Guitar Nine Columns: Guest Columnists

British guitarist David Knopfler has a few words to say about the separate lead guitarist vs. rhythm guitarist identities.

British guitarist David Knopfler recalls the days when the Stratocaster was held in esteem as the instrument of choice--if you could afford one, that is. A tale of how dreams can come true, and how old feelings never quite die.

Instrumentalist Joe Bochar serves up a thinly disguised look at chromatics.

Guitarist Paul Kuntz is back with some fresh ideas on getting out of playing `in the box` and save untold wear and tear on your frets.

The beautiful part about the tempered music scale lies in it`s flexibility. One of Ken`s favorite tricks is to take one shape, and use it to move up or down the fretboard in a linear way. The similarities in chord shapes will allow you to do the same.

Guitarist Paul Kuntz is back with some thoughts on how to avoid that feeling of being `lost without a map`.

Kick-start your musical development with these essential tips from Curtis.

Learn the essentials of the swept arpeggio from one of the masters of the technique.

Gerry Magee begins his multi-part series on expanding your mind, as well as your fretboard, with the benefits of thinking like a composer.

Paul Abbott discusses the phenomenon of sound.

Highlighting the ways that other instruments and their players can profoundly effect us.

Putting yourself in the shoes and sticks of the drummer.

A few words of practical advice from Tonya`s new book "Hidden Secrets To Making And Promoting Your Music Revealed".

Gerry Magee continues his multi-part series on expanding your mind, as well as your fretboard, with an article on focusing your mental energy.

Peter Neri on how to get those fingers (and thumbs) flying.

Don Lappin discusses the endless possibilities of the 5-tone tapping technique.

The second installment of practical advice from Tonya`s new book "Hidden Secrets To Making And Promoting Your Music Revealed".

Systematically deaiing with our musical need to improvise.

If you thought playing gigs was the only source for good `story material`, wait until you visit Mr. Bochar`s personal lake of fire. Don`t get burned.

Sweep those old sweeping techniques under the rug! Marshall Harrison`s got some great ideas in store for you.

Music industry consultant Christopher Knab contributes his knowledgeable views on the current state of affairs.

A no-holds-barred look at a common problem between band members.

Insightful thoughts on the precious gift of music from one of today`s hottest guitarists.

You don`t have to be a shredding, virtuoso guitar player to learn proper phrasing, and your solos will stand out from the pack.

Do you have MP3 music files in your future? Christopher Knab is here to give you some really great reasons why you should.

How is your timing? Are you about to lose your gig because you always rush the beat? Kevin Slack has an exercise which will help you determine where you stand.

Getting ready for major or minor distribution? Christopher Knab explains the form and function of the distributor one sheet

Years of teaching at GIT have taught Joe a thing or three about structuring a solo. No need to travel to Hollywood, we`ve got the lesson right here.

The guitarist on "Twins" offers the first installment on going beyond the flat pick.

G9er Will Landrum is here to help when you seem to be fresh out of ideas.

Think you know your audience? Christopher Knab is here to make sure you take a closer look.

One of our most requested column topics is being addressed by Tonya Rae, who has sent out more than a press kit or two.

Not just "Orange" barcodes, but real, honest-to-goodness UPCs. Take it from Joe.

G9er Will Landrum is back to teach you the magic of turning a scale into real music.

Learn to walk a tightrope on someone else`s web site--Greigg is here to talk guitar pickups.

Think about it--how to use your head to help your hands.

The guitarist on "Twins" offers the second installment on going beyond the flat pick.

Music industry guru Christopher Knab is back to help you professionally develop your music for the marketplace.

Understand how your body functions when you`re playing guitar, and you can get out more of your practice routines.

Will Landrum is back with an exercise will single handedly improve multiple areas of your playing and thinking.

Check out this excerpt from Niccolo Paganini`s "24 Caprices" for your introduction into the neo-classical style.

Rut busting tips from the guitarist behind the amazing "First Light".