Ask the Expert – how can I stop my plectrum/pick slipping?

By Andy@Musicademy | April 30, 2009

  Mike WIlliams asks: “I often have a problem keeping hold of my pick/plectrum, which tends to slip around between my thumb and forefinger. This doesn’t do much for the sound or my nerves, and isn’t very helpful when the pick pings inside the guitar. I’m not particularly good but bold enough to play for […]

Worship Leaders, You’re Killing Us – guest post from Mike Sessler

By Mike Sessler | April 29, 2009

    The scene repeats itself over and over again every weekend–perhaps even in your church. It’s worship time, and the band is rockin’. The congregation is completely caught up in the worship experience. Eschewing hymnals as old-fashioned, the words are projected on 2 large screens above the stage. As the worship leader looks out […]

Ask the Expert – Getting the riff to work in I’ve Found Jesus

By Andy@Musicademy | April 27, 2009

Steve Slaughter sent us this question: “How does Stu G make the notes “stand out” in that riff of the chorus of I’ve Found Jesus? (Covered in disk 2 of the Musicademy Intermediate Worship Guitar Course) I’ve got the two chords of E and A that he’s playing and I know that he hammers on […]

Ask the Expert – Recommendations on bass guitar strings

By Andy@Musicademy | April 22, 2009

Adrian Eley from Derby in the UK asks: “I have been playing bass guitar for about a year and I am now starting to look a little deeper into the sound I can get from the guitar. I have been told there are four different types of bass guitar strings. What are the pro’s and con’s of these […]

Free Webinar with Dan Wilt

By Marie@Musicademy | April 21, 2009

Its short notice but we’ve just heard about a free webinar with Dan Wilt, Director of the Institute of Contemporary and Emerging Worship Studies at St Stephens University, New Brunswick Canada. Dan runs live courses that many of the well known worship leaders (Brian Doerksen, Brenton Brown, Kathryn Scott, Tim Hughes, David Ruis etc) have […]

Using a capo to play guitar in awkward keys

By Andy@Musicademy |

Substitute Chords – part 10 (the last part!) We’ve now looked at 9 ideas for using substitute chords as an acoustic guitarist to add interest, strength and beauty to your sound. In this last post let’s bring it all together and use those shapes for playing in awkward, non guitar friendly keys. So far we’ve looked at playing […]

Worship Backing Band – Musicians Practice Tracks – New DVD Launched

By Marie@Musicademy | April 15, 2009

Would you like to practice playing worship songs with a pro band? 54 practice backing tracks on DVD with animated on-screen lyrics and chord charts. Select any song without either vocals, drums (click included), electric guitars, bass or keys and play along! Worshipfully produced by world class Christian musicians like Ben Cantelon, Paul Evans, Marc […]

Get your mitts on a free album – this week only

By Marie@Musicademy |

  Here’s a real treat. We’ve got a free album for you. Our multi talented friend Kris Morris, who was also the designer of our new website, has just released a new album – I Think We Both Know. Full of soulful songs about life, love and faith – produced and played by the Weeks brothers. […]