This week we’re talking about crazy tunings, how to build a pedalboard (along with some inspiration from Mateus Asato and Dave Weiner), how to shred, how to bend, and so much more. I’m psyched you’re here reading this week’s issue. Let’s get right into this week’s links!

Shred King Phil X Shows Us How To Melt Faces - Phil X shows Rick Beato and Rhett Shull the awesome bizouki tuning he grew up with, and then proceeds to shred some crazy fingered licks on an acoustic and on Rick Beato’s signature Gibson. What alternate tunings do you use?
Planning a touring pedalboard with Ron Menelli from RJM Music Tech! - I’ve been loving Dave Weiner’s “On Tour With Dave” videos he’s been posting to Guitopia. In episode 4 Dave links up with Ron Menelli from RJM Music Tech to talk about making a touring board for his tour with Steve Vai. Dave’s also been posting videos about getting his hands warmed up, the mental, physical, and relationship issues that might arise on a tour of this magnitude, and more. If you’re not subbed to Guitopia, check it out for a month or two.
Mateus Asato‘s Pedalboard – What‘s On Your Pedalboard? - And if you want pedalboard inspiration, you should check out Sweetwater’s video with Mateus Asato. Mateus talks about his travel board, guitars, amps and even his signature overdrive/distortion.
Ditch the scales & try these triad-based soloing tricks - Lately I’ve been practicing more guitar than ever. And one of the biggest things I’m working on, is remembering the shapes/boxes I’ve always loved to play, but trying to get away from them in favor of triads, one octave scales and more. It really helps with fretboard knowledge, and is making me a better player. That’s why I really enjoyed this video from Anyone Can Play Guitar, where they talk about why triads are so important, and how you can use triads to solo more effectively. If you want even more advanced triad stuff, check out this lesson on spread voice triads.AND, right before I sent this newsletter out, I found another great, new triads based video from Paul Davids. Check out his video here. It’s always good to check out different teacher’s styles of teaching a similar subject.
The Psychology of Extreme Rhythms - Not a guitar video per se, but I never mind linking to Adam Neely’s videos. I loved checking out his latest on the psychology of extreme rhythms.
Do this routine every night to get shredded - Only 3 things GREAT GUITAR Techniques! - If you know me, you know I’m always looking for new ways to practice and warm up. I think it’s good to shake up your practice schedule regularly, so it stays fresh. Check out this video from Tomo Fujita where he shows 3 examples of how to warm up, and what not to do as well. Later in the week, I also really enjoyed Tomo’s video on bending, which you can check out here.
Guitar Lesson // “Timing and Mental Awareness” - Last week we talked about Cory Wong releasing a new guitar course, and this week he put out a vid that’s from the course itself. The lesson is a great look at awareness and focus on your picking hand. I’d love to know if you’ve picked up this course, and how you like it. Also, Cory & Friends recently did a pop up show in Brooklyn. You can check out the gig here.
What’s That Sound? EP1: The Rolling Stones “Street Fighting Man” - This video from Reverb ticked all the right boxes for me - cool, classic song, talking about recording techniques, and under 3 minutes. Check out how the guitar was recorded for the Stones’ “Street Fighting Man”.
How I l Learned To Shred Guitar In 1980s Like My Heroes Yngwie, Di Meola, Gilbert, Chastain etc. - If you’re a fan of 80’s shred guitar playing, you owe it to yourself ot check out this video from Bill Hall. I’m pretty sure this is the first time I’m linking to Bill’s channel, but I’m sure it won’t be the last. His technique is so clean, and his style of teaching was a lot of fun to watch.
John Petrucci - Invisible Monster lesson - Speaking of shred, John Petrucci sat down for Guitar World to go over some riffs in the new Dream Theater single, “Invisible Monster”.
Watch Nita Strauss shred onstage using Jason Becker’s original prototype Peavey Numbers guitar | Guitar World - A couple years ago I got to see Alice Cooper with his 3 guitar lineup, and it was a lot of fun. The stage antics/theatrics were very cool. Nita Strauss played a big part in Cooper’s recent tours, and is a great guitar player in her own right. Check out this awesome video of her on tour, playing Jason Becker’s original prototype “Numbers” guitar. I’m sure Jason loved to see this classic axe getting used.
Joe Bonamassa - “Time Clocks” - Official Music Video - Not only has Joe Bonamassa come out with a new, rocking single from his upcoming album….it’s also 7 and a half minutes long! The song has a lot of cool pedal steel-esque style bends, a great solo, and an epic outro that reminds me of G ’n R. Joe also recently announced a fall tour, which starts in a few days.
Guitar Tech to the Stars Warns Guitarists of Pitfalls - I loved this article with guitar tech Chris Lawson (who’s worked with people like Queen and Robert Plant). GP asked him a bunch of questions on what it takes to keep a guitar road ready, the best way to mic up a guitar cab, how you should set your amp and more. If you’re looking to get back out on stage, this is a great post to read.