God, Gear, and Guitars

It's NOT the $$$

2010-10-29T20:17:00.000-05:00

I read today that in 2003 the median weekly paycheck for a person with a bachelor's degree was $900 a week, in 2005 it was $52,000 a year. Let me stop and dry my eyes for a second. OK... now... for those who are just certain that their calling is to be doing what I'm doing... for those who say I KNOW that God has made me for that... I'm gonna MAKE IT... I was made to be a Christian rock star... or whatever it is that goes through that little brain of yours. Let me bring you back down to reality. I've had a LOT of great opportunities throughout my life and I'm a pretty well versed musician... even when faced with an intimidating situation, musically speaking, I'm usually confident that I'll pull it off successfully... not because I'm the best, but because I've just worked hard. On top of all that... I've got a degree in music. Now... knowing my abilities, my knowledge, and accomplishments... let me say... I don't make the above figures that your read at the top of this blog. Shocked? I know most of you probably are. You're probably thinking that I'm lying or that I'm so ashamed of how MUCH I make, that I just don't have the heart to share it. And my reply is... you're wrong, DEAD wrong. You see... when God called me to Himself... He called me to His glory and glorious riches that are found in the knowledge of Christ and the kingdom that awaits us. Sounds easy right? Wrong again. I can't even begin to tell you how much of a struggle this has become for me. Knowing my capabilities, my accomplishments AND the ones that I've yet to embark on, I can easily slip into to thinking that I'm underpaid. I'm signed with a record label!!! That's the mark of a pro, right? That's where the money's at right? Doesn't it count that "Mercy Me" is on my label? I mean COME ON!!! What the freak? I can get so mad. It's tempting to give up everything and just go play for country music sometimes. Sure it can be promiscuous, but hey... I won't be worrying about my finances, will I? Maybe I'll go up to NYC and get in the jazz scene and play with Harry Connick Jr, Michael Buble, or some great up and coming unknown. However... I can't do that... at least, not now, and that's not to say that those things will never happen. I just know that where I am is where I'm supposed to be. I know because God called me to Himself and demanded that I follow Him. He didn't call me to a paycheck, but to an all consuming eternal glory found only in Christ. The bills and stuff are something that I have to face everyday, and they constantly remind me how skinny my checking account is... making it frustrating. Maybe if I didn't have to think about it much, that would be better... but, that's not the case. I DO have to face them everyday. And I'm not gonna lie... it's hard. It's humbling, embarrassing, frustrating, gut wrenching, angering, etc. It's just plain hard. I don't know how to say it. Am I broke? No. Am I making it? Pretty much, but I'm definitely not living in plenty. Well... financially. The thing is that I always get into this rut and then God reminds me that my riches are eternal. My kingdom is not of this earth. I can't tell you how often He has to remind me, but it's a lot, I know that. I know what you're thinking... then find something else to do on top of 33Miles. Well... there are a few things I can do to help, but it's hard because of the inconsistency of my life. It's hard to focus on other things when my life is so consumed with 33Miles and then just having to take care of the things come with being an adult. It's not like I come off of the road and go on vacation all of the time. I honestly haven't had a vacation in 4 years. That doesn't matter though. My point in all of this is if God should ever lead you down this road or ANY road in following Him... fight to love Him, His Gospel, and His kingdom above all else. I say fight because it's just that... a fight. It's not easy to walk in faith when you're surrounded by things of sight. It's not easy to have confidence in your eternal inheritance when the home you're living in the here and now continues to slap you in the face and punch you in the gut. It's not easy following Christ and treasuring Him above all else, but it's right... and it's worth it... and we are not deserving to even be able to whisper the name of Christ, but God through His mercy let's us be worthy. Even sitting here... I'm reminded that I've been given the greatest gift ever, a gift that doesn't reflect my works or abilities, a hope that didn't come from my accomplishments, and a peace that is out of this world. I've been given a Savior. What amount of money could that compare to? Before you follow Jesus today or tomorrow, if it should ever come, take a deep breath, be OK with that fact that our message and calling to Christ does not come with glorious tokens and rewards here on earth when compared to those that treasure this life on earth above all else, but it comes with a prize. A prize that was earned with the life blood and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Run this life with endurance because of your full confidence in Him and what He's accomplished... and let your payment be the fact that you have the privilege of being involved in the glory of God. It's not easy, trust me, but it will be worth it in the end. I would love to provide more income for my family but for some reason God has painted me into this little corner for this season of life where I can do nothing but tend to what He's given me and just trust that He's got it all under control. If you're planning on following Christ for the $$$... you're setting yourself up for disappointment. Follow Him because He's said so... that's the greatest payment ever. Knowing Him. Thank you God for that gift. I'm forever indebted to you Father... wait a minute.

Lockwood

Rest Can Be Good

2010-10-17T17:36:00.000-05:00

I can't relax. I'm a madman. If I'm not playing guitar, I'm reading, working on a song, surfing the internet for information on a subject... typically music, running, pacing, chasing my daughter, etc. I C-A-N-N-O-T RELAX!!! I don't know what it is with myself. However... I've surprised myself. Anybody that has spent any real significant time with me knows that I LOVE the guitar. It's almost an affair. A glorious romance, that strangely enough, my wife is well aware of. Jealous? Maybe she is... but she's not willing to fight this love affair since it helps pay the bills. ANYWHO!!! I've taken time off from the guitar. I haven't played for an entire week. Let me explain what that means. I've picked up the guitar quite a bit, used it to help me in working on a song I've been writing for the last several days, spend 10 minutes here and there playing and practicing new lick ideas, and so on, but as for playing it and REALLY practicing? None. It's weird. At first I was nervous, but now not so much. I picked it up today and toyed around with it as a guitar and tool for songwriting and it felt really refreshing. Like things were more fluid. I don't know. Sometimes I think that I become so anal about my playing that it actually becomes work and not my hobby. I know what you're saying... "but Chris, it IS your job... you HAVE to work at it to be successful otherwise you're gonna be smoked by all the other great players in Nashville." Great... now that I've just shed a tear, let me come back to reality... I sincerely believe that I have excelled in my craft b/c it's always been my hobby... it's just fun. I've worked to improve my fun, but it's still fun. If I continue to live and dwell in that place of work and stress... how can I enjoy it then? I still have moments in concert when I throw out licks totally unplanned, get chills, and just turn around and laugh out loud b/c it got me back to feeling like that kid that first picked up the guitar. Those are the glory moments. The moments when I forget about paying bills, making an impression, excelling against all the competition, and just enjoy it. Those are great moments. The instances that I just enjoy the life that God has given me, as if my creativity is in perfect communion with the author of creation Himself... those are rare and beautiful moments. How so very often do we work, and stress, and work, and worry, and stress... and forget to just enjoy God, His salvation, and all the glorious gifts that come along with it. I feel a great amount of pleasure in my creating.... and I love it when I can stop, like my Father, look at it, and say... it is good. For second I wonder if God is giving me a glimpse of the pleasure He felt when He created and creates. Whatever it is... let me encourage you... enjoy what God has given you. Stop stressing, if your faith is in Christ... God wills to finish the good work He began in you. Let us be at peace, with great faith in our Lord, and just enjoy Him... that's why He made us... to enjoy Him. I hope you enjoy Him in whatever endeavors your purue are pursuing. Whatever it is... awesome!!! I'm just thankful that God gave me the guitar, my lovely companion, to enjoy Him in this way.

Lockwood

Changing Strings

2010-10-13T22:30:00.000-05:00

I HATE changing strings. I went to Lifeway's main hub here in Nashville the other morning to do a 30 minute devo for the editorial staff. I brought two Taylor's, laid one out, and played the other one. I never explained why I brought 2 guitars for such a short deal, but I'm sure that they had to be thinking "this kid HAS to think he's something, bringing 2 guitars for 3 songs". No... I DON'T!!! I PROMISE. It's just that the strings are old on both guitars and I HATE changing strings!!!

Nice for a Change

2010-07-07T09:30:00.000-05:00

Last week 33 did a week long camp in Dothan, AL. It was nice to get away from the jam band sound of 33. Don't get me wrong. I LOVE the jam band, but it's nice to get away from the same old. All it took was great worship songs, a little grit on the tube amp, and borderline too much delay. This is the sound of pop music these days. Guitarists sitting on two notes for too long as the delay repeats too many times, but well... you can't deny it. It does has great vibe. I guess the K-I-S-S rule is still king... "keep it simple stupid". It can easily get boring just b/c for a week I sounded like every other guitarist in the pop world. I guess that's why I don't love pop/rock sometimes b/c it just sounds so... un-unique... but again... it's very cool.
I don't really consider myself a particular KIND of guitarist. I try to be as moldable and reshapeable as much as possible. Most people would come to a 33 show and say "he's a country player much like Keith Urban". But here's the deal... I grew up most of my life hating, HATING, country music. I love country guitarist, but it was never something I really cared for until 33 started almost 5 years ago. But I saw it as an opportunity to expand my set of skills so I just dove into it the best I knew how... sitting on the living room floor, watching tv, and making myself a country/pop guitarist. I'm not gonna lie... I do love chicken pickin (loads of fun), but it's not my claim to fame. It's just my momentary call to duty. My claim to fame, if I had any, would be that I'm not scared of any particular style of guitar. Study, study, study. Most guys buy an electric guitar, a loud amp, too many effects, and end up in a rock band, not really knowing what they're doing. Sure, it's cool while you're 25, but that will fizzle out eventually... then what will you do? The guys that will stick around at the top of the competition are the one's that can play whatever the gig calls for... delay, no delay, jazz, country, bebop, alternative, you name it... unless you're the Edge, but those are few and far between. Don't get me wrong, you don't want to stretch yourself too much, too thin. Having a niche is great, if you're KILLER at it. But being a student of music, a musical chameleon, will help in keeping your options opened. I hope you're all well. Appreciate all kinds of music, and study hard... you never know what the next gig may call for.

My Struggle

2010-05-27T12:07:00.000-05:00

God is stirring a desire to love Christ above and beyond anything and anybody in this world. I look at my life now and ask the question, "Do I really LOVE Jesus Christ?" It's a tough question to answer. Do I feel something for Jesus Christ? That's an easy one... yes. Do I appreciate Jesus Christ? Again, an easy "yes". But to say that I love Him is a whole other thing. Loving somebody goes far beyond being appreciative or thankful for a free gift that they may have given you. We might hug somebody with a "thank you" for giving you a nice Christmas gift, but that doesn't solidify your love them. As I go down this humbling, embarrassing, and, somewhat, agonizing road, I'm feeling the Holy Spirit like I never have before. I'm sensing God's presence in my soul. I know that sounds so "songwriter", but how else do I describe it? I'm actually FEELING the presence of God inside my heart, as if He's right beside me, as if He's whispering into my ear, as if He's saying "pay attention to what I'm saying in this". He's drawing my attention to Him, and when He does that... Biblically and historically, He's not doing it to pour blessings into your pocket so that we can rejoice and say "look at what I have!!!". I question whether or not the stuff that we accumulate here on earth is actually blessings when it does nothing but draw our attention AWAY from Christ, keeping us from prayer, keeping us from helping a neighbor, keeping us from loving God and NOT the things of this world. When God pours Himself into us, when God gives to us... He intends for us to use it for His glory in blessing others. When the things of this world become our trophies, then they are useless and pointless, but when they are used to glorify the Name of Jesus Christ and pour the Gospel of life into other's, that's when the stuff becomes useful with a purpose. Jesus is saying to us... "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you (How has He loved us?). Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. Your are my friends (watch this), IF YOU DO WHAT I COMMAND YOU (John 15:12-14)." The proof of our love for Jesus Christ is in our obedience in laying down our lives for our friends. The "greater love has no one than this..." scripture is not JUST to remind us of the love of Christ, but to remind us of how we are to follow in His footsteps. This is where it hits home for me... he follows it up with "You are my friends if you do what I command". Are you his friend? Am I? Are we obeying him? Are we laying down our lives for our friends? Are we living proof of the love Christ has for us? Are we loving Him by being obedient? Not playing more video games, not practicing guitar, not buying bigger homes, cars, bigger 401K's, bigger... you name it. Are we loving the world by laying down our lives, in honor of our love and friendship with Jesus Christ? I'm struggling. God is calling me to obedience... not to a place, a thing, etc. He's calling US to Him, and we need not pick and choose which verses will pertain to us.... we need to submit to ALL scripture, and say yes to Christ with our lives. That's where people begin to see the evidence of Christ's love and our love for Him. The where's, when's how's, etc will come in our loving submission to Him. I pray God uses this to inspire you. Pray for me as my wife and I struggle to love Jesus Christ above all.

Pedal stuff

2010-05-03T07:15:00.000-05:00

I hate guitar gear. I'm one of the few that you'll find that actually say that. I just love to play. That's what does it for me. Why all the unnecessary other stuff? Can't we just play w/o all the bells and whistles? No... unfortunately not. Drives me insane. I'm in the process of resetting my pedalboard, something I do every 5 years probably. This is what's on it as of now..... in order.... Xotic RC Booster, Janglebox compressor, Clyde Wah, Keeley modded TS-808, Xotic AC Booster, Fulldrive 2 (this will probably change in the near future), Choral/Flange, Keeley modded TR-2, volume pedal, Keeley modded DL-4... all of these pedals are chained through a loop master now too. I just finished cutting wires and hooking it up. 33Miles has a concert this Friday... I hope that everything works right!!! We'll see. You're probably wondering why so much? Well it's more for studio work. I actually can do 33Miles concerts with just a tuner and a drive pedal to be honest. But.. when you're in the studio... it's nice to have options. I don't claim that this is the best pedalboard setup in the whole world either... it's just what's working for me as of today... trust me... it will change many times. Guitarists... I'd love to hear what you guys are using these days!!!

Gear for sale

2010-02-22T00:59:00.000-06:00

It's on Nashville's craig list, but I'd be willing to send it your way via mail!!! Is this cheap? I know, it probably is, sorry.

http://nashville.craigslist.org/msg/1611879655.html

Gibson

2010-02-22T00:43:00.000-06:00

I've always stayed away from Gibson guitars because my little shrimpy self can't handle the weight, but... I'm doing MUCH needed research as I am preparing my setup for more guitar work in the future. I am realizing now that Gibson guitars are pretty much the center of the world when it comes to guitars. Especially session work. I am in need of much needed money so that I can buy all of the different models of the late 50's to early 60's. This is not a request... just a much needed outlet for me to be frustrated for a moment.......... OK. I'm fine...... well, until I go back to ebay. You understand. Don't you?

Rubbish

2009-12-19T01:07:00.000-06:00

I love Phillipians 3... how Paul says that he considered ALL THINGS as RUBBISH compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. What a challenge. I want to be there so bad. I consider them all as rubbish but I don't actually follow through all too much. I want to follow through, but this flesh and bone is nothing but a hinderance to that being fulfilled at THIS VERY MOMENT, ugh!!!!!! I know that God will complete the good work that He began in me and one day I will be there, but I wish it could be sooner. To be perfectly united to Christ... I know that I am, but actually live in perfect fellowship and unity with Him.... what an amazing thing that must be. Perfection is perfectly united with me, I know, but I'm in this flesh and bone and am not yet perfectly united to Him. Thank God that my salvation relies on God's hold on me and not my hold on Him. "Help me to consider everything as nothing but donkey crap compared to loving you Jesus."

Got my guitars!!!

2009-10-15T14:31:00.000-05:00

It was like Christmas when UPS pulled up today. I'm now the proud owner of a Taylor, T5, T3, and their new solidbody collection. My amp is on the road so I can't really plug and play yet but I will say... they all feel REALLY good. Can't wait to have some fun with these babies. Check out taylorguitars.com!!!!

Taylor Guitars

2009-10-07T21:52:00.001-05:00

As of today, I am now blessed to called one of Taylor's endorsees. I have no idea how it happened except that I have 3, yes 3 of their new guitars being sent to my house soon.

I know that I have not been good with blogging, but I'm hoping to get back into it and REALLY start hitting it hard. The reason for the lesson delay is because I'm not really set up to video myself doing lessons. I'm working on it. It's just been really slow, obviously, coming.

I hope that everybody is learning new things in the music world, but more importantly in the Gospel world.

In the mean time... check out taylorguitars.com and learn about their new electric guitar series.

Be blessed. Later.

Jesus Calling Solo

2009-07-28T20:40:00.000-05:00

Here's is one of the highlights of my night when I get to play the ending solo on "Jesus Calling". Nothing flashy, just good ole rock n' roll. Hope you enjoy:

Amazon.com is giving away a free download of "Jesus Calling". Check out the link below!

Tell your friends

2009-06-29T23:21:00.001-05:00

OK... I KKKNNNnoooOOWWWW that I've been promising lessons via video, but I promise... they're coming. You see... us label musicians still have to pay money for things, and, surprise, we have to budget and MAKE the money as well. So... all that to say... I'm getting me a new camera to take on the road so that I can start getting these lessons out. In the meantime.... tell your friends about the website. I'm learning a whole lot of new stuff as well that I'm excited about and that I'm excited to share with you guys as well. I hope that you're jamming hard and doing well. Blessings... lessons coming soon... tell your friends to sign up and get ready!!!!!!!!

Acoustic Guitar Week in the studio

2009-05-19T00:19:00.000-05:00

Well.... I'm up in ATL this week working on tracking the acoustic guitar for the Christmas album. Gotta love that... Christmas in May. I had forgotten how much I love studio work. It's one of my great joys. However, If there's anytime that you find out the truth about your playing it's under those very transparent and unforgiving things we call microphones. The studio does not let up and I love that about it.... you are constantly under the microscope. I take these times to compare and contrast myself now with where I was the last time I was in the studio. It's good to see improvements, but there's still room to grow... there always will be... and that's good too. It helps me focus my attention on my weak points so that I can develop them. Well... it's late and I've got a long afternoon tomorrow. Later players!!!!!!!!!!!!

The More I Play...

2009-04-06T17:02:00.000-05:00

The more I play, the more I start to play like the guitar is an actual emotion stored up inside. I'm fascinated by jazz and approaching my instrument with a virtuoso frame of mind... the modes, the phrasing, the stylish tricks, but I'm finding that my best days are when I play least like a theory machine and more like a madman that's bottled up the anger too long, or an old woman that knits afghans for the love of her family and friends, the teenager that needs to find a way to escape the peer pressure, or the young man that just needs to make the most of his instrument of worship.... there... that's me. The more the guitar becomes my instrument of worship, the more I feel at peace with the message I'm sending or creating on the instrument. The theory and the countless hours are helpful but only as long as they become a means to an end... worship. We all worship while we play our instruments... some worship the person they're trying to play like, some worship that unique piece of craftsmanship they hold in their hands, others worship themselves and the great music they have taken part in, but I encourage you to use your instrument to worship something that is eternally worthy of worship. In the grand scheme, music is just another thing in the universe destined to be forgotten, but what we glory in will never be forgotten. Should we glory in anything else other than the one and only true God... we will find that whatever great melodies we created will only resonate to haunt us for the rest of our lives. So what am I saying? I guess that as I am learning to humble myself to be God's instrument, the more He moves me to play my instrument the way I was meant to play it. I find much greater joy in the creativity of God's choosing than any creativity that I might muster up apart from Him. Whatever the day may hold, I hope that all my efforts in my instrument come from His endless source of material, go back to Him as a way of saying thanks for everything, and that I find myself playing beyond my wildest dreams... now that will make you emotional.

Duesenbergusa.com

2009-03-10T20:23:00.000-05:00

This is a website that you need to check out. These are the guitars coming to rule the world. Don't just admire them. Become a user... experience it the madness. Buy one. You will not regret it. If you do... then you can give me yours. I'll take it... seriously.
Video posts coming soon. Keep practicing!!! Later yo.

Which guitar is right?

2009-02-27T12:42:00.001-06:00

I was asked about what is a good electric guitar to use for the pop/country, and slow worship, styles of music. Well... I would first have to say that Nashville is practically built on top of a layer of many telecasters. That has been the guitar of choice for many years. However.... there's so many companies that exist now that it's almost impossible to choose the "perfect" guitar. Companies like Anderson, Suhr, Nash Guitars, etc have taken models like the tele and strat and improved on them. One of my personal favorites, Duesenberg, is an amazing Gretch/Gibson sort of guitar. But honestly... there's so much that goes into finding the right guitar... what type pickups, semi hollow, hollow, solid body, maple neck, rosewood string size, brand strings, hardware, blah, blah blah, blah, blah blah, blah. One of my heroes, Dan Huff, once said in an article that he's not a gear junky, he just knows when something sounds good. That's my philosophy too. I couldn't break down the configuration/specs of pedals, guitars, amps, pickups, but I know what feels good and sounds good, and honestly... all I want to do is play them. Knowing what works in different scenarios is important when you're looking for what guitar, pickups, or amp to use at a particular moment, but that's about as far as the specs thing goes for me. So here's my advice.... go sit in a music store for a few hours, go to different stores too, and just sit and play several guitars until you find the magic guitar. You'll know when you find it. Tele's are highly versatile guitars, but go sit and play the strat... some of the greatest guitarist ever to live still live and die by this guitar, and go play a Les Paul for the rockin vibe, and a nice Gibson ES 335 or something of that nature, but... if you're looking for something that's versatile and nice to play in pop/country and worship... I recommend the tele, there's too many models to be specific, but you can't go wrong. To the guys who have a little more money to spend... look into Duesenberg guitars... trust me.... IT"S WORTH IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Feels Good

2009-02-23T19:01:00.000-06:00

Picture this... the clock strikes 4:45am, the coffee pot starts brewing none other than Starbucks. The aroma fills up the house as I lay in my bed half awake knowing that morning has come, and I begin the mental debate as to whether I'm gonna get out of bed or not, when it's time. Suddenly... 4:55am strikes... my cell phone, that was placed underneath the pillow, begins to vibrate... vibrate, and not ring, because my 15 month old daughter can wake up at the sound of you breathing... 3 rooms over. So vibrate it is. I wake up... no, I BEGIN to wake up... slowly stumble out of bed, zombie my way from the bedroom to the restroom, dot dot dot, wash my hands, then head to the kitchen where I pour my first, yes first, cup of coffee. I head to my studio room, and then it's on. My 3 hour practice starts.
When I'm home... this is the routine that I try to stay in... it's hard to get up, but I feel so much better that I'm at least making the effort to make the most of this little gift God has given me. Typically I end up feeling frustrated at the end of my practice time, because I'm still not quite where I want to be, but that's the life of a musician... we're never satisfied, are we?
However... last night... mistakes and everything was one of the best nights I've played in a long time. It really felt GOOD. I can't explain it. My touch felt softer, my hands glided a little easier, the mojo just flowed. I don't know... but it felt good. If you need to feel good tomorrow..... wake up with me and practice some time with me. I know we won't be in the same room, but hey... it's still cool. Later player.

Practice (continued)!!!

2009-02-17T23:45:00.000-06:00

I recently received a question concerning whether practice was beneficial or not. And I'm thrilled that somebody would take the time ask a question. That's awesome!!! So here's my answer to whether practice is worth it or not. Well... practicing usually implies that you're working on something or some things that don't just flow, but require attention, exercise, and repetition. There are those who are just satisfied with chilling and playing guitar by the fire, but typically the ones that want to be a full blown working musician, guys like: Johann Sebastian Bach, Mozart, Pat Metheny, Phil Keaggy, Keith Urban, whoever... you name it, understand the need for practice and rehearsal. And often, because they see the benefit of what the end result will be, love the process of practice. As long as your practice serves a purpose, then you can bet that it's not pointless. I practice things that will help me in my soloing techniques, tones, and other things for when I create and record new songs or perform live. I do a lot of exercises and, what some might consider random stuff, so that I can be COMPLETELY comfortable and familiar with the guitar as possible. You never know when you may have to wing an instrumental moment. It can be just OK, or it can be something musical and meaningful, but I definitely think it all comes back to how seasoned and how comfortable you are with your instrument. Practice is education. Tennis players practice certain serves and shots so that they can do it well in the game, same thing with football, same thing with fire fighters, etc, and same thing with us guys. You gotta practice... it's what separates the boys from the men.

Random Guitar Man

2009-02-14T09:54:00.000-06:00

I've been really thinking a lot about my soloing. Guitar playing, as with anything you do in life, is definitely an extension of personality. I've been analyzing the snot out of myself lately, well... I say lately, but this is pretty much what I do to myself all the time... analyze and tear apart my playing, hoping that I can take all the pieces, and in some great act of God, put them all back where they belong. However... I'm finding my personality come out in the guitar. Some call it ADD, others ADHD... I like to think of it as "bending the rules". I've never considered myself to be great... just random. There it is!!! RANDOM. That's the word. Anybody who knows me... KNOWS that I'm random. I say jokes that only I get or that I think is funny, as I play solos sometimes that only I think is interesting or that I get. This is me wrapped up in a nutshell. I'm starting to see my "randomness" come out more and more. What's great is that it is somewhat "controlled randomness", but then I also, like I said, LOVE to bend the rules, so then it becomes like a house of mirrors... you have a start and a finish, but everything in between is so bizarre looking... you love it and you have fun in the process of it, but sometimes you get to the end of the house of mirrors and go... "what just happened?" That's what I'm asking myself a lot lately. Creativity is awesome, and it's amazing how you can end up in some glorious places that you never expected during that creative process, but I think that my "randomness" is getting the best of me. Rules like "less is best" and "keep it simple stupid" seem to still rule in the world of recording arts, which is glorious and unfortunate all at the same time. However, I think that the pinnacle of my playing will be the day that I can marry the "simplicity" with my "controlled randomness" and people go "yes!!!". Until then... let the tearing and ripping of myself continue on.

Allen HInds

2009-02-01T00:52:00.000-06:00

Here's a guy that I stumbled over about 3 years ago. Stellar player!!! I had the privilege of running into him in Birmingham airport last year, and we had a quick cup of coffee. Nice guy too. So... without further ado. This is Allen Hinds. Enjoy... you can check him out at allenhinds.com as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kp_6GdP0Uqc&feature=related

No practicing means "no good".

2009-01-26T12:46:00.001-06:00

Well... I'm home and completely frustrated with myself from this weekend because I just didn't nail the shows like I would like to. I was not able to practice ANY last week because my guitars were all in the trailer. I'm amazed that after all of these years... I can still feel a BIG difference in my playing when I don't practice for a day or two. A week... which is what I did last week... is WAAAAYYY too long to go without practice. People always ask how you get to where I am, as if I've actually arrived to greatness. I think that I will always be in pursuit of musical greatness but don't really think that I'll ever meet the criteria... whatever the criteria might be. Anyhow... my answer, though, is this. Practice... ALWAYS BE A STUDENT. Know your boundaries and enhance. It's always good to push yourself, but develop what you're strongest at, then add to. I think that I push myself too much sometimes to where I almost miss the joy of what it is that I'm actually doing. Weird... I know. However.... as I talk to guitar junkies, like myself, or just musicians in general. I always find that they too are never really satisfied... and no matter how wonderful they are at their craft... for some reason they too think it just wasn't quite up to par. Oh well... maybe one day we'll know what it feels like to be up to par. Heaven will be a glorious day for the unsatisfied musician.

Withdrawal

2009-01-22T08:49:00.000-06:00

33 played this weekend on a cruise ship and, due to space issues, I was not able to bring ANY of my guitars home. I'm in a state of going crazy. NEED my axes!!! I have my classical here, but I haven't restrung it in a while. I think I'm gonna get back into classical. I love the attention and discipline a piece requires to master it. Bach Suites are the best!!! Either way... NEED TO PLAY SOON!!! Can't wait for Pigeon Forge, tomorrow night!!!!!!!!!

The First of many

2009-01-21T13:03:00.000-06:00

Hey everybody... Chris of 33miles here!!! I'm starting a blog that's totally devoted to guitar talk, lessons, frustrations, gear I'm considering or using, licks I'm learning, theory, and anything else I can think of. It's my outlet to the guitar brotherhood that I feel I've yet to tap into. I'm hoping you can help me grow, and maybe, in some strange move of God, I can help you along the way too. I've called it "God, gear, and guitars" because everything I do as a musician/guitarist, I want it to ultimately honor the Lord Jesus Christ. That's the ultimate goal of my life, professionally, musically, and personally. I hope we have fun learning together, and welcome to my own personal "twilight zone". Later yo's!!!