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GALLERY: Summer NAMM 2016 Day 1

Here's a taste of the gear we came across during the first day of Summer NAMM, with tone toys from Fender, Seymour Duncan, Bullhead Amplification, and more.

Fender Mustang

Though the Mustang never really left the Fender line (several special editions and Modern Player versions have come and gone in recent years) this new version unveiled at ‪NAMM‬ is the first standard Fender 'Stang in a while. There are a few deviations from vintage spec--most notably the hard tail bridge. But they feel slinky, spanky, sassy at at $449 street are priced right too.

PG contributor Tom Butwin reveals his favorite songwriting secret weapon: the partial capo. Watch how the Shubb C7 and C8 can simulate alternate tunings without retuning your guitar—and spark fresh creative ideas instantly.

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Guitarist Sonny Sharrock was one of the most forward-thinking guitarists coming out of the ’60s, and his music stayed on the cutting edge throughout his long career.

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Berserker Electronics, creators of the cult-favorite Prehistoric Dog preamp pedal, has announced the release of their latest sonic innovation: the Aquanaut Delay / Echo pedal.
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Though Lou Reed seemed to only use a handful of chords, his shrewd right-hand strumming created limitless rhythmic variations.

Beginner to Intermediate

Beginner to Intermediate

  • Focus on syncopation.
  • Add muted strums to enhance your rhythm playing.
  • Learn how to modify complex rhythmic patterns into smaller, more comprehensible figures.

Though usually more lauded for his lyrics than his guitar playing, Lou Reed had a distinctive style of strumming that can make replication a challenge and seemingly impossible for beginners to comprehend. With a combination of syncopations and muted strums, Reed’s rhythm guitar—from his time with the Velvet Underground to his solo career—has a groove and feel that all guitar players can learn from.

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