Guitar Musings

  I’m off the Buffalo Peaks again for a camping trip with the kids.   If you don’t know, Buffalo Peaks is in South Park Colorado, south of the town of  Fairplay.  Yes, it’s the same South Park that inspired the television series but haven’t run into Kyle, Stan, Cartman or Kenny… Yet.  The pictures featured here were taken at the peaks and they are also featured in the banner photo for my other website.

So what does this have to do with guitar?  I’m contemplating whether or not I should bring that six string addiction.  On one hand, I need the rest to let my hands recover but being at the peaks brings out some really good playing, especially when I’m with my father-in-law, who has a library of incredible music to listen to the whole weekend.

I guess there are worse things to be pondering over.  More than likely, I’ll be talking it…AHHHHHHH, who am I kidding.  Writing this post, convinced me to bring it.  I’m already leaving my laptop behind, I can’t deny myself both of my vices.

See ya Sunday!

In previous posts, I have complained about miscellaneous aches and pains that I have been experiencing from playing so much.  It became apparent to me that the only time I would get relief was to not play and lay off of the computer for a few days. 

The little light came on above my head and I had an idea when watching Muriel Anderson on YouTube.  I noticed that she was using the classical position using a foot rest or crossing her legs.  Trying to emulate Tommy Emmanuel’s style of both feet on the ground stomping away,  I strayed away from using the classical position.  My foot stool collected dust while my aches and pains began to grow.  The guitar wasn’t supported well enough and I had a tendency to slip on my lap.  I would then contort my body to keep it steady which put a lot of pressure on my arms and back.  After a few songs, I noticed that I began to ache and needed a break.  The frustration as began to grow as well.

After my moment of enlightenment I dusted off the old foot stool and began to play the classical way.  I immediately noticed the difference and was able to play a lot longer and was able to relax.  I have to keep in mind that I always play a bit better when I make a change so we’ll see how this holds up in a week or two.  I’m pretty hopeful that my aches and pains will subside.  Will keep you posted.

I didn’t have to work today so I met up with my wife at her work to have lunch.  The beauty of this, besides being able to spend some time with my wife, is that she works across the street from a acoustic guitar store full of Martins, Larrivee’s, Blueridge’s, etc….  My GAS (Guitar Acquisition Syndrome) always tends to flare up during these times. 

After lunch, we had about 5 minutes to kill and I wandered in to by a thumb pick and some strings.  I also had just enough time to noodle around with a beautiful Larrivee and a Blueridge Parlor guitar.  I’ve been in love with Jean Larrivee guitars for quite a while and this one was a joy to play.  Nice bright tone and my fingers seemed to glide over the strings and frets.

I’ve become a fan of the Blueridge parlors just recently and if I had to choose, I would take both : ).  Seriously, I would probably pick up the Blueridge.  Reasons being:

1. The Parlor is a better guitar for me ergonomically
2. I just love the  1 7/8″ neck width.  My fingers have room and feels a bit like a classical in that sense but not too wide so I can still use my thumb in fingerings.
3. It has a V neck.  A lot of electrics have V necks and I thought this might be new for the acoustics.  I asked the owner of the shop about it and he said that V necks were very common for acoustic guitars, especially parlors.

I went home empty handed but got my fix for a while.  One day, one of those suckers will come home with me. 

Links:

http://www.larrivee.com/2_Main/main.html  (Larrivee Guitars)

An example of the Blueridge parlor I liked.  Not the same shop or guitar that I played but nice pics.  Pretty good price too. 

Just got finished re-stringing my Martin with a set of Martin Fingerstyle SP Strings I found in my office.   Wasn’t impressed when I first tried these out but the second go around was a little less disappointing.   First impression was that they sounded a bit shallow and tinty on the high end. After trying them a second time I find their tone still lacks something but maybe not as bad as I first thought.  Would I recommend these strings? Probably not because I don’t see the benefit in the “fingerstyle” label it has.  I asked the music store and they really couldn’t give me a answer on why these are better for fingerstyle players and after playing them, I couldn’t either.  I think I will just stick to my normal Martin SP Guitar Strings .  They have been solid for me the last couple of years and don’t see any reason to switch.

What’s your favorite strings?  Do you go for price, brand or whatever is available?

I was sitting on the porch enjoying another beautiful Colorado evening and decided to bring out the guitar for the first time this Spring.  I have to say that a change in venue, as little as it seems, really does help get the creative juices flowing.  Playing outdoors gave me some new ideas and my playing felt fresh.  I was reminded of a couple issues, however, that I fight with constantly. 

1. I need to make a real attempt to finish/develop an idea.  I was playing well and was happy but I was playing a bunch of licks and nothing else.  My playing was all over the place. 
2. When playing a song, I must finish it.  My wife noted that I will play the first minute or so and then stop.  It definitely annoys her and is a pretty big reason why I struggle with the endings of songs.

One more lesson worth noting, not on the list, but still worth mentioning is that Adirondack chairs were not made for guitar players.  They are comfortable but there is no way to play a guitar with those arm rests getting in the way.  Regardless, it was a good guitar day and it’s days like this that motivate me to keep on playing.