Episodes
In 2019, Fender released a study claiming that 90% of guitarists quit within 1 year... Karl and Pickup team member, Kerri Stewart, sit down to discuss their top tips for beginner guitarists. From must-know technique tips, to prioritizing rhythm over perfection, to the psychology of practicing, there's a lot of topics covered! Kerri Stewart is an LA-based guitarist and educator. She's toured all over the world with artists like Dylan Gardener, Alex Lahey and pop superstar Conan Gray. Kerri...
Published 04/20/24
Karl and Sam discuss the pros and cons of learning jazz. Jazz Learning Pathway with Pickup Music https://www.pickupmusic.com/master-classes/jazz-bootcamp In this 8-week program, Cecil Alexander and Sam Blakelock will show you how to navigate the world of jazz rhythm and lead playing. You'll leave this Learning Pathway with the skills to solo over any jazz standard using advanced vocabulary. Diana Krall Live in Paris with Anthony Wilson Deed I DoJoe Pass: Virtuoso Night and DayWes...
Published 04/05/24
Published 04/05/24
Karl sits down with Los Angeles based vocal coach Savannah Wilder. Savannah shares her top tips for breath work, warm-ups, and how she believes anyone can learn to sing! Then Karl and Savannah discuss their respective journeys with developing singing and playing coordination. So sit back and enjoy or... warm-up those pipes and sing along! It's time for another episode of the Pickup Music Pod. Savannah Wilder: https://www.instagram.com/sav.wilder?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Savannah's vocal studio:...
Published 03/22/24
In today's episode, Karl and Sam sit down with Dr. Molly Miller and discuss the CAGED system, what makes it so effective, and how to use it to break out of the Intermediate plateau!
Published 03/08/24
Take a deep dive into the music theory of chords and scales. You'll learn how to know exactly what scale to play over any chord in a key.
Published 02/17/24
Welcome to Season 2! Sam and Karl share their favorite solos from some mind blowing guitarists. We talk about: Arianna Powell Liam KevanyJosh Ray Gooch Ichika MoCecil AlexanderLawrence Joneshttps://www.pickupmusic.com/
Published 01/27/24
Sam and Karl give you a simple framework for improving your playing. You'll learn how to think about your guitar playing by wearing either a harmon, rhythm or melody hat.
Published 01/16/24
Is the trick to achieving your guitar goals... to not have guitar goals? This week, Sam and Karl take a deep dive into the concepts taught by James Clear in his best-selling book, Atomic Habits. The four main topics of discussion are: The power of 1% changes over timeScrew goals, focus on systemsIdentity change is the north star of habit change4 laws of habit changeThey apply each of these to guitar learning and share insights into their own (never-ending) guitar journey.
Published 01/06/24
Feeling stuck in your guitar journey? For this special holiday monopod, Sam walks you through the top four problems guitarist hit which holds back their progress, and how to solve them. You don’t have a consistent practice routineYou learn with you your eyes, not your earsInefficient practicingYour rhythm is weakTake your guitar skills to the next level with Pickup Music by starting your 14-day free trial today.
Published 12/22/23
Did Adam Neeley and Andrew Huang correctly decode Christmas music? Sam and Karl take a deep dive into what makes christmas music... christmas music. Learn holiday songs on guitar with a free 14 day trial. Sign up today. Sam's four core Christmas characteristics: Tin Pan Alley Jazz harmonySwing feelBellsChristmas lyricsThe more of these a song has, the higher chance Santa is about to arrive down your chimney. -- Listen to Karl's holiday playlist -- Andew Huang Youtube video Adam Neely YouTube...
Published 12/16/23
Can you play Little Wing by Jimi Hendrix? What does 57% swing feel like? Is your vibrato a nervous habit? This week, Sam and Karl discuss 6 things every intermediate guitarist should know! Take your guitar skills to the next level with Pickup Music by starting your 14-day free trial today.
Published 12/08/23
What do you do when grandma tells everyone you're a rockstar at the family reunion and asks you to perform? Are you ready to step into the spotlight? In this episode, Karl sits down with Kyle Sparkman (Head of Community at Pickup) to chat about how to stay cool when performing in front of others. They discuss the importance of being prepared, tips to perform at your best, and how filming yourself practicing can help you become a better performer. Take your guitar skills to the next level with...
Published 12/01/23
This week, Sam sits down with LA-based touring and session guitarist, Donnie Laudicina to chat about what it takes to make a living playing guitar and mastering your craft. Donnie Laudicina is a touring and session guitarist based in Los Angeles, CA. He has performed and recorded with artists around the world, including Ashe, DPR Ian, Willie Jones, Aaron Lindsey, Justin Bernardez, Grace Gaustad, Cody Dear and more. Years of experience in the industry have allowed him the opportunity to...
Published 11/24/23
Today, Sam and Karl chat about the biggest mistake most guitarists make: not working on your sense rhythm and pocket. They're joined by Los Angeles-based touring and session guitarist, Donnie Laudicina who shares tips on how you can sharpen your rhythm skills. Topics covered: – Metronome tips – How to practice time feel – How to lock in with a live band – Tips to play like Cory Wong Looking to make guitar gains? Get daily practice plans with step-by-step lessons so you know exactly how to...
Published 11/18/23
In this episode, Karl sits down with GRAMMY-winning session guitarist and bandleader, Andrew Synowiec. Andrew has played on iconic films and tv shows like Frozen, Coco, Spider Man, Mission Impossible, The Simpsons, The Walking Dead, and many more. He’s also performed or recorded with artists like The Who, Alanis Morissette, Lil Nas X, Robbie Robertson, Ariana Grande, Michael Bublé, Elton John, Giorgio Moroder, Carole King, and Marc Anthony just to name a few... Andrew provides insight into...
Published 11/11/23
On today's pod Karl sits one more time with UK based guitar teacher Jack Handyside to talk about how to get the most out of Jam sessions. Pickup Music Members get access to the 10 minute warmup. Start your free trial today
Published 11/04/23
On this week's pod Karl sits with UK based guitar teacher Jack Handyside to talk about the art (and the business) of teaching guitar including its ups and downs, plus their opinion on the future of guitar education. Start your free trial to Pickup Music.
Published 10/27/23
Ever wondered how pro guitarists like Mateus Asato or Cory Wong warm up on guitar? This week, Karl walks us through a fun project he's been working on; The Ultimate 10 Minute Warmup. Pickup Music Members get access to the 10 minute warmup. Start your free trial today
Published 10/20/23
Guitarist and pedal steel player Dan Kalisher (Noah Cyrus, Grace Potter, Don Felder) shares insights on the six areas to develop as a musician and how imagination and uniqueness might be the most important tool in mastering your skills.
Published 10/14/23
On today's episode Nick Campbell (Scary Pockets, Charlie Puth, Vulfpeck) shares his thoughts and experiences on how he transitioned from being a guitar player to a bass player, how to learn music fast and the life on the road.
Published 10/07/23
Sam and Karl chat about our new Bass for Guitarists Learning Pathway with Jonathan Colman. You'll learn how to get started playing bass by applying what you know on guitar.
Published 09/30/23
Learn how to improve your groove and time feel with pro Los Angeles bass player Corbin Jones. What to go deeper? Take the Groove Learning Pathway with Pickup Music funk up your rhythm and lock into the groove.
Published 09/22/23
This week, you'll learn about the 5 T's of guitar; Touch, Tone, Timing, and .... 'Tude.Want to break out of the intermediate plateau? Take the Intermediate Learning Pathway with Pickup Music. Try for free today.Correction: Nicklas Myhre is from Norway!
Published 09/15/23