SOFTWARE: Neck Diagrams
March 31, 2010
Over the years I’ve used various ways to notate scale and chord diagrams for myself. From using little credit card sized notes to TAB or just writing them down freehand.
When I started teaching back in 2006 I created all my scale and chord handouts using Illustrator, all done from scratch, which took quite a bit of time 
So when I heard about the Neck Diagrams software I was intrigued.
Available for both Mac and PC, Neck Diagrams enables you to create your own Chord Diagrams, Fretboard Diagrams as well as using alternate tunings such as DADGAD or open G or creating diagrams for different instruments like mandolin, 7 string or bass etc. Interestingly it also has a scale generator for knocking up your own CAGED forms or even 3-note-per-string forms.
Diagrams can be printed off or exported to various popular formats, say, if you wanted to embed them on a webpage etc.
I’ve only been playing around with the free demo for a short while but the drag and drop nature of creating diagrams works well and it work fast!
It’s also great to see that the diagrams automatically outline various intervals involved in the scale makeup when you specify a root note. Exactly the way I tend to ’see’ notes on the fretboard 
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The demo has slightly limited features but gives a good idea of how it all works.
The full version is available in two formats, the Standard version costing £18 or the Pro version for £30 which features the scale generator wizard and also allows you to export to PNG/PDF/JPEG
No matter what level you’re at it’s always handy to be able to create some diagrams for yourself or others. I only wish it had been around when I first started teaching!
NEWS: International Acoustic Guitar Nights in London, Leeds and Bristol
March 29, 2010
Three of Europe’s finest contemporary acoustic guitarists are coming together this May for a special show in three UK cities. Specially chosen for the concerts are Jon Gomm, described by Acoustic Magazine as “One of the world’s most gifted and inspirational guitarists”, Italian guitar legend Pino Forastiere of US guitar label Candyrat Records, and Guitar Techniques magazine’s acoustic guru Stuart Ryan. The Guitar Night event takes place at Passing Clouds in Dalston, London on May 13th, then moves to The Brudenell in Leeds on the 14th and finally to Bristol’s South Bank Club on the 19th.
On May 16th there will also be a one-day masterclass in Leeds where you can gain unique insight, advice and hands-on instruction from these three world-class guitarists. More info at www.jongomm.com/masterclass.
Individual event details:
THURSDAY MAY 13th 2010, 7.30pm – The Magpie’s Nest Guitar Night, London
Artists: Jon Gomm, Pino Forastiere and Stuart Ryan, plus special guest Nathan Ball
Venue: Passing Clouds, 1 Richmond Road, Dalston, London, E8 4AA
Link: http://www.themagpiesnest.co.uk/gigs/guitar-night-jon-gomm-pino-forastiere-stuart-ryan-and-nathan-ball
Tickets: £8 on the door, or £6 in advance from http://www.wegottickets.com/event/71942
FRIDAY MAY 14th 2010, 8pm – Leeds Guitar Night
Artists: Jon Gomm, Pino Forastiere, Stuart Ryan
Venue: The Brudenell Social Club, 33 Queen’s Road, Hyde Park, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 1NY
Link: http://www.myspace.com/leedsguitarnight
Tickets: £8 from http://www.wegottickets.com/event/71479
SUNDAY MAY 16th 2010, 1pm – Leeds Guitar Masterclass
An all day guitar workshop, where you will gain unique insight, advice and hand-on instruction from three of the world’s finest acoustic Artists: Italian guitar legend Pino Forastiere, Leeds’-own Jon Gomm and Stuart Ryan from Guitar Techniques magazine.
Venue: Eiger Studios, Fairfield House, Unit 1 New Craven Gate, Leeds, LS11 5NF
Link: http://www.jongomm.com/masterclass
To book your place or for more info please email info@jongomm.com or call Natasha on (+44) (0)7931 797 846
WEDNESDAY MAY 19th 2010, 7.30pm – Bristol Guitar Night
Artists: Jon Gomm, Pino Forastiere and Stuart Ryan, plus special guests Mike Dawes and Amy Turk
Venue: South Bank Club, Dean Lane, Southville, Bristol, BS3 1DB
Link: http://www.ashkeysmusic.com/
Tickets: £10 – reserve via phone on 07855 826 228 or online ashkeysmusic.com
MasterThatGear! – Cornford Roadhouse 30 Head Demo
March 18, 2010
I’ve been the proud owner of a Cornford Roadhouse 30 head for a couple months now so it was about time I did a MasterThatGear demo video
Cornford Roadhouse 30
March 18, 2010
NEWS: Rock House Method On Demand Launched!
March 16, 2010
Rock House Method have just launched an on demand service allowing access to their great lessons online for both Mac and Windows machines.
With contributions from the likes of Rob Balducci, Kiko Loureiro, Rusty Cooley, Alex SKolnick, Vernon Reid , Alex Laiho and loads more and TAB provided for each lesson, this is a great way to enhance your playing:
What is Rock House Method On Demand?
It’s a new and exciting way to deliver Rock House Method products to you quickly and safely using an amazing new media system called MOD Machine.
Rock House Method On Demand downloads lessons directly to your hard drive so you can start watching in just minutes. We have worked dillegently to assure you get the same expirence as you do when you go into a store to buy one of our DVDs. You will get the entire product, tab book and all.
If you landed here because you’re interested in a new product or lesson, and you’ve already downloaded the Rock House Method On Demand application, no need to download it again. Simply launch it from your computer and browse for the titles that interest you.
Playing Videos on Your Computer!
You will need a quick time player to view your videos. Quick Time is free and can play on Mac or Windows. Download and install the latest version of the free Quick Time player from Apple’s website here.
COMPETITION: Strings on Fire 2 with Milan Polak!
March 16, 2010
Strings On Fire 2 and Milan Polak in collaboration with T-Rex Engineering present an awesome competition with great prizes just for you!
The Prizes:
1) T-Rex SpinDoctor programmable 4 channel tube preamp
2) T-Rex Michael Angelo Signature distortion pedal
3) T-Rex Bloody Mary distortion pedal
The jury:
Milan Polak: http://www.youtube.com/milanpolak
Julian Puttins: http://www.youtube.com/petruccifever
Laurie Monk: http://www.youtube.com/lauriemonk
Ricardo Walls: http://www.youtube.com/ricardowalls
T-Rex Effects: http://www.youtube.com/TRexEffects
How to enter:
1) Subscribe to Milan Polak’s channel: http://www.youtube.com/milanpolak
2) Download the backing track http://bit.ly/nogodbt
2) video your response solo
3) and then post your video in response to this video (please make sure to ADD YOUR NAME to the title)
4) promote your video
5) Win!
What we are looking for: great improvisation or composition, great tone, note selection. A one take solo, no harmonies, no double tracking, one guy, one guitar, just you against the backing track.
Please note: we have to approve all video responses – this can take several hours! All entries must be submitted BEFORE 23:59 CET 25th of April 2010!!!
INTERVIEW: Gibson.com Slash interview
March 14, 2010
Great video interview with Slash from Gibson.com talking about his upcoming self titled solo album
