Category Archives: Guitar

Third Issue iGuitar features Zakk Wylde, Phil Collen, Doug Aldrich, in-depth reviews and hours of Guitar Lessons

Posted on July 27, 2011 by Planet-Musician

The free digital Magazine iGuitar has now launched its third issue which features not one but two interviews with the great Zakk Wylde, plus in depth looks at some of his kit: Zakk’s Gibson Les Paul, the Marshall JCM800 amp and the MXR Zakk Wylde pedals.

Other interviews continue the heavy metal theme with Stuart Bull quizzing Def Leppard’s guitar ace, Phil Collen, Jamie Humphries meeting Whitesnake’s Doug Aldrich and Gary Cooper profiling that master of chords Pete Townsend. All the interviews are supplemented with videos showing you how play songs by these great guitarists and the techniques they use.

A special feature, tying into the cover story, is ‘The Wizard’s of Oz’. Top guitar teacher Jamie Humphries takes a look at the guitar styles of Tony Iommi, Randy Rhoads, Zakk Wylde, Jake E. Lee and Gus G, some of Ozzy Osbourne’s greatest axe men. Check out the free lick lessons, and if you like the free licks then there is almost a DVDs worth of additional licks available on special offer as a paid download for subscribers; in all twenty five licks plus a jam track, to get your metal soling up to speed.

Reviews include guitar, amp and FX products from a host of manufactures including Line 6, Yamaha, Providence, PRS, T-Rex, Vigier, Marshall and Brace Audio. All reviews include a full product write up, as well as videos demonstrating the gear and letting you see the products and details on how to use them.

In the Quiet Room section, there is an exclusive interview with Australian guitar wizard Tommy Emmanuel plus even more exclusive live footage from one of his recent gigs.  Also included are reviews on products from Breedlove, Tanglewood, Trace Accoustic and LR Braggs, again complete with video demonstrations.

Then there is the competition – you can win a copy of the highly sought after signed copy of the Book of Orange and a superb Orange CR6S Stereo Micro Crush Combo.

On top of all that, the third issue of iGuitar is brimming with technical know how, lessons and much, much more.

iGuitar is much more than just a magazine, it offers readers an exceptional experience with its dynamic design and layout, and its fully interactive multi media presentation.

iGuitar is available free from www.iguitarmag.com/issue3, no strings attached!

Posted in Education, Guitar, News

Dennis Dunaway Used Rotosounds on the Alice Cooper Group Classic “School’s Out”

Posted on July 26, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Dennis Dunaway, original bass player with the Alice Cooper Group was recently asked about what he used to record the classic track ‘School’s out’ and gave the following revealing story : “I had just finished recording a track in the studio when a roadie came in with some new strings called Rotosound. I strung up my bass and immediately decided to re-dub the bass part on the track. The song – well it was “School’s Out” – and the rest as they say is history!”

Dennis Dunaway, co writer of “School’s Out”, has used Rotosound RS 66LD 45-105 Swing Bass strings ever since. In fact the Fender Custom Shop will soon announce a limited edition of the Billion Dollar Bass, which is a remarkably detailed replica of Dennis’s original 1970 Fender Jazz Bass that he used on the majority of the Alice Cooper Group recordings. This was the first bass that he used Rotosound Strings on, to record “School’s Out.”

Fans of Dennis and the original Alice Cooper Group (ACG) recently saw him use his Rotosound strung bass ‘live’ at the ground breaking Jagermeister Ice Cold Event at Battersea Power Station in 4-D Holographic form on 11th May 2011. This performance was the first one since 1972 to ‘feature’ the surviving members of the band, all together overseas. Billed at the ‘UK’s first holographic 4D rock gig’, the performance was shot in a Hollywood studio and beamed onto the eight metre Battersea stage. Recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the group’s appearance celebrates the release on 6th June 2011 of the collectable ‘Old School: 1964-1974’ box set which captures the bands early shock rock years.

Dennis currently plays live with his bands Blue Coupe and Fifth Avenue Vampires.

For more information about Rotosound and its endorsees visit www.rotosound.com and to buy on-line visit http://ukstore.rotosound.com/home/index/7454.1

Posted in Bass, Guitar, News, Strings

ModernBeats Releases Pop RnB Guitar Loops Volume 1

Posted on July 20, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Featuring over 120 loops in WAV/AIFF/REX2 formats (360+ files total) provided in construction-style layout, ModernBeats presents “Pop RnB Guitar Loops 1″. This music loop library provides a myriad of professional Pop Radio Guitar performances & riffs, plus a variety of bonus production tracks listed below. Each instrument performance is separated into its own loop file with both 16bit and 24 bit options provided.

‘Pop RnB Guitar Loops 1′ is modeled in the style of today’s hottest platinum Pop R&B recording artists such as Ne-Yo, Black Eyed Peas, Rihanna, Jordin Sparks, Katy Perry, Madonna, Bruno Mars, Coldplay, Chris Brown, and more! All loops mix-match seamlessly by key and tempo, allowing users to mix 100′s of loop combinations across the 10 multi-track themes provided.

Pop RnB Guitar Loops 1 – Included Music Instruments:

  • Acoustic Guitar
  • Arpeggio Synths
  • Brass Section
  • Breath Sound FX
  • Chorus Synths
  • Choir Pads
  • Electric Guitar
  • Ensemble Strings
  • Fret Noise FX
  • Guitar Harmonics
  • Horns Section
  • Phaser Synths
  • Piano & Violins
  • Pizzicato Strings
  • Saw Synth Leads
  • Slide Guitar
  • Sync Synths
  • Synth Pads
  • Synth Sound FX
  • Wah Wah Guitar
  • Vocal Sound FX

Pop RnB Guitar Loops 1 is offered as a download, priced at $29.95. For more information and audio demos, visit: www.modernbeats.com/loopsets.php.

Posted in Guitar, Loops, Samples

Rotosound Strings Now Available to Purchase On www.rotosound.com

Posted on June 29, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Rotosound have teamed up Shopatron to launch a new online store, reinforcing Rotosound’s commitment to maintaining the highest possible customer service. Now you will always be able to order the complete range of Rotosound strings and accessories you want, when you want, twenty four / seven, and choose to either get them delivered or go and collect them from your local dealer.

The online store is accessible directly from the Rotosound website. Simply click on the ‘BUY HERE’ button to place an order which will then be processed by selected UK Rotosound dealers. Your local dealer will fulfil the order, so you won’t lose that personal touch.

‘We wanted a way for our customers to easily find and purchase any of our products, whilst still allowing them to maintain a contact with their local dealer.’ said Jason How, Rotosound Managing Director. ‘This system is safe, simple, and convenient. It gives you access to the whole range of Rotosound products, a choice of delivery options, all from an authorised dealer.’

The Shopatron network is secure and easy to use with a full range of delivery options and order related services plus it sends an email to confirm your order. Shopatron takes every measure to protect your personal information by following stringent payment industry security standards.

Your convenience is Shopatron and Rotosound’s top priority.

The new online Rotosound Shopatron service is available in the USA through http://store.rotosound.com/home/index/7454.0 and UK through http://ukstore.rotosound.com/home/index/7454.1

To find out more about Rotosound strings and accessories visit www.rotosound.com and buy them online.

Posted in Guitar, News, Strings

Lick Library Releases Quick Licks in the style of Kerry King Thrash Metal

Posted on June 29, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Lick Library is now shipping Quick Licks in the style of Kerry King Thrash Metal key: E Minor. This new guitar tuition DVD helps you learn the best Kerry King killer licks in easy to follow lessons, where you can practice along with the professional backing track included with the DVD.

Kerry King, rhythm guitarist, backing vocalist and co-founder of American thrash metal band Slayer, has earned his reputation as one of thrash metal’s premier guitarists by consistently delivering crushing riffs, ripping tones and staggering live performances. His guitar playing is often described as angular, focusing more on speed and chaos than on melody or typical metal style technical precision. He is known for making extensive use of the whammy bar, down tuned rhythms and a very heavy irregular vibrato. You can see Kerry Play at Slayer’s only 2011 UK appearance at Sonisphere 8th July.

Andy James has for some time been widely regarded as one of the UK’s rising stars in the realms of Shred & Metal guitar and more recently played Download festival with his band Sacred Mother Tongue. His blistering technique is well suited to showing you how to develop the speed and instrumental prowess that defines the hardcore tempos of the aggressive Kerry King and Slayer material.

In the Quick Licks in the style of Kerry King Thrash Metal key: E Minor (RRP £19.99) guitar tuition DVD, Andy James explores a series of licks and ideas that Kerry King has put into his solos over the years. After listening to Kerry’s playing Andy has taken the gems of ideas and the techniques Kerry uses that makes up his playing to put together 3 minutes tracks that demonstrate how to string licks together and create a solo. Breaking everything down into small sections, and using the famous Lick Library split screen, these guitar lessons will help you develop techniques such as bending, alternate picking and tapping. Also included are backing tracks so you can practice everything you learn.

LickLibrary also offer Learn to Play Slayer, and Slayer Jamtrax. To find out more about these and other products visit www.licklibrary.com.

Posted in DVD, Education, Guitar

Orange Amps Launches Tornado Victims Fund-raising ‘Music Aid for Joplin’ Auction

Posted on June 20, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Orange Amplifiers, alongside fellow musicians and other people in the music industry, were so very saddened to hear the news about the worst tornado season in more than fifty years in the USA and would like to offer their support. 153 people have been killed in Joplin, Missouri – home of the Glory Days Music Store – and half the town was destroyed including Glory Days itself and the owner’s home.

Orange Amps have decided after hearing the news to set up a fund-raising ‘Music Aid for Joplin’ auction of very special musical equipment from Orange and a number of other manufacturers. CEO Cliff Cooper will be working with Ted Owen, the auction house Fame Bureau‘s Managing Director, who is recognised as one of the world’s leading experts in music equipment and memorabilia.

Orange Amps will donate a rare and valuable (last one of only twenty made) Union Jack half-stack worth at least $6000! Orange have also helped to coordinate support from other musical instrument manufacturers/suppliers and the auction will include a number of very desirable items which are being added to on a daily basis. The list currently includes:

  • Sabian Cymbals money-can’t-buy 14” Paragon Crash personally signed by RUSH’s Neil Peart with the Steampunk logo, personalized with the winner’s name
  • Sabian leather jacket
  • Orange CR50BXT bass amp, signed by RUSH’s Geddy Lee, personalized with the winner’s name
  • Yamaha Gigmaker 5pc drum set with hardware and Paiste 101 cymbals
  • Yamaha New A Series Acoustic/Electric Guitar
  • Sierra Guitars Sierra Sunrise Auditorium Acoustic Guitar
  • Shure Microphones Super 55
  • Guitar World 12-Month Subscription

David Peterson, owner of Glory Days Music Store, commenting on the auction said, ‘On hearing about Orange’s plans to raise proceeds through an auction, I was just floored. I didn’t think for one minute that someone would do something like that for me without asking for it. It’s an incredible gesture.’

‘We have seen the heartbreaking tragedy that has taken place in the USA, particularly in Joplin Missouri, ‘ said Cooper, ‘ and we felt that we would like to do something in the spirit of that special relationship that exists between the USA and the UK. The money raised will help the re-establishment of the Glory Days Music Store.’

The American Red Cross in Joplin is providing emergency assistance at five separate locations. This includes first aid and emergency health services, mental health services, distribution of bulk items such as recovery kits, toiletries and items needed for the clean-up such as gloves, rakes, masks, and vital water supplies and snacks.

To assist Orange Amps and its fellow manufacturers to help and support the Joplin community please go to Fame Bureau’s website and bid on one of the many items available. The auction begins Monday, July 18th at FameBureau.com. Auction ends Wednesday, August 24th.

Any companies wishing to donate to this worthy cause can contact Orange Amps or the Fame Bureau direct via their website www.famebureau.com.

Posted in Amplification, Guitar, News

Lick Library Bring You Learn To Play Thin Lizzy The Solos

Posted on June 13, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Lick Library one of world leading suppliers of guitar tuition DVD’s, has just released Learn to Play Thin Lizzy The Solos ,giving you the opportunity to explore this explosive Celtic rock band’s intensely powerful twin guitar harmonies.

There is no other band, past or present like Thin Lizzy. As one of the defining twentieth century rock bands they burst onto the Dublin rock scene in the early seventies. The band saw a succession of critically acclaimed guitarists play, including founder member Eric Bell, the legendary Gary Moore, Scott Gorham, the longest serving and most steady guitar presence in Thin Lizzy, and Brian Robertson who along with Scott Gorham provided Thin Lizzy’s twin guitar attack. Others include Midge Ure, Snowy White and John Sykes. These incredible partnerships made Thin Lizzy into one of the most powerful guitar bands in the music industry.

Renowned guitarist and tutor, as well as co founder of Lick Library, Stuart Bull takes you through note for note five classic Thin Lizzy guitar solos. Stuart has literally taught thousands of people to play the guitar throughout the world with his award winning Total Accuracy that guitar series. Using the trade mark Lick Library split screen so you can see what both of Stuarts hands are doing at the same time you can match what Stuart is saying to what he does.

Stuart looks at what is widely regarded at Thin Lizzy’s greatest and most romantic ballad Still In Love With You, which includes the long Brian Robertson solo full of subtle tremolo picking making it almost ethereal in the emotions it conveys. Next up is Don’t Believe A Word, featuring the awesome guitar work of Gary Moore in a slower yet equally fantastic solo. This is followed by Dancing In The Moonlight, in which Scott Gorham’s solo is crisp and light especially with its descending octave lick.  Further solos are featured from Whiskey In The Jar, arguably their best known song and last but not least is Waiting For An Alibi where the guitars and bass take turns in coming to the front.

Accompanying the DVD is a CD with jam tracks for each solo. Each jam track comes at three different speeds, slow, medium and full tempo, allowing you to practice each solos at your own pace, steadily building up to full speed.

You can find out more on Learn To Play Thin Lizzy The Solos (RRP £24.99) from www.licklibrary.com where you will also find details of wealth of tuition DVDs, CDs and books related to Thin Lizzy, and the incredible guitarist that have played a part in creating their distinctive sound.

Posted in Education, Guitar

Rotosound Sign Over Thirty New Endorsees

Posted on June 9, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Rotosound continue to add to their pedigree stable of world class endorsees using their strings. Whether your taste in music is for Blues, Dance, Folk, Pop, Metal, Punk or Rock the Rotosound list of endorses includes many favorites.

New to the list are 2011 Blues awards nominees, Simon McBride, nominated in the Best Male Singer, Best Band, Best Guitarist and Best Album categories, and Oli Brown Band, nominated in the same categories plus Best Young Artist.

Also joining the Rotosound family are dance band extraordinaire Stereo MC’s, British two tone revival band The Beat, and the shockingly good cyber punk band Circus of Horrors who recently appeared on Britain’s Got Talent.

Adding some metal to the Rotosound bloodline are folk metal band Týr, death metal super group IDIOM, Greek demons Septicflesh, Grammy award nominee Chris Tsangarides, newly reunited Wolsbane and Sylosis – who have just released their long awaited second album. New artists soon to appear at the forthcoming Bloodstock festival are Deadly Circus Fire, Hang The Bastard, and with a reputation for intense live shows as well as being on Metal Hammer’s 2010 Hot list Fury UK.

Then come the full blooded rock bands including one of Wales’ finest alternative rock bands Lethargy, Fun Lovin’ Criminals fresh from their new album release, InmE headliners of the Strongbow Stage at the Sonisphere festival at Knebworth in July 2010, and Middleman, overall winners of the 2009 Future Sound Competition.  Garage rockers The Whigs, who toured last year with the Kings of Leon, and the Jim Jones Revue, whose musical style has been compared to Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard also join the distinguished Rotosound lineage. Rare breed’s indie rockers The Vaccines, recently placed third in the BBC’s Sound of 2011, and critically acclaimed Sparrow and the Workshop are also members of this fine rocking string. Others include hard rockers Starseed, seductive firebrands The Dandies, screaming Shadows Chasing Ghosts, 2011 Kerrang! Award nominee in the Best British Newcomer category Francesqa, and nominee in the same category last year My Passion. Boy Cried Wolf (featuring Wayne Murray who has been touring with the Manic Street Preachers for the last five years) plus the must see live band Midgar also join the ever growing list.

Then add in to this incredible list bass players Clint Williams, Jah Wobble of Public Image Ltd fame, Martin Turner of Martin Turner’s Wishbone Ash and musician and actor Tricky famously associated with Massive Attack.

To find out more about the Rotosound Strings and their endorsees visit www.rotosound.com.

Posted in Guitar, News, Strings

Maven Peal® Releases The Guitar Amplifier Player’s Guide on Kindle Platform

Posted on June 9, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Strafford, VT—Maven Peal Instruments, Inc. is pleased to announce the release of Dave Zimmerman’s The Guitar Amplifier Player’s Guide—the first do-it-yourself troubleshooting guide for musicians – on amazon.com‘s Kindle platform.

“The Player’s Guide offers a wealth of information… on biasing, impedance matching, speakers, tube saturation, and classic tube amps… this easy-to-understand guide is well worth the investment,” according to Guitar Player magazine’s Art Thompson. (October 2010, p. 30) Vintage Guitar magazine adds, “Zimmerman focuses on how to make them amps sound better, using straightforward mods… There are charts, a glossary of terms, and in-depth discussion of cords and cables, but arguably the best thing is that it offers something for everyone.” (February 2011, p. 132)

“I personally love the feel and experience of real books, but after having my Kindle for about six months, I can’t imagine getting around without it’s convenience and ease of use. With the explosion of ebook sales, we wanted to make sure that The Player’s Guide is available to all guitar players in every situation,” explains Dave Zimmerman, author and Maven Peal’s founder.

The Guitar Amplifier Player’s Guide is available from amazon.com whispernet service for $9.99.

Visit Maven Peal at www.mavenpeal.com.

Posted in Amplification, Guitar

Second issue of Guitar Interactive now launched

Posted on May 23, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Guitar Interactive, issue two is ready to take to the stage. The launch issue, distributed free by Lick Library, was the first truly interactive online magazine for guitarists, and this second issue is set to deliver an even more rewarding experience to the reader. It is packed full of a diverse range of articles and uses ground breaking technologies to provide readers with a special combination of information and inspiration.

Issue two leads with a video interview of Joe Satriani by his former pupil Danny Gill. The feature makes the most of using new on-line technology to supplement the interview with a series of guitar tuition videos showing you how to nail Joe’s style and technique. These videos have all the standard Lick Library hallmarks, the spilt screen showing what both of Danny’s hands are doing at the same time, the ability to replay time and time again, and of course Danny breaks it all down into easy to follow bite size pieces.

Next, bringing all these elements together, Guitar Interactive reviews Joe’s signature gear from Ibanez, Vox (Pedals) and Marshall. This feature also includes and excusive interview with the Marshall designer who personally handles the modifications to Joe’s amps.

This is followed by an appreciation of the late great Gary Moore by Jamie Humphries. Gary was acknowledged as one of the finest and most expressive blues and rock guitarists of his generation. With a natural soulful style, and an ability to play gloriously in many different fashions, he was widely respected across all genres. ‘Music’ he once said, ‘just flows through me.’ Who better than Jamie, one of Britain’s top rock guitarists and tutors to bring to life this hefty style analysis, as he walks you through an interactive celebration of this wonderful man.

Brand new to this second issue is an acoustic section. This fresh innovative section brings together an interview with Doyle Dykes, the master of the finger style of playing, plus exclusive footage of the show Doyle played for Taylor Guitars at NAMM 2011. Issue two also features over 50 pages of product reviews including guitars from Ibanez, Taylor, Martin and Schecter plus amps from Blackstar, Orange and pedals and effects from Line 6, Vox, Tascam, Rothwell and much much more.

All these fast paced articles are seamlessly linked with compelling columns, exciting editorials and of course even more reviews than were crammed into issue one.  You can investigate, by direct links, further technical specifications of the products being reviewed, check out advertiser’s websites directly, and email to friends or share via social networks anything that takes your fancy.

The debut issue proved a runaway success, attracting over 90,000 readers. Issue two builds on that success and has over 180 pages and features more than 4.5 hours of video content, promising to be an even bigger and better blockbuster.

Guitar Interactive is available free from www.iguitarmag.com/issue2 , no strings attached!

Posted in Guitar, News