String Gauge

 Guitar string gauges are measured in thousandths of an inch. For example,

a 10-gauge string is 0.010 inches in diameter. The gauge of a guitar

string affects the sound, feel, and playability of the guitar.

Thinner strings are easier to play and produce a brighter sound. They are

also easier to bend, which can be useful for certain styles of music. However,

thinner strings can be less durable and may not produce as much

sustain as thicker strings.

Thicker strings are more durable and produce a warmer sound. They are

also less likely to break than thinner strings. However, thicker strings can

be more difficult to play and may not be as well-suited for certain styles

of music.

The best way to choose the right gauge of guitar strings is to experiment

and see what feels and sounds best to you. There is no right or wrong

answer, and the best gauge for you will depend on your playing style and

preferences.

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Fingerpicking

 Mastering fingerpicking on the guitar requires practice, patience, and a systematic approach. Here are some tips to help you develop your fingerpicking technique:

Start with Basic Patterns: Begin by learning simple fingerpicking patterns using the thumb (designated as "p") and the fingers (designated as "i," "m," and "a" for index, middle, and ring finger, respectively). Practice patterns like "pima" or "pimamia" on individual strings to build dexterity and control.

Start Slowly: Begin practicing fingerpicking at a slow tempo, focusing on accuracy and coordination. Gradually increase the speed as you become comfortable with the patterns. Remember, speed will come naturally with time and practice.

Isolate Finger Movements: If you're struggling with a particular pattern or finger movement, isolate that section and practice it separately. Break it down into smaller segments and gradually build up to the full pattern. This helps develop muscle memory and control.

Use a Metronome: Practicing with a metronome is essential for improving timing and rhythm. Set the metronome to a comfortable tempo and practice your fingerpicking patterns in sync with the beats. As you progress, gradually increase the tempo to challenge yourself.

Practice Regularly: Consistency is key. Set aside dedicated practice time each day to work on fingerpicking. Short, focused practice sessions are more effective than sporadic, lengthy sessions. Aim for regular, daily practice to build muscle memory and develop your technique.

Explore Different Fingerpicking Styles: Experiment with various fingerpicking styles, such as alternating bass patterns, Travis picking, or classical guitar techniques. Learning different styles helps broaden your musical vocabulary and improves your overall fingerpicking skills.

Study Fingerpicking Songs: Learn fingerpicking songs that align with your skill level. Start with simpler songs and gradually progress to more complex arrangements. Analyze the fingerpicking patterns used in the songs and practice them in context.

Record and Listen: Record yourself while practicing fingerpicking and listen back to identify areas for improvement. Pay attention to your timing, accuracy, and tone. Self-assessment allows you to track your progress and make necessary adjustments.

Seek Guidance: Consider taking lessons from a qualified guitar teacher or accessing online tutorials and resources. An experienced instructor can provide personalized guidance, correct any technique issues, and offer valuable insights to help you master fingerpicking.

Be Patient and Persistent: Mastering fingerpicking takes time and perseverance. Don't get discouraged by initial challenges or setbacks. Stay committed, maintain a positive mindset, and celebrate your progress along the way. Remember, consistent practice and a systematic approach are key to mastering fingerpicking. Embrace the process, enjoy the journey, and soon you'll witness significant improvement in your fingerpicking technique.

Guitar Guru entry review - July,2020

Sifting out entry music videos (improvs) especially for competitions usually means separating  meaningful expressions of musical ideas from the flashy technical stabs. The best ones often manage to complement the tracks, each elevating the other. Occasionally, this might mean that a lick with it's leg up makes it easy to be wowed by the phrasing paired with a track that gives you the feels. But it works the other way, too. With the wrong voicing, a track that may have clicked at the first few listens can suddenly come alive to the wrong audio pairing - dissonance. 

2020 was an interestingly slow year for us (& possibly for everyone) but luckily we were able to debut our online guitar competition. We kick-start the same this year (2022) by sampling some entries that managed to impress our panel of judges. The number of contestants that subscribed to the monthly competition was encouraging & at times overwhelming. As such, it was paramount for the judges to whittle down to the top ten entries per edition (monthly). Some of these entries will be easier to watch than others, but each of them take a distinct stylistic approach to the tracks they complement. Whether plain, embellished, or in that area in between, these are all reminders that — at least when it comes to the guitar - 2020 still had plenty to offer.

To start us out - checkout Mwangi Macharias' take on the opening GG2020 edition in the month of July ,2020. The backing track was courtesy of Andromeda Music & it provided the perfect window to scrutinize phrasing transitions by contestants. Mwangi starts off in the sweet spot with a very mild overdrive tone and alternates to a clean tone as the song progresses. If you are keen enough- you'll catch the micro-sweep thrown in at the  9secs mark from the start just as the song begins to build up. Watching him go through the rhythm motions & sneaking in a sly grin whilst seated - is a wonderful little touch which easily complements his phrasing. His approach utilizes thirds, sliding, staccatos & natural harmonics all tell tales of an adept guitarist. However, as the songs winds down it becomes hard not to miss the imperfectly tuned guitar which seems to be the only undoing. Overall & even though he did not win that edition - the judges were impressed with his tone quality, intonation and technique in improvising the track. 

Entry video - Mwangi