Garcia was one of the founding members of the Grateful Dead, a band known for their blend of rock, folk, country, and jazz, and their improvised live performances. Garcia’s contribution to the band was immense, not just as a guitarist and vocalist, but also as a songwriter. His partnership with lyricist Robert Hunter resulted in some of the Dead’s most enduring songs, such as “Truckin’,” “Casey Jones,” and “Ripple.”

Garcia has long been known for his distinctive guitar style. He preferred to play by ear rather than stick strictly to scales, resulting in riffs and solos that were spontaneous and expressive, like melodic narratives that mirrored the storytelling of the band’s lyrics. His technique was also unique, often employing a “sliding” style that lent a fluid, almost voice-like quality to his guitar playing.

Garcia played numerous custom-made guitars during his career, most notably the “Wolf,” “Tiger,” and “Rosebud” built by luthier Doug Irwin. These instruments were special not just in their appearance, but also in their onboard effects and customized electronics, which allowed Garcia to shape his sound extensively. He liked to play with an Adamas 2mm graphite guitar pick and employed a technique called “scalpel picking” to achieve his distinctive tone. In a 1978 interview with Guitar Player Magazine, Jerry said: “The way I hold the pick is a bit strange, I guess. I don’t hold it in the standard way, but more like you hold a pencil.” Strange, perhaps, but wildly effective.

“I don’t hold it in the standard way, but more like you hold a pencil.”

Unique to Garcia’s musical journey was his continuous exploration and experimentation with sound. This was reflected not only in the Grateful Dead’s music but also in his side projects. Garcia was involved in various other bands, including the Jerry Garcia Acoustic Band, Old & in the Way, and the bluegrass supergroup, Old & in the Gray. These avenues allowed him to explore genres outside of the Dead’s repertoire, further demonstrating his musical versatility.

Jerry Garcia’s impact on music extends far beyond his work with the Grateful Dead. His innovative guitar style, distinctive sound, and relentless pursuit of musical exploration have left an indelible mark on the world of music.

Blackwing Volume 710 is our tribute to Jerry Garcia and his fusion of visual and musical expression. A slice of his painting “Curves & Lines” is printed on each pencil, which features our soft graphite that is ideal for both drawing and songwriting.

Learn more about the Blackwing Vol. 710 Collection

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Basic Nutrients

Naturally occuring in air and water.

Hydrogen (H) – Comes from water. Builds plant sugars and plant structure.

Carbon (C) – Takes in Carbon Dioxide from the air and converts the carbon into energy to develop sugars and carbohydrates

Oxygen (O) – Crucial for cellular respiration. Most of it is released into the air, but some of it is saved for future energy.

Macronutrients

Supplied through nutrient rich soil in larger quantities.

Nitrogen (N) – Plays several roles and is necessary for chlorophyll production through photosynthesis. Nitrogen deficiency leads to yellowing leaves and slow growth.

Phosphorous (P) – Also plays several key roles. It is part of the ATP process which contributes to energy storage and transfer for the plant. It is vital for root, flower, and fruit growth.

Potassium (K) – A component of plant moisture regulation, cold resistance, and helps determine fruit quality. Potassium is vital to the formation of carbohydrates and proteins. It also contributes to fruit color and shape.

Magnesium (Mg) – Crucial for root formation, chlorophyll production, and enzyme activity. Plants with Magnesium deficiency have yellow between leaf veins.

Sulfur (S) – An important part of amino acids, vitamins, and chloroplast growth. While Nitrogen deficiencies primarly target old leaves, Sulfur deficiencies affect new growth.

Calcium (Ca) – A major component of cell walls and helps strengthen leaves. Calcium deficiencies lead to stunted plant growth and defective root systems.

Just as there are 17 essential nutrients for healthy plant growth, there are many essential “nutrients” for a fulfilling life. Keeping a garden or planting new growth allows us to tend to ourselves with love, happiness and purpose. Blackwing Vol. 17 is inspired by the life-giving meditation of planting, watering, and tending to the natural world.

The post 17 Essential Plant Nutrients – Basic and Macronutrients appeared first on Blackwing.