Chris and Rick Talk Guitars

Chris and Rick pay their respect to the Prince of Darkness, and reminisce about their earliest encounters with Black Sabbath and Ozzy.

Chris and Rick talk about how important it is to serve the song, and to find your place in the sonic mix of instruments and vocals for the best results.

Chris and Rick talk about how there are no "settings" per se... You can get to a starting point but then you have to explore, and find your own way. Often times it's scary, but with some curiosity and tenacity you can do it!

Chris and Rick commiserate about the evolution of their pet peeves, and some shouting at clouds.

Chris and Rick talk about how they approach playing guitar in cover/tribute bands and how they try to capture the spirit of the songs.

Chris and I discuss how AI might impact the world of guitar playing, and music as we continue down this uncharted path of technology.

Chris and Rick talk about guitar (gear) mods over the years and how some things have changed and other have remained.

Chris and Rick catch up on what's been going on since they've both been busy the last few months.

Chris & Rick talk about the unintended consequences of modding, or changing something without thinking about the possible negative consequences. And the popular notion of laypeople second-guessing the educated, experienced people behind the products they want to change or "make better."

Chris and Rick talk about a topic suggested by a listener regarding lead playing for beginners.

Chris and Rick chat about the process of building a classical guitar, focus on the finished product and what Rick learned (if anything) along the way.

Chris and I chat with Seattle music legend Kurt Bloch.

Chris and I talk about the inevitable desire guitarists feel to play bass. It can be run, and inspiring to get into the headspace of a bass player.

Chris and I revisit our 3 for 3 where we swap 3 songs a piece and give our thoughts. It's fun listening to songs I haven't really heard or revisiting old friends and hearing new things.Chris' songs: Kiss - Let me knowNew York Dolls - Personality CrisisPeter Case - Walk in the WoodsRick's songs:Rolling Stones - Tumbling DiceWah Wah - George HarrisonSpotify playlist:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3Ub3dJLyiWEu0aBCNx0dfc?si=12b9161046214454

A discussion on the subject of the vintage guitar market over the years and if these instruments are really worth the prices they are going for.

Chris and Rick talk about the many uses of the capo, and how it can also inspire guitarists to think about the guitar in other creative ways.

Chris and I talk about my trip to Chicago to attend the Fretboard Summit put on by Jason Verlinde of Fretboard Journal. I enjoyed the whole trip from the amazing facility of the Old Town School of Folk Music, Grez Guitars, Rock & Roll Guitars, Colin Hay, panel discussions, deep dish pizza, the BIG lake and so much more...

Chris and I explore the delicate subject of the blues and how that genre has evolved - but always seems to rise above its cliches and survive to live another day.

We talk about the various perceptions people might have when they hear the phrase "one-owner guitar". What doest it mean to you?!

Chris and I lovingly roast the 1986 movie Crossroads starring Ralph Macchio and Joe Seneca.

Chris and I talk about the concept of one guitar to rule them all whether it's a guitar associated with a specific artist, or a swiss army knife that allows you to get any sounds you want.

In our 3 for 3 Chris picks 3 songs, Rick picks 3 songs and we discuss. Check out the links for referenceChris's picks:Cowboy Junkies - Misguided Angelhttps://youtu.be/xKNiyOKiuHo?si=AEefgpUABbx_HoUFRy Cooder - Paris, Texashttps://youtu.be/X6ymVaq3Fqk?si=XAGk1_x0KgFyrvt4Dennis Coffey - Scorpiohttps://youtu.be/DyuS16P911g?si=1OnU9rZI3Q_T4KgcRick's Picks:Rush - What You're Doing (live)https://youtu.be/6Dn8VH30eWs?si=4-ptZiRAPGxjvZmvElvis Costello - Watching the Detectiveshttps://youtu.be/k1Qnt5bx1OI?si=S8bayGA-kZsLCIatCrowded House - Don't Dream It's Overhttps://youtu.be/J9gKyRmic20?si=Nua0z-M1kcgv_Qa-Tim Pierce - Second guitar Don't Dream It's Overhttps://youtu.be/bB7x638PhVM?si=_lNfasNgqkB6yPj3

Chris & Rick talk about what makes a guitarist's guitarist. We'd love to find out what you think about this topic, and who comes to mind when you think of a guitarist's guitarist.

We talk about the biases, and preconceptions we bring to how we hear and listen. Check out the video - https://youtu.be/BYTlN6wjcvQ?si=HDghoHiJvE9BmoLB

We talk about Rick's ups and downs as he builds a classical guitar from scratch.

Chris and Rick talk about how to deal with nerves when recording in the studio. Chris has been doing a lot of recording lately, and recently encountered some nerves - and other studio related feels.

Session players Steve Hunter, and Dick Wagner made their marks with Aerosmith, Alice Cooper and Lou Reed to name a few. 70s rock was guitar was heavily influenced by these creative session players.

Chris and I pay our respects to Wayne Kramer who recently passed. He inspired us as a guitar player, and life-long activist. His legacy is secure, and his spirit lives on in every band started and loud guitar plugged into a Marshall stack.

Trevor Boone searches for the coolest, vintage guitars for collectors - and bands for Emerald City Guitars.

Chris and I swap 3 songs and guitar players and chew it up!Chris's selections:September Gurls - Alex ChiltonMaybe I'm Amazed - Ronny WoodHymn for the Dudes - Mick RalphsRick's selections:Magazine - Roger Fisher/Nancy WilsonKid - James Honeyman-ScottLife on a Wave - G. Weller

We talk about things we should care about, but don't. Noisy guitars, 3-bolt necks, flame tops, and more...

C & R discuss Vintage Guitar guru George Gruhn’s Versitar guitar design. links to things discussed: The Gruhn Versitar Fretboard Journal George Gruhn Interview

A discussion of the high performance Strat-style guitars that were developed in the 80s.

Our pedalboards for reference

Discussion with Liz, guitar tech and guitarist with Seattle bnand the Purrs. A few of links to things discussed: THE Purrs on Facebook THE Purrs Bandcamp page Eva Pickups Crackle & Pop

C and R discuss strategies for dealing with being stuck and uninspired.

Chris and Rick speak with Thunder Road Guitar owner/operator Frank Gross.

Part 2 of discussion of various guitar and gear trends over the years.

Discussion of various guitar and gear trends over the years.

Is the era of the guitar hero over? C and R discuss the guitar god in today’s guitar culture. Correction: in this episode Chris erroneously attributes the solo for the MC5’s The American Ruse to Wayne Kramer. It is in fact Fred ‘Sonic” Smith who rips the tasty Chuck Berry influenced solo.

Episode 55. Discussion of care and feeding of tube amps. The podcast mentioned in the episode: The Truth about Vintage Amplifiers Some Cool sites mentioned in the episode for over the shoulder peeks inside tube amps. Plus tech tips and inspiration: Fazio Electric Uncle Doug Psionic Audio

Dialing in a good stage volume and keeping a happy headspace.

Discussion of gear steeped in myth and hype like the KLON and Dumble amps etc.

C and R discuss strings and some observations and experiences with them.

Discussion on the mail order musical instrument company Carvin.

C & R discuss Peter Jackson’s brilliant documentary GET BACK.

Collaborating with others on guitar parts and songs.

C and R discuss navigating the fretboard without a solid background in music theory. *Mott The Hoople’s All the Young Dudes mentioned in the episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNHdPPJGowY

Following an extended break C & R catch up on guitar stuff, work and life.

Discussion the pros and cons of the “guitar > cord > amp” principle.