We previously featured B.David after he came into our studios to perform a special live performance. His song Believe has become a hit single and they shot a video for it. B.David is a former guitar student of Peter Vogl's and the song features guitar work from Peter as well. Be sure to check out B.David's website and his twitter feed.

Question: What is Nashville Tuning?

Peter: Peter: On a Nashville Tuning the first two strings of your guitar are tuned as normal. However the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th string are tuned a full octave higher than their normal tuning. A lighter gauge string is required to achieve this. A Nashville Tuning places the guitar in a much higher range and can be used to record over guitars in a normal tuning. Watch the video below for more info

Question: What type of guitar effects pedals do you use?

Peter: My pedal board includes the following Boss Pedals: Chorus, Sustain, Compressor, Digital Delay, Distortion, Tremolo and Harmonist. Watch the video for further explanation for each pedal and find out what else I have on my pedal layout.

Terry: I have been having trouble putting my lead playing together then i heard of a word called phrasing do you have anything on this?

Peter: Phrasing refers to the way you play a musical idea. It involves the rhythms and dynamics that you use to help you express whatever it is you are trying to express. For example do you play it like you are angry or do you play it quiet and sensitive. The main thing is the musical idea must be going somewhere and not played like a computer with every note the same volume and rhythm. There is no right or wrong way to phrase-just how it is you are feeling at that particular time. It is much like when we give a speech. If we say every word with the same volume and emphasis we put people to sleep. We must "phrase" to give each word, sentence, and paragraph it's intended meaning.

Take a look at our Christmas guitar tabs for O Christmas Tree and God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.

We also have a new video of Jody Worrell performing Silent Night.

A short word of advice and performance by Elli Perry, a solo artist and Peter Vogl guitar student. Elli is performing her original song Let It Slide. To hear more of Elli's music visit her myspace page.

Watch the video in Quicktime

Bio: Atlanta based singer, songwriter, guitarist Elli Perry has been writing and performing music since childhood. After picking up the guitar at age 12, she quickly started to develop her skills as a songwriter. Elli recorded her debut independent album entitled "A Beautiful Chaos" at age 15, and now as a polished and professional 19 year old she is working on her new record with famed vocal coach Jan Smith and her production team. Elli's percussive guitar playing, soulful voice, and intensely personal lyrics lend themselves to her unique style. Her biggest influences as a songwriter show her mature and eclectic musical tastes.-The Beatles, Elliott Smith, and Fiona Apple. One of Elli's greatest strengths as a musician is her live performance. She continuously wins over new fans with her emotional and honest stage prescence. She performs frequently around Atlanta, and the first 2 tracks from her new record can be found on her myspace page.


Elli's thoughts on Peter Vogl:"Working with Peter Vogl has enabled me to expand as a guitar player and as a songwriter. Peter is truly an artist and his ability to provoke the very best from his students is unparalleled. Peter has helped me to better understand my instrument, my technique, and what it is to be truly a musician."

Guitar playing advice and performance by guitarist, and Peter Vogl student, Mike Rickard. In the video Mike performs his original song "Lucky". To hear more of his music, visit mikerickard.com or his myspace page.

View the Quicktime video performance.



Bio: Atlanta-based singer/songwriter Mike Rickard sang with several vocal groups while touring the US and internationally before he began writing his own music and playing the guitar. In 2004, he released his debut CD, the critically praised “Stirred Not Shaken.” The CD, a collection of self-penned songs, displays Mike’s sensitivity and humor in dealing with the big issues of life: things like fear, loss, and loneliness, to finding happiness and love. The title of the CD comes from the irreverent line from the gospel rock track, “Who I Am” – “So here’s to all the therapy I guess I should have taken/If I had to sum it up, I’ve been stirred but I’m not shaken.” Mike loves to share his music with live audiences at various festivals, clubs, coffeehouses, and home concerts. He plans to begin work on his second CD in the fall of 2007.

Mike's thoughts on Peter Vogl: Peter Vogl is a masterful guitar player and a great teacher. But he is more than that – he is a true artist. Peter continually challenges me to develop new skills; but more importantly, he has taught me that music comes not from perfect technique, but from truly believing in, and communicating through, my songs. He has taught me to look for interesting chord variations, to “change it up” and improvise to keep it fresh, and to be willing to make mistakes and learn from them. He has also taught me a lot about song structure and has been instrumental in my development as a songwriter.

View all of our performance videos