"The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way." — Marcus Aurelius When my students first encounter the challenges of alternate picking, many feel overwhelmed by the seeming impossibility of coordinating their picking hand with speed and precision. Yet, as the Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius reminds us, obstacles aren't barriers to progress—they are the very path to mastery itself. Every moment of frustration with alternate picking is an o

"It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that they are difficult." — Seneca Just as the Stoic philosopher Seneca reminds us that mastery begins with courage, understanding the flattened 7th resolution requires us to venture beyond the familiar territory of basic guitar theory. This seemingly complex harmonic concept—once understood—becomes one of the most powerful tools in your musical arsenal. Understanding the Magic Behind Hi

The Impediment to Action Advances Action. What Stands in the Way Becomes the Way." This Stoic principle from Marcus Aurelius perfectly captures the essence of Mastodon's "Teardrinker"—a song about confronting pain, regret, and the difficult choices that shape us. The title itself evokes the Stoic practice of acknowledging suffering whilst finding strength through adversity. Just as the Stoics taught that obstacles reveal our character and provide opportunities for growth, "Te

"Some things are within our power, whilst others are not. Within our power are opinion, motivation, desire, aversion, and, in a word, whatever is of our own doing; not within our power are our body, our property, reputation, office, and, in a word, whatever is not of our own doing."  — Epictetus, Enchiridion As a guitarist, you cannot control natural talent, the speed of your progress, or how quickly concepts "click." But you can  control your focus, your practice approach, a

"Some things are within our power, whilst others are not." - Epictetus, Enchiridion, Chapter I Transform Your Soloing from Technical Exercise to Musical Expression In the opening chapter of his Enchiridion , the Stoic philosopher Epictetus presents a profound truth: we must distinguish between what we can control and what we cannot. This ancient wisdom holds remarkable relevance for guitarists seeking to master improvisation. What lies within your control: Your dedication to

"You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength."  - Marcus Aurelius Just as the Stoic...

As Epictetus wisely taught us in the Enchiridion: "Every art and every inquiry, and similarly every action and pursuit, is thought to aim...

"What we do now echoes in eternity." - Marcus Aurelius Just as the Stoic philosophers understood that mastery comes through disciplined...

Having your guitar properly maintained is essential for optimal playability and sound quality. As a guitar teacher in Boston, I've...

"First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do." — Epictetus This Stoic principle perfectly captures the...

"The chief task in life is simply this: to identify and separate matters so that I can say clearly to myself which are externals not...

"We should not, like sheep, follow the herd of creatures in front of us, making our way where others go, not where we ought to go." —...

"Remember that everything is but what we think it ."  - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book II, 15 "The impediment to action advances...

In a city once known for its vibrant music scene, Boston's professional musicians now face an uphill battle to earn a living wage. As a...

3 Easy Guitar Songs with First Position Chords: A Beginner's Guide Are you just starting your guitar journey? Learning to play your first...