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Episode 12 Cover
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Ep012 – Electricity Basics for Guitar and Bass

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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!

Episode 9 Cover
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Ep009 – Fuzz, Distort and Boost – Pedal Special

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Title: GTRNRD Podcast Ep009: Fuzz, Distort and Boost – Pedal Special

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Ever wondered if your guitar’s got a secret voice waiting to be unleashed? 🎸 This episode’s your golden ticket into the world of distortion pedals! From the gritty growl of fuzz to the smooth tones of overdrive and the crystal-clear boost, we’re turning up the volume on how these bad boys can transform your sound.

In this pedal special, I unwrap the technical sorcery behind fuzz, overdrive, and boost pedals, exploring their distinct personalities. We’ll travel back in time to the 60s to see how fuzz became the darling of British pop and fast-forward to today, discovering how pedal stacking can lead you to sonic nirvana. Plus, I’ll share some insider tips on pedal order and using your volume knob to sculpt those ultimate tones.

Curious to know more? My book “Electric Guitar for Adults” is packed with insights on setting up killer pedal chains and more. Check it out at seeingmusicbooks.com.

Dust off those pedals and hit play—you don’t want to miss this one! And stay tuned for next week’s dive into hammer-ons and pull-offs. It’s gonna be epic!

See you there, NRDs!

Episode 6 Cover
Podcast Episodes

Ep006 – Tube Amp Generations

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Title: GTRNRD Podcast Ep006: Tube Amp Generations

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Ever get lost in the rich, warm embrace of a vintage tube amp and wonder how it got so legendary? 🎸 In this episode, we hop on a musical time machine to explore the fascinating evolution of tube amplifiers. We’ll journey through the Tweed Era of the late ’40s and ’50s, admire the crisp tones of the Blackface and Silverface eras, and rock out to the Marshall sounds that defined heavy rock. From boutique amps to the high-gain craziness of the ’80s, I’ve got all the amplifier insights covered for you!

We didn’t just stop at the history lesson though—I shared some cool tips for advanced players, like playing with different tube brands or using attenuators to nail that cranked sound without causing your neighbors to call the cops. We also talked about amp switching to achieve killer tones. And of course, there’s an emphasis on understanding your settings, because getting the right tone should be as satisfying as the first chord you strum with a new setup.

So, grab your favorite beverage, and listen in as we decode these tone machines! You might even want to check out your local music store afterward to twiddle some knobs and try things firsthand.

Hit play and join us on this tube amp adventure—listen now wherever you get your podcasts!

See you there, NRDs!

Episode Ep003 Cover
Podcast Episodes

Ep003 – FAQ: Pickups

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Ep003: FAQ – Pickups

Ever wonder how those magical pickups in your guitar really work their wonders? 🎸 In this episode, I’m diving into the electrifying world of guitar and bass pickups—the unsung heroes behind our favorite riffs and solos. We explore the fascinating trio of electromagnetic, piezo, and microphone pickups, covering their unique characteristics and how they can shape your tone like a sculptor with a rockstar twist.

We’ll break down what makes single coils sparkle and humbuckers hum, plus I’ll give you the lowdown on the classic axes they call home—think Fender Strat and Gibson Les Paul. We also chat about piezo pickups, beloved by acoustic players for their crystal-clear vibes, and delve into the depth you can capture with microphones on an acoustic setup. Oh, and don’t forget the creative wiring tricks like coil-splitting and playing around with active versus passive options—because versatility is key, right?

Whether you’re a tone chaser or just love geeking out over gear, there’s something in here for all you NRDs. So hit play and join us on this sonic adventure—you don’t want to miss it!

See you there, NRDs!

Podcast Episodes

Ep001 – The Skill Triangle

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Title: GTRNRD Podcast Ep001: The Skill Triangle

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Hey there, fellow guitar nerds! Ever heard of the “Skill Triangle”? 🎸 In our very first episode of GTRNRD, I unveil this essential framework that’s all about turning you into a well-rounded musician. Whether you’re strumming away like a pro or just starting to find your groove, the Skill Triangle—comprising technique, music theory, and gear knowledge—is your ticket to musical mastery.

Tune in as I share my journey from a self-taught strummer to a seasoned player, learning how to balance these three pillars. We’ll explore how knowing where to place your fingers is just as crucial as understanding the magic behind musical harmony, and why every gear head needs to have a solid dose of theory. Plus, I’ll offer tips on avoiding the pitfalls of neglecting any corner of the triangle.

Intrigued? There’s more! I’m giving away a free guide to the Skill Triangle to help you evaluate and hone your skills. So, what are you waiting for? Hit play and join us for this one—you don’t want to miss it!

See you there, NRDs!

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