Show Notes
Andy Schneider, an experienced musician and author of over 100 books from Seeing Music publishing, launches his brand new podcast, "GTRNRD." Andy shares his journey from being a high school band nerd to a versatile professional musician, having performed across diverse musical hubs from Austin to New York City. As a self-taught guitarist with rich experiences in various musical genres, Andy is passionate about sharing his knowledge to help guitar and bass players at any skill level enhance their musical abilities.
The podcast focuses on what Andy calls "The Skill Triangle"—comprising Technique, Music Theory, and Gear Knowledge. Each episode delves into these critical areas, offering insights and actionable steps to help musicians build a well-rounded skill set.
- Beginners seeking a structured and engaging approach to learning guitar or bass. - Experienced musicians looking to explore new techniques and concepts. - Individuals interested in understanding the nuances of gear to perfect their sound.
- Engaging, rich conversations rooted in Andy's extensive career. - Practical advice and resources, such as the free Skill Triangle guide available at seeingmusicbooks.com. - A blend of storytelling and teaching, designed to resonate with both beginners and seasoned players.
Listeners are encouraged to maintain a versatile approach to learning by balancing technique, theory, and gear knowledge. Andy emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and experimenting with different music styles to stay inspired and uplift one's musical journey.
Andy invites listeners to explore Seeing Music Books for more resources, including a free guide to the Skill Triangle—ideal for visualizing one's progress and identifying areas for improvement. Engage with the podcast community by leaving comments in the show notes and sharing personal goals or challenges.
Highlight exclusive, expert insights from a seasoned musician like Andy Schneider, backed by his vast experience and successful publication record. Encourage subscriptions to GTRNRD for weekly doses of musical wisdom and inspiration.
More from GTRNRD: Music and Gear Tips for Guitar and Bass Players
In this episode of GTRNRD, Andy Schneider delves into the importance of mastering the blues for musicians of all levels. He highlights how the blues is foundational to modern music genres such as rock, jazz, and R&B, making it essential for any guitarist or bassist. Andy explains that understanding the blues is like having a cheat sheet for Western music, allowing musicians to communicate more effectively with audiences and other musicians. Key reasons to master the blues include: 1. **Foundational Influence**: The blues is the root of many popular music styles, originating from the deep south and evolving into jazz, rock, and pop music.
In this episode of GTRNRD, Andy Schneider delves into the intricacies of walking bass lines, focusing on the use of chromatic notes, leading tones, and rhythmic variations to enhance musical interest. Building on previous discussions, Andy explains how these techniques can add sophistication and depth to your bass lines, making them not only functional but also musically engaging.
In this episode of GTRNRD, Andy Schneider explores the concept of octaves and how they can be an easy upgrade to your guitar playing. Octaves can make riffs sound fuller, melodies clearer, and bass lines more authoritative. Andy breaks down the simplicity and impact of using octaves, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced players.
In this episode of GTRNRD, Andy Schneider addresses the universal challenges faced by musicians, from beginners to seasoned pros. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance in overcoming self-doubt and frustration, which are common hurdles in the musical journey. Andy shares personal insights and experiences, encouraging listeners to never give up, as persistence is key to success. Andy highlights the significance of seeking help from mentors or teachers to accelerate learning and overcome obstacles. He suggests that a fresh perspective or guidance from an experienced musician can provide the breakthrough needed to move forward. Additionally, Andy discusses the self-critical nature of accomplished artists, using a cowboy metaphor to illustrate the journey of musical growth. He reassures listeners that while they may see their own limitations, others see their progress and talent. The episode concludes with a reminder that the road to great musicianship is paved by persistence, and that every step forward is a step towards creating music that the world needs. Andy encourages listeners to keep pushing through challenges and to believe in the value of their music.
In this episode of GTRNRD, Andy Schneider explores the common issues that might be hindering your guitar playing experience. He delves into how your guitar or bass might be the "game killer" holding you back and offers insights on identifying and fixing these problems. From poor neck action and setup issues to cheap pickups and tuning problems, Andy provides practical advice on how to address these common guitar ailments. He emphasizes that most of these issues are simple fixes that can be done at home or with the help of a local technician. Andy also highlights the importance of understanding the wood choice of your guitar, as it significantly affects the tone and response. He encourages players to research and become familiar with their instrument's materials to make informed decisions in the future. Additionally, Andy introduces his new books, "Beginning Bass Scales and Exercises" and "Beginning Left-Handed Bass Scales and Exercises", designed to help bassists master scales and improve their playing in just 10 minutes a day. For seasoned players, Andy discusses more advanced topics like the impact of wood choice on tone and the importance of good sustain. He also teases an upcoming three-part special on guitar pickups, promising to dive deep into their design and impact on sound. Listeners are encouraged to take a closer look at their instruments to identify any game killers that might be affecting their playing. With a few adjustments, players can unlock their full potential and enhance their musical journey. Andy wraps up by teasing next week's episode on "Easy Octave Upgrades," promising to share tips on adding energy and impact to your playing with minimal effort.