ezbass

No pentatonic bashing here either, my favourite player, Eric Johnson, uses them all the time. Sometimes, all that’s needed is a bigger than normal interval jump (string skipping helps with this) to really spice things up (Carl Verheyen is the master of this).

Pentatonic scales are just abbreviated, 5 note versions of full, 8 note scales. Learn the full scales and then you have more notes to choose from. The scales used, as mentioned above, tend to reflect the chords they’re being played over. As a starting point learn the major (Ionian scale), minor (Dorian or Aeolian) and dominant 7th (Mixolydian). These three will give you all you need to play over a major or minor 12 bar blues. I find the most important thing is to hit the chord tones (the major third over a major Chris for instance), so that you imply that chord with your note choice. However, don’t be constrained by the scales, go ‘outside’ them, a short, chromatic run can add interesting ’flavour’ to your solos.

I see that too, kind of a Verithin meets a Fender Robben Ford Esprit. I like it.

Quality knowledge there, kudos .

If you don’t like the songs that programs set for practise, seek out a local guitar tutor and get them to teach/help you play the kinds of songs you want (this will also help correct any ‘bad’ habits you may have picked up). However, it should be pointed out that learning the building blocks of chords is essential if you want to play more ‘open’ sounding songs, as opposed to just chugging on root/five power chords, Metallica’s Nothing Else Matters springs to mind as a song that uses full chords, both strummed and played as arpeggios. There really are no short cuts in the end, learning anything worthwhile has its difficulties, which includes some things that seem dull, but are ultimately essential and help further down the road.

That contouring is so organic.

This attention to the detail of the finished product is astonishing and very pleasing.

Both of my acoustics are currently tuned in different types of open C to play a couple of Led Zep songs. Even though I prefer a light gauge set of strings, there is no appreciable difference (other than the sound) to the feel or playability of the guitars. Both are 24.75” scale. Open tunings for acoustic guitar has been very much a thing for players for ages and they just retune their standard guitars. If you are going to keep one a whole tone lower than standard all the time, you might want to try a slightly heavier gauge next time you change strings, but other than that (and maybe a truss rod tweak, nothing drastic), just crack on as you are.

Chancers!

I really don’t know how HB do it at the money, if it really is nasty sweat shops in the Far East, why is the fret work so good (the overall finish on my recently acquired HB bass is very good)? Thomann really know how to pack an instrument, mine came in a similar 2 box arrangement. Quality score there, congrats.

He's gone all pointy 'rawk' guitar these days IIRC. His bullseye and bottle top LPs will always be the ones I think of when Zack is mentioned.

Brad Paisley - Telecaster Eric Johnson - Strat Slash - Les Paul Les Paul… Zakk Wylde - LP Angus - SG Tony Iommi - SG Derek Trucks - SG Dave Edmunds - ES335 Steve Howe - ES175 Jimmy Page - LP

Very much this ^^^

Only access to the 19th fret? That’s way high enough IMO. Plenty of notes lower down to make a statement, without annoying the local dog population.

Looking good already.

Nor Benmont Tench

I’ve listed my faves earlier in the thread. However, your list has me thinking about the guitar players that were played in my home when I was growing up and it’s very similar: Hank, Wes & Les Paul. There was also Barney Kessel, but Wes was more accessible to my young ears.

I’m in! The sexiest looking guitar ever built IMO, but an ergonomic nightmare. I look forward to many updates.

Excellent result! Good work on the photo front.