Archive for April 2010
How To Play Guitar In The Middle Of The Road
When I was a youngster back in the turbulent ’60,s, like most of my peers I used to hang out in the various coffee bars that were around town, and I would feed the juke box which always stood in the corner.
It used to be the unspoken word that everybody drinking coffee in the shop would take their turn to feed the juke box, and by doing this you were announcing to the world (or at least those in the coffee shop) what type of music you enjoyed listening to.
I remember that I used to stay in the coffee bar until about 9 or 10pm each evening (in those days entertainment options were rather limited) and then I would go to my bedroom and tune in to Radio Luxemburg.
Do any of you remember Radio Luxemburg? It was a well known, and much loved, radio station.
There were a lot of radio stations around in the 1960′s, and many of them were stationed in offshore ships. I can’t remember any of the names of those stations or ships now, but if any reader can remember then please let me know.
I also cannot recall now whether Radio Luxemburg was a ship, or whether it was based on land, in Luxemburg. Again, if anybody can enlighten me it would be appreciated.
Well, it was while I was tuned in to these radio stations that I first got a ‘taste’ for the guitar. Somehow it seemed to resonate with my soul and I just loved listening to any record which had a guitar solo in it.
Much as I loved the guitar, I never considered playing it for myself, that is, not until a rather curious event occurred.
Those of you familiar with the road system in the U.K., will know that we have many roundabouts on our roads. These are designed to aid the flow of traffic, without stopping it as happens with traffic lights. They are literally a large circle placed at the junction of two roads, and they often have a small area of grass in the middle just to improve the appearance.
Well one day I was out on my bicycle ( I was too young for a car then) and about a mile from my home I came across a roundabout, and there, sitting in the middle of this roundabout was a friend of mine who was happily strumming away on his guitar.
All the cars that went past could not help but notice him, it was such an unusual sight right there in the middle of a roundabout. It was a bit like being on stage, in the middle of the road!
I sat with him there for an hour or so, and I just wished that I had a guitar to take out and start playing.
But that started me on the path from which I have never turned back. I saved up furiously until I had enough money to go out and buy my own guitar, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Over the years I have played in many bands, and have made music all around the world, but I have never forgotten that ’roundabout experience’.
Now I spend my time teaching others how to play the guitar, and how to find their own roundabout to sit on.
John Charles
http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/how-to-play-guitar-in-the-middle-of-the-road-730417.html
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Guitar Hero 3 Mobile Activation Code Crack
With bands getting larger, and audiences getting louder, it was important to be able to hear the actual, individual instruments.
Guitar Hero 3 Mobile Activation Code Crack
In 1924, Lloyd Loar of the Gibson Guitar Company was developing a means (an electric pickup) to pass the vibrations of the strings through a bridge to a magnet and coil, whereupon they were passed as electrical signals to an amplification device. By 1928 “electric guitars” were officially being marketed and sold to the public.
However, the problem with this was that in transferring the vibrations to a medium before being sent to an amplifier, the signal was too weak. So a more direct method had to be developed. The first to do this, and get the patent for it, was George Beauchamp, along with Adolph Rickenbacker and his company.
The guitar was known both as “The Pancake Guitar” and as “The Frying Pan” because of its appearance and because it was played flat in the musician’s lap. Available from 1931 on, the guitar was made out of cast aluminum and steel.
Notable Early Achievements Following the Invention of the Electric Guitar
Before this, there were other models being experimented with by many other people. Les Paul, for instance, was working with attaching microphones to guitars. By the 1940s Les Paul would invent something much more successful, which was the solid wood body guitar.
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It was designated as “The Log”, because it was essentially just one piece of wood attached to a neck with pickups and hardware attached. Gibson later sold a solid body electric guitar endorsed by Les Paul starting in 1950 which could be mass produced.
It was Leo Fender in the late 1940s that developed the first commercially successful, solid body electric guitar. With a single magnetic pickup, it was known as the “Esquire”, while the model with a double magnetic pickup was known as the “Telecaster”.
In 1953 Fender introduced the mass-producible and world famous Stratocaster guitar. This guitar had several many unique elements, creative design features and improvements over the previous Telecaster model.
These mass-produced Gibson and Fender models are what took hold of a generation and caught on in popularity with many influential musicians of the time. These guitars changed the outlook, style and sound of music forever.
From humble beginnings, the electric guitar transformed an entire genre of art and was able to capture the emotions and feelings of entire generations of people. From guitar legend Jimi Hendrix to the Guitar Hero next door, electric guitars are now entirely synonymous with popular music.
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Ursula Rose
Music Review of Desire by Andrew Keese and the Associates
“Andrew Keese & The Associates” are a four-piece indie band from Melbourne, Australia. Their musical genre are mostly indie folk rock, piano rock and indie pop/rock. Currently the four members of Andrew Keese & The Associates are Andrew Keese himself (Vocal, guitar, Piano, Hammond Organ & Rhodes), Sunny Leunig (Guitar), Phil Smith Major (Bass & Backing Vocal) and Andrew Cowie (Drums & Percussion). Andrew Keese & The Associates have this talent of writing great and meaningful lyrics. Even if you just look at their lyrics, you would know the song would come out great. In contrast, if you just listen to their songs, sometimes it’s hard to figure out what they’re trying to express. But after looking at the lyrics, you’d would be amazed at the story told throughout the song. Sometimes, i keep thinking that they’re the Australian Okkervil River or even Ben Folds.
Desire by Andrew Keese & The Associates is best listen to through earphones. The reason? Most tracks here are best enjoyed when you’re alone or in somewhere quiet. If you’re looking forward to spend your weekend away alone, try give Desire a spin.
Desire welcomes us in a slow emotional instrumental starter, “Mercy”. It is pure piano-playing in different keys throughout this track. It’s like Andrew is trying to tell us a story with each different note. I can’t help but keep thinking that this would be the prelude for any performances and concerts. Just imagine it, Mercy would be a great intro in front of thousands of crowds.
Desire continues with the beautiful “Little Possessions”. Beautiful instruments and rhythm throughout this track. I like the part whenever Andrew goes, “Little Possessions…”, there’s a cute and yet appealing sound that follows. I’m not sure what the instrument is called, but it’s really good. My guess would be an organ. Little Possessions would definitely be a pop rock version of the traditional Christmas anthem, Silent Night. Only Little Possessions… It’s starting to get into my head…
In “Transmission”, you can see the real talent of Andrew Keese & The Associates. They managed to combine piano and guitar and transform them into a crunchy classic. Well honestly this combination is not something new, but somehow i can connect with Transmission. I will not fail to have fun with Andrew Keese & The Associates whenever i plug Transmission to my ears. There’s something unique as well here… Andrew Keese & The Associates managed to keep Transmission loud and rock yet soft. Go figure..
“Blessed Are The Meek” is a beautiful ballad yet again. Just love the violin in Blessed Are The Meek! When it’s the verse, Andrew sings with emotions, when the chorus comes, Andrew goes, “Blessed Are The Meek, baby..” in repetition. From Andrew Keese & The Associates’ musical style, they resemble Ben Folds, but from their lyrical talent, they are remarkable. The best part is the chorus, where you can hear the piano playing in the background. It sounds very full, but they can do it better if the rest of Andrew Keese & The Associates joined in and sing along as well.
“The Shadows” starts off with some repetition of guitar slowly, like those that you would hear in a rock song. But honestly, i first thought that The Shadows would be some loud rock and roll track. But after 30 seconds into this track, i realized i was wrong. You can listen to the guitar riffing throughout this track, instead of the piano. Even without piano, Andrew Keese & The Associates still sound great. I just like the part, “Here come the shadows again…”. It’s definitely the climax of The Shadows.
“The Burden Of Proof” got me thinking that it would be a great ballad, it was the impression i got after listetning to only the first 20 seconds of the song. The piano and guitar combination are here to stay. And as Andrew sings along, the music that accompanied especially the violin, made this song full of emotion! I can feel the sadness and sorrow in The Burden Of Proof. Andrew Keese & The Associates made this song so great that it leaves an impact on me. I love the violin here.. And the last 1:14 minutes will blow you away, it’s just so gorgeous!
To me, “Ameline” has a wonderful storyline. It seems to be telling a story about a girl called Ameline who has left behind her loved one and now hopes that his previous love will accept her back. Sounds like a romantic drama movie. 
Another sad song to ponder on, especially the chorus where Andrew goes, “I watched you take that medicine, it was bitter as brine, once your words were vintage wine, now they’re alkaline, you’d better pray there’s still time for you, Ameline.” Don’t get me wrong, Ameline is a great track with great musical arrangement and mixture. The violin and guitar made a good team here. With its potential, Ameline could as well be an anthem for Andrew Keese & The Associates.
“Singapore” is like a frustrating and yet long-for-love ballad. The title itself captured my attention as i was from Malaysia, just a neighbour to Singapore. Andrew yet again sings with emotions from start to finish. From the beginning, Andrew sings as if he’s building up the energy for the chorus, “Tonight, i got lonely… Over you…” And honestly, the violin that comes straight after the the choruses was gorgeous. I always play it back to saviour the moment.. There’s also a guitar solo after the second chorus, great effort by Andrew Keese & The Associates.
“Sertraline Hydrochloride” is a strong slow drive. Throughout the whole track, Andrew’s voice was the one that stands out. It sort of tells us to live life happily and don’t dwell on unhappy things and the past. A very meaningful song with clever lyrics written by Andrew. At certain points, Andrew can be heard raising his vocal as to make Sertraline Hydrochloride a memorable listen. ”This is the sound, of clouds touching down, on wet city streets, put that sorrow at your feet, and don’t say it’s the end, when the day is about to begin…” I really think this sentence is going to haunt me for a long time to come. Especially, “and don’t say it’s the end, when the day is about to begin…” There’s someting to the rhythm of this special phrase.
“Someday” is somewhat similar to Sertraline Hydrochlorid. A strong slow drive with clever lyrics. If i’m right, it sounded like the person that Andrew refers to is waiting for her time to come, meaning kicking the bucket. Andrew’s voice was slow, steady and full of emotions. And Someday was almost an acoustic song, except for the chorus, “Don’t fool yourself, your time’s gonna come, you think the years happen to everybody else, someday you’re gonna be that someone…” where it gets louder and the organ kicks in.
The title track, “Desire” closes the album in style. Desire is such a radio-friendly track and it somehow sounds like a Christmas song. It’s also a cheerful track where the constant playing of guitar can be heard and yeah, the rhythm of the guitar is great and infectious. Can’t help but find myself enjoying the music of Desire. From the lyrics, i can only tell that Desire tells us that everyone of has a desire or desires, it’s up to us to control it, as desire is always up to no good. Andrew adds, “Desire has many faces, hides in the darkest places, so keep a star in the night of your heart, and find someone to watch over you..” You gotta love this track by Andrew Keese & The Associates.
Rating: Desire is definitely a take-off point for Andrew Keese & The Associates. It has shown the talent and specialty of Andrew Keese & The Associates, i was wondering how they would sound like at first. Perhaps just another indie rock band trying to make it big? However i was wrong, they write their own music and all the times in Desire, they were just being themselves, belting out tunes that touch hearts and create emotions. Desire could have been better with the sound arrangement and engineering, but given it is their debut, they have done a good job. I’m becoming a fan of Andrew Keese & The Associates, nonetheless. Desire is warm and feel-good, i’d give them 7.0 out of 10, straight from my heart.
Stand-Out Tracks (My Picks): Little Possessions, Transmission, Blessed are the Meek, The Burden of Proof, Singapore and Desire.
Cheers!
Darren Tan
Darren Tan
http://www.articlesbase.com/music-articles/music-review-of-desire-by-andrew-keese-and-the-associates-706800.html
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How to Play Guitar Books
There are so many tools for learning how to Play Guitar that you can get on the internet, it makes you wonder whether how to play guitar books have a place in the world of technology. When you used to have to learn to play guitar from a teacher you always had to have a book that you learnt out of. It was a way of making sure you and your teacher understood where you were in your guitar playing. And if you did not have a teacher you possibly learnt to play guitar by copying what you heard on the radio or on records. Even then you probably had to go out and buy a guitar tutor or at least a chord book.
The advantage of books is that the printed page is a record of information that you might learn today but need to refresh your memory at some time in the future. Video guitar lessons are a fantastic way to learn to play the guitar but the written word has its own way of expressing thoughts or helping you with your approach to music, and you do not have to go through the laborious process of fast forwarding through countless videos to remind yourself of something the teacher said. Also a book can be read when the power is down and you have to practice on an acoustic guitar by candlelight!
So let us look at a few really excellent how to books for guitar. An example of concise, easy to understand, useful guitar info is “The Guitar Book” by Chris Lopez. This book not only contains all the solid information you need to begin your life as a guitar player, you will find it is an inspiration to share in the author’s obvious passion for the guitar. This book has everything for the beginner guitar player: basic chords, changing from major chords to minor, chord progressions, playing blues guitar through to slightly more advanced but extremely useful stuff like transposing a chord progression if the original key is not right for your voice. If you are sticking with playing chords to accompany your singing or if you want to get into solo guitar, this book should be by your bedside.
“The Everything Guitar Book” by Ernie Jackson promises to have you playing like a pro in no time. It certainly contains all the basic information like some history of the guitar and the names of all the parts of the instrument, and all the basic chords. This is the kind of stuff you would expect to find in a how to play guitar book. You also have a reference guide for the information you will need to keep in your head as you learn how to play guitar. The circle of fifths is covered,as are scales and arpeggios. You are introduced to playing songs by getting to know what you can play on the treble strings first, then you are introduced to bass patterns.
“The Everything Guitar Book” also introduces you to guitar players you should know about in whatever musical genre you are interested in whether it is classical, jazz, blues, flamenco or whatever is in between. The book then gives you an intro to playing electric guitar, buying an instrument and finding a teacher. Like any book that covers everything, there are some spots that you will need to explore elsewhere but this is a good first book for a beginner guitarist.
Frederick Noad is a classical guitar player and teacher who wrote a famous classical guitar tutor called “Solo Guitar Playing”. He also wrote a book aimed at the wider world of guitar players called “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Playing the Guitar”. This book carries a heavy classical guitar orientation but it also gives a good start for playing blues and flamenco. So it is a book for acoustic guitar players, but it is by a guy who know how to get the best from his instrument without causing severe injury to his hands and back and without using amplification. If you are a rock guitarist, do not skip past this book. There is a bunch of stuff in here that will help you become a great guitarist, and you probably will not find this kind of material anywhere else. Get it.
Ricky Sharples
http://www.articlesbase.com/music-articles/how-to-play-guitar-books-688644.html
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Learn to Read Guitar Music Without Taking Lessons
Learning to sight read music is like learning a second language. It can be diffcult to self teach yourself how to do so. Private lessons in an instrument of choice are almost always necessary to achieve a decent level of reading. Although, it’s easiest for kids to Learn through programs offered at school, adults can certainly make the dedication and commitment to accomplish reading music.
Luckily, if you are interested in playing the Guitar over any other instrument, sight reading music isn’t necessary. Guitar tablature is a method of reading music designed to make guitar playing a snap. Reading tabs is far less complicated than reading music, but it does take musical ability. You will need to be able to pick up on the rhythmic notation by ear as guitar tabs do not give any. In fact, a huge number of great guitar players only read tabs or play by ear!
Guitar music in the tablature form, basically gives you a set of 6 lines that each represent a guitar string from top to bottom. Sitting on the lines that are numbers corresponding to the fret in which to lay your finger. It’s that simple!
You can easily pick up a guitar, some guitar tablature, and get going on teaching yourself right at home. This is a great way to go if you want to get started quickly and learning so briskly will give you confidence and incentive to keep going until your a master. In just a few days you’ll be playing whole songs. You will be surprised at just how quickly you sound like a rock star!
Although simple lessons on reading guitar tabs will go a long way in your ability to play, there is draw back. Any guitar music that you are reading will need to be something you’re familiar with. Due to the lack of rhythmic notation in tabs, you will have no idea how long to hold a note or when to leave the guitar silent. So a recording of the song is necessary to accomplish playing it correctly.
After some practice with reading tabs, you will start to recognize chords and your ear will improve and enhance your playing abilities. Should you decide to play any other instrument than the guitar, you won’t find an easy short cut like guitar tablature. You’ll need to take the old fashioned route of lessons and sight reading music for anything but the guitar.
Dave Porter
http://www.articlesbase.com/music-articles/learn-to-read-guitar-music-without-taking-lessons-730176.html
