Ep033 - Easy Octave Upgrades

In this episode of GTRNRD, Andy Schneider explores the concept of octaves and how they can be an easy upgrade to your guitar playing. Octaves can make riffs sound fuller, melodies clearer, and bass lines more authoritative. Andy breaks down the simplicity and impact of using octaves, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced players. Andy demonstrates how to find and play octaves on the guitar, using his trusty 1957 Silvertone hollow body. He explains the basic concept of an octave, which is the distance between one musical pitch and another with the same note name, but higher or lower in pitch. Andy guides listeners through playing octaves on the guitar, starting with the G note on the low E string and moving through different positions on the fretboard. The episode also touches on advanced techniques, such as playing double stops (two notes at the same time) and shifting melodies up or down an octave to add spice and interest. Andy encourages listeners to experiment with these techniques to enhance their solos and melodies. For those interested in diving deeper into music theory, Andy recommends his books "Guitar Theory Nuts and Bolts" and "Bass Guitar Theory Nuts and Bolts," available at SceneMusicBooks.com. These books offer a practical approach to music theory with clear diagrams and exercises. Andy also highlights the use of octaves by legendary guitarist Wes Montgomery and modern pianist Norah Jones, showcasing the versatility and impact of octaves in music. Listeners are encouraged to experiment with octaves in their playing and to check out the next episode, which will focus on walking basslines. Andy emphasizes the importance of getting your music out into the world and the role octaves can play in that journey.