BLOGS

Guitar Pedal Workshop

On November 2nd, Danny J Ricardo, a seasoned guitar instructor with over 30 years of experience, led a workshop at Mint Music on using guitar effects pedals. The session aimed to address the common struggle many guitarists face in understanding the basics of effects pedals, beyond what’s often covered in online tutorials. Danny broke down essential concepts like signal flow, amplification, and pedal functions to help students grasp these fundamentals. He also demonstrated a variety of effects with his guitar setup, showcasing everything from subtle chorus to heavy delay, along with some unique pedals like the EVH Phase 90 and Digitech Flanger.

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Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving in Canada blends Indigenous and European traditions, celebrating family gatherings and traditional meals. While the holiday can sometimes spark family tensions, its true heart lies in gratitude. This blog encourages readers to explore the deeper significance of thankfulness, highlighting the value of community and shared experiences. It invites us to recognize the interconnectedness of life by finding joy in the simple blessings around us. By embracing a positive mindset we can appreciate and amplify the positive experiences that shape and define our experience.

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an oud, viewed from the bridge up the neck

The Oud: A Journey Through Time and Culture

Characterized by its fretless design and ability to play microtones the oud holds significant cultural importance in Middle Eastern music. As an ancestor of the guitar, the oud’s evolution influenced various musical traditions across the Arab world and Europe. In this blog article we explore the origins of the oud, how it contributed to the development of the modern guitar and its role in contemporary society today. Explore the sounds and history of the distinctive instrument with links to videos of Mint Music’s own Oud teacher, Manar Naheem, her contemporaries and some of the greatest Oud players of all time.

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A metallic finished green guitar on a table with parts and accessories around it

Why Every Guitar Needs Their Bi-Annual Setup

Since the origins of the modern guitar, (generally traced to the 14th century Guitarra Latina from Spain), the instrument has stood and continues to stand as both a tool and companion for countless artists. From intimate acoustic melodies to thundering electric riffs, the guitar in popular music has provided the musical soundtrack for individual and collective cultural experiences.

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Practice Tips for the Adult Music Student by Klaus Anselm

In my experience as an adult learner and teacher I have found through trial and error a couple of ways to make practice fun and fruitful.
As an adult learner I have often found the frustration of knowing where I want to go but not having the patience to take the road to get there a barrier.

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