and more in a structured manner. Unlike many guitar sites that offer loads of information, including lessons, without any or just some structure, here you have all the knowledge you'll ever need organized in easy to grasp blocks and categories.

If you are learning the guitar this is the first and last place you will have to visit, ever! So, good hunting.

Stay tuned!

Metronome and tuner

2009-09-03T23:45:00.000+02:00

I've been busy in the past days and couldn't find the time for a new post. Sorry for that. Now, that asside, here's the new thing that I "discovered" yesterday and instantaneously made my guitar playing efforts so much easier.

I'm pretty sure that the experienced player uses a metronome all the time, but I doubt that a noveice player is aware of the benefits of such a tool.

I was planing to buy one when I had an "Ahaaa" moment and realized that there must be some sort of software that can help me. So I found Metronome Online. But my revelation didn't end there. Now I have a metronome/tuner as a Java application in my cell phone. this particular one is not freeware. You have a 7 days trial and after that it'll cost you $5.99 to get the full version.

But, there are a lot of other applications like this one. Apparently the idea is a common one :) Visit GetJar and type metronome or tuner in the search bar. You'll get a lot of hits, just pick the one you like the most. I'd have to say that Metronome Online is by far the best one, both in terms of design and functionality, hence the cost.

Yaay! :) I saved a descent amount of money and I spared myself from having to carry around another gadget.

Stay tuned!

McPherson MG 4.0

2009-08-29T13:24:00.001+02:00

I woke up today wondering about my next blog post. I already decided it to be a guitar "review" (remember I'm not reviewing the guitar, I'm simply not qualified to do so. I'm just offering the info), so now I had to find a mind blowing guitar to write about.

I was Google-ing the web in my quest when I came across a company called McPherson Guitars. It is there that I saw it. The McPherson MG 4.0, a mind blowing craftsmanship and one cool looking guitar. Specs and details are available via the links. The price tag for this particular model - $6.000.

As Afiqme wrote in his blog, I'm just overwhelmed by the amount of exceptional guitar makers and brands out there. You can easily say that making a guitar is not a trade, it's art. I mean look at this images. Loot at how every detail stands out, how much greatness each instrument has in it self. WOW!

Until next time, Tune the essence!

40 years Woodstock - An event that defined a generation

2009-08-29T03:23:00.001+02:00

August 15th, 16th and 17th 1969. Three historical days that defined a generation.

Yes, you now what I'm talking about. Woodstock. The famous festival that your parents told stories about. 186.000 people bought the "first" tickets for the three day show. In the end half a million people witnessed the greatest music show in history!

Sex, drugs and rock n' roll! This August 2009 we celebrate the 40th anniversary. Unfortunately I was born in a different time. I couldn't be a part of it. I'll have to satisfy with the stories and dream that something like that will define my time as well.

Read the Woodstock Story and try, just try, to imagine what was it like...

The Godfather Music Theme (Acoustic )

2009-08-27T11:51:00.006+02:00

It's time for some truly musical contribution. From time to time, I'll post chords and tabs for different songs that I have in my song book, and a lot of new ones as well.

OK. A first of many, I'm giving you The Godfather Theme tabbed for Acoustic Guitar. It's a absolutely magnificent piece. You can click on the image to view a larger version, or you can download a PDF version bu clicking on the link below.

The Godfather Theme Tab (Acoustic).

The video is the actual performance of this song by this tab, so it's a great video "lesson" to accompany the tab.

That's all for now. Have a great time practicing this one.

Ana Vidovic (Female guitarists #01)

2009-08-26T22:06:00.000+02:00

There's something mysteriously beautiful in the girl-guitar combination. Most of the time I can't figure out what exactly that is. Probably it's a simple personal preference. Probably.

I'm not gonna rate, judge or compare the any of the artists posted here at any time. Every musician brings his/her own value and is special in a certain way.

So, what's today's pick?!

Her name is Ana Vidovic, originally from Karlovac, Croatia. She plays the classical guitar since age 5. (daaamn!) With countless prizes and recognitions behind her name, she's literally part of the guitar elite. If you're interested in more details about her life and accomplishments check out her Bio.

Although I'm not very fond of the musical style and her repertoire, I'm no less than impressed by her performance, filled with awesome technique and emotion.

I'm about to offer you a glimpse of her abilities during the performance of Isaac Albeniz's Asturias at the New York Guitar Festival's third biennial Guitar Marathon. Enjoy!

That was lovely. I'm sure it's great to be a world class guitarist and play a custom made guitar, in this case a Jim Redgate , that's worth a small fortune! Ahhh, maybe some day :)

Benedetto, La Venezia

2009-08-25T09:31:00.001+02:00

Every now and then I stumble upon a cool guitar. Now every guitar is special, for on reason or another. This one is special because of many things but mainly its price tag.

Personally I'm not into jazz guitars. A Benedetto is created to be "The signature of Jazz Guitar" and my preferences aside, I kinda like it.

Here's what the manufacturer has to say about it - "The La Venezia represents the pinnacle of pure acoustic archtop design, materials and craftsmanship—and is a culmination and celebration of Robert Benedetto’s experience as both a guitar and violin maker. Every aspect of this guitar has been designed, built and tuned to present the premium tonal palette for the most discriminating player. From its hand–selected European cello woods, ebony cello–style tailpiece, and finely carved re–curve in the top and back, to its aesthetically classic design—void of binding and inlays—La Venezia’s beauty is unpar alleled."

If you are interested in the specs visit www.benedettoguitars.com.

Now, back to my point. I previously mentioned the price tag. Well, it's worth mentioning. With an U.S. retail price of $26.500, it's probably the worlds most expensive production line acoustic guitar. I'll say it again - It's not a custom, signature or any other "special" model. It's a regular Benedetto. If there is anything regular about a Benedetto in the first place, and I say this in a good way.

Fire

2009-08-24T21:05:00.003+02:00

How can you not like guitars :)
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Ultimate Guitar

2009-08-23T23:36:00.005+02:00

Hi people,

Today I pay my tribute to the website that's been my guide and inspiration in the past months. I can't remember the precise date (I believe it was February 2008) when I bought my first guitar and started to learn, but roughly it's about a year and a half ago and Ultimate Guitar is my companion ever since.

Ultimate-Guitar is a complete guitar utopia. It offers quite a lot... for free! I downloaded my first tabs there, and constantly get the latest news in the music world. The part I enjoy the most are the reviews, guitar reviews in particular (like I'm gonna buy them all or so... I can only dream :))

Here's the preview and that's all from me. Visit the site and let its rich content do the "talking".
Until the next time,
Tune the essence

Does it get any better?!

2009-08-23T16:33:00.010+02:00

Hello my dear readers, if you are still following this blog. I won't blame if you don't. Despite the effort to come back here and find the inspiration, I've been absent for quite some time. Sorry for that! I'll try to stop by 2-3 times per week and give you some interesting "news" or my insights on different topics, but mainly guitars, guitar players and music.

So, lets get back to the topic! The title is "Does it get any better?!". What does?! Well I'll share my story with you, right now, right here.

This weekend was one of the best in my life, mainly because of two reasons. The first one is personal and will remain so, at least for the time being. The second one is an event. The exceptional, awesome kind of event :).
I'm pretty sure that for the foreigners (and for the most of the Macedonians as well) the name Jakov Drenkovski doesn't mean much! Well, it means a lot to me! With all due respect to the rest of the Macedonian musicians (only a few of them!!!) Jakov is probably the best ever! So this event we went to was called "Jakov and friends" and was and hour and a half acoustic performance! And WOW what a performance it was.

He sang his greatest songs and ended the night with the magical "Skitnik". Here's the music video. It's antique by the way :).

I really can't find the right words to express what I truly want to say here. Let's put it this way - "Does it get any better than to listen your favorite song ever, at a live performance by its creator?!" I don't think so! The emotions were all over the place. He was one with the songs and he was one with the crowd! His latest CD, The Best Of, is on sale so make sure you buy it! It's a piece of Macedonian music history!

His music, "Skitnik" in particular, was my inspiration to pick up the guitar in the first place. So, having that in mind, thank you Jakov, for being the musician that you are, and maybe more important, for being the one of a kind person!

Pink Sabbath :D

2009-06-17T13:05:00.006+02:00

Lately my writing here has come down toa an once a month post. Sorry about that but time is an asset I simply don't have enough.

Never the less, here's something that must be seen. Target audience - people from the Slavic group of languages. So, brace yourself...

Цигла у зиду... :D Лудило

SANTANA LIVE IN SKOPJE

2009-05-08T10:01:00.005+02:00

Great news people! The grand master himself is coming, here in our country!

Tikes on sale from May 25th. The price is not determined yet but my decision to go regardless the price is :) See details on www.avalon.com.mk.

Enjoy the video!

G3 - The holy trinity

2009-04-08T09:11:00.016+02:00

OK! Three bows, a prayer and a sacrifice! :D

Well you don't really have to... but they are the Guitar Gods (I'd add one or two more, but lets leave as it is for now) so beware!

G3 is an idea that Joe Satriani brought to life in 1996. Throughout the years many great guitarists were part of the tour. Here's the lineup: Steve Vai, Eric Johnson, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Yngwie Malmsteen, John Petrucci, Robert Fripp, Paul Gilbert, Uli Jon Roth, Michael Schenker, Adrian Legg and many other special guests, including Tony MacAlpine, Johnny Hiland, Steve Lukather, Steve Morse, Chris Duarte, Andy Timmons, Neal Schon, Gary Hoey,Brian May, Billy Gibbons, Johnny A, George Lynch, Patrick Rondat, Michel Cusson, Alejandro Silva and Eric Sardinas.

My personal favorite is G3 - Live in Tokyo. This particular show featured Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and John Petrucci. There's nothing more to say really. G3 is about the ultimate guitar perfomance(s)! It's pure perfection!

Now scroll down just a bit and enjoy the performance. It's Smoke On The Water, player on G3 - Live in Tokyo.

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Air on G String

2009-04-06T23:17:00.006+02:00

What you are about to see are two totally different performances of the same piece.

The first one's a classical performance by an exceptionally tallented young man called Sungha Jung.

The second one's a "slightly" different performance by the one and only Yngwie Malmsteen.

As you can see, it's all about interpretation. It's about adding a personal touch and a unique feel to the piece. It's about the power of music and the beauty of the different styles, it's about emotion...it's about what you want it to be about!

Tune the essence!

Custom Guitar

2009-03-30T20:56:00.004+02:00

We all love playing the guitar. But someone has to make it first!

Custom Guitar - a guitar that is designed and built exclusively for you, the artist. At least that's how S.B. MacDonald defines it.

Making a unique instrument is not just a skill, a trade, it's art. It requires knowing the needs of the musician, the playing style, the personality of the player. It requires passion and complete devotion during the whole process.

S.B. MacDonald knows this. That's why his guitars are one-of-a-kind works of art.

Here are a few examples of these unique guitars, each one built according to the specific requirements of its owner.

...and a few more.

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Guitar Idol

2009-03-29T23:27:00.008+02:00

Recently, in terms of TV, I'm frustrated by two major things: One - the election talks and endless debates and Two - the Bulgarian Music Idol. This two things are almost on the same level, but the latter is a bit more frustrating because I detest politics but I love music and I can't stand the desecration.

Never the less, recently I made a discovery. It's almost expected some balance to exist somewhere and it does. It's called Guitar Idol. WOW what a show!

Guitar Idol 2009 is in progress. It's still in the online phase so feel free to register and vote for your favorite.

I'm still a bit overwhelmed, watching the entry videos. All this greatness at one place!

The following video is a part of the Guitar Idol 2008 Finals. Is's the performance of Gustavo Guerra, the 2008 winner. Enjoy!

Do I have what it takes?! Hell no! At least not yet. :)

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