Interviews

Joel Stroetzel Interview (Killswitch Engage)

Joel Stroetzel is best known for being one of the axe-slingers for Massachusetts-based Metalcore pioneers Killswitch Engage. In June 2009 the band released the self-titled Killswitch Engage, their fifth and highest charting album to date – debuting at #7 on Billboard’s Top 200. The record was produced by Brendan O’Brien, who has worked with acts such as AC/DC and Rage Against the Machine, and by Joel’s co-guitarist, Adam Dutkiewicz, who’s produced all of the bands previous releases. Killswitch Engage continues to evolve the band’s signature sound – bringing forth some of their heaviest riffs thus far, while showcasing their memorable melodic hooks and compelling arrangements. Joel and Adam... Read More →

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Reviews

Dark Tranquillity @ House Of Blues – Boston, MA

Fans of melodic death metal were treated to some of Sweden’s finest when Dark Tranquillity took the stage at the House Of Blues in Boston for the first date of their new tour. For the next month and a half, the metal legends will be trekking through North America in support of their forthcoming album We Are The Void (to be released on February 24th in Sweden and March 9th in North America), along with The Devil Wears Prada and metalcore icons Killswitch Engage. Dark Tranquillity began the evening by pumping up the crowd with the hook-laden ‘Terminus (Where Death Is Most Alive)’ and the rousing ‘The Lesser Faith’ before launching into a crushing rendition of ‘Dream Oblivion’ from We Are The Void. At the front of the stage,... Read More →

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Lessons

The Almighty ii-V: Part 1 (Major)

The ii-V. All hail the ii-V. Never question it. Accept it. Embrace it. And then once you’re sick of it you can puke it out all over the place. The ii-V-I progression is the most important chord progression in Jazz music, equitable with I-IV-V in Pop music. There are tunes with harmony constructed solely on the ii-V, and it appears in about 85% of the standard repertoire. So if you want to play Jazz, then it’s a good idea to get to know this guy. He’ll get you a long way. Let’s figure out how to construct, play, and play over the almighty II-V progression. Let’s start by constructing these suckers. The diatonic II chord will be a II minor 7 (IIm7) and the... Read More →

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Artist Masterclasses

Dave Martone Masterclass

In his masterclass lesson, Dave Martone demonstrates his unique approach to two of his favorite techniques: tapping and hybrid picking. He also…

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Artist Licks

Artist Lick: Carl Verheyen

Renowned session pro, solo artist, and Supertramp guitarist Carl Verheyen presents his Guitar Messenger Artist Lick. This idea is a great example of his wide intervallic approach to soloing.

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News

Guitar Scale Magnets Inc. Launches New Products for Learning and Playing Scales

Guitar Scale Magnets is a finger positioning tool for learning and playing musical scales that is located on the top of the guitar’s neck adjacent to the fretboard – a “cheat sheet” for the fretboard. In essence,... Read More →

TEXTURES Singer Leaves Band

Singer Eric Kalsbeek has left TEXTURES to focus on his job and his family. He’s issued the following statement: “Dear Fans & Friends, I decided to quit TEXTURES. My life changed, priorities shifted. I can’t... Read More →

Guthrie Govan announces clinics and performances in Massachusetts with Jon Finn Group

Virtuoso guitarist Guthrie Govan has recently announced a string of clinics and performances in Massachusetts with the Jon Finn Group  beginning with a special clinic at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Click HERE to... Read More →

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