tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115506900437387572024-03-13T22:33:42.611-07:00Talk Guitars and MusicUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111550690043738757.post-39666578817663398632014-06-24T11:08:00.002-07:002014-06-24T11:08:08.236-07:00Guitar ramblingsAs usual, I'm a neglectful blogger. I don't post that often. Life always gets in the way. With a house construction project, some health issues in the family, and a busy working schedule, I haven't had time, or have not made time for this blog. That said, I originally created this to track my guitar skills. I've come far since I've first started this blog, but I still have a ways to go. I still play my D-03 as my primary guitar.<div>
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I plan on reintroducing regular jam nights at my house once the remodeling is complete.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111550690043738757.post-46174334303385561582013-01-18T13:36:00.000-08:002013-01-18T13:36:52.981-08:00Latest SongsThe two songs I've endeavored to learn are "Time in a Bottle" by Mr. Croce, and "Blackbird" by the Beatles. I really enjoy playing these two songs. They sound great on my D-03, and stretch my fingers out nicely. They are far easier to play then they sound. Years ago I would have avoided a song like "Time in a Bottle", but now I know you have to challenge yourself with new songs. Break them into pieces, and then string those pieces together. Practice them until you despise them, then play them some more.<br />
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Someday I aim to be able to play this song with relative ease. Yes, I'm aiming high, but why not give it a shot?<br />
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Enjoy.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111550690043738757.post-74209387275990648042012-02-06T05:28:00.000-08:002012-02-06T05:35:46.658-08:00Guitar CalmYesterday I was at a Superbowl party. And, well...I am a long time Patriots fan. Living in the NY metro about 20 miles away from Giants Stadium.<div><br /></div><div>Luckily, it was at my church, so the people were kind and sort of understanding. Anyway, I brought my guitar with me thinking that if I get bored, or if it becomes a depressing blow out, I'll just go off and play my guitar at the half time. The game was excellent, so that never happened. </div><div><br /></div><div>In the past, the guitar has been like a therapeutic weapon against a bad mood. Thankfully, I left the party in a decent mood. The game was a fun game to watch, the people were great company, and it was the food that kept me up all night, not the replay of Welker's missed catch.</div><div><br /></div><div>Going on with the mood enhancement therapy, we all can have our down days. The guitar can be used to help combat those days. I'm thankful to God for the day I first wanted to play guitar. It may not always be easy, it may be as frustrating as anything when I try to learn a new song or feel as if I've reached a plateau in skills, but it is a fine instrument that I know I can use to get my mind off of things even if only for the minutes that I am enjoying the guitar.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111550690043738757.post-62458326116808921812012-02-02T13:57:00.001-08:002012-02-02T13:57:25.037-08:00Almost Friday, so...some Django!Classic.<div><br /></div><div><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mpO5xIltlyU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111550690043738757.post-85706100274017394982012-02-01T10:55:00.001-08:002012-02-01T11:09:44.214-08:00Locking the loopBelieve it or not, if you don't string your guitar properly you'll likely experience issues with your guitar going out of tune on a frequent basis.<div><br /></div><div>Don't laugh, but I made the same mistake most guitarists make. Sure, I wound them the right way, but sometimes I had an excessive amount of string and failed to lock the loop. </div><div><br /></div><div>Years ago, I was at a worship conference at a local church. Again, don't laugh, but a former member of Air Supply, David Moyse (I think that's his name), was giving a lecture at the conference. He randomly picked me out of the crowd and asked to see my guitar, and then proceeded to restring it using the locking loop technique.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.jcdisciples.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=59:how-to-string-a-guitar&catid=50:admin&Itemid=56">http://www.jcdisciples.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=59:how-to-string-a-guitar&catid=50:admin&Itemid=56</a> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111550690043738757.post-41379099647448240582012-01-31T05:39:00.000-08:002012-01-31T05:42:14.585-08:00Phil Keaggy - The Reunion<div>Phil Keaggy has long been one of my favorite guitarists. And he is very versatile, not sticking to one particular style or genre. Listening to this, I'm wondering...is he tuned to DADGAD?</div><div><br /></div><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/sTsHn9a9u1c" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111550690043738757.post-44146759283642852392012-01-30T05:32:00.000-08:002012-01-30T05:40:32.143-08:00DADGAD Tuning is a beautiful thingI had recently heard about DADGAD tuning through various avenues and sources. Well, my curiosity got the best of me and I decided to try it out. It was simple enough to tune down to DADGAD, just drop the low E to a D, the B to an A, and the high E to a D. Now, what the heck do I play on this?<div><br /></div><div>>Google searching<...ah, here we go, easy songs to play in DADGAD tuning. Hey! I didn't know Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir" was played in DADGAD tuning! Wow, that song is super easy! And fun.</div><div><br /></div><div>Currently I have that Zep song and an alternate rendition of Amazing Grace in DADGAD under my belt. Last night I had to tune my guitar back to standard EADGBE tuning to play worship. Somehow my guitar sounded sad. Seriously, that DADGAD tuning is so beautiful. I now want to become a Celtic player!</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, I used to be scared of alternate tunings, but now I can say with authority that I am hooked!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111550690043738757.post-65119391541545687062012-01-24T06:57:00.000-08:002012-01-24T07:04:34.519-08:00R/GuitarI recently discovered Reddit.com. Yes, I'm slow when it comes to the latest and greatest places to correspond on the internet. Anyway, I only involve myself in a few subreddits, and namely, I go on the <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/guitar">www.reddit.com/r/guitar</a> subreddit.<div><br /></div><div>Check it out. There are a lot of interesting topics, and actually, I've learned a few things on that site since first discovering a few months ago. You'll find a variety of players, with varying degrees of skills, and it is a great place to approach the masses with questions about the guitar that maybe you haven't quite been able to understand or solve.</div><div><br /></div><div>Be warned: Reddit can cause your entire work day to be wasted, so exercise some discipline when perusing Reddit. Don't say I didn't warn you!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111550690043738757.post-66315641840989581572012-01-23T05:34:00.001-08:002012-01-23T05:53:46.779-08:00The CapoYesterday I was playing guitar with a friend and the subject of capos came up. I have nothing against capos, and in fact, I would love to get one of those <a href="http://www.spidercapo.com/">Spider Capos</a>, check them out! A quick way of setting up alternate tunings!<div><br /></div><div>Anyway, when using a capo, how do you refer to the chords? We were playing a regular I-IV-V-II progression in the key of G and he decided to capo up to the third fret. Even though he was playing the same chords as I was down on open tuning, he was referring to them as the same chords, so for example, Capo 3 and playing a G pattern, he was actually playing a different chord.</div><div><br /></div><div>Actually, it was a simple opportunity to refresh my memory, and to teach him how transposing works. And a reminder that I need to really focus on memorizing the bass notes of a guitar, but anyway, this was simple. The third fret on Capo 3 is a G. So, when playing a G pattern, he was actually an A chord. Correct me if I'm wrong, it's still too early in the morning for me! </div><div><br /></div><div>In fact, this guy here has a much better description of transposing chords when using a capo!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.guitartipsweekly.com/how-to-transpose-chords-with-a-guitar-capo/">http://www.guitartipsweekly.com/how-to-transpose-chords-with-a-guitar-capo/</a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111550690043738757.post-15146793099611663892012-01-20T10:54:00.000-08:002012-01-20T10:59:27.386-08:00Slow but steadyI admit that I'm not the most patient musician. For example, when learning a new song, I would typically rush through the basics of it so it was passable to at least the non-musician. Yeah, to the untrained ear, I may sound like I know what I'm doing, but deep down inside, I knew the truth. I was faking my way through a song, and probably not playing it to true to form.<div><br /></div><div>All that has changed. I found that it is improving my chops when actually slowly but methodically going through a new song, scale, or chord progression. For example, I take a simple tune like Neil Young's "Heart of Gold". In the past, I would be satisfied with playing the basic chords and coming up with what I thought was the rhythm pattern. Instead, now I actually sat down and tried to figure out exactly how he played the song, using the correct mutes, chords, and licks. It made a world of difference, and as a result, I'm satisfied with the song when I play it.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, from now on, I will choose not to rush through songs, but sit down and deliberately play the song, measure by measure, until I believe I'm as close to the original as possible. After that, then I can add my own flavor to the songs.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111550690043738757.post-68191780799676408082010-01-25T07:07:00.001-08:002010-01-25T07:14:45.948-08:00My Current SetupNot much has changed these last few years, but my current setup entails a Toneport UX2 interfacing with my IBM T42 with output leading to my Marshall MGx. The Toneport allows two microphones to be hooked through, with a few instrument inputs. I've just recently started experimenting with the microphone, but have used the Toneport to capture some songs and riffs. <div><br /></div><div>This is a totally useful tool for recording and the options for effects are endless. If I like, I can convert the song into an MP3 or video file to share with fellow musicians online or the occasional curious friend.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've been trying to get my hands on a Korg Pandora, but this will have to wait. I like the idea of a pocket amplifier with builtin effects. I simply lack the cash right now.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last Friday I plugged in my Schecter. I think it is time this was brought to the shop for a setup. While the strings were new, the tuning up and down the fretboard was a little off. </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyone familiar with the Korg Pandora, and if so, what are your opinions?</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111550690043738757.post-86610718778971202052010-01-17T19:06:00.000-08:002010-01-17T19:09:47.509-08:00Online JamAnyone ever try eJamming? http://ejamming.com/. If so, did you find it was worth it? I have a friend (my drummer) who moved down to Florida. I live in NJ. You all know how hard it can be to find a quality drummer, so I was thinking of giving this a try. Maybe there's a better (or cheaper) alternative.<br /><br />Anyway, I had an awesome jam session with my piano player, and my lyricist (my wife). We wrote the elements to an entire song in one evening, which is astoundingly rare! I must say, I believe this song has the potential of being an epic tune, which is a far cry from what I typically write. <br /><br />Again, let me know if you all have experience with online jamming, and if so, what are the pros and cons from your experience!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111550690043738757.post-82320101019975664272010-01-14T12:49:00.001-08:002010-01-14T13:04:28.242-08:00A New StartOk, this site has become severely neglected. I'm still playing guitar, but I quickly became bored with creating lessons, so I'm going to use this site as a place to just talk about guitars...and music.<div><br /></div><div>I am no expert, but I love playing. I'll try to use this site to keep inspiration, and hopefully to connect with other players allowing an educational, and fun exchange of music and guitar playing.</div><div><br /></div><div>With that said, I'll go into my practice habits. Maybe someone out in the internet world can critique my style of practice, give tips on improving my technique, etc.</div><div><br /></div><div>So every night after dinner, and after the kids are settled into bed, or close to settling into bed, I pull out my acoustic. I have two folders of music, one filled up with contemporary worship songs, and the other with random rock tunes I enjoy.</div><div><br /></div><div>I usually go through about 10 worship songs, just to stay fresh in case my church comes calling for a substitute worship guy. After the worship songs, I'll pick a rock song to practice. Maybe its the Beatles, or King's X, whatever it is, I'll try to get a part down until I think it sounds right. Unfortunately, I have to try to have more patience, because I want to get that tough part of the song right away, or I can become tempted to ignore it, or fake it. </div><div><br /></div><div>After playing one or two rock songs, I will try to work on any licks I've created on my own. This can get boring, because I don't feel like I'm the most creative guy in the world, so my licks can sound totally uninspired at times. However, I think it is important for all guitar players to avoid getting stuck in that "cover song" attitude. You know the guy. He can play all of the popular songs with no problem, but if you ask him to lay out a jam, 1-4-5 in D he's left scratching his head. </div><div><br /></div><div>That brings into the last part of my practice, which is the most neglected. Theory and technique. I don't know about you, but I just want to pick up the guitar and become awesome. So I often neglect this key element, and as a result, I know my playing suffers. When I remember, I try to pull out an instructional book and work on some theory, or picking techniques, perhaps a few odd scales or chord patterns. I hate this part, but have to admit, I find myself expanding my guitar playing when utilizing that which I learned during the technique and theory portion of my practices.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, it seems that a big chunk of practice is just myself tooling around on someone else's song, a bit on my own, and tiny fraction spent on theory. </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyone else have a similar session? How about any tips for practice that you found useful? I'm not sure if there is any wrong way to practice.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111550690043738757.post-11977965457472402762008-09-19T13:05:00.000-07:002008-09-19T13:22:49.234-07:00MandolinsWell, I know this is a blog made strictly about guitars (well, guitars and all things music), but I was given a Mandolin over the weekend. It is an 8 string Ovation Acoustic/Electric and a gift from my dad. My mandolin knowledge is limited, in fact it is an entirely foreign instrument to me.<br /><br />The action is terrible, so I'm not sure if that can be adjusted, and I haven't even figured out the standard tuning. On top of that, I don't know many songs that feature the mandolin, but I do know that the mandolin is a cool instrument.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ok</span>, so a quick wiki search reveals the standard tuning as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">GDAE</span>. Simple enough. And obviously the mandolin is in the lute family of instruments, so the transition should be quite simple. I'm not much of a bluegrass fan, but there are plenty of modern artists in more mainstream forms of music who have incorporated the mandolin into their music.<br /><br />I have yet to even attempt to play it (the high action is the speed bump here), but I think a new instrument is in order for me. While I love the guitar, I've been stuck on a plateau for a long time now, and I'm feeling very uninspired. Maybe the mandolin will be a nice diversion while I reach the next plateau.<br /><br />If anyone has any experience with the mandolin, please feel free to give out your advice.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111550690043738757.post-89356465645059581812008-08-15T20:42:00.000-07:002008-08-15T21:01:16.553-07:00Some Guitar HeroesI know it is cliche these days to mention who our favorite guitar players are. Especially when considering the wildly popular video game with the fake guitar. True, but as a guitar player, who has been listening to guitarists for longer then I've played, I have a few guitarists that I fondly admire. Some of them are well known and highly influential to most modern guitarists, and others are largely unknown yet hold a strong amount of respect for those who know them.<br /><br />To start, I will begin with the lead guitarist of King's X, Ty Tabor. I first heard his band when I was about 10 years old. I received a gift certificate to Strawberry's Music Store and my uncle guided me to listen to King's X. Gretchen Goes to Nebraska was the first album I purchased of theirs, and to be honest, I didn't like it at first. It took a few listens, but it definitely grew on me. Summerland is a tune that is forever ingrained in my mind. I still hum the intro from time-to-time and find myself absently plucking it on my guitars when relaxing.<br /><br />Tabor has some strong riff-sense. Meaning, his riffs are unparalleled in the hard rock\blues metal world. He is a master of the blues solos melded with hard rock and those who have found his music will appreciate his inspiring melodies. The man has soul. What can I say, but he has probably been the most influential guitarist for me. He's not always blazing fast, but he is such an accomplished musician, he leaves everyone else frustrated and awe inspired.<br /><br />So please take a listen at some older King's X material. Faith Hope Love and Gretchen are two favorites of mine.<br /><br />Now, moving in a somewhat different direction, I'll explain why Dimebag Darrel is another guitar hero of mine. Dime was the lead guitarist of Pantera. We all know his story, and if not, simply search his name, and you'll find his tragic story mentioned thousands of times. I was not a huge Pantera fan, but being into heavy metal as a youth (during the 90s) it was required of my peers to like this band.<br /><br />He set the tone for modern day metal, and changed the way we think of Texas guitar players (I will eventually detail my respect for Mr. Vaughn). While he was a huge rock star, he seemed to be the most laid back guitarist of the entire 90s metal lot. Namely, the fame did not get to his head as much as it did his peers. I appreciate him for that, and I appreciate his wild sense of creativity. His riffs are copied everyday by mallcore bands around. This is in no way an insult to Darrel. He was in the forefront of modern day metal, and as usual, the artist who is influential and ground breaking will eventually become copied.<br /><br />It was a sad day when he was shot. He was taken from fans of his music prematurely, but yet, his tone and sounds will continue on.<br /><br />More to come later...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111550690043738757.post-63243209803510390482008-08-05T12:27:00.000-07:002008-08-05T12:30:10.546-07:00Power Chords on the AcousticLately I've been enjoying the blissful simplicity of power chords on the acoustic guitar. From playing old Black Sabbath songs to punk riffs, it is all good!<br /><br />While I enjoy more complex chords, the power chord will always hold a special place in my musical heart. So easy, yet so pointed is the power chord.<br /><br />Do you find yourself playing songs intended for the electric on your acoustic, and if so, do you remain true to the song, or "acousticize" the song to your liking?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111550690043738757.post-50988624003603328382008-07-30T13:13:00.000-07:002008-07-30T13:29:53.027-07:00Feel the Bass<a href="http://www.bassguitars.us/">Bass guitars</a> are an essential instrument for keeping rhythm and simple melody. While I myself have only played a bass guitar on occasion, I appreciate the bass guitarists that I have jammed with.<br /><br />I think it is a good idea for a serious guitarist to at least play bass lines on the guitar. This helps the player to gain valuable timing skills. When I am trying to learn a song from ear, I usually try to identify the bass guitar. This helps to then find the correct key, beat, and melody. From there, I can then fill in with the proper chords and scales.<br /><br />What I have noticed throughout the years, is that the bass guitarist is typically the unsung hero of the group. The picture of the bass player with the dark sunglasses, standing towards the back of the stage, calmly plucking his strings is the epitome of laid-back coolness. Of course, there are some obvious exceptions to that stereotype, but by and large, most bass guitarists seem to be the quiet, logical members of the band, if not a bit eccentric.<br /><br />There have been times when I have been tempted to make the jump and play bass guitar in a band. But lo, I do not feel as if my personality type can fit into that of a bass guitarist. For now, I'll have to be satisfied with the click, thwack, beep, bop of other bass guitarists.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111550690043738757.post-87406337215353551342008-07-16T07:20:00.000-07:002008-07-16T07:28:13.418-07:00Acoustic GuitarsI've been playing the guitar for years now. My first guitar was a gift to me for my 10th birthday, it was a Harmony folk guitar. I learned some simple melodies and held onto that guitar for years, despite the fact I skipped most of my teens playing the guitar. When I was about 17 or 18 years old, I purchased an old Ibanez and then a brand new Washburn electric guitar. Along with the small gorilla amplifier, I was in business.<br /><br />For the next few years I continued to play electric guitar as my primary instrument. My wife had a Takamine acoustic which I inherited, but the action was terrible on it. So we bought an acoustic guitar for myself. The Larrivee D-03. This is a beautiful instrument. Since picking up the Larrivee a few years ago, I have shifted from being a mostly electric player, to an acoustic player. I now have my heart and mind set on this certain Breedlove which I had the pleasure to test out a few months ago.<br /><br />Anyway, the acoustic guitar is an important part of my life. What kind of <a href="http://www.acousticguitars.us/">acoustic guitars</a> do you own and what are your dream guitars?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111550690043738757.post-25445744491094475222008-07-07T14:00:00.000-07:002008-07-07T14:05:28.126-07:00Quick UpdateWow, I really haven't posted here in a long time. Well, that will change. I am still into the guitar and playing. I plan on putting more lessons up and discussions on all things guitar.<br /><br />I even wonder if I've moved beyond the CAGED method since starting this blog. Yes, there are certain aspects of CAGED that help, especially if one is familiar with the Circle of Fifths, but I think Modes are probably the best way to go for the serious guitar theorist.<br /><br />While I will have the occasional lesson posted here, I think this site will be better served as a site that discusses guitars, hence: TalkGuitars. In fact, I may open this up as a community with multiple posters if it ever grows to that need.<br /><br />I am solely using my acoustic guitar right now, though I do pick up my electric once in a while so I don't become too rusty.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111550690043738757.post-14009062631046878372007-10-11T08:38:00.000-07:002008-12-08T20:55:58.015-08:00A Form of CAGEDNow that we have looked at the C form along with how to play the major pentatonic in that form, we will temporarily move away from C and go onto the next letter, A. (If this is your first visit, it may be helpful for you to refer to my first lesson on the <a href="http://talkguitars.blogspot.com/2007/09/caged-method-introduction.html">CAGED method here</a>)<br /><br />As discussed, the open A chord is a Triad Chord. This of course means that it requires a root, 3rd, and a 5th. The diagram below draws out the location of the A chord:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ib_bt_uwMkQ/Rw5WiUyg_0I/AAAAAAAAABA/8yJ3XLmNZy4/s1600-h/aopenchord.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ib_bt_uwMkQ/Rw5WiUyg_0I/AAAAAAAAABA/8yJ3XLmNZy4/s320/aopenchord.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120124974062960450" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Because E is one of the notes in an A chord, you can strum all 6 strings without compromising the sound, when played open. The number structure of an A form chord (we'll skip the low E string) is:<br /><br />Root<br />Fifth<br />Root<br />Third<br /><br />Or you can repeat 1513 until you have the structure memorized. (Just so you know the actual notes played here are A, E, A, and C#). Later, I will briefly go over the major scale so you can figure out the notes of any scale on your own.<br /><br />Moving up the neck of the guitar, pick a fret, and always remember to identify your roots! Since we now know that for an A form chord like C, the first root appears on the A string (second string). In the example below, we will play the D chord using the A form:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ib_bt_uwMkQ/Rw9pPEyg_4I/AAAAAAAAABc/OdtTp-wFuxY/s1600-h/aformcaged.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ib_bt_uwMkQ/Rw9pPEyg_4I/AAAAAAAAABc/OdtTp-wFuxY/s400/aformcaged.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120427009048117122" border="0" /></a>If you are having difficulty barring all three notes, try to practice slowly. If after practicing it still seems impossible, you can use your middle, ring, and pinky finger to play the bottom three notes on the chord. Try plucking each note one at a time and name that number. Finding the root is especially important. I can't stress that enough. Once you identified your roots, you are almost there. Remember the pattern and play that chord.<br /><br />Try going up and down the neck. Identify the roots and their corresponding letter names. Challenge yourself some more and try to name the notes of the 3rds and 5ths. I hope you are starting to notice the pattern here.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111550690043738757.post-26444745071449675872007-10-09T11:04:00.000-07:002007-10-12T06:47:21.003-07:00About Guitars I've Owned Past and PresentTake some time to really practice the Major Pentatonic mentioned below. If you have any questions, please feel free to comment me. If something is wrong, please let me know, we are all teachers and students in the world of music.<br /><br />Occasionally, I will use this site to discuss the ins and outs of the guitar. This is a newer thing for me. There are probably plenty of sites that break down the mechanics and design of the guitar nice and thoroughly. Me, I'll try to keep it simple, and hope to reinforce the workings of a guitar myself by writing about it.<br /><br />To start off, I currently play a <a href="http://www99.epinions.com/content_87975300740">Larrivee D-03</a> with a B-Band preamp. Though the D-03 is considered their entry level guitar, it still put me out by about 950.00. I knew little about Larrivee before I first picked this up, but became an instant fan. I was at the local Sam Ash's trying out various Taylor and Martin guitars priced at a higher rate, and for kicks, picked up the D-03. I was sold within minutes, but spoke about it over lunch with my wife. This was probably about 2 years ago, and I have used it at fire camps, plugged in at church, at home and anywhere. Sounds great unplugged, and sounds awesome plugged in.<br /><br />For electric, I have been playing a Schecter Diamond Series 006 Elite. The <a href="http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Schecter-006-Elite-Electric-Guitar?sku=513057">Elite 006</a> was a pleasant Christmas surprise from my significant other going back about 5 years now. From metal to blues and everything in between, the sound has been great. I do plan on changing my humbucker out to something with better pickup clarity, but other than that, I have no complaints whatsoever.<br /><br />Now, going back in time, my first guitar was a folk guitar built by Sears, I believe. This was a birthday gift from my parents. I wanted an electric, but they got me the folk. I did learn Smoke on the Water and Stairway to Heaven on it, but I did not get too much into it back then. By the time I was 17, that guitar was so destroyed, I decided to put it out of its misery and smash it. >Sniff<<br /><br />At around 14 or 15, I finally landed an electric guitar. This was a heavy Ibanez that had terrible action and the pickup was crap. I kept this for a couple years, eventually giving it to my uncle, who now passed it on to his 15 year old son. I think they put some work into it, and it probably sounds better than ever. I would have retained it, had I known then what I do now about hand-built Japanese guitars (try buying a guitar made in Japan today).<br /><br />At about 17, I got a rather small Washburn, with white paint, a whammy bar, and a new set of strings all for 150.00. Around the same time, a friend gave me her Martin acoustic. I wish I still had that, but sadly, it is no longer breathing (not my fault). The Washburn served me for about 5 years, as I was a poor student with no disposable income. I finally gave that to one of my roommates who played the drums, but had a small interest in the guitar.<br /><br />Along the way between my Washburn and Martin, I have also had a Takamine Acoustic (given to my sister-in-law, this one was technically my wife's), a Giannine Classical (old thing, but worked ok), and a 12 string of which I cannot remember the name, and couldn't stand to play anyway.<br /><br />I plan on keeping my current guitars, as I am forever sentimentally attached to them. My next major purchase will probably be a new amp for the Schecter, as the 30 Watt Marshall is not sufficiently loud enough for bragging rights.<br /><br />Until next time, reply back with your favorites or your dream guitars. Remember to keep the practice sessions up, and don't let yourself become discouraged. The guitar was meant for enjoyment after all.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111550690043738757.post-31711180683661402532007-10-08T08:21:00.000-07:002008-12-08T20:55:58.344-08:00Pentatonic Major Scale using the C Form in CAGEDThe <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentatonic">Pentatonic Major Scale</a> is a great introduction to scales. As identified by its name, the pentatonic scale simply has 5 notes, whereas, the regular major scale has 7. The value of the pentatonic is that once learned, you can solo using the various notes of that scale over any key. So, if a song is in the key A, you find your root of the scale (A) and go from there.<br /><br />Since we are on the C chord forms of CAGED, we'll look at playing the Major Pentatonic using the C form in the key of D.<br /><br />Here again, is the setup for C Form D:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ib_bt_uwMkQ/RwpjEkyg_yI/AAAAAAAAAAs/LI33etQdUw8/s1600-h/cformcaged.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ib_bt_uwMkQ/RwpjEkyg_yI/AAAAAAAAAAs/LI33etQdUw8/s320/cformcaged.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119012856706170658" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Remember, that with C form anychord, your setup is always Root, 3rd, 5th, Root and Third. Remember to always identify your roots. For C form, they are on the A string and the B string. Now having identified the roots, remember where the Thirds and Fifth fall in.<br /><br />To get to the point, a major pentatonic scale needs a 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6. Using the diagram as a map, start on the fifth fret on the A string (D).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ib_bt_uwMkQ/Rwplhkyg_zI/AAAAAAAAAA0/vgf754sZbuo/s1600-h/majpentcformcaged.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ib_bt_uwMkQ/Rwplhkyg_zI/AAAAAAAAAA0/vgf754sZbuo/s400/majpentcformcaged.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119015553945632562" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Use your pinky finger to pluck the 1, the index to play the 2, the ring to play the 3, index the 5, ring the 6, middle the 1, ring the third, and the index the 1. Play this scale slowly up and down repeating the numbers, and remember to always identify your roots (1s).Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111550690043738757.post-82695249094481500432007-09-27T08:43:00.000-07:002008-12-08T20:55:58.528-08:00The CAGED Method IntroductionFor starters, a good technique to release the mysteries of the guitar is to begin the process of learning the CAGED guitar methodology.<br /><br />If you understand your basic <a href="http://www.guitarforbeginners.com/openchords.html">open chords</a>, you are well on your way learning the neck of the guitar (even if you don't realize it). If you have learned some basic songs, then at this point you obviously know the five basic triad(*1) chords of C, A, G, E, and D (Hence the acronym CAGED).<br /><br />Now, I will go into further detail later, but as an example, let's take the form of the basic triad chord C.<br /><br />Play the C chord slowly.<br /><br />The first note on the A string is the C note or 1st (root).<br />The second on the D string is the E note or 3rd.<br />The third note on the G string is the G note or 5th.<br />The fourth on the B string is the C note (again!) or 1st (root again).<br />The fifth on the E string is the E note (again) or 3rd (again).<br /><br />Now, looking up, just focus on the numbers on the end of those five sentences. There is a pattern developing. Keep going, it will soon make sense.<br /><br />In a triad chord, the basic rule for a MAJOR chord is that it must have a 1, a 3, and a 5.<br /><br />1,3,5. The C chord technically only has 3 notes to complete it. There are two roots, and two thirds, 1 fifth.<br /><br />Once you know where the root fits on this basic C chord, you can then move up the neck of the guitar to create the next note, D:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ib_bt_uwMkQ/Rvvr-mVYF6I/AAAAAAAAAAM/xg45rMqnErY/s1600-h/cformcaged.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ib_bt_uwMkQ/Rvvr-mVYF6I/AAAAAAAAAAM/xg45rMqnErY/s320/cformcaged.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114941262483953570" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The last note (the second 3rd) is optional. Most simply play the 1 - 3 - 5 -1 without the third. Practice this in D and other notes up in down the scale. Pick one note at a time, and sing the number of that note for the chord (1), then the second (3), so and so forth. Once you remember the number pattern of C in the CAGED method, you will be able to add scales easily.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111550690043738757.post-20491189621910584032007-09-26T13:17:00.000-07:002007-10-12T06:47:32.709-07:00Let us get it rollingI have been playing guitar for over 10 years now. Before that, I was a band geek playing trumpet for about 10 years also. I love music, and I love the guitar.<br /><br />Currently, I am involved with my church as a sort of back up worship leader. The Larrivee D-03 with a B-Band preamp has sufficed so far. This has been my favorite acoustic guitar.<br /><br />Having recently purchased a house, I have a room that is going to be setup as my practice room. Right now my Schecter occupies it along with my most basic amp, the Marshall.<br /><br />I love the guitar, and I love discussing music. Please feel free to stop by and post any opinions and reply backs.<br /><br />Any topic that you want covered? Let me know. I'm open minded about anything. Slack tuning your thing? Teach me about it. Stuck on the capo and want to escape? I can show you how!<br /><br />This is sort of my intro entry on this blog. I hope this progresses into a site full of information and lessons garnered for the guitar player, or future guitarist.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111550690043738757.post-36919406619204025972006-11-13T07:26:00.000-08:002006-11-13T07:37:24.329-08:00IntroTired of myspace.com so I decided to get in the ballgame and start a real blog. I am married with a newborn and I enjoy music, guitars, and God.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1