Tips, theory & technique
Practical articles on guitar technique, music theory, practice methods, and the thinking behind great playing — written by Werner Bonthuys.
30 November 2025
Think you don't like how something sounds on guitar? You might just not be good at it yet. Here's why that moment of discomfort is where real progress begins.
Read article →31 October 2025
If you've ever hit a wall in your guitar progress and couldn't figure out why, this might be the reason.
Read article →30 September 2025
Understand chord tension in a major key — learn how different chords create resolution, movement, and emotion to craft music that truly resonates.
Read article →31 August 2025
Master voice leading on guitar — learn how smooth chord transitions and melodic movement turn simple changes into flowing, expressive music.
Read article →31 July 2025
Unlock the power of altered dominants — learn how these chords add intensity, surprise, and sophistication to your jazz-influenced progressions and solos.
Read article →30 June 2025
Explore the magic of the blues — learn how tension, emotion, and the Minor Pentatonic scale create its distinctive grit, heartache, and expressive power.
Read article →31 May 2025
Explore the seven modes of the major scale and how each shapes emotion, mood, and creativity in music — from bright Ionian to dark Phrygian.
Read article →30 April 2025
Master secondary dominant chords — learn how they create tension, surprise, and smooth chord movement to make your progressions more dynamic.
Read article →31 March 2025
Discover the pentatonic scale — its history, major and minor forms, and how legendary guitarists use it to create iconic solos and unlock musical creativity.
Read article →28 February 2025
Learn how satisficing and maximizing guide your guitar journey — start with basics, build confidence, and refine skills for long-term mastery.
Read article →31 January 2025
Experience the pride of mastering your guitar — graded music exams guide you from challenging pieces to confident performance and personal musical growth.
Read article →31 December 2024
Six interconnected skills every guitarist needs — theory, technique, repertoire, sight-reading, ear training, and improvisation — and how they build on each other.
Read article →30 November 2024
Prepare for RSL music exams — learn what to expect, from performance and theory to technical exercises, song choice, and flexible video submissions.
Read article →31 October 2024
Learn guitar effectively — discover how planning, measuring, and adapting your practice helps you progress faster and get the most from each session.
Read article →30 September 2024
Approach new guitar pieces with confidence — follow a clear four-step process that makes learning each piece structured, manageable, and successful.
Read article →31 August 2024
Unlock your guitar potential — learn what to practice, how to structure sessions, set goals, and build a consistent routine for steady musical progress.
Read article →31 July 2024
Buying your first electric guitar involves more decisions than you might expect. Learn the key features — from body shape to pickups — and find the right guitar for how you want to play.
Read article →