ElectrikJam Podcast

Send us a message or question!Today we discuss...What happens when the most important member of your band passes away tragically? What do you do? Is it a good idea to continue with the original band name?Today we talk about the controversy surrounding Linkin park, what the band got wrong, and how other bands replaced a key member in a more...graceful fashion.Support the showJoin our Email Club HERE. No Spam, No Advertising. Just weekly guitar videos!

Send us a message or question!Today we discuss:England has political changes! Big ones!KDH drops the big Gibson Bomb. Kelan hit us up!Queens of The Stone Age cancel their tour, due to Josh Homme needing emergency surgery. Get well soon, Josh!Speaking of QOTSA... why don't we love the new album?The Gibson and Dean drama continues, with Dean possibly coming out on top.Fender knows how to market to the new generation of guitar players, just like Ibanez.THE GIBSON CD PLAYER!Fender Player II Series is amazing, and it the price is right for these MIM guitars.Why is the world weirder now?Main Episode Topic: Rick Beato Versus Anthony Fantano.Rick released a controversial video last week, and people went NUTS over the content. Almost everyone has made a comment about what Rick said, but Anthony Fantano had some fair replies in his video combating Rick's views. So who is right? What do you think, listeners? Do you think Beato is right, or Fantano? Maybe you are somewhere in between like us? Comment and let us know!Support the showJoin our Email Club HERE. No Spam, No Advertising. Just weekly guitar videos!

Send us a message or question!SPECIAL EPISODE!Today we discuss:Pedestrian weather? But for real...this heat wave is insane.Ice core samples? I swear we talk about guitars.Richard did not know that Queen did the Highlander soundtrack.Who inspired you to pick up the guitar for the first time? It may seem like a simple answer, but if you really think about it...your influences on guitar may run deeper than you think. Every generation has a different answer. You may prefer guitarists from the 70s or 80s if you are older. Every generation has a new guitar hero.But what matters to you? Does virtuosity and technical guitar inspire you? People like Steve Vai or the guys in Polyphia seem to be obvious answers for a lot of guitarists. But rhythm and soul go a long way as well. People like Josh Homme and Jack White are great guitar influences as well. Who is your favorite guitarist, and who inspired you to pick up the guitar and start playing? It may seem like an obvious answer, deceptively so!* Episode features the debut of Richard's Broken Smoke Alarm.Support the showJoin our Email Club HERE. No Spam, No Advertising. Just weekly guitar videos!

Send us a message or question!The Electrikjam Guitar Nerds Discuss:Country Chicken Pickin' is a complicated guitar technique!Mastodon/Brent Hinds uses a lot of Country and Blues in a Metal context, and the quality makes the band so unique.Check out West End Motel! It is an amazing palate cleanser for guitarists.New Country Music SUCKS and I am tired of pretending that it doesn't. Country music used to be a way to rebel against "the man". How did it devolve into Florida Georgia Line?I sent Richard some Rap-Country, he was offended.NAMM NEXT is the new summer event and is not a trade show anymore. NAMM is now just a winter event if you want to see actual guitars. We have a hunch as to why...We know how to fix NAMM.20 Tons of Metal is a non-stop concert on a cruise ship?Christopher talks about The Florida Music Festival in the mid-2000s...Richard talks about AI... AGAIN Christopher does Donald Trump.Main Topic: Reverb Scams are BACK!KDH has pointed out how Reverb scams are back in his recent video. We did some digging, and it is worse than you think. It is so easy to fall for these, so follow our advice before buying from Reverb! We go over how to purchase guitar gear safely.Would you like to have a guitar community totally different than any other social platform? Send us an email at [email protected] and let us know what features you would like!Support the showJoin our Email Club HERE. No Spam, No Advertising. Just weekly guitar videos!

Send us a message or question!NEWS:Katana Gen 3 Review is coming from Electrikjam, but we are taking our time with this amp. Should you go out and buy this amp? Well...Baking Terms work well when describing guitar tones?We both have broken brains for some reason.Cell Phone release dates are wild, man. Technology is always a couple of years ahead of what we see, which also applies to guitars and amp techBOSS is one of the most thoughtful amplifier companies, at least when it comes to updates.Marshall Amps has a new CEO, and he might be the end of the company. Will Marshall get into modeling and multi-fx? If they do, what will happen? Christopher knows, and it is not positive."Lifestyle Brands" are killing good industries in the music world.The Harley Benton ST Modern is an amazing guitar and can rival the bigger brands. This guitar can do EVERYTHING.Jazzmaster-shaped guitars are awesome, and we owe a lot to that design, especially when it comes to Shoegaze.Richard and Christopher are both ambidextrous?Smashing Pumpkins are a great band...but only for a few albums. The band also recently auditioned 15 THOUSAND guitar players.MAIN TOPIC: Spotify Is Destroying Artists"Music is basically free to make, why pay the artists?"Spotify is something we all look at as a very convenient app, allowing users to play any artists they want. But now that the company is huge, with tons of money...why are the artists not seeing any of that profit? How did Spotify get to this point?We have a solution to the artists' issues with Spotify, but we need Taylor Swift to help us out. Taylor, if you are listening...we have a proposition!Richard knows how to "hold it". Tune in next week!Support the showJoin our Email Club HERE. No Spam, No Advertising. Just weekly guitar videos!

Send us a message or question!This week we talk about:Richard and Christopher both have the sniffles.Children are germ farms.The new BOSS Katana Gen 3 has dropped, but how good is it compared to older generations? Should guitarists who already own a Katana switch to the Gen 3?The Boss Katana Cult? What is the difference between the BOSS katana models?Do the new Katana amplifiers support Sneaky Amps?Line 6 Catalyst CX: It is still unlike the Katana in every way.The new Pallbearer album is different but amazing.Is Google a sinister entity?Main Topic: Is AI A Threat To Music?It seems like AI is everywhere, and people have started to rely on it. While AI can be an amazing tool for production and menial tasks, it is NOT creative. But we have a sneaky suspicion about modern rock producers, and Rick Beato has even pointed it out in his videos. But AI does not have the ability to be relatable, or creative. In fact, AI might be plagiarizing some content creators. How is this legal, and better yet...how long until AI goes away?Support the showJoin our Email Club HERE. No Spam, No Advertising. Just weekly guitar videos!

Send us a message or question!Today We Discuss:Christopher & Richard talk about the weather for some reason.The new TONEX One is an amazing piece of gear for amplifier purists.Adam Jones using a stereo setup live? Is that one of his secrets? Richard made Adam Jones from TOOL mess up on stage.What is up with bathroom urinals at concerts and venues? Do you talk to people in the bathroom? Are you "that" guy?Main Topic This Week: Who Are the Best Music Producers in Rock & Metal?Rock and Metal production has definitely changed over the years, but how did we get where we are now? Christopher seems to think that modern production techniques really kicked off during the 70's with Boston's famous self-titled album. Join us for a dive into music history.From the Beatles to Wil Putney in modern times, producers make the "sound" of an album. Who are YOUR favorite producers? Leave a comment below or email us for a shout-out on air!If you are into recording yourself, check out our Mastering 101 Course! We explain how to get the best sound from your home studio without buying expensive plugins.Support the showJoin our Email Club HERE. No Spam, No Advertising. Just weekly guitar videos!

Send us a message or question!Today we discuss:Where have Coal Chamber been?!?! New Schecter Coal Chamber models just dropped, and they are super cool.Josh Fesse has been on EVERY album ever? Josh talked to Rick Beato about how he has replaced drummers in every genre over the years. He doesn't even know how many albums he has been on.Christopher worked on Christian Music? Check out our review of the Melvins Tarantula Heart Album! We talk about how the boys recorded this album, and it was a weird process.Richard still retains a vendetta against Metallica.Christopher is a huge 311 fan?Main Topic: Are Real Amps Dying Off?Christopher is a big fan of "Rig Rundown" and he is often disappointed when the bands are using digital rigs. Digital rigs like The Helix or AxeFX offer a lot of convenience, as well as consistency and longevity. But amps have a "sound" that is so far not possible to reproduce, especially in the studio.What do you think?Support the showJoin our Email Club HERE. No Spam, No Advertising. Just weekly guitar videos!

Send us a message or question!Happy Birthday, Richard!Today we have a special episode, where we talk about our favorite movie and video game soundtracks. We have a special guest today, Fran Mummert. She is Electrikjam's Pro photographer as well as a freelance artist.Christopher, Fran, and Richard all have a different view on what makes a soundtrack great, and today we go over the greats. From Hans Zimmer, to Mick Gordon!We discuss how a good soundtrack can elevate a good movie, whereas a bad soundtrack can bring down a decent film. But where does that magic come from?Why doesn't pop music work in modern productions? Does "new" music or TikTok trends work in a soundtrack context?What are some soundtracks that changed your life?Would you want to hear another episode on Mandela Effects in music? Let us know!Support the showJoin our Email Club HERE. No Spam, No Advertising. Just weekly guitar videos!

Send us a message or question!Today we discuss:Not much guitar news since Summer NAMM is right around the corner.Schecter re-releases the Black Ops line with an amazing single humbucker PT model. It comes in 6, 7, and 8 string variants. Richard loves Telecasters!Boards of Canada is a pretty cool band, and we revisit them.Old-school analog recording equipment is back in style! Lots of producers have started trying to emulate tape, and it is pretty cool!Recording a band actually playing live, not snapped to the grid, is an experience these days. The BPM changes, and humanity is something unrivaled even today.Main Topic:Is using backing tracks live ok? How far should that go? Today we take a look at some bands that tastefully use backing tracks But there are also some serious offenders, and some bands are even miming on stage. But which bands are not actually performing their music? Link to Fin from WINGS OF PEGASUS who helped out our episode today. Thank you, Fin!  His video explaining the topic is HERE. Give his video a like, and check out his other "detective" videos.Support the showJoin our Email Club HERE. No Spam, No Advertising. Just weekly guitar videos!

Send us a message or question!This Week We Discuss:Richard is always late, and his child destroys watermelons in public for no reason.Rick Beato Interviews Danny Carey from TOOL: What an eye-opening interview with an absolute legend of a drummer! Danny has played with so many famous guitarists and artists over the years, it is hard not to be jealous.How much can two guys talk about the band TOOL? Who is the bass player in Coldplay?Bob Ludwig: Famous studio engineer and producer has "Golden Ears". He can hear the rattle from a screw on a drum in the mix! He has worked with some amazing guitarists and solo artists over the years.Can you insure your ears?Are Gen X easier to adapt to the world and music technology? More conditioned maybe?We plug our Mastering Course again, and Christopher goes into detail about our guide. Getting started with mastering is not hard! Learn how to master tracks for free!The Eagles use backing tracks live, for everything.Every Guitar Company is Upgrading?With Epiphone starting the "Inspired by Gibson" line, and PRS Guitars stepping up their S2 line, where are "affordable" guitar trends heading? Will Epiphone still offer the staples, like the Les Paul Standard? Are the new "intermediate" level guitars going to be forever locked into the $1500 bracket? Getting a good guitar has never been easier, and we go over why these upgrades might be justified. the market for guitars is changing drastically.#guitar #guitarplayers #guitarnews #guitarpedals #guitarpickupsSupport the showJoin our Email Club HERE. No Spam, No Advertising. Just weekly guitar videos!

Send us a message or question!This week we discuss:Christopher has authored a course on mastering for beginners, which you can find on Electrikjam.com. Learn how to master songs with free plugins! Check it out here: Audio Mastering 101: Learn How To Master Your Music Like A ProElectrikjam was always supposed to be about guitar education, not entertainment, and we are finally getting there!Guitar Max Carlisle (Glenn Danzig's Brother) sent us into a frenzy to test our guitars for LEAD! That's right, some of those cheaper guitars have lead in the frets, paint, and even plastics! You need to check your guitars if they are a lesser-known brand.Proposition 65: This is about poisoning and you probably have seen it on your guitars, but that refers to sanding metals and inhaling it, or Nitro lacquer...not actual LEAD poisoning.Ola Englund & Solar Guitars Release a New Finish: Solar Guitars have a new real "Metal" finish, where the metal oxidizes over time! How cool!John Cusack looks just like Bruce Springsteen. The Boss is getting a great Biopic soon.Local manufacturing of guitars, and literally everything matters.Main Topic: Import Guitars in The USA and PatriotismImport guitars have never been more popular, but they often came with a stigma of not being from "Merica!". Is that stigma finally starting to dissipate with the new generations? Is "Made in The USA" and old concept that no longer matters?Import guitars are becoming better, but there is still a stigma about it.#guitars #guitarplayers #guitarnews #guitarsolo #guitarnerds #rockmusicSupport the showJoin our Email Club HERE. No Spam, No Advertising. Just weekly guitar videos!

Send us a message or question!* Listener Discretion Advised!* Mentions detailed accounts, including a court case that involved self-harm and drug use. Also mentions history and counter-culture like the band Mayhem and the Black-Metal movement. Today's special episode talks about the Occult and the effect it has had on Rock and Metal music over the decades. Beginning with Robert Johnson selling his soul in a Faustian deal to become a great musician, all the way to modern-day music.We dig into the "Satanic Panic" of the 80's and the backlash it caused in the music industry. But still, bands like Slayer and TOOL use "scary" imagery for shock value and they were considered dangerous back then! But is heavy music "dangerous" anymore? Was heavy music EVER really dangerous? Tipper Gore certainly thought it was dangerous and started the "Parental Advisory" stickers on Albums in the 1980's.Is it all marketing? Is it all just to cause an uproar? Why does scary stuff go hand-in-hand with Metal music?Today we use the Occult, New Age, and science, to discuss and break down how these beliefs have affected music over the years, for better or worse. #guitar #satanicpanic #80smetal #Roberjohnson #thecrossroads #scary #spooky #history #religion #heavymetal #toolband Support the showJoin our Email Club HERE. No Spam, No Advertising. Just weekly guitar videos!

Send us a message or question!Join our EMAIL LIST! It is free, and the community is growing. No spam, just guitar stuff! Stay in the loop, as we have big plans to announce soon!This week, the Electrikjam.com staff talks about...Sleep Token: The newest masked metal band! Do we like them, or do we think they are possible industry plants, milking the metal scene?The Katana GO: After the review, it was very hard for Christopher to give this device back. What a great guitar accessory! Check out our review HERE. This is a practice tool for every guitarist.Where did our theme song come from?BOSS does not advertise their guitar products much, do they?Richard continues to have a hazy memory, unfortunately.The internet follows your every move, and maybe you should take that into account. Constant advertising is a REAL problem.  This leads us to our main topic...*Will You Ever Find The Perfect Guitar?*We have all been there before...haven't we? You have looked at every guitar on a website or Reverb. You are taking in all the specs, and all of the features of every guitar. But is it just GAS, like we discussed last week?There is no perfect guitar that will change your playing or your style. A nice guitar may make you want to practice more, but will it change your guitar style? Tools do not make you a better artist.But if gear doesn't give you "tone" or style, what counts out at the end of the day? How many guitars do you need to run a studio? What do you actually need? At what point are you no longer a guitarist, but an investor? A consumer?This wraps up our last few episodes about marketing, and how it has affected the guitar community during the internet age. We address the culture of "showing off" and why you should probably worry more about practicing guitar.Most famous artists that you look up to, do not worry about chasing the perfect guitar. They find what works, and make music! The guitar that you need might be sitting right next to you. If the guitar stays in tune and makes sound, you have everything you need to make your art. Next week will be a SPECIAL episode, with only one topic.Support the showJoin our Email Club HERE. No Spam, No Advertising. Just weekly guitar videos!

Send us a message or question!Visit Electrikjam.com for the FREE Guitar Modes Course, which we mention at the end. Just sign up, and you get free mode diagrams for tablets, phones, or desktops!Today we talk about:The Dave Grohl Epiphone Problem: Shipping issues, broken headstocks, and cracked finishes galore! What has happened with these guitars? Epiphone has NO response.Sweet Water and Glamour Shot Guitar Photos?Cell Phone Issues: We are highly unprofessional...well, Richard is.Shipping Guitars is Difficult.The Line 6 POD Express: This is an awesome piece of gear, and we recently reviewed it. If you want to read our review, Click HERE. This podcast was the week before the review.The Problem With Guitar Plugins: Spoiler: It is the latency. This is a big issue, and the professionals are starting to notice.Tidal Should Sponsor Us: Christopher has been buying CDs again, since streaming sucks. Tidal is better quality, and works with young bands.Richard Only Had 3 CDs In His Car A Decade Ago: What were they?Older Guitar Amp Sims Were BAD.The "Perpetually Online Guitar Player"...when are you actually playing?The Future is A Dystopia...maybe.Baritone Guitars?DUNE was a cool movie, and that brings us to....Main Topic:"Gear Acquisition Syndrome (G.A.S), also known as Guitar Acquisition Syndrome, is a chronic condition that affects many guitarists who play for long enough. It's the urge to buy and own instruments and equipment, even when the latest gadgets are just a click away. Musicians may believe that this will lead to creative energy and happiness, but GAS can also lead to spending money on gear that is not needed."Our opinion?  If you spend more time playing your guitar than worrying about your gear then you will be: A lot happierA lot richer $$$A much better guitar playerBut being content does not sell guitars. Consumerism at its finest, right? Learn to love your gear!#guitar #guitarist #beginnerguitarist #consumerism #philosophy #guitarsolo #guitarplayer #Gibsonguitars #Fender #Strandberg Support the showJoin our Email Club HERE. No Spam, No Advertising. Just weekly guitar videos!

Send us a message or question!Today we talk about:The new Dave Grohl Epiphone Model, and how scarce it is!What is the net worth of your favorite Rock stars? TOOL? Metallica? Iron Maiden? Ghost? Who is worth the most in the music industry?How do you make money in a band these days?Does Natural Talent exist?This is a big topic, and we look at it from different angles. While Christopher thinks that talent is the result of hard work, can Richard sway his opinion? Where do creative ideas come from? Is it genetic? Today we explore every avenue of talent. There is science behind talent, but there is also an esoteric aspect that cannot be defined. From Jimi Hendrix, Prince, Billie Eilish to Eddie Van Halen... who has "natural" talent?IS IT MAGIC?! The Subconscious?#guitar #musicproduction #production #talented #music #beginnerguitarist Support the showJoin our Email Club HERE. No Spam, No Advertising. Just weekly guitar videos!

Send us a message or question!Today we take a look at how guitar products, and even guitars themselves, have never been more affordable. The same can be said for recording equipment, and all of the DAW plugins on the market. Everything is much easier now, right?But do you REALLY need it? Join us to explore the future-present, where you can have a million guitar gadgets. But do these tools actually help you? or are they more of a distraction?Visit Electrikjam.com to see reviews, gear news, and recording tips.#guitar #beginnerguitarists #recording #music #guitarplayers Support the showJoin our Email Club HERE. No Spam, No Advertising. Just weekly guitar videos!

Send us a message or question!This week we discuss guitar price hikes across all brands, but especially Epiphone. The new Epiphone lineup includes an Adam Jones model, and even a Dave Grohl signature guitar that has been a long time coming. These new models use Gibson parts, and cost a little more than your usual Epiphone guitar, but have a proper "open book" headstock.Speaking of Adam Jones...do you like TOOL?Schecter also has seen a few price hikes, as South Korea steps up as the new leader in production guitars. Sullivan King and Keith Merrow have new Schecter signature guitars, and the price is finally catching up with the quality of these instruments. The quality of a fine wine from Maynard's vineyard... the singer for TOOL.But that conversation doesn't last long, because our fearless guitar nerd hosts start rambling about the band TOOL for most of the episode. We discuss the lore around the band, and what makes TOOL so enigmatic. As always, check out Electrikjam.com for some cool news and reviews (and lots of articles about TOOL)#tool #toolband #guitar #guitars #guitarist #guitarists #guitarsolo #guitarpedal #guitarpedals #guitarlife #guitarlove #electricguitar #electricguitars #guitargear Support the showJoin our Email Club HERE. No Spam, No Advertising. Just weekly guitar videos!

Send us a message or question!Today Christopher and Richard take a look at what makes a song great, and memorable. Chris and Rich explore their favorite albums, production techniques, and how songs can make their mark on you for life.Chris also challenges RICK BEATO to a Pay-Per-View  fight if Rick is feeling feisty over our choice of words. Does Rick own "What Makes This Song Great?"We tackle the issues with Positive Grid, and the new SPARK LIVE amplifier series, as well as the difference between digital and analog guitar amps.Check out Electrikjam's article about using plugins, and dialing in your interface. The subject is touched on during the episode, but you can get the full details HERE.#electrikjam #guitar #guitars #guitarist #guitarists #guitarsolo   #electricguitar #electricguitars #guitargear #rickbeatoSupport the showJoin our Email Club HERE. No Spam, No Advertising. Just weekly guitar videos!

Send us a message or question!Exploring the mind of a professional guitar tech, builder, and pedal designer!Today we talk shop with David Ross, designer of the Spellbook Pedal, as well as a master guitar tech and builder. We have done some reviews on David's innovative pedals, and today he shares some valuable guitar knowledge with us!We also discuss why beginner guitarists need a good guitar tech, as well as our opinions on build-quality and guitar brands. Check out David on Facebook, and on his Official Site. If you are in the New York area, check out the services David has to offer.Our demo of the INSANE Spell Book Fuzz Pedal mentioned in the podcast.#davidrossmusicalinstruments #electrikjam #guitar #guitars #guitarist #guitarists #guitarsolo David Ross Musical InstrumentsLuthier & Pedal Designer: Upstate NYDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showJoin our Email Club HERE. No Spam, No Advertising. Just weekly guitar videos!

Send us a message or question!Join us on our Reddit community, and post whatever you like about guitars and gear! We are trying to grow the forum, and you can post pics of your guitars, or ask us questions there. Stop by and say hello! Today we talk about:NAMM 2024: It was a little disappointing for us. We talk about why.Iconic Guitars vs BC Rich: We cover the full story, and give you the facts. If you want to read the article and see the interview with Iconic Guitars, click HERE for the full story. This may be the final nail in the coffin for BC Rich Guitars.Is Tonewood A Myth? We take a very nuanced look at the tonewood debate when it comes to electric guitars. Does it factor into how your guitar sounds? If it does, just how much does the tonewood affect your sound?This debate is as old as the internet, and we have decided to tackle it the best we can. You may be surprised at our conclusion!As always, thanks for listening, we will be having guests this month, so stay tuned! #electrikjam #guitar #guitars #guitarist #guitarists #guitarsolo #guitarpedal Support the showJoin our Email Club HERE. No Spam, No Advertising. Just weekly guitar videos!

Send us a message or question!Favorite Albums of 2023: This week we talk about our favorite albums from 2023. You can see Christopher's list on Electrikjam.com by clicking HERE. While he had some interesting picks for the best albums, Richard has his own opinions.SUGAR HORSE was our #1 pick for new albums, and we talk about what we love about this band. You should check out their new album "Truth Or Consequences, New Mexico". They may just be your new favorite band! MGK's New Schecter Guitar: We discuss the discourse surrounding the new MGK Signature Schecter Guitars. This has been a hot topic in the guitar community, but we think we know why Schecter Guitars pulled this move, and it was smart.Are Amazon Guitars Any Good? We take a look at these super-affordable guitars found on Amazon, and give you a different perspective than the influencers. We have had hands-on experience, and you might be surprised with our findings. We can save you some $$$...and potential headaches.Join us on Reddit! We are trying to grow the community, and we would love to hear from listeners, and fans of our website. Check out our profile HERE.#guitar #guitars #guitarist #guitarists #guitarsolo #guitarpedal #guitarpedals Support the showJoin our Email Club HERE. No Spam, No Advertising. Just weekly guitar videos!

Send us a message or question!This week, we take a deep dive into recording contracts, and how artists have to navigate the post-internet landscape. Can you make money these days as a guitarist? How have recording contracts changed over the last few years? How did artists get signed in the past compared to today? We also talk about:The Gibson Modern Lite Guitar: Did we predict the future?PRS Guitars Have Some Blowout Prices!The Fender Tonemaster PRO: Hopefully guitarists get some DLC in the future.The Adam Jones Flying V: Collectors only need apply.Support the showJoin our Email Club HERE. No Spam, No Advertising. Just weekly guitar videos!

Send us a message or question!Today we talk about the latest news in the world of guitar.  Today we discus:Are studios ditching real amps for amplifier sims?What is going on with PRS Guitars?New Fender Tonemaser: Does it suck?But our main focus is on Gibson Guitars. As a "heritage company" and a high-level lifestyle brand, has Gibson lost touch with their players? We also discuss the recent quality control issues and lawsuits that Gibson has been facing.Support the showJoin our Email Club HERE. No Spam, No Advertising. Just weekly guitar videos!