GTRNRD: Music and Gear Tips for Guitar and Bass Players

In this episode of GTRNRD, Andy Schneider delves into the importance of mastering the blues for musicians of all levels. He highlights how the blues is foundational to modern music genres such as rock, jazz, and R&B, making it essential for any guitarist or bassist. Andy explains that understanding the blues is like having a cheat sheet for Western music, allowing musicians to communicate more effectively with audiences and other musicians. Key reasons to master the blues include: 1. **Foundational Influence**: The blues is the root of many popular music styles, originating from the deep south and evolving into jazz, rock, and pop music.     2. **Improvisation and Ear Training**: The blues provides a fantastic platform for developing improvisation skills, starting with simple pentatonic scales and building complexity. 3. **Groove and Rhythm**: A strong groove is essential in blues music, and mastering rhythm is crucial for engaging performances. 4. **Musical Language and Dialects**: The blues is a rich language with various dialects like Chicago, Delta, and Texas blues, each offering unique techniques and styles. Andy also introduces chord substitutions, a technique used in jazz and R&B to add color and movement to music. He encourages listeners to experiment with the blues and observe its influence across different music genres. For those looking to enhance their blues skills, Andy recommends checking out his new series of music education books available at seeingmusicbooks.com, including "Weekend of Blues Guitar," "Weekend of Blues Bass," and "Blues for Banjo," complete with streaming video examples. Listeners are encouraged to explore the blues this week and notice its impact on their playing and musical expression.

In this episode of GTRNRD, Andy Schneider delves into the intricacies of walking bass lines, focusing on the use of chromatic notes, leading tones, and rhythmic variations to enhance musical interest. Building on previous discussions, Andy explains how these techniques can add sophistication and depth to your bass lines, making them not only functional but also musically engaging. Andy emphasizes the importance of walking bass lines across various genres, highlighting their role as the rhythmic and harmonic foundation of music. He introduces the concept of chromatic notes as a way to connect the dots between notes, creating a smooth, flowing movement from one chord to the next. By using leading tones, musicians can create tension and resolution, adding a layer of drama and suspense to their music. Listeners are encouraged to experiment with these techniques, whether they're beginners or experienced players, to energize their music and take it to the next level. Andy also promotes his new book, "Beginning Bass Scales and Exercises," available at SeeingMusicBooks.com, which offers practical exercises and companion videos to help musicians develop their skills. Join Andy in this episode to explore advanced walking bass line techniques and discover how they can transform your musical journey.

In this episode of GTRNRD, Andy Schneider explores the concept of octaves and how they can be an easy upgrade to your guitar playing. Octaves can make riffs sound fuller, melodies clearer, and bass lines more authoritative. Andy breaks down the simplicity and impact of using octaves, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced players. Andy demonstrates how to find and play octaves on the guitar, using his trusty 1957 Silvertone hollow body. He explains the basic concept of an octave, which is the distance between one musical pitch and another with the same note name, but higher or lower in pitch. Andy guides listeners through playing octaves on the guitar, starting with the G note on the low E string and moving through different positions on the fretboard. The episode also touches on advanced techniques, such as playing double stops (two notes at the same time) and shifting melodies up or down an octave to add spice and interest. Andy encourages listeners to experiment with these techniques to enhance their solos and melodies. For those interested in diving deeper into music theory, Andy recommends his books "Guitar Theory Nuts and Bolts" and "Bass Guitar Theory Nuts and Bolts," available at SceneMusicBooks.com. These books offer a practical approach to music theory with clear diagrams and exercises. Andy also highlights the use of octaves by legendary guitarist Wes Montgomery and modern pianist Norah Jones, showcasing the versatility and impact of octaves in music. Listeners are encouraged to experiment with octaves in their playing and to check out the next episode, which will focus on walking basslines. Andy emphasizes the importance of getting your music out into the world and the role octaves can play in that journey.

In this episode of GTRNRD, Andy Schneider addresses the universal challenges faced by musicians, from beginners to seasoned pros. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance in overcoming self-doubt and frustration, which are common hurdles in the musical journey. Andy shares personal insights and experiences, encouraging listeners to never give up, as persistence is key to success. Andy highlights the significance of seeking help from mentors or teachers to accelerate learning and overcome obstacles. He suggests that a fresh perspective or guidance from an experienced musician can provide the breakthrough needed to move forward. Additionally, Andy discusses the self-critical nature of accomplished artists, using a cowboy metaphor to illustrate the journey of musical growth. He reassures listeners that while they may see their own limitations, others see their progress and talent. The episode concludes with a reminder that the road to great musicianship is paved by persistence, and that every step forward is a step towards creating music that the world needs. Andy encourages listeners to keep pushing through challenges and to believe in the value of their music.

In this episode of GTRNRD, Andy Schneider explores the common issues that might be hindering your guitar playing experience. He delves into how your guitar or bass might be the "game killer" holding you back and offers insights on identifying and fixing these problems. From poor neck action and setup issues to cheap pickups and tuning problems, Andy provides practical advice on how to address these common guitar ailments. He emphasizes that most of these issues are simple fixes that can be done at home or with the help of a local technician. Andy also highlights the importance of understanding the wood choice of your guitar, as it significantly affects the tone and response. He encourages players to research and become familiar with their instrument's materials to make informed decisions in the future. Additionally, Andy introduces his new books, "Beginning Bass Scales and Exercises" and "Beginning Left-Handed Bass Scales and Exercises", designed to help bassists master scales and improve their playing in just 10 minutes a day. For seasoned players, Andy discusses more advanced topics like the impact of wood choice on tone and the importance of good sustain. He also teases an upcoming three-part special on guitar pickups, promising to dive deep into their design and impact on sound. Listeners are encouraged to take a closer look at their instruments to identify any game killers that might be affecting their playing. With a few adjustments, players can unlock their full potential and enhance their musical journey. Andy wraps up by teasing next week's episode on "Easy Octave Upgrades," promising to share tips on adding energy and impact to your playing with minimal effort.

In this episode of GTRNRD, Andy Schneider emphasizes the transformative power of change in developing musicianship. He discusses how altering your practice environment, instrument, or audience can provide new insights and enhance your musical abilities. Andy shares personal anecdotes, including a challenging experience on an acoustically dead stage in Minneapolis, which taught him the importance of not relying too heavily on one aspect of his sound, like feedback. And another time that a bad soundcheck led to a really great show later down the road. He encourages musicians to seek out change intentionally to prepare for unexpected situations and improve their adaptability. Andy also introduces his new book, "Beginning Bass Scales and Exercises," designed to help bass players learn scales in various positions with rhythmic interest. The book aims to build foundational skills that can be applied to create and understand music better. The episode concludes with a teaser for next week's topic, "Game Killers," where Andy will discuss how your instrument might be holding you back and how to identify these issues. He encourages listeners to embrace change as a catalyst for growth and to experiment with different musical elements to uncover new strengths and areas for improvement.

In this episode of GTRNRD, Andy Schneider continues his exploration of walking bass lines, focusing on the use of pentatonic scales to create compelling bass parts. Walking bass lines are essential in jazz, blues, and rock, providing rhythmic and harmonic foundations. Andy emphasizes the importance of pentatonics as a versatile tool for both bass and guitar players, offering insights into their structure and application. Andy explains the major and minor pentatonic scales, highlighting their role in crafting bass lines and solos. He encourages musicians to start with the root and fifth, the "meat and potatoes" of bass playing, and to strategically use pentatonics to enhance their music. Andy demonstrates how to construct bass lines using pentatonic scales on his six-string bass, providing practical examples in both major and minor keys. For advanced players, Andy suggests experimenting with different fingerings and positions to discover new melodic possibilities. He also introduces his new books, "Beginner Bass Scales and Exercises" and "Beginner Left-Handed Bass Scales and Exercises," designed to help musicians build scale knowledge and improve their playing with just 10 minutes of practice a day. Andy concludes by encouraging listeners to experiment with pentatonics, listen to their favorite bassists, and recognize the widespread use of these scales in music. He teases the next episode, "Game Killers," which will focus on identifying issues with your guitar or bass that might be holding you back.

In this episode of GTRNRD, Andy Schneider delves into the often overlooked yet powerful concepts of chord inversions and voice leading. These techniques can transform your music by creating smooth transitions and adding depth to your chord progressions. Andy explains how using chord inversions can make your music sound more cohesive and expressive, turning a simple collection of chords into a compelling musical journey. Andy breaks down the basics of chord inversions, using the example of a C Major chord and its inversions to illustrate how rearranging notes can change the chord's feel and function. He emphasizes the importance of voice leading, which involves choosing chord inversions that allow for minimal movement between notes, creating a seamless flow in your music. Throughout the episode, Andy demonstrates these concepts on the guitar, showing how they can be applied to common chord progressions like G, C, and D. He also highlights the relevance of these techniques for bass players, explaining how voice leading can enhance bass lines by creating a melodic and cohesive sound. Listeners are encouraged to experiment with chord inversions and voice leading in their own playing, and to listen to their favorite songs to identify how these techniques are used by great rhythm players. By incorporating these tools, musicians can elevate their music, making it more polished and engaging. Tune in next week for part two of the series on Walking Bass Lines. Until then, embrace your inner GTRNRD and explore the transformative power of chord inversions and voice leading in your music.

In this episode of GTRNRD, Andy Schneider dives into the common pitfalls that can sabotage your guitar or bass tone through your pedalboard setup. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, understanding these mistakes can help you enhance your sound on stage. 1. **Inconsistent Gain**: Andy emphasizes the importance of maintaining a zero dB gain across your pedals, unless intentionally using a boost pedal. This ensures your volume remains consistent, preventing disruptions in a band setting. 2. **Poor Pedal Chain Order**: The sequence of your pedals matters. Andy suggests starting with a tuner, followed by a preamp, overdrives, modulation effects, and finally, time-based effects like delay and reverb. While experimentation is encouraged, this order is a reliable starting point. 3. **Inadequate Power Supplies**: A reliable power supply is crucial for consistent performance. Andy advises checking the power requirements of each pedal and ensuring your power supply exceeds these needs to avoid noise and ensure optimal performance. 4. **Absence of Preamps**: Preamps or line buffers can preserve your tone from the guitar to the amp. Andy discusses the benefits of using preamps at both the beginning and end of your pedal chain to maintain sound quality over long cable runs. Andy also highlights his new book, "Beginning Bass Scale Exercises," designed to help bass players develop fluency with scales and fretboard knowledge. This resource is perfect for those looking to enhance their bass lines and soloing skills. Listeners are encouraged to experiment with their pedalboard setups, try different power supplies, and explore the benefits of preamps. Andy invites feedback and interaction from his global audience, reminding everyone of the shared journey in making great music.

In this episode of GTRNRD, Andy Schneider delves into the world of walking bass lines, a fundamental technique that can enhance your musical versatility whether you're a guitarist or bassist. Walking bass lines provide a rhythmic and melodic foundation across various genres, including jazz, blues, rock, and country. Andy explains how these lines are built from chord tones and simple scales, offering a step-by-step guide to crafting your first walking bass lines. Listeners are encouraged to experiment with creating bass lines by starting with a basic chord, such as C major, and playing its notes (C, E, G) in different orders and octaves. This exercise helps develop a deeper understanding of how bass lines can propel a song forward and add musical interest. Andy also highlights the importance of scales in creating smooth, melodic bass lines and suggests checking out his books on seeingmusicbooks.com for more in-depth music theory insights. He emphasizes the value of integrating walking bass lines into your music to transform your playing and encourages listeners to practice these techniques regularly. Stay tuned for future episodes where Andy will explore more advanced bass line techniques and discuss common pedalboard mistakes. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned musician, this episode offers valuable insights to enhance your musical journey.

In this episode of GTRNRD, Andy Schneider dives into the common pitfalls that can halt your progress as a guitarist or bassist. These "game killers" are often invisible and easily overlooked, but identifying and correcting them can transform your playing. Andy outlines three key areas where mistakes commonly occur: mechanical, mental, and attitudinal. 1. **Poor Hand Position**: Many players, especially beginners, struggle with incorrect hand positioning, leading to tension and fatigue. Andy emphasizes the importance of keeping the wrist straight to avoid discomfort and improve reach and speed. 2. **Poor Rhythm**: Consistent rhythm is crucial for good music. Andy advises using a metronome or drum machine to improve timing and warns against tapping your foot, which can compartmentalize your brain's focus. 3. **Lack of Routine**: Consistency in practice is vital. Andy suggests short, regular practice sessions over infrequent, long ones to build skills and habits effectively. Andy also shares his recent experiment with creating a custom thumb pick, which he found to be a game-changer for his playing. He plans to explore this further in a future episode. For those struggling with hand position, Andy recommends his books, "Acoustic Guitar for Adults" and "Electric Guitar for Adults," available at seeingmusicbooks.com. These resources include online streaming videos to help guide your practice. Next week, Andy will explore walking bass lines, a technique valuable for both bassists and guitarists. Stay tuned to GTRNRD for more insights and tips to unlock the great music inside you.

In this episode of GTRNRD, Andy Schneider gets NRDy in the world of guitar and bass picks, exploring how these small but mighty tools can significantly influence your sound and technique. From materials and shapes to choosing the right pick to amplify your style, Andy covers it all. He emphasizes the importance of picks as the first point of contact between you and your instrument, affecting your tone and playing style.  Andy discusses various materials like plastic, nylon, celluloid, and even unconventional ones like wood, metal, and stone. He explains how different shapes and thicknesses cater to different playing styles and genres, from jazz to rock to folk. Andy also shares personal tips, like using the pick's shoulder for a warmer tone and the benefits of thumb picks for versatility and grip. Listeners are encouraged to embark on a "New Pick Day," exploring different picks to find what suits their style best. Andy also introduces the concept of "hot-rodding" your picks, modifying them to better fit your needs by altering their shape, edge, or surface texture. This episode cannot be missed for musicians looking to refine their sound and technique through simple gear changes. Great improvements in tone and technique don't need to be expensive.

In this episode of GTRNRD, Andy Schneider breaks down and explains chord symbols, demystifying what can often seem like a secret code to many guitar and bass players. Understanding chord symbols is crucial for unlocking new musical possibilities, whether you're playing simple triads or exploring complex extensions. Andy explains how chord symbols serve as a shorthand language in music, providing instructions on what notes to play and how to structure them. The episode covers the basics of chord symbols, including the root and basic triad types: major, minor, diminished, and augmented. Andy revisits triads from Episode 20, emphasizing their role as the building blocks of chords. He explains how extensions, often represented by numbers like 7, 9, or 13, add color and depth to chords. Andy also discusses the different types of seventh chords—major, minor, and dominant—and how they are constructed. Listeners are encouraged to experiment with chord extensions to enhance their sound. Andy provides practical advice on simplifying complex chords by focusing on essential notes, such as the root, third, and seventh, while omitting less critical ones like the fifth. For those looking to dive deeper into chord theory, Andy recommends his book "Guitar Theory, Nuts and Bolts," available at SeeingMusicBooks.com. This resource offers exercises and insights to help musicians master chord symbols and theory. Andy concludes by teasing next week's episode, which will focus on guitar and bass picks, exploring how they influence tone and technique. He encourages musicians to experiment with chord symbols and extensions to transform their playing and bring their music to the world.

In this episode of GTRNRD, Andy Schneider delves into the essential skill of muting techniques for guitar and bass players. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced musician, mastering muting can elevate your playing from basic to expressive and dynamic. Andy explains how muting acts as punctuation in music, helping to control sound, create clean tones, and add rhythmic elements. The episode covers two primary muting techniques: palm muting and fret-hand muting. Palm muting involves using the side of your picking hand to lightly touch the strings near the bridge, perfect for creating percussive sounds in rock and metal. Fret-hand muting uses your fretting fingers to lightly rest on the strings, stopping them from vibrating and adding a rhythmic chug. Andy provides practical exercises to incorporate muting into your practice routine, emphasizing the importance of making music sound more like the human voice by using dynamics and expressiveness. He encourages listeners to experiment with muting techniques to transform their playing and offers tips for advanced players to further refine their skills. Next week's episode will focus on decoding chord symbols, helping musicians understand the complexities of musical notation. Andy invites listeners to explore muting techniques and apply them to their music, enhancing their overall sound and creativity.

In this episode of GTRNRD, Andy Schneider goes deep into guitar and bass strings, emphasizing their crucial role in shaping an instrument's tone and playability. Strings are described as the "little mechanical engines" of a guitar, influencing not only sound but also the tactile experience of playing. Andy explores the various types of strings available, discussing their materials, construction, and gauges, and how these factors contribute to different tonal qualities and playing experiences. Key points include: - **Materials**: Steel strings are bright and durable, nickel strings offer warmth, while nylon and bronze are common for acoustics. Phosphor bronze strings are noted for their resistance to oxidation. - **Construction**: Unwound strings are typically used for higher pitches, while wound strings (roundwound, flatwound, and half-wound) are used for bass notes, each offering unique tonal characteristics. - **Gauge**: The thickness of strings affects sustain, volume, and playability. Lighter gauges are favored for speed and ease of play, while heavier gauges offer more sustain and are better for drop tunings. - **Extras**: Coated strings offer longer life and smoother feel, cryogenic strings are tempered for durability, and colored strings add visual appeal. Andy also provides practical tips for selecting strings, encouraging experimentation with lighter gauges and cheaper options to find the best fit for your playing style. He highlights the importance of maintaining strings to prevent dirt, damage, and rust from affecting sound quality. Listeners are encouraged to experiment with different strings and consider the choices of their favorite musicians to enhance their own playing. Andy teases the next episode, which will focus on muting techniques, promising to further expand listeners' expressive capabilities on their instruments.

In this episode of GTRNRD, Andy Schneider dives into the world of triads, the foundational three-note chords that form the backbone of countless songs. Triads are essential for any guitarist or bassist, and Andy explores four types: major, minor, augmented, and diminished. He explains how these triads are constructed from scale tones, with each type offering a unique flavor to your music. Andy provides a detailed breakdown of how triads are formed using intervals of major and minor thirds, and how these can be combined to create different triad types. He demonstrates this with examples of E minor and C major chords, showing how they are built from triads. The episode also covers the concept of inversions, where the order of notes in a triad is rearranged to create different voicings. Andy illustrates how these inversions can be used to create smooth, economical chord transitions that enhance rhythm playing. Listeners are encouraged to experiment with triads in their own music, to identify them in songs they love, and to use them creatively in solos and melodies. Andy also mentions his book, "Guitar Theory, Nuts and Bolts," which offers a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying music theory, including triads. Stay tuned for next week's episode, where Andy will discuss the different types of strings for guitars and basses, exploring materials and construction techniques to help you find the perfect sound for your instrument.

In this episode of GTRNRD, Andy Schneider gives real word examples (and a couple out-of-this-world examples) of pentatonic scales, a fundamental tool for guitar and bass players across all genres. From blues to rock, pop, jazz, and hip-hop, pentatonics are everywhere. Andy explores major and minor pentatonic scales, their simplicity, flexibility, and endless possibilities for creating melodies, solos, and riffs. Andy explains the structure of major and minor pentatonic scales, derived from the major and natural minor scales, respectively. He highlights their importance in music theory and their relative relationship, demonstrating how they share the same notes but start on different tones, much like a clock's rotation. For more advanced players, Andy introduces creative ways to use pentatonics, such as playing an E flat major pentatonic over a C minor chord or using F minor and G minor pentatonics to add flavor to a C minor progression. He encourages experimentation with these scales to discover hidden melodic gems. Listeners are encouraged to experiment with pentatonics this week, try different substitutions, and see how these scales can transform their playing. Andy invites everyone to visit GTRNRD.net and SeeingMusicBooks.com for more resources and to connect on social media. Next week, the focus will shift to triads, exploring their simple yet powerful role in music architecture. Andy promises a fun and enlightening session that will change how you perceive chords.

In this episode of GTRNRD, Andy Schneider delves into the fascinating world of amp modelers, a revolutionary technology that allows guitarists and bassists to carry the sound of their favorite amplifiers and pedals in a compact, affordable package. Amp modelers digitally replicate the sound and feel of various amplifiers, offering musicians the versatility to experiment with different tones without the need for physical amps. Andy explains the concept of amp modeling, highlighting its significance as a game-changing innovation in guitar technology. He discusses how amp modelers use digital signal processing (DSP) to simulate the sound of real amplifiers by analyzing input signals and applying complex algorithms. This process transforms the guitar's signal into the sound of iconic amps, offering a wide range of tones at your fingertips. The episode also covers the different forms amp modelers come in, from rack mount units to software plugins and multi-effects pedals. Andy emphasizes the importance of understanding how these modelers work to customize and optimize your sound. He encourages listeners to explore the deep editing capabilities of their modelers, allowing them to tweak every aspect of their sound, from EQ settings to virtual microphone placements. Amp modelers are praised for their affordability and convenience, making legendary amplifier sounds accessible to musicians without breaking the bank. Andy invites listeners to experiment with their amp modelers and explore the vast array of sounds they offer. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe to the podcast, visit Andy's website at seeingmusicbooks.com, and engage with him on social media. Andy concludes by motivating musicians to unleash their great music into the world, using the tools and knowledge shared in the podcast.

In this episode of GTRNRD, Andy Schneider delves into the foundational elements of blues music and its significant influence on modern music genres like rock, country, and jazz. He emphasizes the importance of understanding blues techniques for all musicians, regardless of their primary genre, as these techniques can enhance musical expression and audience connection. Key elements of the blues discussed include: - **12-Bar Structure**: A common framework using a 1-4-5 chord progression, providing a universal language for musicians to collaborate and improvise. - **Improvisation**: The minor pentatonic scale is highlighted as a powerful tool for creating expressive solos and melodies. - **Rhythmic Feel**: Emphasizing strong beats and rhythmic solidity, which are crucial for engaging listeners. - **Turnarounds and Shout Choruses**: Signature elements that signal transitions in the music and create memorable moments for the audience. Andy encourages musicians to experiment with these blues elements in their own music, as they resonate strongly with audiences and can transform musical performances. Additionally, Andy introduces his new book series, "Weekend of Blues Guitar" and "Weekend of Blues Bass," designed to help musicians quickly enhance their skills through play-along exercises. These books are available at Seeing Music Books and come with streaming video guides for each exercise. Listeners are invited to share their favorite blues artists and songs, and to explore how incorporating blues techniques can enrich their musical journey. Andy also teases next week's episode on amp modelers, promising insights into digital tone shaping. For more information and to connect with Andy, visit GTRNRD.net.

In this episode of GTRNRD, Andy Schneider dives into the essential guitar technique of string bending, a skill that breathes life and emotion into your playing. Whether you're crafting soulful blues solos, country leads, or screaming rock anthems, mastering string bending can elevate your sound from beginner to advanced. Andy guides listeners through the basics of bending, emphasizing the importance of bending strings to change pitch and create expressive sounds that fretted notes alone can't achieve. Listeners will learn how to execute bends by pushing strings up or down the fretboard, with practical demonstrations on his trusty Telecaster. Andy explains how to aim for specific intervals, such as half-step and full-step bends, and how to incorporate bending into your playing style. He also introduces advanced techniques like reverse bends, harmonic bends, and the intriguing behind-the-nut bends, offering a variety of ways to add flair to your solos. Andy encourages guitarists to experiment with these techniques, listen to their favorite players, and incorporate bending into their practice routines. By doing so, they can transform their sound and expand their musical expression. The episode wraps up with a teaser for next week's topic, "You Gotta Get the Blues," highlighting the foundational role of blues in popular music. Join Andy in exploring the world of string bending and discover how this powerful technique can enhance your guitar playing. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, there's something in this episode to inspire your musical journey.