Jeremy Willis- Country Entertainer

a wee review of a custom song I did for an 80th birthday a while back:)

Hi folks- so I’m going to be very close to home studio for the next three weeks as we navigate various health trips and treatments later in the year. Since I’ll be in there anyway, I will have time for custom songs, so if you’ve got a hard to shop for person in your life or for the “person who has everything”, drop me a line. Demo singles can run anywhere from 1500 to 2000 bucks, I’ll create a one of a kind demo quality custom tune for $650:) Or, if you want the stripped down acoustic version, $300. Let me know soon, gives me plenty of time if you are looking for a Christmas gift even:)

Thanks for checking out my new Practical String Theory links, folks. I have been flooded with emails recently so I set up this auto reply to let them know I got their mail. I'm answering stuff as best I can but sometimes with the folks I deal with in the Eastern time zones get the early stuff and I do the emails closer to home in my evening hours.

I have had a few folks asking some similar questions, so I decided to make a Frequently Asked Questions and Answers list. If your question is on here it might save you some time waiting for me to get to your email, but if it isn't you know I will be getting to it ASAP :)

1. What chords should I learn?

Well, I'm a big fan of the so called "cowboy chords", the open position chords that don't involve barres. So E major, E minor, A major, A Minor, G major, C major, and D major. You can play sooooo many songs with these chords, it's unreal. Folk, rock, country, pop- I'd totally start here with these chords. It's strumming patterns that will make songs with these chords in them sound different, so I'd also work on that.

2. How do I play like [insert popular band here]?

There's no easy way to answer this despite it being one of the most asked questions. Here's the thing- every band and artist has their own sound, their own style, their own artistry. It's great to sound like them, but I think the key to music is finding your own groove! You may prefer a different kind of strum, a different form of effect or amplification, and different writing styles the further you go into music. Being yourself and being authentic is pretty good in my books. We can totally work on sounding like your heros, no question- but you can be a hero too!

3. What [insert musical instrument] should I get?

Again, personal preference is my answer. I've played $3000 guitars and gotten wrecks from pawn shops for $20. Every stringed instrument has it's own quirks, and even instruments from the same company off the same factory floor on the same day in a year can feel and sound different. Find a music store that's got patient and understanding employees and try [just like Goldilocks] instruments until you find the one that feels and sounds "just right".

4. I have small hands/fingers, should I play something small too?

Great question: NO! Play what you want to! Stringed intruments are far more versatile than you might think, and there are a number of ways you can adapt your technique to achieve the sounds you want. Granted, there are some people with injuries or physical challenges that may not be able to use full sized versions of their instruments, but in today's world of technology, where there's a will, there's a way!

5. I don't have any natural talent. I love music, but when I was younger I was told I didn't have the ability to play it.

Yes, I know this isn't a question. But it comes up so often and honestly it breaks my heart. We ALL have music IN US. Put your hand on your chest. That beat is the basis for every bit of music ever created, and we all have it. That's why I make sure to say that this is NOT a formal kind of course. No black tie, no sit up straight and "concert rest". I hated the stuffy, formal methods I drilled in. I wanted to PLAY! So while I'll help you with the nuts and bolts you need to make music, rest assured you won't be judged by me on what some long ago critic, teacher, or family member said. We are all in this together!!!

Make a joyous noise:)

JNW

testing a new app- can you see this? [hit like if you can pls :) ]

After sifting thru a whack of how to’s, I’m ready for another livestream with (hopefully!) better sound:) It will be an “All Request” livestream, so throw your requests into the comments and I’ll draw what Im playing for who and when!