In-Tune Guitar Academy

11/10/2023

The latest post at In-Tune Guitar Academy

One of the best ways to shape your tone and improve your sound is through the use of effects pedals. Even with acoustic guitars, effects pedals can bring out the best of your tone and help squelch …

02/06/2023

Our latest article:

An article that delves deeply into the motivations of musicians. It describes what makes a musician tick.

13/04/2023

This is our first part of our video interview with Canadian singer-songwriter, Steve Taunton. Steve is originally from Montreal and has called Barrie, Ontario home for several years. We sat down one rainy afternoon in late March 2023, and chatted about several topics related to his guitar playing, his history as a guitar player, and of his love of music and writing music....

This is our first part of our video interview with Canadian singer-songwriter, Steve Taunton. Steve is originally from Montreal and has called Barrie, Ontario home for several years. We sat down on…

01/04/2023

In this fourth and final episode of our fascinating with the amazingly talented and personable gentleman, Mike Tessier, we delve deeper into Mike’s creative process. It was a true pleasure interviewing Mr. Tessier. His wisdom is all encompassing. His passion and caring for guitars is infectious. He really is an artist and a damn fine guitar player....

In this fourth and final episode of our fascinating with the amazingly talented and personable gentleman, Mike Tessier, we delve deeper into Mike’s creative process. It was a true pleasure intervie…

23/03/2023

Cover Photo by Andy Makely on Unsplash Audio is a critical component of good video production. Good audio can sometimes be elusive. You can get away with a so-so image and good audio, but bad audio will destroy your video production. If you're trying to get a point across, being heard by your audience is essential. I've made many videos over the years and it has been, and continues to be, an iterative process....

Cover Photo by Andy Makely on Unsplash Audio is a critical component of good video production. Good audio can sometimes be elusive. You can get away with a so-so image and good audio, but bad audio…

17/03/2023

In this part of the interview, we talk more about Canadian artists that have left their mark on rock history, including April Wine and Rush. Mike then treats us to a demo of his Rand Habner inspired, Model TR, as he calls it. It's a "neck-through" design and a true "hair metal" looking guitar. But he is quick to point out that his TR is at home playing any style of rock & roll....

In this part of the interview, we talk more about Canadian artists that have left their mark on rock history, including April Wine and Rush. Mike then treats us to a demo of his Rand Habner inspire…

09/03/2023

With the time, effort, and passion he puts into these projects, it’s not only difficult to let go of his creations, which are very much like his babies, he also finds a challenge to put a price tag on the finished product. His is an iterative process where getting the project out of his head into the shop is the most important step. He leaves refining his output for later. A true free spirit and artist....

With the time, effort, and passion he puts into these projects, it’s not only difficult to let go of his creations, which are very much like his babies, he also finds a challenge to put a price tag…

02/03/2023

Sometimes you meet someone whose talent is simply awe-inspiring. Mike Tessier is just such a person. His insights and stories are as entertaining as they are inspirational and everyone who knows him seems to have good things to say about him....

Sometimes you meet someone whose talent is simply awe-inspiring. Mike Tessier is just such a person. His insights and stories are as entertaining as they are inspirational and everyone who knows hi…

19/02/2023

Here is the latest video and article from the In-Tune Guitar Academy.

In the annals of rock and roll history, one name stands apart: Marshall amps. The brainchild of Jim Marshall and Ken Bran, and a couple of Bran’s HAM radio enthusiasts. Marshall amps are synonymous…

27/01/2023

Humble and self-effacing, a true gentleman and generous in his sharing of his knowledge and musical gifts....

Humble and self-effacing, a true gentleman and generous in his sharing of his knowledge and musical gifts.

15/01/2023

In this video, our special guest, Kelly Coughlin, also known as Kelster Von Shredster of Gear Gas & Guitars gives us a great demonstration of his new Epiphone Sheraton II, 2013 edition. Along the way, we get a great taste of his superb rock and blues guitar player. It is such a delight to hear him just cut loose and play his freewheeling, straight from the heart style of guitar playing....

In this video, our special guest, Kelly Coughlin, also known as Kelster Von Shredster of Gear Gas & Guitars gives us a great demonstration of his new Epiphone Sheraton II, 2013 edition. Along t…

13/01/2023

Here is the second part of our interview with Jazz Guitar Master, Tim Bedner.

In this second part of our interview series with Tim Bedner, Tim talks to us about his experience and role as a teacher. He tells us how gratifying it is for him to get an in-depth knowledge of stu…

05/01/2023

Tim Bedner, a true gentleman with an open mind and open heart, he embraces and recognizes the validity of several genres of music. It is a trait that is very refreshing from a musician of such a high caliber and who is as musically educated as he....

Tim Bedner, a true gentleman with an open mind and open heart, he embraces and recognizes the validity of several genres of music. It is a trait that is very refreshing from a musician of such a hi…

19/12/2022

I love to play acoustic. I love the sound and the pinch on my fingertips as I press down on the heavy strings. I adore the smell of the wood and the vibrations against my chest. It's a visceral feeling....

I love to play acoustic. I love the sound and the pinch on my fingertips as I press down on the heavy strings. I adore the smell of the wood and the vibrations against my chest. It’s a viscer…

25/11/2022

Learning to play well is essential if you want to be a good guitar player (well, duh, that's obvious) but that takes practice. But if you want to sound good, you have to invest a bit into your gear to assemble a rig that you're going to be proud of, and that will help make you sound good....

Learning to play well is essential if you want to be a good guitar player (well, duh, that’s obvious) but that takes practice. But if you want to sound good, you have to invest a bit into you…

18/11/2022

Guitar maintenance is an important part of your guitar playing experience and is critical in helping you to maximize the benefits of your instrument. Learning basic maintenance for your guitar will make you more self-sufficient, which in turns saves money and makes owning a guitar more satisfying...

Guitar maintenance is an important part of your guitar playing experience and is critical in helping you to maximize the benefits of your instrument. Learning basic maintenance for your guitar will…

12/10/2022

Triads are the building blocks of chords. But what are they really? To the uninitiated, they can be a little confusing. With a little thought, you will see that the concept isn't that hard to understand....

Triads are the building blocks of chords. But what are they really? To the uninitiated, they can be a little confusing. With a little thought, you will see that the concept isn’t that hard to…

06/10/2022

I am not satisfied at my current level, and I want to advance. I want to improve, and I want to progress. Learning and reading are beautiful things. They expand your horizons and sharpen your mind....

I am not satisfied at my current level, and I want to advance. I want to improve, and I want to progress. Learning and reading are beautiful things. They expand your horizons and sharpen your mind.

24/09/2022

This is our fifth final episode of our interview with Darren Michael Boyd. In this episode we talk about the influence of the late great Eddie Van Halen on modern rock music. We also expound on the greatness of the band Van Halen and how each of its members contributed in their own unique ways. Darren then treats us to more of his excellent guitar playing. He features his “spooky surf” music. It’s a unique combination of staccato picking, heavy reverb, and lots of short notes, with very few rests. He also features quite a bit of hybrid picking that he attributes to Billy Idol’s excellent guitarist, Steve Stevens....

This is our fifth final episode of our interview with Darren Michael Boyd. In this episode we talk about the influence of the late great Eddie Van Halen on modern rock music. We also expound on the…

18/09/2022

“You have to write something you’re excited about. That way, you have at least one fan.”...

“You have to write something you’re excited about. That way, you have at least one fan.”

15/09/2022

The virtuoso imparts some valuable wisdom on where scales should place in an aspiring guitarist's practice routine

10/09/2022

This is the third part of my interview with Darren Michael Boyd. In this video we talk about guitars and their influence on tone and playing. We also talk about Darren's practice routines. Darren also treats us to more of his masterful guitar playing....

This is the third part of my interview with Darren Michael Boyd. In this video we talk about guitars and their influence on tone and playing. We also talk about Darren’s practice routines. Da…

07/09/2022

https://amp-theguardian-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/amp.theguardian.com/education/2022/aug/29/playing-music-in-childhood-linked-to-a-sharper-mind-in-old-age-study-suggests

Researchers find link between learning instrument while young and improved thinking skills later in life

02/09/2022

Let’s face it, the average music fan isn’t coming to the show to see the bass player or the drummer. They are here for the lead singer, sometimes referred to as the frontman (or woman, apologies to the many phenomenal front-ladies of the music world, past and present). The lead singer is the face of the band. They are who sells the band to the audience....

Let’s face it, the average music fan isn’t coming to the show to see the bass player or the drummer. They are here for the lead singer, sometimes referred to as the frontman (or woman, apologies to…

19/08/2022

Here is our newest article, Part 2 of our interview with master guitarist, Darren Michael Boyd.

“It’s not about being locked in, tight, and perfect. It’s about the moment.”

13/07/2022

My latest post at In-Tune Guitar Academy

Ronda is amazing! Just outside of our parking garage, we entered the most amazing park. So beautiful and well-kept. And so green! Just beautiful vegetation and landscaping. That park features a loo…

07/07/2022

The latest post on In-Tune Guitar Academy, all about the bass.

Cover Photo by Katarina Bubenikova on Unsplash Apologies to Spike Lee for borrowing one of his movie titles. To improve your bass playing, see it as a percussive instrument. And bear in mind, the b…

30/06/2022

Another article about our adventures in Spain.

I was Mr. Bean and Clark Griswold at the same time, totally unsure of where I was going, trying to navigate some of the craziest traffic I had ever seen – Spaniards drive fast and very aggressively…

23/06/2022

Another article about our adventures in Spain.

At first, I cursed my decision to fly in and out of Madrid because of all the driving it entailed, but looking back, I no longer regret it. We wouldn’t have experienced the magnificent Spanis…

21/06/2022

A new article in the In-Tune Guitar Academy. This is a review of my favorite stomp pedal, the Tech 21 Sans Amp YYZ, Geddy Lee signature edition.

The combination of my MIM Fender P bas, YYZ pedal, and Markbass CMD102P is killer. I just love the sound that I am able to deliver. I have – on a few occasions – knocked the pot lights …