I started this site in late 2006 prior to my moving back to the NYC area. Originally it was to be a supplemental site for the Lightning Licks Series which was a series of book/CD/DVD packages that I created based on my teaching, performing, and writing experiences for learning how to play guitar.

My goal was to create a total beginner level series that covered every aspect of learning guitar from basic techniques to technical studies with music theory concepts. As most of my students can attest, my approach has always been to name the concept and provide a way to apply what they’re learning while developing a new technique. All of this would be supported with text and photos in the book, audio demonstrations of the examples on the CDs, and video explanations on the DVD.

In addition, I would provide a “No Need to Read” series that provided the immediate gratification that many teens and adults appreciate so that they can begin playing right away.

Finally, the crown jewel was a series entitled “Legendary Licks” that would explore and analyze the playing styles of many of the greats. For example, “Pre-Boppers” was going to focus on five early jazz players that helped define the style: Django Rheinhart, Les Paul, Charlie Christian, Freddie Green, and Lonnie Johnson.

Every music publisher that I presented it to was impressed enough to offer me a contract; however, the contract required me to sign over the rights to my life’s work. Although I need the financial backing that a publisher would provide, the loss of any future claim to my creative and intellectual property is too high a price for me to sell.