If you ask experts what makes them so good, they are likely to give general answers that do not reveal much. But if you can get them to tell you about tough cases, nonroutine events where their skills made the difference, then you have a pathway into their perspective, into the way they are seeing the world (p. 189).
So how do you apply this to guitar? Chris suggests the following
Ask your teacher what she did the first time she performed. Ask him how he practiced that difficult bit in a piece, even if it’s not a piece you’re working on the lessons in those stories can often be applied to other works. Ask about their early years or playing and what they did to get better during them.
This seems like a great idea to me. Many teachers eventually fall into a rhythm. They are teaching the same things to new students over and over every year. It’s efficient, it’s easy, and it works. But every now and then, you should push them for more so that you get the most for your money. Instead of always asking “how do I”? Challenge your teacher with a “How did you”?
Brent Mason talks with Wampler Pedals about the pedals he uses to get his tone. Some of it’s a little technical (especially with the poor vocal miking) but it’s a great insight into his effects. I really like how he discusses the different sounds between artists, pop, etc.
Question: I want to use the Country Licks & Solos Book, but could you tell me how you create the sound, i.e, amp and effects you use? Thank you for your time. Best Wishes -JOHN
Peter: Hey John good to hear from you. My choice for country is a fender twin. I use a tele and typically play through the bridge pick up-single coil. The amp settings a pretty much middle of the road with the amp volume up pretty high as the twin is a very clean amp. If I am on a gig where volume is an issue I use a fender deluxe which is tweaked to sound cleaner than most-less distortion. I typically use a little bit of reverb, a delay pedal with a quick setting-around 100 to 120 mil sec. I use a compressor pedal and sometimes a very little bit of chorus. The best way to use these effects are as follows: run the guitar through the compressor into the main input of the amp. Use the chorus and delay into the effects loop of the amp. If you are using a mulit effect pedal always run it into the effects loop or pre amp in and out of amp. To learn how to do this correctly you will have to find some directions or ask at your local music store. I also use a hybrid set of guitar strings-starting with 9s on the first three and heavier on the bottom 3 strings. Everyone does it different so don’t be afraid to experiment. Sure hope this helps.
Question: I am really enjoying your Country Licks and Solo DVD and book. Do you have the bright switch turned on your twin amp. I’m having problems getting the sound. I am using a Boss CS3 compressor and a Boss DD6 Delay pedal. Reverb at 2 Also are you using a medium pick? – Ron
Peter: Hey Ron good to hear from you. No I don’t use the bright switch. Have never liked it. I am using a medium pick-the green tortex dunlop. Telecaster on bridge pickup-single coil. The twin I am using is a reissue black face-though I am sure the original black face would be better. Use the compressor pedal sparingly as the the boss tends to be heavy handed with it’s compression. When I recorded these tracks I had the amp in another room cranked really loud….. Hope this helps.
The Country Licks & Solos Book features 50 pages of instruction, 107 minutes of video, and six jam tracks that will teach you how to play lead country guitar. Through the teaching of 12 solos, Peter Vogl will show you the techniques and concepts that help make country guitar so unique. You will learn the scales that make up each solo, get detailed instruction on each lick, and have the opportunity to practice playing along with a full band. You can view sample pages on the product page and watch a demo video below. This lesson is also available as a download.
If you are not already familiar with Albert Lee, he’s a British born country guitarist. You can check out his wikipedia profile for a list of bands he’s played with. Mainly, Albert Lee is regarded along with James Burton as the masters of chicken picking guitar. Below you can view a video of Albert Lee explaining his right hand technique for picking. He uses lots of open stings, which is a concept that Peter Vogl describes in our free Cross Stringing Scales video lesson. I’ve also included a youtube video of Albert Lee performing “Country Boy” on an old BBC Christmas Special (look for Eric Clapton in the audience). If any of this intrigues you… check out Jody Worrell’s new lessons that will teach you an entire Albert Lee Style Solo.
