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: With Gratitude
January 8, 2021
I met my guitar teacher, Mike Hoover, when I was in 8th grade. Forty years later, I’m still learning from him.
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Last Call: And the Band Played On
December 13, 2020
Behind the scenes at the CMT Music Awards in the time of COVID.
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Last Call: Evolution
November 12, 2020
Much like birds, we are constantly developing our own musical voices.
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Last Call: Push the Shiny Red Button
October 4, 2020
Recording yourself could help unlock your best playing yet. Plus, it can help with that cabin fever.
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Last Call: Unplayable
August 26, 2020
Being uncomfortable is scary, but perfect conditions might not get you where you need to be. Case in point: The best-selling solo jazz album in history, from pianist Keith Jarrett.
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Last Call: Why We Like Distortion
July 30, 2020
While researching guitarists’ obsession with tone, I found a fascinating take on why heightened sound frequencies excite humans.
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Last Call: Things I Learned During Quarantine
June 12, 2020
Lockdown isn’t easy, but it’s revealed some lessons, both trivial (Alexa can fart on demand) and divine (guitar is alive and well).
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Last Call: John Bohlinger’s Top 10 Rig Rundowns
May 11, 2020
PG’s Nashville correspondent shares his favorite moments behind the camera with some of the best guitar players in the world.
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Last Call: Neal Casal and the Dangerous Thing We’re Afraid to Talk About
March 26, 2020
Mental health issues affect millions of people. Let’s talk about how we can help each other before it’s too late.
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Last Call: 6 Ways to Make Friends with Our Common Enemy—Mortality
March 9, 2020
John Bohlinger's tips for keeping your body and mind primed for playing well into your golden years.
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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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