I am enjoying FREEDOM from G.A.S. (Guitar Acquisition Syndrome) because I finally realized guitars are not here to comfort me; they are vehicles with which I express something about myself and my life.

Guitars are not here to energize me so much as I am here to energize them!   To express my energy through them.   In order to keep things in proper order, I need to be connected to an internal source of energy and to stop searching outside myself for that energy.

Granted, over the years, I’ve put together a fine assortment of guitars & amps.  I use them all in my job as a working player & teacher.  By resisting the eternal quest for the “perfect” guitar — “one more” never is — I’m enjoying the ones I already own like never before.

LN with Gibson Historic '59 ES-335

Focusing on small manageable bit of musical information – such as a two-bar phrase – and playing it at a slow tempo and in time; with a clear view of the strings and the     fingering involved; and with good & comfortable technique … then repeating that “musical cell” many times.  I find it very helpful at the same time to visualize the chords on which the “cell” is based on the fingerboard.

After many repetitions, execution of the phrase or fragment becomes “second nature” or what I call “owning it.”  To relieve monotony, try playing the phrase at positions     I thru XII up and down the neck and on as many “string groups” as possible.  For instance, if the phrase takes 3 adjacent strings to play, you can play it on strings 1-3; 2-4, 3-5, and 4-6.  After a while, when repetition and relaxation come together, good tone begins to emanate along with a feeling of confidence and accomplishment.

Practicing in this way day after day builds excellent technique and is very enjoyable.

Larry Newcomb Quartet The GARAGE JAZZ BRUNCH April 7, 2012; 12-4pm;  99 Seventh Avenue South just below Christopher St; NYC

Larry Newcomb Quartet The GARAGE JAZZ BRUNCH April 21, 2012; 12-4pm; 99 Seventh Avenue South just below Christopher St; NYC

Larry Newcomb Quartet The GARAGE JAZZ BRUNCH May 5, 2012; 12-4pm;   99 Seventh Avenue South just below Christopher St; NYC

Larry Newcomb Quartet The GARAGE JAZZ BRUNCH June 2, 2012; 12-4pm;   99 Seventh Avenue South just below Christopher St; NYC

Larry Newcomb Quartet The GARAGE JAZZ BRUNCH June 16, 2012; 12-4pm; 99 Seventh Avenue South just below Christopher St; NYC