Guitar Nine Columns

Of course besides the music, there is another very important part of your musicianship, which is to learn how to market yourself. It all starts with acting professional, being on time, learning your parts. Learn to ask for advice when you need it from players that have more experience than you.

Try to become proficient in marketing, and develop a keen business sense. This includes your recordings, music book publishing, other merchandising endeavors, etc. The music industry is a very, very tough one, and it takes serious dedication and an unbelievable work ethic to survive.

Music industry guru Christopher Knab provides a basic outline to the key parts of a recording contract.

Mike Campese shifts into high gear with these high tech shred licks.

Useful tips on miking up a full drum kit, with Canadian guitarist David Martone.

Tom Hess discusses how creativity can be enhanced and stimulated to improve songwriting and improvisation.

Dan Lambert with a story about gigging abroad.

Bryon Thompson on discovering new ways of writing stronger and more original material.

Guitarist Neil Brocklebank`s logistics manager talks about the difficulties facing a small time touring band.

Indie marketing guru Tim Sweeney discusses how to get the most from your Internet presence.

Communicating Beauty, Peace, And Joy

Having The Guts To Play What They Feel

Old School Metal Rises Up

One Of New York's Best Kept Secrets

Mixed Bag Of Metallic Instrumentals

Soloist Adept In Jazz, Latin, Funk & Pop

Superb Italian Instrumental Rock

Playing With Technique And Passion

Argentinian Metalizes Paganini

Master Of Bulgarian Shred

Acoustic Bluegrass From Barcelona, Spain

Finnish Guitarist Releases Rock Demo

How to give restaurant patrons a reason to come for the music - in addition to the meal.

Keeping your precious recorded output at the industry standard level of quality has many benefits.

I never thought I`d be CEO of Virgin Independent, nor would I want to. I had material to release. No major or indie label wanted to hear about it, so I did it myself. And let`s face it: guitar music is a tough sell, so most majors won`t cut you any slack.

I love it at home, but you can`t play here. You can`t play in L.A. every night. We`re lucky to play once a week here. It`s just the nature of being a musician. People won`t pay to see you every single week. You have to travel and change your audience to be able to play every night.

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Being independent allows you to totally escape A&R, and do whatever you want. In the next three years I am releasing a solo acoustic guitar record, a fusion record, and a record with no guitar on it. I would never be allowed to do that with PolyGram. Being independent allows you to always be in control of your own music.

Audio mastering specialist FC Bester joins us for an introduction to this often misunderstood subject.

Tom Hess is back with a second installment on how creativity can be enhanced to improve songwriting and improvisation.

A road map for getting from song conception to the big mix, with Canadian guitarist David Martone.

Indie marketing guru Tim Sweeney discusses the importance of connecting with your audience.

Music industry guru Christopher Knab teaches you the proper form for a press release geared towards movers and shakers in the music industry.

Guitarist Neil Brocklebank`s logistics manager discusses the role of marketing in an independent artist`s strategic toolkit.

Mike Campese turns the tried and true triad into an improvisational treat.

How picky is too picky when recording your music; an opinon by Peter Stankov.

Let the Sultan of String take you on the exotic scale ride of your life.

Creating a fuller, chock full o` tone sound with double-tracking. Play it again, Randy.

Chicago's Guitarist & Drummer Go Live

Frightening Chops Abound At The Baked Potato

The U.K.'s Triple Threat