With blogging taking over the
world by storm, it would be crazy not have a blog if you are a guitarist or a
musician, right?
If you are a guitarist, and have
even the slightest ability to write, I strongly recommend starting a guitar
blog.
Reasons to Start a Guitar Blog
1. It allows you to interact,
connect and network with other guitarists. A guitar blog is most definitely a
great way to get a chance to talk about all things guitar with other musicians,
singers, guitarists and songwriters. The best thing about a blog is that its
global appeal and reach transcends geographical boundaries; you can interact
and share with anyone and everyone from all parts of the world.
2. Having a guitar blog will
allow you to get some major exposure. You spread the word about yourself and
the music that you make, and combined with your Youtube videos and social media
profiles, a blog could be an extremely powerful way to get the word out about
what you love doing! Not only will this help promote your music and open it up
to a whole new audience, you can use the blog to form a band, seek ideas on
what to play, and do just about anything you might want to do with your guitar-playing.
Who knows, your blog might even help you land an awesome gig!
3. Once word spreads around about
you and your blog, you will start to be seen as an authority on guitars. If you
have a blog (as opposed to someone who doesn’t), especially if it’s a blog that
people read, it will increase your reputation and enhance your authority.
People in the industry will look up to you as ‘someone who knows his stuff’. You
might even have someone important, such as a renowned artist or a guitarist,
speak about you or link back to your blog.
4. Let’s not forget that the blog
can also be used to help people and give out advice. Even if you’re not the
biggest, most greatest guitarist out there (yet), you can still do your best to
help other guitarists, give advice, or write about something that might be of
benefit to other people. If you play the instrument, it is highly likely you
have a LOT to say about it. Put your words on paper, and share it with the
world.
5. A guitar blog can be a
seriously good source of money! If you’re making a decent amount of money
already with your music, good for you. A blog can supplement that income by
putting up ads on your website and/or joining an affiliate program that pays
well. Ads can be put up via Google AdSense. As for affiliate programs, there’s
tons out there, but for starters check Clickbank and the Amazon Affiliate
Program. The latter will put affiliate links in all your posts, so whenever you
write about something, a related link appears. If someone click on the link and
buy the product, you get a commission. There are even programs which send
bloggers free gear to review. Don’t expect to make a lot of money, and don’t
make money your priority, at least initially.
6. Last but most certainly not
the least: a blog could be a great (free) way to improve your guitar-playing
skills. As the old adage goes: ‘the best way to learn something is to teach it.”
Once you start helping others, sharing advice and maybe even teach a bit of guitar on your blog, you’ll start receiving
some advice as well. A blog is a brilliant way to ask others for help, advice, ideas,
inspiration, learning new techniques, exchanging guitar buying tips, etc and once this
happens, you’ll improve and grow as a guitarist and a musician.
Guitar Blogging Ideas
So now that we’ve seen the
advantages guitar blogging brings with it, here are some ideas on what you can
write about on your shiny new guitar blog:
1. Anything! Yes, its your blog,
so speak your heart out about anything you want! Including your thoughts,
ideas, opinions, likes and dislikes – on artists, guitar players, musicians,
records, guitars, amps or just about anything that is interesting or on your
mind.
2. Upload some videos of you
playing. It could be an original composition, a cover of a famous song, a
guitar solo… or something else. If you play with a band, post videos of your
performances, an indoor jam or practice session, your warm-up ritual, etc. If
you don’t have videos, you could always upload an mp3 audio version of it.
3. We spoke of making money off
your blog. If you’re interested in that idea, you could start reviewing guitars
and other gear including amps, effects and accessories. Start off with writing
about the items you and your band mates are using at the moment and look for
affiliates for whom you could write review for. You could also sign up for a popular guitar affiliate program, such as those being offered by GuitarCenter, GuitarTricks, or GuitarWorld. There are plenty of others, as a quick Google search would reveal.
4. Us guitarists really love
talking about our axes! Almost as much as we love playing them. So speak your
heart out, and ask other fellow musicians to join in on the conversation! Good
luck!
