This is my story, this is my song.

Uttam Kumar

The Officer & Guitarist - This is my story, this is my song

The reason I picked up the guitar? Well, it's all about those fabulous girls! Just kidding, my friend! Everyone's got their own tale - the moment they decided to rock out on a specific instrument. If you strum the guitar, hats off to you. It's a stellar choice for a simple reason: music is crafted from three magical ingredients - melody, rhythm, and harmony - elements the guitar boasts like a rock star unlike any other instrument.

I Was Strung

Believe it or not, rockers are the black sheep of Indian joint families, and I proudly count myself as one among them. I began my musical journey almost like a rebellious act; no one in my family was a fan. At 14, I chose guitar lessons over chemistry classes, much to their dismay. Despite the lack of appreciation from my family, I remain unfazed - thankfully, my friends and bandmates are incredibly supportive, which means the world to me.

My very first encounter was with a black acoustic guitar, which a friend of my brother had left at my place. After an hour of experimentation, I managed to play the popular Hindi song “Ek Do Teen” using just the first string. That moment sparked a passion in me, leading to daily practice sessions of at least three hours. As I delved into staff notation, I began collecting guitar magazines like Guitar Player, Guitar World, and Guitar One from the Bangalore library, and I still cherish those xerox copies. Back then, the internet was a distant dream.

The First Axe, and Influences

I believe my first electric was crafted in Kolkata, with no visible brand name, yet it performed exceptionally well - the pickup selector resembled an electrical switchboard. A childhood friend dedicated eight hours daily to guitar practice; every time I encountered him, he was immersed in his music, discussing nothing but the guitar. Inspired by his passion, I began to see myself as a guitarist too. He truly became my greatest source of inspiration.

In my family, there was no support for my passion for playing guitar; it simply wasn't an option - music was seen as entertainment rather than something to take seriously. After completing my 12th grade, I made the bold decision to leave home and head to Bangalore, determined to navigate life independently. I aimed to prove that a guitarist can thrive as a professional rather than merely as a hobbyist. I succeeded; my life revolves solely around music.

While in college in Bangalore, I played in restaurants at night to support myself. I spent years as part of a Jazz Band in the army. Eventually, I became the Chief Instructor at the Bangalore Guitar School and a Music Theory Professor at Sound Engineering colleges, fulfilling my dreams.

The Bigger Picture

Music as an art form requires financial support from the government for music education, festivals, and venues. This venture requires collaborations and sponsorships from private entities with music organizations and events. Crowdfunding is necessary for independent musicians. Music streaming platforms should provide fair remuneration to artists - the private and public sectors should collaborate to safeguard and promote musical heritage.

Regardless of the music style you embrace, it's essential to master modern staff notation, including both staff and tablature. Cultivate discipline, honor your mentors, and seek knowledge beyond the internet. The decision between analog and digital sound is ultimately a matter of personal taste and the tone you wish to create. Many guitarists find harmony by merging both realms to craft their perfect sound. Remember this as you continue your journey today.

Each songwriter has their unique approach to crafting music. I begin with a captivating riff that loops endlessly, allowing my imagination to wander until the lyrics come to life, with everything else falling into place afterward.

"Uttam Kumar's passion for guitars is impeccable. He teaches the guitar to youngsters in Manipur and plays in the band 'God N Dog'. I appreciate all the readers who've taken time out to support artists in this manner." - Dr. Sai Kiran Kumar

The Tone Door - The Guitar Surgeons

An island of innovative solutions for custom guitars & more

The Tone Door is one of India's foremost music essentials, parts, custom guitars and services brands - capturing the imagination of the Indian musician through its craft in handmade instrument cables, guitar repairs and setups, hand-wound pickups, and more. Behind the brand is the visionary creative force of Bhrigu Arora, founder and engineer at The Tone Door, who believes music and musicians have the profound purpose of making this world a better place.

Renowned for the innovative ideas that propelled The Tone Door from a cable-making venture in Yamunanagar, Haryana, to New Delhi - serving the entire music and entertainment circuit - Bhrigu's love for electronics and music led him to create utilities for musicians, made available in the best quality. Having spent his early college years designing electronic projects alongside learning music, he eventually discovered his love for musical instruments and their functionality, which gave birth to The Tone Door brand. Adding to its aesthetics and craftsmanship, it preserves engineering with artisan sensibilities to harmoniously blend form with function.

Shruthi Musicals

Creating history since 1985 - The Shruthi Musicals, Chennai store

Shruthi Musicals was established in 1985 by Manohar Lal, who recognized a significant gap in the availability of music stores in the city, particularly in the Kilpauk area and its surroundings. Driven by his passion for music, he took the initiative to open a modest music shop, initially focused on fulfilling demand for Indian musical instruments alongside a selection of Western instruments and accessories, at a time when imported goods were scarce due to high duty rates, often exceeding 100%.

Eventually, a manufacturer in Calcutta began producing guitars under the name Givson, boasting superior craftsmanship compared to local options. Shruthi Musicals was the pioneer in introducing Givson to Chennai, and the move resonated deeply with musicians, turning into a remarkable success. In the early '90s, the store launched a PA brand from Calcutta called Stranger, which quickly became a hit, making high-quality amps and speakers accessible to schools and churches.

Following the economic policy shift in 2000, which reduced duty structures, Shruthi Musicals began to source high-quality instruments and popular brands - introducing renowned names like Fender, Ibanez, Cort, and PRS to the Chennai market and enriching the musical landscape. In 2000, Shailendra, the son of Manohar Lal and a talented guitarist himself, joined the team and played a pivotal role in introducing exclusive brands including Parker Guitars, Godin Guitars, and PRS - fostering a community where musicians could come together, showcase their skills, and collaborate with fellow artists.

The Pedal That Makes You Drive

JHS Pedals - Andy Timmons AT+ Drive

The guitar, a dynamic instrument, thrives with gear that enhances its expressive power. In this issue, we explore the Andy Timmons AT+ overdrive/distortion pedal, a masterpiece crafted by JHS Pedals. Featuring three modes - 25, 50, and 100 watts - it offers versatile overdrive options, with a volume knob for everything from smooth blues to sharp distortion, and an EQ for tonal shaping.

Paired with an H-S-H pickup setup, it delivers a vibrant sound that cuts through any mix, making it an indispensable ally for every guitarist. This pedal elevates tone saturation by driving the amp's front end, and the “AIR” knob offers customizable presence, making it a versatile gem in the overdrive/distortion world. The AT+ captures classic rock and fierce metal tones, unlocking limitless sonic possibilities.

Crafted by JHS Pedals, it features user-friendly controls that enhance performance, capturing every nuance from pick attack to harmonics. Running on under 100 mA with a 9V adapter or batteries, it can also handle 18V. Housed in a durable metal case, it's perfect for touring, with three wattage options that make it an excellent low-volume practice companion.