It’s highschool, the early 90’s and we have some free time during our music/choir class. My best friend an I would bust out our guitars and jam to whatever we felt like. Some songs were just made up others were the pop songs of the time. I remember playing “Tears in Heaven” quite a bit and the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Under the Bridge” for my friends. Brings back good memories of my Jr and Sr year in HS. But there was one song that was our the top request, especially the girls. If you played guitar in the early 90’s ,this was a must. Can you guess it?! It’s an essential part of the GenX guitarist repertoire.

As I wrote in the video description, if I had a dollar for everytime…. HA! But not complaining at all. It was a blast and fond memories of my early guitar and musical endeavours.

Question: What GenX classics do you remember that were staples back in the day and what are the “More than Words” songs of today that all guitarists need to know?

Find a place in your home with decent acoustics.  The most popular places are bathrooms but my favorite is a small hallway between my kitchen and dining room.  Once you find a good spot, just play.  It would be a good idea to have your guitar strapped on so you can walk around to find the “sweet spot.”   You will know when you hit that spot because the sound of the guitar suddenly surrounds you.  There, you have a place to provide real time feedback on your playing.  A wonderful practice tool, as well as an experience.  Try this from time to time, not only to critique your playing but to enjoy it as well. 

What I suggest isn’t anything new but can be forgotten, especially when we can plug in to an amp at almost anytime.  Give being truly unplugged a shot and here your instrument’s true sound.

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.