November 29th, 2007
How hard does it have to be to learn to play guitar?
A while back, I was invited to go to a mini concert hosted by a guitar teacher friend of mine.
There where little children from 6 years, all the way up to guys in their thirties.
All of them students of my good friend the guitar teacher (I’m not going to give his name, because I’m about to blast him).
Seeing as things where running a bit behind schedule, I was asked to help tune the guitars for the concert, seeing as some of the kids weren’t to good at it. This alone was a bad sign, but what I discovered when tuning these guitars really broke my heart, and it’s something I think you should watch out for when buying a first guitar for a beginner, whether it’s your own first guitar or if one of your children is going to learn to play guitar.
Here’s what I found.
Some of the kids had such cheap lousy guitars that even I, with my 30+ years of guitar playing experience had difficulty playing.
Now you may not think that’s a big problem, after all, I’m a little bit pampered when it comes to the guitars I play, but I can assure you that most of those kids will drop their guitar lessons very soon, and if they do carry on they will suffer from something that can be one of the most debilitating handicaps for any guitarist.
I’m talking about the dreaded Death Grip.
What is the Death grip?
The death grip is what happens when a guitar student develops the bad habit of applying way too much pressure on the guitars fretboard in order to press a note or a chord.
Lousy guitars which have strings set unreasonably high above the fretboard and which have heavy gauge strings (Acoustic guitars are famous for this, and is one of the main reasons I recommend an electric guitar to learn guitar on) are one of the main culprits in forcing a student guitarist into believing that an excess amount of finger pressure is required in order to play the guitar.
Now there is only so much power in a finger, so the next thing that happens is what results in the death grip. In order to play the guitar, the guitarist grabs the guitar neck with all of his might with the fretting hand.
You can’t play a guitar that way, because your hand and fingers need a smooth flowing and natural action to move from one note or chord to the other. The Death grip will stifle your guitar playing efforts till the day you die unless you sort it out now.
Why this guitar teacher friend of mine did nothing about the situation is not a mystery to me. Firstly - He himself suffers from the Death grip so how would he know. (I know, he shouldn’t even be a guitar teacher if that’s the case) and
Secondly - He’s too much of a coward to tell the parents that they need to buy their children a better guitar to learn on (I questioned him about it and this became obvious, as he didn’t want to offend them and lose the students).
I don’t have that problem, I tell it like it is.
You need a decent beginner guitar, preferably an electric beginner guitar, to get your guitar playing fingers off on the right foot.
Tag: Guitar, Music, Music Education, Music Instruction, Music Instruction, Musical Instruments | No Comments »
November 29th, 2007
Pennywise is an American punk rock band that was formed in 1988, and is named after the monster It from the Stephen King novel, It.
Since Pennywise’s 1991 self-titled debut, the band has released an album every two years on Epitaph Records, a label owned by Bad Religion guitarist Brett Gurewitz. So far, Pennywise have released eight full-length studio albums, one live album, two EPs and one DVD. Their last album, The Fuse, was released in 2005. The band is also currently working on its next album, which is due for release in early 2008.
Pennywise has had their current line-up, consisting of Jim Lindberg (vocals), Fletcher Dragge (guitars), Randy Bradbury (bass) and Byron McMackin (drums), since 1996. The band kept their original line-up until former bassist Jason Thirsk committed suicide in 1996, after which Bradbury joined as his replacement.
To find out more about Pennywise and view a great range of band merchandise visit our website
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November 26th, 2007
When it comes to big screen televisions, there is certainly no shortage these days. Electronics go on as far as the eye can see. I recall back when I was in elementary school, and my family was visiting my cousin’s house for the weekend. Wow, was I ever amazed at the big screen television they had. I was only around 11 years old at the time. They were wealthy; I did understand that much. The Porsche in the driveway gave it away. As I stepped down into their pitted living room, I stared in awe at the 50 inch big screen television that resided in the corner. Was this for real? Now, you have to keep in mind that this was back in the late 80s, so this was a pretty sweet TV. I’ll never forget watching Risky Business on it that night. A big screen television just has an odd affect on you.
Read more about Big Screen Television
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November 25th, 2007
This latest version of Roxios popular Easy Media Creator software a number of new features to an already solid lineup of tools including a new interface and improved managment of digital content, whether you’re burning a DVD, managing photos, or uploading YouTube videos. Creator 10 also includes new features for Vista, making it easy to capture internet and PC audio streams such as Internet radio tracks & convert their files into other formats for easy playback on popular mobile devices, such as the iPhone.
Check out EasyMediaCreator 10 today and use a Roxio Promo Code for additional savings on your purchase.
Tag: Computers, DVD, Digital, Free Music, Software | No Comments »
November 22nd, 2007
You won’t find a record player just anywhere any longer. I remember them from when I was a kid, because they were the standard back then. My mother had a huge stereo unit in our living room that had a record player and an eight-track tape player. Life was simpler then for almost everyone, and there was nothing more fun than dancing in the living room with my mom on a rainy afternoon. She would get out her albums and my brother and I would choose the one we wanted, even if we had no idea what we were looking at. It was music, and that was all we needed to know.
Read more about Record Player by visiting Droove
Tag: Buy Music, Free Music, MP3 Players, Recording | No Comments »
November 21st, 2007
MP3 is a complete godsend for anyone who enjoys and appreciates good music. Not only does it afford users the convenience of purchasing music online and ripping from purchased CDs, it also provides the utmost ease in portability.
These MP3 players allow you to download hundreds and in some cases thousands of MP3’s to take along with you anywhere. You can create MP3 CD’s containing up to 120 of your favorite songs for listening pleasure in your car.
Using MP3 encoders and MP3 converters, a large WAV file can be cut down to a much smaller and more portable MP3 file of about 3MB.There are dozens of MP3 compressor and encoder software programs available online and at stores.
Why not visit here - mp3 encoding software - and refine your knowledge about mp3.
Tag: Blank Media, Digital, File Sharing, MP3 Players, Music | No Comments »
November 19th, 2007
The abilities of the human voice is phenomenal in the fact that one could imitate another person or instrument, or sing several octaves on the piano. Jazz instruments can express emotion, but the natural gift from within the human voice is conveyed in a variety of ways.
The Jazz singers with a unique voice quality have been heard in many clubs, and recordings in the past. These Jazz Legends have helped make Jazz music popular especially with the use of the voice.
There are also the average Jazz singers who deserve to be in the spotlight also for having what it takes to make it successfully in Jazz. One style of Vocal Jazz Singers is the soulful bluesy sound with Singers such as Diane Schuur, Nina Simone, Bessie Smith, Etta James, Della Reese, and more.
If you are curious enough, visit this - music search engine - and get valuable insights into Jazz Music and Jazz Music Downloads.
Tag: History of Music, Jazz, Jazz Fusion, Music Education, Music News | No Comments »
November 19th, 2007
Motion City Soundtrack is an American pop punk band from Minneapolis, Minnesota. They have released two albums, both on Epitaph Records. Their third full-length album entitled Even if it Kills Me, is due to be released September 18, 2007. Currently, the band is enjoying international recognition, with strong fan-bases in places like Britain, Canada, Japan, and Australia. They performed at The Bamboozle in 2007 under the name ‘The Great American Freedom Machine.’
Motion City Soundtrack formed in Minnesota in 1997. They released a number of EPs and gained a sizable following before recording their first full-length album, I Am the Movie.
To find out more about Motion City Soundtrack and view a great range of band merchandise visit our website
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November 17th, 2007
The in-helmet audio is nothing less than the new revelation and probably another outstanding advancement in the motorcycle audio. The present offerings endow with a first-rate sound by means of no external speakers to clog up space on your bike. An audio system for a motorcycle comprises a handlebar and a face plate having a plurality of control switches that manage the operation of the audio system. Now the options are plenty and be sure that anything you pick, it will soon be not same for you as technology will be constantly advancing. As a result, if you can get a hold a system that is supple, then it might let you to upgrade as new technologies become available.
Tag: Music, Music Technology, Radio, Songs | No Comments »
November 17th, 2007
This must have given the chance to look for some better options and nothing could have been better than the motorcycle audio. In case, riders system fits in the new technologies, they will be better-off then and will be able to listen to their most wanted tunes for miles and miles without monkeying around with channel surfing. The sound delivery system is said to be the advancement which have paved the way for such gadgets to come in and take the stage. Probably, the time has been gone for the old speakers that were almost unable to deliver clear, crisp sound at 60 mph. With the changing technology, the new external speakers have captured the limelight and are driven by small yet commanding amps that deliver clear crisp sound at any speed.
More of these articles at:Â Accessory Motorcycle.
Tag: Free Music, Music, Music Accessories, Music Technology, Radio, Radio Stations | No Comments »
November 17th, 2007
The present offerings of motorcycle audio differ extensively however the majority of the newer ones are offering improved recital than even the top of the line models of just a few years ago. There are quite a few considerations to mull over at the time of looking at the systems. The today’s era audio system of motorcycle are coming up with even lot more flexibilities and all have been attained by the ability to plug in your MP-3, satellite radio, and I-pod. Why the need has pressed us so for to have such devices could be matter of concern and why not then AM and FM? Normally, while taking a tour outside of the usual haunts, the standard radio stations will be losing channels and you will need to search for more.
Tag: Broadcasting, Music, Music Accessories | No Comments »
November 17th, 2007
In the past few years, motorcycle sound systems have traveled a long way. We all are fond of hearing the wind and thunder of our bikes; however, if we are riding for a few hours, then it would be good to hear some tunes to help the miles roll by. The choices were limited in the past at this front and motorcycle audio was not fancy like what it appears today. Massive bandwidth radios by way of less-than-impressive speakers over and over again left riders with more grief and incoherent reception than they were worth. And now, with the up-to-the-minute electronic revolution, the past scenario has changed for the better. The coming up of I-pods, satellite radio, and MP-3 players, has opened up a diverse era of music of our choice and choices are more available than ever.
Tag: Music, Music Accessories, Music Technology | No Comments »
November 15th, 2007
Overall, people use the word ‘niche’ to mean:
* Not a mainstream product.
* A product that may be difficult to buy in normal shops.
* A product with a specialist application or special interest to a certain group of people, that make it a desirable purchase item for only that group.
* A product with a reliable and predictable selling power because of its specialist appeal/ necessity to a certain group.
Read on at Buy Direct From China Niche ProductsÂ
Tag: Apple, CDs, Digital, MP3 Players, iPods | No Comments »
November 14th, 2007
I could probably write a book on the new Apple iPhones fantastic features, but for now here is a very brief look at them. Aside from being your typical everyday mobile cell phone, which it is far from being typical, the iPhone also showcases other capabilities like Internet browsing, email, digital camera, GPS and music playing options. It can also play DVD quality movies and music video’s. Another great feature that could keep you pleasantly occupied for hours is the
iPhone games stored in it, not to mention the top rated games that can be downloaded for free for your entertainment.
Tag: Apple, DVD, Downloads, Free Music, iTunes | No Comments »
November 14th, 2007
The good ol’ Apple iPod is a thing of beauty it must be agreed.
The ease of navigation, slimline looks and storage capabilities make it the MP3 player of choice at the current time.
However, the majority of people simply aren’t using it to it’s full capabilities!
Did you know that you can download and squeeze onto your ‘pod music, movies and even games?
Did you know that there are secretive corners of the net where you’re able to download this great stuff freely? For free iPod downloads you don’t need to look too far, simply find one of many membership sites offering these downloads and they’ll point you in the right direction…for a small initial fee of course.
So, start using your iPod to it’s full potential right now!
Tag: Apple, Downloads, Music, iPods | No Comments »
November 12th, 2007
Korn (or Ko?n) is a nu-metal band from Bakersfield, California, and are credited with creating and popularizing the nu metal genre. Along with other bands of the time, they have also inspired many nu metal, industrial metal, and alternative metal bands through the mid-1990s and early 2000s.
Since their 1994 self-titled debut album, Korn has sold over 30 million records worldwide, including 18 million in the United States, making them one of the best-selling nu metal acts of the last fifteen years. The band’s catalogue consists of nine consecutive debuts in the top 10 of the Billboard 200, including a compilation album, Greatest Hits, Volume 1, and an acoustic/live album, MTV Unplugged: Korn. To date Korn has scored 6 Grammy nominations, and won 2 such awards.
To find out more about Korn and view a great range of band merchandise visit our website
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November 11th, 2007
The purpose of the DVD Copy Software is to provide a way to copy DVDs. Although the DVD copy process does appear to be complicated at first, you will discover that the process has been made as simple as possible. Help is provided with step-by-step instructions from beginning to end. And, you do not need a DVD burner for use with DVDxRipper. Additionally, you will be able to convert VHS to DVD. The guide offers additional information on how to copy VHS tapes. In order to be able to do this, you will need a video card with a video in-port for a camcorder or VCR and the software necessary to capture the video.
Tag: Blank Media, CDs, DVD, Reviews, Software | No Comments »
November 6th, 2007
Faith No More was an experimental alternative rock group that formed in San Francisco, California in 1982 and disbanded in 1998. In the beginning of their 16 year career, Faith No More’s vocalist changed a few times. However, the band’s longest-lasting singer was Mike Patton.
Their music combined elements of heavy metal, funk, hardcore punk, progressive, soul, hip hop, and jazz, among many others.
Faith No More formed in 1982 out of the ashes of Faith No Man, a band formed and headed by Mike “The Man” Morris. Roddy Bottum, Mike Bordin, and Bill Gould left Faith No Man. They chose the name “Faith No More” at the suggestion of a friend (as “The Man” was no more). After cycling through a few guitarists, the members recruited Jim Martin. A number of singers were tried, including a six-month stint by Courtney Love as confirmed by Mike Bordin in a 1997 interview Courtney was, and remains, a friend of Roddy’s. An airing has since surfaced of her performing on San Francisco Public Access TV with the band during their alleged “New Romantic phase”.
To find out more about Faith No More and view a great range of band merchandise visit our website
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November 1st, 2007
While electronics manufacturers like Apple continue to poor out new portable media players like iPods, MP3 players, the Microsoft Zune player and now the new Apple iPhone and all of the iPhone imitators, they still all use the same MP3 file format for their media files. With that said, there’s nothing like getting free MP3 music downloads and free music video downloads. Why spend your hard-earned dollars on a CD where you only like about two to three song tracks? The solution? Free MP3 music downloads and free music video downloads from high quality and experienced download sites like those below. Check out the reviews for each of the free MP3 music download sites at Movies Music Games & More and experience the joys of free music and music videos after getting your free MP3 music downloads and free music video downloads.
Tag: Apple, Free Music, MP3 Players, Music, iPods | No Comments »