The Guitar Master

These guys are hysterical. No, seriously. And they are actually talented musicians to go with it.

Have a look at this video of Tenacious D’s guide to becoming a true rock and roll master.

A word of warning: The film “Pick of Destiny” is awesome and suitable for older children and adults that are not easily offended. The Tenacious DVD Complete Masterworks however is absolutely hysterical if you enjoy even more risky comedy. Not for the faint hearted. Leave your morals by the door as you sit down to enjoy this one!

They are awesome.

The Guitar Master

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If you don’t have this Mexican duo’s album, go and buy it now.

They blend together a mixture of Spanish Flamenco, Classical, Jazz, Rock, Metal and even Thrash Metal so perfectly that I’m convinced no one out there could fail to enjoy their music.

There are two of them. They play Spanish Classical guitars. Gabriela plays rythm for the most part, and when I say rythm, you really need to see her to know what I mean. Rodrigo plays mostly lead with great speed and precision.

Click on the link below for a nice little tutorial from the two of them.

Rodrigo y Gabriela

Enjoy!

The Guitar Master

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This guy is an absolute legend. I nearly popped him in under amusement as his guitar only has 3 strings! But he definitely should be in the music and inspiration sections. just watch to see why. Yes, that is a guitar with three strings on it! Woo hoo!

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If you ever want to learn to play some twin lead guitar, be it with a friend, fellow band member or along with a pre-recording of yourself, Thin Lizzy should be your starting point.

Their guitar work is amazing. For good examples of twin lead, you should listen to Thin Lizzy, Wishbone Ash and Hotel California by The Eagles. but to begin with, try learning the twin lead out-tro to “The Boys Are Back In town”. It’s a real classic. If you want to know which album to buy as a good start to your Thin Lizzy collection, I’d say “JailBreak”. It has “The boys…”, “Cowboy Song”, and one of my favourites for raw rock kudos: “Warriors”.

Enjoy the nice selection of videos below:

Thin Lizzy Videos

The Guitar Master

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Slash is a true master. I’m lucky enough to have seen him perform with Velvet Revolver (note the hard / soft theme in the band name analogous to Guns and Roses). Whilst the VR gig was not the best I’ve ever been to, Slash did not fail to please with his guitar work. I only wish I had managed to see G&R when they were complete. I would not bother now I think as the only attraction would be for die hard G&R fans wanting to get a glimpse of Axel Rose prancing around in leggings and screaming like a girl.

There is no doubt though that in their day, Guns and Roses were at the top of their game. Listen to “Use Your illusion I” and II to get some idea of what I’m talking about.

As an aspiring guitar hero, you will probably want to begin with the intro and solo to “Sweet Child of Mine”, the intro to “Paradise City” and the rock solid power and bar chords used in “My Michelle” at least to begin with. Tabs to follow.

Here are some nice G&R videos:

Guns and Roses videos

The Guitar Master

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This has been edited together by someone a little messily, but it is still great.

Or for a live version:

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Herein lies an understated underated modern band of heros. I have seen Stellastarr* live once. It was at Kings College London Student Union in about Febuary 2006. It was almost without a doubt the best gig I have ever been to for many reasons but mainly for the intensely joyful atmosphere created by the band and by the crowd. If you ever have the chance to see Stellastar* perform, do it. And try to make it in a small venue in the UK. You will not witness a better gig.

Here are a couple of nice tracks courtesy of Youtube. You should go out and buy their first album. Moongirl is awesome, as is pretty much every single track on the disc.

In the Walls:

My Coco:

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Monkey Wrench by the Foo Fighters:

One of my favourite bands. And unlike most of my favourite bands, they’re still going strong! I’ve seen them live twice and they rock.

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