As a composer, working in notation software with uninspiring sounds—especially for electric guitar—has always been frustrating. These days, I primarily compose in Dorico Pro, which allows me to experiment with ideas and refine decisions before stepping into a studio or rehearsal space. It’s a process I value and one I teach to my college students.

I recently tested out a variety of guitar picks from a company called Chicken Picks. I had heard the name before but had yet to use any. I do have a variety of picks I keep around in case I need to swap a pick during recording to solve some tone issues. Picks act as an essential tone point when recording guitar or developing a sound. 

Changing a pick is not the first place I start when adjusting tone as guitarists get comfortable with their picks. But if there is an overtone I can't get rid of or I have exhausted my other options, I reach for guitar picks. I have picks from different materials, weights, shapes, and sizes. It's surprising the difference a pick can make. 

When I think of the passage of time, there are tools that I'm surprised haven't evolved sooner. One of those musical tools is the metronome. For many decades, the concept of what a metronome could be seemed cemented.

I'm not trying to imply that the metronome did not evolve. Metronomes with odd time signatures and programmable set lists appeared. Even though those small evolutions happened, one noticeable change hadn't occurred: Feeling a metronome instead of hearing it.

Peterson (the company known for strobe tuners) developed a vibrating accessory to a metronome that would attach to your pants. But it didn't take off for whatever reason and is now discontinued. Players didn't like attaching the vibrating accessory to their belt or felt it was limited to a physical connection to a metronome.

Listen to episode 6 of Anatomy of Tone on all podcast outlets including Apple and Spotify.

Welcome, fellow music enthusiasts! I'm thrilled to introduce you to the podcast series, "Anatomy of Tone." In this comprehensive series, we embark on a journey through the various elements of music creation, covering everything from the art of composition to crafting unique sounds, selecting the perfect gear, and engaging in insightful business-related conversations.