Last Call
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In his monthly Last Call blog, Nashville-based guitarist John Bohlinger muses on life as a working musician, connecting to music on a deeper level, and surviving touring. Great insights delivered with humor—just what we all need on a regular basis.
ARTICLES
Last Call: Do We All Hate Our Own Guitar Playing?
February 10, 2020
Our inner critics constantly tell us we need to be better. Humble Hendrix knew that imperfection is part of the art equation.
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Last Call: How Signature Guitars Are Like Handwriting
January 3, 2020
An instrument that feels like home? That’s what it’s all about.
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Last Call: No Flow, No Go
December 16, 2019
Creativity is a state of mind. But how do we get there?
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Last Call: Will Sell Out, Make Offer
November 19, 2019
The dichotomy of artistic freedom and selling out, and the difference between making a living and making a life.
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Last Call: Following Van Halen on a Quest for Power Control
October 17, 2019
Early on, Eddie discovered Variacs allowed him to adjust the electrical voltage output to his amps. Here’s a way to do it if you’re on a budget.
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Last Call: Sing for Your Gig
September 16, 2019
Why should you be singing? It will help your career, plus it feels good.
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Last Call: Close Your Eyes, Be Transported
August 20, 2019
Put on the blinders, focus inward, and tap into the moment.
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Last Call: Space Is Music, Too
June 17, 2019
Think about playing guitar as a communication device in a larger conversation.
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Last Call: Find Your Purpose
May 19, 2019
If My Little Pony can make life more meaningful, why not playing guitar?
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Last Call: An Unofficial Limited Etymology of Music Terms
April 19, 2019
Some handy definitions for cool cats who gig—and civilians.
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Last Call: Musician, Heal Thyself
March 11, 2019
Now there’s scientific evidence that music is a medicine for melancholy.
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Last Call: Wearing Out Things That Nobody Wears
February 11, 2019
Consider the power of positive dressing.
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Last Call: My Least Favorite Design Flaw
January 7, 2019
What if brain cramps are really a sign of genius?
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Last Call: Adaptation
December 10, 2018
In an ever-changing world, it’s evolve, resist, or both.
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Last Call: The Appeal of Dweedly-Dweedly
November 12, 2018
Repetitive patterns are part of a guitarist’s vocabulary, but they don’t tell the full story.
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Last Call: Trust Me or Fire Me
October 16, 2018
In music, movies, and maybe even life, a little faith in skill and talent makes for a better result.
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Last Call: Maybe This Gig Is Not for You
September 13, 2018
A takeaway from the saga of Stevie Ray Vaughan and David Bowie.
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Last Call: It’s Not Who You Know; It’s Who Knows You
August 14, 2018
To get around in the music biz, ya gotta get around.
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Last Call: Award Show Stuff You Don’t See
June 25, 2018
Double-pay, free guitars, bumps, vamps, and green-room gaggles behind the magic of the small screen.
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