3 Secrets to Building Boundaries

I have been posting about the parallels of the guitar accessories I mentioned in an earlier post and the accessories for living a successful life. In the last post, we read about the art of accessibility and how it can lead you to living a more successful life. Now we are going to look at the next item, the guitar case, and how it parallels with boundaries.


When we talk about boundaries, what is the first thought that comes to mind? Is it safety? Is it restriction? Or is it freedom? Boundaries are intended to free you from the foreseeable and unforeseeable future. We naturally establish boundaries based on our past fears, hurts, injuries, and failures. Any emotion, activity, or mistake that we don't want to live again in our lives are used to build boundaries. Here are three secrets to building boundaries.


1. The Secret of Knowing Reality- No matter what you say you believe about reality, setting your boundaries can reflect what you truly believe about reality. So the secret is to change your reality and this will help you in setting your personal boundaries. For example. I know that when I'm hungry or tired, I don't think or act the way I want to act or think. As a rule, the lack of sleep and food effect my interactions with others. My reality has meet with my belief and I have decided to never make major decisions without getting my sleep/food need meet first. I have learned to not even think about the problem or idea until those needs are met. In the past I would stumble all around the answers I needed when I was either hungry or sleepy. When I'm well rested and well feed, I make the best decisions. This maybe different for you. The only way you will find reality is being real with yourself and looking inward for a change. Line up your boundaries with the reality you have discovered to be true about yourself.

2. The Secret of Knowing Fear- Fear is an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat. Some fear is good and it prevents us from causing ourselves physical and emotional pain. Some fear is bad and it prevents us from enjoying the exciting thrills and adventures in life. People who set boundaries out of fear say things like, "I might get hurt, I'll be embarrassed, what will they think, when the time is right I'll..." . We all have fears, it is a matter of setting our boundaries around good fear or bad fear. You do have a choice as to which fear you will believe in and let rule your life. If there is something that you truly want to do but are hung up on fear, then you are letting fear rule your life. What some people call boundaries are really walls they hid behind. Just on the other side are their passions and dreams. Your fear will be standing guard at the gate to your divine purpose, passions, and dreams. It is up to you to not let fear keep you from going through that gate!

3. The Secret of Knowing Freedom- What would you do if you woke up one morning to find yourself in a prison cell. You then noticed that the cell door is open and you can go through to find that every door leading to the outside is open. No one is trying to stop you from leaving. Would you go on to living your life the way you want or would you turn around and return to your cell and stay. The open cell represents false comfort and security.  I currently work at a prison as an officer. An inmate's security is important to the public as well as the inmate. You can set up your own boxed in prison and call it having boundaries but it is built out of fear not freedom. Your boundaries should always free you, not bound you. Even though the word bound is it's root word, healthy boundaries should free you to living a life of success. Ask your self, is this boundary I have in my life keeping me from my freedom or from being bound up by fear?



At least once or twice a year, everyone should question their boundaries. Note, I didn't say just cross them. Examine yourself daily. Ask yourself if you are truly free or if you are living your life based around fear. That is the journey. Examine, discover, pursue, engage, and live your life. Meditation, journaling, reflection, prayer, and focused study can help you discover things about yourself. Fear is the biggest enemy in the journey to be successful. Freedom should be our goal when setting boundaries and if it isn't we must ask ourselves what we truly want, life in our made up prisons or the excitement and adventure of life?



What kind of boundaries have you set in your life and how did you come to those boundaries? I can't wait to hear from you!

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The Art of Accessibility

In my last blog, I ended with five tools for success. For me, everything that we do in life can reveal parallels and parables that teaches and trains us to become better people. Over the past few months I have been teaching several people in my area the art of playing guitar. During this endeavor I have begun to see how playing guitar can possibly change a person's life. Learning the art of playing the guitar doesn't unlock some secret magic but applying the learned principals, parallels and methods to your everyday life can.

"Your time is a zero sum game. When you say yes to one thing, you are simultaneously saying no to something else. The more successful you get, the more difficult this becomes. You find yourself saying no to good things—worthy things—in order to say yes to your most important priorities."- Michael Hyatt

Learning any new skill requires time, people, resources, tools, and practice. I understand that everyone isn't interested in learning to play the guitar but I firmly believe that anyone who really wants to can learn to play. The possibility for one to learn any skill is not a matter of having time, people, resources, tools, or opportunities. It is a matter of what one truly desires in his or her heart to do and believing that it is possible to be done. The first parallel that I drew from the 5 Essential Guitar Accessories post was that every guitarist needs a guitar stand and the art of accessibility.

Accessibility is the degree to which a product, device, service, or environment is available to as many people as possible. Accessibility can be viewed as the "ability to access" and benefit from some system or entity. Having your guitar out on a stand makes it more accessible to the guitarist. When you inline your life with finding success, which is discovering your true passions and bringing them to life, you will need to discover the art of accessibility. These are 3 elements to the art of accessibility.

1. The Element of Time-

Have you ever made the excuse of not having enough time to take on a new task or learn a new skill? I know I have. We all have been given the same amount of time. The difference is in how we use that time we have been given. Knowing that alone can empower you or hold you captive. The difference in a successful persons time and an unsuccessful persons time is a matter of how it is spent. Timing is everything and the time to pursue your passions and dreams is now. Invest in prioritizing your time. This doesn't mean having some rigid schedule that you can never deviate from. It means setting objectives for each day that will bring you closer to seeing your goals and passions come to life.

2. The Element of Saying Yes-

When my children came into my life I promised myself to say yes to them as often as possible. I want to provide the best things in life for my children to have the best life possible. Saying yes for some people can be difficult. When dreams are crushed and when affirmation isn't given, fear becomes the root element in saying no to the pursuit of their dreams. They develop a belief system of fear in their unconscious mind.  Fear of failure and ridicule often is the reason why we don't say yes to our passions and dreams. By being accessible to saying yes and facing down fear you open doors of success.

3. The Element of Saying No-

 Choose who you give your attention and time to. Sometimes we get caught up in giving way more than we should. How can the hungry serve and feed others, if they haven't gotten their needs meet? We can only 'go' on just so much and if we truly want to give and help others, why not give them our best? Instead we say yes to everyone and opportunity that comes our way. These are the actions of a person tossed by the ocean of life. They don't know or have forgotten what their true passions and dreams are. They blindly say yes to everything. People make this mistake in church circles all the time. Understand that your faith isn't based on how much you give but on your intentions in what you do. Be intentional with who you give your time, mind, heart, attention, money, and trust to.

"The more successful you are the less accessible you become to people. Success has a way of pulling you away from people and because you can’t be with everyone you have to limit your circle and those people get 100% of the attention."- John Maxwell.

The Art of Accessibility is a matter of making the most of your time, knowing when to say yes, and knowing when to say no. Mastering this art will bring you closer to fulfilling your passions, dreams, and divine purpose.

Have you ever had to say no to opportunities that kept you from your goals? Leave your answers and comments in the 'comments' section or as you share this blog on Facebook with your friends. Be sure to also share the art of accessibility with your followers on Twitter.

5 Essential Guitar Accessories

When new clients and students ask me, "What do I need to play guitar?", I'm quick to say that all you need is passion to learn and a guitar to play. I also like to recommend 5 essential guitar accessories to go along with your guitar. For seasoned players, this may sound trivial to you. Continue reading for a parallel to your guitar essentials and tools for living a successful life.  

1. Guitar Stand- (Price $9-$10) Any Guitar Stand will do. This will help prevent your new or old guitar from getting damaged by kids running through your home. Even if you don't have kids running around, it is good to have your guitar on a stand for stability and to prevent falls, dents, cracks, scratches, and breaks from occurring. It also allows for easy accessibility for playing. With it being out of the case, it maintains a constant cool environment. This helps prevent warping and splits.  

2. Guitar Case- (Price $15-$140) The case is the only way to travel with your guitar. Some people keep their guitars in a case but if you aren't traveling, keep it out on your stand. You are more apt to play it when you can visually look at it every day. With the exception of your guitar stand, you can carry all of your accessories in your case when you travel. Of course the hard shell cases are more expensive but worth it in the long run. Soft shell or Gig bags are affordable and lite weight. They are good for first time guitar players that travel locally with their guitar. If you are planing to take your guitar with you out on the road or on vacation, then spend the extra cash on a hard shell. Most dealers will offer the case with the purchase. That is usually when you'll get your best deal on one.

3. Guitar Tuner- (Price $15-$20) Your best friend can be your tuner. I would invest in a nice clip on one for an acoustic and a nice plug in for an electric. Over time you will not use your tuner as much but it will save you a lot of time and frustration when you are starting out playing. I have also found that when the sounds of other musicians doing sound checks and just the noisy sounds of a coffee shop can get in the way of getting your ear into a great tune. Having a tuner gets you over that hurdle with out embarrassing yourself or your friends. People may only get silent when you are ready to start to playing, so you want it to be in tune when they are.  

4. Guitar Picks- (Price $4 for 12) When you go to buy your guitar pick, you will notice the various selections. Don't get sold on colors and size. You are looking for thickness and grip. If you are playing acoustic guitar, then you will need a medium to thin pick. Electric guitarist usually go for a thicker less flexible pick. I recommend Dunlop Nylon USA picks. I have never had one to break, ever. Keep about four or five picks in your case and around your playing spots at home. You are going to lose one here and there, later on it is like finding loose change around your house.

5. Guitar Strap/Strap locks- (Price $7-$10) Having a strap enables you to stand and play. I would recommend you get strap pegs installed on your guitar if they don't have them already. It takes the stress and weight off the head of the guitar. It also frees up your playing arm. I also mention strap locks to my clients and students. Mainly for electric guitars, strap locks lock the strap to the guitar, preventing the strap from coming off during play. They come in many different styles and looks. If you aren't confident about putting them on yourself, take them to a shop.

Now, let us look at the parallel in tools for a successful life...

1. Accessibility- (Price- Free) Just like the guitar stand allows you to have your guitar in a safe and accessible location for playing, making yourself accessible to the possibilities of success is essential to living a successful life.

2. Boundaries- (Price- Free) Just like the guitar case provides protection for your guitar, having healthy boundaries as you live and go about your life is essential to living a successful life.

3. Discernment- (Price- Free) Just like the guitar tuner can line up all the strings on the guitar for a great sounding guitar, having discernment can help you tune into what is going on in and around your life, which leads to much success.

4. Peace- (Price- Free) Just like the guitar pick brings out the crisp sound of your guitar strings, having peace can help you bring out the best in you and others around you, this leads you to a successful way of life.

5. Balance- (Price- Free) Just like the guitar strap brings balance and freedom to the guitarist to move and play, having balance can help you stand tall and solve many of life's situations that usually hinder your success.

In my next blog post series, "How Playing Guitar Can Change Your Life", I'll be sharing with you in more detail the parallels that I have found in playing guitar and living a successful and happy life.

3 Medical Reasons to Play Guitar

Doctors are saying that playing an instrument and listening to music can be like medicine. Neurologist are prescribing it for Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, stroke and depression. The beauty and power of music can bring clarity at times when the brain is out of balance. A student's father recently reminded us of Albert Einstein's interest in playing the violin. It is said that Einstein would retreat to playing his violin when he faced a difficult problem. I'm not Einstein but when I'm facing difficult situations or problems, I find my self retreating with my guitar to a quiet place to sing and play. 

1. Playing Guitar can strengthen your mind. Learning to play guitar (or any instrument you like) often challenges the student to think outside of the realm of every day activities. Playing can help you train your brain to focus quickly on what you are playing or learning to play. 

2. Playing guitar can alleviate  feelings of depression. Taking time to play a little everyday will be an escape for those who feel overwhelmed with work, school, and/or relationships. It is a chance to drift and focus on something other than your worries. Take note that this isn't a cure for depression but it can ease the feeling.

3. Playing guitar can promote hand-eye coordination. This is why it is good to have a mentor to teach you guitar. They have struggled through the moves. They can help you make fluid movements on the guitar. For people who are struggling with hand-eye coordination (children especially) it can become a great tool and gage for development. 

Just know that the number one reason to play guitar is to have fun! Playing should never be a task that brings pain. I don't like it when parents force their children to learn an instrument. I have children and I'm a musician but that doesn't mean that they have to be one too. Naturally my children enjoy music, dance, karate, coloring, painting, and creative activities. Notice that all of that is art based. Being a musician or a guitarist is an art form. The above three medical reasons to play guitar could very well be replaced with, 3 Medical Reasons to be an Artist. We all have an artistic side to us. Tapping into that side is like medicine to the heart, mind, body, and soul. Do your self a favor, pick something up and get creative! 

David Wayne Manning, DWM Guitar

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5 Song Writing Tips For Beginners

Music is such a major part of my life. I can listen to a song and it take me back to the moments I have shared with others. I emotionally can be taken away to another state of mind by just listening to a song. Some songs just remind me of people, places, or causes. This week a song called "Wavin' Flag" by K'naan, reminded me of my friend Roland. The struggles he has faced in life are similar to what is mentioned in the song.



Song writing is and should be an out pouring of the life you live or have lived. Some people sing of things that just market to others. It is really just the simplest of tunes that have stood the test of time. Glen Hansard wrote a song called "Paper Cup" and it is every bit of what it sounds like. I can picture him sitting in a dinner with some paper cup in front of him and the lyrics just flowed. Over the years I have been inspired to write songs. Some have made it and others have been forgotten, thankfully. Here is some helpful tips and ideas for beginners to keep in mind when song writing.

1. Clear Your Mind-If you are setting out to write, take time to clear your head and heart. Don't try to recreate the wheel. How ever you are feeling at the time let it go and just be in the moment. Give your self a few moments of silence and concentration.

2. Collect Your Ideas-Having a concept is a great place to start when writing. Also have a notebook and pen on hand. I am always writing catchy lyrics down at work or when the moment hits. Writing down your thoughts and ideas about songs can come in handy when you actually get the chance to write. Don't be afraid of common topics. You can't sing too much about love, but if that is all you have been writing about then try and think out of the box once in a while.

3. Collage Your Music-If you have been playing a cool riff that you "made up"; bring it to the table. Starting with really great music is good. The mood and energy that the song reflects can produce the lyrics. Just be open to a variety of changes in a song. Don't get hung up on keeping to the norm. Try mixing and matching different music you have been playing.

4. Convert Your Words-Putting music to poetry or messages is much harder than what people think it is. It takes years of practice and plunders to master it. Many years ago, I could get up in front of a group of young people and sing a catchy made up tune on the fly. Shooting from the hip isn't going to work when someone is funny about their lyrics. Take time to read the words and get the full message. This will help in that process.

5. Close Your Session-If you are writing with others, set up time for breaks and a time to finish for the day. We have all heard the stories by artists who talk about being in the studio all night writing the next big hit. Keep in mind, they get paid big bucks and have nervous musicians and producers with deadlines. So, enjoy the freedom to adjust later. Sometimes walking away from it for a couple days is good. Make sure you set up a way to record what you finish with. That will allow you to pick up where you left off next time.

Have fun writing. Be creative. Writing music and songs is still an art form. Don't be afraid to share your stuff with others. You don't have to be a rock star or some amazing singer to write. Sometimes it just takes a little patience and creativity to express the next big hit.



-David Wayne Manning, DWM Guitar
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5 FREE Music Apps That Work

Well G4 almost got it right! Considering they are trying to sale you the sponsored products. In today's fast growing app market, guitarist, have a lot to gain! Apps are so excess-able and easy to use! I have had my fair share of useless apps. I have, like dozens of others, fell victim to a marketed app that just didn't hold up to what it claimed. Many of my clients ask me about the apps that I use. I have a 1st Gen iPad. Here are a few of the must haves for guitarist and musicians!

Ultimate-Guitar.com -- This Tab and Chord app is a huge player in the world of online tabs and chord charts. The site itself is one of my favorite! As a guitarist and music lover, the site is a gold mine for information, news, and so much more. The app is just as useful! The only downside is that they offer exclusive features and apps that don't come for free but with a subscription. I was subscribe for a while and at the time didn't find the features very useful. Since then, they have updated and added some that are very appealing! It maybe worth the money!

Amplitube- This nifty app is almost like an amp. It has effects built in and you can run it through an amp like a guitar peddle. With the iRig hook up you can plug right in and play along with other music on your device. You can pay for additional effects. The graphics are great and the sound is too. The only problem I have had in hooking it up through a system was the volume control. When you switch from one effect to another you either lose or overly gain volume. Besides that, for the price, it is a must have app for free!

Pro Metronome- They say timing is everything! With this digital metronome you can change the beat and sounds. It also lights up with the rhythm and you can change the tempo at any given time. Though amplitube and UG has one, this stands alone and you can quickly access it. It is great for those of us who want to work on keeping our timing in line with a steady beat. And we all love free stuff, get this must have app for free!


Music Studio 2- This app is loaded with many features for those of us who like to have fun with sounds and background beats. Once you learn how to use all the features and can roam about the app with out feeling like a lost dog, you'll be glad you spent the money on this app. You can download a lite version and check it out for free. If you like it then you'll spend at least $15 on the full version. For now, get the lite version for FREE!


Over all, stick to the basics. Let apps be a tool. Remember, most of these apps are for your entertainment. When you get serious about recording or performing, then the apps go to a whole new level and price. You always get what you pay for. These apps are mostly free but offer an up sale to make money. Read the reviews, don't just mindlessly download them. It could just be a waste of time and money! Until next time, enjoy your guitar playing journey and remember to...

...HAVE FUN PLAYING GUITAR!

David Wayne Manning, DWM Guitar Lessons
DWM Guitar
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Tune Up Your Guitar Tuning

Tuning, one of the key essentials to playing guitar. For the beginner, a guitar tuner is his R2-D2, his right hand man, and most used tool. Some teachers tell students to learn by ear. I say it takes time to tune by ear. Recently I showed a client how to tune by ear and I don't know if he picked it up right away but he did get the concept. Here is a great video explaining how to tune by ear, just in case R2-D2's batteries are running low or you left him out in space some where!

So, I want to encourage you as a guitar player to learn different methods and styles of tuning. It can add a totally different sound to your playing. For the most part, you should stick with what you know and have been taught. Tuning by ear or to the guitar itself is key in helping you match different notes. You'll begin to recognize certain notes throughout your guitar playing journey. This will mold you into a guitar playing machine and rock "god" in no time!! 

If you have any questions or concerns about playing guitar or tuning for that matter, feel free to comment or contact me through Facebook, twitter, or by email. Thank you for subscribing as well!

-David Wayne Manning, DWM Guitar

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Scaling Your Way To Success

In the early years of my guitar playing, I hated playing guitar scales. After many hours of playing, I thought my finger tips were going to bleed. My patient instructor told me that the pain will pass. I remember getting up one morning to go to school and I didn't even want to look at my guitar. The night before I spent 6 hours trying learn the major and minor scales. After many failed attempts I thought about giving up on playing altogether. All I could think about at school was returning home to try at the scales once again. Later that day, after settling in at home, I sat back in my recliner and picked up my guitar. With no stress and total ease I played the scales. It sounded perfect! 

I'm sharing this story to motivate you to never give up on your dream to play. It does take time, patience, and focus. My guitar playing journey has had its high moments and low moments but ultimately I have had the time of my life playing guitar. During my high school years I would practically sleep with my guitar. Even though it didn't help me play any better, I still stayed up late at night trying to perfect my craft. I would hear the chords and notes in almost every song I heard on the radio. Luck for me I was going to a church that encouraged me to play. Even though I didn't start out wanting to learn "worship" songs, I found that these songs were easy to play and sing along with. This gave me a great edge to my skill. It marked a fundamental stage in my life and my guitar playing journey. 


Recently, I coined this phrase, "Scaling Your Way To Success". I started looking back at all the original scales for beginners. With just a few glances at the charts and I was playing those same scales that posed such a challenge to me years ago. I thought about how I would release all my stress and worries through the guitar. Then my children came running in the room to see what I was doing. I knew that my guitar playing journey had played a key role in my life. All the people that I met along the way played a big role. One that I'll never forget was, Mitch Lanier, my guitar instructor. He spent a few saturday mornings showing me the basics. He had me playing my first song, "Knocking On Heaven's Door", in no time. With those three basic chords, I felt like a "rock god"!

Success is a funny thing. The first definition of success is the accomplishment of an aim or purpose. Don't think that you have to be rich, famous, or popular to be successful. Playing guitar is fun and can be learned. It is a great goal to set. I tell my clients to take notes in a note book. They are, in away, journalling their guitar playing. I wish I had kept a journal note book for my journey. It is a way for you to see your success in progress. Here is a few things to consider in scaling your way to success.

"Creating Your Personal Life Plan"

1. Have A Vision- One of the first things I ask clients is, "why do you want to learn how to play guitar?". I haven't had a client tell me that they want to be a guitar legend but I'm open for that. You need to know what you want to do. If you never discover that, you will waste a lot of time and money on bogus activities and toys. A great way to start is by creating a list of things that you want to do and or places you want to go. Also picture what kind of life you want to live. Think about the future and the plans of those in your life, like family and close friends. This will get you started.
2. Have A Plan- Knowing what you want is only part of your success. Talk to people about your vision. Investigate how others have found success in areas of your vision. Read books that will help you build a plan. At the bottom of this blog, I'll list a link to a free E-Book written by Michael Hyatt called "Creating Your Personal Life Plan". Simply sign up for his free newsletter and get the e-book free. 
3. Have A Mentor- Surround your self with people who are on the same journey as you or people that can truly offer great advice to help you on your journey. Try to distant your self from people who are negative about your journey you have chosen. If it is truly what you are divinely inspired to do then go for it. Find a local instructor or mentor. Don't just depend on the videos and books. Nothing beats face to face advice and instruction. Get involved with local community groups and churches that share a common goal with you.
4. Have A Blast- My only rule with my clients is that we have fun playing and learning guitar. Everything you do in life to achieve your goals may not be fun but know that it is necessary in reaching your divine purpose. If it isn't necessary, question it. If you can , as a rule, make what every you are doing to achieve your goals fun! You may have some detours on your journey but that is what makes it a journey and not a destination. Let difficult times and situations sharpen you like a sword! A dull sword may look good on the wall but if you every have to use it for battle, you are dead. 

Personally, I believe every one should spend time every day meditating and/or praying. My time is spent reading a small portion from my bible, praying, and journalling. Write down or type up your vision for your life and read it daily. Be bold and courageous! 

If you are living in the Tarboro, Rocky Mount, and/or surrounding areas in North Carolina and you are interested in playing guitar, contact me today! Join us on facebook and share this post with your friends and family! 

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"Creating Your Personal Life Plan" by Michael Hyatt  

6 Top Selling Guitar Strings

When it comes to guitar strings, as a Guitarist, I generally don't have a preference, other than price. I tend to focus on size. I prefer a light or extra light size string for both electric and acoustic guitars. For my students, I recommend the same. As a general rule, if they are eroded, changing colors, or you didn't put them on yourself, you are in need of a change! Some guitarist even change out the factory string on new guitars, since they don't know how long the guitar set out on the sales floor. Either way, if you are going to play guitar, then you need to change them regularly. Your playing time will determine your change time. Example: You play for an hour a day for a month, your string time should be between 3-4 weeks. A set can last longer with proper maintenance practice: Wipe them down with string conditioner (purchased from guitar shop), keep the guitar in its home (its case), pay close attention to moister (causes tarnishing), and wash/dry your hands before playing (just trust me on this one). When the time finally comes to head down to the local shop, here are a few top brands you can trust:

1. D'Addario Strings: World-renowned as "The Player's Choice" among guitarists of all genres and styles. EXL strings are wound with nickel-plated steel, known for it's distinctive bright tone and reduced fret wear. EXL110s are among D'Addario's most popular round-wound, nickel-plated electric guitar strings.

2. Dean Markley Strings: Dean Markley 1973 Vintage Reissue Electric Guitar Strings are made to the same exacting specs as the original Vintage Electric strings that won the hearts of players around the world. The combination of outer wrap alloy, special round cores, and core-to-wrap ratios make these strings sing with power and punch. Long life is just a bonus. I'm a fan but not a buyer, I use my savings on guitar picks!

 3. Ernie Ball Strings: Regular Slinky Electric Strings are Ernie Ball's top-selling set and are favored by many musicians around the globe. Regular Slinky wound strings are made from a nickel-plated, steel wire wrapped around a hex-shaped, steel core wire. The plain strings are made of specially tempered, tin-plated, high-carbon steel, producing a well-balanced tone for your guitar. I'm a buyer and fan! 

 4. Fender Strings: Fender has been an instrument of choice for many of the greatest musicians since 1946. Fender's popularity through the generations is a result of their design innovations and commitment to quality. These guitar strings reflect this legacy and are worthy of the Fender name. Attention to detail and the finest materials ensure that you will get the best feeling and greatest sounding strings, set after set.

 5. GHS Boomers: Round wound nickel-plated steel delivers passion, power, and performance. The dynamite alloy Boomers continue to be the standard
to play by. GHS has made the highest-quality strings since 1964. The choice of numerous guitar greats. But not my choice. I may be wrong but I would stay clear of these, just based on the name..lol.

6. Martin Acoustic Strings: Martin uses a winding alloy that is ideally suited for making strings that deliver deep, rich basses and clear, bright trebles. Martin strings are high-quality strings designed for daily use. Core and wrap wires must meet strict requirements to make the grade. Martin acoustic guitar strings are wound to precise specifications. If I'm picky, I'm choosing this for my acoustic guitar needs.

Amps Going To All New Heights

The age of technology has long been making moves in the music world. I remember my first amp. I thought I was a rock god! I only had one BOSS distortion pedal and the built in distortion channel on the amp itself. My next amp purchase will be much different. Jump 13 years into the future and you have a state of the art, limitless, and powerful computer amp. The amps on the market are taking your guitar to an all new level. These two Companies have been a powerhouse in the market for "smart amps". Here are a few things you need to know about each of them and how to know which is going to work for you. 

The new Fender Mustang amplifier series raises the standard for modern guitar versatility and muscle. Driven by incredibly authentic amp models and a huge bank of built-in effects, Mustang amplifiers come equipped with USB connectivity and Fender Fuse software, allowing your musical creativity and imagination to run wild. The Fender Mustang III is a 100W open-back combo amp with a 12" Celestion speaker that sounds great and pumps serious volume. It contains 100 amp presets derived from 12 different amp models that deliver tones from vintage Fender sparkle to outrageous modern metal distortion, and 37 different effects in four categories (stomp, modulation, delay and reverb), all easily and instantly accessed. The Mustang III combo is great for rehearsing, jamming and small gigs, and the 1/8" headphone jack doubles as a speaker-emulated line out. Further, connect Mustang III to your computer with its USB output and use the included Fender Fuse software to open up a world of possibilities, including on-screen parameter control, deep editing, additional effects, unlimited preset storage, online preset swapping with the Fender Fuse community, and free Fender artist presets. The Mustang III combo's included programmable two-button footswitch controls preset up/down, quick access, effects on/off and tap tempo (optional four-button footswitch also available). Mustang III packs it all into a striking visual design with sleek and modern Fender styling that provides a look that's as desirable as the sound.

Line 6 Spider IV is one of America's best-selling family of guitar amplifiers. Plug into a 75W Spider IV 75 for Line 6 amp and FX modeling, dialed-in tones and presets created and inspired by rock stars, and much more.Each guitar amp model in the Line 6 Spider amp delivers the distinct tonal nuances of a celebrated American, British, or European guitar amp. Models were inspired by a Marshall JCM-900, Hiwatt Custom 100, '60s Fender Blackface Twin Reverb, '60s Fender Blackface Deluxe Reverb, Vox AC30 Top Boost, Divided by 13 9/15, '50s wide panel Fender Deluxe Reverb, Gretsch 6156, '68 Marshall Plexi 50-Watt, Orange AD30, '68 Marshall Plexi 100-Watt with a Variac and jumped input channels, Diezel Herbert, and Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier. Keep your Line 6 Spider IV 75 guitar amp up to date with an FBV MkII footcontroller. Connect the Spider IV 75 to Line6.com via an FBV MkII footcontroller to receiver valuable software and firmware updates and upgrades. These updates may include new features, presets, or effects for your Line 6 amp. FBV Express MkII delivers hands-free channel switching; FBV Shortboard MkII is a full-on remote control. They both feature a full-sized volume/wah pedal, chromatic tuner display, bright LEDs, durable footswitches and chassis, and more. They keep you at the foot of the stage instead of tied to the front of your Spider IV 75. They also feature USB connectivity for keeping your Spider IV 75 up to date. (Footcontrollers sold separately.) Who do you want to sound like today? Discover the tones of your heroes in Line 6 Spider IV 75. 50 famous guitarists and bands, including Coheed & Cambria, Johnny Marr, Slipknot, and others, handcrafted more than 300 of their signature tones and turned them into Line 6 Spider IV 75 presets—from sparkling cleans to effect-laden tones to saturated high-gain heaven. Line 6 Spider IV Edit software (a free download from Line6.com) is an editor/librarian for your Spider IV 75 tones. Bask in the glow of your computer while you edit presets, create backups, and even email tones to other Spider IV players. 

Over all the years I have been a guitarist I have never wanted an amp this bad. With this age of technology and genius ideas coming to the market so fast I can't wait to see what they'll come up with next. Until next week, keep on rocking and rolling on your guitar playing journey!

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