Sharpen That Axe

In this Episode we have two of our favorite guests: Jens Larsen and Chris Zoupa. From across 4 time zones and 3 continents we bring you some of youtube's finest guitarist and their thoughts on why you need to know music theory. This is one of our best and was a blast to record. Also: Gear talk: DAWS - don't know what that is have a listen. A lick of the week the week that is neither country nor rock but somehow both.

There's a lot of Dylan on this so I hope you're ready! We talk about a new guitar, the Edge (of course), and getting into the studio and songwriting.

We get more of Greg Howe's wisdom. This is one of the most packed episodes we have done. Greg offers some great wisdom on finding your voice, playing and writing away from the instrument, cultivating musicianship and balancing your tone. Gear Talk: Pickups, WHAT ARE THEY? Humbuckers, Single coil, active passive and more!

Yes the Greg Howe is with us to talk practicing, the road, new albums and developing your own sound. There is so much good stuff in this interview, and Greg was incredibly generous with his time, we had to split it into two parts. Also Gear Talk: Pickups! Hum Single Hum? What's the difference between active and passive and many more questions. Leave your questions comments and eh-hem....corrections on any one of social media platforms: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SharpenThatAxe FB: https://www.facebook.com/Sharpen-That-Axe-Podcast-779600132187413/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharpenThatAxe?lang=en Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-154377324 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj5zraw3mlxIb5JT70MwKpg email: sharpenthataxe@gmail.com iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sharpen-that-axe/id1236262099?mt=2 Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/sharpen-that-axe

This week Jon and Dylan talk signature gear. There's a lot out there and what is it really about? Is it worth the extra cash? Also what software and applications are out there just to help you get more done practicing. All the socials Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SharpenThatAxe FB: https://www.facebook.com/Sharpen-That-Axe-Podcast-779600132187413/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharpenThatAxe?lang=en Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-154377324 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj5zraw3mlxIb5JT70MwKpg email: sharpenthataxe@gmail.com iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sharpen-that-axe/id1236262099?mt=2 Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/sharpen-that-axe

Number 42 and here we have youtube sensation and lead guitarist for the Bros. Landreth Ariel Posen. Ariel gives us some insights into performing, practicing, and tone. Check him out in the links below. Also in Gear Talk we ask some serious questions about signature guitars and their worth to working musicians. And What is the deal with that PRS John Mayer guitar? Ariel Posen: https://www.arielposen.com https://www.youtube.com/user/guitariel1 https://twitter.com/arielposen?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor Follow us on all our socials: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SharpenThatAxe FB: https://www.facebook.com/Sharpen-That-Axe-Podcast-779600132187413/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharpenThatAxe?lang=en Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-154377324 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj5zraw3mlxIb5JT70MwKpg email: sharpenthataxe@gmail.com iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sharpen-that-axe/id1236262099?mt=2 Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/sharpen-t

This week we tackle the problem of time and practicing. No we don't have a Deloris and 1.2 gigawatts of power but we do have some tips and thoughts from a recent Chris Zoupa video (link below). Also in Gear Talk we talk inexpensive guitars and getting the most bang for your buck. Chris Zoupa's Real Talk: https://youtu.be/3kJJ-ieAxM4 All the Socials: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SharpenThatAxe FB: https://www.facebook.com/Sharpen-That-Axe-Podcast-779600132187413/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharpenThatAxe?lang=en Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-154377324 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj5zraw3mlxIb5JT70MwKpg email: sharpenthataxe@gmail.com iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sharpen-that-axe/id1236262099?mt=2 Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/sharpen-that-axe

We aren't dead and didn't forget, but Dylan is lost in the jungles of Southeast Asia and surprise the internet is great in the jungle. So we have a special guest host who also helped with a very unique interview for us. We interview Dylan Ryche, fingerstyle guitarist extraordinaire and 2012 champion of the Canadian Fingerstyle Competition! Amazing guy and amazing player. Follow Dylan's Medias here: www.dylanryche.com/ www.facebook.com/DylanRycheMusic/ https://www.youtube.com/user/dylanryche All of our Socials Here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SharpenThatAxe FB: https://www.facebook.com/Sharpen-That-Axe-Podcast-779600132187413/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharpenThatAxe?lang=en Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-154377324 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj5zraw3mlxIb5JT70MwKpg email: sharpenthataxe@gmail.com iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sharpen-that-axe/id1236262099?mt=2 Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/sharpen-that-axe

We're back! Thanks for hanging in there! This week we revisit some of NAMM's coolest gear you probably didn't see most of these. Dylan talks a bit about the practice of songwriting and how it connects with his guitar playing. This is an insightful episode. All the socials Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SharpenThatAxe FB: https://www.facebook.com/Sharpen-That-Axe-Podcast-779600132187413/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharpenThatAxe?lang=en Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-154377324 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj5zraw3mlxIb5JT70MwKpg email: sharpenthataxe@gmail.com iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sharpen-that-axe/id1236262099?mt=2 Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/sharpen-that-axe

Ever wonder what it's like to open for a half-hungarian, half-vietnamese, Berklee trained Synth-pop artist, with your $4 guitar? No? Well Dylan's gonna tell you anyway. AND...that's right AND there's more our first gear review brought to you by Forever Picks more info here: https://m.facebook.com/WoodTopTone/ Reverb Store: https://reverb.com/shop/wood-top-tone-company Also: Jim Lill! A great guest who shares his wealth of knowledge and experience as a Nashville session guy, grinding it out and helping you to become a better guitarist in the process. Check his stuff out here: Web: https://jimlillmusic.com Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCvAovXWLq8Q6VITKAB_Rjww FB: www.facebook.com/JimLillMusic/ Don't forget to like subscribe and all that fun stuff to our socials: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SharpenThatAxe FB: https://www.facebook.com/Sharpen-That-Axe-Podcast-779600132187413/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharpenThatAxe?lang=en Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-154377324 Youtube: https

Chunking, not Wayne's World style chunks. We talk about how to chop up a practice session, new guitars, of course there's a Steve Vai reference. We diverge from pedals on pedal talk and instead are looking at the AxeFx: pros, cons and everything in between. All the socials Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SharpenThatAxe FB: https://www.facebook.com/Sharpen-That-Axe-Podcast-779600132187413/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharpenThatAxe?lang=en Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-154377324 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj5zraw3mlxIb5JT70MwKpg email: sharpenthataxe@gmail.com iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sharpen-that-axe/id1236262099?mt=2 Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/sharpen-that-axe

This week Aussie guitarist and youtube sensation Chris Zoupa joins us to talk about learning solos and making a fool of yourself. We highlight one of the most beloved pedals of all of time. Dylan revisits the 70s and Jon gets a bit folky in their listening selections while trying to keep up a solid practice routine for one crazy piece. Check out Chris Zoupa here: Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC5A0eJ-bgtJddy0rG_prVog Patreon: www.patreon.com/chriszoupa Facebook: /www.facebook.com/LearnThatSolo/ All of our socials Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SharpenThatAxe FB: www.facebook.com/Sharpen-That-Axe-Podcast-779600132187413/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharpenThatAxe?lang=en Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-154377324 Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCj5zraw3mlxIb5JT70MwKpg email: sharpenthataxe@gmail.com iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sharpen-that-axe/id1236262099?mt=2 Stitcher: www.stitcher.com/podcast/sharpen-that-axe

The last episode of 2017! Dylan's Lick of the Week brings it full circle for our listeners. Thanks to everyone for making this even more enjoyable. One of the most talked about or possibly controversial pieces of gear is our pedal talk topic: the Boss Katana. We lay out our goals for the year and now that they are out there, we have stick to 'em. See you in 2018! All the socials Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SharpenThatAxe FB: https://www.facebook.com/Sharpen-That-Axe-Podcast-779600132187413/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharpenThatAxe?lang=en Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-154377324 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj5zraw3mlxIb5JT70MwKpg email: sharpenthataxe@gmail.com iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sharpen-that-axe/id1236262099?mt=2 Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/sharpen-that-axe

Gretchen Menn stops in for our last interview of the year. We talk composition, practice, gear, Renaissance Italian literature and oh yeah guitar. Check out her podcast with Nili Brosh: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCLXkZooShc In Pedal Talk we break down our pics for pedals of 2017 and Jon goes nuts with reverb. As always What we have been listening to and what we have been working on. Plus the usual banter you expect. Big plans for us for the new year so enjoy the Holidays and Stay Sharp! All the socials Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SharpenThatAxe FB: https://www.facebook.com/Sharpen-That-Axe-Podcast-779600132187413/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharpenThatAxe?lang=en Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-154377324 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj5zraw3mlxIb5JT70MwKpg email: sharpenthataxe@gmail.com iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sharpen-that-axe/id1236262099?mt=2 Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/sharpen-that-axe

At 33 episodes it's time we address the elephant in the room: Modes. what are they, where do they come from (yeah Jon's a history nerd too so watch out) and how to practice them. Also, more Keeley Electronics this week, with the pedal to end all pedals. Plus Christmas time is here, Americans hawking cheap guitars in developing countries to Irishmen, and more banter. Thanks to all those who have liked the show recently and the emails and comments. Leave a review on your favorite podcast app. It helps a ton. All the socials Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SharpenThatAxe FB: https://www.facebook.com/Sharpen-That-Axe-Podcast-779600132187413/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharpenThatAxe?lang=en Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-154377324 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj5zraw3mlxIb5JT70MwKpg email: sharpenthataxe@gmail.com iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sharpen-that-axe/id1236262099?mt=2 Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/sharpen-that-axe

The our hosts interview one of Jon's childhood guitar heroes: Jim West - guitar player for Weird Al Yankovic, composer and famous slack key guitar player. Jim talks touring, practice, learning slack key guitar and gives a rousing endorsement for Axe Fx by Fractal Audio - we promise they didn't pay us for this....but we would take some gear. Also: Pedal talk we cover best cheap pedals - the latest in our budget pedal board discussion. And as always some of what we have been listening to and what we've been working on. Reviews help to grow the podcast - tell two friends about us and leave a review on one of the sites below: All the socials Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SharpenThatAxe FB: https://www.facebook.com/Sharpen-That-Axe-Podcast-779600132187413/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharpenThatAxe?lang=en Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-154377324 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj5zraw3mlxIb5JT70MwKpg email: sharpenthataxe@gmail.com iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sh

Big hair and big guitars are all over this episode! Dylan and Jon throw out some of their favorite solos. The chorus pedal features for pedal talk and the lick of the week requires a perm and a can of aerosol hair spray! And as always, what we've been listening to (including bad cover bands) and what we've been working on. All the socials Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SharpenThatAxe FB: https://www.facebook.com/Sharpen-That-Axe-Podcast-779600132187413/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharpenThatAxe?lang=en Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-154377324 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj5zraw3mlxIb5JT70MwKpg email: sharpenthataxe@gmail.com iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sharpen-that-axe/id1236262099?mt=2 Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/sharpen-that-axe

Ep 30: Christophe Godin We’re 30 this week and its time to move out of our parent’s basement (or attic) and be a productive member of the podcast society. To celebrate this momentous occasion we have the Grand Shredmaster of France joins us to talk practice, teaching, touring and a 20th anniversary. Jon and Dylan talk strings - even though they aren’t pedals - and the gauges you didn’t think your heroes played. Dylan is off to Vietnam but that’s why we have technology! Stay sharp! Christophe Godin http://www.christophegodin.com FB: https://www.facebook.com/ChristopheGodinOfficialFanPage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChristopheGodin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69z2oGxX_iU Interview with Guthrie Govan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ntf6VJd4NQY Paris Guitar Foundation Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ntf6VJd4NQY Sharpen That Axe: All the Socials: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SharpenThatAxe FB: https://www.facebook.com/Sharpen-That-Axe-Podcast-779600132187413/ Twitter:

This week: I’m not lazy, you’re lazy! We join the Joe Bonamassa pedal controversy for pedal talk. Jon, once again, plugs pedals for free (but would gladly accept some pedals as compensation) Our main topic, however, is how to get out of a playing rut. Also, Jens Larsen’s videos give us something to work on, even Dylan gets into theory and nerdy applications of the modes and reharmonization. Please leave a short review on iTunes or Stitcher All the socials Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SharpenThatAxe FB: https://www.facebook.com/Sharpen-That-Axe-Podcast-779600132187413/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharpenThatAxe?lang=en Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-154377324 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj5zraw3mlxIb5JT70MwKpg email: sharpenthataxe@gmail.com iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sharpen-that-axe/id1236262099?mt=2 Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/sharpen-that-axe

Nili Brosh!! Another fun and insightful interview! We talk weekly guitar licks, Brian May reacting to funky solos, Iron Maiden(s), performing, teaching, music schools, pedals, making time to practice and goal setting! Nili Brosh is busy making it work as a musician on all fronts and we were privileged to get an insight into how she makes it all come together. Check her out on the links below. Also…Pedal Talk: The man who launched a thousand pedals (and pedal companies): Robert Keeley. Don’t be fooled by special so-called mods - buy an orginal (they’re cheaper!) Both Dylan and Jon take a break from super guitar heavy music and focus on songwriting and tone with their listening selections this week, even guitar nerds need to give their ears a break. And Dylan has a product for the Steve Vai diet plan: Diet to Live…. Nili Brosh: http://www.nilibrosh.com Twitter: @nilibrosh Insta: www.instagram.com/nilibrosh/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0ODUQ3W9ljLNLJELvO5ysk Sharpen That Axe (That’s us