People are asking how I do all the backing tracks of Fastfinger music. Hmmm. there are different ways how I like to work, depending on what kind of production were dealing with. But in this case I started by fooling around with Cubase sequencer software (with the idea of the song in my head firts). Used a lot of samples drums, percussion loops, laying down all sort of midi instruments to achieve the sounds and ideas roughtly. Record rough demo guitar tracks.

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Earlier we discussed here about developing unique ideas. Here's one simple tool that can seriously help you. Big time!

Get a book, with empty pages. start writing down all ideas that you come up with. Little licks, technical ideas, stories, cool scales and modes, song scetches. Write the stuff down every day, or when ever you get inspiration and come up with cool ideas. This book will help you not to forget the ideas you want to learn or develop further!


Here's a random folder of Mika's scetchbook. What a mess!

What tips you could offer when jamming and finding your own unique style and ways to approach?

Calm down, don't rush. Remember guitar playing is not a sport or competition. You are making music and a personal statement. What is your mission? Breath in, breath out, listen to you heart and follow it.

STUDY AND EMULATE

Emulating guitar players with different styles is very good idea to get ideas and influeces. And to go even further I suggest trying to emulate and study other instrument players as well. What ever might get you excited: violin vibrato, harp like arpeggios, Jan Hammer pitch bends, chinese Erhu licks!

And how about singers! Anybody ever tried to sound like Kate Bush or Lemmy Kilmister on a guitar? Hmmmm.

But remember to walk your own path. Listen to different music styles and keep your ears and mind open.

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