Mandolin Dynamics: Playing with Expression in Bluegrass Music
The mandolin is a staple in bluegrass music, known for its bright, punchy tone and rapid, percussive strumming. But beyond its technical brilliance, what truly brings the mandolin to life in bluegrass is the dynamic expression a player can infuse into their playing. Mastering mandolin dynamics allows you to convey emotion, build intensity, and create engaging musical narratives, making your playing resonate with listeners. In this blog, we'll explore key techniques to play with expression on the mandolin, especially within the bluegrass genre, and why learning from masters like Sierra Hull and Mike Marshall can elevate your skills.
Creative Banjo: Incorporating Non-Traditional Techniques into Bluegrass
Embracing the Evolution of Bluegrass Banjo
Bluegrass banjo is known for its high-energy, driving rhythms and intricate fingerpicking patterns. While traditional techniques and songs form the backbone of bluegrass music, modern players are increasingly incorporating non-traditional techniques to add a fresh, creative edge to their playing. In this blog, we’ll explore how you can expand your bluegrass banjo repertoire with innovative approaches, and we’ll highlight some of the best resources available to learn from the masters, such as Tony Trischka, Noam Pikelny, and Alison Brown.
Top Five Essential Improvisation Techniques for Blues Guitarists
Blues guitar is a genre that thrives on emotion, expression, and improvisation. Whether you're a budding guitarist or a seasoned player looking to refine your skills, mastering the art of improvisation is crucial. In this blog, we'll explore the top five essential improvisation techniques for blues guitarists, with insights from the esteemed blues guitar and blues rock guitar courses at ArtistWorks, taught by master guitarists Keith Wyatt and Jared James Nichols.
Top Five Essential Improvisation Techniques for Bluegrass Guitarists
Learning to improvise on the guitar is a thrilling journey, especially in the vibrant world of bluegrass music. For those looking to enhance their skills, here are the top five essential improvisation techniques every bluegrass guitarist should master. Whether you're a fan of Bryan Sutton, Chris Eldridge, or Tyler Grant, these techniques will help you craft impressive solos and add your unique flair to any jam session.
New Lessons Added to Jason Vieaux’s Classical Guitar Course
This morning, we published nine brand new online guitar lessons to Jason Vieaux’s classical guitar course at ArtistWorks.
Top Five Essential Improvisation Techniques for Jazz Guitarists
Jazz guitar is an art form that thrives on creativity and spontaneity. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting your journey, mastering improvisation is key to becoming a proficient jazz guitarist. In this blog, we'll explore the top five essential improvisation techniques that every jazz guitarist should know. We'll also highlight the excellent jazz guitar lessons available at ArtistWorks, taught by master guitarists Dave Stryker, Sean McGowan, and Martin Taylor.
Pre-Sale VIP Memberships for “Fingerstyle Jazz Guitar with Sean McGowan” Now Available!
We’re excited to announce that pre-sale VIP memberships are now available for our newest course, “Fingerstyle Jazz Guitar with Sean McGowan.” While the course officially launches in late August, joining early grants you access to a handful of amazing perks and exclusives leading up to the launch, including:
Read More
Bluegrass Jam Session Guide: How to Organize, Conduct, and Execute a Group Jam
Bluegrass jam sessions are a wonderful way to connect with fellow musicians, hone your skills, and immerse yourself in the rich traditions of bluegrass music. Whether you're a seasoned player or a beginner, organizing and participating in a jam session can be an enriching experience. This guide will walk you through the steps of organizing a jam session, common tunes to know, proper etiquette, and the benefits of learning from master musicians online.
Celebrating the 2024 IBMA Award Nominees: Spotlight on ArtistWorks Instructors
The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Awards are the pinnacle of recognition in the bluegrass community, celebrating the finest talents in the genre. The 2024 nominees list showcases a dazzling array of artists, and we're thrilled to see several ArtistWorks instructors among the honorees. These exceptional musicians have not only shaped the landscape of bluegrass music but have also dedicated themselves to teaching and inspiring the next generation of players. Let's take a closer look at these talented individuals and their respective nominations.
New Lessons Added to Stu Hamm’s Electric Bass Course
This morning, we published four brand new online bass lessons on Stu Hamm’s electric bass course at ArtistWorks.