Showing posts with label and. Show all posts
Showing posts with label and. Show all posts
Saturday, September 14, 2013
3 Legendary and Easy to Build Guitar Pedals
If you want to build at home some guitar effect and you don't have enough time or skills for complicated constructions, but you want to make something with an awesome tone, this is the way to go:
- Dallas Fuzz Face
- Dallas Rangemaster – treble booster
- MXR Distortion +
Friday, September 6, 2013
Strength and Independence Part 2
Playing guitar well involves building strength and independence in both hands.
The previous post suggested a left hand pattern to work on, now its time to get the right hand moving as well. Once you can do the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th fret exercise, you can start to build technique with your right hand as well.
Alternate picking and timing exercises.
Play the left hand exercises as before, but now play two of each note using alternate picking. Pick down on the first note and up on the second. While doing that, count 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and. You should tap your foot and it should follow the same pattern as your picking hand, down on the number and up on and. Practice slowly, with a metronome, and once youre able to play the exercise flawlessly, add a few beats per minute. Beginning guitar players need to be patient, not rush, and build muscle memory.
A new exercise for the fretting hand.
Still using the position playing concept of one finger per fret, now play 2nd fret, 2nd finger, 3rd fret, 3rd finger, 4th fret, 4th finger and 1st fret, 1st finger. Go slow until your fingers land on the right frets, then add the metronome and the down and up picking.
Commit yourself to doing these exercises when you start your daily practice and youll be surprised at how much easier it gets.
The previous post suggested a left hand pattern to work on, now its time to get the right hand moving as well. Once you can do the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th fret exercise, you can start to build technique with your right hand as well.
Alternate picking and timing exercises.
Play the left hand exercises as before, but now play two of each note using alternate picking. Pick down on the first note and up on the second. While doing that, count 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and. You should tap your foot and it should follow the same pattern as your picking hand, down on the number and up on and. Practice slowly, with a metronome, and once youre able to play the exercise flawlessly, add a few beats per minute. Beginning guitar players need to be patient, not rush, and build muscle memory.
A new exercise for the fretting hand.
Still using the position playing concept of one finger per fret, now play 2nd fret, 2nd finger, 3rd fret, 3rd finger, 4th fret, 4th finger and 1st fret, 1st finger. Go slow until your fingers land on the right frets, then add the metronome and the down and up picking.
Commit yourself to doing these exercises when you start your daily practice and youll be surprised at how much easier it gets.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Actually your fretting hand has 4 fingers and a thumb!
Whats so hard about using the pinkie?
Beginning guitar students are way too eager to avoid using the pinkie finger at all costs. It wont stretch that far, its not strong, I cant get it to work right, and who knows what else? Ive watched ______ play and he or she doesnt use it.
Practice stretching exercises and quit avoiding it.
When youre serious about learning and improving your guitar playing, you use all of the tools available to you. Your guitar teacher can give you plenty of stretching and strengthening exercises to get the pinkie moving. Start out on frets 9 through 12, playing them in both directions: 9-10-11-12 and then 12-11-10-9, and be sure to use all 4 fingers. The other secret is to leave the 1st finger down through the whole sequence. When you can do that comfortably on those frets and all 6 strings, move to frets 8 - 11. Youll be pleasantly surprised at your progress.
Should I use my thumb?
While classical purists frown on thumb use, many guitar players use the thumb to fret the 6th string. Youll be in good company joining Jimi Hendrix, Chet Atkins, Mel Bay, and many others in using the thumb. I use it on some difficult chords as well as in songs when its convenient. Angie, by Bert Jansch and recorded by Simon and Garfunkel is an example of using the thumb. I use the thumb to play the barre chord F at the first fret. Guitar students with smaller hands may find it more difficult, but the best thing to do is try it and see what happens.
Beginning guitar students are way too eager to avoid using the pinkie finger at all costs. It wont stretch that far, its not strong, I cant get it to work right, and who knows what else? Ive watched ______ play and he or she doesnt use it.
Practice stretching exercises and quit avoiding it.
When youre serious about learning and improving your guitar playing, you use all of the tools available to you. Your guitar teacher can give you plenty of stretching and strengthening exercises to get the pinkie moving. Start out on frets 9 through 12, playing them in both directions: 9-10-11-12 and then 12-11-10-9, and be sure to use all 4 fingers. The other secret is to leave the 1st finger down through the whole sequence. When you can do that comfortably on those frets and all 6 strings, move to frets 8 - 11. Youll be pleasantly surprised at your progress.
Should I use my thumb?
While classical purists frown on thumb use, many guitar players use the thumb to fret the 6th string. Youll be in good company joining Jimi Hendrix, Chet Atkins, Mel Bay, and many others in using the thumb. I use it on some difficult chords as well as in songs when its convenient. Angie, by Bert Jansch and recorded by Simon and Garfunkel is an example of using the thumb. I use the thumb to play the barre chord F at the first fret. Guitar students with smaller hands may find it more difficult, but the best thing to do is try it and see what happens.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Semi Active Guitar Wiring Simple and Effective
Today I would like to present my guitar wiring project based on an active buffer. The wiring is connecting together: a common, passive tone control, and an active buffer with a volume potentiometer.
The target is to get an quite clean signal transport (more transparent tone), a clean working volume potentiometer (no treble losses), and a passive tone control – so there will always be the way to get some warmer tone, typical for passive guitar wirings.
The project can be done basically in every kind of an electric guitar. No matter what kind of pickups and wood it got.
Diagram:
Read more »
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Frequently Asked Questions and What You Should Ask
The most frequently asked questions:
- How much are lessons? Probably the top question and the one that should be much lower on the list. As with any other purchase, you get what you pay for. Do you really want to take lessons or have your child learn from the cheapest teacher? While price is no guarantee of quality its certainly wise to be leery of someone with ridiculously low prices.
- At what age should my child start guitar lessons? Most guitar teachers will start a beginner at age 7 or 8. There are some programs, Child Bloom and Kindermusic that start them younger. The critical decision here is how you as a parent will react when your new student doesnt practice as much as you think they should. The most important part of learning guitar at this age is for the child to enjoy the lessons. Nagging, reminding, and scolding them does much more harm than good.
- Am I too old to learn guitar? In most cases, no. As long as you have desire and time to practice, youll do fine. Setting realistic goals, being patient and finding time are the biggest obstacles adults face.
- What guitar method do you use? Most teachers will start you off with a book of some sort, get you moving around on the guitar, and then gear the lessons more to the style of music youd like to play. Be wary of the teacher that uses the same approach whether youre 7, 17 or 70.
- What kind of music do you play? Lots of teachers advertise that they can teach you any style of music youd like, but be aware that it doesnt mean theyre equally good at all types of music. This is most important if you have a specific style of music in mind. While there is some overlap, there are different techniques, licks, (small musical phrases), and sounds that define the music.
- Have you worked with children before? Some teachers cant or dont want to teach younger students, so be sure you ask if you have a young child.
- Are you comfortable or qualified teaching my special needs child? There have been many instances where weve had parents register their child and then almost as an afterthought mention that they have ADD, a learning disability of some sort, or an emotional problem that well have to deal with. Its very awkward for the teacher to find this out after the fact.
- What qualifications do you have? While a college degree is nice, it shouldnt be the only consideration. When I hire a teacher I look for a combination of education, teaching, performing experience and a genuine interest in teaching. Our students trust that we know what were doing and we cant let them down.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Gibson Meets Fender Les Paul and SG Mod
In this post, I will show you some pretty unique concept. I made a wiring, which can add a little bit of Fender's vibes to your Gibson/Epiphone Les Paul or SG. It will not make your guitar able to sound just like a Stratocaster or a Tele. It's something one of a kind, but it will put in your instrument some cool single-coil based circuit. It sounds really nice in a Gibson-style body.
Diagram:
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Picking technic Single and alternate picking
Hello,
Here I like to tell you about picking technics. In general there 2 kinds of picking tehcnic, namely single and alternate picking.
Single picking means we pick a string and then play about 2 or more notes per string. In simple way of explaining with a single pick on a string we play no matter how many notes played on that string.
And for alternate picking means we pick the string on every single note we play. Normally we pick in the motion of down and up stroke continously. For example the stroke will be down, up, down, up, down... and so on.
Anyway, I believe most guitarist being taught of using the technic of alternate picking. I suggest that to be a good guitarist we must learn both so we can get more technics and apply it to our playing to make it more versatile.
Thats it! Generally about picking.
See you guys around.
Here I like to tell you about picking technics. In general there 2 kinds of picking tehcnic, namely single and alternate picking.
Single picking means we pick a string and then play about 2 or more notes per string. In simple way of explaining with a single pick on a string we play no matter how many notes played on that string.
And for alternate picking means we pick the string on every single note we play. Normally we pick in the motion of down and up stroke continously. For example the stroke will be down, up, down, up, down... and so on.
Anyway, I believe most guitarist being taught of using the technic of alternate picking. I suggest that to be a good guitarist we must learn both so we can get more technics and apply it to our playing to make it more versatile.
Thats it! Generally about picking.
See you guys around.
Monday, July 22, 2013
Practice practice and practice
Hello there,
THis afternoon I was practicing alone in my bedroom. Plug my guitar to the multieffect and put my handphone on. Palying note by note until i sweat my self. In fact, malaysias climate is hot.
Okay, okay!!! Thats a boring story.
Now straight to the tips.
If you are serious in playing a guitar u need to practice, practice and practice. Like the wisemen say, practice make perfect. Take a time that u are really free and practice. I know most of you just playing the guitar as hobbiest. So do I take your time.
The question is when and how long to practice?
My suggestion is to practice everyday. May be the first thing in the morning or in the evening. It doesnt matter. But how long? i heard that a pro practice for 8 hours a day. So can u do that? ask ur self. 8 hours means like working hour. in average hobbiest play about 1 hour per day.
Start with simple movement to warm up your fingers and hand muscle. Actually there are excercise lesson , try to find it in the web.
So now. keep on practice. DUDE!!
Note: Picture was taken in 1995.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Being Logical and Taking Your Time
The method to your teachers madness!
It happened again the other night, a student who "wants guidance" but doesnt recognize it when hes getting it. Heres what he needs to be looking for and listening to.
Why do we play songs at the lesson?
The best thing a music teacher can do for you is listen to you play, then play the song with you. This helps you learn to make music with other people, understand why timing is important, and it helps you get over nervousness/stage fright. Yes, I know, you play better at home. THATS WHY IM PLAYING TOO!
I cant make the song sound like the recording.
The recording has been made by professional musicians with thousands of dollars worth of equipment. In addition there is more than one guitar on the record and someone is singing or otherwise providing the melody. Youre supposed to be playing rhythm guitar which means keeping a steady beat. A common beginner mistake is to try to strum with the phrasing of the tune to the song instead of a straight rhythm part.
Beware the evils of internet overload.
At the risk of sounding like a broken record about this point, watching You Tube videos of a "guitar teacher" showing you how to strum, how to play chords or whatever, you have no idea whos teaching you. He or she may know exactly what theyre doing, or, they may not be a much better player than you are. Keep in mind that a good guitar player isnt necessarily a good teacher.
Take your time and learn it right.
The key to learning guitar is not multi-tasking. My emphasis is on teaching and learning each technique as a separate function. Dont worry about palm muting if you cant change chords in time. Dont worry about complex strumming patterns until you can play the song up to speed.
Summing it all up.
Learning to play guitar or any other instrument is a time art. Hurrying through so you can learn the next technique catches up to you in the long run. In the words of Ringo Starr: "You know it dont come easy."
It happened again the other night, a student who "wants guidance" but doesnt recognize it when hes getting it. Heres what he needs to be looking for and listening to.
Why do we play songs at the lesson?
The best thing a music teacher can do for you is listen to you play, then play the song with you. This helps you learn to make music with other people, understand why timing is important, and it helps you get over nervousness/stage fright. Yes, I know, you play better at home. THATS WHY IM PLAYING TOO!
I cant make the song sound like the recording.
The recording has been made by professional musicians with thousands of dollars worth of equipment. In addition there is more than one guitar on the record and someone is singing or otherwise providing the melody. Youre supposed to be playing rhythm guitar which means keeping a steady beat. A common beginner mistake is to try to strum with the phrasing of the tune to the song instead of a straight rhythm part.
Beware the evils of internet overload.
At the risk of sounding like a broken record about this point, watching You Tube videos of a "guitar teacher" showing you how to strum, how to play chords or whatever, you have no idea whos teaching you. He or she may know exactly what theyre doing, or, they may not be a much better player than you are. Keep in mind that a good guitar player isnt necessarily a good teacher.
Take your time and learn it right.
The key to learning guitar is not multi-tasking. My emphasis is on teaching and learning each technique as a separate function. Dont worry about palm muting if you cant change chords in time. Dont worry about complex strumming patterns until you can play the song up to speed.
Summing it all up.
Learning to play guitar or any other instrument is a time art. Hurrying through so you can learn the next technique catches up to you in the long run. In the words of Ringo Starr: "You know it dont come easy."
Sunday, July 14, 2013
The Major Scale and minor Scale
Hi,
Today I like to explain a little bit about the major Scale relatively to the minor scale.
Dont you guys know that there are 2 scales thats the same? I mean one major scale that similar to one minor scale. It has guys. believe. For instants let me tell you that G major scale is similar to E minor scale. and also D major and B minor. F major and D minor, C major and A minor
But how this things happens?
As a principal there are 7 notes in natural major scale. For easy reference lets use the scale of C. THe notes contain in the scale of C are:
C D E F G A Aand B
and the scale of A minor is: A B C D E F and G. if you can see the 2 scales has the same note, so it is similar. The only different is the starting note C and A both for C scale and A minor scale respectively.
I give you some other scales that similar:
C# and B flat minor scale.
D and B minor scale.
D# and C minor scale
E and C# minor scale.
F and D minor scale.
F# and D# minor scale.
G and E minor scale.
G# and F minor scale.
A and F# minor scale.
B flat and G minor scale.
B and G# minor scale.
So for me it this thing help us to remember either the major or minor chords. Its similar.
Have fun.
Today I like to explain a little bit about the major Scale relatively to the minor scale.
Dont you guys know that there are 2 scales thats the same? I mean one major scale that similar to one minor scale. It has guys. believe. For instants let me tell you that G major scale is similar to E minor scale. and also D major and B minor. F major and D minor, C major and A minor
But how this things happens?
As a principal there are 7 notes in natural major scale. For easy reference lets use the scale of C. THe notes contain in the scale of C are:
C D E F G A Aand B
and the scale of A minor is: A B C D E F and G. if you can see the 2 scales has the same note, so it is similar. The only different is the starting note C and A both for C scale and A minor scale respectively.
I give you some other scales that similar:
C# and B flat minor scale.
D and B minor scale.
D# and C minor scale
E and C# minor scale.
F and D minor scale.
F# and D# minor scale.
G and E minor scale.
G# and F minor scale.
A and F# minor scale.
B flat and G minor scale.
B and G# minor scale.
So for me it this thing help us to remember either the major or minor chords. Its similar.
Have fun.
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Guitar Pickup Choice Good and Bad Factors passive
Most of guitar pickup descriptions, that you can read on manufacturers websites, eBay auctions, e-stores, are usually made from marketing tricks. Yes, they are :o
You can read about how „vintage” is the pickup, how „deep” is its tone, how „the middle” is improved. All these things are based on myths. The tone character described as vintage, deep, with reach middle, etc, just can't be made only by a pickup. These things depends on the whole guitar construction (amps and effects also).
Read more »
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Take care of your AXE and FX
Hello guys....
Gosh!!! I didnt go for jamming for almost 2 month already, that because of the fasting month and the month of Eid. I have to respect it and also busy visiting friends and relative or they visiting me.
So, yesterday I spent the whole morning by playing my guitar in my room. I have 3 electric guitar now in my room... When i took one of it, the fender stratocaster-mexican 1996. i found that the strings are rusty. hmmm..... Well. Thats because i forget one thing! I didnt take care of it since my friend used it in a function last september.
May be on that moment his hands was sweating or wet when played my strat. A bit frustated coz i dint take care of it. So, I believe thats the lesson I learn and want to share with you guys. Take a good care of your AXE and FX. coz that the thing that u will be frustated enuff when they are not in good condition.
Not just for the string, but may be on the paint, the fret wires, the bridge, the pickups, the humidity, maybe the temperature.
Most guitarists agree that we need to wipe the strings and body with clean and dry towel. Then put it in the case. And the best case that protect your AXE is the hard case, or some people use the term Coffin case. It is quite expensive compare to the gigbag or soft case. But to tell u, it really protect your guitar.
But if u can only afford the softcase or gigbag, its okay. it protect ur axe anyway, from scratch and direct heat. But remember dont lean your guitar neck to the wall... it may make ur neck bowing.
And for your FX, try not to let it just like down after playing, its good to cover it. If it has some case put it in the case. Take off the battery if not being used or else the battery will be running out. some FX just need to plug off the cable to safe the battery. Put the FX away from possibility of something fall on it or people walk on it. Dont ever spill water on it or put it on the wet floor.
There are some other ways to take care of your axe. I will tell about it some other times later...
See you!!!!
Gosh!!! I didnt go for jamming for almost 2 month already, that because of the fasting month and the month of Eid. I have to respect it and also busy visiting friends and relative or they visiting me.
So, yesterday I spent the whole morning by playing my guitar in my room. I have 3 electric guitar now in my room... When i took one of it, the fender stratocaster-mexican 1996. i found that the strings are rusty. hmmm..... Well. Thats because i forget one thing! I didnt take care of it since my friend used it in a function last september.
May be on that moment his hands was sweating or wet when played my strat. A bit frustated coz i dint take care of it. So, I believe thats the lesson I learn and want to share with you guys. Take a good care of your AXE and FX. coz that the thing that u will be frustated enuff when they are not in good condition.
Not just for the string, but may be on the paint, the fret wires, the bridge, the pickups, the humidity, maybe the temperature.
Most guitarists agree that we need to wipe the strings and body with clean and dry towel. Then put it in the case. And the best case that protect your AXE is the hard case, or some people use the term Coffin case. It is quite expensive compare to the gigbag or soft case. But to tell u, it really protect your guitar.
But if u can only afford the softcase or gigbag, its okay. it protect ur axe anyway, from scratch and direct heat. But remember dont lean your guitar neck to the wall... it may make ur neck bowing.
And for your FX, try not to let it just like down after playing, its good to cover it. If it has some case put it in the case. Take off the battery if not being used or else the battery will be running out. some FX just need to plug off the cable to safe the battery. Put the FX away from possibility of something fall on it or people walk on it. Dont ever spill water on it or put it on the wet floor.
There are some other ways to take care of your axe. I will tell about it some other times later...
See you!!!!
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Take care of your AXE and FX
Hello guys....
Gosh!!! I didnt go for jamming for almost 2 month already, that because of the fasting month and the month of Eid. I have to respect it and also busy visiting friends and relative or they visiting me.
So, yesterday I spent the whole morning by playing my guitar in my room. I have 3 electric guitar now in my room... When i took one of it, the fender stratocaster-mexican 1996. i found that the strings are rusty. hmmm..... Well. Thats because i forget one thing! I didnt take care of it since my friend used it in a function last september.
May be on that moment his hands was sweating or wet when played my strat. A bit frustated coz i dint take care of it. So, I believe thats the lesson I learn and want to share with you guys. Take a good care of your AXE and FX. coz that the thing that u will be frustated enuff when they are not in good condition.
Not just for the string, but may be on the paint, the fret wires, the bridge, the pickups, the humidity, maybe the temperature.
Most guitarists agree that we need to wipe the strings and body with clean and dry towel. Then put it in the case. And the best case that protect your AXE is the hard case, or some people use the term Coffin case. It is quite expensive compare to the gigbag or soft case. But to tell u, it really protect your guitar.
But if u can only afford the softcase or gigbag, its okay. it protect ur axe anyway, from scratch and direct heat. But remember dont lean your guitar neck to the wall... it may make ur neck bowing.
And for your FX, try not to let it just like down after playing, its good to cover it. If it has some case put it in the case. Take off the battery if not being used or else the battery will be running out. some FX just need to plug off the cable to safe the battery. Put the FX away from possibility of something fall on it or people walk on it. Dont ever spill water on it or put it on the wet floor.
There are some other ways to take care of your axe. I will tell about it some other times later...
See you!!!!
Gosh!!! I didnt go for jamming for almost 2 month already, that because of the fasting month and the month of Eid. I have to respect it and also busy visiting friends and relative or they visiting me.
So, yesterday I spent the whole morning by playing my guitar in my room. I have 3 electric guitar now in my room... When i took one of it, the fender stratocaster-mexican 1996. i found that the strings are rusty. hmmm..... Well. Thats because i forget one thing! I didnt take care of it since my friend used it in a function last september.
May be on that moment his hands was sweating or wet when played my strat. A bit frustated coz i dint take care of it. So, I believe thats the lesson I learn and want to share with you guys. Take a good care of your AXE and FX. coz that the thing that u will be frustated enuff when they are not in good condition.
Not just for the string, but may be on the paint, the fret wires, the bridge, the pickups, the humidity, maybe the temperature.
Most guitarists agree that we need to wipe the strings and body with clean and dry towel. Then put it in the case. And the best case that protect your AXE is the hard case, or some people use the term Coffin case. It is quite expensive compare to the gigbag or soft case. But to tell u, it really protect your guitar.
But if u can only afford the softcase or gigbag, its okay. it protect ur axe anyway, from scratch and direct heat. But remember dont lean your guitar neck to the wall... it may make ur neck bowing.
And for your FX, try not to let it just like down after playing, its good to cover it. If it has some case put it in the case. Take off the battery if not being used or else the battery will be running out. some FX just need to plug off the cable to safe the battery. Put the FX away from possibility of something fall on it or people walk on it. Dont ever spill water on it or put it on the wet floor.
There are some other ways to take care of your axe. I will tell about it some other times later...
See you!!!!
Monday, June 24, 2013
Everybody Needs Somebody That They Can Talk To and Pick With
Do you want to speed up your progress?
I was always interested in learning to play guitar, in fact I had my first guitar lesson when I was 5 years old. Unfortunately, that was my last one until I was in high school. I didnt have a guitar and remember sitting on the floor, guitar book next to me, pretending I was strumming. Im sure my parents and the music school were just humoring me since I never got to go back. When I did start to play guitar, it kind of happened by accident. A friend and I were at a high school basketball game and started up a conversation with a guy we thought we knew. As it turned out, we didnt know him, but we became friends. He had a guitar, an old Kay archtop he was learning on, and I would play it when I went to his house. Soon after that, another friend at school told me his dad had a guitar he wanted to sell. We went and looked at it and since he didnt want much for it, I was the proud owner of a new guitar.
Practice + A little friendly competition = PROGRESS!
Since my friend Rich and I both knew people who played guitar, it was fun to learn something new and then show it off the next time we got together. However, youd only be able to be better for one day since the person that you were showing off to would immediately go home and learn what youd played! In addition, I found a guitar teacher so it helped both of us learn more quickly.
Finding someone to practice with can really help.
There are several advantages to having a practice partner. Its a lot less frustrating to know that youre not alone in the beginning stages and that there are other people struggling to improve. If you find someone with similar taste in music you can have fun trying to learn new songs. Things tend to go faster when you have a little friendly competition. It tends to make you practice more.
How to find someone.
Not knowing someone can be a deterrent, but there are lots of ways to solve the problem. The first resource would be your guitar teacher or the place where you take lessons. We offer controlled jam sessions and have had several friendships develop in the classes. Not taking lessons? Try going to an open mic or a jam session. In our area there are several open jams and open mics. You dont have to play at first, maybe just listen and see if theres someone at your level. While its ideal to have someone that plays better than you, if theyre too advanced they may not be interested. Good luck and I hope you find someone to pick with. It really does make an enjoyable hobby even better.
I was always interested in learning to play guitar, in fact I had my first guitar lesson when I was 5 years old. Unfortunately, that was my last one until I was in high school. I didnt have a guitar and remember sitting on the floor, guitar book next to me, pretending I was strumming. Im sure my parents and the music school were just humoring me since I never got to go back. When I did start to play guitar, it kind of happened by accident. A friend and I were at a high school basketball game and started up a conversation with a guy we thought we knew. As it turned out, we didnt know him, but we became friends. He had a guitar, an old Kay archtop he was learning on, and I would play it when I went to his house. Soon after that, another friend at school told me his dad had a guitar he wanted to sell. We went and looked at it and since he didnt want much for it, I was the proud owner of a new guitar.
Practice + A little friendly competition = PROGRESS!
Since my friend Rich and I both knew people who played guitar, it was fun to learn something new and then show it off the next time we got together. However, youd only be able to be better for one day since the person that you were showing off to would immediately go home and learn what youd played! In addition, I found a guitar teacher so it helped both of us learn more quickly.
Finding someone to practice with can really help.
There are several advantages to having a practice partner. Its a lot less frustrating to know that youre not alone in the beginning stages and that there are other people struggling to improve. If you find someone with similar taste in music you can have fun trying to learn new songs. Things tend to go faster when you have a little friendly competition. It tends to make you practice more.
How to find someone.
Not knowing someone can be a deterrent, but there are lots of ways to solve the problem. The first resource would be your guitar teacher or the place where you take lessons. We offer controlled jam sessions and have had several friendships develop in the classes. Not taking lessons? Try going to an open mic or a jam session. In our area there are several open jams and open mics. You dont have to play at first, maybe just listen and see if theres someone at your level. While its ideal to have someone that plays better than you, if theyre too advanced they may not be interested. Good luck and I hope you find someone to pick with. It really does make an enjoyable hobby even better.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Your Fretting Hand Has 4 Fingers and a Thumb Use Them!
Actually, your pinky will work if you start using it.
I hear it and see it all the time, beginning guitar students doing everything they can to avoid using the pinky. They find lots of creative fingerings to get around it instead of exercising it, working with it and training it to function. Yes, its hard at first, yes, it seems easier to use one of the other fingers, no, its not the best way to play the guitar. With a little time and effort your pinky can work as well as the others.
Exercises to strengthen the pinky.
Most guitar students spend way too little time warming up. You need to stretch and strengthen your fingers and loosen up before you start to actually play songs and scales. Here are a couple of basic exercises to get you started. The important thing to remember is that YOU HOLD THE 1ST (INDEX/POINTER) FINGER DOWN THROUGHOUT THESE EXERCISES.
Exercise 1:
Exercise 2:
Exercise 3:
Start out each practice or playing session with these exercises and soon your pinky will work as well as your other fingers.
Thumbs up.
Theres always a question as to whether or not you should use the thumb to fret notes. Most classical guitar players and teachers frown on that, but most players in other styles of music find it useful. Jimi Hendrix, Chet Atkins, and many others have used the thumb, so if its convenient, use it. I use my thumb to fret the 1st fret of the 6th string when I play the F chord, and at other frets as well. Some people have hands that are too small for that to work, but you should feel free to experiment. I sound like one of those drug commercials on TV....."ask your teacher if using the thumb is right for you!"
I hear it and see it all the time, beginning guitar students doing everything they can to avoid using the pinky. They find lots of creative fingerings to get around it instead of exercising it, working with it and training it to function. Yes, its hard at first, yes, it seems easier to use one of the other fingers, no, its not the best way to play the guitar. With a little time and effort your pinky can work as well as the others.
Exercises to strengthen the pinky.
Most guitar students spend way too little time warming up. You need to stretch and strengthen your fingers and loosen up before you start to actually play songs and scales. Here are a couple of basic exercises to get you started. The important thing to remember is that YOU HOLD THE 1ST (INDEX/POINTER) FINGER DOWN THROUGHOUT THESE EXERCISES.
Exercise 1:
- Play the 1st string, (the skinny one), with your 1st finger at the 1st fret.
- Play the 2nd fret, 2nd finger, 1st string.
- Play the 3rd fret, 3rd finger, 1st string.
- Play the 4th fret, 4th finger, 1st string.
Exercise 2:
- Again, start at the 1st string, 1st fret, 1st finger.
- Now play the 1st string, 3rd fret with your 3rd finger. Dont forget to leave the 1st finger on the 1st fret.
- 4th fret, 4th finger, 1st string.
- 3rd fret, 3rd finger, 1st string.
Exercise 3:
- 1st string, 1st fret, 1st finger.
- 1st string, 2nd fret, 2nd finger.
- 1st string, 4th fret, 4th finger.
- 1st string, 2nd fret, 2nd finger.
Start out each practice or playing session with these exercises and soon your pinky will work as well as your other fingers.
Thumbs up.
Theres always a question as to whether or not you should use the thumb to fret notes. Most classical guitar players and teachers frown on that, but most players in other styles of music find it useful. Jimi Hendrix, Chet Atkins, and many others have used the thumb, so if its convenient, use it. I use my thumb to fret the 1st fret of the 6th string when I play the F chord, and at other frets as well. Some people have hands that are too small for that to work, but you should feel free to experiment. I sound like one of those drug commercials on TV....."ask your teacher if using the thumb is right for you!"
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Schecter C 1 and Solo Wiring Mod
Today I would like to present a wiring diagram with modification for Schecter C-1 and Solo electric guitars. The mod is based on a toggle switch, which is in the place of one of volume pots. The switch will allow you to get a new, extra tone - more crisp and with better dynamic. It's based on Charvel's one pot wiring.
The modification is quite economical. To make it, you need only one mini toggle switch - DPDT on-on type. The rest of parts can be from the stock wiring.
Diagram:
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Pay Attention to Details and Improve Your Sound
Make your music more musical.
What makes a great guitar player sound that way? Attention to detail. No strings buzzing, no squeaks, no deadened strings, playing clean, clear notes. Its things like that you need to listen for. Whats the best way to hear them? Record yourself. Recordings dont lie, they pick up every sound good or bad. When the strings buzz you need to push harder or play closer to the frets. A deadened string is almost always caused by something being in the way. Keep your fingernails short, push up your sleeves and arch your fingers so they dont bump into the other strings.
Listen closely to the recording and youll hear the trouble spots.
A lot of times we get so intent on playing that we dont hear ourselves. Ive had to tell students to listen to their playing and gotten blank stares in return. You need to hear what you sound like before you can fix the bad spots. Once you pick them out, then you grab your guitar and start slowly and methodically making the song sound better.
Attitude means a lot.
Once you find the phrases that need work, practice them slowly and build up speed so you can play them with confidence. Saying to yourself: "here comes the part I always screw up" becomes a reality. I hear lots of negativity during lessons and it will definitely affect the students performance. A positive attitude can make a big difference in helping you progress.
Put it all together, practice it and try again.
After youve eliminated the rough notes, cleaned up the chords and corrected the timing, record yourself again. If youve followed through and worked hard at improving your sound, the results should make you very happy. If not, repeat the above steps.
What makes a great guitar player sound that way? Attention to detail. No strings buzzing, no squeaks, no deadened strings, playing clean, clear notes. Its things like that you need to listen for. Whats the best way to hear them? Record yourself. Recordings dont lie, they pick up every sound good or bad. When the strings buzz you need to push harder or play closer to the frets. A deadened string is almost always caused by something being in the way. Keep your fingernails short, push up your sleeves and arch your fingers so they dont bump into the other strings.
Listen closely to the recording and youll hear the trouble spots.
A lot of times we get so intent on playing that we dont hear ourselves. Ive had to tell students to listen to their playing and gotten blank stares in return. You need to hear what you sound like before you can fix the bad spots. Once you pick them out, then you grab your guitar and start slowly and methodically making the song sound better.
Attitude means a lot.
Once you find the phrases that need work, practice them slowly and build up speed so you can play them with confidence. Saying to yourself: "here comes the part I always screw up" becomes a reality. I hear lots of negativity during lessons and it will definitely affect the students performance. A positive attitude can make a big difference in helping you progress.
Put it all together, practice it and try again.
After youve eliminated the rough notes, cleaned up the chords and corrected the timing, record yourself again. If youve followed through and worked hard at improving your sound, the results should make you very happy. If not, repeat the above steps.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
The Major Scale and minor Scale
Hi,
Today I like to explain a little bit about the major Scale relatively to the minor scale.
Dont you guys know that there are 2 scales thats the same? I mean one major scale that similar to one minor scale. It has guys. believe. For instants let me tell you that G major scale is similar to E minor scale. and also D major and B minor. F major and D minor, C major and A minor
But how this things happens?
As a principal there are 7 notes in natural major scale. For easy reference lets use the scale of C. THe notes contain in the scale of C are:
C D E F G A Aand B
and the scale of A minor is: A B C D E F and G. if you can see the 2 scales has the same note, so it is similar. The only different is the starting note C and A both for C scale and A minor scale respectively.
I give you some other scales that similar:
C# and B flat minor scale.
D and B minor scale.
D# and C minor scale
E and C# minor scale.
F and D minor scale.
F# and D# minor scale.
G and E minor scale.
G# and F minor scale.
A and F# minor scale.
B flat and G minor scale.
B and G# minor scale.
So for me it this thing help us to remember either the major or minor chords. Its similar.
Have fun.
Today I like to explain a little bit about the major Scale relatively to the minor scale.
Dont you guys know that there are 2 scales thats the same? I mean one major scale that similar to one minor scale. It has guys. believe. For instants let me tell you that G major scale is similar to E minor scale. and also D major and B minor. F major and D minor, C major and A minor
But how this things happens?
As a principal there are 7 notes in natural major scale. For easy reference lets use the scale of C. THe notes contain in the scale of C are:
C D E F G A Aand B
and the scale of A minor is: A B C D E F and G. if you can see the 2 scales has the same note, so it is similar. The only different is the starting note C and A both for C scale and A minor scale respectively.
I give you some other scales that similar:
C# and B flat minor scale.
D and B minor scale.
D# and C minor scale
E and C# minor scale.
F and D minor scale.
F# and D# minor scale.
G and E minor scale.
G# and F minor scale.
A and F# minor scale.
B flat and G minor scale.
B and G# minor scale.
So for me it this thing help us to remember either the major or minor chords. Its similar.
Have fun.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Music Theory Part 2 The Circle of Fifths and Scales
The circle of fifths. What is it, why would I use it.
As you travel on your musical journey youll certainly read or hear about the circle of fifths. Its a learning tool that helps you remember several important concepts. There are many examples on the internet, just Google circle of fifths. The circle teaches you key signatures, how many sharps or flats are in each key, which chords go together, and the relative minor chords. Going clockwise around the circle you learn the sharp # keys, going counterclockwise you learn the flat b keys. This helps you learn how to play in different scales. The letters around the top can also help you remember what the 3 main chords are in each scale. Pick a letter, then go clockwise 1 and counterclockwise 1 to get the 3 chords that are most common.
Relative Minors.
No, theyre not your young children. Every scale has 2 letters that use the name number of sharps or flats. So C Major and A Minor have the same number, in this case zero, of sharps or flats. To play either one you just start on the first letter and then go through the 7 letters we use in music until it comes back around. For example: C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C is the C Major Scale while A-B-C-D-E-F-G-A is the relative minor.
How is this useful?
By knowing which chords go with which scales you can learn songs more quickly. The other advantage is that it will help you follow along when practicing or jamming with other musicians. This is just a brief explanation, so if youd like to explore the circle further, do some research or have your guitar teacher go over it with you. It can definitely make figuring songs out a lot easier.
As you travel on your musical journey youll certainly read or hear about the circle of fifths. Its a learning tool that helps you remember several important concepts. There are many examples on the internet, just Google circle of fifths. The circle teaches you key signatures, how many sharps or flats are in each key, which chords go together, and the relative minor chords. Going clockwise around the circle you learn the sharp # keys, going counterclockwise you learn the flat b keys. This helps you learn how to play in different scales. The letters around the top can also help you remember what the 3 main chords are in each scale. Pick a letter, then go clockwise 1 and counterclockwise 1 to get the 3 chords that are most common.
Relative Minors.
No, theyre not your young children. Every scale has 2 letters that use the name number of sharps or flats. So C Major and A Minor have the same number, in this case zero, of sharps or flats. To play either one you just start on the first letter and then go through the 7 letters we use in music until it comes back around. For example: C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C is the C Major Scale while A-B-C-D-E-F-G-A is the relative minor.
How is this useful?
By knowing which chords go with which scales you can learn songs more quickly. The other advantage is that it will help you follow along when practicing or jamming with other musicians. This is just a brief explanation, so if youd like to explore the circle further, do some research or have your guitar teacher go over it with you. It can definitely make figuring songs out a lot easier.
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