When I was first starting out, I had a saying. “I get 10% better with every new piece of gear I get.” Of course that statement is not really true or accurate at all.

Sure some pieces of gear helped me gain more confidence, experience, and interest which all led me to playing more and getting better. On the other hand, some pieces of gear have done the opposite of making me better.

But what gear have we purchased for inspiration? Why did we decide to get it? Which purchases have backfired? Does it have to be guitar related? Is there such a thing as too much gear? And… is there a way to remedy Gear Acquisition Syndrome?

Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Barber, on the Tweed Couch.

I love my Gibson’s, I love my PRS’s, I love my Fender’s, I love my Kretzmann… but the expectations I have out of each guitar is different.

Every guitar company has their known quality control issues. From tuning stability, to fret sprout, to finish rejection, to dead on arrival electronics. Although this is an issue, we as players are willing to overlook these shortcomings each manufacturer or guitar has simply because of the name on the headstock or cost behind it.

But… Why do we have double standards? Are there any blanket expectations? What would it take for you to return a guitar? Does price matter? Should a case be included? How does customer service play a role in all of this? And… why is this group therapy session considered a tribute?

Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Jason, on the Tweed Couch.

According to verywellminded.com 77% of the people in the world deal with a fear of public speaking. Standing up, making a statement, telling a story, or playing music causes more anxiety than death itself.

Of Course, there are different variables that can aid stress. Preparedness, experience, audience members, and even size of the venue can change the perception.

But… How do we cope with anxiety? Will you ever get used to it? How do you prepare yourself? Is there a right and wrong way to do it? What if my problem is debilitating? and … what does a higher power have to do with any of this?

Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Lloyd, on the Tweed Couch.

The first band I played in had 3 electric guitar players and a drummer. I was not the best guitarist… but I also wasn’t the worst. So my buddy, by default, decided to buy a bass and started learning.

But what basses are good for beginners? Should you use a pick? What other gear do you need? Do you need a special case? What are the 2 kinds of bass players? And what Gibson bass did my dad, a guitar player, buy from a pawn shop back in 1966 that I used on these solo albums?

Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Jeromy, on the Tweed Couch.

I am a sucker for a good deal. Tickets to a popular concert with 2-3 bands costs anywhere from $30 in the back of a venue to $400+ to get decent floor seats. As an artist, putting on your own tour, there are struggles too. This is why I love Music Festivals. As a concert attendee or as a band I get the best of all worlds. But… What makes a Festival so different? Which ones should I go to? Are there any drawbacks? Why should you go and what should you expect? And… What is the full story on how Dr. T got to play Don’t Stop Believin’ on stage with Jonathan Cain of the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame member from Journey?

Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy with John, on the Tweed Couch.

3 pickup guitars are amazing. 2 pickup guitars are also glorious. 

But are 1 pickup guitars better? Are they just as versatile? Who plays a 1 pickup guitar? Does the neck pickup affect tone when it’s not on? What’s a dummy pickup? And is 1 pickup all you need?

Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Jason, on the Tweed Couch

As we ring in another new year, many people may feel compelled to reflect on their previous year. Some tried to kick a bad habit. Some tried to take on a good routine... Some realized they completed all of their new years resolutions and others realized they gave up too quick.

But how did Dr. T & Jason do on their New Years Resolutions? Do they have new ones for 2022? How has the podcast done over the past year? Whatever happened to the Gloknob? And New Year New Tone… whats on the list? Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Jason, on the Tweed Couch.

It seems there is always something. Managing the home, kids activities, maintenance of vehicles, work, sleep... There is always something that can get in the way of becoming a better player or simply getting to play the instrument that we love.

Of course, it's not that these things aren’t important either. A matter fact they are likely more important which is why it is so frustrating to not be able to get the time to practice and see your gear collect dust. This can leave you discouraged and uninspired.

But how do we find time to play guitar? Are we just organizing our day wrong?  What if you have a limit on space or how loud you can play? Are there tools to aid in motivation? Do you need special equipment? And how much time is enough time to practice?

Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Paul, on the Tweed Couch

My start into the music world came as a teenager playing campfire songs for my friends in the church youth group. Soon that turned to playing in a garage band with some friends. We played a pretty eclectic catalog of Skynyrd, Nirvana, Police, Sublime, Tom Petty… My brother joined a music ministry group and that is when I started really paying attention to Christian music like Jars of Clay, Newsboys, Audio Adrenaline, and Third Day.

Of course at that time, late 90 and early 2000’s, worship music was very different than it is now. Most of the music at that time was chasing the sounds of popular music out in the secular world. The more Christian music evolved and was played on the radio, the more churches began welcoming it into their worship centers and sanctuaries to use in service. This caused a need for contemporary styled musicians and fortunately for the churches there were many musicians looking for a place to play.

But is there a worship music sound? Is there certain gear or tones associated with it? What stereotypes are there? How different is playing worship music than secular music? Is there a difference between being the worship leader and the worship director? And how do you prepare yourself for leading worship?

Well we will discuss this, and more on this group therapy session with Barber, on the Tweed Couch.

As mentioned in the podcast intro, I am not a licensed therapist. What I am is a Doctor of Chiropractic. With that said, I couldn’t get anyone to do a group therapy session with me… so I think I will do another ailment that plagues the musician and this problem is: Low Back issues.

But what causes low back problems?  Should I go see a doctor? Can low back problems be prevented? Is there a way to treat it at home? Can you play with a brace? And did Web MD really diagnose low back pain as subacute bacterial endocarditis, pyelonephritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or Lupus? Well we will discuss this, and more, on this episode of the tweed couch.