Tommy Emmanuel – A Fantastic Guitarist

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If you haven't heard Tommy Emmanuel play the guitar yet, you have to get hold of a CD, like right now. I first saw him on a national TV show (not sure which one), and I was absolutely blown away. This guy is almost beyond words.

His career spans over four decades now, and he appears to still be in his prime. I can't imagine him ever being any better than he is now. I can't imagine anyone being any better...EVER!!

I've always loved guys like Chet Atkins, Steve Howe and the guys that really master the guitar, not just play well. Well, Tommy Emmanuel is right up there at the top of the list. Don't take it from just me though.

Chet Atkins was one of the first players to inspire Tommy all those years ago, and eventually Chet also became a fan. In 1996 Chet and Tommy recorded 'The Day the Finger Pickers Took Over the World.' Emmanuel recieved his first of two Grammy nominations for his effort.

Possibly one of the best honors bestowed on Emmanuel however, was when Chet Altkins desiginated him 'Certified Guitar Player.' There were only three other players to have that title given to them by the master himself, Chet Atkins. The other three players were Jerry Reed, Steve Wariner and John Knowles. I'd say Tommy is in pretty good company there.

Emmanuel, born in 1955 in his Australian homeland would appear to have many more years of prime playing years, but if you ever get the chance to see him play live, I'd hop on it!! To see this guy play live would surely be something that you'd never forget. I will see him at some point. I don't care if I have to travel to Australia to do so. I've actually always wanted to visit Australia, so that would be a great excuse.

AC/DC – One Classic Band – One Classic Guitarist

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I'm sure you've heard by now that AC/DC has released a new album, their first in 8 years. It's entitled 'Black Ice' and debuted at No. 1 according to Billboard Magazine, which is probably not a big surprise.

AC/DC, Australia's primo Rock 'n Roll powerhouse is nothing new to selling lots of albums, but not only is their new album very hot, it's triggered an amazing upswing in sells of previous albums also.

For the week ending Oct. 26, 2008, Black Ice has sold over 784,000 copies, and their older catalog efforts have sold a combined 92,000 copies!! Those are obviously some impressive numbers.

Back in Black, the band's huge 1980 hit, sold 21,000 during the week in question, that's up from 9,000 the week before. According to the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America), the album is the fifth all-time biggest seller in the United States. Sells to date are a staggering 22 million copies.

The album High Voltage, the band's 1976 debut, sold 11,000 copies in the week ending Oct. 26, 2008, that's up from 4,000 units the week prior.

What's the reason for these awesome numbers ? It's simple, AC/DC ROCKS!! As a guitarist, I've always loved Angus Young and his playing. Although he hammers out simple chords on his famous Gibson SG, nobody does it better, or makes it work so well.

This however isn't a review of AC/DC, or any of their music. I just wanted to mentiont the new album and the fact that the boys down under haven't lost their touch. I doubt they ever will either, as long as they still enjoy what they're doing. You can tell from the cuts on Black Ice that they still do enjoy playing their fantastic music.

If you haven't heard the entire album yet, you need to get a copy. It's very deserving of the accolades it's been receiving.


Let There Be Rock!!

Brian Wilson Guitar being Released by Hutchins Guitars

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If you're a Brian Wilson fan, and I'm betting if you play guitar, listen to rock and roll, and/or over 40, you are, then you would probably love to have this guitar. It's a Brian Wilson model being released by Hutchins Guitars.

Some of the Features are:

  • Rosewood Fretboard
  • Bolt On Neck Attachment
  • Mother of Peal Dot Inlays
  • Premium Basswood Body
  • 1 11/16" Nut Width
  • 3-Way Blade Switch
  • Fixed Bridge
  • 1 Volume, 1 Tone Control
  • 24 3/4" Scale
  • 21 Medium Frets
  • British Tweed Signature Hardshell Case

This is an awesome teardrop replica of the Vox instrument that Brian played in the Rolling Stones. Now the bad news, it's on it's way to the United States, but there's only 37 being sent. Just as bad...there's only 250 being built.

With an authentic Brian Jones signature on the pickguard and headstock, this guitar is destined to become a major collectors item.

The guitar retails for $1,200, comes with the hardshell case and is available in a vintage white finish. It's looks as though most of us will be out of luck on this however. Unless you're very quick to act, know someone in the Music biz or are ready to pay above (possibly WAY above) retail

Learning Blues Lead Guitar

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If you're like me you've got a special feeling for the Blues. After all, if it weren't for the Blues we wouldn't even have Rock and Roll in the first place.

Well, if you've always wanted to learn how to play awesome Blues guitar, I've found the perfect method to teach you. You talk about some great information...this is it!!

I'm not even going to attempt to list all that this course has to offer because I'd be here typing all night. Just to get an idea...there's rhythm lessons, turnarounds, chords, jam tracks, tons of video, lifetime updates, scales, chord substitutions, harmony lines, using harmonics,  the list goes on and on.

When I say this program is complete, I mean COMPLETE!! There's virtually everything here that you could ever possibly want to know about playing Blues guitar.

Learn to play like Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, BB King, Buddy Guy, Billy Gibbons, Albert King, Robert Cray ,and so many more of the fantastic guitarists that made the Blues guitar what it is today. Even modern day rock guitarists from bands like AC/DC, Lenny Kravitz, Kiss, The Black Crowes, and others use this approach to their leads.

I can promise you that I'd NEVER recommend this product on MY site, if I thought for a minute that you wouldn't be totally satisfied with it. I guess it doesn't really matter though, because there's a full 100% money back guarantee. If you're not happy with your purchase FOR ANY REASON, you get your money back...it's as simple as that.

So click here to have a look at what I'm talking about. You'll be sold just from the FREE preview and mini-course, but there's also a video preview and much more information that I can provide here.

Just the extras are worth far more than the entire package cost.

If you've always wanted to play killer blues guitar, but never really got to where you wanted to be in your playing, PLEASE check this out. You owe it to yourself...and your future fans. ;)

Pink Floyd Stratocaster Up for Auction

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In case you haven't heard, there's going to be a guitar being auctioned off on Oct. 15, 2008 that is probably going to be one of the best collector's piece ever. The Stratocaster will be signed by David Gilmour, Roger Waters, Nick Mason and Richard Wright. After the recent death of Richard Wright, I can only assume that the winning bid will be rather lofty.

Any hard core rock and roll fans, and especially Pink Floyd lovers will be dreaming of owning this guitar.

Mind you, the guitar itself is only a Mexican-made Strat, but obviously the autographs will drive the price up.

Also,  the guitar's finish has been designed by UK artist Gerald Scarfe, whom worked with the band on The Wall...both the album, and the movie. I'm sure this will only increase the bids. The guitar is being auctioned to benefit homelessness charity Crisis. You can go here to register at the 'BuyOnceGiveTwice.com' Website, and bid on the guitar. Just make sure you've got a fat bank account before you entertain thoughts of this jewel hanging on your wall.

The winning bidder will also receive a Scarfe On The Wall Limited Edition Box Set. This comprises eight prints signed by Gerald Scarfe and an in-depth interview regarding the time when he created the illustrations for The Wall and the accompanying film.

Roger Waters has signed the accompanying "monograph" book which includes many early concept drawings for The Wall and a new interview with Scarfe. The monograph is accompanied by eight 16" by 20" prints of Scarfe's famed illustrations for The Wall, which includes three unseen works.

The box set is also available to buy, in a limited run 300 pieces. I'm sure the box set will also prove to be a great investment, being offered in such a limited run.