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Christmas is coming. And, to many a prospective six-stringer, that means asking Santa for a new guitar.
Whether or not that new guitar materializes, though, is another matter entirely. If, like me, your answer to the question “how many guitars should you own?” is always “one more than you currently have,” it’s difficult to make the case that you really “need” that new instrument to the powers that be (usually your better half).
I’ve talked before in this blog about strategies for smuggling a new six string into your home. Recently, I heard mention of a new approach, and given that the holiday season is almost upon us; I thought it pertinent to share with you all.
(I should offer a disclaimer at this point. As with all my previous “how to get a new guitar past your significant other” advice on this blog, I’m almost 100% per cent certain that this will not work. But heck, it’s the festive season, and Christmas miracles do sometimes happen!)
If you want that sweet sounding new Taylor acoustic or Gibson solid-bodied electric, then you’re going to need to find a sacrificial lamb. And, if you can bear to part with said lamb, then the rewards are yours for the taking.
So what is a sacrificial lamb? It’s that guitar in your collection that’s been
gathering dust. Perhaps you bought it on a whim. Maybe it’s a mid-level instrument that you outgrew or upgraded a way into your guitar-playing journey, but didn’t want to part with for sentimental reasons.
I’m guessing you’ve got one somewhere; sat forlornly on a guitar stand or hiding in a dog-eared case under your bed. You probably forget to mention it when running through your collection with guitar playing buddies and it certainly wouldn’t be the first thing you grabbed if your house was on fire.
What you’re going to do is make a very visible display of either selling or giving that guitar away.
Now, it’s really important that you do this before making any mention of the new instrument that you covet. You have to make sure that the sale of this guitar and the purchase of the next one appear in no way related.
That’s because sacrificing the lamb isn’t just about getting rid of a guitar. It’s about making you look like you’ve turned over a new leaf; like you’re not the sort of person who hoards all things six string, someone who has a financial compass and isn’t prone to impulsive guitar splurging (or asking loved ones to do the splurging for them once the holidays roll around). If you really want to seal the deal, consider using a coaster or getting a haircut.
All of this is a lie of course. Said new leaf remains resolutely unturned, and chances are, you’ll be trying this or a similar tactic next birthday/holiday season/time you drunk buy a replica Black Beauty Les Paul after watching videos of Led Zep at the Albert Hall on YouTube. But those are problems for future you. Right now, let’s get back to the matter at hand.
With your lamb sacrificed, it’s time to mention that new “best guitar ever” to your partner. Now that you’ve laid the groundwork, you’re in a much stronger position to ask for a new axe. After all, you just sold a guitar. That means you’re no longer a man-child with a G.A.S problem (gear acquiring syndrome – not flatulence); you’re a well-adjusted adult who can let go of the things they don’t need…
Until next year, at least.
When we’re young, there are several firsts that we’re not aware of, though our parents may relish in those moments. These are milestones such as first steps, first words, first trips to the potty, and so on.
As we age, there are more firsts that we become more aware of, such as our first kisses, first dates, and first times behind the wheel (often to our parents’ great fear in the passenger seat).
While punk and pop-punk are arguably defined by stacks of power chords and clean guitar passages, incorporating capos benefits the genre.
They can make some things more accessible to play. In interviews, Mike Ness of Social Distortion said he has a Gold Top Les Paul tuned down from E standard to Eb standard and capos the guitar at the second fret. This is to make playing certain things more accessible and comfortable, accommodating an old injury on his fretting hand. Thanks to capos, Ness can play in different keys.
While he can imitate the greats, his voice on the instrument is also distinct, blending virtuosic technique, great tone, incredible musicality and a healthy dose of humour. All of that has made him an in-demand clinician and very busy player, recording and touring with Asia, Dizzee Rascal, Steven Wilson, Hans Zimmer, and his project, The Aristocrats.
One does not travel this world without gaining experience and wisdom, which Guthrie has shared with many through the years. Without further ado, here is some of the knowledge he has passed on over the years.
