Episode 7 Cover

Ep007 – Harmonics 411

In this week’s episode of the GTRNRD Podcast, Andy dives into the world of harmonics, exploring how these magical overtones can elevate your guitar or bass playing. Whether you’re new to harmonics or a seasoned player, Andy offers practical tips and insights into finding harmonics on your fretboard and achieving that ethereal sound. The episode also highlights how legends like Eddie Van Halen and Jaco Pastorius have used harmonics to transform their music. Plus, Andy provides a handy harmonic cheat sheet available at GTRNRD.net, and delves into advanced techniques like artificial and pinch harmonics to add an extra zing to your playing.

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Episode 12 Cover

Ep012 – Electricity Basics for Guitar and Bass

March 25, 2025

Title:
GTRNRD Podcast Ep012: Electricity Basics for Guitar and Bass

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If you’ve ever found yourself scratching your head at all the electrical lingo tossed around in guitar gear discussions, this episode is for you! ⚡️ This time on GTRNRD, we’re zapping into the basics of electricity that every guitarist and bassist should know.

In the latest episode, we’re on a mission to demystify the fundamentals of electricity and its impact on your sound. We tackle everything from Ohm’s Law to the difference between AC and DC voltage, and I explain exactly how capacitors and resistors play their part in your gear. Understanding how voltage, current, and resistance interact can spell the difference between a killer tone and, well, a very silent amp.

I also shine some light on why matching your speaker impedance with your amp can make—or break—your gig. Plus, you’ll learn why that flimsy cable might be the reason for your tone woes. We’re talking straight about power supplies on pedalboards and the brilliance of isolated power supplies in keeping tone clean and mean.

So, whether you’re saddling up for your first gig or you’ve been around the block with your six-string, this episode will gear you with the electrical know-how to boost your sound and confidence. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and don’t forget to share with your guitar buddies!

See you there, NRDs!

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Episode 11 Cover

Ep011 – The Scales Junglegym

March 18, 2025

**GTRNRD Podcast Ep011: The Scales Junglegym**

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Who knew a jungle gym and your fretboard could have so much in common? 🎸 In this episode, we’re swinging into “The Scales Junglegym,” where I draw on the physical play of jungle gyms to inspire our scale practice. Just as a jungle gym stretches our muscles and sense of adventure, scales stretch our musical muscles, building hand coordination and musical flexibility.

Why should you dive into this episode? Well, scales are music’s foundation! I break down how tackling scales with creativity (and some fun, just like playing outside) can transform your guitar playing. By shaking up your finger choices and casting aside predictable patterns, you unlock new worlds of melodic possibility. Plus, I’ve packed this episode with practical exercises to expand your technique and free your music from the mundane.

So what are you waiting for? Hit play and swing into this episode for some musical monkey bars—you don’t want to miss it!

See you there, NRDs!

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Episode 10 Cover

Ep010 – Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

March 11, 2025

### GTRNRD Podcast Ep010: Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Hey there, guitar wizards and low-end maestros! Ever wish your solos could sing like a bird or scream like a superstar? Well, you’re in luck. 🎸 In this week’s episode, we’re diving into the world of hammer-ons and pull-offs—those magical techniques that can transform your playing from “meh” to “marvelous.”

Join me as we dissect the mechanics of hammer-ons, where you strike a note by simply placing a finger firmly on the fretboard, and pull-offs, which let a string ring out beautifully as you lift your finger. Perfecting these moves will add fluidity and expression to your music, whether you’re serenading the moon or setting your fretboard on fire.

I’ll guide you through some practical exercises to strengthen your fingers and improve your timing. Plus, we’ll explore how to spice up those scale exercises and how to use these techniques to turn your melodies into something vocalists would envy. That’s right—hammer-ons and pull-offs are like the consonants of your musical language, enhancing your solos with variety and nuance.

To geek out even further, check out my books, “Beginner’s Guitar Jumpstart” and “Bass Guitar Beginner’s Jumpstart,” which you’ll find at SeeingMusicBooks.com. These reads are perfect for grounding your foundational skills and theory.

So, ready to experiment and share your newfound skills on social media? I can’t wait to see what you come up with. And don’t forget to tune in next time when we’ll be swinging through “The Scales Junglegym” episode—your melody-making might just reach new heights.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and let’s amp up your musical expression!

See you there, NRDs!

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