A classical guitarist by trade, an effects guru by craft
and a producer by necessity, Sal Barra strives
to redefine the role of the electric guitar ...
// July 20th, 2009 // No Comments » // Blog
It’s amazing how a new instrument can spark the imagination. It’s been less than a week since I picked up my new Ibanez RG2228. Count ‘em! That’s EIGHT strings. I have to admit, looking down at the neck is more than a little intimidating. But the possibilities of having bass and guitar in one instrument is inspiring. I’ll have a new video of the “Beast” up in a few days. For now here’s a pic.
// June 24th, 2009 // No Comments » // Blog
Archeologists have discovered the oldest known instrument in the world – a bird-bone flute dating to 35,000 years ago! Details can be found here.
// April 14th, 2009 // No Comments » // Blog, Lessons
One of the most common questions I get from parents is:
“How often should my son/daughter practice to get the most out lessons?”
The simple answer is:
EVERY DAY!
The long answer is EVERY DAY, at least 15 to 30 minutes for beginners and 1 to 2 hours for the advanced player. The important thing for students at any level is to structure your practice to get the most out of it. I like to divide my practice schedule into three equal parts:
Before I even pick up the guitar in the morning I try to set a goal for myself, no matter how simple it is. Sometimes it is reading through a page of new music; sometimes it is playing a warm-up for five or ten minutes straight to develop better technique; sometimes it is to sit down and compose a new piece and not stop until I finish. To work on your sight reading, read a new piece ever day.
Always remember the reason why we sat down in the first place: TO HAVE FUN MAKING MUSIC!
Don’t waste too much time playing exercises or scales. Make sure you play at least one song per day.
Take a tip from The Melvins frontman Buzz Osbourne:
Also, for all you Guitar Heros out there. For every song you “play” on Guitar Hero, why don’t you pick up the real guitar and play a song! I’m serious. I know students who can play dozens of songs on Guitar Hero, but can’t play an entire song on guitar. With practice you’ll grow up to be a real Guitar Hero.
// March 25th, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Blog
Greetings!
This blog will keep you updated on my upcoming projects and will act as a forum for my thoughts on music. You are encouraged to make comments and contribute as frequently as you wish!
