One of my most vivid guitar memories is at the intersection in the lives of two guitar greats, who had both been an influence on me and my students. The late guitar legend Chet Atkins had invited my wife and me to his Austin City Limits (PBS) taping in the late eighties. He graciously took us to dinner to his favorite Austin restaurant that served good ole down-home cooking and…
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Welcome to our archives page, where you’ll find a collection of expert insights and valuable guitar tips. Whether you’re looking to refine your technique, explore new chord progressions, or master creative exercises, our articles are designed to inspire and guide guitarists at every level. Dive in and explore!
My favorite movie has long been The Sound of Music, with its great music, spectacular scenery, and inspiring story. So when guitarist Christopher Parkening asked me to record Silent Night with him and Julie Andrews for her 1990 Hallmark Christmas album, I was thrilled for the opportunity. I flew to Los Angeles, and after rehearsing the piece with him, we went to Julie’s office to work out the musical interpretation…
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While on tour a number of years ago with classical guitarist Christopher Parkening in Europe, we landed in Vienna for the last concert of the season. While arriving at our sound check at the intimate Brahms Hall, we noticed famous conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein (West Side Story) rehearsing in the adjoining Symphony Hall. I asked Chris if he knew him, and he replied that although he had met him…
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Glad You Asked… Could you explain the BGS Fast-Track System? David responds: The new BGS Fast-Track System is an overall teaching philosophy. It refines and puts a name to how I have taught guitar for over thirty years. The five system components are Great Music, Strategic Exercises, Practice Goals, Technique/Musicianship, and Theory/Improvisation. It is essentially what each of our instructors keep in mind as we teach guitar lessons, regardless of…
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My wife once showed me a quote by Ernest Newman stating, “The great composer does not set to work because he is inspired, but becomes inspired because he is working. Beethoven, Wagner, Bach and Mozart settled down day after day to the job in hand with as much regularity as an accountant settles down each day to his figures. They didn’t waste time waiting for inspiration.” I often find this…
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