Clang & Clatter

Here’s Dave Grohl at the Guitar World studios talking about the creative process of songwriting and how he works the riffs into full-blown songs. It’s no surprise to find out that some of his riffs come from rhythmic patterns revolving around the drum beat. What does surprise me is how simple it all seems once he starts to break the songs apart into individual pieces and explains how he arrived at each place. Listening to him makes me realize that:

1. I need to spend more time with a guitar in my hands without worrying about practicing or getting better or creating something, and

B. Once I hit on something cool, work it out and beat it to death until something good comes out of it.

Oh, and stop trying to make things so dadgummed complicated.

Ty Tabor sits down with Guitar World to demonstrate how he plays King’s X classics “Dogman,” “It’s Love,” “Goldilox,” and “Lost in Germany.” He also discusses tunings, song and riff inspirations, how playing in a band with 12-string bass affects his EQ choices, and his amazement at the longevity his band has enjoyed.

This particular set of clips may not the best representation of his playing, but Ty is one of those guys that makes the guitar look easy, especially in a live setting. His note choices and phrasing are normally impeccable, and I don’t think you could meet a nicer, more humble musician anywhere. And while I’m not a big fan of the lower tunings he has been using since the Please Come Home…Mr. Bulbous days, I’m really digging the tone he’s getting out of his custom Guilford guitars, Duncan P-Rails, and his amps and effects.

Enjoy this inside look of one of my favorite guitarists, and if you enjoy this sort of thing, head on over to GuitarWorld.com and take a look at some of their other video lessons.