Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Making Time to Practice
How Long Should You Practice, and How do You Find Time?
Beginning students, especially adults, seem to have a lot of trouble finding time to practice. The list of excuses is very long, and I believe Ive heard almost all of them by now. Here are some tips to getting yourself into a practice routine.
Beginning students, especially adults, seem to have a lot of trouble finding time to practice. The list of excuses is very long, and I believe Ive heard almost all of them by now. Here are some tips to getting yourself into a practice routine.
- Make the time. Yes, thats right, make the time. Like any other skill, playing guitar takes time, concentration, and commitment. A set time of the day is best, so schedule it like any other important appointment.
- Youre too busy, really? I hear that more and more. Heres a hint: turn off the TV, close Facebook, put the computer to sleep and pick up your guitar. Just like exercise, practicing guitar will become a habit if you do it at a set time each day.
- Any time spent practicing is better than none. We all need to practice more, me included. The question I get from parents all the time is "how much time should he/she be practicing?" The general answer is 15 minutes or more, the practical answer is as much as possible. You dont have to spend hours, but playing every day is a lot better than 3 hours one day and then none the rest of the week.
- Find a comfortable space to practice in. If at all possible, find a place where you can practice thats quiet, away from any distractions, and preferably set up as a guitar practice space. Having your guitar on a stand is a good idea, since its harder to ignore it when its right there in front of you. Invest in a decent music stand so you dont have to waste valuable time locating your music, finding a place to put it, and then finally getting started on your daily practice.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Avoiding a Tone Control Circuit for a More Natural Tone
In this schematic you can see, apart from standard elements, a DPDT on-on switch, wich can be an external element or a part of a push-pull potentiometer. Its used to switch off the capacitor and tone potentiometer together with their grounding. In effect of thi operation, the sound will be more natural (no impact from the tone cap. and the tone pot.).
It can be done in all types of wiring (3x single coil pickup, 2x humbucker; two pots, four pots etc.)
Sunday, October 27, 2013
G Guitar Chord Beginners Guitar Chords
The G guitar chord is a really useful guitar chord for beginners to learn.
To play this guitar chord shape, put your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the E String, your 1st finger on the 2nd fret of the A string and your 3rd finger on the 3rd fret of the top E string.
The G guitar chord uses the notes G, B and D. Check out other beginner guitar chords here
To play this guitar chord shape, put your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the E String, your 1st finger on the 2nd fret of the A string and your 3rd finger on the 3rd fret of the top E string.
The G guitar chord uses the notes G, B and D. Check out other beginner guitar chords here
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Do You REALLY Think You Can Learn Guitar in 7 Days
Right now on Amazon: Master the Guitar in 7 Days $.099
Seriously? Wow, why the heck has it taken others so long? And were talking Mastering the guitar, not just playing it. Heres a dose of reality, its not going to happen! Yes, you can learn a 2 chord song in 7 days. Will you have it mastered? Doubtful. Is it a song youd be proud to show your friends? Hey, you guys want to jam on Skip to my Lou? Google play guitar in 7 days and youll be shocked and amazed at how many courses there are. Heres the hot tip of the day, save your money. Beginning guitar, getting better at guitar, mastering the guitar is a long term investment of time and money. If it were possible in a short time, there would be a lot more great guitar players.
OK, how long does it take?
The guitar is a very versatile instrument. Ive had students who took lessons for years, and Ive had students who were happy with knowing enough chords to strum and sing some songs. Remember, its not how long youve played, its how many hours you put in. I can tell you that it wont be a week or even a month. The big secret is that like every other worthwhile skill it takes time, dedication and practice. Getting by the total beginner stage in about 6 months is a good goal. The most important consideration is how good to you want to be?
Are these courses any good at all?
Surprisingly, Im going to say yes. I just cant imagine advertising something in that way when Im sure they all know its not going to happen. Theres good material in a lot of the lessons, theres even good stuff available for free. The problem is in making outrageous claims. Playing and learning guitar without a teacher involves lots of self discipline, the ability to decide if youre doing things correctly, and being able to not want or need any feedback. You cant ask a DVD, a CD or a book a question. Without being able to actually watch a student its very difficult to help solve problems. So, do you want to save a few bucks and be a do it yourselfer? Or, are you willing to make the sacrifice and spend the time and money to get started the right way?
Seriously? Wow, why the heck has it taken others so long? And were talking Mastering the guitar, not just playing it. Heres a dose of reality, its not going to happen! Yes, you can learn a 2 chord song in 7 days. Will you have it mastered? Doubtful. Is it a song youd be proud to show your friends? Hey, you guys want to jam on Skip to my Lou? Google play guitar in 7 days and youll be shocked and amazed at how many courses there are. Heres the hot tip of the day, save your money. Beginning guitar, getting better at guitar, mastering the guitar is a long term investment of time and money. If it were possible in a short time, there would be a lot more great guitar players.
OK, how long does it take?
The guitar is a very versatile instrument. Ive had students who took lessons for years, and Ive had students who were happy with knowing enough chords to strum and sing some songs. Remember, its not how long youve played, its how many hours you put in. I can tell you that it wont be a week or even a month. The big secret is that like every other worthwhile skill it takes time, dedication and practice. Getting by the total beginner stage in about 6 months is a good goal. The most important consideration is how good to you want to be?
Are these courses any good at all?
Surprisingly, Im going to say yes. I just cant imagine advertising something in that way when Im sure they all know its not going to happen. Theres good material in a lot of the lessons, theres even good stuff available for free. The problem is in making outrageous claims. Playing and learning guitar without a teacher involves lots of self discipline, the ability to decide if youre doing things correctly, and being able to not want or need any feedback. You cant ask a DVD, a CD or a book a question. Without being able to actually watch a student its very difficult to help solve problems. So, do you want to save a few bucks and be a do it yourselfer? Or, are you willing to make the sacrifice and spend the time and money to get started the right way?
Friday, October 25, 2013
12 Dominant 7th Guitar Chords Number 5
Carrying on our series of 12 Dominant 7th Guitar Chords you should know we move onto inversions on the middle four guitar strings. The next four chords all feature the same notes: G, B, D and F but in different inversions.
This inversion has the chords root note on the D string of the guitar (this is shown by the black box in the diagram). The previous inversions weve looked at on the top four strings have a thinner tone than these inversions on the middle four guitar strings. Those inversions can be useful for funk guitar amongst other things, these chords have a slightly fuller tone than the inversions on the top four strings.
Tune in tomorrow for the next installment of our series on 12 dominant 7th guitar chords you should know.
Heres the fingering for this guitar chord:
This inversion has the chords root note on the D string of the guitar (this is shown by the black box in the diagram). The previous inversions weve looked at on the top four strings have a thinner tone than these inversions on the middle four guitar strings. Those inversions can be useful for funk guitar amongst other things, these chords have a slightly fuller tone than the inversions on the top four strings.
Tune in tomorrow for the next installment of our series on 12 dominant 7th guitar chords you should know.
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Cool Tracks With Guitars I Prog Rock
In this post I would like to present five cool songs that I found on Jamendo. They can be a really inspiring stuff for a guitarist. The playlist is based on progressive rock/metal vibes.
| Click to listen |
1. JT Bruce - Plunge Into Hyperreality
2. Andrea Puggioni - Notte Prog
3. Emerald Cave - Far From Any World
4. Progside - Inside My Robots Mind
5. PhaZer - Feat Itself
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Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Emajor9 The first chord of Angel
Chords of Jimi Hendrix
Continuing our Hendrix
mini-series here at http://blogspot.com/ todays chord is a nice sounding E major9 chord. This chord is the very first guitar chord played at the start of Angel
from The Cry of Love
album released after his death.
Weve featured an alternative E major9 inversion before. Remember that Hendrix tuned his guitar down a half step, so youll sound a semitone higher unless you detune too. Theres more info on Jimis tuning in our first Hendrix chord post.
Heres the fingering for this guitar chord:
If you miss out the open E strings in this chord, youre playing a G#m7 chord.
Major 9 chords can be replace major 7th chords, and can often be played in place of major chords. It can replace I and IV chords.
Major 9 chords use these degrees of the major scale: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
E Major 9 uses the notes: E, D#, G#, B, F#, E
Our inversion uses the notes in this order: E, F#, G#, D#, B, E.
Tune in tomorrow for more of our Jimi Hendrix mini series and another Hendrix guitar chord of the day.
mini-series here at http://blogspot.com/ todays chord is a nice sounding E major9 chord. This chord is the very first guitar chord played at the start of Angel from The Cry of Love album released after his death.Weve featured an alternative E major9 inversion before. Remember that Hendrix tuned his guitar down a half step, so youll sound a semitone higher unless you detune too. Theres more info on Jimis tuning in our first Hendrix chord post.
If you miss out the open E strings in this chord, youre playing a G#m7 chord.
Major 9 chords can be replace major 7th chords, and can often be played in place of major chords. It can replace I and IV chords.
Major 9 chords use these degrees of the major scale: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
E Major 9 uses the notes: E, D#, G#, B, F#, E
Our inversion uses the notes in this order: E, F#, G#, D#, B, E.
Tune in tomorrow for more of our Jimi Hendrix mini series and another Hendrix guitar chord of the day.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Get use to your guitar pick
Hello again,
Talking about the pick for me by choosing the right guitar picks will make not only the comfortablity, though it will give u a good sound and tone.
YOu should have ur favourable guitar picks. THere are a lot of shape and thickness. Also they made from some different material and color. Spend some time to get a different types of picks and do some experiment so will know the different of each and then choose your best one for you. Get use to it, appreciate it and love it.
Those pick in the picture is in my collection.
Talking about the pick for me by choosing the right guitar picks will make not only the comfortablity, though it will give u a good sound and tone.
YOu should have ur favourable guitar picks. THere are a lot of shape and thickness. Also they made from some different material and color. Spend some time to get a different types of picks and do some experiment so will know the different of each and then choose your best one for you. Get use to it, appreciate it and love it.
Those pick in the picture is in my collection. For your information there is no pick can last forever. One day somehow it will torn up and overused. U need to change it, is good to have stocks of picks. DOnt be so stingy by having just one pick. Put ur pick stock in your guitar case so u can get it easily when u need it next time. ALso good if you have pick holder attached to your guitar.
Have fun
Monday, October 21, 2013
G minor 69
Todays Guitar Chord of the Day is G minor69. This chord has its root note on the the A string of the guitar - its good exercise for the fingers as its quite a stretch! If youre having trouble playing it transpose the chord to a higher fret and work your way back down as your fingers get used to it.
Minor 69 chords are created by playing a minor triad and adding the 6th and 9th: 1, b3, 5, 6 9
G minor69 uses these notes: G, Bb, D, E, A
Todays guitar inversion uses the notes in that order.
Minor 69 chords are usually used as chord i in minor keys.
Subscribe to the RSS feed and tune in tomorrow for another Guitar Chord Of The Day
G minor69 uses these notes: G, Bb, D, E, A
Todays guitar inversion uses the notes in that order.
Minor 69 chords are usually used as chord i in minor keys.
Subscribe to the RSS feed and tune in tomorrow for another Guitar Chord Of The Day
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Adjustable Treble Bleed Mod
Today's post is about how to make an easily adjustable guitar treble bleed mod. It's based on some kind of a small extension of the well known wiring trick. It can give you good control over the guitar volume and treble relation.
Diagram:
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Wiring Diagram for Stratocaster With a Warm Bright Warm Switch
Here comes the idea for a Stratocaster guitar wiring.
The biggest difference between my and the original Stratocaster wiring is in control over a tone warmth. My idea gives more options in this topic. The cost is in the one tone potentiometer, which was swapped for the 3-way, on-off-on DPDT switch.
Friday, October 18, 2013
Cool Tracks With Guitars VII Classical
We, the electric guitar players can learn quite a lot from classical guitarists.
Today, I would like to present some cool classical guitar riffs. They can be helpful to improve your style of playing. On todays playlist are: Anton Glushkin, Alain Everts and Andrew Perez. (from ReverbNation)
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Thursday, October 17, 2013
E7 9 The Hendrix Chord
The Hendrix Chord
Carrying on with the Jimi Hendrix chords mini-series at guitar chord of the day, well follow up yesterdays post with another fingering of the famous Hendrix Chord, used in Purple Haze
, Stone Free
, Cross Town Traffic
and moreThis chord is moveable and has its root on the the D string, though if you play it in other keys youll have to leave off the open bottom E String.
Theres also another way to play the Hendrix Guitar chord here.
7#9 chords use these degrees of the major scale: 1, 3, 5, b7, #9
E7#9 uses the notes: E, G#, B, D, F## (G)
Our inversion uses the notes in this order: E, G#, D, F## (G)
Tune in tomorrow the next day of our Hendrix
mini-series and another Hendrix Guitar Chord Of The Day. More Jimi tomorrow!
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
E Major 9
Heres a nice E major 9 inversion. It makes use of the guitars open strings so isnt moveable, but is a nice sounding guitar chord inversion.
Major 9 chords can be played in place of major 7th chords, and often in place of major chords. It can replace I and IV chords.
Major 9 chords use these degrees of the major scale: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
E Major 9 uses the notes: E, G#, B, D#, F#
Our inversion uses the notes in this order: E, F#, G#, D#, B, E.
Tune in tomorrow for another guitar chord of the day.
Major 9 chords use these degrees of the major scale: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
E Major 9 uses the notes: E, G#, B, D#, F#
Our inversion uses the notes in this order: E, F#, G#, D#, B, E.
Tune in tomorrow for another guitar chord of the day.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Minor Scale Introduction
Hi,
Actually there 3 types of minor scale, namely:
1. natural minor
2. Harmonic minor; and
3. Melodic.
As a good guitarist we need to know three of them. Because the more song we want to play the more scales we need to know. Better we start to learn the Natural minor. May be you read my previous post that each scale has 7 notes. same goes to this Natural minor scale has 7 notes.
The question begins. What are the notes we need to use. Let see the pattern of natural minor:
1. W - H - W - W - H - W - W; or
2. 2 - 1 - 2 - 2 - 1 - 2 - 2;
3. T - S - T - T - S - T - T
Let us take a note to start constructing the scale using the above mentioned pattern. The note B might be a good example: it will be: B - C# - D - E - F# - G - A. Or what we can say:
B is the 1st note
C# is the 2nd note
D is the 3rd note
E is the 4th note
F# is the 5th note
G is the 6th note.
A is the 7th note.
Maybe you can study the pattern and construct the natural minor scale starts from the other note. We learnt the B natural minor scale. Just and idea given try to construct the C natural minor, then raise it a half tone to C# natural minor, then raise it another half tone.. and so on. you will get it, familiarise it.
But dont forget to do it using the alternate picking.
Thank you
Actually there 3 types of minor scale, namely:
1. natural minor
2. Harmonic minor; and
3. Melodic.
As a good guitarist we need to know three of them. Because the more song we want to play the more scales we need to know. Better we start to learn the Natural minor. May be you read my previous post that each scale has 7 notes. same goes to this Natural minor scale has 7 notes.
The question begins. What are the notes we need to use. Let see the pattern of natural minor:
1. W - H - W - W - H - W - W; or
2. 2 - 1 - 2 - 2 - 1 - 2 - 2;
3. T - S - T - T - S - T - T
Let us take a note to start constructing the scale using the above mentioned pattern. The note B might be a good example: it will be: B - C# - D - E - F# - G - A. Or what we can say:
B is the 1st note
C# is the 2nd note
D is the 3rd note
E is the 4th note
F# is the 5th note
G is the 6th note.
A is the 7th note.
Maybe you can study the pattern and construct the natural minor scale starts from the other note. We learnt the B natural minor scale. Just and idea given try to construct the C natural minor, then raise it a half tone to C# natural minor, then raise it another half tone.. and so on. you will get it, familiarise it.
But dont forget to do it using the alternate picking.
Thank you
Monday, October 14, 2013
Start to KISS!!! Keep it Simple Stupid!!!
Hmm.....!!!
I remember one time ago. When I taught a guy in a tutorial session, I asked him, "what song do u really want to play?". He replied, "Fade to black, Metallica..."
Well, for me it is a good song, some people can play this song easily. But not for this guy, he is really a rookie, he cant play that song, he needs to play more simple thing. And, more simple arrangement and movement.
So, if u want to play something that really big stuff, but suddenly u stuck and cant do the chords or smoke ur finger with the solo. Its time to start KISS!!! Keep it Simple, Stupid!!! (My ex-boss influence to use this terms, he he. Thank you Mr Terrence)
There are a lot of song we can choose. One great example is the Zombie-Cranberries. Even i use this sond as case study for most of my student in the class. It use simple chords and also simple solo. Only using E minor, C, G and D. And these chords is easy to grip and fast to change ur finger position from one to other. The solo part: only a few note to remember.
Then, form time to time try to find other song, and go out learn something new, try something new.
Okay guys!
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Double Edged Guitar wiring Killswitches
Today, I would like to present my guitar wiring design (diagram) with two kill-switches. It's inspired on famous Buckethead's and Tom Morello's guitars. The difference between their wirings and mine is in options of „killing the signal”. Guitars of these gentlemen have only one killswitch, which is just cutting-off the guitar signal by pushing a button. My wiring has got two buttons (switches). First will cut-off the signal like a typical killswitch, second will muffle the signal in one moment – but only to some degree.
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Advanced Guitar Power Chords
In our last post we looked at using guitar power chords and moving these around the neck as an easy way to play rock guitar.
Today well look at some much less common ways of playing power chords, including fat power chords that are played using all six strings and some more unusual inversions.
In the last guitar power chord post, we played some 3 note power chords that doubled up on the root note, repeating it one octave higher:
In this inversion the 5th has been doubled. The root note is on the A string giving us a C Power Chord. Mixing up root position and inverted power chords gives some interesting riffs and can be a really easy way of changing between power chords on the guitar.
Playing this inversion on the A, D and G strings uses exactly the same fingering. Here on the 5th fret with the root on the D string we can play a G Power Chord.
We have to adjust the fingering a little to play the inversion on the D, G and B strings. Here we play an F Power Chord on the guitars 3rd fret:
Its also possible to play four string power chords on the guitar to get an even fatter sound:
Using open strings, six string power chords are possible too (the easiest way to play this chord is to barre across the second fret with your first finger to play the D and G strings and lay your little finger across the B and E strings at the 5th fret:
Try incorporating some of these more advanced rock guitar chords into your playing and check back soon for another guitar chord of the day.
Today well look at some much less common ways of playing power chords, including fat power chords that are played using all six strings and some more unusual inversions.
In the last guitar power chord post, we played some 3 note power chords that doubled up on the root note, repeating it one octave higher:
In this inversion the 5th has been doubled. The root note is on the A string giving us a C Power Chord. Mixing up root position and inverted power chords gives some interesting riffs and can be a really easy way of changing between power chords on the guitar.
Friday, October 11, 2013
Taking Care of Your Guitar or Other Wooden Instrument
What should I do to take care of my guitar?
The first and most important thing to be aware of is subjecting it to severe weather. If its at all avoidable, DO NOT LEAVE IT IN THE TRUNK OF YOUR CAR! Extremely hot weather can cause stress on the glue joints, and cracks in the body while cold can cause finish cracking and both can cause severe structural damage. Should it be necessary to leave the guitar in the trunk, leave it in the case when you get inside until the temperature is stable. Heat, cold and humidity are the worst enemies of your guitar.
What do I clean my guitar with?
Most guitar manufacturers as well as other companies make guitar polish. The main thing here is to not use regular furniture polish that will eventually build up on the finish. Interestingly, even though the Martin Guitar Company, in business since 1833, makes a guitar polish, they also say in their owners manual that you can clean the guitar with a very slightly damp cloth.
Should I do anything to the fingerboard?
I usually use Gibson fingerboard conditioner about twice year on my guitars and banjos. It lubricates and cleans the fingerboard. In the winter this helps to prevent cracking from very low humidity levels.
Do I need to wipe off the strings?
Wiping off the strings after you play helps to resist corrosion and makes the strings last longer. This is a good idea if you play outside or if your hands tend to sweat.
How often should I change strings?
As mentioned in a previous post, if the strings sound dead, look nasty or wont stay in tune, its time to change them. If you play a lot, it will be something youll want to do more often. Some professional players change them at least once a week, some before every performance.
Beware of the guitar strap with a vinyl backing.
When you buy a strap for your guitar, check to see whether it has a vinyl backing. If it does, be sure that the backing doesnt come into contact with the finish on your guitar. Vinyl is a petroleum based product and it can eat through the finish. The same is true if you put your guitar on a stand. The parts that support the neck and the body can also damage the finish.
The first and most important thing to be aware of is subjecting it to severe weather. If its at all avoidable, DO NOT LEAVE IT IN THE TRUNK OF YOUR CAR! Extremely hot weather can cause stress on the glue joints, and cracks in the body while cold can cause finish cracking and both can cause severe structural damage. Should it be necessary to leave the guitar in the trunk, leave it in the case when you get inside until the temperature is stable. Heat, cold and humidity are the worst enemies of your guitar.
What do I clean my guitar with?
Most guitar manufacturers as well as other companies make guitar polish. The main thing here is to not use regular furniture polish that will eventually build up on the finish. Interestingly, even though the Martin Guitar Company, in business since 1833, makes a guitar polish, they also say in their owners manual that you can clean the guitar with a very slightly damp cloth.
Should I do anything to the fingerboard?
I usually use Gibson fingerboard conditioner about twice year on my guitars and banjos. It lubricates and cleans the fingerboard. In the winter this helps to prevent cracking from very low humidity levels.
Do I need to wipe off the strings?
Wiping off the strings after you play helps to resist corrosion and makes the strings last longer. This is a good idea if you play outside or if your hands tend to sweat.
How often should I change strings?
As mentioned in a previous post, if the strings sound dead, look nasty or wont stay in tune, its time to change them. If you play a lot, it will be something youll want to do more often. Some professional players change them at least once a week, some before every performance.
Beware of the guitar strap with a vinyl backing.
When you buy a strap for your guitar, check to see whether it has a vinyl backing. If it does, be sure that the backing doesnt come into contact with the finish on your guitar. Vinyl is a petroleum based product and it can eat through the finish. The same is true if you put your guitar on a stand. The parts that support the neck and the body can also damage the finish.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Should I Learn on an Acoustic or Electric Guitar
Dont fall for the old wives tale.
Back in the day, the usual advice was to start on the acoustic guitar and then move to the electric. The reason back then, in the 1950s and 60s, was that an electric guitar was considerably more expensive than an acoustic. Things have changed and the price difference is really small if it even exists. The good news for the consumer is that cheap guitars are getting better. Some of the well known manufacturers including Gibson, Fender and Martin have entered the lower priced market. As a result, the guitar you buy now is a lot better than the one you could have gotten 10 years ago for the same money. Since they cant really go any lower on price, theyre offering more features for the money. So the question of acoustic vs. electric is really more a matter of taste, and the decision should be based on what you like best. At some point most players end up having one of each, but in the beginning the best thing is to buy what you like.
Back in the day, the usual advice was to start on the acoustic guitar and then move to the electric. The reason back then, in the 1950s and 60s, was that an electric guitar was considerably more expensive than an acoustic. Things have changed and the price difference is really small if it even exists. The good news for the consumer is that cheap guitars are getting better. Some of the well known manufacturers including Gibson, Fender and Martin have entered the lower priced market. As a result, the guitar you buy now is a lot better than the one you could have gotten 10 years ago for the same money. Since they cant really go any lower on price, theyre offering more features for the money. So the question of acoustic vs. electric is really more a matter of taste, and the decision should be based on what you like best. At some point most players end up having one of each, but in the beginning the best thing is to buy what you like.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
This is NOT a Test or a Recital
Learning to play in front of your teacher and others
Most students have a hard time playing their songs for their music teacher. When I went back to college I had to take class piano. In addition to classes where we had electronic keyboards with headphones, we were also required to play one on one for our teacher in a little room with a real piano. Not once in the 2 years that I took the class was I able to play as well as I could in the classroom or at home. What was particularly frustrating is that I was playing the guitar in public 5 or 6 nights a week and had no signs of stage fright or anxiety. So, what is it? The first thing a guitar student needs to understand is that youre not being tested. Its your guitar teachers way of judging your progress and watching for what needs to be corrected. Knowing youre being watched by someone who knows how to play can cause you to be nervous and afraid youll make a mistake. In addition, its frustrating to be able to play a song at home and not be able to play it as well at your lesson.
Getting over the stage fright, nervousness and anxiety
The only way to get over all three is by performing in front of other people. The more you practice the guitar, the more confident you become, and confidence is what gets you over the hump. Start out by playing for friends and family, your guitar teacher, and your fellow students. If you have the opportunity to play at a open mic or a jam session, go for it! Our studio offers controlled jam sessions which consist of part instruction, part jamming with others. If you can find a place that offers something like that, by all means get involved. Most cities have coffee houses or other venues that offer open mics or jam sessions and thats another good alternative. Remember, playing guitar or any other instrument is lots of fun when you can share it with others. So practice to build confidence, test your playing out on friends and family, then take the next step and get out in public.
Most students have a hard time playing their songs for their music teacher. When I went back to college I had to take class piano. In addition to classes where we had electronic keyboards with headphones, we were also required to play one on one for our teacher in a little room with a real piano. Not once in the 2 years that I took the class was I able to play as well as I could in the classroom or at home. What was particularly frustrating is that I was playing the guitar in public 5 or 6 nights a week and had no signs of stage fright or anxiety. So, what is it? The first thing a guitar student needs to understand is that youre not being tested. Its your guitar teachers way of judging your progress and watching for what needs to be corrected. Knowing youre being watched by someone who knows how to play can cause you to be nervous and afraid youll make a mistake. In addition, its frustrating to be able to play a song at home and not be able to play it as well at your lesson.
Getting over the stage fright, nervousness and anxiety
The only way to get over all three is by performing in front of other people. The more you practice the guitar, the more confident you become, and confidence is what gets you over the hump. Start out by playing for friends and family, your guitar teacher, and your fellow students. If you have the opportunity to play at a open mic or a jam session, go for it! Our studio offers controlled jam sessions which consist of part instruction, part jamming with others. If you can find a place that offers something like that, by all means get involved. Most cities have coffee houses or other venues that offer open mics or jam sessions and thats another good alternative. Remember, playing guitar or any other instrument is lots of fun when you can share it with others. So practice to build confidence, test your playing out on friends and family, then take the next step and get out in public.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Ibanez Stable Bridge Designs
Edge Tremolo bridges are one of famous parts of Ibanez guitars. People are saying many things about them, but what about Ibanez hard-tail, stable bridges?
Im a fan of hard-tail. A bridge type really has a matter for a guitar sound. I think, that stable bridge, with good „touch” to the wood is something great for a guitar tone. It help makes a deeper, more woody sound.
If you think that hard-tail bridges are simple, and theres nothing special in their construction, I have a proposition. Lets look at some beautiful Ibanez designs.
- Tight-End bridge in RG
- Gibraltar Standard bridge in RGA
- another Gibraltar Standard in RGA
- Gibraltar Standard in RGA (7 strings)
- Gibraltar Custom bridge in Destroyer
They are pretty good also in making stable bridges.
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Monday, October 7, 2013
Blues Guitar Chords D9
Todays D9 guitar chord of the day is another inversion of a 9th chord and continues our series of blues guitar chords.
The root note is on the A string, its easy to slip this up two frets to play an E9 chord. Use this with yesterdays A9 Guitar Chord and play through the entire blues chord progression.
D9 uses these notes: D F# A C
Tune in tomorrow for another guitar chord of the day.
D9 uses these notes: D F# A C
Tune in tomorrow for another guitar chord of the day.
Sunday, October 6, 2013
What is Position Playing
Position playing for beginning guitar players.
Position playing means using one finger per fret. So if youre playing in the 5th position, your 1st finger plays the 5th fret, your 2nd finger plays the 6th fret, your 3rd finger plays the 7th fret and the 4th finger plays the 8th fret. Position playing is extremely useful when soloing so you dont have to do too much extra moving back and forth. Most guitar teachers teach positions using scale patterns which will help you figure out which position to use.
Exceptions to the rule.
There are times when it will be necessary to go out of position by 1 fret in either direction. Some of the scale patterns need to be altered so that youre still in the basic position.
How fingering relates to scales and chords.
Every chord has a corresponding scale, so when you become more advanced youll be able to visualize the scale that goes with that particular chord. Once you become more familiar with the guitar fretboard youll be amazed at how logical it is.
The takeaway from all of this is to be patient, play slowly so that you develop muscle memory, and get in the habit of using one finger per fret. One of the most important things my guitar teacher did was to not let me get away with using the wrong fingers!
Position playing means using one finger per fret. So if youre playing in the 5th position, your 1st finger plays the 5th fret, your 2nd finger plays the 6th fret, your 3rd finger plays the 7th fret and the 4th finger plays the 8th fret. Position playing is extremely useful when soloing so you dont have to do too much extra moving back and forth. Most guitar teachers teach positions using scale patterns which will help you figure out which position to use.
Exceptions to the rule.
There are times when it will be necessary to go out of position by 1 fret in either direction. Some of the scale patterns need to be altered so that youre still in the basic position.
How fingering relates to scales and chords.
Every chord has a corresponding scale, so when you become more advanced youll be able to visualize the scale that goes with that particular chord. Once you become more familiar with the guitar fretboard youll be amazed at how logical it is.
The takeaway from all of this is to be patient, play slowly so that you develop muscle memory, and get in the habit of using one finger per fret. One of the most important things my guitar teacher did was to not let me get away with using the wrong fingers!
Saturday, October 5, 2013
E Major 7 Guitar Chord
Todays Guitar Chord of the Day is E Major 7. Todays guitar chord is easy to play and mixes open strings and fretted notes - these guitar chords have a nice sounding quality to them.
Major 7 can replace Major triads for chords I and IV in Major keys.
Major chords use these degrees of the major scale: 1, 3, 5, 7
E Major 7 uses the notes: E, G#, B, D#
Our guitar inversion uses the notes in this order: E, G#, D#, B, E
Tune in tomorrow for another Guitar Chord Of The Day.
Major chords use these degrees of the major scale: 1, 3, 5, 7
E Major 7 uses the notes: E, G#, B, D#
Our guitar inversion uses the notes in this order: E, G#, D#, B, E
Tune in tomorrow for another Guitar Chord Of The Day.
Friday, October 4, 2013
Fender Esquire Wiring Mod
I would like to show you some wiring mod for the Fender Esquire guitar. It gives some different switch options than the classic construction. They can make the tone warmer or brighter in a more subtle way.
The mod is based on two resistors and a 500K volume pot. The rest of parts is common.
Diagram:
Read more »
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Dissonant Chords
Sometimes you need a chord that sounds really dissonant. Todays chord of the day is a very dissonant chord that contains 6 half steps, it contains these notes:
D, Eb, E, F, F#, G
This might not be a chord that you want to use in every song, but it can be useful to have a few very dissonant sound chords in your toolbox - even if its just to get the drummers attention!
As this chord contains 6 half steps rather than being built up in 3rds, it defies conventional chord descriptions and has no root note.
Well be look at some more dissonant chords in future posts but will return to some pleasing sounds in tomorrows chord of the day!
D, Eb, E, F, F#, G
As this chord contains 6 half steps rather than being built up in 3rds, it defies conventional chord descriptions and has no root note.
Well be look at some more dissonant chords in future posts but will return to some pleasing sounds in tomorrows chord of the day!
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
E minor 69
Todays Guitar Chord of the Day is E minor 69. Weve played other minor69 guitar chords here. This chord has its root note on the the G string of the guitar and uses the first finger to barre across the B and top E strings.
Minor 69 chords are created by playing a minor triad together with the natural 6th and 9th: 1, b3, 5, 6 9
E minor69 uses these notes: E, G, B, F#, C#
Todays guitar inversion uses the notes in this order: G, C#, E, F#, B
Minor 69 chords are usually used as chord i in minor keys, but can also be played as chord ii in major keys.
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Minor 69 chords are created by playing a minor triad together with the natural 6th and 9th: 1, b3, 5, 6 9
E minor69 uses these notes: E, G, B, F#, C#
Todays guitar inversion uses the notes in this order: G, C#, E, F#, B
Minor 69 chords are usually used as chord i in minor keys, but can also be played as chord ii in major keys.
Subscribe to the RSS feed and tune in tomorrow for another Guitar Chord Of The Day
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
The Third T Taste
So, how do you demonstrate good taste when youre playing?
Tasteful playing is of course, a pretty subjective thing. A lot of it depends on what type of music youre playing and your skill level. For example, if youre playing bluegrass music its a lot different than some form of rock music, although good music is, well, good music. Taste involves playing thats interesting, fun to listen to, and in a lot of cases has a certain "wow" factor. It isnt just about hot licks so much as it is about how your guitar playing fits in with the song.
What to do and what not to do.
If youre soloing, a lot of beginning guitar players want to impress people with speed, but theyre really not quite ready, so the playing is sloppy or simply doesnt sound that good. Listen to some of the masters, Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Doc Watson, Jimi Hendrix or Chet Atkins and hear what effect a well-placed note can have.
If youre accompanying a singer, or playing rhythm while someone else solos, be sure that what youre playing complements what else is going on. Every empty space doesnt have to be filled, and its really annoying when playing a solo to have another band member walk on your part. Try to make your accompaniment or backup add to the structure and interest of the song. So listen to good guitar players, hone your skills, and try to develop the elusive "tasty licks".
One of my favorite quotes is from Louis Armstrong, jazz trumpeter: "There are only two kinds of music, good music and bad music. We try to play the good stuff."
Tasteful playing is of course, a pretty subjective thing. A lot of it depends on what type of music youre playing and your skill level. For example, if youre playing bluegrass music its a lot different than some form of rock music, although good music is, well, good music. Taste involves playing thats interesting, fun to listen to, and in a lot of cases has a certain "wow" factor. It isnt just about hot licks so much as it is about how your guitar playing fits in with the song.
What to do and what not to do.
If youre soloing, a lot of beginning guitar players want to impress people with speed, but theyre really not quite ready, so the playing is sloppy or simply doesnt sound that good. Listen to some of the masters, Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Doc Watson, Jimi Hendrix or Chet Atkins and hear what effect a well-placed note can have.
If youre accompanying a singer, or playing rhythm while someone else solos, be sure that what youre playing complements what else is going on. Every empty space doesnt have to be filled, and its really annoying when playing a solo to have another band member walk on your part. Try to make your accompaniment or backup add to the structure and interest of the song. So listen to good guitar players, hone your skills, and try to develop the elusive "tasty licks".
One of my favorite quotes is from Louis Armstrong, jazz trumpeter: "There are only two kinds of music, good music and bad music. We try to play the good stuff."
Monday, September 30, 2013
Simple Tone Switch
In this post I will show you, how to mount in your guitar a simple, but useful tone switch.
This circuit can help you cut-off a little bit of high-end (high frequencies) from the guitar signal. It means, that your guitar tone will be a little bit fatter and more round after using the switch. It will not work just like a classic, potentiometer based tone control. It's more subtle, and it can be switched only on and off, by a toggle (there's no pot).
The circuit is based on one SPDT on-on mini toggle switch and one capacitor.
Diagram:
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Pickup Selector Switch Connections 3 way
This is about how 3-way guitar pickup selector switches works.
The diagram shows pin-out and terminal connections, according to toggle or lever positions. There are four examples of popular 3-way pickup selectors. These switches are used in Fender Telecasters, Gibsons and many other 2-pickup electric guitars.
Posts about other kinds of switches are coming soon.
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Saturday, September 28, 2013
Pedal Effects VS Multiple Effect
Hi,
I was asked by a friend, which one is better, Indvidual pedal effects(FX) or Multiple Effect(MultiFX).
In this kind of issue there are good side and bad side of both. Thats y some people are prefer to use the pedal FX rather than the MultiFX. Let see:
FOR Pedal FX.
The good thing about PEdal FX is we can tweek the knobs there and then to get the feel and the sound we want to. Moreover its easy to understand how it works and flows. Some people said that the sound come out from the Pedal FX are more determine and big, u know. It sounds really Original ALIVE and beautiful... Thats y many multiFX try to immitate the pedal FX sound.
The bad thing is if need to use a lot of pedalFX in a line from your guitar to your amps, then the problem starts. 1st, economically it is expensive to buy a bunch of pedal effect. THen you will get power supply problem, I dont think most people like to use battery all the time. Even if we use power adapter and daisy chain the power wont stable is certain situation. Even a lot of PEdal FX in line will create some unwanted buzzing sound. I tell you!!! Its irritating.
For MultiFX.
The good thing about MultiFX we can get as many built in effect as we want and change from to another at no cost. Relatively cheaper then a bunch of Pedal FX. Some multiFX has more than 60 effects. So you can get as many sound as we want to. The features that very significant is we can store the setting into many patches. I believe 30 patches is consider alot. Even extra features like amp simulator, built in tuner, drum machine, metronome or many others give a lot of advantage.
The bad thing: I met a person that just bought his MultiFX after a week he got a headache. He doesnt know to do his own setting. Thats the problem, it takes time to do some setting according the sound that we want. I think a must to read the manual, if not u will be lost. Unlike the pedal FX with out manual u can just tweek-tweek and rotate-rotate the knob and done. To tell you the truth some guitarist takes about a month to make use and completely store their desired sounds.
Ask your self with one suits you.
I was asked by a friend, which one is better, Indvidual pedal effects(FX) or Multiple Effect(MultiFX).
In this kind of issue there are good side and bad side of both. Thats y some people are prefer to use the pedal FX rather than the MultiFX. Let see:
FOR Pedal FX.
The good thing about PEdal FX is we can tweek the knobs there and then to get the feel and the sound we want to. Moreover its easy to understand how it works and flows. Some people said that the sound come out from the Pedal FX are more determine and big, u know. It sounds really Original ALIVE and beautiful... Thats y many multiFX try to immitate the pedal FX sound.
The bad thing is if need to use a lot of pedalFX in a line from your guitar to your amps, then the problem starts. 1st, economically it is expensive to buy a bunch of pedal effect. THen you will get power supply problem, I dont think most people like to use battery all the time. Even if we use power adapter and daisy chain the power wont stable is certain situation. Even a lot of PEdal FX in line will create some unwanted buzzing sound. I tell you!!! Its irritating.
For MultiFX.
The good thing about MultiFX we can get as many built in effect as we want and change from to another at no cost. Relatively cheaper then a bunch of Pedal FX. Some multiFX has more than 60 effects. So you can get as many sound as we want to. The features that very significant is we can store the setting into many patches. I believe 30 patches is consider alot. Even extra features like amp simulator, built in tuner, drum machine, metronome or many others give a lot of advantage.
The bad thing: I met a person that just bought his MultiFX after a week he got a headache. He doesnt know to do his own setting. Thats the problem, it takes time to do some setting according the sound that we want. I think a must to read the manual, if not u will be lost. Unlike the pedal FX with out manual u can just tweek-tweek and rotate-rotate the knob and done. To tell you the truth some guitarist takes about a month to make use and completely store their desired sounds.
Ask your self with one suits you.
These are my MultiFX
Friday, September 27, 2013
Are You Going to Listen to Your Teacher or Your Friends
Beware of your well meaning friends
Once a beginner starts learning to play guitar, there are all kinds of advice being given by well meaning friends. They have your best interests in mind, but most of them dont teach and therefore the advice you get may not be all good. A good guitar teacher will steer you in the right direction, make sure you dont pick songs that are beyond your skill level and help you make steady progress. Your friends will suggest what they learned, try to help you, but not remember how hard it was in the beginning. Ive had students who got conflicting advice, ideas that would do harm than good, and shown songs, riffs and licks that were way beyond their current abilities.
Pick a teacher thats right for you
There are lots of guitar teachers available, many of them quite good, some not so good, and some good but not for you. The best advice is to ask questions, make sure your teacher has experience with beginning guitar students, and can play and teach the music you like. It doesnt have to be the only style he or she is interested in, but at the minimum a basic understanding is needed. For example, Ive had students that wanted to learn classical guitar, flamenco guitar, slack key guitar and other types of music that Im not comfortable teaching, so I helped them find a teacher that would be more helpful. A good teacher will be up front with you and tell you if you should find someone else.
Once a beginner starts learning to play guitar, there are all kinds of advice being given by well meaning friends. They have your best interests in mind, but most of them dont teach and therefore the advice you get may not be all good. A good guitar teacher will steer you in the right direction, make sure you dont pick songs that are beyond your skill level and help you make steady progress. Your friends will suggest what they learned, try to help you, but not remember how hard it was in the beginning. Ive had students who got conflicting advice, ideas that would do harm than good, and shown songs, riffs and licks that were way beyond their current abilities.
Pick a teacher thats right for you
There are lots of guitar teachers available, many of them quite good, some not so good, and some good but not for you. The best advice is to ask questions, make sure your teacher has experience with beginning guitar students, and can play and teach the music you like. It doesnt have to be the only style he or she is interested in, but at the minimum a basic understanding is needed. For example, Ive had students that wanted to learn classical guitar, flamenco guitar, slack key guitar and other types of music that Im not comfortable teaching, so I helped them find a teacher that would be more helpful. A good teacher will be up front with you and tell you if you should find someone else.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
D minor6
Weve featured a few different minor chords in previous posts, and played a C minor6 chord with the root on the E string here, todays chord is a D minor6 with a root on the A string. Minor6 chords are constructed by taking a minor triad (1, b3, 5) and adding a natural 6th. They are normally used as chord I in minor keys.
Play the root note (marked as a square on the diagram) on the A string with your middle finger, the G string with your first finger, the B string with your first finger and the D string with your little finger.
Minor 6 chords can be played in the place of some minor chords and can replace chord i in minor keys. Minor 6 chords use these degrees of the major scale: 1, b3, 5, 6
D minor6 uses the notes: D, F, A, B
Our inversion uses the notes in this order: D, A, B, F
Tune in tomorrow for another Guitar Chord Of The Day.
Minor 6 chords can be played in the place of some minor chords and can replace chord i in minor keys. Minor 6 chords use these degrees of the major scale: 1, b3, 5, 6
D minor6 uses the notes: D, F, A, B
Our inversion uses the notes in this order: D, A, B, F
Tune in tomorrow for another Guitar Chord Of The Day.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Want to Improve Your Playing Be a Positive Thinker
Sending negative messages to yourself.
It never fails to amaze me how many students start off a song with a phrase like "this is the one I always screw up." Or, "I just cant get that part to sound right." Theyll then proceed to experience the self-fulfilling prophecy and screw the song up or complain, "see, that part doesnt sound right."
What causes these problems?
In many cases its not lack of practice, but lack of confidence. Do negative thoughts or statements instill confidence? Absolutely not. How do you develop the ability to play confidently? Start off by listening to yourself play the song. Isolate the trouble spots, and concentrate on smoothing them out. If you continue to think a part doesnt sound right, listen to a recording of it. Dont try to play along at first, just listen several times so you know exactly what it sounds like. When you can hum it or sing it, then go back and fix your mistakes.
Theres plenty of help available, do some research.
With You Tube videos, guitar teacher websites, recordings, and all types of instructional material available, theres really no reason to struggle on your own. Find a guitar teacher, watch videos of the song youre trying to play, or any combination of those.
Change your attitude and your outlook.
Ive talked a little about this in other posts, but it bears repeating. Think positive thoughts, focus on what youre playing, and try to improve each time you play. Practicing the parts you already do well doesnt help. Work through the difficult passages, playing them slowly at first, then build up the parts around them. I tell my students to work on the hard part, then add a measure or two that lead into that part, and then on the measure or two after it.
It never fails to amaze me how many students start off a song with a phrase like "this is the one I always screw up." Or, "I just cant get that part to sound right." Theyll then proceed to experience the self-fulfilling prophecy and screw the song up or complain, "see, that part doesnt sound right."
What causes these problems?
In many cases its not lack of practice, but lack of confidence. Do negative thoughts or statements instill confidence? Absolutely not. How do you develop the ability to play confidently? Start off by listening to yourself play the song. Isolate the trouble spots, and concentrate on smoothing them out. If you continue to think a part doesnt sound right, listen to a recording of it. Dont try to play along at first, just listen several times so you know exactly what it sounds like. When you can hum it or sing it, then go back and fix your mistakes.
Theres plenty of help available, do some research.
With You Tube videos, guitar teacher websites, recordings, and all types of instructional material available, theres really no reason to struggle on your own. Find a guitar teacher, watch videos of the song youre trying to play, or any combination of those.
Change your attitude and your outlook.
Ive talked a little about this in other posts, but it bears repeating. Think positive thoughts, focus on what youre playing, and try to improve each time you play. Practicing the parts you already do well doesnt help. Work through the difficult passages, playing them slowly at first, then build up the parts around them. I tell my students to work on the hard part, then add a measure or two that lead into that part, and then on the measure or two after it.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Low Output Pickups for Heavy Music
Many metal and hard rock guitarist are using electric guitars with some high-output humbuckers. However, we shouldn't forget also about those guitar players, who are using some low-output pickups, even single-coils, to get heavy tones.
Do you know Yngwie Malmsteen, Brian May or Paul Gilbert? They've got quite „weak” p-ups in their gear collections.
As examples, here are some cool videos:
Paul Gilbert with his Ibanez Fireman guitar
Yngwie Malmsteen - Seventh Sign
Brian May Band - Love Token
Monday, September 23, 2013
D minor 13
Todays Guitar Chord of the Day is D minor 13. This chord sounds nice and is great practice for the left hand as it involves quite a stretch. If the stretch is a little too much to start with, play the chord higher up the neck of the guitar and move the chord lower down the fretboard as you get more used to the stretch.
Minor 13 chords use these degrees of the major scale: 1, b3, 5, b7, 9, 11, 13
D minor 13 uses the notes: D, F, A, C, E, G, B
Our guitar inversion uses the notes in this order: D, F, B, C, E, A
To solo over this chord, try the D dorian mode, the D blues scale or the D melodic minor scale for added harmonic tension.
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