Guitar Nine Columns

Steve Vai explores three different pedalboards, offering insights to ideal pedal ordering.

Embracing the cliche' and trying to make it better.

Upgrade your current guitar with better hardware or opt for a shiny brand new one?

Is there such a thing as the 'most emotional note' in a key?

Specific points that will help you, in order to get better on both instruments.

The B diminished chord is objectively harder to use than the other major and minor chords.

An instrumental shred version of the Iron Maiden track "Fear Of The Dark".

Voice leading: unlocking the very DNA of musical structure and showing how it lives.

An introduction to the riffs and chords from the Carlos Santana song "Smooth", off of "Supernatural".

There are techniques to make the same simple chord progression sound differently.

The way I write, I usually need a strong or engaging title that lights up my imagination.

The Neapolitan Major Scale is, in fact, a minor scale, but don't spread that around.

Alien surfer and guitar instructor Joe Satriani discusses melody, specifically, how to stretch out a melody.

This movement is by far one of the most common 'blind spots' that guitar players have.

I think my biggest accomplishment is that I was able to teach myself an instrument that now enables me to make a living and travel the world.

The benefits of a pop filter for your mic, and an installation walk-through on several types of mic stands.

Get the most out of your home or project studio with these tricks and tips.

Not all exotic scales are used exclusively by extreme metal players.

Searching for interesting chords to put before a dominant chord.

Steve discusses melody writing, phrasing, dynamics and more using his track "For The Love Of God".

The differences between regular and scalloped fretboards explained.

A look at the Guitar Nine organization basses from 1980 through 2021.

Write dissonant but delightful music using the Neapolitan minor scale or chord.

Dan Hawkins' masterclass focuses on pentatonics for bass.

A method to move freely around the fretboard.

Vai's whammy antics, speed and 'detuned' playing is highly unusual and original.

Start incorporating bends more fluidly into your playing.

McRocklin's masterclass covers his track "New Beginnings" (B minor) in great detail.

An exercise that you can use to build a powerful picking hand.

Since "Not Of The Earth" and "Surfing With The Alien" in the '80s, there's been a lot of Joe S. playing in our studio.

Exercises that will challenge you to build a deeper connection with your guitar.

Don't neglect your hands. Tips for hand health.

Learn to make music using exotic scales.

Guitar Nine's April-May 2021 newsletter.

Who could predict in 1980 that Def Leppard would have a 40+ year career, and that the addition of Collen would make such an impact?

Dozens of articles on the subject of scales, scale patterns, scale connection and more.

A little technique can go a long way if you know how to apply it creatively.

Many players are questioning whether or not amps are still the necessities they once were.

All it takes is knowing the correct exercises to get your hands working properly.

Helpful advice about how to choose a room and convert it into the studio of your dreams.

Adding first inversion chords gives you 7 new sounds to work with.