Steve Smith // Blog

Deus Ex Machina has been released and has now gone live for purchase on Itunes worldwide. This is the debut album from my new band 90 Day Jane. Check it out if ya like.

Peace...

Steve

Preview of this tune for a bit on Indabamusic.com. This tune will be just one along with Oddworld and Walk to the Moon on Steve Smiths upcoming CD... Deus Ex Machina...to be realeased in late summer sometime. The CD will feature just instrumentals featuring primarliy guitar work of a few different styles and types.

Steve

"Speed Kills"

JoLynn Seaman said:

So I have this guitar sitting here in my studio looking at me. I'm sure it must sound great because, as every good musician knows; "pretty instrument = pretty music". Anyway, for years now we've been crossing paths on my jaunts to the iso booth. Things started out with the best of intentions but now it seems we're at an impass. The point of contention is this: I like my fingertips the way they are; soft and sensitive. To play guitar would greatly threaten the relationship I have with my keyboard. The choice is a simple one, and so sits my guitar as a constant reminder of my loyalties.

I have a friend who is a big guitar connoisseur. He often shows me videos and songs of Satriani and other "guitar gods". I can appreciate their effort and I know I'll never be as proficient as they....or would I?  Today I was greatly encouraged as I saw this performance by world-class guitar guru, Steve Vai. This sparked renewed hope in me that, perhaps, I too, with a few weeks of practice, could play just like this; all while preserving my delicate fingerprints. What do you think?

 

Well for starters don'tl isten to anyone who says playing like this is easy to learn....because it isn't. Anyone who says it is insulting anyone who ever picked up guitar......period.  There are no "secrets". Plain and simple. Talent is an overused word. And to get there working hard is bullshit too. Those things are nice to have but will only get you so far. As with all guitarists....we tend to rip off licks and technqiues from other guitarists. The originalty comes in when you take what others did and twist it and bend it to suit your style. Realty is...not everyone is going to be able to play like Satriani or Vai. There are many factors that never get mentioned. In addition to the right equipment...physical attributes are just as important. You have to have strong hands....and long fingers can be a blessing or curse. Reflex action is often the most overlooked. When I'm hunkering down and really burning...it wierd cause i'm not actively thinking...i've got to move my finger here and here and here. It's reflex and muscle memory in the fingers to have the ability to develop alot of speed and transfer that to the fretboard. Now that said...i'm not trying to take away anyones dream of playing like those guys...but tthey are special and it's for a reason. They are able to take sum of all the stuff mentioned above...plus formal training, and have the physical capabilty of doing it. At one time or another...somebody showed them little tricks and tips and they took it further. Have fun..