Welcome to the official Simon Morel guitar blog. Discover practical guitar playing tips, step-by-step practice strategies, and resources designed specifically for adult learners. Whether you are learning one-on-one at my studio in Petersham, NSW, or taking online guitar lessons globally, these articles will help you cut through the noise, skip the YouTube rabbit hole, and make real musical progress.
A looper pedal is one of the most powerful practice tools for guitarists. It helps you lock in rhythm, explore improvisation, and layer ideas like a full band. In this guide, you’ll learn how to set up your looper, avoid common mistakes, and use it to make your practice more fun and creative.
How to Use a Looper Pedal for Guitar Practice (And Actually Get Better) Read More »
Today I wanted to show you how you can run your rig in 11 different ways without re-patching your entire rig. This is the ultimate in flexibility for the gigging musician who plays different venue types and sizes. The ability to stay flexible and work with your sound engineer rather than against is going to help you and pay dividends for your future gigs!
You really can run your rig 11 ways without re-patching your pedalboard! Read More »
The chorus effect is a popular guitar and keyboard effect that creates a shimmering, rich sound by combining the original signal with a slightly delayed and detuned version of itself. This effect can be achieved with both analog and digital pedals and processors, and has been used by musicians in a wide range of genres for decades.
Guitar Chorus Effect: What It Is & When to Use It Read More »
What is overdrive and what are the best overdrive pedals for guitar? Here’s an explainer and a look at some of the classic pedals available.
The Best Overdrive Pedals for Guitar: A Practical Guide Read More »
People ask me this all the time — usually when they’re already half-convinced and just need someone to tell them to go for it. So here it is: go for it. But let me give you the real reasons why, not just the obvious ones.
Why Learn Guitar? Six Honest Reasons to Start Read More »
Finding the right mentor can be the difference between a guitar that gathers dust and a lifelong passion. If you are searching for guitar lessons in Sydney’s Inner West or looking to start your journey online, here is how to find a teacher that actually moves the needle.
How to Find the Best Guitar Teacher For You: A 2026 Guide Read More »
I love Tim Rogers. I wasn’t here in Sydney in the 1990’s when You Am I really were at their peak, but I’ve got heaps of friends who absolutely loved them. My mate Danny ran the You Am I fan club for a few years. He’s absolutely still obsessed with them and regularly finds bits of You Am I memorabilia under his bed.
You Am I – Purple Sneakers Read More »
If you’ve always wanted to learn to play guitar, now is the time to start! Believe it or not, there are some seriously impressive benefits associated with this popular activity… from boosting your physical and mental wellbeing to making you smarter, happier, and even more creative.
32 Remarkable Benefits of Playing Guitar Read More »
Best Blues Album of All Time is and will always be B B King’s Live at the Regal….
The Best Blues Albums of All Time: The Ultimate Listening Guide for Guitarists Read More »
Ever wonder how the Beatles, Stones and Kinks got their great guitar sounds? Read on!
How’d They Get That Sound? Studio Tricks on 6 Famous Songs Read More »
