More Than Technique: Finding the "Blues" and the Art of Storytelling
George Benson, arguably the most technically gifted guitarist in history, understood that technique is not the same as "soul." He famously couldn't replicate Grant Green's unique time feel. From the importance of the Blues foundation to the psychoacoustic strategy of tuning slightly sharp (442Hz), learn why playing "music" matters more than playing notes.
The Anatomy of Thick Tone: Decoding the Right Hand of George Benson and Grant Green
You might blame your amp, guitar, or cables for a thin tone, but the real culprit is your right hand. The secret to that thick, punchy sound of legends like George Benson isn't in a pedal—it’s in the physics of how you strike the string. Discover how the "Rest Stroke" drives energy into the guitar body to create maximum fundamental frequency and tone density.
How Many "Real" Songs Are in Your Repertoire? (And the Art of Lay-back)
If a bandleader asked the audience for someone who truly knows one standard—head, comping, solo, and outro—could you raise your hand? This post argues for repertoire first, theory second, and explains why real time feel (like Grant Green’s lay-back) only appears after you’ve fully internalized the song.
Starting Jazz Guitar? Here’s Who You Must Listen to First (Feat. Wes Montgomery)
Wes Montgomery is the clearest starting point for anyone entering jazz guitar. His melodic clarity, harmonic depth, and iconic octave style form the perfect foundation for understanding the entire lineage of jazz guitar masters.
Beyond Lineage: The 'All-Weather Virtuoso' in Modern Jazz Guitar (A Jesse van Ruller Case Study)
Are you shaped more by the explosive bebop lineage of George Benson or the soulful, blues-driven school of Grant Green? This article explores how modern masters like Jesse van Ruller transcend lineage—becoming “all-weather” guitarists with fully developed musical spectrums.
Make an Impact Today
When you give, you invest in progress, compassion, and a better world for everyone.