When a landscape artist wants to get the essence of a beautiful scene, they make a quick pencil sketch of it.
The artist doesn’t want to represent the entire landscape as it is, but as they feel it to be. A few lines scribbled here and there indicate the feelings the artist wishes to convey. We musicians can do the same thing! We can quickly sketch out our ideas on paper by using chords and a chord chart.
A chord chart is just a way to notate when chords change through time. You can write out 8-bars to begin with (as I do). Now let us suppose you have the urge to capture something musically. What do you do? Well, for starters, you can pick a key to compose with.
For example, let’s choose the Key of C. Now after deciding that, we know that the piece will have a Major sound to it. We also know that we have 6 chords to create with from the C Major scale. With these primary decisions out of the way we now can focus on notating our musical ideas and capturing a mood. Here’s how I do it:
I start by just improvising and letting the music come out naturally. For example, I play a C Maj. 7 chord and I like what I hear. I’ll write down the first 2-bars of the melody, then place a chord symbol on top of the chart so I now have the musical idea in place.
My goal is to finish charting the 8-bar phrase with chords all the way through. Once this is accomplished I have the first section of music. If more is to come, I simply write out another 8-bar phrase and keep adding more music.
Edward Weiss is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music’s online piano lessons. He has been helping students learn how to play piano in the New Age style for over 14 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet. Stop by now at http://www.quiescencemusic.com/piano_lessons.html for a FREE piano lesson!
Is debt consolidation the number one solution for me? Being in a recession (according to the Ernst & Young ITEM Club Autumn forecast), there’s a real need for persons with problems with debt to understand the differences between debt consolidation and the various other financial solutions available - and realise which one could be perfect for them during a time like this.
For a start, it depends on what happens in the future. In a recession, it’s more than likely to be not very good news - when consumer spending becomes low and companies make a loss, many companies are forced to make people redundant as a means to stop the firm going under. For any individual who thinks their company could well be laying off staff, consolidating their debts might not be the best idea.
What is the reason? One of debt consolidation’s top advantages is the opportunity to lower the monthly amount a person pays in debt repayments. Consolidating debt has a bigger impact when the person is in a reasonably stable financial situation: when they know how much they are making and how much they are spending each month, they can work out the best way of repaying their debt.
So an individual facing the prospect of unemployment could be better off looking into managing their debts, rather than debt consolidation. Debt management gives a flexible approach to debt: borrowers are able to ask debt management professionals to get in contact with their creditors on their behalf, asking them to think about accepting lower monthly payments, remove charges and/or freeze interest.
IVAs need a high level of commitment and need householders to release some of the money tied up in their home. Borrowers are required to commit to making fixed monthly payments for (often) six years, based on the maximum they can afford once they have taken their must have expenses into account. Even so, an IVA could make an important difference - for people whose debts have steadily become out of control, including individuals faced with a sudden drop in their earnings. Granted, Individual Voluntary Arrangements do require a level of financial stability: if the individual doesn’t feel they are able to commit to five years of regular payments, an IVA (Individual Voluntary Arrangement) might not be the right debt solution for them.
Find out more about debt consolidation, IVAs & debt management.
In many years of arranging jazz bands for all sorts of events I am struck by the similarity of how the request is made by most of our clients.
It goes something like this: “We are looking for a jazz band to play at our wedding / book launch / family fun day / sixtieth birthday/ store opening etc.”…”oh yes, we say, what style of jazz band ?”…”Er, not quite sure. What styles have you got?”
It was because of this exchange I felt this article would be helpful in choosing the right kind of jazz band for your party, celebration or event.
Rather than go through a history of the development of jazz from the purists angle it would be easier to list a number of types of event and match them up to styles of jazz band with a short description of the jazz band most likely to suit the occasion. Lets start with the wedding.
You are most likely to want a jazz band at your wedding at two points in the days proceedings.
The reception. You and your partner have just left the church and your guests are nearly back at the place you have chosen for the celebrations. What better way than to have them met by a jazz band.
As champagne and Pimms is handed out the band just adds a perfect happy backdrop to the moment. There are two main types of jazz band that can suit the moment:
A Dixieland band or a swing band.
Dixieland Jazz. This is jazz from the early twenties. The musicians will happily dress up in stripy blazers or waistcoats and play lovely old jaunty tunes from that era such as “When the Saints Come Marching In” “The Charleston” “Bill Bailey Won’t You Please Come Home” and “Five Foot Two Eyes Of Blue”. The instrumentation is usually banjo, sousaphone (a tuba that you can wear) and a frontline instrument or two such as trumpet, sax or trombone. The band is mobile and acoustic and can move around the site entertaining guests in different locations. Artists associated with the genre include Louis Armstrong, Bix Beiderbecke and Fats Waller.
Swing Jazz. Names of musicians associated with this style of jazz band are Glen Miller, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington and Count Basie. The music is mainly from the late thirties and early forties and is very melodic. Ella Fitzgerald started her career at this time in Harlem and had great success with the Chick Webb band. The jazz band will probably play lots of tunes from Broadway Shows from the time such as “Funny Valentine” “It Had To Be You” “Making Whoopee” ” It Don`t Mean A Thing If It Ain`t Got That Swing”. This jazz band can be acoustic but will probably include an electric piano, which the musicians will supply along with a speaker. They will need a power supply and logistics of this must be taken into consideration when choosing the jazz band. Are your guests near a power supply, is the reception indoors or outdoors, how does the weather
forecast look? Finally, how big should the jazz band be? For both styles a trio or quartet will be fine.
After the Wedding Breakfast. Your guests have sat through a gargantuan meal, fine wines and various speeches including a slightly embarrassing one from the best man! They are ready to stretch their legs, use the loos, have a cigarette and carry on chatting to old friends who they may have not seen for some time. They are not yet ready to dance. Your jazz band should know this and should be playing suitable accessible tunes in an unobtrusive way. You don`t want a modern jazz band at this point. Known variously as Be-Bop, Modern Jazz, West Coast and played by such artists as John Coltrane, Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, this is music for the concert hall or jazz club. You want sophisticated smoky tunes, maybe with some vocals such as “Let there be love” “The Girl From Ipanema” “My Baby Just Cares For Me”. Artists associated with this kind of jazz include Stan Getz, Billie Holiday and Nat King Cole. Maybe also think about some Rat Pack tunes that the likes of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin performed.
Music for dancing. If you are set on having a jazz band for the dancing ask your jazz band how many styles of jazz and swing can they perform. A jazz band that plays swing tune after swing tune all night is going to lose the attention of your guests. Variety is the key. I would suggest a mix of Latin, Jump Jive, swing, old style Rhythm and Blues and even Funky jazz bordering on Soul. Not many jazz bands can handle this variety. Ask at the point of booking what the jazz band proposes to play at this point. Do they have a suitable vocalist/vocalists? Can they play segue (one song after another) to keep guests on the floor.
My opinion based on many years playing for such parties is this. However much you love Jazz, Swing, call it what you will, at some point in the proceedings some one will want to dance to some classic soul or rock and roll. It is inevitable, it always happens. I see it week in and week out, year in and year out. When I have been employed as a trombonist to play in another bandleaders band at such an occasion it saddens me that the bandleader has not made provision for such an eventuality. It results in unhappy clients and frustrated revelers. Please take note if you want a full dance floor!
Next we come to the corporate reception. This manifests itself in many guises. It could be a jazz band for a book launch, a jazz band for a thank you drinks party, a jazz band for a reception prior to going into dinner. Last year an insurance company asked me for a number of jazz bands that could play for the giving out of its employers bonuses! We had never seen such happy parties and not a drop of alcohol in site!
Think what is being asked of the jazz band in question. The band is being asked to reflect something of the company, a sense of fun or sophistication for the event. Attention needs to be focused on how you want the band to dress. Tuxedos? Lounge Suits? Are your guests networking or being thanked for their year’s business? Most bands that get asked to do this type of work need to be impeccably dressed and have a sense of the occasion. They need to appreciate that guests are there not just to listen to them but for all sorts of
other reasons. A quiet background Dinner Jazz band lends just the right tone to this type of engagement. Loud enough to create a mood but not to drown out what maybe very important and lucrative conversations! The style of music will be Bossa Nova, light swing and Lounge. In my experience a quartet or quintet is a perfect size band. Vocals are unnecessary and can distract your guests.
Store openings. Every year we open or reopen a number of supermarkets, computer shop outlets, video and dvd stores all over the country. The jazz band has always been a visual and audible part of the promotion. The jazz band in question tends to be a Dixieland trio or quartet. They are perfect being, as we read above, acoustic and mobile. The music is optimistic and uplifting and with a sense of fun. The jazz band dresses in stripy outfits, which help create the right mood for the day.
Corporate Entertainment. This is a large term and covers anything from Henley, Ascot, Car Racing days, as well as themed events in spectacular settings. The Dixieland band is perfect for the almost period feel of Henley and the swing band works just as effectively. Think “Dixieland jazz band” for happy, spirited, fun image. “Swing jazz band for a more sophisticated, laid back and chilled vibe. Do you want your guests to dance? This can be quite rare. Decision makers tend not to break into a frenzied bop half way through the afternoon! However if family members have been invited this is quite common. A Latin Jazz band can be very effective in this situation and it is difficult to ignore the infectious beats.
A note of caution. Is your event for a number of dignitaries and celebrities? If so they will not want to be photographed by the jazz band or even talked to by the jazz band. You need a band with a certain discretion or, dare I say, a certain blasé` approach to the world of celebrity. As a musician I come across stars of stage and screen, royalty, politicians, public figures and minor soap stars every month and I think it is appreciated when they are given a certain amount of space and not ogled. Use a jazz band who are used to playing for such audiences. They need to be sociable, articulate, smartly turned out and not fazed when approached by a familiar face!
Time for a recap:
1. Choose the jazz band from the perspective of what is required from them. Do you want background music or do you want to dance?
2. How many guests do you have? Is the band the right size? Is it dressed correctly?
3. Is the band outside? Do you have access to power? Can they play acoustically if need be?
4. What tunes can they play? Ask them for a repertoire list, do you recognize the . titles?
5. Are they professionals? This may seem obvious but there are many musicians out there who have retired from full time work or are in between jobs and are making their hobby a source of income. How long have they worked as professionals? Who have they played with in the past? What experience do they have in performing for the type of event you are having?
6. Ask for a sample cd. What is their publicity like? You need to be confident that you are getting a reliable professional outfit that will turn up in plenty of time, look the part, be totally co-operative to your needs and play suitable music. The right jazz band can make your party, the wrong one can spoil it to some lesser or greater degree.
7. Are they flexible? You do not want to find out half way through a dance that the band you have booked can only play one style of jazz. Ask them when you are considering booking them. Can they play some Classic Soul? Can they do some Latin tunes? Don’t be fobbed off with “We do a bit of everything” Ask them for a repertoire list.
8. Discuss a rider with the band. Are you supplying refreshments for the jazz band? Although not expected refreshments are very much appreciated especially if the band is on site for a while with no access to food and drink. If it is not convenient don’t worry. If the jazz band knows in advance they can make their own arrangements.
9. Have you articulated to the band what type of music you want to hear? Don’t worry if you are not knowledgeable about jazz. Tell the jazz bandleader or agent the tunes you like and the artists you like. This will give the leader/agent an excellent idea of which bands to recommend. Look through your cd collection for ideas; ask friends and family for suggestions. When the jazz band turns up it will be properly briefed and able to give the performance you wanted.
About the author
Jeff Williams is a London based trombonist and vocalist who has worked all over the world in most areas of the business. He also runs a successful, specialist, live music agency using the best of London musicians, servicing both private and corporate clients playing all over the country. He would be happy to advise you with your own event or party and offers bespoke solutions for the perfect occasion.
Contact him on +44(0)20 8761 8932 or +44(0)7747 801471
Email him on bonejeff@aol.com
Visit the website http://www.jazznotjazz.co.uk
Christmas is looming and the credit crunch is upon us - that’s a really bad combination! But don’t despair. You can save money every time you shop online and since you’re reading this online isn’t a problem for you.The solution is free, there are no catches, it’s stress free, isn’t a gimmick and is an easy way to save money on everything that you buy.From groceries, to household items, to holidays. Anything. Every time you shop online simply search for a voucher code and you will save money.It’s sounds to good to be true doesn’t it? Here’s how it works.By shopping online you can already save money as online prices are often more competitive than in store prices and it’s easy and quicker to ’shop around’ at the click of a button to find the best deals store-to-store.Every penny counts right now so be a real savvy shopper and use discount codes whenever you can. There are some great code sites devoted to publishing all the latest codes so try a few until you find the good ones with all the latest discount codes and bookmark those sites or sign up to their newsletters and/or RSS feeds.If you’re really stuck visit You Tube and watch discount codes on TV in action.Retailers use promotional codes, discount codes, discount vouchers, voucher codes and shop codes (they are all the same thing) to entice new customers and to reward existing customers for their repeat custom, to promote sales, or clear stock on selected items so don’t feel too guilty about saving a few quid on your Christmas shopping
Legend Vega is scheduled to release her newest CD this summer, Personal Space. Fans characterize Legend’s style as a cross between Mariah Carey and a female version of Ricky Martin. She was born under the lights of Broadway in New York City but raised to the beat of Salsa and Merengue on the hot sands of Puerto Rico. Legend Vega is an experienced singer, songwriter, and model. She has just finished recording her newest CD with all of her own material. Her mainstream pop style and her Latin background make her an excellent crossover artist for the U.S. market. Her album features a broad mix of pop music recorded in English but with many Latin influences.
Legend has sung in a variety of venues from Caribbean resorts to outdoor festivals, and even on Broadway. She has performed with famous artists such as Elton John as an opening act at the Conquistador. On Broadway she performed as the lead vocalist in “Tony and Tina’s Wedding” where she sang 32 songs nightly under director Larry Pellegrini. She has also exhibited her vocal skills as a duet partner and backup singer on various CDs for other artists.
In addition to her talents on stage, she also enjoys writing songs. She identifies themes, composes the lyrics, and develops the melody for all of her works. She has also been very involved in the arrangements of each of the songs on her new album. She has completed a multitude of songs in a wide variety of styles (Pop, Rock, Romantic Ballads, Salsa, etc.)
“What I really love about singing is being able to reach into someone’s soul and touch their life in a special way. By writing my own music, I feel that I can do this even better - it’s as if I am having a very personal and intimate conversation with each of my listeners.” — Legend
Legend has an energetic and alluring on-stage presence as a dancer. She has performed concerts in styles ranging from classical ballet to Brazilian samba. She has performed solo dance shows and sang with artists such as world renowned flute player Nestor Torrez.
“My real passion is singing. For me, dancing is just the way my voice radiates its influence through my body. Dancing is a natural extension of the sound of my music.” — Legend
In addition to her musical and dance talents, she also has the physical look necessary for mainstream pop marketability. She is an experienced and successful model. She has appeared in print ads (perfume, hair, clothing, etc.), television commercials (beer, hair, etc.) and live fashion shows (Victoria Secrets, etc.). Although modeling is not her main focus, her style and appearance is a plus to her on-stage audience appeal.
Legend has a bachelor’s degree in TV and film production, and has also studied classical opera and composition at the Conservatory of Puerto Rico. She has hosted a television series about music topics (House of Rock) and produced a pilot for her own music show (Latino Connection). She has also had small cameo appearances in a variety of other television programs.
Her new album features a variety of pop songs. The music was recorded in San Juan under the leadership of Grammy award winner, Ramon Martinez. Legend co-arranged and co-produced most of the songs with Joaquin Fernandez. The instrumentals feature such well known musicians as Januse Bakun (bass player for Ricky Martin and Mark Anthony), Reynaldo Torres (drummer for Luis Fonsi), Rey Reyes (singer for Menudo), Joseph Fonseca, Aldo Mata, and many others.
Visit Legend Vega’s Official Website
http://www.legendvega.com
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Cedar Rapids, Iowa–January 30, 2006–Shannon Janssen lives to play the piano and every album she releases is another testament to her dedication to the craft of a true musical artisan. She currently has three instrumental recordings available covering a multitude of genres. Heart Journey (2001) and Piano Paintings (2002) engages listeners with a tremendous range of styles and moods including jazz, new age, and classical. The most recent release, The Keys of Christmas (2005), came just in time for the holidays and continues to focus on Shannon’s continuing development as one of the best independent solo artist in the U.S.
Born and raised in Iowa, Shannon Janssen began playing a small electric organ when she was very young. When she took lessons, her instructor prohibited her from playing anything but classical. Shannon continued lessons through high school then studied piano with a passionate pursuit that led her to a longstanding job as a church pianist for 20 years as well as teaching private lessons for twelve years. So many people enjoyed the music Shannon created that they wanted a keepsake of her work; hence, this inspired the work on Heart Journey and subsequent albums.
Shannon’s own take on her music is-”I like music that is touching and soul stirring, which makes you stop to ponder, taking you to another place. This kind of music can be in many categories. But instrumental music without words, allows the listener to use their imagination to tell the story or to paint the picture within the song. The only clue is the title…you decide how the story goes and ends. It’s like reading a book verses watching a movie. Your imagination paints the scene and characters, thus allowing the music to take you on a journey. It has always been my desire and dream to create music such as this.”
If you have not discovered this wonderful artist by now there are three great recordings to experience. This music can fit any mood or change it if you are in one. Shannon Janssen and her piano recordings take you to a musical nirvana only found in the heavens above.
Contact: Maxville Records Shannon Janssen P.O. Box 9716 Cedar Rapids, IA 52409 Phone: 319-472-2679 Fax: 319-472-3824 Email Website PR Created and Distributed By MuzikReviews.com
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Nashville, TN–October 3, 2005–Who knew that this country singer was really a closet chanteuse? Dyann Woody makes a seamless transition from ‘Yee Haw’ to ‘Ooh La La’. She not only has the voice of an angelic siren, but what will amaze you even more is just how easy and pleasing her music is to listen to. She reaches across many genres and meshes elements of ’70’s singer/songwriter style, jazz, blues and pop with the art of a well-crafted lyric.
Although this is Dyann’s first solo album, she has shared musical success with her husband as part of the Country Music Group, The Woodys. Their debut album on Rounder Records went #1 on the Americana charts; they were voted the Top County Vocal Duo at the International Music News Awards and have received worldwide critical acclaim for all three of their albums. However, there was still a part of Dyann that was musically unfulfilled. She wanted to write songs that expressed all of the emotions and experiences that she and other women have had in their lives in relationship to men. Dyann also wanted to use the full range of her voice bringing into play the years that she studied voice, classical music and jazz.
So, inspired by Norah Jones record, Come Fly Away, Dyann felt her time had come. She began writing songs for her own album drawing from earlier musical influences of the artists she loved like Billy Holliday and Bonnie Raitt. My Softer Side is a soulful and heartfelt musical offering that not only highlights great songwriting but her sweet & sultry vocals along with the stellar talents of Rick Vito (Bonnie Raitt, Fleetwood Mac), Barry Walsh (Shania Twain), Dave Pomeroy (Trisha Yearwood) and Steve Turner (Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton). Dyann’s very talented husband, Michael Woody, not only co-produced the album but played trumpet on it as well. He oversaw the entire project and brought to bear his expertise in songwriting (he is a #1 ASCAP songwriter) and encouraged Dyann’s Softer Side to be expressed through her singing. Pat Hutchinson of Warner Chappell Studios put the final icing on the cake as associate producer and engineer.
“I have to admit, I loved this album, every single song. Now how often do you hear someone say that? I would be willing to bet, not nearly enough. This CD is the most down to earth and real expression of artistry you will ever find in recorded music.” - Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-MuzikReviews.com
Company: Dynamike Music
Contact: Michael Woody
Address: 7007 Highway 70S Nashville, TN 37221
Telephone: (615) 662-5539
Fax:(615) 662-1501
E-Mail: dynamikemusic@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.thewoodysmusic.co m
CD Baby: http://www.cdbaby.com/ cd/dyannwoody
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“What does it cost to get a record on the charts?” The question was directed to Mike McVay, programming consultant to about 400 radio stations owned by media giant Clear Channel.
A hush fell over the audience, as this was a piece of information that could determine the fate of independent artists everywhere.
McVay pulled no punches. Depending on your genre, the amount is “a hundred thousand dollars up to a quarter of a million.”
And suddenly, the economic reality of the airplay portion of the record business was in full view.
In a different part of the day’s event, someone asked another of those all-important, career-shaping questions: “How many slots are typically available to independent artists?”
This time, the question was directed to Shane Bourbonnais of Clear Channel Entertainment. “Not many” was his reply, albeit in the nicest tone imaginable.
Did these terrifying facts of life appear to dampen the enthusiasm of most of the artists? Nope. After all, hope springs eternal.
Judging from the questions to other panel members during the day, it was clear that many artists in attendance thought that somehow they would be the one who got past the gatekeepers, the one whose awesome talent would cause cold-eyed business people to waive the entry fees, the one whose marketability would get them the major label contract and backing to enter the game with a large checkbook behind them.
And why not? Why shouldn’t they be hopeful? Are they not talented? Judging from the CDs handed to me, there were some amazingly gifted artists at the conference known as the Boot Camp workshop, which was organized by Blak Dog Promotions in association with The Beat 94.5 FM and the Western Canadian Music Awards.
Consider some of the artists: Smokekiller makes music that vibrates with consistent excitement. Ultimate Power Duo blends equal parts modern punk and retro Liverpool sounds for an album that is fun from beginning to end. Lyricist Jacqui Leddy has written lines that make you feel the inside of the human soul.
There also was silky, subtle and seductive jazz from Sandy Foster; strong rock from Scott Douglas; evocative country from John Wort Hannam; excellent rap from Don Castro; and power plus glory in the heavy grooves of Aly Young. Not to be outdone, event organizers Shawn Smith and Chin Injeti are themselves supremely electrifying recording artists.
The quality of the acts was of the highest level of any event at which I’ve been a panelist. Group after group, artist after artist were very impressive. Karen Howlin’ Fowlie seems to put megawatts of electric power into even her softest vocal passages. Sonicjoy delights in fusing electronics with rock ‘n’ roll. This is not to overlook Rallycar, Green Door Club, Chesterfield Rock, Morgan Mayer, Maurice, and James Pender, all of whom are excellent.
Here’s hoping this music gets to your ears. And if would be terrific if someone was recording the panels, because a lot of valuable information was presented by a lot of very smart people, including:
Chris Myers, Program Director, The Beat Michael McCarty, President of EMI Music Publishing Michael Persh, Music Manager, E! Networks Jonathon Simkin, Co-owner, 604 Records Christopher Ward, Songwriter (Alannah Myles, Ming Tea) Bob Power, Producer (MeShell N’degeocello, The Roots, David Byrne) Jim Vallance, Songwriter (Bryan Adams, Steven Tyler, Gene Simmons) Terry O’Brien, SOCAN Tom Wilson, Songwriter (Billy Rae Cyrus, Jimmy Rankin)
The event was well-run by Smith, Injeti, Natalie Rhodes, and a large contingent of volunteers. Attendees seemed uniformly pleased: “Extremely informative,” said singer and voiceover artist Marina Seretis. “The whole day was very encouraging,” stated Mitch Helten of SPI International. “It was enlightening,” said singer Jafelin. “This was great,” said Jacqui Leddy. You can’t stop people with this kind of enthusiasm.
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Every band should have its own web site! There are very inexpensive ways to build them. In fact, some are totally free!!
In my opinion, the best solution is the $0 hosting plan from Doteasy.com! They charge $25/year to renew your domain name and $0/year for basic hosting. This means that for the total cost of $25/year, you can have a stand-alone web site with your own URL. You get 100 MB of storage space, 1 GB of bandwidth each month, and 10 Email addresses using your chosen URL. This package will NOT handle PHP, MSQL, and other more sophisticated functions, but for a basic web site, you can’t beat the price! Doteasy.com is the company that we use for all of our websites.
Don’t want to spend $25? How about a free web site? You won’t get your own URL, and there will be ads on your page from the hosting company, but PureVolume.com offers a basic mini site at no cost! You get a home page, a music page where you can host 3 MP3s, a photo page for up to 8 pictures, and a bio and contact page. Check it out! Even if you build a “real” web site on Doteasy.com , you can do one on Pure Volume, too! You can’t have too much exposure!
MySpace.com offers a packge similar to PureVolume.com
This article is available for free use in any publication, as long as the byline is included, the article is reprinted in its entirety, all links in this article and biography remain live at all times, and the publication is NOT any form of SPAM. This article first appeared at: http://www.GalvestonMusicScene.com/Archives/11-10-2005-Band-Web-S ites.html
Guitar is a musical instrument strung with gut strings having a body with a flat back, graceful incurvarions etc. and for playing, it is twanged by the fingers. It is called in French as guilarre, German as Guitarre, Italian as cijitarra and in Spanish as guitarra. The construction of the instrument is of paramount importance in assigning to the guitar its true position in the history of musical instruments, midway between the cithara and the violin.
Materials Used
The back and ribs of guitar are comprised of maple, ash or cherry-wood, frequently inlaid with rose-wood, mother of pearl, tortoise-shell etc. while the sound board is of pine and has one large ornamental rose sound hole. The bridge, to which the strings are fastened, is of ebony with an ivory nut which determines the one end of the vibrating strings, while the nut at the end of the fingerboard determines the other. The neck and fingerboard are made of hard wood, such as ebony, beech or pear. The head, bent back from the neck at an obtuse angle contains two parallel barrels or long holes through which the pegs or metal screws pass, three on each side of the head. The correct positions for stopping the intervals arc marked on the fingerboard by a little metal.
Strings
The real Sound ridges called frets. The modern guitar has six strings, three of gut and three of silk covered with silver wire, tuned as, the thumb are assigned the three deepest strings while the first, second and third fingers are used to twang the highest strings. They are divided into two groups - Bass and Treble. The bass strings are thicker and have an inner nylon core with steel wrapped around them. The trebles are clear nylon and thinner. The thumb finger will more often twang treble strings than the Bass strings. Types of guitars
1.Acoustic guitars
As long ago known from the history these are used by playing with hand. Though it is impressing many limitations are there such as listened to a short distance, often note cannot be recalled unless the player knows the tab well. A great-sounding acoustic guitar will be necessary but not sufficient condition to produce a great amplified tone.
2.Electric guitars
Electric players have known for fifty years that they needed to learn about more than just their guitars, and have made a science of studying their pickups, amplifiers, cord lengths, impedance problems, effects devices, amplifying, miking techniques, and even speaker and tube types.
visit : Guitar Learning - Tricks and Tips
Famous Guitars Many famous companies make and sell guitars of both types. Remarkable of them are Gibsons and Fenders Guitars. There are many guitar centers which teach playing guitar. Online guitar lessons are also given in some websites. They teach guitar tabs (ie) tablature set of notations for listening and playing), bass tablature, guitar chords, ultimate guitar tabs etc. Some give even free lessons online. Learning Guitar - Notations & String assignment
The notations are defined to the right hand fingers. While writing down the fingers are indicated by letters, i for Index, m for Middle and a for Ring finger. When written down the thumb is indicated by the letter p. This code is to do with the Latin names for each note. { P = Thumb I = Index M = Middle A = Ring Finger } This can be easily remembered as PIMA.
visit : Guitar Learning - Tricks and Tips
The names of each string read from Bass to Treble as: 6-E -bass 5-A -bass 4-D -bass 3-G - treble 2-B - treble 1-E - treble
Open string preparation and striking
When striking or plucking a string the movement in thumb should come from above and through the string making sure that you have a good solid contact with the string and a clear follow through. Your finger again should come from above but they will pull backwards into the palm of your hand. A good contact is needed and again a clear follow through that does not collide with the other close fingers.
Stable right hand technique
Now try to rest the thumb on the D string when the fingers are playing and also rest each individual finger on its assigned treble string. This gives a solid stable right hand position that isn’t floating in the air above the strings attempting to hit a moving target. Your fingers and thumb should rest on the string waiting to strike. Make the transition smooth, so when replacing the thumb back on the D string pluck with the index and begin the trebles.
Practice
Often players have a slight lift and shake in their right hand that often limits the volume and security of your stroke, if you repeat this exercise slowly and listening for a good sound you will relax the hand and get a very clear sound. This is a technique of preparation and economy of movement that will take some time to filter its way into your existing songs and chordal progressions. It also will build a new technique and way in which you approach the guitar.
1.Take your time, don’t go for speed first, go for accuracy.
2.Go for a nice deep stroke and listen for a rounded tone.
3.Feel secure and balanced.
4.Remember you want a technique that is as simple and as stable as possible.
6TH String = P = E 5TH String = P = A 4TH String = P = D 3RD String = I = G 2ND String = M = B 1ST String = A = E
Try and go up and down the guitar nice and slowly try and keep your hand relaxed, this exercise will remind you of the feel of the strings and how to approach the guitar.
Using standard chords
With your left hand bring in the chords of Eminor, Cmajor, Gmajor and Dmajor. Hold the chord for at least two repetitions of the right hand pattern going up and down the guitar. These chords require 6 strings, 5 strings and 4 strings to be plucked if we want the root note of each chord in the bass. This gives your thumb a different starting point for each chord. Remember to pivot through the changes in the left hand, try and link each chord to the next one. No fret buzz or sloppy timing between the hands. Complete synchronicity and always enough pressure to sound the note without buzzing, careful that you don’t put down to much pressure.
Repetition and speed of fingers
When playing music that is formed in single lines, e.g. a guitar solo, the melody of a tune a run or scale make sure that your fingers alternate when plucking or striking the notes. The simplest way to approach this is to alternate between Index & middle fingers. These fingers are set beside each other and are also strong fingers so they should quickly get used to this type of alternation. The alternation gives a sense of rhythm and groove and will enable you to play twice as fast than if you used just your index.
Careful to always alternate index to middle. When playing the repetition of 4 or 2 this is easier than 3 or 1, the odd numbers create almost a little skip as you cross the string, relax your hand and concentrate on shifting the weight from finger to finger. Careful that you don’t bring your left hand to far from the fret board, keep it close in so each finger it can be quickly depressed onto the strings. Tip of the fingers in the left hand at all times.
Things to remember while playing Guitar
Sit with a forward sloping posture by tucking your feet underneath a horizontal chair, heels off the floor. The easiest way to have a forward sloping chair is to place a piece of wood under the back legs of your chair. Avoid backward sloping chairs.
If you don’t like sitting with your legs tucked underneath, then just initially tuck your legs underneath until your upper torso swings forward like a pendulum. You spine will reach a more natural curve. Then bring your legs back to the untucked position by only moving your feet foreword; do not let your upper torso move back to a slumped position, although it may swing back a very small amount.
Sit with the entire body in a symmetrical position while still making minor movements and adjustments. Sitting well yet too rigidly makes for poor pressure distribution. Also, try wearing loose clothing as to allow for easier movement. Place your music stand at horizontal lane of your eyes at a convenient distance for your eyes.
Have a nice day,Be happy.
Find more information about learning Guitar techniques from experts visit : Guitar Learning - Tricks and Tips
