Plug In That Guitar and Play Along

I've been playing guitar since a teenager. Within a year or two, I joined a rock'n'roll band and played rhythm guitar. We played surf music (in Indiana!) and accompanied a trio that sang Motown hits. My first electric guitar was a cherry red Gibson SG. Our repertoire was far from extensive, so we were always happy to play anything again. And again. (But never more than thrice!)

I don’t know how many guitars I’ve owned over the years, most of which I wish I never sold or traded. I don’t regret the things I’ve done, just the things I haven’t done!

This is about the tools I’ve discovered that make me want to pick up my guitar and play, tools that have helped me structure my practices into productive time, without buying more equipment. An electric guitar, a small plug in Amp (Fender Mustang Micro Plus), a smartphone app (Chordify) and a set of headphones is all you need; the whole rig cost me a whopping $125. So what does this set up let me do?  

Simply plug the Fender Mustang Micro into your guitar, connect wired headphones to the Mustang Micro and connect it via Bluetooth to your smartphone. Open the Chordify app (try the free version with ads, subscribe to ad-free annual plan once you decide, and start searching for your favorite song.) In a few seconds, every version of the song pops up as a YouTube recording. The original, remasters, covers, live versions, and pick your favorite. Chordify downloads it, and adds the chords from that version. Chordify also has technology to figure out chords on the rare song that hasn’t already been charted. Chordify also provides variations that users submit. I have maybe 20 songs on my list, and can always find four or five songs to play for a 20-30 minute practice session. If you’re just building your chord vocabulary, Chordify recommends songs that use those chords. Finally, Chordify is adding lyrics. With Chordify and the Fender Mustang Micro, you simply plug in and play along with your favorite songs.

Fender recently introduced the Mustang Micro Plus, which with the Fender Tone app, allows you to select your favorite amp, configure pedals and create a virtual rig that Chordify uses. The earlier Mustang Micro has buttons that let you have put together your own rig, all in the device. Having used the original Mustang Micro, the new version is marginally better than the original. Any music store should have the device in stock.