It’s been one intense week over here. As storms went crazy up and down the east coast, I had limited internet, but I was still checking in on YouTube and throughout the guitar sites I typically follow to find my favorite guitar links of the week.

There are lessons that are perfect for the beginner and advanced player, like Chris Brooks’ tips on playing without tension, there’s a great video on what 5 pedals you should pick up as a beginner, stories about Hendrix, and more. Let’s get into this week’s links!

Masterclass with Greg Howe - Kiesel Guitars - I’ve been listening to a ton of Greg Howe again lately, and recently was looking for lessons he’s done on YouTube. I found this gem where Greg did a masterclass for Kiesel Guitars. Greg has to be one of the most underrated players of our time, and has a unique and inspiring teaching style. If you want even more Greg Howe, take a time machine back, and check out his early Hot Rock Licks video.
Stop playing guitar with tension, NOW! Chris Brooks Guitar - Chris Brooks put out one of my favorite videos of the week - I’ve shared it with advanced players, and even my own young son who’s just starting out on guitar. If you want to get speedier on guitar, and if you don’t want to hurt yourself, you should check out this video. If you want even more info about the mechanics of playing, check out Brooks’ Neoclassical Speed Strategies book.
The Secret of PLAYING FASTER on Guitar (Does speed even matter?) - Ben Eunson’s quick video this week is a good companion to Chris’ video above. He makes the case that speed doesn’t matter, as long as you’re making a good, musical statement.
St. Vincent Doesn't Need a Berklee Degree to Win Grammys and Shred Guitar | Guitar Villains - Speaking of musical statements, St. Vincent has made quite a few of them over the past couple of years. I loved her interview with Tyler Larson. Tyler asked some really good questions, as the two got into songwriting tips, thoughts about improv, Annie’s signature guitar, thoughts on if music college is necessary, and lots more.
5 Must Have Pedals for Beginners - If you’re just getting your pedalboard started, you should check out Vertex Effects’ latest vid. While it’s not important you get the exact pedals they’re showing off, these are some good pedal categories to start from. The first pedal that’s a must have is the wah - you can go traditional and get a Dunlop Crybaby, spend a little more on an Xotic wah, or maybe you’re better off with a signature pedal to start out from an artist who’s tone you really enjoy. If you ever have any gear questions, feel free to reach out to me on social media, and I’d be more than happy to help. I’m @ChasingSound everywhere!
A Must Know Beginner Pentatonic Trick! - I’m always looking for new and exciting ways to make the pentatonic boxes more fun. Robert Baker does just that, with 4 easy examples on breaking up the boxes, and using arpeggiation. If you’re bored with some of the licks you’re playing, this might help re-wire your fingers.
Richie Sambora's New Song "We'll Get By" at Norman's Rare Guitars - Short but sweet vid of Richie Sambora stopping by Norman’s Rare Guitars to check out some of the collection. The coolest part is Richie allowing the channel to play some of his music that no one’s ever heard until now. The song “We’ll Get By” sounds great!
Gibson Secretly Teases New Models! - Trogly’s Guitar Show breaks down Gibson’s recent “The Collection” video where they teased a bunch of new models - Murphy Lab creations, new models for Adam Jones, Dave Mustaine acoustics, and a bunch more. What’re you most looking forward to? Gibson also showed off a Slash model, and if you want to see some recent Slash riffage, check out this newly released collection of select performances from Gn’R in Latin America.
Experience PRS 2021 - Experience PRS this year was once again online, but Paul and co. did a great job of putting on an exciting show. There were gear demos, lessons, a look at the process of making guitars, mini jams and a lot more. Really well done, but I’m hoping this show gets back to being in person next year!
Rick Beato on the Bob Lefsetz Podcast - One of our readers recently shared this interview with Rick Beato on the Bob Lefsetz podcast, and at first I wasn’t inclined to listen to it, because it was nearly 2 hours long. I recently had a long commute, so I put this interview on, and I’m so glad I did. Beato really shines a light on how he created his YouTube channel, and his history, and Bob asks a ton of great questions. Would totally recommend it, if you’re into behind the scenes YouTube stuff or want to know more about Rick.
Live From Flat V - Eric Gales Interview - If it seems like I link to Josh Smith videos often, it’s because he keeps putting out great content! I loved the mutual respect between Josh and Eric Gales, who he interviewed just recently. Stellar interview, with lots of fun throughout the hour.
I'd Never Tried This Technique... Bending Tapped Notes!? - Want to give your tapped notes a little extra flair? Check out Ross Campbell’s latest video on the technique. His intro solo is beautiful.
Django Reinhardt - Gypsy Jazz Master - Jazz School - Levi Clay has been doing a great series with his girlfriend, called Jazz School. This week they focus on the stunning gypsy jazz work of Django Reinhardt. The duo talk about Django’s history, a great book talking about his life and music, how he majorly influenced the genre, and so much more. This is a long one, but if you’re curious about this style of jazz, it’s a lot of fun, and includes a “listen along” element to the stream.
LIVE: Five Questions With Brian Wampler (Wampler Pedals) - Brian Wampler joins the JHS show to talk about pedals. I always love watching the JHS show, but this comment on YouTube said it best - “This is both the dumbest and smartest show on YouTube.” Fantastically accurate, and I say that with love. Also, later in the week, Josh showed off some great pedals that are all around the $50 mark.
Why Jimi Hendrix swapped his Strat for a Fender Telecaster to record his Purple Haze solo - This post has been making the rounds this week, and it’s a little bit of Hendrix trivia that I never knew. Apparently Jimi messed up a Strat he had been playing at a live gig, and had to play a Tele for the solo on “Purple Haze”. I’ve been going back to the iconic track to listen to the guitar tones over and over again. I always thought this was for sure a Strat. If you have any other cool Hendrix lore, I’d love to hear it!
Five Inspiring Ways to Use a Volume Pedal - The humble volume pedal is often overlooked, or never even gets a spot on a lot of guitarist’s boards to begin with. Guitar Player is here this week to show us 5 different ways to use a volume pedal that you might not have thought about yet.
The New EVH 5150 Iconic Head and Cab - We only know so much about this brand new head/cab combo from EVH, but I’m really looking forward to hearing how it sounds. The head alone comes in at a pretty fantastic $899 price point, with the cab at $499. If this sounds anywhere near as good as EVH’s prior heads, I think we’ll start to see a ton of these onstage, in rehearsal studios, and elsewhere.