TIP # 1 - Tablature

Do you write out your own tablature or notation? Never get stuck without manuscript paper again! Our friend Bob Houlston from the UK has provided us with his own blank tablature paper from his site, located at: www.nb.net/~alanb/tabpaper.html

You can access his standard 5-line music paper at: www.nb.net/~alanb/musicpaper.html

Bob also treats us to a page of blank chord diagrams: http://www.houlston.freeserve.co.uk/chord.htm

TIP #2 - Better Intonation

When adjusting the intonation on your guitar, hold the guitar in a playing position, rather than lying on a bench, or on one of those roadie-style neck rests. The tension on the neck may change in different positions, so for best results, steady your guitar as much like your playing position as possible.

TIP #3 - Alternative 12-String Sound

Replace your electric "G" string with an electric light gauge .009 "E" string, and tune it up to a G, one octave above the original string. This open string will equal the pitch of your first string at the third fret. For an enhanced 12-string effect, run through a chorus pedal with a very slow and subtle chorus setting.

Thanks to Bob Houlston's "Guitar Playing Tips" site for providing us with these valuable ideas! See Bob Houlston's site and find many more of his guitar playing and maintenance tips at: www.houlston.freeserve.co.uk

GuitarSam eZine can be enjoyed on-line at: www.guitarsam.com/newsletters/june_1_1999.htm Play It Again Sam is located in Montpelier, VT, and is an authorized musical instrument dealer