Monday, October 31, 2011
Become A Better Guitar Player By Composing
You can learn to compose sheet music for guitar! Just start with the knowledge you have and begin to create your own compositions. Your guitar playing will benefit from these activities and it's fun too!
You might wonder how you can start to compose. You might also find it difficult to notate the music you create on manuscript paper.
You can of course avoid score music notation and compose guitar music anyway. You can record the music you play with some sort of equipment like a computer, mp3-player or something else.
But, if you would like to learn the art of notating your creations on paper or in a software notation program. What to do?
A smart way to start this endeavor is to write beginners on guitar. This type of music has two advantages:
1. The melodies have to be simple with not to many different notes.
2. The compositions are short with just a few notes to play.
3. The rhythms are easy too play.
These qualities will fit you as you can start on a level in your composing that is not too overwhelming.
Sheet music pieces for guitar beginners are of course written in progressive order starting with the easiest possible sheets. As you yourself write the melodies in the same order you will progress at the same time.
Let's take a look at the benefits you will reap from composing in this manner.
As you endeavor to compose you will gradually understand other composers music better. You will probably wonder how to notate the compositions you create which will make you more interested in how other composers have notated and arranged their own music.
Your own composing will also make you more sensitive to musical effects in other composers works. You will now likely listen with fresh ears to the music that were before only passing by.
This creative work will help you develop into a more sensitive performer. As you will now think more like a composer would do you will respect other composers artistic works trying to convey their thoughts and feelings.
You will stimulate your creativity by composing and you will experience that composing and performing are both creative activities that requires your feelings.
Writing down the melodies in your mind and in your fingers on manuscript paper is a great way to develop you sight reading skills. It is a mentally demanding task to convey the rhythm and melody to this format and you will experience that your ability to read sheet music will improve.
If you include the activity to compose in your daily guitar practicing schedule you can become a better guitarist, performer and a better musician.
Capotasto
You might wonder how you can start to compose. You might also find it difficult to notate the music you create on manuscript paper.
You can of course avoid score music notation and compose guitar music anyway. You can record the music you play with some sort of equipment like a computer, mp3-player or something else.
But, if you would like to learn the art of notating your creations on paper or in a software notation program. What to do?
A smart way to start this endeavor is to write beginners on guitar. This type of music has two advantages:
1. The melodies have to be simple with not to many different notes.
2. The compositions are short with just a few notes to play.
3. The rhythms are easy too play.
These qualities will fit you as you can start on a level in your composing that is not too overwhelming.
Sheet music pieces for guitar beginners are of course written in progressive order starting with the easiest possible sheets. As you yourself write the melodies in the same order you will progress at the same time.
Let's take a look at the benefits you will reap from composing in this manner.
As you endeavor to compose you will gradually understand other composers music better. You will probably wonder how to notate the compositions you create which will make you more interested in how other composers have notated and arranged their own music.
Your own composing will also make you more sensitive to musical effects in other composers works. You will now likely listen with fresh ears to the music that were before only passing by.
This creative work will help you develop into a more sensitive performer. As you will now think more like a composer would do you will respect other composers artistic works trying to convey their thoughts and feelings.
You will stimulate your creativity by composing and you will experience that composing and performing are both creative activities that requires your feelings.
Writing down the melodies in your mind and in your fingers on manuscript paper is a great way to develop you sight reading skills. It is a mentally demanding task to convey the rhythm and melody to this format and you will experience that your ability to read sheet music will improve.
If you include the activity to compose in your daily guitar practicing schedule you can become a better guitarist, performer and a better musician.
Capotasto
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Playing the Guitar Mastering the Fret Board
Not only is learning to play the guitar fun, but it could also be a very smart and shrewd move on your behalf. It doesn't' matter if your goal is to become a professional musician, a fleet fingers guitar god, or a campfire strummer, there will be some basic hurdles that you'll need to get over first on your way to your end goal. Hopefully, this piece will at least give you a heads up as to some of those hurdles ahead, and help you through them with previous knowledge.
How many times have you heard this story; "Was going to learn how to play the guitar, but it was just too hard. I couldn't figure out a section of 'Hot for Teacher', so I quit". Tragic. Not only should you not start with one of the all-time most difficult guitar songs written, but trying to mimic a genuine guitar god such as Eddie Van Halen is paramount to trying drive in the Indi 500 in a 1982 Chevette.
You have to first understand what you're goals will be. Are you striving to become a social guitar player? The guy who can strum out a few songs at a party or BBQ. If so, then you're best course of action is to learn what are known as TABS, simplified guitar notation for any level guitarist, and a great way to get your feet wet. Second, the internet is your friend. Find songs that you like, find the TAB version of it, print it out give it a try. You could be a natural.
Professional guitar lessons are not only for studying music theory or the serious musician. Most local instructors would be more than happy to show you some simple chords or progression to get you started in the world of playing the guitar. If you decide to progress from there, great, if not, then you've learned a new and popular skill.
When you do decide to start learning the guitar, learning on a popular song is the best way to go, because then you can easily identify if you are playing it right. Also, if you start to play "Smoke on the Water." It's a recognizable song, and people will be impressed. The best part about most popular songs, are they are based around a 3 or 4 chord progression, and can be played through, what are called, power chords, simplified 3 finger versions of the full major chord, and when amplified, sound just like the song does on the radio. Blues or country songs are also a good choice to learn on, as typically these genres have similar rhythms and are open to tons of different lyric variations.
What CD is in your home stereo or your car, what types of music do you listen to in your spare time? These are all good indicators of what a great starting place for your guitar career to start would be. Once you become more proficient with the guitar, you will find your taste's changing and learning more about the structure of songs, and why they sound the way they do. You will also start to hear the difference between a good guitar player, and a truly great guitar player. Even though your friends may not be able to hear the difference, you will.
The biggest reason that new guitar players stop playing, is the physical pain factor. Learning the correct position of the guitar, how to hold it, while sounding trivial, can reduce the eventual pain in the neck, shoulder, and wrist and hand, when done correctly. Don't let learning to play the guitar, be a painful, dreaded memory. The biggest complain, other than the sore wrist, is the sore fingertips. This is to be expected when first learning to play the guitar. Sometimes, the skin on the fingers will crack and peal, this is normal as the skin on your fingers needs to get thicker to compensate for the pressure of the strings. Fortunately, this is a universal rite of passage for all guitar players. Nothing can be done to stop the pain or the cuts from the strings, it does eventually go away, but when it does… congratulations, you are now a guitar player. Enjoy!
If you want to learn more about playing the guitar, be sure to try online guitar training also, the guitar reviews is a great place to start your training if your new, or a place to continue your training if you're looking for more challenges.
John Kauri
How many times have you heard this story; "Was going to learn how to play the guitar, but it was just too hard. I couldn't figure out a section of 'Hot for Teacher', so I quit". Tragic. Not only should you not start with one of the all-time most difficult guitar songs written, but trying to mimic a genuine guitar god such as Eddie Van Halen is paramount to trying drive in the Indi 500 in a 1982 Chevette.
You have to first understand what you're goals will be. Are you striving to become a social guitar player? The guy who can strum out a few songs at a party or BBQ. If so, then you're best course of action is to learn what are known as TABS, simplified guitar notation for any level guitarist, and a great way to get your feet wet. Second, the internet is your friend. Find songs that you like, find the TAB version of it, print it out give it a try. You could be a natural.
Professional guitar lessons are not only for studying music theory or the serious musician. Most local instructors would be more than happy to show you some simple chords or progression to get you started in the world of playing the guitar. If you decide to progress from there, great, if not, then you've learned a new and popular skill.
When you do decide to start learning the guitar, learning on a popular song is the best way to go, because then you can easily identify if you are playing it right. Also, if you start to play "Smoke on the Water." It's a recognizable song, and people will be impressed. The best part about most popular songs, are they are based around a 3 or 4 chord progression, and can be played through, what are called, power chords, simplified 3 finger versions of the full major chord, and when amplified, sound just like the song does on the radio. Blues or country songs are also a good choice to learn on, as typically these genres have similar rhythms and are open to tons of different lyric variations.
What CD is in your home stereo or your car, what types of music do you listen to in your spare time? These are all good indicators of what a great starting place for your guitar career to start would be. Once you become more proficient with the guitar, you will find your taste's changing and learning more about the structure of songs, and why they sound the way they do. You will also start to hear the difference between a good guitar player, and a truly great guitar player. Even though your friends may not be able to hear the difference, you will.
The biggest reason that new guitar players stop playing, is the physical pain factor. Learning the correct position of the guitar, how to hold it, while sounding trivial, can reduce the eventual pain in the neck, shoulder, and wrist and hand, when done correctly. Don't let learning to play the guitar, be a painful, dreaded memory. The biggest complain, other than the sore wrist, is the sore fingertips. This is to be expected when first learning to play the guitar. Sometimes, the skin on the fingers will crack and peal, this is normal as the skin on your fingers needs to get thicker to compensate for the pressure of the strings. Fortunately, this is a universal rite of passage for all guitar players. Nothing can be done to stop the pain or the cuts from the strings, it does eventually go away, but when it does… congratulations, you are now a guitar player. Enjoy!
If you want to learn more about playing the guitar, be sure to try online guitar training also, the guitar reviews is a great place to start your training if your new, or a place to continue your training if you're looking for more challenges.
John Kauri
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Guitar Lesson: The Art Of Playing Slowly
What benefits will you reap from playing slowly? Surprisingly enough you might become a faster guitar player and more important, you will become a better musician and guitarist!
How is this possible?
Life is full of surprises. Many people have experienced that they somehow have run away from life by hurrying all the time. Well, what has this to do with you as a guitarist!
First of all I would like to state that from personal experience I have found that many guitarists practice scales and licks faster than they should.
What do I mean with that?
Our present technical skill as a guitar player sets a limit as to how fast we can play scales and licks without doing damage to ourselves in various ways. What can happen if you play too fast?
Here is a list of things that can happen when you practice scales and other exercices or solos too fast:
1. If you play guitar in a speed that is above your technical skill level you will probably build up tensions in the muscles controlling your finger movements and also in other muscles that should not be used. You are also exposed to muscle injuries that might take a long time to cure.
The muscle tensions that is present when you practice on your guitar will tend to be there when you perform also. The way you practice is reflected in how you perform.
2. Always playing fast on your guitar deprive you of the opportunity to find out new things all by yourself on the guitar. I remember that one of my guitar pupils once came to me and said that he experienced a "dearth of licks" in his guitar playing.
One way to develop more interesting solos is to practice slowly. This will give your fingers and brain time to take other paths on the guitar frets. This will help you find your own style and help you play in a more innovative way.
3. The risk of making mistakes on your guitar increases the faster you play. If you want to learn a lick as fast as possible, the most effective way is to practice slowly without mistakes. Every mistake you make as you practice slows down your progression as you confuse your muscle memory with things that shouldn't be there.
How can you start to play slower?
1. Use a metronome. If you don't have one already you can buy a cheap digital metronome. You can adjust the volume so not to disturb your friends around you. I don't recommend that you use a metronome all the time but part of your practice time and especially when you want to play slowly and when you practice new material.
Some players feel like the metronome slows down when they play. Actually these players of course speed up unconsciously. It really is an art to keep a steady pace playing slowly.
2. Use part of your practice time to play extremely slowly with your concentration on playing as relaxed as possible in your whole body. Focus on pressing down the frets with minimal force and holding your pick with as little force as possible.
3. Learn to be aware of tensions in your entire body and especially in your hands. Be careful never to play faster on your guitar than your technical skills allows you to without building up tensions in your hands and the rest of your body. The way your body reacts when you practice is the way it will react when your perform.
In order to understand and be aware of tensions in your body I recommend that you learn muscle stretching and apply these exercises before, during and after your guitar practice sessions. Also learn muscle relaxation exercises.
The more relaxed you are as you play the better you will play on your guitar and the faster you will learn new guitar exercises. You will enjoy your guitar playing more and even your audience will feel the difference.
Capotasto
How is this possible?
Life is full of surprises. Many people have experienced that they somehow have run away from life by hurrying all the time. Well, what has this to do with you as a guitarist!
First of all I would like to state that from personal experience I have found that many guitarists practice scales and licks faster than they should.
What do I mean with that?
Our present technical skill as a guitar player sets a limit as to how fast we can play scales and licks without doing damage to ourselves in various ways. What can happen if you play too fast?
Here is a list of things that can happen when you practice scales and other exercices or solos too fast:
1. If you play guitar in a speed that is above your technical skill level you will probably build up tensions in the muscles controlling your finger movements and also in other muscles that should not be used. You are also exposed to muscle injuries that might take a long time to cure.
The muscle tensions that is present when you practice on your guitar will tend to be there when you perform also. The way you practice is reflected in how you perform.
2. Always playing fast on your guitar deprive you of the opportunity to find out new things all by yourself on the guitar. I remember that one of my guitar pupils once came to me and said that he experienced a "dearth of licks" in his guitar playing.
One way to develop more interesting solos is to practice slowly. This will give your fingers and brain time to take other paths on the guitar frets. This will help you find your own style and help you play in a more innovative way.
3. The risk of making mistakes on your guitar increases the faster you play. If you want to learn a lick as fast as possible, the most effective way is to practice slowly without mistakes. Every mistake you make as you practice slows down your progression as you confuse your muscle memory with things that shouldn't be there.
How can you start to play slower?
1. Use a metronome. If you don't have one already you can buy a cheap digital metronome. You can adjust the volume so not to disturb your friends around you. I don't recommend that you use a metronome all the time but part of your practice time and especially when you want to play slowly and when you practice new material.
Some players feel like the metronome slows down when they play. Actually these players of course speed up unconsciously. It really is an art to keep a steady pace playing slowly.
2. Use part of your practice time to play extremely slowly with your concentration on playing as relaxed as possible in your whole body. Focus on pressing down the frets with minimal force and holding your pick with as little force as possible.
3. Learn to be aware of tensions in your entire body and especially in your hands. Be careful never to play faster on your guitar than your technical skills allows you to without building up tensions in your hands and the rest of your body. The way your body reacts when you practice is the way it will react when your perform.
In order to understand and be aware of tensions in your body I recommend that you learn muscle stretching and apply these exercises before, during and after your guitar practice sessions. Also learn muscle relaxation exercises.
The more relaxed you are as you play the better you will play on your guitar and the faster you will learn new guitar exercises. You will enjoy your guitar playing more and even your audience will feel the difference.
Capotasto
Lick of the Day: B.B. King-Style Intro
Today's free Lick of the Day comes courtesy of Tomo Fujita, who shows you a B.B. King-style phrase that makes for a great introduction to a song or guitar solo. It features string bending, vibrato and hybrid picking techniques.
Click on the link below to continue with lesson.
Lick of the Day: B.B. King-Style Intro
Click on the link below to continue with lesson.
Lick of the Day: B.B. King-Style Intro
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Guitar Strength: Pushing Through Practice Plateaus in Under 7 Minutes
The art of properly practicing technical passages on the guitar has many parallels to athletic training in its way, as it is a physical endeavor requiring repetition and focused execution of muscular movements with the goal of consistent improvement.
Guitar Strength: Pushing Through Practice Plateaus in Under 7 Minutes
Guitar Strength: Pushing Through Practice Plateaus in Under 7 Minutes
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Heroes of Rock Vol. 3!
Save 15% off any single item over $199! Exp 10/26/11.
October Offer!
October Savings! 12% Off Order of $49.99+. Use Coupon Code: MFOCT12. Exp 10/31/11.
Free Shipping!
Over 53,000 Products Ship Free Every Day at MusiciansFriend.com!
Additionally, over 53,000 Products Ship Free Every Day at MusiciansFriend.com!
Heroes of Rock Vol. 3!
Save 15% off any single item over $199! Exp 10/26/11.
October Offer!
October Savings! 12% Off Order of $49.99+. Use Coupon Code: MFOCT12. Exp 10/31/11.
Free Shipping!
Over 53,000 Products Ship Free Every Day at MusiciansFriend.com!
Master Your Guitar Craft: The Steps to Advancing Towards Master Guitar Player Levels
Numerous guitar music lovers look up to top professional guitarists of both long ago and current ones, speculating on just how they rose to become master guitar musicians. Many people think such profound greatness comes from a simple natural endowment. However, many would be dumbfounded to find out that a high number of these artists did not really have that natural ability in order to rise noted players, some of them never even thought of being first-class musicians from the start. On the other hand, there are many young masters who display awesome feats when young that do not always mature to being well-known master artists later in life. Indeed far more of the top prodigy players go barren as they become older for one reason or another.
So why does one guitarist become great and another one not? For some it could have been good management, big publicity or just simple luck. Although for most all of the top guitar players in existence, one key item that shows itself as the driving catalyst to greatness is the passion not only to become a better player, but also a superior artist. Many outstanding talents have the right skills (perhaps the right lineage) to become a good guitarist, however they do not necessarily have the vast desire to be unsurpassed in their craft. There exists even a bigger risk for prodigies to loose stake in their ability as they get worn of being "sensationalized" during their younger years.
Those who may just have some talent yet also have the exact amount of bent for guitar playing may possess a far more likely chance to becoming great, considering that they would have the passion that drives them to their goal. One should hold or develop a strong enough desire to instill enough of a discipline that will keep one doing one's work. Naturally, passion by itself would not make one a great guitarist immediately, since key steps need to be taken to do so.
Firstly, one should learn from a teacher or a mentor. Why there are some rare cases of do-it-yourself successes, great guitar players more often than not have learned from great masters as well. There are millions of things that only a teacher can impart. Not even thousands of volumes of books and online lessons can replace the vast knowledge a teacher can give.
Secondly, an aspiring great guitarist has to dedicate unrelenting hours of practice over many several years. It is very true that even the great guitarists of today still practice a lot to make sure that they do not let their hands get rusty and their minds not tarnish. Even if you have the best mentor in all the world, you would not develop or improve your guitar playing much if you do not practice. But it would also be futile to practice aimlessly without a teacher telling what to practice, so these two keys are inseparable.
Thirdly, an ambitious musician should have great forbearance and a realistic self-evaluation. One should not expect astonishing advancement immediately. The road to superb guitar play is a lengthy one indeed. There will be times of quick advancement and those times that are slow. While you should be greatly encouraged when progress is quick, you should not give up hope during those times of many mistakes and moments that you think you are not learning too much.
Fourth, start the steps to greatness as soon as possible. Procrastination, as in almost every instance, is detrimental. So too it is in the music world. As much as possible do not put off lessons and practice sessions. Dedicate a special portion of your daily time to practices and lessons.
Many numerous steps exist to become a superb guitarist, but these ones mentioned above are the foundations to help get to master levels. It takes hard work and long time to become a great player but if you are dedicated to the craft, you are just a few inches behind to greatness.
So why does one guitarist become great and another one not? For some it could have been good management, big publicity or just simple luck. Although for most all of the top guitar players in existence, one key item that shows itself as the driving catalyst to greatness is the passion not only to become a better player, but also a superior artist. Many outstanding talents have the right skills (perhaps the right lineage) to become a good guitarist, however they do not necessarily have the vast desire to be unsurpassed in their craft. There exists even a bigger risk for prodigies to loose stake in their ability as they get worn of being "sensationalized" during their younger years.
Those who may just have some talent yet also have the exact amount of bent for guitar playing may possess a far more likely chance to becoming great, considering that they would have the passion that drives them to their goal. One should hold or develop a strong enough desire to instill enough of a discipline that will keep one doing one's work. Naturally, passion by itself would not make one a great guitarist immediately, since key steps need to be taken to do so.
Firstly, one should learn from a teacher or a mentor. Why there are some rare cases of do-it-yourself successes, great guitar players more often than not have learned from great masters as well. There are millions of things that only a teacher can impart. Not even thousands of volumes of books and online lessons can replace the vast knowledge a teacher can give.
Secondly, an aspiring great guitarist has to dedicate unrelenting hours of practice over many several years. It is very true that even the great guitarists of today still practice a lot to make sure that they do not let their hands get rusty and their minds not tarnish. Even if you have the best mentor in all the world, you would not develop or improve your guitar playing much if you do not practice. But it would also be futile to practice aimlessly without a teacher telling what to practice, so these two keys are inseparable.
Thirdly, an ambitious musician should have great forbearance and a realistic self-evaluation. One should not expect astonishing advancement immediately. The road to superb guitar play is a lengthy one indeed. There will be times of quick advancement and those times that are slow. While you should be greatly encouraged when progress is quick, you should not give up hope during those times of many mistakes and moments that you think you are not learning too much.
Fourth, start the steps to greatness as soon as possible. Procrastination, as in almost every instance, is detrimental. So too it is in the music world. As much as possible do not put off lessons and practice sessions. Dedicate a special portion of your daily time to practices and lessons.
Many numerous steps exist to become a superb guitarist, but these ones mentioned above are the foundations to help get to master levels. It takes hard work and long time to become a great player but if you are dedicated to the craft, you are just a few inches behind to greatness.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
A Simple Guide To Help You Learn Guitar Solo
Have you ever been to a concert and and had your mind blown away by the lead guitarist? You find it impossible to turn away during his or her guitar solo. You see your self on center stage and you own it for that moment in time. This is usually a dream for the majority of if not all aspiring guitarists.
The following are a few ideas for your dream to learn the art of the guitar solo and make it a reality.
Guitar solos are widely used in all types of music - rock, blues, jazz, even classical. For the most part , guitar solos happen with a great deal of improvisation. Performing guitar solos can certainly be an amazing not to mention an unforgettable experience if your are genuinely prepared and ready for tthe challenge. Besides it will help with heighten the connection regarding the music as well as the audience.
Mastering a few of the basic principles can drastically make it easier for you learn guitar solo the proper way. First, you need to, learn the various scales, blues, pentatonic, major, minor, etc. The more ease you have playing these scales the more likely are your chances of effectively playing a guitar solo.
The majority of all solos you hear are nothing more then simple scales that can be altered and used in combination with various other scales. Practicing all the scales forwards as well as backwards,along with utilizing alternate picking styles will make learning guitar solos a simple task. The more ways you can play scales, the more variations of solos you can create.
You can add techniques such as vibrato to inject flavor and emotion into any solo. Just about all guitarists will add vibrato straight away to a note, but you can also hesitate slightly simply by playing the note normally on the guitar before you apply vibrato.
If you bend the strings, this will definitely add a tremendous amount of texture to your guitar solos. Another way to add to your solo is by playing arpeggios together with scales and try using a double-picking style to make it even more unique.
Remember, it's not what you play but how you play it that will make you stand out as a great guitarist. Being able to add improvisation to your overall playing will make it seem like a walk in the park to learn guitar solo.
The best way to approach improvisation is from the up and down method and also the side to side method. With the up and down strategy, the solo will be played following or based on the existing chord, with the side to side technique, the guitarist will do a solo based on the current scale.
You should have a daily practice routine, stick with it and also by trying to learn as many licks as you can every time you practice. This will be necessary if you really want to learn guitar solo. Try to incorporate well some well known tabs played by guitar masters, this will help you in developing your guitar playing skills.
You can always get better by listening to other solos and learning from their styles and trying to think of different ways to enhance your playing.
There you have it. If you follow these suggestions in no time you will be amazing not only yourself but anyone who listens to you.
The following are a few ideas for your dream to learn the art of the guitar solo and make it a reality.
Guitar solos are widely used in all types of music - rock, blues, jazz, even classical. For the most part , guitar solos happen with a great deal of improvisation. Performing guitar solos can certainly be an amazing not to mention an unforgettable experience if your are genuinely prepared and ready for tthe challenge. Besides it will help with heighten the connection regarding the music as well as the audience.
Mastering a few of the basic principles can drastically make it easier for you learn guitar solo the proper way. First, you need to, learn the various scales, blues, pentatonic, major, minor, etc. The more ease you have playing these scales the more likely are your chances of effectively playing a guitar solo.
The majority of all solos you hear are nothing more then simple scales that can be altered and used in combination with various other scales. Practicing all the scales forwards as well as backwards,along with utilizing alternate picking styles will make learning guitar solos a simple task. The more ways you can play scales, the more variations of solos you can create.
You can add techniques such as vibrato to inject flavor and emotion into any solo. Just about all guitarists will add vibrato straight away to a note, but you can also hesitate slightly simply by playing the note normally on the guitar before you apply vibrato.
If you bend the strings, this will definitely add a tremendous amount of texture to your guitar solos. Another way to add to your solo is by playing arpeggios together with scales and try using a double-picking style to make it even more unique.
Remember, it's not what you play but how you play it that will make you stand out as a great guitarist. Being able to add improvisation to your overall playing will make it seem like a walk in the park to learn guitar solo.
The best way to approach improvisation is from the up and down method and also the side to side method. With the up and down strategy, the solo will be played following or based on the existing chord, with the side to side technique, the guitarist will do a solo based on the current scale.
You should have a daily practice routine, stick with it and also by trying to learn as many licks as you can every time you practice. This will be necessary if you really want to learn guitar solo. Try to incorporate well some well known tabs played by guitar masters, this will help you in developing your guitar playing skills.
You can always get better by listening to other solos and learning from their styles and trying to think of different ways to enhance your playing.
There you have it. If you follow these suggestions in no time you will be amazing not only yourself but anyone who listens to you.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Sunday, October 23, 2011
The 10 Best Covers of Jimi Hendrix Songs
When someone is widely hailed as the greatest guitar player ever, how do you step up and cover one of his songs?
Have you ever noticed that the ratio of Metallica tribute albums to Hendrix tribute albums is something like 20 to 1? When's the last time you heard someone say, "Yeah, he played it better than Hendrix," without a clearly present sarcastic tone?
Click on the link below to continue with story.
The 10 Best Covers of Jimi Hendrix Songs
Have you ever noticed that the ratio of Metallica tribute albums to Hendrix tribute albums is something like 20 to 1? When's the last time you heard someone say, "Yeah, he played it better than Hendrix," without a clearly present sarcastic tone?
Click on the link below to continue with story.
The 10 Best Covers of Jimi Hendrix Songs
Friday, October 21, 2011
Session Guitar: Don't Downplay the Importance of Playing Rhythm
What do Eddie Van Halen, Keith Richards, Andy Summers, The Edge, James Hetfield and Jimi Hendrix have in common? They are all great rhythm players.
Session Guitar: Don't Downplay the Importance of Playing Rhythm
Session Guitar: Don't Downplay the Importance of Playing Rhythm
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Music On Hold Essentials (MOH)
Several times you may have gotten something made for your MOH that has advertising for your company. It is a good use for MOH, but when having this created you need to be certain that the producer has gotten the rights to all of their material, there are also royalty-free sources of music, but the agreement should be check to be certain that it can be used in MOH systems. And what can happen, many businesses may continue to use one of these sources long after they have learned that they are not legal. People think that they will never be caught. On that all we can say is that BMI is out there looking and have imposed fines of many of thousand of dollars to businesses that have used their unlicensed music. Trades can also subscribe to music services such as �Music Choice�, �DMX�. As these services have bulk license agreements they may be able to offer a lower expense option. There aren�t any doubts that Music on hold has many benefits including, assuring the caller that they are still connected, entertain the caller, sometimes giving them the impression they are on hold a shorter time than actuality, inform the caller, always say audio is at least half of the viewing experience of a movie, but less than 5% of the newsletters cover the subject, it took a jog from a subscriber who asked for an issue about how to select background music, and where to get it.
As good a topic as it is, it's not an easy one... we've been wrestling for days with what to cover and how to say it, ending up with 3 topics: obtaining music so it's accessible to Movie Maker, selecting the right music and mixing it into the project, and distributing the rendered movie. Getting music should be pretty easy today, so much is online, easy to search for and download, for free or a small fee. And if it's not immediately importable to your collection, you can copy it as it plays into a Movie Maker narration file, or, if you don't have the narration option on your system, you can burn it to an audio CD and rip it back into your computer as an importable WMA file. Choosing music during the editing phase is about what music you have in your library, and how it fits into your movie. For home movies it's best to use music you like. How to mix it into the visual and other surrounding audio is the artistic part of the process, distributing your rendered movies is a potentially sticky part. Distributing copies to friends and family, or others, for free or fee gets you into meeting laws, having rights, obtaining permissions, and paying royalties.
As good a topic as it is, it's not an easy one... we've been wrestling for days with what to cover and how to say it, ending up with 3 topics: obtaining music so it's accessible to Movie Maker, selecting the right music and mixing it into the project, and distributing the rendered movie. Getting music should be pretty easy today, so much is online, easy to search for and download, for free or a small fee. And if it's not immediately importable to your collection, you can copy it as it plays into a Movie Maker narration file, or, if you don't have the narration option on your system, you can burn it to an audio CD and rip it back into your computer as an importable WMA file. Choosing music during the editing phase is about what music you have in your library, and how it fits into your movie. For home movies it's best to use music you like. How to mix it into the visual and other surrounding audio is the artistic part of the process, distributing your rendered movies is a potentially sticky part. Distributing copies to friends and family, or others, for free or fee gets you into meeting laws, having rights, obtaining permissions, and paying royalties.
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Because of You by jimduff
Good Vibes From Good Music
So you've been struck with the bug to write music because your significant other just dropped you for the drummer in your old band and you need to get the hurt out! It's understandable that this would be the natural outlet since you're the creative sensitive type. However, when you go to put paper to pen your hand cramps up, you get a cold sweat and you think you're about to get sick. Its writers block and it's not going to go away until you relax!
One of the first things you need to know in order to write your Magnus Opus is relaxation is the key! If you rush it or schedule time to write it's a guarantee the outcome will be frustrating and sub par at best. The creative process is supposed to show up at 3:00 in the morning or while you are driving. If you could structure creativity it would be called work, not creativity! When inspiration strikes be prepared to get it down on tape or paper to ensure you don't lose it. A good tool to use is voice mail. Call yourself and leave a message with the lyrics you've just come up with while sitting in traffic. You'll thank yourself later when you are trying your hardest to remember.
Another great tip to follow is to make the song resemble you. Music is supposed to be an extension of those writing it. There is a reason ZZ Top didn't name "Cheap Sunglasses" "Sport Sunglasses". It wouldn't have fit the little ‘ol' band from Texas and it would have sounded like something Robert Palmer should have written. If your girl left you for the drummer, that's what you should write about. The more personal the feelings that you relay in the song the more it will speak to your audience. Neal Young's voice echoes through time in songs like "Old Man" because he wrote haunting lyrics that possess the power to elicit thought in countless generations spanning just about any nationality. This type of lyrical power has been used by countless song writers and it's a sure bet that every so often a new song writer will emerge that will be able to harness this power on a regular basis.
Most people think a powerful song or a well written song must have a flow that's pleasing to the ear and essentially in 4/4 time. If you are writing a power pop radio ready song an easy flowing highly structured 4/4 beat is absolutely the way to go. However, don't fret if you are off the beaten path. If you're one of those people that would rather hear ZZ Top sing "Sports Sunglasses" and you'd like to hear it at 160 beats per minute played over top of blast beats and heavily distorted guitars you'll still find your audience. Be true to the music that moves you and it will be true to your audience. Trying to force the lyrics about how much you hate the drummer that stole your girl into a 4/4 stringed quartet ballad is fail if that's just not you. If you write aggressive music, then write aggressive music. You'll get used to people walking away shaking their head in disbelief.
A great song is in the eye of the beholder and to the right listener your song could be the next must have single.
The sole reason a song becomes one of those timeless classics isn't the structure of the song or the genre that it gets classified in. It's the feelings that the song provokes inside of people that makes it an instant classic. When you feel in the mood to write, take a few days and get inspiration from the songs that move you. When you're ready to put paper to pen you'll find the process much more relaxing, productive and fruitful.
Kimberly Green
One of the first things you need to know in order to write your Magnus Opus is relaxation is the key! If you rush it or schedule time to write it's a guarantee the outcome will be frustrating and sub par at best. The creative process is supposed to show up at 3:00 in the morning or while you are driving. If you could structure creativity it would be called work, not creativity! When inspiration strikes be prepared to get it down on tape or paper to ensure you don't lose it. A good tool to use is voice mail. Call yourself and leave a message with the lyrics you've just come up with while sitting in traffic. You'll thank yourself later when you are trying your hardest to remember.
Another great tip to follow is to make the song resemble you. Music is supposed to be an extension of those writing it. There is a reason ZZ Top didn't name "Cheap Sunglasses" "Sport Sunglasses". It wouldn't have fit the little ‘ol' band from Texas and it would have sounded like something Robert Palmer should have written. If your girl left you for the drummer, that's what you should write about. The more personal the feelings that you relay in the song the more it will speak to your audience. Neal Young's voice echoes through time in songs like "Old Man" because he wrote haunting lyrics that possess the power to elicit thought in countless generations spanning just about any nationality. This type of lyrical power has been used by countless song writers and it's a sure bet that every so often a new song writer will emerge that will be able to harness this power on a regular basis.
Most people think a powerful song or a well written song must have a flow that's pleasing to the ear and essentially in 4/4 time. If you are writing a power pop radio ready song an easy flowing highly structured 4/4 beat is absolutely the way to go. However, don't fret if you are off the beaten path. If you're one of those people that would rather hear ZZ Top sing "Sports Sunglasses" and you'd like to hear it at 160 beats per minute played over top of blast beats and heavily distorted guitars you'll still find your audience. Be true to the music that moves you and it will be true to your audience. Trying to force the lyrics about how much you hate the drummer that stole your girl into a 4/4 stringed quartet ballad is fail if that's just not you. If you write aggressive music, then write aggressive music. You'll get used to people walking away shaking their head in disbelief.
A great song is in the eye of the beholder and to the right listener your song could be the next must have single.
The sole reason a song becomes one of those timeless classics isn't the structure of the song or the genre that it gets classified in. It's the feelings that the song provokes inside of people that makes it an instant classic. When you feel in the mood to write, take a few days and get inspiration from the songs that move you. When you're ready to put paper to pen you'll find the process much more relaxing, productive and fruitful.
Kimberly Green
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Make Sweet Music
There are not many things in life that are universal. Many people joke that the only things you can be sure of are death and taxes. Both those are pretty depressing things to be sure of, but they are not the only things. There is something else that is pretty much worldwide, that is essentially universal, and, even better than that, it is enjoyable, invigorating, soulful, beautiful, haunting and just about every other verb you can think of, and that is: music.
There is no one that doesn’t like music, no one that doesn’t have an affinity for music. That is why music is so amazing, it is a binder, it brings people together and makes people smile. It can change moods and it can bring memories to the fore. Music is such a powerful force that it has the ability to change our outlook and change our world. Which is why if you have ever wanted to make music, then you should. It is not a competition, there are no standards, anyone can make music and everyone should. All you need is you and your instrument, so get out there and do it.
Click over to Musicians Friend and check out all the instruments and gear they have to offer.
There is no one that doesn’t like music, no one that doesn’t have an affinity for music. That is why music is so amazing, it is a binder, it brings people together and makes people smile. It can change moods and it can bring memories to the fore. Music is such a powerful force that it has the ability to change our outlook and change our world. Which is why if you have ever wanted to make music, then you should. It is not a competition, there are no standards, anyone can make music and everyone should. All you need is you and your instrument, so get out there and do it.
Click over to Musicians Friend and check out all the instruments and gear they have to offer.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Photo Gallery: The Biggest Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Snubs
Every year around this time, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announces its list of nominees for the following year's class, an announcement that always brings with it a slew of "Yeah, but does it really matter if ______ isn't in the Hall of Fame?" and "_____!? They're not even a rock band!" type comments.
Click on the link below to continue with story.
Photo Gallery: The Biggest Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Snubs
Click on the link below to continue with story.
Photo Gallery: The Biggest Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Snubs
Why You Have To Learn The Power Chord
One of the easiest ways to start playing electric guitar is by knowing the power chord; it is wonderful what you can accomplish if you can play this chord on the neck of your guitar, there is a ton of very simple songs you can start learning and playing. There are many great bands that their success is based on the power chord; just to mention a few, The Ramones, Green Day, Blink 182 and many others.
Let us begin, what is this power chord? To strum the power chord the fingers that you will use are your index finger, your ring finger and your pinky finger; for example, to learn the A chord, put your index finger on the fifth fret of the E string, your ring finger on the seventh fret of the fifth string and your pinky finger below that one, on the D string on the seventh fret also, play it and you will get, like I mentioned before, the A chord.
The important thing here is that by knowing how to play it on the fifth fret, or the first fret, or the third fret, you can strum every power chord on the fret board getting a different note, the beauty of this is when you turn on your amp and you switch to distortion, or if you have a multifunction pedal, you’ll get that rock star feeling right after you put your pick on the strings.
You can also move down to the fifth string and get one more note, for example if you move your left hand down one string you get the D chord, now let me give you a little bit of music theory to explain the reason of the power chord: the notes that you are getting with your index finger and your pinky finger is one note, the difference is that the one with your pinky finger is in a higher frequency, and the note you are getting with your ring finger, well that one is just a note that has a direct relationship with the first note, and when they vibrate together, it sounds good.
You can try it without distortion, and there are actually a couple of guitar players that use them, but , and I believe that most musicians out there will think the same as me, the power chord was made to be played loud and with distortion.
Download song and tabs from the bands I mentioned before, also The offspring and Nirvana are great bands to start learning from, but if you want to go beyond that and start being serious, Metallica has great songs to, but let me advice you, to play songs from Metallica if you are a beginner is not a good idea, they do have some hard songs, but eventually, they are a great choice.
George Balibrera
Let us begin, what is this power chord? To strum the power chord the fingers that you will use are your index finger, your ring finger and your pinky finger; for example, to learn the A chord, put your index finger on the fifth fret of the E string, your ring finger on the seventh fret of the fifth string and your pinky finger below that one, on the D string on the seventh fret also, play it and you will get, like I mentioned before, the A chord.
The important thing here is that by knowing how to play it on the fifth fret, or the first fret, or the third fret, you can strum every power chord on the fret board getting a different note, the beauty of this is when you turn on your amp and you switch to distortion, or if you have a multifunction pedal, you’ll get that rock star feeling right after you put your pick on the strings.
You can also move down to the fifth string and get one more note, for example if you move your left hand down one string you get the D chord, now let me give you a little bit of music theory to explain the reason of the power chord: the notes that you are getting with your index finger and your pinky finger is one note, the difference is that the one with your pinky finger is in a higher frequency, and the note you are getting with your ring finger, well that one is just a note that has a direct relationship with the first note, and when they vibrate together, it sounds good.
You can try it without distortion, and there are actually a couple of guitar players that use them, but , and I believe that most musicians out there will think the same as me, the power chord was made to be played loud and with distortion.
Download song and tabs from the bands I mentioned before, also The offspring and Nirvana are great bands to start learning from, but if you want to go beyond that and start being serious, Metallica has great songs to, but let me advice you, to play songs from Metallica if you are a beginner is not a good idea, they do have some hard songs, but eventually, they are a great choice.
George Balibrera
Monday, October 17, 2011
Video Guitar Lessons are Proven Time Savers
Not long ago, while out shopping with my girlfriend, I happened across the 'bargain-bin' of the video's for self help tapes and DVD's. I couldn't believe it. I was floored, the amount of video guitar and other musical instrument training that was available for anyone willing to spend the $5.00 or less, being asked for the videos.
Remember, not even 10 years ago, when a VHS tape would cost you between $10 - $30? And the quality of the sound and picture were so bad, but at the time, we were just happy to be able to hear what something was supposed to sound like when first starting out. We have come a long way in the audio / video department since then.
Music videos', now usually come with a special edition of the CD, live concerts, special or never before heard performances, or even enhanced CD's for online contests or website access.
This same process is now, also being applied to instrument training. And it only makes sense, after all, if you want to make music with the instrument, you'll need to be able to learn how it's supposed to sound. And one of the most popular instruments being taught this way, is the guitar. These inexpensive to produce lessons, can be sold in a bundle pack for less than the cost of a new release movie, and usually are able to compete head-to-head with professional, one-on-one guitar training.
These video guitar lessons, can easily be the biggest time saver of your week.
Experienced instructors
Variety of styles and techniques
Split camera Views to see both left and right hand techniques at the same time.
Instant replay and rewind ability to get the most out of every note and scale played.
The lessons provided in this new medium, save you time simply because you can be focused on the task you are working on, and therefore retain more information. Also, traditional guitar lessons usually make it awkward to see exactly what the instructor is doing, this is not an issue with video guitar lessons, as the camera is traditionally pointed directly at the guitar. Video guitar lessons, have essentially, bought the professional, experienced guitar player / instructor, into your home, and can act as your private coach slash tutor.
Setting your own rehearsal hours, having your own schedule, and being able to review a section of the video multiple times will, in the long run, save you time and allow you to progress faster than you normally would be able to.
The proof, is in the video.
John Kauri
Remember, not even 10 years ago, when a VHS tape would cost you between $10 - $30? And the quality of the sound and picture were so bad, but at the time, we were just happy to be able to hear what something was supposed to sound like when first starting out. We have come a long way in the audio / video department since then.
Music videos', now usually come with a special edition of the CD, live concerts, special or never before heard performances, or even enhanced CD's for online contests or website access.
This same process is now, also being applied to instrument training. And it only makes sense, after all, if you want to make music with the instrument, you'll need to be able to learn how it's supposed to sound. And one of the most popular instruments being taught this way, is the guitar. These inexpensive to produce lessons, can be sold in a bundle pack for less than the cost of a new release movie, and usually are able to compete head-to-head with professional, one-on-one guitar training.
These video guitar lessons, can easily be the biggest time saver of your week.
Experienced instructors
Variety of styles and techniques
Split camera Views to see both left and right hand techniques at the same time.
Instant replay and rewind ability to get the most out of every note and scale played.
The lessons provided in this new medium, save you time simply because you can be focused on the task you are working on, and therefore retain more information. Also, traditional guitar lessons usually make it awkward to see exactly what the instructor is doing, this is not an issue with video guitar lessons, as the camera is traditionally pointed directly at the guitar. Video guitar lessons, have essentially, bought the professional, experienced guitar player / instructor, into your home, and can act as your private coach slash tutor.
Setting your own rehearsal hours, having your own schedule, and being able to review a section of the video multiple times will, in the long run, save you time and allow you to progress faster than you normally would be able to.
The proof, is in the video.
John Kauri
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Developing a Distinct Guitar Playing Style
After you've been playing guitar for some time, you will have developed some basic guitar skills and you'll in all probability be interested in developing your own signature style. Can you imagine anyone not wanting to express themselves in a way that is uniquely "them"? Learning the proper method to play involves more than just copying. No one is like you. Don't you suppose it's time to dig in and unleash your individual sound and guitar playing style on the world?
We Say "There's No One Like Him" for a Reason
Striving to develop your own style is something you actually should try to do, no matter what style you currently identify with the most (blues, country, jazz, classical, metal, slide, finger-style, and so on). In fact, one huge tip for uncovering your own guitar playing style is to sample other guitarists across a variety of genres. Don't just keep on listening to your most-loved albums regardless of how super-fantastic you think they are! They say "Variety is the spice of life" for a reason, you know.. Every guitarist should be listening now and again to legends like B.B.King, Chet Atkins, and Andre Segovia. Those guys are giants in their chosen styles (blues, country, and Spanish classical, respectively), and had a large influence across other styles, too.
Other more contemporary legends with their own guitar playing style are Eric Clapton and Tommy Emmanuel, just to mention two almost at random. These two can be playing with a wall of amps behind them or unplugged and you instantly know who it is. They both have an incredibly distinct sound all their own. And the one approach for you to develop this type of sound is by educating yourself on everything that has gone before. Soaking it all in and letting it get under your skin; letting it become part of you.
If you would like to be an amazing guitarist with your own personal, distinct guitar playing style that people immediately recognise, you, too, need to think about doing something different. Being totally different and fresh and unique is something we all attempt as musicians (or artists, on the whole), and if you want it, it's possible for you to have it. To do this, though, you have to "stretch your ears" and soak up some tunes beyond the confines of your regular radio-listening and CD collection.
More Than The Sum of Its Parts
Only by overcoming the resistance to soak up and play different things (and to essentially feel it) will you start to discover and draw out your own and unique style. Of course, don't play stuff you don't like! But I do advocate that you have a go at various things: borrow different guitars and pay attention to (really learn to hear) how they sound, shuffle your pedal rack (or just unplug it!), string your guitar with some different gauge strings and pay attention to the differences in tone and whether you prefer it, and so on... Never lose sight, however, of this one necessary truth: you're the only one able to express what it is that you want that guitar to express. It's coming from you and the guitar and all the gear, well, that's all just the channel for the expression.
At first it won't seem particularly "you." However, if you let it all swirl around inside, a sound new and fresh and different will ultimately emerge. A sort of "synthesis" will happen. You'll take all the little "snippets" you've been accumulating and stick them together in combinations that no one has ever achieved before! And right about then you'll begin to really feel you're "in the zone." The goal that most guitarists hope to one of these days achieve, and which most, sadly, never do, will be yours: your personal, distinctive guitar playing style.
Leslie de Winter
We Say "There's No One Like Him" for a Reason
Striving to develop your own style is something you actually should try to do, no matter what style you currently identify with the most (blues, country, jazz, classical, metal, slide, finger-style, and so on). In fact, one huge tip for uncovering your own guitar playing style is to sample other guitarists across a variety of genres. Don't just keep on listening to your most-loved albums regardless of how super-fantastic you think they are! They say "Variety is the spice of life" for a reason, you know.. Every guitarist should be listening now and again to legends like B.B.King, Chet Atkins, and Andre Segovia. Those guys are giants in their chosen styles (blues, country, and Spanish classical, respectively), and had a large influence across other styles, too.
Other more contemporary legends with their own guitar playing style are Eric Clapton and Tommy Emmanuel, just to mention two almost at random. These two can be playing with a wall of amps behind them or unplugged and you instantly know who it is. They both have an incredibly distinct sound all their own. And the one approach for you to develop this type of sound is by educating yourself on everything that has gone before. Soaking it all in and letting it get under your skin; letting it become part of you.
If you would like to be an amazing guitarist with your own personal, distinct guitar playing style that people immediately recognise, you, too, need to think about doing something different. Being totally different and fresh and unique is something we all attempt as musicians (or artists, on the whole), and if you want it, it's possible for you to have it. To do this, though, you have to "stretch your ears" and soak up some tunes beyond the confines of your regular radio-listening and CD collection.
More Than The Sum of Its Parts
Only by overcoming the resistance to soak up and play different things (and to essentially feel it) will you start to discover and draw out your own and unique style. Of course, don't play stuff you don't like! But I do advocate that you have a go at various things: borrow different guitars and pay attention to (really learn to hear) how they sound, shuffle your pedal rack (or just unplug it!), string your guitar with some different gauge strings and pay attention to the differences in tone and whether you prefer it, and so on... Never lose sight, however, of this one necessary truth: you're the only one able to express what it is that you want that guitar to express. It's coming from you and the guitar and all the gear, well, that's all just the channel for the expression.
At first it won't seem particularly "you." However, if you let it all swirl around inside, a sound new and fresh and different will ultimately emerge. A sort of "synthesis" will happen. You'll take all the little "snippets" you've been accumulating and stick them together in combinations that no one has ever achieved before! And right about then you'll begin to really feel you're "in the zone." The goal that most guitarists hope to one of these days achieve, and which most, sadly, never do, will be yours: your personal, distinctive guitar playing style.
Leslie de Winter
The 10 Most Rock 'N' Roll Moments in 'Saturday Night Live' History
Having been a cultural institution for almost 40 years now, there's no denying Saturday Night Live has been virtually intertwined with our culture since its inception. Not just for its musical guests, but for the edgy atmosphere of a live show where anything could happen, SNL definitely had its share of rock 'n' roll moments.
Click on the link below to continue with story.
The 10 Most Rock 'N' Roll Moments in 'Saturday Night Live' History
Click on the link below to continue with story.
The 10 Most Rock 'N' Roll Moments in 'Saturday Night Live' History
Pre Holiday Sale! $10 Off Orders $99 or More at WWBW!
Woodwind & Brasswind is excited to offer you some HUGE savings to get you ready for the Holidays! Check out our Pre Holiday Sale - $10 Off Orders of $99 or More! Use Code 10OFF99. Offer goes live 10/16/11 and Expires 11/7/11.
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Save 10% On Drum Sticks, Mallets, and Accessories! Use Coupon Code: STICKS11. Valid 10/16/11 -10/31/11.
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Pre Holiday Sale!
Free Shipping on Everything at Woodwind & Brasswind!
Free Shipping!
Free Shipping on Everything at Woodwind & Brasswind!
Limited Time Offers!
Save 10% On Drum Sticks, Mallets, and Accessories! Use Coupon Code: STICKS11. Valid 10/16/11-10/31/11.
Free Metronome with all Pearl Student Education Percussion Kits! Exp 10/31/11.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Record Deals... and Why 'Getting Signed' in 2010 is Meaningless
You can pretty easily spot someone who's new to the realities of the music industry, or someone who's an old soul who's a bit out of touch by a couple simple words they'll use: "...getting signed."
If that phrase enters into a musical discussion as a clearly-defined "goal", then I think a reality check may be in order. Not to say that you can't "get signed" anymore, but that idea carries so little weight that's it's almost impossible to take it seriously.
I remember reading in a magazine a long time ago where a famous drummer said "People think getting signed is some pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but in reality it's whole NEW set of problems that can really screw you up in the end." In fact, if you look at major label rosters over the years (which will have 1 recognizable name out of 10 signings), I'd venture to say that "getting signed" is more of a kiss-of-death to a promising band than toiling in obscurity is. This has to do with the "I got my shot, and I failed" principle. If you see a major label record deal as your ultimate goal, and you achieve it, but your album doesn't sell and you get dropped, it can be a death-blow to your ego, and so disheartening that you give up on music altogether.
In the case of my friends in the band Depswa, they got signed to Geffen after about 10 years of building a fan base in the L.A. hard rock scene. Once signed they released one incredible sounding album "Two Angels And A Dream" (check it out, by the way, if you like heavy alt rock. They sound like Jeff Buckley meets Deftones or something) and they were a victim of being "too little, too late". Papa Roach, Breaking Benjamin, Chevelle and a few other hard rock bands had sucked the well dry and there was no room for poor Depswa...a band with more integrity and talent than 10 Papa Roaches. "Two Angels..." didn't sell, didn't make radio, and flopped. They went on a couple support tours, failed to gain a mainstream buzz, and died out. The band is attempting a comeback at the moment, but the amount of wind taken out of their sails during the "major label process" was enough to essentially kill the band.
At this stage, in 2010, the band is responsible for itself. As well it SHOULD be. No band should willingly sign over the rights to their music and their lives (essentially) for a shot at 10% or less of their earnings. It's such a ridiculous concept, that it's amazing that it was ever legal. From the 1950's through the 90's, it only worked because there were enough perks to keep bands interested in pursuing it. Fame, sex, touring, fame, fame, fame, were all powerful drivers for the music industry. Bands made great albums on the premise that their song would get them a plane ticket to Tokyo where they could play to adoring crowds, have a giant orgy after the show, and get nice and wasted with their friends. They probably never saw any serious cash for their songs, but hey, they were temporarily satisfied with the lifestyle that the label had provided for them.
These days, labels can't provide that, only bands can provide that for themselves, with some savvy marketing, intense hard work, a dash of talent and looks, and a bit of luck. You have to create a video that costs $0 and somehow make it seen by a million people. You have to go out and hustle a corporate sponser (think Energy Drinks) and have them fund part of your tour. And you absolutely MUST record your album by yourself, so that you can retain the rights of your songs. That way you can sell your songs to video games, corporations, marketing companies, film producers and anyone else who needs original music for their product. You must be 100% willing to see your music as a marketing tool for companies, because that's what it is. American Idol uses the "idea" of music to sell a TV show...and it's a sad fact that American Idol is one of the leading, driving forces behind modern music. This is a fact. Music is not sacrosanct any longer. It is a means to sell a product, it is background noise for a TV show. It's not worth resisting it.
Labels, at this point, have no money or interest to fund the music industry. In the entertainment ladder of TV, movies, video games, DVDs, sports...music is firmly at the bottom. And it shows no signs of moving up rungs any time soon. Music is now a complement to the others, rather than a legitimate competitor. This means the "industry" as a whole is just broke. Sony, Universal, et. al, have no money or time or great incentive to go looking for bands. They're not going to sign you! They're essentially going to sign NOBODY anytime soon. Yes, that's an exaggeration, but it's also safe to say you're not going to win the lottery, either. You can just kind of accept that and move on, right?
Think about how many NEW famous musicians there are: Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Justin Beiber, Kesha? What do you or any of the bands you know have in common with them? They're all in their early 20's or younger, all look pretty good on a magazine, and are all singular artists with simple marketing plans. Hell, Katy Perry is famous for kissing a girl and liking it. And Justin Beiber is a walking haircut. Sure, they all have a bit of talent, but talent didn't get them signed. Being a singular marketing entity that can easily be exploited is what they have going for them. I think an honest look at what you or your friends has to offer will yield the ultimate conclusion: it ain't gonna happen.
If you've taken this article at face value, can accept that what I'm saying has merit, and are unfazed, then you may have what it takes to be successful in music. This is the age of THE NEW CREATIVITY. The idea that you have to design your future in this business, on your terms, on your own merits, and by your own sweat and blood. Not only do you have to write the songs, you have to film your videos, you have to strategize your marketing, you have to make your website, you have to find sponsors, you have to publish your own songs and get them placed in movies. You have to do what YOU have to do in order to be successful and get your music heard. And I dont think I'm wrong in thinking that that kind of full-investment into a craft and art will lead to great things in the future. And, not only that, it is a trial by fire that will only leave the most creative, inventive people standing...and isn't that who we want to remain standing? Let the labels have the Ke$ha's and Beibers of the world, let the people have the true artists and innovators!
Steve Riley
If that phrase enters into a musical discussion as a clearly-defined "goal", then I think a reality check may be in order. Not to say that you can't "get signed" anymore, but that idea carries so little weight that's it's almost impossible to take it seriously.
I remember reading in a magazine a long time ago where a famous drummer said "People think getting signed is some pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but in reality it's whole NEW set of problems that can really screw you up in the end." In fact, if you look at major label rosters over the years (which will have 1 recognizable name out of 10 signings), I'd venture to say that "getting signed" is more of a kiss-of-death to a promising band than toiling in obscurity is. This has to do with the "I got my shot, and I failed" principle. If you see a major label record deal as your ultimate goal, and you achieve it, but your album doesn't sell and you get dropped, it can be a death-blow to your ego, and so disheartening that you give up on music altogether.
In the case of my friends in the band Depswa, they got signed to Geffen after about 10 years of building a fan base in the L.A. hard rock scene. Once signed they released one incredible sounding album "Two Angels And A Dream" (check it out, by the way, if you like heavy alt rock. They sound like Jeff Buckley meets Deftones or something) and they were a victim of being "too little, too late". Papa Roach, Breaking Benjamin, Chevelle and a few other hard rock bands had sucked the well dry and there was no room for poor Depswa...a band with more integrity and talent than 10 Papa Roaches. "Two Angels..." didn't sell, didn't make radio, and flopped. They went on a couple support tours, failed to gain a mainstream buzz, and died out. The band is attempting a comeback at the moment, but the amount of wind taken out of their sails during the "major label process" was enough to essentially kill the band.
At this stage, in 2010, the band is responsible for itself. As well it SHOULD be. No band should willingly sign over the rights to their music and their lives (essentially) for a shot at 10% or less of their earnings. It's such a ridiculous concept, that it's amazing that it was ever legal. From the 1950's through the 90's, it only worked because there were enough perks to keep bands interested in pursuing it. Fame, sex, touring, fame, fame, fame, were all powerful drivers for the music industry. Bands made great albums on the premise that their song would get them a plane ticket to Tokyo where they could play to adoring crowds, have a giant orgy after the show, and get nice and wasted with their friends. They probably never saw any serious cash for their songs, but hey, they were temporarily satisfied with the lifestyle that the label had provided for them.
These days, labels can't provide that, only bands can provide that for themselves, with some savvy marketing, intense hard work, a dash of talent and looks, and a bit of luck. You have to create a video that costs $0 and somehow make it seen by a million people. You have to go out and hustle a corporate sponser (think Energy Drinks) and have them fund part of your tour. And you absolutely MUST record your album by yourself, so that you can retain the rights of your songs. That way you can sell your songs to video games, corporations, marketing companies, film producers and anyone else who needs original music for their product. You must be 100% willing to see your music as a marketing tool for companies, because that's what it is. American Idol uses the "idea" of music to sell a TV show...and it's a sad fact that American Idol is one of the leading, driving forces behind modern music. This is a fact. Music is not sacrosanct any longer. It is a means to sell a product, it is background noise for a TV show. It's not worth resisting it.
Labels, at this point, have no money or interest to fund the music industry. In the entertainment ladder of TV, movies, video games, DVDs, sports...music is firmly at the bottom. And it shows no signs of moving up rungs any time soon. Music is now a complement to the others, rather than a legitimate competitor. This means the "industry" as a whole is just broke. Sony, Universal, et. al, have no money or time or great incentive to go looking for bands. They're not going to sign you! They're essentially going to sign NOBODY anytime soon. Yes, that's an exaggeration, but it's also safe to say you're not going to win the lottery, either. You can just kind of accept that and move on, right?
Think about how many NEW famous musicians there are: Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Justin Beiber, Kesha? What do you or any of the bands you know have in common with them? They're all in their early 20's or younger, all look pretty good on a magazine, and are all singular artists with simple marketing plans. Hell, Katy Perry is famous for kissing a girl and liking it. And Justin Beiber is a walking haircut. Sure, they all have a bit of talent, but talent didn't get them signed. Being a singular marketing entity that can easily be exploited is what they have going for them. I think an honest look at what you or your friends has to offer will yield the ultimate conclusion: it ain't gonna happen.
If you've taken this article at face value, can accept that what I'm saying has merit, and are unfazed, then you may have what it takes to be successful in music. This is the age of THE NEW CREATIVITY. The idea that you have to design your future in this business, on your terms, on your own merits, and by your own sweat and blood. Not only do you have to write the songs, you have to film your videos, you have to strategize your marketing, you have to make your website, you have to find sponsors, you have to publish your own songs and get them placed in movies. You have to do what YOU have to do in order to be successful and get your music heard. And I dont think I'm wrong in thinking that that kind of full-investment into a craft and art will lead to great things in the future. And, not only that, it is a trial by fire that will only leave the most creative, inventive people standing...and isn't that who we want to remain standing? Let the labels have the Ke$ha's and Beibers of the world, let the people have the true artists and innovators!
Steve Riley
Round out Your Rig! Save up to $150 at Guitar Center!
Get ready to Round Out Your Rig at Guitar Center! Get $20 off purchases of $99 or more. Get $75 off purchases of $349 or more. Get $150 off purchases of $749 or more. Use coupon code ROUNDOUT. Expires midnight 10/20. Don?t miss out on these huge savings!!
Round Out Your Rig!
Get $20 off purchases of $99 or more. Get $75 off purchases of $349 or more. Get $150 off $749 or more. Use code ROUNDOUT. Exp 10/20/11.
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Ed's Shed: Troubleshooting When Your Guitar Goes Dead
It’s one of the most traumatic moments in a guitarist’s life. You’re at a rehearsal or playing a show. You sound great. Never better, actually.
You get ready to take a solo, you step forward, put on your best sex face and ... nothing. Your guitar has gone dead.
Click on the link below to continue with story.
Ed's Shed: Troubleshooting When Your Guitar Goes Dead
You get ready to take a solo, you step forward, put on your best sex face and ... nothing. Your guitar has gone dead.
Click on the link below to continue with story.
Ed's Shed: Troubleshooting When Your Guitar Goes Dead
Photo Gallery: Jimi Hendrix's Guitar World Covers Through the Years
As of this year's December issue, Jimi Hendrix will have graced the cover of Guitar World 15 times.
It's an impressive feat, considering Hendrix passed away more than 40 years ago. But these are the spoils rewarded to you when you're the most influential guitar player of all time.
Click on the link below to continue with story.
Photo Gallery: Jimi Hendrix's Guitar World Covers Through the Years
It's an impressive feat, considering Hendrix passed away more than 40 years ago. But these are the spoils rewarded to you when you're the most influential guitar player of all time.
Click on the link below to continue with story.
Photo Gallery: Jimi Hendrix's Guitar World Covers Through the Years
The Top 10 Reasons to Play Guitar
Right now, you are checking out a website for guitarists.
This means either you already play and are looking for a little vindication of your obsession, or you’re a beginner looking to find out whether you chose the right instrument. Well, here is every reason you need to quiet that little voice in the back of your head asking, “Why am I doing this?”
The Top 10 Reasons to Play Guitar
This means either you already play and are looking for a little vindication of your obsession, or you’re a beginner looking to find out whether you chose the right instrument. Well, here is every reason you need to quiet that little voice in the back of your head asking, “Why am I doing this?”
The Top 10 Reasons to Play Guitar
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Mid Week Savings at Guitar Center! Save up to 20%!
Let the Rocktober Savings Continue! Check out Guitar Center's Mid - Week Savings!
- Get 15% off Acoustic Guitars. Use coupon code ACOUSTIC15. Expires midnight 10/13.
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Mid Week Savings!
Get 15% off Acoustic Guitars. Use coupon code ACOUSTIC15. Expires midnight 10/13.
Get 20% off all Handheld Tuners. Use coupon code TUNER20. Expires midnight 10/13.
Get 15% off all Power Amps. Use coupon code POWER15. Expires midnight 10/13.
Get 15% off all Headphones. Use coupon code PHONE15. Expires midnight 10/13.
Get 15% off all Cymbal Pre-Packs. Use coupon code CYMBAL15. Expires midnight 10/13.
Get 15% off on all Drumhead Pre-Packs. Use coupon code DHEAD15. Expires midnight 10/13.
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Free Shipping on thousands of products at Guitar Center.com
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING
Guitar Center Now Ships Internationally!
- Get 15% off Acoustic Guitars. Use coupon code ACOUSTIC15. Expires midnight 10/13.
- Get 20% off all Handheld Tuners. Use coupon code TUNER20. Expires midnight 10/13.
- Get 15% off all Power Amps. Use coupon code POWER15. Expires midnight 10/13.
- Get 15% off all Headphones. Use coupon code PHONE15. Expires midnight 10/13.
- Get 15% off all Cymbal Pre-Packs. Use coupon code CYMBAL15. Expires midnight 10/13.
- Get 15% off on all Drumhead Pre-Packs. Use coupon code DHEAD15. Expires midnight 10/13.
Mid Week Savings!
Get 15% off Acoustic Guitars. Use coupon code ACOUSTIC15. Expires midnight 10/13.
Get 20% off all Handheld Tuners. Use coupon code TUNER20. Expires midnight 10/13.
Get 15% off all Power Amps. Use coupon code POWER15. Expires midnight 10/13.
Get 15% off all Headphones. Use coupon code PHONE15. Expires midnight 10/13.
Get 15% off all Cymbal Pre-Packs. Use coupon code CYMBAL15. Expires midnight 10/13.
Get 15% off on all Drumhead Pre-Packs. Use coupon code DHEAD15. Expires midnight 10/13.
FREE SHIPPING
Free Shipping on thousands of products at Guitar Center.com
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING
Guitar Center Now Ships Internationally!
Powerful Tips To Learn Guitar Online
There are a couple of things very cool about the guitar that makes learning to play it such a wonderful experience, in my opinion this instrument is one of the easiest ones to start dominating and by far the best to get all the attention from the crowd when a band is playing on stage. Learning to play with a guitar course online is a great alternative in our time; if you are looking to get quality and learn guitar the best way possible, to learn guitar online is the way to go.
To begin playing guitar you have to consider that the first couple of days, you will very likely feel that it’s difficult, and at the beginning it actually is, it is not an easy obstacle to learn the fundamentals when you are taking your first steps as a musician is the pain on your hands, especially if you are attempting to start playing on an electric guitar; I always advice people to start playing guitar on an acoustic guitar with nylon strings, it is a lot easier and your finger will get used to the strings quicker.
After a couple of days practicing guitar, you will be able to switch from chord to chord in a fast and natural way, almost by memory. But to get to that point you have to maintain yourself focused on what you really want and you will be able to master the fundamentals of the guitar; the truth is that if you build a solid foundation right at the beginning, later on everything else will be easier for you.
The five tips to succeed with a guitar course online are the following:
1. Having the right mindset. Since you are teaching yourself guitar with video lessons, you need to be motivated and have the correct mindset, since you will not learn guitar overnight, you have to be sure of how far away you want to go.
2. Buy a decent guitar. When I say this I mean that you should have a guitar that is not too old, that makes a good sound when you play a chord. You will get used to the sound of the chords the way they should be played.
3. Read reviews online. By reading the review of the lessons that you want to get, you’ll get a better idea of what you are going to get and if it is something that people recommend or not.
4. Take one lesson at a time. Stay focused on one lesson at a time, take small steps, do not rush into things; move to the next lesson only after you have fully mastered the previous lesson, overwhelming yourself with too much information is the first reason why many people quit on the first few weeks.
5. Make time to practice every day. This is the most important part of learning guitar; if you practice every day, you will be amazed with the results you’ll see in the first few of months.
As I mentioned before the problem that a lot of people run into is that by trying to learn too many things at once, they do not learn the basics properly, so they end up playing with a very poor technique, you need to avoid that in order to be a good guitarist.
To master the guitar online is not difficult once you have chosen a great guitar course online to stick to; practice as much as you can to be able to go as far as you want to. Good luck to you and have a great day.
To begin playing guitar you have to consider that the first couple of days, you will very likely feel that it’s difficult, and at the beginning it actually is, it is not an easy obstacle to learn the fundamentals when you are taking your first steps as a musician is the pain on your hands, especially if you are attempting to start playing on an electric guitar; I always advice people to start playing guitar on an acoustic guitar with nylon strings, it is a lot easier and your finger will get used to the strings quicker.
After a couple of days practicing guitar, you will be able to switch from chord to chord in a fast and natural way, almost by memory. But to get to that point you have to maintain yourself focused on what you really want and you will be able to master the fundamentals of the guitar; the truth is that if you build a solid foundation right at the beginning, later on everything else will be easier for you.
The five tips to succeed with a guitar course online are the following:
1. Having the right mindset. Since you are teaching yourself guitar with video lessons, you need to be motivated and have the correct mindset, since you will not learn guitar overnight, you have to be sure of how far away you want to go.
2. Buy a decent guitar. When I say this I mean that you should have a guitar that is not too old, that makes a good sound when you play a chord. You will get used to the sound of the chords the way they should be played.
3. Read reviews online. By reading the review of the lessons that you want to get, you’ll get a better idea of what you are going to get and if it is something that people recommend or not.
4. Take one lesson at a time. Stay focused on one lesson at a time, take small steps, do not rush into things; move to the next lesson only after you have fully mastered the previous lesson, overwhelming yourself with too much information is the first reason why many people quit on the first few weeks.
5. Make time to practice every day. This is the most important part of learning guitar; if you practice every day, you will be amazed with the results you’ll see in the first few of months.
As I mentioned before the problem that a lot of people run into is that by trying to learn too many things at once, they do not learn the basics properly, so they end up playing with a very poor technique, you need to avoid that in order to be a good guitarist.
To master the guitar online is not difficult once you have chosen a great guitar course online to stick to; practice as much as you can to be able to go as far as you want to. Good luck to you and have a great day.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
GuitarPlayer: Classical Sequences
IN THIS LESSON we’ll be looking at some sequential phrases found in classical music that have influenced the rock and fusion guitar vocabulary. These examples are excellent for the development of both hands, so sharpen up your pick and let’s get our chops up!
Click on the link below to continue with lesson.
GuitarPlayer: Classical Sequences
Click on the link below to continue with lesson.
GuitarPlayer: Classical Sequences
Benefits of Listening Music
Music is form of art whose medium is sound as well as silence. It includes pitch, rhythm, and dynamics. It is derived from Greek word. The performance, creation as well as definition of music vary according to culture& are the language of soul. The taste of music can be
Different from person to person.
Advantages of listening music:
1. Cool music helps in control of your heartbeat. Good music helps calm the cells and tissues that form the lungs, which reduces the patient's breathing and heartbeat to normal.
2. It helps in reducing stress as it is best medicine for reducing the stress and full source of entertainment.
3. When you listen to music it gives you positive energy
4. While you are doing exercise you can listen to favorite music tracks.
5. It can also divert attention away from the pain and encouraging relaxation.
6. It helps to forget the past & stressful things and remember the momentous events that once happened in your life.
7. The music unites culture. It unites culture. We are able to understand and find a personal link to the cultural heritage of music, such as the time when the music was composed, the place where it was released, and the message of the music.
8. by listening music it removes negative thoughts
There are several types of music:
1. Classic music
2. Rock music
3. Metal music
4. Hip hop music
5. Wedding ceremony music
6. Trance music
7. Jazz music
Classic music: this type of music includes chamber, choral pieces as well as music requires a full orchestra. Classical music may also refer to the native and folk music of any country. The styles vary greatly depending upon available instruments.
Rock music: this type of music the vocals are accompanied by guitar, drum as well as bass. Certain rock groups also use piano, synthesizer, saxophone, flute, mandolin and sitar for a deeper effect.
Metal music: this type of music came after Second World War. The melody of the song is heavily influenced by the structure of the songs.
Hip hop music: These types of music always include use of instruments such as guitar, violin, fiddle, piano, bass and drums. This can be used in different intensities to emote feelings of anger, pride and others.
Wedding music: this type of music that are used in wedding ceremonies. These can be classical as well as modern according to choice of the people.
Trance music: this type is usually played in clubhouses. It is characterstized by fast rhythm as well as tempo.
Jazz music: it is featured by strong as well as complex rhythms. This is rhythm music and called as swing
Folk music: it is kind of traditional music that is handed from generations in every culture. Popular as well as tribal music are the two sub genes of music.
Different from person to person.
Advantages of listening music:
1. Cool music helps in control of your heartbeat. Good music helps calm the cells and tissues that form the lungs, which reduces the patient's breathing and heartbeat to normal.
2. It helps in reducing stress as it is best medicine for reducing the stress and full source of entertainment.
3. When you listen to music it gives you positive energy
4. While you are doing exercise you can listen to favorite music tracks.
5. It can also divert attention away from the pain and encouraging relaxation.
6. It helps to forget the past & stressful things and remember the momentous events that once happened in your life.
7. The music unites culture. It unites culture. We are able to understand and find a personal link to the cultural heritage of music, such as the time when the music was composed, the place where it was released, and the message of the music.
8. by listening music it removes negative thoughts
There are several types of music:
1. Classic music
2. Rock music
3. Metal music
4. Hip hop music
5. Wedding ceremony music
6. Trance music
7. Jazz music
Classic music: this type of music includes chamber, choral pieces as well as music requires a full orchestra. Classical music may also refer to the native and folk music of any country. The styles vary greatly depending upon available instruments.
Rock music: this type of music the vocals are accompanied by guitar, drum as well as bass. Certain rock groups also use piano, synthesizer, saxophone, flute, mandolin and sitar for a deeper effect.
Metal music: this type of music came after Second World War. The melody of the song is heavily influenced by the structure of the songs.
Hip hop music: These types of music always include use of instruments such as guitar, violin, fiddle, piano, bass and drums. This can be used in different intensities to emote feelings of anger, pride and others.
Wedding music: this type of music that are used in wedding ceremonies. These can be classical as well as modern according to choice of the people.
Trance music: this type is usually played in clubhouses. It is characterstized by fast rhythm as well as tempo.
Jazz music: it is featured by strong as well as complex rhythms. This is rhythm music and called as swing
Folk music: it is kind of traditional music that is handed from generations in every culture. Popular as well as tribal music are the two sub genes of music.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Guitar Power Chords - How To Sound Like A Superstar Guitar Fast
What's the Deal with Power Chords? If you have ever heard any rock music, punk, heavy metal or any other form of music that features over driven, distorted guitar sounds, then you have definitely heard power chords in action, they have been the backbone of rock music for the last 50 years.
Interestingly enough, in musical terms, the power chord is not actually a chord, as the chord shape only consist of a dyad (pair of notes) instead of a triad (three notes). A power chord is made up of the root note and its 5th. Quite often these two notes will be fingered several times in one chord shape, although the simplest form of power chord can be played on two strings.
In recent years the term power chord has been adopted by other types of musician to indicate any chord which contains only two notes, repeated within the chord shape, although primarily the name power chord pertains to simple, distorted chords played by rock musicians.
So why are power chords so attractive?
Why do people (myself included) love to crank up their amplifier and bash out a thundering rhythm using nothing but guitar power chords? I think the answer to this has to be that they are simple to play, and leave the guitar player free to express rhythmic ideas through additional techniques such as left hand dampening, right hand dampening and effects units.
In modern guitar tablature, you will often see a chord named as a 5 chord, whenever you see something like G5 in a piece of tab, don't be scared, this is just the way a power chord has come to be interpreted as a notation formula, it represents the fact that the chord is constructed from the root G and it's 5th.
Playing Power Chords
Predominantly power chords are played on the bass strings, the E, A and D strings. More often than not the chord will be made using a partial barre, as this allows the musician to play several power chords in the same fret board position without actually moving the barre at all.
Certain simple chord progression, especially those found in the more simple forms of rock music such as punk, will require very little physical movement of the left hand up and down the fret board, allowing the rhythm guitar player to thrash out extremely fast and driving rhythms with the minimum of effort.
There are whole generations of musicians who did nothing more than teach themselves how to play Guitar Power Chords in their own bedrooms, before moving on to learn more complex chords and more intricate musical styles.
Learning to play guitar power chords is fun, simple and offers an immense amount of gratification for a minimum of effort. If you are the kind of new guitar player who wants to be able to play something recognizable within days of picking up a guitar for the first time, then spend a few hours learning to play guitar power chords and jamming along with your favorite rock songs.
Mac Wheeler
Interestingly enough, in musical terms, the power chord is not actually a chord, as the chord shape only consist of a dyad (pair of notes) instead of a triad (three notes). A power chord is made up of the root note and its 5th. Quite often these two notes will be fingered several times in one chord shape, although the simplest form of power chord can be played on two strings.
In recent years the term power chord has been adopted by other types of musician to indicate any chord which contains only two notes, repeated within the chord shape, although primarily the name power chord pertains to simple, distorted chords played by rock musicians.
So why are power chords so attractive?
Why do people (myself included) love to crank up their amplifier and bash out a thundering rhythm using nothing but guitar power chords? I think the answer to this has to be that they are simple to play, and leave the guitar player free to express rhythmic ideas through additional techniques such as left hand dampening, right hand dampening and effects units.
In modern guitar tablature, you will often see a chord named as a 5 chord, whenever you see something like G5 in a piece of tab, don't be scared, this is just the way a power chord has come to be interpreted as a notation formula, it represents the fact that the chord is constructed from the root G and it's 5th.
Playing Power Chords
Predominantly power chords are played on the bass strings, the E, A and D strings. More often than not the chord will be made using a partial barre, as this allows the musician to play several power chords in the same fret board position without actually moving the barre at all.
Certain simple chord progression, especially those found in the more simple forms of rock music such as punk, will require very little physical movement of the left hand up and down the fret board, allowing the rhythm guitar player to thrash out extremely fast and driving rhythms with the minimum of effort.
There are whole generations of musicians who did nothing more than teach themselves how to play Guitar Power Chords in their own bedrooms, before moving on to learn more complex chords and more intricate musical styles.
Learning to play guitar power chords is fun, simple and offers an immense amount of gratification for a minimum of effort. If you are the kind of new guitar player who wants to be able to play something recognizable within days of picking up a guitar for the first time, then spend a few hours learning to play guitar power chords and jamming along with your favorite rock songs.
Mac Wheeler
Sunday, October 9, 2011
How to Make a Guitar Solo
Let say you play in a band, you have a tune ready, with intro, verses , refrains and maybe some kind of bridge part, maybe that bridges a refrain sequence moving over back to verse part or opposite. Only thing missing is to create a guitar solo. I have a couple of approaches for this for which I try to follow, and I would at the same time introduce some terms of my own, like for instance passive and active approach solos. You will try to make your solos approach the accompaniment actively. Accompaniment meaning the tune’s overall content, chord progressions, song melody and the different tune sequences mentioned above.
As a rule of thumb the solo should be a short summary of the expression or feeling the tune gives, so whether it’s a ballad, similarly should the solo be, and vice versa if it’s a little heavier song, dealing with maybe some frustration, aggression. At the same way as the lyrics and song melody, the solo sequence is supposed to tell more or less same story. In many cases actually the solo is harmonic variations of the song melody, especially if the soloing is going to be performed in the same melody sequence as the song, whether it’s during the verse, refrain or bridge part.
1. Brainstorming session
Record the whole tune with song and everything but without any guitar solo, listen to it several times and try to build up a soloing sequence in your mind. Maybe try to make some sequences of harmonic variations of the song melody. At the same time try to follow the harmonies of the chord or riff accompaniment and the drum rhythm. Basically you can say many solos are made up by shorts sequencies of melodic questions and a replies, and maybe some bridging parts in between sets of questions and replies. In that sense the solo becomes an composition within the composition of the whole tune. The dependency is the accompaniment and overall progression, meaning it should consist of the of scales harmonies matching the chord riff progressions and the overall timing.
2. Feedback first trial
Record the solo isolated or type it down for later remembering. Record the whole tune with the solo and listen again. Eventually get feedback from bandmates or friends.
3. Experiment
Try to experiment more with the recording without solo, just with free improvisation, and remember to record everything, maybe there are some parts that sounds cool and you wanna use in addition or in extended variation to the first brainstorming session. Sometimes the first thing that comes to mind or first trial works, like the first intuition or stomach feeling in daily life.
4. Active and passive soloing
Sometimes the solo part will go into a separate solo part sequence or bridge theme. It’s overall important in the creative process that this part is such that the original atmosphere of the song totally changes, unless it’s a longer epic, in which the mood may change, but that’s another story. The best solos within rock music in my mind use an active approach towards the accompaniment harmonies, meaning chasing the chord changes, or chord progressions in a proactive manner. Especially if the tones scale changes the guitar solo should change slightly before entering the changed scale accompaniment part, maybe half a beat or bar before. This is especially efficient if you have solo over 2 melody main sequences in different tone scales, maybe the solo bridge parts move into the verse part. Or solo starts in verse part moving into bridge or refrain part which follows another harmony or scale. As you know it’s called playing lead guitar, try to think what’s supposed to be interpreted by this term. Another efficient sound is if the drums are supporting the solo, and some other instruments also do additional fills in.
5. Climax part
A solo might have one or more several climax part depending on the story or mood you wanna tell the audience. Some solos start out strongly with rapid high tones played with strength, some start of more slowly for a later climax it all depends on what you wanna express combined with sometimes the length of the solo part. Try to build small themes played in high and lower tones. Usually climaxes use high tones, long lasting and screaming or very rapid, but not necessarily.
6. Instrument and genre depended solos
If you have listened quite some music you have sensed that solos are not only depended of the genre, whether it’s rock, hard rock, blues and jazz, but different instruments tend to play different kinds of solos. Like if you listen to a keyboard, saxophone, trumpet or bass. Sometimes they seem to use different tone sequences and intervals, like blues funk jazz organ sometimes use a lot of rapid high chromatic changes. Trumpet or saxophone use more slow tones with bigger intervals. Sometimes it might be good to experiment with playing a typical piano or sax solo on guitar.
I hope this has given some kind of valuable input to those interested. Another vital part is off course the choice of sound and effects, personally I’m fan of experimenting with overlapping delays. I wish you good experimenting with lead guitar and future guitar solos.
Thomas Wilhelm
As a rule of thumb the solo should be a short summary of the expression or feeling the tune gives, so whether it’s a ballad, similarly should the solo be, and vice versa if it’s a little heavier song, dealing with maybe some frustration, aggression. At the same way as the lyrics and song melody, the solo sequence is supposed to tell more or less same story. In many cases actually the solo is harmonic variations of the song melody, especially if the soloing is going to be performed in the same melody sequence as the song, whether it’s during the verse, refrain or bridge part.
1. Brainstorming session
Record the whole tune with song and everything but without any guitar solo, listen to it several times and try to build up a soloing sequence in your mind. Maybe try to make some sequences of harmonic variations of the song melody. At the same time try to follow the harmonies of the chord or riff accompaniment and the drum rhythm. Basically you can say many solos are made up by shorts sequencies of melodic questions and a replies, and maybe some bridging parts in between sets of questions and replies. In that sense the solo becomes an composition within the composition of the whole tune. The dependency is the accompaniment and overall progression, meaning it should consist of the of scales harmonies matching the chord riff progressions and the overall timing.
2. Feedback first trial
Record the solo isolated or type it down for later remembering. Record the whole tune with the solo and listen again. Eventually get feedback from bandmates or friends.
3. Experiment
Try to experiment more with the recording without solo, just with free improvisation, and remember to record everything, maybe there are some parts that sounds cool and you wanna use in addition or in extended variation to the first brainstorming session. Sometimes the first thing that comes to mind or first trial works, like the first intuition or stomach feeling in daily life.
4. Active and passive soloing
Sometimes the solo part will go into a separate solo part sequence or bridge theme. It’s overall important in the creative process that this part is such that the original atmosphere of the song totally changes, unless it’s a longer epic, in which the mood may change, but that’s another story. The best solos within rock music in my mind use an active approach towards the accompaniment harmonies, meaning chasing the chord changes, or chord progressions in a proactive manner. Especially if the tones scale changes the guitar solo should change slightly before entering the changed scale accompaniment part, maybe half a beat or bar before. This is especially efficient if you have solo over 2 melody main sequences in different tone scales, maybe the solo bridge parts move into the verse part. Or solo starts in verse part moving into bridge or refrain part which follows another harmony or scale. As you know it’s called playing lead guitar, try to think what’s supposed to be interpreted by this term. Another efficient sound is if the drums are supporting the solo, and some other instruments also do additional fills in.
5. Climax part
A solo might have one or more several climax part depending on the story or mood you wanna tell the audience. Some solos start out strongly with rapid high tones played with strength, some start of more slowly for a later climax it all depends on what you wanna express combined with sometimes the length of the solo part. Try to build small themes played in high and lower tones. Usually climaxes use high tones, long lasting and screaming or very rapid, but not necessarily.
6. Instrument and genre depended solos
If you have listened quite some music you have sensed that solos are not only depended of the genre, whether it’s rock, hard rock, blues and jazz, but different instruments tend to play different kinds of solos. Like if you listen to a keyboard, saxophone, trumpet or bass. Sometimes they seem to use different tone sequences and intervals, like blues funk jazz organ sometimes use a lot of rapid high chromatic changes. Trumpet or saxophone use more slow tones with bigger intervals. Sometimes it might be good to experiment with playing a typical piano or sax solo on guitar.
I hope this has given some kind of valuable input to those interested. Another vital part is off course the choice of sound and effects, personally I’m fan of experimenting with overlapping delays. I wish you good experimenting with lead guitar and future guitar solos.
Thomas Wilhelm
Great Scales for Heavy Metal Guitar Playing
For this column, I have a great reader question from Zachary in Houston, Texas.
Question: "Hey Dave, what is your favorite scale to use when playing metal?"
Thanks for the question, Zachary. Harmonic minor is always a very cool choice and a favorite of mine. It’s great to use when you’re improvising or coming up with song ideas and lead parts. So many awesome players have made great use of it in their songs -- guys like Uli Jon Roth, Yngwie Malmsteen, Ritchie Blackmore, Steve Vai and many others. Mozart was also a big fan of it.
If you want to hear how I use it, check out my song “Devils Roadmap.”
Click on the link below to continue with story.
Great Scales for Heavy Metal Guitar Playing
Question: "Hey Dave, what is your favorite scale to use when playing metal?"
Thanks for the question, Zachary. Harmonic minor is always a very cool choice and a favorite of mine. It’s great to use when you’re improvising or coming up with song ideas and lead parts. So many awesome players have made great use of it in their songs -- guys like Uli Jon Roth, Yngwie Malmsteen, Ritchie Blackmore, Steve Vai and many others. Mozart was also a big fan of it.
If you want to hear how I use it, check out my song “Devils Roadmap.”
Click on the link below to continue with story.
Great Scales for Heavy Metal Guitar Playing
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