Adam Rafferty

The other night while sound checking for a gig at the Vienna Mozarthaus, I found soundcheck to be very easy.  Then I found the gig to be very relaxed and easy. It’s not always been like this.  What did I do right? I’ve had nights where I’ve fought the guitar, overpowered it, beat i...

For centuries, guitarists have discussed whether to use fingernails or flesh on the right hand to pluck the strings. I get asked about this often, so I figured a blog post was in order! (Even though this is intended for guitarists – this may interest you even if you are a non musician.) In thi...

Greets from the road! I’d like to address an issue many guitarists and other musicians face, and that’s the issue of stage fright and nervousness. This came up with friends last night as we were hanging after my gig. So, even though I am a touring pro, I still get nervous sometimes. Here...

I’m often asked the question “do you use a set list when you play concerts?” This brings up the question of how to put a set together for a good show. I use a loose set idea with a game plan which I will describe. But first…has the following every happened to you.? The Dilemm...

One of the joys of my musical journey is to discover something musically and see that it also applies to all of life. (Really guitar and “life”  are no different – since it’s our brains looking outward and seeing the contents of our own thought!) I have been doing a lot of sl...

A lot of people seem to think that since I am a touring “pro” guitarist with recordings and DVDs that I am “the expert” and that’s the end.  Not the case!  The truth is that I love studying, learning and practicing. For example – over the last 2 weeks I’ve r...

Over the past several weeks I have read some great “social media” and “internet marketing” strategies from the leaders in the field.  While it’s been exhilarating, it’s left me with a hyped up “too much to do” feeling like I’ve had too much Starb...

I just got back to NYC a few days ago from a short trip to Germany.  I was a guest artist at the Remschied Guitar Festival in Germany – and it was a lovely scene and experience.  The students were mainly classical and rock guitar players – and they were excellent. With each student I [.....