Strung up? Chill out on a weekend for guitarists
By Andrew Fawkes - 14/04/2009
Are you (or someone you know) a guitarist and, like me, self-taught and just love playing from time to time, perhaps in a local band or maybe just in your spare room? Do you occasionally try to work out how to play your favourite bit of a blues or rock track – maybe a Stevie Ray Vaughan lick, a Jimmy Page lead solo or some cool blues rhythm – and then give up in the attempt, or accept a less than perfect version?
If your answer is yes, then perhaps taking a break is just what you need.
Not a break from the guitar – and certainly not a guitar break in the Pete Townshend, Ritchie Blackmore literal sense! How about a day or two spent in the company of some real experts who’ve been there, done it, got the t-shirt and, more importantly, are truly helpful, approachable and above all not intimidating?
Last weekend I joined a dozen like-minded chaps at a lovely hotel in Bath for an immersion in blues and rock guitar run by GuitarBreak.com. And what an immersion it was.
Let’s start with the tutors. Jason Sidwell and Neville Marten are editors of Guitar Techniques magazine and can convey all the theory for those who know what a Pentatonic Blues scale is and want to improve their understanding and hence their playing. They also welcome people like me who have never bothered to learn the theory… so much so that I now understand some of that stuff and have the tools to get it even more!
The third member of the team is a legend in the guitar world and is revered by many of the stars and his fellow teachers. Guthrie Govan is a master of every style but presents himself in the most engaging and unthreatening manner. The three guys work well together as a team and simply listening to them talk, never mind playing along with them, in my view justifies the cost of the weekend.
Firstly, as my fellow first-timers attested, it’s natural to be fearful of; what will it be like? Will I be good enough? Will the tutors be intimidating? That soon dispels when you talk to those people who’ve been before and keep coming back for more. Why? - because “I learn something new every time that makes it so worthwhile,” says Steve from Cheltenham. Nigel had travelled down from Birmingham for his 5th weekend since Guitar Break launched in 2005. “I think this makes me a Guthrie stalker,” he joked.
We started the two days by gathering everyone’s learning requirements. For some it was about learning how to play a blues solo and for others expanding their style of soloing. A couple of chaps hadn’t played with other people before and so were learning the fundamentals of timing.
The weekend revolved around the ubiquitous 12-bar structure that forms the basis of 90% of all songs, not just the blues. We looked at which notes fit in and when and which don’t. We looked at different ways of playing the same note to add real colour and style. As the first day progressed it was obvious to see (and hear) how we were adapting and improving our playing through these subtle changes in attitude and, of course, seeing the experts do it.
Neville showed us how to avoid the risk of vibrato making us play out of tune and how playing a single note well is difficult to achieve but oh so powerful once mastered.
We all had many opportunities to jam in both lead and rhythm roles, followed by gentle critique and welcome affirmation. “Everyone plays something beautifully and in their own style no matter what level they’re at,” says Neville. “Guitarists have a tendency to beat themselves up for their perceived weaknesses, but this weekend is about spotting strengths… it’s a mindset thing."
Jason provided a mini masterclass in rhythm guitar whilst providing accompaniment to our soloist, Alan from London, who described his playing as “my fingers know where they should be going but rarely get there first time”. By Sunday evening that was clearly not a problem for him any more.
Alan, like fellow attendees Mark and Ahilan was bought his guitar break as a birthday gift. In Ahilan’s case, by his sister who lives in California and had researched her gift over the internet. “Coming away like this gives me renewed enthusiasm for guitar playing, said Ahilan, “which I don’t have enough time to devote to during the daily grind back home." He finished the weekend eager to tell his sister what a success her gift had been.
Whilst mainly enjoyed by people aged from mid-40’s to 60’s, our weekend included some younger people too. “It’s not about age” says Jason, “it’s about wanting to play guitar." How true… I feel like I did as a 14 year old boy, learning to play my guitar anew.
Guitar breaks are run by Guitarbreak.com and are available throughout the year in London, Guildford, Bath and Bristol. They can even organise your own guitar break if you know a few other guitarists who’d like a bespoke event. For more information and to book have a look at the link below where you’ll also find lots of information, tutorials, tips and some amazing video links of Guthrie and other members of the Guitar Break team. Call 0845 458 7372 or email mail@guitarbreak.com.
Mature Times readers should quote “Guitar Break Mature Times” for a discount of £30 on your next Guitar Break event.