Guitar

Dallas, Texas, in the late 1970s, was heaven for a college kid blues fan. Stevie Ray, and so many others, played all night for five bucks cover; I straightaway got the hang of playing in blues and rockabilly bands. By 1990, I was in Hollywood, touring with my old Texas mate, Lou Diamond Phillips. Stealing BB King licks off old records has taken me around the world.

I busted my ass to learn old Blues, Rockabilly, and Dobro guitar licks. Now, I like to share them with other guitar players, especially ones who feel stuck in a plateau.

Skype/Google Duo/Zoom/Facetime online is the best! It’s live and interactive, and no one has to drive or schlep gear.

I like to have a weekly 45 minute lesson. Since each session is unique, I follow up immediately by sending you a minute or two clip of me demonstrating your “homework” (that’s a bonehead word, but, you know). I hate practicing in front of my teacher (yes, I still take lessons), so this is so you can fumble along in private.

Lessons

My online lessons are very conversational. Maybe you only learned the basic chords and put your Strat under the bed; or maybe you’re gigging and recording. In a nutshell, I want you to learn fun songs and licks, and incorporate them your way. For me, it all starts with the Blues. Delta; Piedmont; Chicago; and, of course, Texas. From there, I like to work on Rockabilly and Western Swing. It all comes down to having fun. I figure that if it’s fun, you’ll stick with it .

Performance

I have a lifelong fascination with guitars and amps. I spent a couple of years as a buyer at the Hollywood Vintage Collection, and have owned loads of great old gear. Chasing the Tone is a lifelong thing. I’m happy to coach you as you choose, set up, and operate your rig for home, studio, or stage.

Ever hit an open blues jam? That’s a great place to start gigging. I’ve hosted loads of them. For it to be a positive experience, you need to have a working familiarity with old “warhorse” songs; be able to play in different keys; most of all, LISTEN. Upside, you don’t have to book a venue, haul gear, or hire cats. It’s a great way to hone your skills and to network.

The final frontier is being in a band. Are you to be a sideman, or the bandleader? Those are two VERY different things. We’ll talk.