Axe man Ae Wizard is holding a new generation of guitarists spellbound - and teaching them some neat tricks, too

All eyes focused on the man with long hair and a guitar slung over his shoulder.

He stood centre stage, played a few chords, paused, spoke, then started to play again.

He didn't perform any songs, but his audience weren't complaining. They sat spellbound by the sound, then hung on every word he said.

Aekachai Krai-arnon, aka Ae Wizard, was the guitarist on stage that Sunday afternoon in the music library of the Thailand Knowledge Park. He was conducting a guitar workshop, part of the project "Learn the Note, Play the Rhythm, Sing the Song".

The two-hour session covered several basic guitar-playing tips, including lessons on warming up the left and right hands, a basic understanding of rhythm, power-chord grabbing, string bending and techniques for hammering on the strings. A rapt audience of about 20 keen young guitarists filled the room.

At the end of the day, there was a full rock 'n' roll jam session from Ae Wizard and Thai music legend Jiraphan Angsawanon. Classic rock and blues numbers like Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water" and Freddie King's "Have You Ever Loved a Woman?" were played as "going home" songs for participants.

The next guitar workshop will be held on Sunday from 2 to 4pm. It's expected to include lessons on using sound effects as well as techniques for two-handed tapping, although these might change.

The workshop is free of charge and reservations can be made by calling (02) 057 4300. For more, visit www.TKPark.or.th.