If you’re left handed, you know it sucks walking into a music store and finding guitar book maybe one guitar book out of a hundred to play. “What’s a lefty to do?” I will help you to finding Left-Handed Guitar book the best for you.
Although I’m not a lefty guitar player but I like this book. This book is an excellent rare find. It comes with a CD to help one hear how the practice set should sound if played correctly. This book is designed for the beginning guitar player. It simplifies things very well, so the student is not overwhelmed. The author teaches general music theory and guitar basics. For all the beginners out there, pick up this book. It has lots of recognizable rock riffs, and a CD to play along with. Learning songs that you know is a great way to keep things fun while practicing. Take the time to learn some music theory, and you’ll surprise yourself how fast you’ll develop your guitar skills.
But if you go to the end of the book it tells you to get used to reading guitar tabs “right handed“. which is great advice but you just spent a whole book getting used to left handed tab form. I love being lefthanded but if you do not get used to reading right hand tab rightaway it will be very frustrating. It takes a little time but you can do it. You just have to look at the tabs like you were looking through the back of your guitar neck. Try it, you will see. While this book can teach some helpful things ultimately you will have to unlearn and this is unproductive.
Left-Handed Guitar: The Complete Method
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Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
The Christopher Parkening Guitar Method
The Christopher Parkening Guitar Method, Volume 1, revised 1998, is a comprehensive approach to teaching classical guitar. Written by an accomplished premier classical guitarist, it is not just a collection of exercises and guitar pieces, but includes historical background, basic technique, lots of textual information, photos and a useful appendix of terms. While a few of the photos in the original edition which should have had better lighting are included, this is easily overlooked since many have been added which are of far superior quality.The nice thing is that Mr. Parkening seems not only to be teaching proper technique but also what to listen for and critique yourself so you can continue to improve. As he mentions in the Practicing section, “Always keep in mind it is better to play one piece well than many pieces poorly.”
There are pages explaining music notation terms as well as a large fretboard diagram toward the back showing each note name on each fret (all the way up to the 12th fret) and it’s corresponding position on the staff. There are a number of chromatic scale studies, arpeggio studies, finger technique exercises although I wish there had been more of these included (this is actually my ONLY quibble with Mr. Parkening’s book and one he fortunately rectified in vol. 2).
I recommend this text for first time students of classical guitar who will not just learn the rudiments, but beautiful guitar pieces as well. Having said this, there is no substitute for a teacher… don’t go it alone!
More Detail
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There are pages explaining music notation terms as well as a large fretboard diagram toward the back showing each note name on each fret (all the way up to the 12th fret) and it’s corresponding position on the staff. There are a number of chromatic scale studies, arpeggio studies, finger technique exercises although I wish there had been more of these included (this is actually my ONLY quibble with Mr. Parkening’s book and one he fortunately rectified in vol. 2).
I recommend this text for first time students of classical guitar who will not just learn the rudiments, but beautiful guitar pieces as well. Having said this, there is no substitute for a teacher… don’t go it alone!
More Detail
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Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Learn Acoustic Guitar - Movable Chord Shapes Explained
Movable chords are something that anyone that wants to learn acoustic guitar should become familiar with.
These chords use the same basic shape to make the same chord for any note simply by moving up and down the neck. These chords are sometimes called closed chords (in order to be so easily movable, these chords have no open strings) or barre chords.
E Series Barre Chords
The E series of bar chords all have their root note on the low E string and are based off the E or Em chord formation. Sometimes these are referred to as F bar chords, because the first natural chord with a barre used is the F chords.
Here some examples of E series chords:
E: 0-2-2-1-0-0
F: 1-3-3-2-1-1
G: 3-5-5-4-3-3
Em: 0-2-2-0-0-0
Fm: 1-3-3-1-1-1
Gm: 3-5-5-3-3-3
The pattern of the shape holds true for any position on the fret board, if this shape is used it will form the major or minor version chord of whatever note is on the low E string.
The chord is formed by "barring" all six strings with the index finger. At first, this can be difficult, but with time and practice it will become easier. The remaining notes of the chord are fretted using the remaining fingers. Since the one difference between the major and minor versions is the middle finger being lowered or raised, it makes changing between chords as simple as moving up and down the fretboard and raising and lowering the middle finger. Take some open chord progressions and try playing them with E bar chords.
A Series Barre Chords
The A series of barre chords (sometimes referred to as B series chords) is similar to the E series, except the bar chords are based off of the A or Am chords.
The root note of the chord is the note being played on the fifth string and the low E string is usually not played. This is not a hard and fast rule because extending the bar adds a fifth note, which can be added to the major or minor chord, but it is not actually required.
Below are some examples of A series chords.
A: X-0-2-2-2-0 or X-0-2-2-2-X
B: X-2-4-4-4-2 or X-2-4-4-4-X
C: X-3-5-5-5-3 or X-3-5-5-5-X
Am: X-0-2-2-1-0
Bm: X-2-4-4-3-2
Cm: X-3-5-5-4-3
One thing that is apparent is there are two versions of the major chord commonly used. Many guitarists will simply use the ring finger to bar the higher strings and not play the high e string rather than trying to hold the chord in other ways. This is because that way of holding the chord is easier to move in and out of and higher up the neck, it can be extremely difficult to hold the chord in other manners, as the frets get closer together.
The minor version of the chord, on the other hand, is quite easy to move up and down the neck in the basic form.
The movable chords are an important part of the repertoire of someone that wishes to learn acoustic guitar. Some guitarists will use them almost exclusively because they prefer the sound or ease of usage of them.
Beyond that, some chords have no open chord variants and can only be played with movable chords. If a progression has an unusual chord like Ebm, this is the only way to even be able to play the chord in standard tuning.
By : Dave Long and Matt Abdallah
Read More..
These chords use the same basic shape to make the same chord for any note simply by moving up and down the neck. These chords are sometimes called closed chords (in order to be so easily movable, these chords have no open strings) or barre chords.
E Series Barre Chords
The E series of bar chords all have their root note on the low E string and are based off the E or Em chord formation. Sometimes these are referred to as F bar chords, because the first natural chord with a barre used is the F chords.
Here some examples of E series chords:
E: 0-2-2-1-0-0
F: 1-3-3-2-1-1
G: 3-5-5-4-3-3
Em: 0-2-2-0-0-0
Fm: 1-3-3-1-1-1
Gm: 3-5-5-3-3-3
The pattern of the shape holds true for any position on the fret board, if this shape is used it will form the major or minor version chord of whatever note is on the low E string.
The chord is formed by "barring" all six strings with the index finger. At first, this can be difficult, but with time and practice it will become easier. The remaining notes of the chord are fretted using the remaining fingers. Since the one difference between the major and minor versions is the middle finger being lowered or raised, it makes changing between chords as simple as moving up and down the fretboard and raising and lowering the middle finger. Take some open chord progressions and try playing them with E bar chords.
A Series Barre Chords
The A series of barre chords (sometimes referred to as B series chords) is similar to the E series, except the bar chords are based off of the A or Am chords.
The root note of the chord is the note being played on the fifth string and the low E string is usually not played. This is not a hard and fast rule because extending the bar adds a fifth note, which can be added to the major or minor chord, but it is not actually required.
Below are some examples of A series chords.
A: X-0-2-2-2-0 or X-0-2-2-2-X
B: X-2-4-4-4-2 or X-2-4-4-4-X
C: X-3-5-5-5-3 or X-3-5-5-5-X
Am: X-0-2-2-1-0
Bm: X-2-4-4-3-2
Cm: X-3-5-5-4-3
One thing that is apparent is there are two versions of the major chord commonly used. Many guitarists will simply use the ring finger to bar the higher strings and not play the high e string rather than trying to hold the chord in other ways. This is because that way of holding the chord is easier to move in and out of and higher up the neck, it can be extremely difficult to hold the chord in other manners, as the frets get closer together.
The minor version of the chord, on the other hand, is quite easy to move up and down the neck in the basic form.
The movable chords are an important part of the repertoire of someone that wishes to learn acoustic guitar. Some guitarists will use them almost exclusively because they prefer the sound or ease of usage of them.
Beyond that, some chords have no open chord variants and can only be played with movable chords. If a progression has an unusual chord like Ebm, this is the only way to even be able to play the chord in standard tuning.
By : Dave Long and Matt Abdallah
Read More..
How to Choose a Singing Course on the Internet
There's more to being a good singer than just owning a special voice and talent. You have to work on posture, breath control, control muscle tension, stand with your feet on the ground correctly, and projecting your voice. You have to look at singing with emotion and communicating with the audience, and enjoy the song you are performing.
Instead of spending money on expensive private voice lessons, now you can buy a complete singing course on the Internet and download it onto your computer. There's a variety of courses available, and most of them are by experienced and popular voice teachers that include a lot of testimonials on their sales pages. What course should you choose then?
First of all, you should decide what your goals are as a singer. Are you a beginning singer with no real knowledge of vocal techniques, breath and tone control, correct intonation, or voice projection? Or are you an experienced singer with some knowledge but want to fine tune your skills up a notch or two? In either case, you don't want to invest a lot of money in voice lessons as they are a costly investment.
Some courses offer bonuses to add an incentive to buy the course. But the best thing you can do is review the sales page carefully yourself and read the testimonials. Most singing lesson software and courses guarantee that with the proper technique, you can learn to extend your vocal range by at least one octave.
Your course may include recording software which will help you listen to yourself. But make sure that you get instructions on how to read music, learn the correct breath technique, vocal range increase, development of vocal resonance and strength. The combination of all these factors will improve your ability to sing. There is one software out there with out a singing course, that will show how your voice looks on a computer screen with visuals that show your pitch, intensity of sound, and intonation.
Does the online singing course have a no risk guarantee so you can get a refund if you change your mind? If so, then you will have time to try the course and see if you can get some results. Both children and adults alike of all levels of singing skills have a lot of fun learning and listening to improvements.
Look for a singing course that starts from the beginning and goes to the advanced level. You will find the most of the software is easy to use, but look for a support or email contact in case you have questions about the course. Finally, make the time to set small goals so you have time for your online voice practice, because no singing course can help you if you don't make the time to use it.
By : Riley Wenne
Read More..
Instead of spending money on expensive private voice lessons, now you can buy a complete singing course on the Internet and download it onto your computer. There's a variety of courses available, and most of them are by experienced and popular voice teachers that include a lot of testimonials on their sales pages. What course should you choose then?
First of all, you should decide what your goals are as a singer. Are you a beginning singer with no real knowledge of vocal techniques, breath and tone control, correct intonation, or voice projection? Or are you an experienced singer with some knowledge but want to fine tune your skills up a notch or two? In either case, you don't want to invest a lot of money in voice lessons as they are a costly investment.
Some courses offer bonuses to add an incentive to buy the course. But the best thing you can do is review the sales page carefully yourself and read the testimonials. Most singing lesson software and courses guarantee that with the proper technique, you can learn to extend your vocal range by at least one octave.
Your course may include recording software which will help you listen to yourself. But make sure that you get instructions on how to read music, learn the correct breath technique, vocal range increase, development of vocal resonance and strength. The combination of all these factors will improve your ability to sing. There is one software out there with out a singing course, that will show how your voice looks on a computer screen with visuals that show your pitch, intensity of sound, and intonation.
Does the online singing course have a no risk guarantee so you can get a refund if you change your mind? If so, then you will have time to try the course and see if you can get some results. Both children and adults alike of all levels of singing skills have a lot of fun learning and listening to improvements.
Look for a singing course that starts from the beginning and goes to the advanced level. You will find the most of the software is easy to use, but look for a support or email contact in case you have questions about the course. Finally, make the time to set small goals so you have time for your online voice practice, because no singing course can help you if you don't make the time to use it.
By : Riley Wenne
Read More..
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Ten Easy Rock Songs For Guitar Beginners
When I started playing guitar, nobody taught me how to do it. It wasn’t easy at first. My fretting hand's fingertips were so painful that I couldn’t touch anything for days! But once I got the hang of it, I discovered it was one of the most enjoyable things I’ve ever done. Over the years I would look back at those times and smile thinking how my life was changed the moment I picked up the guitar. It was actually my big sister’s guitar. However it turned out that I was more inclined to it that she was. She eventually turned over all the guitar playing duties to me.
I thought of making a random list of easy guitar songs that beginners might want to try playing, just to get things started. It will cover different genres but the objective is to improve playing, one song at a time. These are the criteria I’ve used for the selection of the songs:
a) Minimal number of chords –the less chords in a song, the easier it is to remember how to play it.
b) Minimal barre chords – barre chords require us to use our fretting hand’s index finger to press all 6 strings in a particular fret. Less barre chords is better for beginners.
c) Familiarity of the song – the songs are some of the most popular during their times.
And since we’re talking about beginner songs here, the primary goal of this list is to give novice players some songs to STRUM the guitar along with. No point in doing any complicated stuff yet. We have to first establish the rhythm within the player. So here it goes, in no particular order:
There you go! Most of the songs have similar chords. That way, if we can recall chords from another some and incorporate that chord into another song then you get to practice applied knowledge. Ain't that grand!
Happy practicing!
by: Eric Monsanto
Read More..
I thought of making a random list of easy guitar songs that beginners might want to try playing, just to get things started. It will cover different genres but the objective is to improve playing, one song at a time. These are the criteria I’ve used for the selection of the songs:
a) Minimal number of chords –the less chords in a song, the easier it is to remember how to play it.
b) Minimal barre chords – barre chords require us to use our fretting hand’s index finger to press all 6 strings in a particular fret. Less barre chords is better for beginners.
c) Familiarity of the song – the songs are some of the most popular during their times.
And since we’re talking about beginner songs here, the primary goal of this list is to give novice players some songs to STRUM the guitar along with. No point in doing any complicated stuff yet. We have to first establish the rhythm within the player. So here it goes, in no particular order:
1. “Horse With No Name” – America
Chords: Em, F#m7sus
2. “Leaving On
A Jet Plane” – John Denver
Chords: G, C, D
3. ”No Rain” – Blind
Melon
Chords: E, D, A, G
4. “Every Rose Has It’s Thorns” – Poison
Chords: G, C, D, Em
5. “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” – Bob Dylan/ Guns
N’ Roses
Chords: G, C, D, Am
6. “One” – U2
Chords: Am, D7, FM7,
G
7. “Four Strong Winds” – Neil Young
Chords: C, Dm, G, F
8. “I Remember You” – Skid Row
Chords: G, C, D, Am, Em
9. “Come As You
Are” - Nirvana
Chords: Em, D, G, Am, C
10. “Wonderful Tonight” –
Eric Clapton
Chords: G, D, C, Em, Am
Finger placement:
C
(x-3-2-0-1-0)
D (x-x-0-2-3-2)
D7 (x-x-0-2-1-2)
E (0-2-2-1-0-0)
Em (0-2-2-0-0-0)
A (x-0-2-2-2-0)
Am (x-0-2-2-1-0)
F
(x-x-3-2-1-1)
FM7 (x-x-3-2-1-0)
F#m7sus (2-0-0-2-0-0)
G
(3-2-0-0-0-3)
Legend:
D (x-x-0-2-3-2)
D - the chord name
x - E string will not be struck
x - A string will not be struck
0 -
D string open
2 - Press G string on 2nd fret
3 - Press B string on 3rd
fret
2 - Press e string on 2nd fret
There you go! Most of the songs have similar chords. That way, if we can recall chords from another some and incorporate that chord into another song then you get to practice applied knowledge. Ain't that grand!
Happy practicing!
by: Eric Monsanto
Read More..
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Recording The Guitar to a Computer
You want to record your guitar, make your own riffs, music, etc. You want to plug my guitar into my computer? How to connect the guitar to the computer the right and best way? What software? Which audio interface? What about my favorites guitar effects? What computer? Where to start? It can be overwhelming.
The recording guitarist's computer setup should be something like this:
* Guitar (*GTR with 13 pin connection recommended) * Microphone for recording Acoustic guitar, vocals etc. * Quality guitar cable * Audio Interface-Firewire (recommended) or USB * Guitar/midi interface * USB/Firewire cables * Computer (Mac recommended or PC) * Extra external/internal Hard Drive (recommended) * Audio recording/sequencer software * Plug-ins: effects- reverb, compressor, delay, chorus, etc o Dedicated guitar effects/amp simulation o Sampler/synths (for 13 pin guitarists or guitarist who can play keyboards) * Quality cables to speakers * Powered Speakers * Headphones (so you do not disturb the wife an kids at those late weekend sessions).
Some recording setups:
-Setting up your whole live rig and putting a microphone in front of the your cabinet, playing at loud volumes so you get the amp to sound right, push the speaker enough, putting your speaker in a closet, using a blanket to damping volume, etc. -You could use a load on you speaker and record direct.
-Use a preamp that is compensated for direct recording as the front end. You can plug this into outboard effects or add plug-ins.
-You could record from your pedal board or any outboard multi-effects you might own. You probably end up with a direct type sound. Some multi-effects have amp simulation that might take the edge off the direct sound.
With any of these scenarios you are committing yourself to the recorded track. If you record with effects, you can't change it later. You would have to re-record! And if you do not re-record on the same day or you have to come back and have to set up the rig again, hopefully the knobs setting were written down, place the speaker in the same place etc, etc.... If you get into the recording other instruments or mixing the song and you want to change the guitar sound, tone, effects, etc, -- you have to re-record!
With a guitar with a 13 pin connection, either internally or a pickup installed on the body, you get 100% use of your software. You can record your guitar sound and get access to any software synths or samplers that come with the software or as a plug-in add-on.
With a software computer base system, you can change almost everything after you have recorded--amps, effects, mics, mic placement and more. You do this with plug-ins. You can save all your presets, sounds, etc. You could have multi-guitar tracks with different settings all from recording one track. The flexibility is there! Yes, there are purists out there- "software can't sound like tubes". Well, the software is getting pretty close!!!!
There is a lot of software out there. You do not have to spend a lot of money AND it is always improving. You buy a box. (i.e.hard disk recorders, and others mentioned above), you have bought a box. You usually can't upgrade without buying a new box.
People use computers every day at work or home- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel Power Point, etc) Email, Internet. Use it to record your guitar and music!!
by: Brian Murphy
Read More..
The recording guitarist's computer setup should be something like this:
* Guitar (*GTR with 13 pin connection recommended) * Microphone for recording Acoustic guitar, vocals etc. * Quality guitar cable * Audio Interface-Firewire (recommended) or USB * Guitar/midi interface * USB/Firewire cables * Computer (Mac recommended or PC) * Extra external/internal Hard Drive (recommended) * Audio recording/sequencer software * Plug-ins: effects- reverb, compressor, delay, chorus, etc o Dedicated guitar effects/amp simulation o Sampler/synths (for 13 pin guitarists or guitarist who can play keyboards) * Quality cables to speakers * Powered Speakers * Headphones (so you do not disturb the wife an kids at those late weekend sessions).
Some recording setups:
-Setting up your whole live rig and putting a microphone in front of the your cabinet, playing at loud volumes so you get the amp to sound right, push the speaker enough, putting your speaker in a closet, using a blanket to damping volume, etc. -You could use a load on you speaker and record direct.
-Use a preamp that is compensated for direct recording as the front end. You can plug this into outboard effects or add plug-ins.
-You could record from your pedal board or any outboard multi-effects you might own. You probably end up with a direct type sound. Some multi-effects have amp simulation that might take the edge off the direct sound.
With any of these scenarios you are committing yourself to the recorded track. If you record with effects, you can't change it later. You would have to re-record! And if you do not re-record on the same day or you have to come back and have to set up the rig again, hopefully the knobs setting were written down, place the speaker in the same place etc, etc.... If you get into the recording other instruments or mixing the song and you want to change the guitar sound, tone, effects, etc, -- you have to re-record!
With a guitar with a 13 pin connection, either internally or a pickup installed on the body, you get 100% use of your software. You can record your guitar sound and get access to any software synths or samplers that come with the software or as a plug-in add-on.
With a software computer base system, you can change almost everything after you have recorded--amps, effects, mics, mic placement and more. You do this with plug-ins. You can save all your presets, sounds, etc. You could have multi-guitar tracks with different settings all from recording one track. The flexibility is there! Yes, there are purists out there- "software can't sound like tubes". Well, the software is getting pretty close!!!!
There is a lot of software out there. You do not have to spend a lot of money AND it is always improving. You buy a box. (i.e.hard disk recorders, and others mentioned above), you have bought a box. You usually can't upgrade without buying a new box.
People use computers every day at work or home- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel Power Point, etc) Email, Internet. Use it to record your guitar and music!!
by: Brian Murphy
Read More..
Monday, July 28, 2008
Guitar Tuning with Natural Harmonics
Downbeating describes the technique whereby natural harmonics are used in tuning guitars. This is a very effective way to tune guitars that can be more accurate than just tuning by ear. It is also a great way of fine tuning once your have approximated tuning with standard techniques.
A prerequisite technique you must learn before you can use downbeating is hitting natural harmonics. Natural harmonics are produced by picking the string while lightly touching the string over the fret wire. You don’t need to push the string down against the fret wire. Natural harmonics sound like a ringing chimed tone. The easiest place to practice natural harmonics is the 12th fret, but you can produce a natural harmonic at nearly every fret. It is easier to hear them when your guitar is plugged into an amp and even easier when using the overdrive channel.
Once you have mastered hitting natural harmonics downbeating is quite simple. You can use this technique to tune every string except the B string (the 2nd string). The reason for this is because the interval between the G and B string is 4 half steps rather 5 half steps like all of the other strings.
Here’s how to do it. Start at the E and A string and work your way up. Simply hit the natural harmonic on the 5th fret on the lower string followed by the natural harmonic on the 7th fret of the higher string next to it.
They should produce the exact same tone. For example, if you are tuning the E and A strings, hit the natural harmonic on the 5th fret of the E string followed by the natural harmonic on the 7th fret of the A string. You need to have both natural harmonic tones sounding together at the same time.
If the strings are not in perfect tune together, what you will hear is the tone oscillate back and forth between the two strings. The faster the oscillation the further off tune the strings are. As you adjust the tuning peg you should hear the oscillation slow down until you only hear one non-oscillating tone.
This is called downbeating.
You may have to resound the harmonics a few times while you are adjusting the tuners. Once you hear only one non-oscillating tone the strings are in perfect tune with one another. Repeat the steps for all of the strings (except the B string) and you’ll find your guitar in perfect tune. This technique will work with any guitar acoustic or electric but is much easier to hear with an electric through the overdriven channel.
Read More..
A prerequisite technique you must learn before you can use downbeating is hitting natural harmonics. Natural harmonics are produced by picking the string while lightly touching the string over the fret wire. You don’t need to push the string down against the fret wire. Natural harmonics sound like a ringing chimed tone. The easiest place to practice natural harmonics is the 12th fret, but you can produce a natural harmonic at nearly every fret. It is easier to hear them when your guitar is plugged into an amp and even easier when using the overdrive channel.
Once you have mastered hitting natural harmonics downbeating is quite simple. You can use this technique to tune every string except the B string (the 2nd string). The reason for this is because the interval between the G and B string is 4 half steps rather 5 half steps like all of the other strings.
Here’s how to do it. Start at the E and A string and work your way up. Simply hit the natural harmonic on the 5th fret on the lower string followed by the natural harmonic on the 7th fret of the higher string next to it.
They should produce the exact same tone. For example, if you are tuning the E and A strings, hit the natural harmonic on the 5th fret of the E string followed by the natural harmonic on the 7th fret of the A string. You need to have both natural harmonic tones sounding together at the same time.
If the strings are not in perfect tune together, what you will hear is the tone oscillate back and forth between the two strings. The faster the oscillation the further off tune the strings are. As you adjust the tuning peg you should hear the oscillation slow down until you only hear one non-oscillating tone.
This is called downbeating.
You may have to resound the harmonics a few times while you are adjusting the tuners. Once you hear only one non-oscillating tone the strings are in perfect tune with one another. Repeat the steps for all of the strings (except the B string) and you’ll find your guitar in perfect tune. This technique will work with any guitar acoustic or electric but is much easier to hear with an electric through the overdriven channel.
Read More..
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
How to Maximize Your Guitar's Performance
Like any precision instrument guitars will perform their best when they are properly set up. By setting up your guitar properly you can maximize your guitar’s potential and also customize how it will feel, play, and sound to your liking. There are some adjustments that are best left to a professional but you can do a lot yourself with just a few simple tools. Here are 3 easy steps you can take to adjust your guitar’s action, intonation, and pickup output.
The action of a guitar refers to how easy it is to fret (push down on) the strings. A guitar set up with good action will play effortlessly. The easiest way to affect the action of a guitar is by adjusting the string height at the bridge. Most electric guitars will have an adjustable bridge to allow this. Most guitar bridges will have either a hand-turned bridge height adjustment knob (like on Les Paul type guitars) or a hex-wrench driven mechanism (like most Strat-type guitars). Simply turn the screws to lower the string height. The goal is to go as low as you can before the strings start to ‘buzz’ meaning they are resting on a the fret wire. There are some instances where you may want a higher string height, for example if you play slide guitar, but in general the lower the better. Other adjustments that affect string height and action such as height at the nut, neck angle, and truss rod adjustments may be better left for the professional.
Intonation of a guitar refers to the relationship of the frets to the precise string length. A guitar that is intonated correctly will sound ‘in-tune’ at all neck positions. Poorly intonated guitars will sound ok at one neck position, but will sound ‘out-of-tune’ at other neck positions. The length of a guitar string from nut to bridge needs to be exactly bisected at the 12th fret. In other words the 12th fret must divide the string exactly in half. Here the adjustable bridge comes into play again. Most bridges will have individual saddles for each string that can be moved to adjust intonation. Moving the string saddle, in effect, changes the length of the string. You will need a good electronic tuner to adjust your intonation. The goal here is to precisely match the tone of the fretted 12th string to the tone of the 12th string natural harmonic. A natural harmonic tone is achieved by only lightly putting your finger over the fret wire (the 12th in this instance) and picking the string normally. Natural harmonics will ring like a chime. They are easier to hear when the guitar is plugged into an amp and even easier when using the overdrive channel of your amp. Use your tuner to match the tone of the 12th string harmonic to the fretted 12th string tone by incrementally moving the string saddle one way or the other. Do this for each individual string, and your guitar will be intonated.
Pickup output can greatly be affected by the proximity of the pickup to the string. The easiest way to adjust this is by adjusting the pickup height. The closer the pickup is to the string the higher the output. Most pickups will have a height adjustment screw on either side of the pickup housing. Simply turn it to raise and lower the pickup. Fret the strings at the highest possible fret and raise the pickup so that it’s about 1/8” from the string. This should produce a good high output sound. From here you can customize your sound by either raising or lowering the high E or low E side of the pickup to enhance or subdue the treble or bass response. Make sure that you match the output between all of your pickups so that you won’t get a big volume change when you change pickups.
With these tips your should be able to improve and customize your guitar and maximize the its performance. Remember that a properly set up guitar has a great impact on how it will play. It can be the difference between a guitar that plays good or one that plays great. Visit www.2ndstringguitars.com for the best value in new and used guitars, factory 2nds, and refurbished instruments at cheap guitar prices.
Read More..
The action of a guitar refers to how easy it is to fret (push down on) the strings. A guitar set up with good action will play effortlessly. The easiest way to affect the action of a guitar is by adjusting the string height at the bridge. Most electric guitars will have an adjustable bridge to allow this. Most guitar bridges will have either a hand-turned bridge height adjustment knob (like on Les Paul type guitars) or a hex-wrench driven mechanism (like most Strat-type guitars). Simply turn the screws to lower the string height. The goal is to go as low as you can before the strings start to ‘buzz’ meaning they are resting on a the fret wire. There are some instances where you may want a higher string height, for example if you play slide guitar, but in general the lower the better. Other adjustments that affect string height and action such as height at the nut, neck angle, and truss rod adjustments may be better left for the professional.
Intonation of a guitar refers to the relationship of the frets to the precise string length. A guitar that is intonated correctly will sound ‘in-tune’ at all neck positions. Poorly intonated guitars will sound ok at one neck position, but will sound ‘out-of-tune’ at other neck positions. The length of a guitar string from nut to bridge needs to be exactly bisected at the 12th fret. In other words the 12th fret must divide the string exactly in half. Here the adjustable bridge comes into play again. Most bridges will have individual saddles for each string that can be moved to adjust intonation. Moving the string saddle, in effect, changes the length of the string. You will need a good electronic tuner to adjust your intonation. The goal here is to precisely match the tone of the fretted 12th string to the tone of the 12th string natural harmonic. A natural harmonic tone is achieved by only lightly putting your finger over the fret wire (the 12th in this instance) and picking the string normally. Natural harmonics will ring like a chime. They are easier to hear when the guitar is plugged into an amp and even easier when using the overdrive channel of your amp. Use your tuner to match the tone of the 12th string harmonic to the fretted 12th string tone by incrementally moving the string saddle one way or the other. Do this for each individual string, and your guitar will be intonated.
Pickup output can greatly be affected by the proximity of the pickup to the string. The easiest way to adjust this is by adjusting the pickup height. The closer the pickup is to the string the higher the output. Most pickups will have a height adjustment screw on either side of the pickup housing. Simply turn it to raise and lower the pickup. Fret the strings at the highest possible fret and raise the pickup so that it’s about 1/8” from the string. This should produce a good high output sound. From here you can customize your sound by either raising or lowering the high E or low E side of the pickup to enhance or subdue the treble or bass response. Make sure that you match the output between all of your pickups so that you won’t get a big volume change when you change pickups.
With these tips your should be able to improve and customize your guitar and maximize the its performance. Remember that a properly set up guitar has a great impact on how it will play. It can be the difference between a guitar that plays good or one that plays great. Visit www.2ndstringguitars.com for the best value in new and used guitars, factory 2nds, and refurbished instruments at cheap guitar prices.
Read More..
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Simple Steps to Better Guitar Tone
Great guitar tone is something that every guitarist wants. The quest for tone is one of the biggest reasons guitar players drop so much money on amplifiers and effects.
If you've found yourself spending a lot of money lately on various 'sound tweaking' gadgets, take note: the solution to your sound problems just might be closer (and cheaper) than you think!
Whether you want killer distortion or country-twang, the secret of great tone begins with a pure, clean signal.
In other words, no matter how many effects you intend to use, you've got to make sure the basic, unadulterated “dry signal” coming through your amp sounds just as good as anything else.
The reason for this is simple:
every effect you add to that signal brings in a little bit of noise. So, you need to start with as clean a signal as possible so that the cumulative impact of noise and signal degradation from your effects is kept to a minimum.
The first step :
here is as easy as proper maintenance of your guitar. Not only do you need to keep your strings fresh, and your neck in alignment, you also need to eliminate any sources of buzz or hum coming from faulty cords or poor electrical wiring in your pickups or input jack.
The second step :
is to run the same maintenance check on your amplifier. Now, the fact is, some amps are just noisier than others. If you can find nothing physically wrong with your amp, it may just be that you need to do upgrades for better tone.
For example, your amp's factory-installed speakers are probably not top-of-the-line. In the case of tube amps, especially, this can make a HUGE difference.
Along similar lines, you might also consider upgrading your tubes and/or the transistors used in the pre-amp stage.
Why?
Because your amp's sound is greatly influenced by the way each of these components responds to the guitar signal. Cheap parts have a slower dynamic response, and can also add unwanted coloration to the signal. This is one reason why some amps will sound great at a lower volume, but start to break up and distort as soon as you turn things up.
Last, but not least, take a look at the effects pedals you currently have in your arsenal. Maybe you've purchased 2 or 3 different distortion pedals, for example, in an elusive quest for that perfect 'crunch'?
There's nothing wrong with owning multiple pedals for the same type of effect; but, if you still aren't getting the sound you desire, it could be that you need to add something very basic into the mix, like an EQ pedal.
A good EQ pedal will allow you to shape which frequencies are emphasized. You can, for example, cut the mid-range for a heavier tone, or boost the highs so that your treble notes punch through.
Try mixing and matching EQ and Volume pedals in different places along your effects chain in order to boost or limit the characteristics of other effects. You'll be amazed how many different sounds you can create with a little experimentation!
by: Beth Miller
Read More..
If you've found yourself spending a lot of money lately on various 'sound tweaking' gadgets, take note: the solution to your sound problems just might be closer (and cheaper) than you think!
Whether you want killer distortion or country-twang, the secret of great tone begins with a pure, clean signal.
In other words, no matter how many effects you intend to use, you've got to make sure the basic, unadulterated “dry signal” coming through your amp sounds just as good as anything else.
The reason for this is simple:
every effect you add to that signal brings in a little bit of noise. So, you need to start with as clean a signal as possible so that the cumulative impact of noise and signal degradation from your effects is kept to a minimum.
The first step :
here is as easy as proper maintenance of your guitar. Not only do you need to keep your strings fresh, and your neck in alignment, you also need to eliminate any sources of buzz or hum coming from faulty cords or poor electrical wiring in your pickups or input jack.
The second step :
is to run the same maintenance check on your amplifier. Now, the fact is, some amps are just noisier than others. If you can find nothing physically wrong with your amp, it may just be that you need to do upgrades for better tone.
For example, your amp's factory-installed speakers are probably not top-of-the-line. In the case of tube amps, especially, this can make a HUGE difference.
Along similar lines, you might also consider upgrading your tubes and/or the transistors used in the pre-amp stage.
Why?
Because your amp's sound is greatly influenced by the way each of these components responds to the guitar signal. Cheap parts have a slower dynamic response, and can also add unwanted coloration to the signal. This is one reason why some amps will sound great at a lower volume, but start to break up and distort as soon as you turn things up.
Last, but not least, take a look at the effects pedals you currently have in your arsenal. Maybe you've purchased 2 or 3 different distortion pedals, for example, in an elusive quest for that perfect 'crunch'?
There's nothing wrong with owning multiple pedals for the same type of effect; but, if you still aren't getting the sound you desire, it could be that you need to add something very basic into the mix, like an EQ pedal.
A good EQ pedal will allow you to shape which frequencies are emphasized. You can, for example, cut the mid-range for a heavier tone, or boost the highs so that your treble notes punch through.
Try mixing and matching EQ and Volume pedals in different places along your effects chain in order to boost or limit the characteristics of other effects. You'll be amazed how many different sounds you can create with a little experimentation!
by: Beth Miller
Read More..
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Learn Guitar
By : 1st-Musics.com
Not all guitar lessons are the same.
> Which is the best way to learn?
> Jam with other guitarists and musicians?
> Play for friends and family?
> To learn to play your favourite songs?
Guitar lessons are a strong discipline like any learning experience. Once you decide to learn guitar instrument, you have to persevere and stay focused. Here is a quick "learn guitar review".
Guitar lessons are a strong discipline like any learning experience. Once you decide to learn guitar instrument, you have to persevere and stay focused. Here is a quick "learn guitar review".
Online Internet lessons
Before you choose to take lessons from any internet tutorial, it is best to seekoutsome reviews of the options available.
How strongly do you value your spare time?
It's dead easy to waste 10 hours or so a week, mindlessly surfing the web looking out for guitar tips. Whereas if you know what you are doing and have located a strong training system you can spend that time playing guitar and learning the things you really wanted to play.
Internet lessons are definitely cheaper than private lessons, they are more convenient, at your own time and leisure.
Private guitar lessons
This is the most effective ways to learn, but it costs! The instructor is usually well qualified and you can swap and change styles as you see fit.
It is always best to use a teacher who specialises in the style you predominantly wantb to learn. There's no point in taking a classically trained teacher to show you how to play blues guitar!
The world is full of classically trained guitar teachers who have not the slightest clue about modern music.
Drawbacks include being tied down to a fixed time and place, and of course the excessive cost.
There is no substitute for hard work no matter what you choose. Read More..
Not all guitar lessons are the same.
> Which is the best way to learn?
> Jam with other guitarists and musicians?
> Play for friends and family?
> To learn to play your favourite songs?
Guitar lessons are a strong discipline like any learning experience. Once you decide to learn guitar instrument, you have to persevere and stay focused. Here is a quick "learn guitar review".
Guitar lessons are a strong discipline like any learning experience. Once you decide to learn guitar instrument, you have to persevere and stay focused. Here is a quick "learn guitar review".
Online Internet lessons
Before you choose to take lessons from any internet tutorial, it is best to seekoutsome reviews of the options available.
How strongly do you value your spare time?
It's dead easy to waste 10 hours or so a week, mindlessly surfing the web looking out for guitar tips. Whereas if you know what you are doing and have located a strong training system you can spend that time playing guitar and learning the things you really wanted to play.
Internet lessons are definitely cheaper than private lessons, they are more convenient, at your own time and leisure.
Private guitar lessons
This is the most effective ways to learn, but it costs! The instructor is usually well qualified and you can swap and change styles as you see fit.
It is always best to use a teacher who specialises in the style you predominantly wantb to learn. There's no point in taking a classically trained teacher to show you how to play blues guitar!
The world is full of classically trained guitar teachers who have not the slightest clue about modern music.
Drawbacks include being tied down to a fixed time and place, and of course the excessive cost.
There is no substitute for hard work no matter what you choose. Read More..
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Learn to Read Piano Music
Learning a chord-based approach to playing the piano might have you rockin’ and rollin’ in not time, but many people want to know and understand what they are playing by learning how to read piano music. This could take time, a few months or even years, but those who learn to read piano music don’t have to hear a song before they play it. They simply look over the piece of sheet music and are able to ‘hear’ the score before them. Understanding the notes is like being able to read another language.
The first steps to learning how to read piano or keyboard sheet music involve learning the notes and clefs that a piece of music is composed of. This will let you know whether you need to play in a treble clef, or high tone, or if the piece is written for deeper or lower tones, called a bass clef. Next, you must be able to designate which notes are what, where they are located, and why they are there.
Notes are broken down and depicted individually on what is called a stave, the five parallel lines music is written on. Depending on where the note is on the stave, onthe lines or in the spaces, this will formulate how a song should be played. Different parts of the musical score will detail each section’s notes all at once to help the conductor lead an entire symphony.
The next step to reading piano sheet music is a bit more complicated. The time signature is another important feature to focus on because it tells you at what pace the song should be played. These are often made up of vertical bar lines, which indicate when and where a song begins and stops. On this time signature there are numbers that indicate how many beats exist per measure. You’ll learn to recognize the time signature, what it means, and how it controls the rhythm of a song as you continue learning how to read piano music.
The final step to understanding a piano score involves understanding the next type of signature. This is called the key signature. The key signature tells you in what key the piece should be played. This can vary from sharp, to flat, to natural. Sharp keys are the black keys found just above the white keys on a piano or keyboard. The notations on the key signature indicate what part or parts of a song need to be emphasized or not. By learning to read piano music, you will not only be able to understand the piece before you, but you will also gain a deeper appreciation for the music.
by: Nick Krueger Read More..
The first steps to learning how to read piano or keyboard sheet music involve learning the notes and clefs that a piece of music is composed of. This will let you know whether you need to play in a treble clef, or high tone, or if the piece is written for deeper or lower tones, called a bass clef. Next, you must be able to designate which notes are what, where they are located, and why they are there.
Notes are broken down and depicted individually on what is called a stave, the five parallel lines music is written on. Depending on where the note is on the stave, onthe lines or in the spaces, this will formulate how a song should be played. Different parts of the musical score will detail each section’s notes all at once to help the conductor lead an entire symphony.
The next step to reading piano sheet music is a bit more complicated. The time signature is another important feature to focus on because it tells you at what pace the song should be played. These are often made up of vertical bar lines, which indicate when and where a song begins and stops. On this time signature there are numbers that indicate how many beats exist per measure. You’ll learn to recognize the time signature, what it means, and how it controls the rhythm of a song as you continue learning how to read piano music.
The final step to understanding a piano score involves understanding the next type of signature. This is called the key signature. The key signature tells you in what key the piece should be played. This can vary from sharp, to flat, to natural. Sharp keys are the black keys found just above the white keys on a piano or keyboard. The notations on the key signature indicate what part or parts of a song need to be emphasized or not. By learning to read piano music, you will not only be able to understand the piece before you, but you will also gain a deeper appreciation for the music.
by: Nick Krueger Read More..
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Shopping For Used Musical Instruments
Buying used musical instruments are one of the great ideas for children and beginners. Students and first time music learners may not spend money on expensive musical instruments. Used musical instruments will solve their purpose. However, there are important factors to be considered before buying used musical instruments.
It is always advisable to read instrument manuals and guides properly before buying any used musical instrument. This is essential because used musical instruments carry risks of sudden break down.
A person may sell his musical instrument for various reasons. It is always advisable to buy used musical instruments from a trusted source. A nearby used musical instrument store would be a great place. Online sources such as eBay are great places for buying a good used musical instrument. Read More..
It is always advisable to read instrument manuals and guides properly before buying any used musical instrument. This is essential because used musical instruments carry risks of sudden break down.
A person may sell his musical instrument for various reasons. It is always advisable to buy used musical instruments from a trusted source. A nearby used musical instrument store would be a great place. Online sources such as eBay are great places for buying a good used musical instrument. Read More..
Monday, April 7, 2008
How To Copyright Music
Music is copyrighted as soon as you present it in a fixed form. It doesn't matter whether that fixed form is written sheet music or a recording. Most people who copyright music do so for the extra legal protection. Even though a copyright is good to have, it is essentially worthless unless you've registered your copyright with the Library of Congress. You will need to fill out an application, pay a fee, and provide a copy of your music. As far as government dealings go, this is one of the least painful. Even the application fee is marginal when you consider the fact you are protecting potential future profits and royalties from your music.
Even if you aren't a talented performer, it doesn't mean your music will never be seen or heard, nor does it mean you should not bother copyrighting your music. One day you might find yourself more in demand for your talents than you ever dreamed possible. It is important to protect your music now more than ever before in history due to widespread music piracy and illegal music file-sharing.
Once you understand how to copyright music, you should copyright every sheet of music which you have produced. This involves registering each and every piece of music with the Library of Congress. Even if you must copyright one piece at a time until you manage to copyright all of them, it is much better to be safe than sorry should you ever go to trial in a copyright infringement case. Read More..
Even if you aren't a talented performer, it doesn't mean your music will never be seen or heard, nor does it mean you should not bother copyrighting your music. One day you might find yourself more in demand for your talents than you ever dreamed possible. It is important to protect your music now more than ever before in history due to widespread music piracy and illegal music file-sharing.
Once you understand how to copyright music, you should copyright every sheet of music which you have produced. This involves registering each and every piece of music with the Library of Congress. Even if you must copyright one piece at a time until you manage to copyright all of them, it is much better to be safe than sorry should you ever go to trial in a copyright infringement case. Read More..
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Music Intervals
Intervals are the fundamental building blocks of music allowing us to read and write music, and most importantly, to help us construct chords and harmonies. However words like major, minor, augmented, diminished, enharmonic and compound leave many people a bit confused, hopefully this article will throw some light on the subject.
The ‘distance’ between two notes is known as an interval. This is the difference in pitch between two notes. The size or amount of distance is measured numerically.
If we consider the C scale there are 8 notes; C D E F G A B C numbered from 1 through to 8. As an example the interval from C to G is a 5th as G is 5 notes above C. The interval from C to F is a 4th as F is 4 notes above C.
All intervals are measured from the first note of the scale. These intervals are given a name as well as a numeric value and in order of progression they are: C-D is a major 2nd, C-E is a major 3rd, C-F is a perfect 4th, C-G is a perfect 5th, C-A major 6th, C-B major 7 and finally C-C is a perfect octave.
The intervals that are perfect are so called because they have a certain purity about them that comes from the overtones and upper-partials that are contained within them.
Intervals can be raised or lowered by a half-step/semitone. If a major interval is chromatically reduced by a half-step it becomes a minor interval e.g. C-E is a major 3rd, if it is lowered by a half-step (from C-Eb) the interval becomes a minor 3rd.
If a perfect interval is chromatically reduced by a half-step it becomes a diminished interval i.e. a perfect 4th lowered by a half-step becomes a diminished 4th.
If major or perfect intervals are raised by a half-step then they become an augmented interval i.e. a perfect 5th would become an augmented 5th.
Compound intervals are those that extend into the 2nd octave. C to D (in the next octave) is called either a major 9th or a compound major 2nd. C to F (next octave) is a perfect 11th or a compound perfect 4th.
Enharmonic intervals are those that differ in name but not pitch, for example C-G# is an augmented 5th and C-Ab is a minor 6th.
When intervals are inverted they reverse the relative position of the notes. C-G (perfect 5th) becomes G-C which is a perfect 4th, a 3rd would become a 6th. Perfect intervals when inverted remain perfect e.g. C-G being a perfect 5th would become a perfect 4th when inverted, a major becomes minor, minor becomes major, diminished becomes augmented and augmented becomes diminished. Read More..
The ‘distance’ between two notes is known as an interval. This is the difference in pitch between two notes. The size or amount of distance is measured numerically.
If we consider the C scale there are 8 notes; C D E F G A B C numbered from 1 through to 8. As an example the interval from C to G is a 5th as G is 5 notes above C. The interval from C to F is a 4th as F is 4 notes above C.
All intervals are measured from the first note of the scale. These intervals are given a name as well as a numeric value and in order of progression they are: C-D is a major 2nd, C-E is a major 3rd, C-F is a perfect 4th, C-G is a perfect 5th, C-A major 6th, C-B major 7 and finally C-C is a perfect octave.
The intervals that are perfect are so called because they have a certain purity about them that comes from the overtones and upper-partials that are contained within them.
Intervals can be raised or lowered by a half-step/semitone. If a major interval is chromatically reduced by a half-step it becomes a minor interval e.g. C-E is a major 3rd, if it is lowered by a half-step (from C-Eb) the interval becomes a minor 3rd.
If a perfect interval is chromatically reduced by a half-step it becomes a diminished interval i.e. a perfect 4th lowered by a half-step becomes a diminished 4th.
If major or perfect intervals are raised by a half-step then they become an augmented interval i.e. a perfect 5th would become an augmented 5th.
Compound intervals are those that extend into the 2nd octave. C to D (in the next octave) is called either a major 9th or a compound major 2nd. C to F (next octave) is a perfect 11th or a compound perfect 4th.
Enharmonic intervals are those that differ in name but not pitch, for example C-G# is an augmented 5th and C-Ab is a minor 6th.
When intervals are inverted they reverse the relative position of the notes. C-G (perfect 5th) becomes G-C which is a perfect 4th, a 3rd would become a 6th. Perfect intervals when inverted remain perfect e.g. C-G being a perfect 5th would become a perfect 4th when inverted, a major becomes minor, minor becomes major, diminished becomes augmented and augmented becomes diminished. Read More..
Pop Music
Pop music is a liberal and vague category of modern music not marked by artistic considerations but by its promising audience or future market. Pop is music composed with calculated objective to influence the majority of its contemporaries.
In contrast to music that calls for education or arrangement to appreciate, a significant characteristic of pop music is that anyone is able to enjoy it. Artistic concepts such as complex musical form and aesthetics are not a matter in the writing of pop songs, the key aim being audience satisfaction and commercial triumph. Although the aim of pop music is to sell records and do really well in the charts, it does not require wide acclaim or commercial success. There are bad or unsuccessful pop songs.
Originally the term was an abbreviation of, and synonymous to, popular music, but developed around 1954 to express a particular musical category. The stylistic origins of pop music is folk,jazz,R&B,rock and roll,traditional pop music.The typical instruments are electric guitar,bass guitar,drum kit and keyboard.The cultural origins date back to 1950's in the United States.It is popular worldwide since 1960s.
The standard format of pop music is the song, usually less than five minutes in length. The instrumentation can range from an orchestra to a lone singer. In spite of this wide choice, a standard lineup in a pop band includes a lead guitarist, a bassist, a drummer (or an electronic drum machine), a keyboardist and one or more singers, generally not themselves instumentalists.
Pop songs are generally conspicuous by a heavy rhythmic element, a mainstream style and traditional structure. The most common modification is strophic in form and focuses on memorable melodies, catchy hooks and the appeal of the verse-chorus-verse arrangement, with the chorus sharply contrasting the verse melodically, rhythmically and harmonically.
Lyrics in pop compositions are usually simple and speak of universal experiences and feelings, moving away from incomprehensible or debatable issues.The international appeal of pop was evident in the new millennium, with artists from around the world influencing the genre and local variants merging with the mainstream. As of 2008, pop music is now currently the most popular style of music of youth culture, making competition with hip hop, dance and country.
by: Mary Rose Read More..
In contrast to music that calls for education or arrangement to appreciate, a significant characteristic of pop music is that anyone is able to enjoy it. Artistic concepts such as complex musical form and aesthetics are not a matter in the writing of pop songs, the key aim being audience satisfaction and commercial triumph. Although the aim of pop music is to sell records and do really well in the charts, it does not require wide acclaim or commercial success. There are bad or unsuccessful pop songs.
Originally the term was an abbreviation of, and synonymous to, popular music, but developed around 1954 to express a particular musical category. The stylistic origins of pop music is folk,jazz,R&B,rock and roll,traditional pop music.The typical instruments are electric guitar,bass guitar,drum kit and keyboard.The cultural origins date back to 1950's in the United States.It is popular worldwide since 1960s.
The standard format of pop music is the song, usually less than five minutes in length. The instrumentation can range from an orchestra to a lone singer. In spite of this wide choice, a standard lineup in a pop band includes a lead guitarist, a bassist, a drummer (or an electronic drum machine), a keyboardist and one or more singers, generally not themselves instumentalists.
Pop songs are generally conspicuous by a heavy rhythmic element, a mainstream style and traditional structure. The most common modification is strophic in form and focuses on memorable melodies, catchy hooks and the appeal of the verse-chorus-verse arrangement, with the chorus sharply contrasting the verse melodically, rhythmically and harmonically.
Lyrics in pop compositions are usually simple and speak of universal experiences and feelings, moving away from incomprehensible or debatable issues.The international appeal of pop was evident in the new millennium, with artists from around the world influencing the genre and local variants merging with the mainstream. As of 2008, pop music is now currently the most popular style of music of youth culture, making competition with hip hop, dance and country.
by: Mary Rose Read More..
Rock Pop Music
Rock pop music is a style of popular music with an outstanding vocal melody accompanied by guitar, drums, and bass. Many forms of rock music also use keyboard instruments such as organ, piano, mellotron, and synthesizers. Other instruments sometimes employed in rock include harmonica, violin, flute, banjo, melodica, and timpani. Besides, rare stringed instruments such as mandolin and sitar are used. Rock pop music normally has a strong back beat, and often revolves around the guitar, either solid electric, hollow electric, or acoustic.
Rock pop music has its origin in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll and rockabilly, which developed from blues, country music and other influences. The All Music Guide opines that rock and roll in its purest form has three chords, a strong, insistent back beat, and a catchy melody. Initially,rock & roll took from a variety of sources, mainly blues, R&B, and country, but also gospel, traditional pop, jazz, and folk. All of these impact combined in a simple, blues-based song structure that was not only fast and catchy but also foot tapping.
In the late 1960s, rock pop music was combined with folk music ,blues and jazz to create folk rock, blues-rock and jazz-rock fusion respectively.It created psychedelic rock music irrespective of the time. In the 1970s, rock incorporated influences from soul, funk, and latin music. During the 1970s, a number of subgenres of rock, such as soft rock, heavy metal, hard rock, progressive rock, and punk rock was created. Synth-rock, hardcore punk and alternative rock were the sub genres of rock pop music that was developed in the 1980s whereas, rock subgenres in the 1990s included grunge, Britpop, indie rock, and nu metal.
A rock band or rock group is a group of musicians specializing in rock pop music . Most of the rock groups consist of a guitarist, lead singer, bass guitarist, and drummer, forming a quartet. Few groups may skip one or more of these roles and make use of a lead singer who can play an instrument while singing, forming a trio or duo; others include additional musicians such as one or two rhythm guitarists and/or a keyboardist. Seldom, groups also employ stringed instruments such as violins or cellos, or horns like trumpets or trombones.
by: Mary Rose Read More..
Rock pop music has its origin in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll and rockabilly, which developed from blues, country music and other influences. The All Music Guide opines that rock and roll in its purest form has three chords, a strong, insistent back beat, and a catchy melody. Initially,rock & roll took from a variety of sources, mainly blues, R&B, and country, but also gospel, traditional pop, jazz, and folk. All of these impact combined in a simple, blues-based song structure that was not only fast and catchy but also foot tapping.
In the late 1960s, rock pop music was combined with folk music ,blues and jazz to create folk rock, blues-rock and jazz-rock fusion respectively.It created psychedelic rock music irrespective of the time. In the 1970s, rock incorporated influences from soul, funk, and latin music. During the 1970s, a number of subgenres of rock, such as soft rock, heavy metal, hard rock, progressive rock, and punk rock was created. Synth-rock, hardcore punk and alternative rock were the sub genres of rock pop music that was developed in the 1980s whereas, rock subgenres in the 1990s included grunge, Britpop, indie rock, and nu metal.
A rock band or rock group is a group of musicians specializing in rock pop music . Most of the rock groups consist of a guitarist, lead singer, bass guitarist, and drummer, forming a quartet. Few groups may skip one or more of these roles and make use of a lead singer who can play an instrument while singing, forming a trio or duo; others include additional musicians such as one or two rhythm guitarists and/or a keyboardist. Seldom, groups also employ stringed instruments such as violins or cellos, or horns like trumpets or trombones.
by: Mary Rose Read More..
Monday, March 17, 2008
Buying Guide for Acoustic Guitars
The acoustic guitar is a great instrument to begin learning on. It allows the student to focus on the basics of making a proper sound without the distractions of knobs, amplifiers, whammy bars and all the fun noise-making aspects of the electric guitar that can often be an entertaining distraction to the beginner. It’s also more portable and allows students to practice anywhere with no need for an electrical outlet.
This is the guitar you see most often in rock bands, folk groups and country music. Acoustics come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the most common shape of the steel string guitar is called the “Dreadnought”.
It can be played with fingers or strummed with a pick and projects a bright, full sound.
This type of guitar has a deeper, completely hollow body, with “F” holes in the top, allowing the guitar to resonate acoustically. An example of this would be the Gretsch 6120.
Certain models may have a wood block through the center, behind the pickups, to give more sustain and minimize feedback. These are also known as Semi-Hollow Body Guitars. An example of this would be Gibson’s ES-335.
Click for Electric Guitars and Bass Guitars For all instrumens guide you can click link below
Browse the Instrument Buying Guides at Woodwind & Brasswind!
Read More..
This is the guitar you see most often in rock bands, folk groups and country music. Acoustics come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the most common shape of the steel string guitar is called the “Dreadnought”.
It can be played with fingers or strummed with a pick and projects a bright, full sound.
This type of guitar has a deeper, completely hollow body, with “F” holes in the top, allowing the guitar to resonate acoustically. An example of this would be the Gretsch 6120.
Certain models may have a wood block through the center, behind the pickups, to give more sustain and minimize feedback. These are also known as Semi-Hollow Body Guitars. An example of this would be Gibson’s ES-335.
Click for Electric Guitars and Bass Guitars For all instrumens guide you can click link below
Browse the Instrument Buying Guides at Woodwind & Brasswind!
Buying Guide for Bass Guitars
In the past, most bass players were made by default. He was either the guy who wanted to be in the band who didn’t have any equipment yet, or the 2nd or 3rd guitar player in the band who’s ability on the guitar was somewhat… questionable.
Through the years the role of the bass guitar has grown and developed as creative musicians such as James Jamerson, Paul McCartney & Jaco Pastorius, have stretched the boundaries of the instrument and brought it to the forefront.
Back in the early 60’s the quality of starter basses was often less than desirable.
The high tension of the heavy strings often warped necks rendering them unplayable. Today’s instruments are of a different caliber. Technological developments and the use of modern manufacturing techniques have greatly improved the quality and consistency of entry-level instruments.
Click for Electric Guitars and Acoustic Guitars for all instrumens guide you can click link below
Browse the Instrument Buying Guides at Woodwind & Brasswind!
Read More..
Through the years the role of the bass guitar has grown and developed as creative musicians such as James Jamerson, Paul McCartney & Jaco Pastorius, have stretched the boundaries of the instrument and brought it to the forefront.
Back in the early 60’s the quality of starter basses was often less than desirable. The high tension of the heavy strings often warped necks rendering them unplayable. Today’s instruments are of a different caliber. Technological developments and the use of modern manufacturing techniques have greatly improved the quality and consistency of entry-level instruments.
Click for Electric Guitars and Acoustic Guitars for all instrumens guide you can click link below
Browse the Instrument Buying Guides at Woodwind & Brasswind!
Buying Guide for Electric Guitars
Today’s instruments are of a different caliber. Recent technological developments and the use of modern manufacturing techniques have greatly improved the quality and consistency of entry-level instruments. The bottom line: There are now a variety of affordable, quality, entry-level instruments available for the beginner.
If you think you’d like to get more specific in your choice of guitar, the first thing you need to decide is what type you would like. The style of music you’d like to play can often decide this. Check out some artists who play the type of music you’d like to emulate.
Click for Bass Guitars and Acoustic Guitars for all instrumens guide you can click link below
Browse the Instrument Buying Guides at Woodwind & Brasswind!
Read More..
If you think you’d like to get more specific in your choice of guitar, the first thing you need to decide is what type you would like. The style of music you’d like to play can often decide this. Check out some artists who play the type of music you’d like to emulate.Click for Bass Guitars and Acoustic Guitars for all instrumens guide you can click link below
Browse the Instrument Buying Guides at Woodwind & Brasswind!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Electric Guitars
Electric Guitars produce little sound without amplification. Electromagnetic pickups convert the vibration of the steel strings into electrical signals which are fed to an amplifier through a cable or radio transmitter. The sound is frequently modified by other electronic devices or the natural distortion of valves in the amplifier.
There are two main types of pickup,single and double coil or humbucker, each of which can be passive or active.
The electric guitar is used extensively in jazz, blues, and rock and roll, and was commercialized by Gibson in collaboration with Les Paul, and independently by Leo Fender of Fender Music.
The lower fretboard action and its electrical amplification lend the electric guitar to some techniques which are less frequently used on acoustic guitars. These include tapping, extensive use of legato through pull-offs and hammer-ons, pinch harmonics, volume swells, and use of a tremolo arm or effects pedals.
Seven-strings were popularized in the 1980s and 1990s in part due to the release of the Ibanez Universe guitar, endorsed by Steve Vai. Other artists go a step further, by using an 8 string guitar with two extra low strings. Although the most common 7-string has a low B string, Roger McGuinn (of The Byrds and Rickenbacker) uses an octave G string paired with the regular G string as on a 12 string guitar, allowing him to incorporate chiming 12 string elements in standard 6 string playing.
Some electric guitar and electric bass guitar models feature Piezoelectric pickups, which function as transducers to provide a sound closer to that of an acoustic guitar with the flip of a switch or knob, rather than switching guitars. Read More..
There are two main types of pickup,single and double coil or humbucker, each of which can be passive or active.
The electric guitar is used extensively in jazz, blues, and rock and roll, and was commercialized by Gibson in collaboration with Les Paul, and independently by Leo Fender of Fender Music.
The lower fretboard action and its electrical amplification lend the electric guitar to some techniques which are less frequently used on acoustic guitars. These include tapping, extensive use of legato through pull-offs and hammer-ons, pinch harmonics, volume swells, and use of a tremolo arm or effects pedals.
Seven-strings were popularized in the 1980s and 1990s in part due to the release of the Ibanez Universe guitar, endorsed by Steve Vai. Other artists go a step further, by using an 8 string guitar with two extra low strings. Although the most common 7-string has a low B string, Roger McGuinn (of The Byrds and Rickenbacker) uses an octave G string paired with the regular G string as on a 12 string guitar, allowing him to incorporate chiming 12 string elements in standard 6 string playing.
Some electric guitar and electric bass guitar models feature Piezoelectric pickups, which function as transducers to provide a sound closer to that of an acoustic guitar with the flip of a switch or knob, rather than switching guitars. Read More..
Acoustic Guitar
Acoustic guitar is difference with electric guitars, acoustic guitar one not dependent on an external device to be heard but uses a soundboard which is a wooden piece mounted on the front of the guitar's body. The acoustic guitar is quieter than other instruments commonly found in bands and orchestras so when playing within such groups it is often externally amplified. Many acoustic guitars available today feature a variety of pickups which enable the player to amplify and modify the raw guitar sound.
Subcategories acoustic guitar group: classical and flamenco guitars uses steel string guitars, which include the flat top or folk guitar uses twelve string guitars and the arch top guitar. The acoustic guitar group also includes unamplified guitars designed to play in different registers such as the acoustic bass guitar which has a similar tuning to that of the electric bass guitar. Read More..
Subcategories acoustic guitar group: classical and flamenco guitars uses steel string guitars, which include the flat top or folk guitar uses twelve string guitars and the arch top guitar. The acoustic guitar group also includes unamplified guitars designed to play in different registers such as the acoustic bass guitar which has a similar tuning to that of the electric bass guitar. Read More..
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Minor Scales
If there are major scales there are also minor scales. The notes on a major scale sound bright and cheerful while notes on the minor scale sound solemn and sad. There are three types of minor scales:
Natural Minor Scale - When you play all the notes in a minor key signature, you are playing the minor scale. To guide you, here are the minor scales in every key:
C = C - D - Eb - F - G - Ab - Bb - C
D = D - E - F - G - A - Bb - C - D
E = E - F# - G - A - B - C - D - E
F = F - G - Ab - Bb - C - Db - Eb - F
G = G - A - Bb - C - D - Eb - F - G
A = A - B - C - D - E - F - G - A
B = B - C# - D - E - F# - G - A - B
C# = C# - D# - E - F# - G# - A - B - C#
Eb = Eb - F - Gb - Ab - Bb - Cb - Db - Eb
F# = F# - G# - A - B - C# - D - E - F#
G# = G# - A# - B - C# - D# - E - F# - G#
Bb = Bb - C - Db - Eb - F - Gb - Ab - Bb
To simplify, you can memorize this formula to form a minor scale = whole step - half step - whole step - whole step - half step - whole step - whole step or w - h - w - w - h - w - w.
Harmonic Minor Scale - To play a harmonic minor scale, you simply raise the seventh note of the scale by a half-step as you go up and down the scale.
For example:
Natural C Minor Scale = C - D - Eb - F - G - Ab - Bb - C
Harmonic C Minor Scale = C - D - Eb - F - G - Ab - B - C
Melodic Minor Scale - When you raise the sixth and seventh notes of a scale by a half step as you go up the scale and then return to the natural minor as you go down the scale. For example:
Melodic C Minor Scale = C - D - Eb - F - G - A - B - C (as you go up the scale)
Natural C Minor Scale = C - Bb - Ab - G - F - Eb - D - C (as you go down the scale)
By Espie Estrella, About.com Read More..
Natural Minor Scale - When you play all the notes in a minor key signature, you are playing the minor scale. To guide you, here are the minor scales in every key:
C = C - D - Eb - F - G - Ab - Bb - C
D = D - E - F - G - A - Bb - C - D
E = E - F# - G - A - B - C - D - E
F = F - G - Ab - Bb - C - Db - Eb - F
G = G - A - Bb - C - D - Eb - F - G
A = A - B - C - D - E - F - G - A
B = B - C# - D - E - F# - G - A - B
C# = C# - D# - E - F# - G# - A - B - C#
Eb = Eb - F - Gb - Ab - Bb - Cb - Db - Eb
F# = F# - G# - A - B - C# - D - E - F#
G# = G# - A# - B - C# - D# - E - F# - G#
Bb = Bb - C - Db - Eb - F - Gb - Ab - Bb
To simplify, you can memorize this formula to form a minor scale = whole step - half step - whole step - whole step - half step - whole step - whole step or w - h - w - w - h - w - w.
Harmonic Minor Scale - To play a harmonic minor scale, you simply raise the seventh note of the scale by a half-step as you go up and down the scale.
For example:
Natural C Minor Scale = C - D - Eb - F - G - Ab - Bb - C
Harmonic C Minor Scale = C - D - Eb - F - G - Ab - B - C
Melodic Minor Scale - When you raise the sixth and seventh notes of a scale by a half step as you go up the scale and then return to the natural minor as you go down the scale. For example:
Melodic C Minor Scale = C - D - Eb - F - G - A - B - C (as you go up the scale)
Natural C Minor Scale = C - Bb - Ab - G - F - Eb - D - C (as you go down the scale)
By Espie Estrella, About.com Read More..
Major Scales
Scales refer to a series of notes that go in an ascending and descending manner. The major scale is the foundation from which all other scales are formed. A C major scale begins with a C and ends with a C. The same rule applies with the rest of the keys where a D Major Scale begins and ends with a D and so on. The notes on a major scale is numbered from 1 to 8, this signifies the intervals.
By Espie Estrella, About.com Read More..
Major Scale in Every Key
C = C - D - E - F - G - A - B - C
D = D - E - F# - G - A - B - C# - D
E = E - F# - G# - A - B - C# - D# - E
F = F - G - A - Bb - C - D - E - F
G = G - A - B - C - D - E - F# - G
A = A - B - C# - D - E - F# - G# - A
B = B - C# - D# - E - F# - G# - A# - B
C# = C# - D# - E# (=F) - F# - G# - A# - B# (=C) - C#
Db = Db - Eb - F - Gb - Ab - Bb - C - Db
Eb = Eb - F - G - Ab - Bb - C - D -Eb
F# = F# - G# - A# - B - C# - D# - E# (=F) - F#
Gb = Gb - Ab - Bb - Cb (=B) - Db - Eb - F - Gb
Ab = Ab - Bb - C - Db - Eb - F - G - Ab
Bb = Bb - C - D - Eb - F - G - A - Bb
By Espie Estrella, About.com Read More..
Classic Musical
In the history of West music took place for most 18th centuries up to early of the 19th age.
Although the classic musical term is usually used to mention all the musical kinds in this tradition, this term was also used to mention music from this certain time in this tradition.
This time is usually given by the limit between 1750 and 1820, but and this limitation was gotten the overlap with the time before and afterwards, same like in all the other limitations of the musical time. Read More..
Although the classic musical term is usually used to mention all the musical kinds in this tradition, this term was also used to mention music from this certain time in this tradition.
This time is usually given by the limit between 1750 and 1820, but and this limitation was gotten the overlap with the time before and afterwards, same like in all the other limitations of the musical time. Read More..
Sense of musical
Music was the sound that was accepted by the individual and differed was based on the history, the location, the culture and appetite someone.
The true definition about music also various things: the Sound or the rhythm that was regarded as beautiful.
All the sounds that were produced deliberately by someone or the collection and were presented as a rhythm ataou the tone.
Several people considered music was not completely concrete.
Music according to Aristoteles had the capacity to reconcile the dejected heart, have creative therapy and cultivate the spirit of patriotism. Read More..
The true definition about music also various things: the Sound or the rhythm that was regarded as beautiful.
All the sounds that were produced deliberately by someone or the collection and were presented as a rhythm ataou the tone.
Several people considered music was not completely concrete.
Music according to Aristoteles had the capacity to reconcile the dejected heart, have creative therapy and cultivate the spirit of patriotism. Read More..
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Back To : music-method.blogspot.com
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If you require any more information or have any questions about our privacy policy, please feel free to contact us by email at andrie_ars@yahoo.com.
At music-method.blogspot.com, the privacy of our visitors is of extreme importance to us. This privacy policy document outlines the types of personal information is received and collected by addiction-rehab.blogspot.com/ and how it is used.
Log Files
Like many other Web sites, music-method.blogspot.com makes use of log files.
The information inside the log files includes internet protocol ( IP ) addresses, type of browser, Internet Service Provider ( ISP ), date/time stamp, referring/exit pages, and number of clicks to analyze trends, administer the site, track user’s movement around the site, and gather demographic information. IP addresses, and other such information are not linked to any information that is personally identifiable.
Cookies and Web Beacons
music-method.blogspot.com does use cookies to store information about visitors preferences, record user-specific information on which pages the user access or visit, customize Web page content based on visitors browser type or other information that the visitor sends via their browser.
Some of our advertising partners may use cookies and web beacons on our site. Our advertising partners include Google Adsense, Chitika, Linkshare, Amazon, Adbrite .
These third-party ad servers or ad networks use technology to the advertisements and links that appear on music-method.blogspot.com send directly to your browsers. They automatically receive your IP address when this occurs. Other technologies ( such as cookies, JavaScript, or Web Beacons ) may also be used by the third-party ad networks to measure the effectiveness of their advertisements and / or to personalize the advertising content that you see.
music-method.blogspot.com has no access to or control over these cookies that are used by third-party advertisers.
You should consult the respective privacy policies of these third-party ad servers for more detailed information on their practices as well as for instructions about how to opt-out of certain practices. music-method.blogspot.com's privacy policy does not apply to, and we cannot control the activities of, such other advertisers or web sites.
If you wish to disable cookies, you may do so through your individual browser options. More detailed information about cookie management with specific web browsers can be found at the browsers' respective websites.
We use third-party advertising companies to serve ads when you visit our website. These companies may use information (not including your name, address, email address, or telephone number) about your visits to this and other websites in order to provide advertisements about goods and services of interest to you.
Back To : music-method.blogspot.com
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