'Kids on the Slope' Is a Beautiful Piece on Jazz, Life, and Friendship

Set in the 1960’s, Kids on the Slope is a coming-of-age drama about high school friends that found joy and refuge in jazz while dealing with the struggles of youth.  The story primarily focuses on the bromance of Kaoru “Richie” Nashimi – a rich, academically achieving introvert – and Sentarō “Sen” Kawabuchi – who is basically the antithesis of Kaoru.  Despite being polar opposites, the two get to have a strong bond because of sharing a common love – jazz.

Kaoru is an adept classical pianist, but is initially not into jazz.    But, one day, he becomes intrigued with jazz music after listening to Sentarō’s drumming.  Kaoru buys a jazz record, starts to practice, and, from then on, he begins to love jazz and to regularly jam with Sentarō after class – he on the piano, and Sentarō on drums.  And as the story progresses, Kaoru and Sentarō develop fantastic rapport with each other.  Personally, I never thought before that a piano and a drum set are already enough to create such beautiful, full sound.   Listening to those two do just that blew me away.

Creating a “triangle” with Kaoru and Sentarō is Ritsuko Mukae.  Kaoru has feelings for Ritsuko, but Ritsuko has feelings for Sentarō.  However, despite this state of affairs, the three remain good friends (though, conflicts arise sometimes).

Ritsuko’s father, Tsutomu Mukae, owns a music shop, and its basement is where Kaoru and Sentarō would jam.  Occasionally, Tsutomu jams with them, as well as Junichi “Brother Jun” Katsuragi, a college friend whom Sentarō greatly looks up to; Tsutomu plays bass, and Brother Jun – a very talented musician – plays trumpet.

Eargasmic jazz music is a constant in Kids on the Slope.  The musicians that record the music behind the scenes really deserve to be praised.  And kudos as well to the people that drew and animated the scenes where the characters play their respective instruments with the appearance of thoroughness and authenticity.  As a result, I was really immersed into the music because there is no clumsy animation to distract me – the detail of the animation flawlessly matches the music being produced.

However, Kids on the Slope is not all about having fantastic taste in music.  It also has a heartfelt and thoughtful story to tell, with deep themes on friendship, making life decisions, young love, the sweetness and bitterness of life, and pursuing your dreams; and it features a profound metaphorical moral or two.  There is some complicated soap opera romance in it, which I find a little bit cheesy and heavy, but it’s appropriate to the narrative and intended message.

This anime series is created by the same people behind Cowboy Bebopso it’s no wonder that it’s something masterfully made.  Even if one doesn’t appreciate jazz music and/or teen drama, I believe he or she will still find this anime engaging.  It’s really worth checking out, and with only 12 episodes, it’s pretty easy to marathon.

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Top 10 Guitarists

The keyboard is my go-to instrument now, but the guitar will always have a very special place in my heart.  It’s the first instrument I learned how to play, and, as an amateur musician, I had spent years being primarily engrossed in the instrument, playing it, and – most importantly – listening to talented musicians who wield the guitar.  From the many guitarists I’ve listened to, I developed my own personal taste on guitar musicality – what styles or philosophies can produce the most pleasurable and rousing music from the guitar.  Of course, this “personal taste on guitar musicality” is not at all dependent on an actual definitive, objective standard, but merely on the preference that grew on me during my exposure to different guitarists. 

My “personal taste on guitar musicality” is reflected from my picks for this top 10 list of guitarists.  These guys aren’t picked by being the fastest, the most skilful, the most successful, the most technically savvy, or even the most awesome.  They are picked for being the ones that I am fond of listening, whose music has enthralled me, and had made an effect on my own thinking regarding how to play guitar.   

Honorable Mentions: Prince, Paul Gilbert (Mr. Big), Steve Vai, Carlos Santana, John Frusciante (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Brian May (Queen), Steve Lukather (Toto), Matthias Jabs (Scorpions)

9.) & 10.) DON FELDER & JOE WALSH (Eagles)

There are many better guitarists than these Eagles duo, but they have earned spots in my most favorite guitarists list for being the ones behind the greatest guitar duet ever in “Hotel California.”  Individually, both of them are capable of some slick guitar solos.  But they are truly special when their guitars respond to each other, like in the two versions (original and acoustic) of “Hotel California.”  They also did a swell job in “Life in a Fast Lane.”        

8.) NUNO BETTENCOURT (Extreme)

 

My first encounter with his guitar talent was with Extreme’s famous acoustic ballad, “More Than Words.”  I found Nuno’s guitar work throughout the song very unique, catchy, and complementary in expressing the meaning of the song.  I was already impressed.  Then it got to the last part, and the shredding blew me away.  As I got to listen to more of his solos – with the electric  guitar – I learned that there is more to his talent than “More Than Words.”  I’m not really an Extreme fan.  Aside from “More Than Words”, no Extreme song really stuck with my playlists.  But I’ve always enjoyed Nuno.  He is a phenomenal guitarist; his solos consistently retain musical definition while being done through extremely (pun intended) fast, rousing shredding.    

7.) SLASH (Guns & Roses)

It was with Slash where I got my first understanding of what a lead guitarist is.  I was auditorily mesmerized (if that’s a term) by “Sweet Child O’ Mine” back then. Guitar playing in hard rock is often associated with distortion-heavy noise.  But as the lead guitarist of a legendary hard rock band, Slash is different.  There is elegance in his riffs – there is a real sense of priority for making comprehendible scales (listen to “November Rain”) over cathartic hard rock expression.  Thus, Slash, for some time, was my definitive guitarist.

6.) JOHN MAYER

He’s not exactly the most liked musician out there with his reputation as a big jerk.  But with regards to his talent, after watching his “Where the Light Is?” live album, nobody can deny that John Mayer is an extremely versatile player of both acoustic and electric guitars.  I’m awed by how he can sing and execute complex guitar riffs at the same time without losing a step.       

5.) JIMI HENDRIX

Hendrix is considered by many guitar enthusiasts and critics as the greatest guitarist in history.  Personally, he’s not my most favorite guitarist, but I nonetheless acknowledge his musical genius.  His riffs are natural, versatile, and melodically flawless.  He revolutionized guitar playing, giving us an idea – if not completely showing us – what more can be done with the guitar.  Every guitarist should listen to him for he will definitely find something to learn.

4.) JIMMY PAGE (Led Zeppelin)

Jimmy is a legendary guitar player, but I don’t really consider him as the most, er, “efficient.”  Nonetheless, the most awesome thing about him is how he’s always totally in control in every musical situation.  There is always an innate awareness in him on what needs to be done with his guitar.  He wobbles a bit, but his guitar playing is just oozing with charisma and smart melodic choices.  And that’s probably why many consider the guitar solo in “Stairway to Heaven” as the greatest ever.                  

3.) ERIC CLAPTON

He doesn’t do fast, flashy shredding or complicated sequences.  His style is simple but unforgettable and delightful.  He effortlessly knows what notes to utilize, and executes them with beautiful musical clarity.  It’s with listening to Clapton that taught me that guitar playing doesn’t need to be fancy, fast, and complicated.  What’s most important is producing good, pleasurable music – and simplicity and good musical taste can accomplish that.    

2.) RICHIE SAMBORA (Bon Jovi)

Back in my early teens, I found myself getting to really, really like Bon Jovi.  And, understandably, I developed an affinity to Richie Sambora’s guitar playing.  Since then, I’ve always believed that Sambora is underrated and underappreciated as a guitarist.  He is extensively “fluent” in the different guitar styles and genres.  He also did the most stirring solos I’ve ever heard.  Just listen to “Livin’ on a Prayer”, “Keep the Faith”, “Always”, “Wanted Dead or Alive”, etc., and let them do the talking regarding Sambora’s awesomeness.      

1.) NIGEL HENDROFF (Hillsong)

Nigel Hendroff is my most favorite guitarist ever since I learned how to play guitar.  This is, of course, primarily because of my Christian preferences.  Music is a terrific avenue in giving glory to God, and I appreciate and admire musicians who choose to dedicate their talents for the Lord.  The ‘Droff is a lead guitar and musical director for Hillsong, the largest producer of Christian Contemporary Music today, and is probably completely unknown outside Christian music circles.  He is nonetheless a gifted musician – proven to be impressive in playing both the acoustic and electric guitar.  He has proficient technical know-how in using effects to produce distinctive, more sophisticated guitar sounds – just like U2’s The Edge.  But unlike The Edge, who primarily relies on effects to hide his lack of depth and mediocre skill, the ‘Droff possesses a legitimate well-rounded skill-set.  

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The Romance of Playing Keyboards

I’ve been an amateur keyboardist now for about three years.  I was originally a guitar person, but circumstances compelled me to adopt the keyboard as my primary instrument since 2011 (I learned how to play it a year prior).  I still play guitar once in a while (and bass occasionally) whenever I’m required to do so, and this particular instrument will always hold a special place in my heart.  But at this point, I have grown to love the keyboard the most.    

There is this distinct pleasurable charm found in playing the keyboard.  There is something romantic about it that I can’t really put my finger on.  

Maybe it’s the kind of versatility that it possesses that other instruments don’t have.  Sure, there are thousands of sounds you can get out of the guitar with the help of guitar effects.  But the different, unique sounds that can be produced and simulated out of the keyboard are unparalleled. 

Nah. That’s one of the things to love about the instrument.  But, no. That’s not entirely it.

Maybe it’s because there are just too many guitar players out there already, too many who subscribe to the guitar’s musical philosophy.  So I prefer to be unique, and go for a lesser fancied instrument and approach on making music: the keyboard.    

The guitar’s seemingly fundamental nature is to be “aggressive.”   There is this need to draw attention to itself.  It is indeed awesome, but in a gratifyingly badass kind of way.   On the other hand, the awesomeness of the keyboard relies on its ability to gently captivate and woo with its refined allure. 

Sure, there are times that the keyboard significantly blares prominently; especially if its purpose in the song is to simulate the elements of brass instruments or to serve as the central factor in stirring up the listener’s emotion.  But there are more times that the keyboard is subtle.  You can’t really hear it without making a conscious effort in finding the sound it produces that is lost among the more dominant sounds of the other instruments.  But it’s there, providing the needed sound that holds everything together, in which absence would leave the metaphorical musical equation incomplete.

Just like the drums, the keyboard is in the “background” of the performance.  But the drums are easily noticeable by its loudness.  The keyboard, however, is comfortable at truly being in the background.  Just there enjoying itself, making music, lost in its own little world, content in supporting the other instruments, with no real priority at all in being recognized. 

I really can’t properly explain why.  It’s magical.  That’s just how it is: I found myself preferring the musical attitude that the keyboard brings.  For me, there is something greatly appealing and touching about it. 

Maybe I’m just born to be a keyboard player.

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2012 in Review (Part 2): Song of the Year? Oppa Gangnam Style!

This January, for my traditional reviewing of the previous year, I will be writing a series of articles that would recap or evaluate some (if I have the time, then all) of the highlights of 2012 that involved, concerned, compelled, and/or fascinated me… this is the second part…

I feel that the music and songs of today are very inferior to the music and songs of the past.  It’s very seldom for me to find a favorite among the songs made nowadays.  I find the mainstream, synthesized music occasionally catchy but bland, artificial, and soulless; and the lyrics too shallow or unoriginal.  Either it’s just my biased preference per my age or I’m objectively correct in my observation that the songs of today lack the quality of the songs of the past.  I don’t know.    Either way, I’ve never been a big fan of the 21st century music scene.     

This year, my sister got crazy with this boy band One Direction.  Now, I’ve never been a big fan of boy band pop music (with the exception of my fondness for Michael Learns to Rock [if the band is considered as such], Backstreet Boys, and a bit of Blue… and maybe a song or two from other boy bands), and I know that boy band music is about 60% good looks and just 40% talent.  I’m not saying boy bands can’t sing – most of them can – but good singing is secondary to “being a cute guy that girl fans can crush over.”  But though musical talent is just secondary factor in boy band music, it is my observation that the music of One Direction can’t even hold a candle to those mediocre boy bands that dominated the 90’s.   Moreover, one of their songs goes like this:

Lets go crazy, crazy, crazy till we see the sun.
I know we've only met but let's pretend it's love.
And never, never, never stop for anyone.
Tonight let's get some.
And live while we're young.  

That’s the first time ever in the history of boy band pop music that premarital, casual sex is obviously implied in the lyrics.  That is a bit disturbing considering that I’ve always thought boy band music is supposed to be GP.  That or I haven’t listened to enough boy band music.

But enough with One Direction.  This post is not about them and their music.  This is all about the sensational…

 

“Oppa Gangnam Style” is the song of the year.  This song’s popularity – considering that it has more of the makings of the “fad” kind of music than having the makings of becoming a classic – may fade in a few years (or even in a few months into 2013), and I doubt Psy will have a bigger hit than “Gangnam Style”, but this song owned 2012.  No song comes close.  Its music video became the first video to get to 1 billion views in Youtube (ergo, it’s the most watched video in Youtube history) – all in mere months of being available in Youtube!  To say that this song’s impact to pop culture has been big is an understatement.

The success of “Gangnam Style” could be attributed to its catchy techno music, ridiculous but enjoyable dance moves, and/or Psy’s massive sex appeal – because there’s swag, and then there’s Psy…

(Moreover, his singing might sound silly, but just hear him talk.  Just search for an interview in the Internet.  He’s fluent in English and his voice is James Bond-like.) 

For me, going viral in the Internet is the most important reason of Gangnam Style’s successful pop culture invasion.  The success of Gangnam Style is another reminder on how powerful the Internet can really be, that it dramatically changed the mechanics of promotion and dissemination of products, propaganda, ideas, information, etc.   

     

By the way, despite arguing that it’s the song of the year, I’m not implying that “Oppa Gangnam Style” is a piece of musical genius.  It’s cheesy.  But it’s that kind of cheesiness which is “so cheesy that it’s awesome.”  It’s far from becoming one of my most favorite songs, it doesn’t help improve my perception with the quality of 21^st century music, and it’s not going to be a permanent occupant of my playlist (though, currently it still is in it)... but there’s nothing wrong with enjoying some cheese once in a while. 

Lastly, if you get a badass like Wolverine to dance the Gangnam, that has to count for something…

       

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Recap: Joy Concert 2009

The concert was done on December 4, about three weeks ago already, but, still, we need a recap. Better late than never.

Themed as “Rise Up Youth of Albay”, and held in Ninoy Aquino Park in Daraga, the main purpose of the concert was for evangelism and for fellowship of Christian youths in Albay. The concert was produced and spearheaded by the fellowship I belong in, Joy Church, thus most of the presentations were from us. It started about 6:30 pm and since the DVD (yes, we have DVD documentation) running time was about three-and-a-half hours, we probably ended about ten in the evening. You can watch some of the videos in this site or in YouTube.

I kind of think that the opening multimedia presentation for the concert seemed to be out of context, which was “street children”-themed. The target audience was teenagers/young people, dynamos of emotional confusion and instability, and not social workers burdened with street children. These young people are searching for purpose and identities for themselves, and not much concerned with the tragedy of street children. But nonetheless, the message of Jesus is the answer, the only hope, is delivered by the opening, so no complains from me. However, I think the “letter from hell”-theme would have worked better. Scare and provoke questions about the afterlife. But I am all praise with the multimedia showings of mini-cartoons and Hillsong memory verses during gap times between performances.

Anyway, here is a summary of the performances that night:

The opening performance came from the Joy Worship Team, we kick off the concert with a medley of “Shelter House”, “You Are Good”, and Gary V’s “Shout For Joy” - with some cool bass solo from Basil in “You Are Good.”
We did a skit of “Matatakuting Kristyano.” Joneil and I were the drunkards who forced the scaredy-cat Christian, played by Chano, to drink alcohol with us in the cemetery. When he woke up, he had a showdown with the Devil, played by Basil. The catch of the skit is every time the “Matatakuting Kristyano” uses a talisman against the Devil – in the order of garlic, cross, holy water, and Bible – the Devil mocks him by bringing a bigger garlic, bigger cross, and so on. In the end, the Christian learned that only in the name of Jesus can he defeat the Devil. It was still funny, but we definitely did a better performance when we did it at church.

The band from DBCCI, which I believe was called the “Anointed Band” did well, and I liked the catchy outro of their second song.

Some Joy girls did a worshipful interpretative dance of “Here I Am To Worship.”

AG (Assemblies of God) Band, led by their all-around pastor (he handles children ministry, worship ministry, preaching ministry, etc. in their church) did two songs.
The mime presentation that night was an upgraded/rebooted version of some mimes we did in the past. Concepts from previous mime performances were combined, and it came out well. The main theme is of an allegorical Eve in the Fall, and her search of satisfaction. As Eve, played by Eden, tries every pleasure the world can offer; as she tried and hanged out with Steph and her jewelries (probably symbolizing wealth), with Careyl as a model (probably symbolizing vanity and outward beauty), with me as a rocker (probably symbolizing talents), with Joneil as a hunk/boyfriend (probably symbolizing romance), and with Basil as Michael Jackson (probably symbolizing the generation’s pop culture and blind idolatry to celebrities). Finally, Eve realized that only Jesus/God, played by Chano, can give her true peace and joy. Eden (Eve) and Basil (Michael Jackson) are the “MVPs” of this mime presentation as they deliver hilarious and excellent performances. Kudos also to Chano for directing such mime with a deep allegorical message. For me, in the three plays we did that night, this was the best.
SOP Band is definitely the best band that night. It is no wonder since they were already playing in a band since they were children, thus they grew up as bandmates as their experiences helped their talents and bond grow. Their rendition of “Ako’y Binago Niya” was very powerful, and their original song, “Trip To Heaven” was excellent.

The Christdiers trio composed of Basil (lead vocals, guitar), Joneil (drums), and I (bass) played our version of “Extraordinary Life” and our original “8 Words.”
"You Are Good" powerful dance by Joy girls.
The Joy Worship Team did a catchy medley of Christmas songs, which started with a rendition of “Amazing Grace.” Prior the song, a video of our dear Pastor Lee playing “Amazing Grace” in the flute was shown; this served as the intro. After the warm-up song of “Amazing Grace”, we did the medley of “Feliz Navidad”, “Joy To The World” and “Come O Ye Faithful.”
Mel, the keyboardist, was located at the extreme left of the stage. Thus, throughout the concert, it was not very often for him to be captured by the video cam.

After the message of Pastor Lee and a cool rapture clip was shown in the multimedia, we did a musical drama with the song of “Everything” by Lifehouse. Basil played Jesus, and I played the Devil, as other Joy young people played different roles. In the drama, it is shown the Devil owned the souls of several people and tempted them with worldly pleasures for them not to seek Christ, but when Jesus called and saved them, the Devil was helpless to do otherwise. The misery of living in the dark and the message of Christ being the savior and the only answer and salvation from sin and darkness were shown. No offense, but I did not like the original script of the musical drama as it was filled with theological flaws and the plot transition was so messy and confusing. But, thank God, after some brainstorming and some ideas by Chano, we made it better and I am satisfied with the final script.
The kids from Joneil’s taekwondo ministry performed a number that boosted the taekwondo attendance after the concert.
Floodgates, the other band aside from Christdiers that I belong in, made up of Bhong (lead vocals, guitar), Basil (bass), Jade (drums), Mel (keyboard), and me (guitar), was the last special number band. We played “Ocean Floor” and then “I Will Find You”, which we did our trademark instrumental in mid song – soloes for me, Bhong, Jade, and Basil, in that order, and then some funk.
I did some blues scaling for my solo.
Tapping exhibition was Bhong's solo.
Basil did his bass solo after Jade did his drum solo. Then, the former did some funky bass slapping on the funk instrumental.

In the second half our set, Kuya Reybhong joined us to sing “Mighty Good Leader” and “Speak To Me.”
An all-star dance number, consists of youth from different churches, was the last performance that night.

The last part was the praise and worship, with songs “Mighty To Save”, “Shout Your Fame”, “Sing For Joy”, and “How Great Is Our God.” Additional songs “I Am Not Ashamed”, “One Way” and “Bestfriend” were played due to demand. The initial response I heard about the concert was the praise and worship was too short. I agree.

It was truly a blessed night. About a thousand people, a combination of both believers and non-believers, watched the concert. Truly, God is at work. The seeds were sown. And God will nurture and reap.

To God be the glory. Till next year's concert (if God wills it).

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My Music for the Maestro

As an amateur musician, I had experience it.
I stood on that stage with my six-string.
Like all musicians, I find it fun.
Beautiful music made from my instrument.
The crowd applauds.
They cheer.
They chant my name.
Exhilarating.
Ecstatic.

But it’s different when I play for the Maestro.
Beautiful music made from my instrument.
The applauses and the cheers are not for me this time.
But for Him.
Through the music I make, I lead the crowd to praise and worship Him.
And I find it more exciting.
More satisfying.
More fun.
More fulfilling.

Making the Maestro smile is more important than the glory I receive from the crowd.
Because He is the Giver of Talents, and deserves the talent He gives me to be returned to Him.
And because He is my Father.

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In Creating A Band

I am not an authority in band making, but I can give some advice. For me, there are five essential elements needed: talent, relationship, attitude, discipline and inspiration.

-Talent is of course needed. you need people who can play the instruments and who will sing.

-Relationship is greatly needed. the members should be good friends. they should be able to communicate freely. it is a big plus if the members grew up together and were friends since childhood.

-Attitude. positive attitude to all members. all members should be ready to give and receive positive suggestions and criticism. a member should always follow the leader (if there is one) and the leader should not abuse his power and think that he is better than the rest of the band. each member should not think that he is too good for the band.

-Discipline is needed, especially in practices. members should always be on time. members should be disciplined. they should not "mess around". it is a waste of valuable practice time. but in jammings, it is sometimes okay to mess around.

-Inspiration is the foundation. what motivates the band is very important. here are my elements. it is what i think is needed. after considering them, always keep in mind that it does not matter if your band does not make it big, as long as you are together and having fun. having fun is all that matters. your band is the best as long as the members has good relationships.

Most of all, always remember that God gives the talent. it is only right to use it for Him. so consider making your band a praise and worship band. like 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it for the glory of God."

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Guitar Opinion

I love guitars. And I have this fantasy of owning a large guitar collection someday. Complete with different kinds of effects pad and gadgets, guitar straps, picks, and, of course, different kinds of guitars: acoustic, electric, jazz, classical, folk, etc… different kinds, brands and models. And it would be nice to have vintage models, too. Ahhh… if only…

Anyway, in my opinion, the guitar is the best musical instrument there is. And I believe all people can play it, all it takes is perseverance, dedication and love for it. It’s also the best instrument to start with (only in my opinion… some say it’s the keyboard), since if you know how to play the guitar, it would be easy to start studying how to play other instruments, too. After some time of guitar playing, learning the basics of bass playing would be easy. Then, with increased sense of rhythm and timing due to playing the guitar, the playing of basics of the drums would follow. Anyway, it is not always true – it’s still up to you. And besides, no matter what the instrument, it requires constant practice and study to master it; from basics, to variations, and then mastery.

Playing the guitar is both easy and hard (You’ll understand this statement when you start to play). It’s nice of someone can teach you (better still, to have lessons), but you can also study it on your own. Like me. I just self-practiced and self-taught myself. Just have yourself a guitar and a chord chart, and then practice the chords. Sooner or later, you’ll be able to play your first song. As I said, it only takes perseverance, dedication and love for playing the guitar. By and by, the basics of guitar playing – chord shifting, strumming, timing and plucking – will be “programmed” in your mind.

Then learn some lead. For starters, one should learn how to read lied sheets or tabs, to learn to play the pieces made by others – usually downloaded from the internet – in playing particular lead situations in songs, and to gain some ideas about lead playing. Octaves, chromatics, pentatonic, major and minor scales, slides, bend, pull-off, hammer, triplets, tap, mute, and the other “principles” of lead should be learned. And as one get himself familiarize with the principles, techniques and scales, one can make his own guitar fills and ad libs.
In using a guitar effect, I guess, distortions are the best to start from… not only because it is cool, but, mainly, also to mask your mistakes. Honestly, the hearers may not notice the mistakes when you play with distortion – just be quick to bend, slide, or whatever to make the lead flow right. (Especially in strumming a chord with some heavy distortion, it is rare of the hearers to notice you struck the wrong chord). But try other effects, and clean, too, by and by. Experiment, practice and study the effects. And also try playing lead, acoustic style. Playing lead with the acoustic is not at all inferior compared to playing with an electric, and in some cases better still, especially if one masters the classical or Latin styles.

In playing lead, fast fingers are not necessary – but very convenient. Often, it is not about how fast your fingers but the proper usage and progression of the notes – plus the phrasing and proper use of guitar scale/technique, whether, it is jazz, disco, classical, basic rock-pop, or others. Learning to play “grooves” in the guitar is necessary, too, I guess, though it’s mostly the bass guitar’s job.

Learn also to play or “jam” with others. Learn band principles and techniques, communication, and teamwork. No matter how good you are, if you cannot work with the band, you cannot play effectively.
The guitar is a very fascinating instrument. Playing the basics, and then some, nor even if you “mastered” it, it does no stop there. It is best to continue practicing and learning new things. Playing the guitar is definitely rewarding.

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Which between the two is better? Electric Guitar or Acoustic Guitar?

hmmmm. good question. what is the better instrument to play? it is true that the electric guitar is much used by bands nowadays. but the acoustic guitar can be played even without a pick up, even without electricity. so the acoustic is a portable jamming instrument. you use both guitars differently. i pluck an electric guitar by the use of the picking technique, with or without a pick. i pluck an acoustic guitar with my four fingers, which the pinkie is the only finger not used. in playing the electric guitar, it is cooler to see you standing with your strap extended enough so that the guitar is within or below your waist. in playing the acoustic guitar, it is cooler to see you sitting down on a stool. but what is really the cooler instrument to play? the electric guitar is a cool instrument. it can do many things an acoustic guitar cannot do. you can do many different effects and sounds from it by the use of an amp or/and an gadget. the use of distortion, overdrive, flanger, chorus, delay, echo, fuzz and many different kinds of effects allows you to do cool lead pieces and ad libs. muted strumming is more effective in an electric. artificial harmonics is also more effective. the sound from an electric can last a long time form the last time you ringed or plucked it by the use of an effect (overdrive usually). you can do a lot of things from an electric, especially the feedback technique. imagine using an acoustic guitar to play the cool Bon Jovi (or any rock band's) guitar fills and guitar instrumentals. the acoustic guitar has it's own beautiful sound. it has a unique clean sound better than clean electric guitar. maybe because of the wood and all the acoustics inside the guitar. classical guitar (the guitar with no fret marks, thicker neck and different tuning keys) is a cool instrument to play. especially if you studied to play it and knows how to play the guitar using notes, not only chords. some acoustic players uses cool styles different from classical playing. Like the guitar playing of Paolo Santos in "Foolish Heart", Ryan Cabrera in "True" and Chin in "Especially for You" (MYMP revival). the use of the Spanish guitar is also awesome, with that cool Latino feeling in its sounds. like in "Lonely No More", it was great and i think it is very difficult. doing the muting guitar is not bad in the acoustic guitar. you can see that in Avril Lavigne's "Why". now another question, what is much better, band versions or acoustic versions? well, it depends for me. often acoustic versions are just as good as the original band versions. like "My Immortal", "Suntok sa Buwan" and "Sige". and sometimes the acoustic version is much better. like the Eagle's favorite "Hotel California". i like the original one with all that cool fills and guitar solo. but the acoustic version is much better with the long intro and better guitar playing. now back to the question, what is much better, electric or acoustic? well, it depends on the taste of a person. i love both. both has cool and unique characteristics. besides, it does not matter what you love to play. what matters is why are you playing. is it to let yourself be recognized and glorified, or is it to have fun and please and praise God. the latter should be the answer. Glory to God!

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THOUGHTS ON MUSIC / PLAYING MUSIC

Most people nowadays like music, though interests on what type vary. Yes, one way or another, we are influenced by music. It has been very popular since ancient times. As an art, a tool and as source of entertainment, music has played those parts well.

As the time passes, music evolves. And new genres of music was born as the times goes by. And ordinary people with no formal music training can enjoy playing and making music nowadays.

Popular music changes, from classical, to folk, to jazz, to rock n' roll, to pop, to R & B… It has continuously, and still, changing.

Though changes are not always for the good. As David Scruton said in his article "The Song Is Ended - analysis of pop music today" published in National Review in September, 2002, "Rhythm machines, synthesizers, and mixing have changed the sound, filling up the holes in the music and making a continues background carpet in place of the measured stepping stones of the twelve-bar blues. But the raw materials are the same. Every now and then someone hits on a melody and finds a group of teenagers to mouth it. Subtract the work of the engineers, however, and the tune will turn out to have been done to death in several previous incarnations."

Sadly, I agree with this guy. Computers has been replacing musicians. And hip-hops are guilty of this. I am not saying that the lowest type of music is the rap and hip-hop R & B and other made by the hip-hop kind. I still appreciate some of their music. But music made by computers are cold. Those who use only computers to create music for the vocals are missing the point in music. Sadly, still, this kind of music is the most popular type nowadays. And music is beginning to be nothing but a technical wizardry. I appreciate more the kind music that are made by true musicians; from bands.

But I have complains, too, in punk rock bands. Again, I am not saying that I don't like punk rock and think of it as the lowest kind of music. But sometimes, punk music has been rather monotonous, simple and noisy. All you need to do this kind of music is a heavily distorted guitar and a fast drumming and rolling drummer, and you have yourself punk rock. However, punk rock has some merits, I have to admit.

To the other type of music, well, I am glad that this kind of music still exists. To other kind of rock, like slow rock, rock n' roll, pop rock and alternative, I have not much complains. Jazz and Blues are still among the highest kind. Pop, well, pop nowadays are mixing with rock or hip-hop, and I prefer the pop that affiliates with rock. Classical maybe old-fashioned but they are still great. Country or folk is fine. Reggae is popular again nowadays, but no complains from me. Well, there are other kinds, more, and I appreciate them, too.


It's still up to you what you think about music, and what kind you prefer. But we should not stop with good music, we should also look into the lyrics. It is positive or negative. Wholesome or evil. Constructive or destructive. And it can sometimes be dangerous. Music is a great gift from God. Music is very influential. Very powerful. And as Spider-Man says, "With great power comes great responsibility."

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I love music. Yes, I listen to most kind of music. Hearing music makes me feel good. Especially, if I am the one who makes the music.

I am blessed to play some musical instruments, and I am thankful for that. But what I really love to play most is the guitar. Acoustic and electric. I love both kinds. And playing with a band or playing alone does not matter to me. I just love all about guitars.

I remembered how I decided to play the guitar. It was years ago, and I was on my late elementary. I prayed a prayer to God. I asked God that if He gave me the talent to play the guitar, I promised to use it for His glory.

Well, after I self-taught myself to play the guitar (after many blisters), I finally found myself one day that I can play the guitar. But I did not stop there, I continue to self-study and practice, and as time goes by, I found myself improving and improving.

Well, I kept my promise to God. I dedicated the talent to Him. For Him first, before personal interest. Though, I also played outside church activities, like in some gigs and in some school activities, but my priorities are on God first. I'm lucky that my band mates also have the same perceptions as mine. Yes, we sometimes play outside church activities, but we put God first.

I'm thankful for my musical gift. For the chances given unto me. And the exposures, yes, I am having more fun playing for the glory of God than if I used it for playing for my personal glory. And I'm thankful for the rewards. Any personal gain or glory I got from my talent, I thank Him.

In the back of my acoustic guitar, I put a sticker to remind me of my promise. It says, "Jesus First. Time, Talent, Treasure" (Matt. 6:33). It reminds me of my promise years ago.

I love playing musical instruments, especially the guitar. And what I love to do, I want to share and dedicate to those I love. And I'm telling you, that any hobbies, interest, works, etc. that we love to do, we should do it for those we love - not for our personal interests. And I hope that at the top of the list of those we love, is the One who loves us so much.

"Jesus First. Time, Talent, Treasure"

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