Cameron Mizell

Summer of 2008. That’s when I first started working on Tributary. Preview the title track here.

Here are some tips for beginners who are learning an instrument for the first time. Although I’m writing with guitar students in mind, I believe these concepts can help relieve some of the frustration that comes with learning any instrument.

Back in 2004, before I came to NYC, I recorded my two bands in Indiana–an 8 piece funk band called The Eddie Goza 7, my jazz trio. You can download the album for free over at Bandcamp.

Have a listen to one of the new tracks from Tributary entitled “Swell.” I’ve posted it over on my Tumblr blog.

Being among the first to adapt to a new idea can either be a huge advantage or a huge waste of time. Adapting to a new idea after everyone else is almost always a huge waste of time.

Since returning from Nashville I’ve finally been able to really get my head around the nearly 50 gigabytes of music Brad, Kenneth and I recorded at Seaside Lounge last September.

Writing music for the guitar, just like any other instrument, is an acquired skill. Since most composers and arrangers don’t play guitar, they simply don’t understand the limitations of the instrument. Many people write music at a piano, but a straight piano part does not typically translate well to the guitar. However, if you learn a few tricks, you can turn virtually any piano accompaniment into music for the guitar.

Every week, I look at people’s How To blogs about marketing yourself online. It’s not all bad advice, but most of the time it’s theoretical. Here’s a little story, just one example, of how this stuff should work.

Last November, Lauren and I went down to Nashville for a few shows and meetings. It was a really productive trip and we knew we needed to go back, so we booked a show and made plans to work with a team of producers we met the first time around. Things didn’t go exactly as planned, but we still had a good trip.

I’m not sure if it’s my distaste of digital multi-effects pedals or my lack of a gym membership, but I have come to terms with the fact that I will be dragging around a heavy pedalboard for the rest of my roadie-less career as an electric guitarist. In the past I’ve given mobility higher priority than durability, yet as careful as I tried to be, the board took a beating and fell apart. So for the latest edition of my effects rig, I decided to go with something heavy duty and easily customized.