Blues Backing Tracks the Secret to Great Lead Blues Guitar Playing

August 14th, 2010

by Ian Fraser

Learning blues guitar takes good instruction and practice, but not just any practice. Since playing the blues is as much about feel as it is about skill you need to put yourself in a performance scenario every chance you get.

Since most of us don’t have a full band to jam with a couple of times a week you can substitute with some good blues backing tracks.

What are Backing Tracks

Backing tracks, sometimes called jam tracks, are professionally recorded arrangements of a 12 bar blues pattern in a particular key. Often these tracks include bass, drums, guitar and maybe even piano. The tracks will often last much longer then a regular song to provide you with lots of time to jam along with.

The Secret of Great Players

Blues backing tracks have been the secret of many great blues guitarists over the past few years. They offer you a full band track to practice along to, create you own riffs and really begin to feel the music. With consistent practice using jam tracks you’ll find that when you do jam with other musicians it will be second nature.

Where to Find Backing Tracks

Thanks to the web there are tons of great free and paid blues backing tracks. There are packages of tracks available for purchase from $20-$50. These paid tracks are generally going to be of higher quality then free, but they won’t necessarily improve you’re playing any more.

The key is to practice and do it often. Also practice in a variety of keys, not just the same key over and over. With consistent use of blues jam tracks in your practice routine you’ll become a much better lead blues guitar player then if you spent hours and hours memorizing scales and techniques on your own without the use of other instruments.

About the Author:

Ready to learn more about the blues? Why not take some lessons from home with a blues guitar dvd or online blues guitar lessons. These self study video lessons are a great alternative to private instruction and require far less time and money.

Article Courtesy of: Go Articles

More Music and Entertainment

Tags: ,
Posted in Music | 4 Comments »

The Origins of the Vuvuzela

June 23rd, 2010

Tags: , ,
Posted in Miscelaneous Topics | 3 Comments »

Is Making Music For Yourself An Effective Business Strategy?

June 2nd, 2010

by Shaun Letang

rockin' guitar player

If you’ve been in the music game for any length of time, you may have realised one thing: Having talent doesn’t guarantee a successful music career. Talent is a necessary factor in become successful, yet two people with identical talent can end up in very different places, one playing bedroom sets, the other playing sell out tours.

There are many different reasons why this could happen, not all of which we’ll look at here. But one thing we will look at it this, whether you should be making music for your own personal enjoyment, or if you should be making it for others enjoyment. The way you approach this question will determine the path you take during your music career, so it’s important to choose wisely.

Sell Your Music on iTunes with TuneCore

A person who makes music for them self doesn’t listen to feedback, but instead sticks to what they prefer. A person making music for others however, listens to feedback and adapts their style accordingly. They do this without straying too far from a style they are comfortable making, so are benefiting both the listener and the maker. Which do you think sounds like the better option?

bee playing flute

DJs are a good example of this. It’s a DJ’s job to play to the audience rather then playing to their own personal taste. They don’t turn up to jobs playing what they want, they play what their audience want to hear. If they’re playing a certain type of music and they see the crowd aren’t appreciating it and look bored, they’ll play a different type until the crowd are enjoying themselves. Doing anything less will mean they don’t go down very well.

While this is less obvious in other areas of the music industry, the same thing pretty much goes on. If you don’t make music people want to hear, you won’t go very far. You can enjoy the music you make all you want, but if no one else does, you won’t make any sales.

the band

Fans are the people that will make or break your career, so you need to appeal to them first and foremost.

Now I’m not saying you should ‘sell out’ or make music you don’t like, but within the type of music you enjoy making, you need to appeal to as many people as possible. Doing any less will most certainly hinder how far you take your music, so remember to get regular feedback from the people that pay your wages: The audience!

TuneCore Music Distribution of Your Own Music

About the Author:

Shaun Letang is the founder of the Independent Music Advice website, a website giving music advice to anyone wanting to learn the business side of things. One of our latest topics looks at how independent an independent musician should be.

Article Courtesy of: Go Articles

More Music and Entertainment

Tags: ,
Posted in Music | 5 Comments »

Music And Art Together, What A Concept!

June 2nd, 2010

by Peter Dranitsin

psychodelic hendrix

Like the rest of us, you enjoy music and you’ve often thought of owning a piece of music art, to meld the two passions of your life. It can be done. Music art consists of depictions of musicians and music itself. That last one sound impossible? Very well, let us begin with the first, a portrayal of musicians. Perhaps you love the symphony and even have season tickets. Every performance, matinee or evening, you come away with a glow of pure happiness. Why not commission a painting of your favorite orchestra, playing their hearts out to glorious music. If you have a favorite member, say First Seat Violin, your artist may spend a little extra time on her, even making her features stand out from the rest of the orchestra as she is portrayed in the dress that you like her most in. It will be a challenge that a professional artist will gladly take up.

For the Music and Art combination please visitwww.icon-collectibles.com

If your taste extends to jazz, a fewer number of people will be the subject, but then the artist has room to make them idiosyncratic in form, just as they are in real life. Look at that lead trombonist. Doesn’t he have a very particular way of arching back as he uses the slide to coax out those brassy notes? Tell your artist about that favorite pose, and you will wind up with a highly distinctive piece of music art.

early stringed instrument

Opera music is your special love, you say? Then the emphasis will be placed on an individual artist, unless you desire a set piece from a favorite opera such as the sextet from ‘Lucia di Lammermoor.’ Most likely, a diva has captured your heart and you would truly enjoy seeing her portrait on your wall. She may be in full Viking regalia as she triumphantly sings the Ride of the Valkyries from Wagner, or perhaps trills the delicate aria from the tragic end of ‘Madame Butterfly.’ A piece of music art depicting some of the fantastic costumes from opera would be a delight any artist as he gets down on canvas just the perfect sheen of satin and ruffle of delicate lace from around the throat of a famous singer. All in all, if you desire a piece of music art, you cannot go wrong with opera.

silhouettes

Should pop music be your forte, then most likely your color palette will be bright and loud, bringing a lot of energy into the painting. You could ask for an abstract rendering from Michael Jackson’s video Thriller, for instance, which joins the film world with the music world with the dancing world. That’s a lot of artistic appeal in one painting! Whatever you decide upon commissioning, when you get the piece home and hang it upon your wall, you will have a sensory experience to be proud of and which to share happily.

As to depicting music itself, many think of music in the form of colors, in a way that transcends the musical scale or even writing down music in note form itself. This rarefied technique must be discussed in detail with your favorite artist, as the colors in your mind that translate into music will naturally be extremely subjective. For example, if you think of a chord as the yellow-orange part of the color wheel, then you will need to describe that to your artist and allow him to work that into his painting; perhaps, to him, the same chord says, ‘blue-green’! Communication is the way to go to receive the desired end of the project, one that will satisfy client and artist both.

Icon Collectibles Fine Art Photographs

About the Author:

Peter Dranitsin is a self taught and self representing artist. He grew up in the family where his mother a professional artist and his father a professional photographer. To learn more about music art please visit my online art gallery at http://www.petesoriginalart.com.

Article Courtesy of: Go Articles

More Music and Entertainment

Tags: , ,
Posted in Music | 1 Comment »

YouTube MasterCard Video – Music Related

April 26th, 2010

The address for this video came to me in an email from a musician friend. I would normally post this on my WebPickups site where I post various things that come to me by email, but this is music related so I decided to post it here. I hope that you enjoy it!

More Music and Entertainment

Tags: , ,
Posted in Video | Comments Off

Saxophones For Sale-Let Us Make Sure You End Up With The Most Appropriate One

April 22nd, 2010

by Jacob Bloor

bari sax

sax player in band

Any saxophone for sale is one of a type for the reason that it was called after a certain person. It was invented by Adolphe Sax in 1841 and patented in 1846. He is on the exceedingly short list of renowned Belgians, in addition to Belgium in recent times issued a postal stamp carrying his visage.

The majority of saxophones for sale have been originally designated for military bands. A few saxophones can be found pitched in C and F. The instrument is used in popular, big band, blues, early rock ‘n roll, ska and jazz music.

Saxophone for sale manufacturers classify the instrument as either “student” or “professional”, in spite that a considerable gray area lies between. Student horns can be machine – made in Taiwan, Korea or the like. Professional instruments are by and large hand – made, with the most prestigious emanating from France, Germany or Japan.

FREE GIFT with select purchases at WWBW.com!

pawn shop sax kit

Low – end saxophones suffer a selection of limitations. They can normally not sound good, although sales people have been encountered who might make a cheap horn sing. Horns slapped together by automatons are not going to be easy to play. They in all probability can’t be expected to last long. The hard steel bearings and premium good quality leathers make a professional horn last, seeing less trips to a repair shop. Less well – built saxophones are generally at the mercy of temperature and humidity, and some notes wouldn’t play right. Cheap saxes what’s more don’t look nice.

On the subject of the brand to choose, the Selmer AS300 carries a reputation as a saxophone that’s easy for beginners to play, and also for being one of the finest out there. The keys and rings are nickel – plated. Selmer is the leading saxophone brand, and their greatest rival is Yamaha, in spite that some consider Yamaha’s saxophones to be soulless.

tenor sax

The Lacquered Alto Model AS – 641L is a semi – pro saxophone with a gold – lacquered finish and intonation that’s accurate. It is acknowledged because of its durability.

The Intermediate Alto AS – 100B is looked at as an intermediate saxophone that is equally durable and stylish, it is considered to be the best value for intermediate saxophone players.

One benefit of shopping for saxophones for sale through the web is the prices are significantly less expensive.


The Woodwind and Brasswind

About the Author:

Saxophones For Sale come in a lot of different makes and models, and if you are in the market to buy one you should read our FREE advice about them, by visiting http://www.saxophones-for-sale.net/.

Article Courtesy of: Go Articles

More Music and Entertainment

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Music | Comments Off

Essential Aspects to Remember While Playing Your Heavy Metal Rhythm Guitar

April 21st, 2010

by Paul Smithson

guitar player

The rhythm guitarist forms an essential part of any heavy metal band. They are the ones who are responsible for supporting and also enhancing the performances of the drummer during a live performance. If you happen to be playing a heavy metal rhythm guitar then you might find the following suggestions quite helpful.

Using the alternate picking technique

Alternate picking technique is very effective while playing rhythm in heavy metal. Picking a string multiple times, and at the same time inserting chords at different times throughout the riffs is a common while playing heavy metal music. Most of rhythm guitarists perform this trick with down strokes. Purists believe this is not correct. This particular trick can be best performed with the alternate picking technique. Using the alternate picking technique will help in creating fast, unique and intense rhythm combinations.

Learn Heavy Metal Guitar Now!

tatooed player

Practicing rhythm with metronome

The best way to hone your skill in playing rhythm guitar is to practice with metronome. Heavy metal is basically a fast and aggressive form of music. So, as a rhythm guitarist you need to change your rhythms quite quickly and at a constant pace. This will help you to be in cohesion with the drummer. So practicing rhythm with metronome will assist in developing your skills of playing the guitar at fast and quick pace to match the drummer.

Inserting stops in your rhythm

The rhythm guitarist in a metal song has to be percussive in approach. So, it will always be a good idea to insert few stops in your rhythm. This will lend a more effective sound effect to your rhythm.

Creating groove element in your rhythm

Most of the successful heavy metal bands such as the Sludge Metal, Machine Head, Pantera, etc. always had a groove element in their music. The groove effect can spice up your rhythm and will help in creating that mesmerizing effect amidst the crowds.

Choice of guitar effects pedals

singing guitar player

For rhythm guitar players, the choice of guitar effects is very crucial. The best pedal for this kind of music is the BOSS Metal Zone distortion guitar effects. This pedal can create a wide variety of sounds from dark and heavy tones to chunky guitar sounding chops on your guitar. Another tip is to plug in directly from your guitar to the amplifier to get a raw sound.

So, whenever you are playing your heavy metal rhythm guitar keep these suggestions in mind and improvise accordingly. You should really manage some exquisite rhythm combinations in time!

Metal Guitar Lesson Banner

About the Author:

Check Out Heavy Metal Rhythm Guitar Today. You Can Learn How to Play the Guitar At GuitarPlayerWorld.com

Article Courtesy of: Go Articles

More Music and Entertainment

Tags: , ,
Posted in Music | Comments Off

Learn Heavy Metal Guitar from the Masters

April 20th, 2010

by Paul Smithson

bc rich guitar

guitar player

Many of the traditional music-tape producers have now converted their analog tapes into the digital format and offer them as amazing DVDs’. This is a very popular format to learn heavy metal guitar. These instructional aids will help you watch and learn from your favorite master guitarist because the tablature of the music he is playing is displayed. The probability of you missing even a single note is almost zero!

More often than not a heavy metal DVD would contain the performances of the great masters like a Marty Friedman, Vivian Campbell or a Def Leppard. The technology behind making these DVDs allow split-screen viewing, enabling you to zoom-in on the techniques of these great masters. Sometimes additional special effects make it easier to understand the right and left techniques on the split-screen.

Learn Heavy Metal Guitar Now!

Magazine cover

In a good quality disc you can find that the pitch sound will be maintained at the same standard even in the slow motion sections. Some of the DVDs may contain inspiring biographies of great master guitarists. Invaluable booklets containing several musical examples are usually included with the DVDs.

These DVD lessons are divided into several categories, ideally structured for beginners and the middle-level guitarists. A basic courseware studies the structure of the guitar; the materials used to construct the guitar; lessons on how to read the tablature, how to tune the guitar and how to hold the guitar. The Techniques chapter would contain lessons on finger placements; Sliding; Palm Muting; Picking with the Finger; Improvisation and harmonics.

The lessons on the basics of Chords include construction of chords, what are Barre Chords, Techniques of handling a Barre Chord. They also contain chapters on Jazz Chords, chord progressions etc. Purchasing such a DVD would be the best way to learn heavy metal guitar playing.

speed player

Alternatively, those who do not have a dvd player at home or want a faster alternative to getting your guitar lessons could get online guitar lessons. In recent years, the internet technology has developed so much that video guitar lessons, softwares, ebooks and even iphone applications are available easily. One of the best resources for beginners to learn metal guitar is Phil Wheatlay’s Learn heavy Metal Guitar course. This is a fully downloadable course that allows the user instant access to guitar lessons upon payment of a small fee.
Which ever method of learning the guitar that you choose, be sure to see it through and not give up halfway. So go ahead and have fun.

Metal Guitar Lesson Banner

About the Author:

Check Out Learn Heavy Metal Guitar Today. You Can Learn Learn Heavy Metal Guitar At GuitarPlayerWorld.com

Article Courtesy of: Go Articles

More Music and Entertainment

Tags: , ,
Posted in Music | 5 Comments »

Acting – Getting Started

April 19th, 2010

by Manish shah

thesbian masks

If you want to be an actor the first thing you have to understand is that everyone and their grandmother thinks they can act and wants to be an actor. The competition you will face will be monumental. With that in mind, here are some tips on what to do if you want to have a career as an actor.

For starters, you must understand that there is no one way to become a successful actor. Some very famous actors were discovered while doing other jobs and just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Yes, there is a lot of luck involved in this business. In addition to that luck you’ll need connections and a lot of determination. Here are a few ways to get your foot in the door.

Actors Wanted Make up to $300/day

Just about every town in the world has a small theater where they put on local amateur performances. Take advantage of this even if you’re really only interested in film or television. The truth is, acting is acting and it doesn’t change much just because you’re on a stage instead of in a film or television studio. Any practice that you get is only going to improve your chances of getting the gig that you’re looking for. Also, many agents and casting directors go to these small theaters looking for talent. There’s always the chance that they’re going to spot you.

musical production

Next there’s student films. If there is a college in your hometown, most likely they have a performing arts program with students involved in doing their own films. Film students are always on the lookout for talented actors to appear in their films. You could very well be just what they’re looking for. They probably won’t be able to pay you anything and the film itself will probably be pretty bad but it will be good experience for you. Just make sure you get a video tape of your performance and keep in touch with the student director. You never know where this might lead.

Another way to get your foot in the door is to be an extra. Many times when a movie studio is filming on location shots they need extras such as people in a crowd. Go down there and tell them that you’re interested in being an extra. You never know what this could lead to. The casting director may just like your looks and ask you to come in and read for a speaking part, if not for this film, for a future one. Plus, this will give you great experience as you will get to see what a professional film set looks like and how things run. Every little bit helps.

Traditional Board

Then there are independent films. Many of these companies can’t afford to hire experienced actors. This is a very good chance to get your foot in the door. Plus there is always the chance that one of these independent films will take off and be big hit. It has happened. You could very well be the next overnight success because of it.

After you’ve built up a bit of a resumé doing the things above, get yourself an agent and put together a portfolio for him to shop around. That’s his job. He’ll have more contacts than you and a much better chance of getting you something.

Most of all, be persistent. Don’t give up. Becoming a successful actor is one of the most difficult things that anyone could want to do but it is also one of the most rewarding. In many cases simply by not quitting you’ll finally land the part that you’ve always dreamed of.


About the Author:

My name is manish shah. Am an avid blogger & social media representative. I am retailer by Profession & my blog is http://manish-shah.com
I keep updating my blogs regularly. Do visit me for the latest in Indian Retailing.
I also have another wonderful article directory – where in you can check the latest articles across all the catagories. Do check out – http://articleseat.com & http://omarticles.com

Article Courtesy of: Go Articles

More Music and Entertainment

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Movies | 1 Comment »

Vintage Music Boxes

April 18th, 2010

By Dylan Lainders

hand crank music box

For centuries people have enjoyed the beauty and style of music boxes. They really became popular in the 19th century, and in the modern era most homes have at least one music box. With so many available shapes and sizes of modern music boxes you would think there would not be any demand for vintage music boxes. But the fact is that vintage music boxes are just as popular as modern boxes. Serious collectors of music boxes feel that their collection simply is not complete without at least one vintage music box.

There are two basic forms of vintage boxes, based on how the music is created; they are the disk and the cylinder. Cylinders were used in the earliest music boxes, later giving way to the disks which were easier to manufacture and less expensive.

Find Collectible Music Boxes at collectiblestoday.com

stand up music box

The music was created with either style by using metal combs that would raise up and fall against tiny prongs on the cylinder or disk. The vibration created by the different prongs moving created the boxes melody. When you are considering purchasing one of these, or just want to truly understand how they worked, you will want to look closely at the comb.

The comb controls how well and how clearly the music will play. The first thing to know is that all of the teeth on the comb must be intact. Any bends in the comb will affect the music quality. Small pits can indicate that the comb has been repaired at some point. Rusty combs will not produce pure tones. You can see why a close examination of the comb will help you determine the quality of the box you are buying.

You will also want to check the overall size of the comb. Small combs produce smaller sound and the tone and note range are greatly limited. The sound of a vintage music box is just as important as the looks of the box. Do not purchase a box based solely on the appearance. A high quality music box of any era will produce a pleasing, high quality sound.

music box

Many antique shops and online brokers are offering vintage boxes because they do have a wide appeal. Vintage music boxes can cost thousands of dollars, so proper research should be done before making any purchase.

Any vintage music box is a piece of art to be treasured, handed down and appreciated for generations. They have the added bonus of being valuable monetarily as well as for sentimental reasons.


HERSHEY'S KISSES Heirloom Porcelain Music Box: KIS

Now, Dylan has written on topics other than just music boxes. Be sure to check out either used jukebox or mini washer dryer!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dylan_Lainders
http://EzineArticles.com/?Vintage-Music-Boxes&id=4122375

More Music and Entertainment

Tags: ,
Posted in Music | 1 Comment »

« Older Entries
privace policy | terms of service | about us