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  Are you thinking of trading in your used musical instrument for an upgrade? Then you’ve come to the right place! Here at Ernie Williamson, we understand that it can be hard to let go of a beloved instrument, but sometimes saying goodbye is the best way to get something even better. With our trade-in service, we can help make the process easier and allow you to get the most out of your old instrument in exchange for a new one.       At Ernie Williamson, we are committed to providing our customers with the best quality instruments and services available. Our team of experts will work with you every step of the way to ensure that your trade-in experience is as smooth and stress-free as possible. We evaluate all trades based on condition and current market trends, so you can rest assured knowing that you are getting a fair deal.          When trading in your old gear, keep in mind that we have to see it in person before making an offer. This allows us to get a better understanding of its condition and make sure that our offer reflects its current value. After evaluating your instrument, we will be able to provide you with an estimate for how much money or store credit you will receive towards a new model.  In addition to trading in used musical instruments for upgrades, we also offer cash today for used gear. If you would rather receive cash than store credit on the spot, this is definitely an option worth exploring!   No matter what route you decide to take when upgrading your musical instrument, our team at Ernie Williamson is here to help guide and assist you throughout the process. We strive to make sure that each customer leaves feeling satisfied with their purchase and happy about their decision – so don’t hesitate if there’s anything else we can do!

  Use your artistic skills and creativity to come up with a unique design for your one-of-a-kind dream guitar! Experiment with colors and shapes, and make the guitar of your dreams. Grab your coloring pencils or markers and let your imaginations run wild. There’s no limit to what you can create – so have fun designing your very own dream guitar!   Download your free coloring page here!   Ernie Williamson music is your top choice for music stores in the Midwest.  We are a full line music store offering sales, service, rentals and the best lesson programs available. We are a "Best of the Ozarks" award winner, ranked in the top 100 music stores in the US, the number one Taylor Guitar dealer in Missouri, and a top 20 Fender Guitar dealer in the US. We're a locally owned store with friendly, knowledgeable staff—but we make sure our prices compete with the big box stores. Whether you shop online or come by one of our four regional locations, you'll get excellent service, quality gear, and low prices.     

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When you first start learning the guitar, one of the first stylistic questions you’ll need to ask yourself is: “Am I more of a rhythm player or a lead player?” In other words, what kind of role do you want to take on when it comes to playing guitar?  Do you want to provide the underlying structure and support for your bandmates, or do you prefer taking center stage with flashy licks and solos?  Let’s explore the differences between rhythm and lead guitar playing.   Rhythm Guitar Playing  Rhythm guitar playing serves the function of supporting a song’s rhythm section. This can be done by strumming chords (e.g., power chords) in an even manner that complements the beats laid down by the bassist and drummer. It is also responsible for providing texture and atmosphere within a song. Examples of famous rhythm guitarists include John Lennon, Keith Richards, and Mike Campbell.  Lead Guitar Playing  Lead guitarists are responsible for playing ornamental melodic material within a song that brings melodies to life and adds excitement to them. Typically, these players use single notes instead of chords when they play and focus on improvisation; they tend to have faster tempos than their rhythm counterparts as well. Examples of famous lead guitarists include Jimi Hendrix, BB King, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and Slash.  Fingerpicking Guitar Styles  Fingerpicking guitar styles typically bridge the gap between rhythm guitar vs lead guitar playing. These styles involve using both single-note melodies as well as strummed chords in order to create unique textures that can add flavor to any song. Examples of famous fingerpickers include Chet Atkins and Tommy Emmanuel.  There are benefits and challenges that come with playing in rhythm and lead guitar styles, and there’s no reason why a student couldn’t learn how to play in both styles. While many young students are attracted to flashier lead guitar parts, a well-rounded student will learn to play the chords and shapes needed in rhythm guitar playing as well. This is why our recommendation to those first starting out is to learn to play in both styles. Instructors in our lesson program would tell you: exclusively focusing on just one style will deprive a student of valuable playing prowess and music theory experience. When it comes down to it, there are no right or wrong answers when trying to decide if you should play rhythm or lead guitar—it ultimately comes down to what feels best for you as an individual musician! There are pros and cons for both roles; however, many talented musicians are able to masterfully blend elements from each style in order to create something truly special with their music! Whatever direction you choose as a guitarist – whether it be rhythm or lead – just remember that practice makes perfect!  With enough time dedicated towards honing your skills on the instrument, you too can become an expert at either role –or even better—both!

  Whether you a new guitar owner or an experienced musician, keeping your guitar in top condition is key to getting the sound and playability you want from it. Regular maintenance is the best way to keep your instrument looking and sounding like new! This post will provide some useful tips to help you give your favorite instrument all the love it needs for proper care. From restringing and cleaning to moisture control and bridge adjustments, this guide covers everything you need to know about maintaining a classic look, tone, and feel on that beloved axe of yours. Read on for essential insights into preserving both your sanity (and wallet) when caring for your cherished stringed companion! Cleaning your guitar: The easiest way to keep your guitar is to take steps to ensure it doesn’t get dirty in the first place! You should wash your hands before you play to keep grime off the strings and fretboard and you should always keep your guitar in a case. But even the most conscientious guitar player will need to give their instrument a shine every now and then! First - make sure you know what is safe for your specific guitar. Use a quality guitar cleaning system (we love the Music Nomad products!) and a microfiber towel and get to work!  New Strings: The rule of thumb is that your guitar’s strings should be changed out every 3 months or 100 hours of playing– whichever comes first. You may know it’s time when you start to notice a dull tone, the strings seem splotchy or dirty, or you have trouble tuning or keeping your guitar in tune. Many guitarists learn to change out their strings themselves, but if you’re unsure, you can always bring your guitar in for a restring at your local Ernie Williamson Music.  Regular SetUps: Most guitarists who play every day should be getting their guitar set up twice a year to keep it in top condition. If you are playing less regularly, you could get away with an annual setup. However, an idle guitar will still be affected by seasonal changes.Your guitar is essentially a piece of machinery, and like all machines, occasional upkeep is essential to maintain the smooth running of its parts. Since most guitars are made out of wood, your instrument will contract and expand during season changes, causing your guitar to get out of wack! A proper setup on your guitar ensures that you’ve got the right action and intonation to get the most out of your instrument.  Humidification: speaking of seasonal changes - proper humidification is vital to the overall health of your guitar. This is especially true for acoustic instruments, but electric guitars aren’t immune to dry winter weather. It’s important to keep your guitar in a case with a humidifier if you live in a dry or cold climates.  Ben Franklin famously advised that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” and that couldn’t be more true than when talking about guitar maintenance. It’s a lot easier - and cheaper - to keep your instrument well-maintained than it is to deal with costly repairs on a neglected guitar.