There are many parts of the world that are beautiful and I have been fortunate enough to see some of them. The crisp cleanliness of Singapore, Westminster Abbey in London, the Taj Mahal in India. I have seen the Vatican with its spiritual stillness and the canals in Venice. I have seen the blueness of a glacier up close in Alaska and almost the same color blue in the waters of the Caribbean. I have been lucky, I have seen a lot. And I have written songs and taken pictures of every single one of these incredible places. But there is nothing like Arizona.
I lied in Arizona for ten years and have had the pleasure of taking all types of pictures of the great diversity of this wonderful state. From the four corners at the very upper corner of the state to sleeping in a tent overlooking Monument Valley, to the snows in the winter up in Flagstaff, I have done it all. I have enjoyed the cactus and desert flowers in Phoenix and Tucson and participated in many an Indian ritual at one of the many reservations in the state. I have climbed down the Grand Canyon (if 300 feet counts as a climb) and have sat on cliffs edges (not really but close) to take pictures of the sun set or sun rise over this vast wonder. Sometimes its vastness actually takes away from its beauty because it is so hard to take in.
But to narrow it down even further, within the stat of Arizona I enjoy Sedona. Red rock country. The most incredibly beautiful place that I have seen. Now of course this isn’t to say that nothing compares, but in terms of ease of access, natural beauty, the arts and the community there is nothing like Sedona. I have had some of my most peaceful moments in Sedona, clicking away with my camera trying to capture a beauty that I never really captured with my lens. Its souring red rock against green grass and shrubbery to the quaint artsy town that offers any kind of art imaginable, this place is an artsy fartsy fans fantasy. And that would be me.
I love trying to capture the image, and even if I don’t (which is more times than not the case) getting lost in the sights is its own therapy for me. I left those trips with a renewed sense of awe and wonder for the god-crafted beauty of the countryside. You can't ask more than that from a road trip.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
The Arts and Psychotherapy
Throughout all of time psychotherapists have been looking for an “edge” to reach people under their care. The traditional group or individual therapy sessions where the patient sits and talks based on the direction of the therapist or the freewheeling random though process of the patient did not always obtain the solution or results that were desired. This is not to say that results were not obtained, only that in some instances these results were less than desired.
Through the years there became clarity of the impact of the arts on the human psyche and as such it was explored as a possible trigger or therapy for patients who otherwise had their thoughts, emotions or problems locked deep within themselves and were either hesitant or unable to let out. A hundred years ago at least therapists began to delve into taking the linkage of the arts and implication on body, mind and spirit and applying these concepts to theories of psychoanalysis which would include the use of the arts.
Why the arts? All arts touch something deep inside the human soul and for some reason or another; touch the core of our emotions as humans. All arts have some type of impact on us, and the participation in these arts as part of defined therapy seemed to be the next step into reaching into the depths of that humanness to help comfort, resolve and redeem the soul of the person who was struggling with a particular issue or concern.
So what do we mean when we talk about the arts? Just about any “art” can be applied to psychotherapy and depending on the triggers for the person or the aliment being dealt with, different art therapies might be more appropriate than others. There are a few that are used regularly which will be discussed in greater detail later but let’s take a look at the primary ones that are accepted therapeutic assists for patients. Art therapy is the use of paints, chalk and markers for the purposes of understanding the psychology of the creative process and relating it to patient issues.
Dance therapy is used often to enhance the body and mind connection. It builds upon the belief that movement and emotions are interrelated. Drama therapy is used often for acting out and finding a safe space to express oneself. Music therapy is probably the most well know therapy and is used in a variety of psychotherapy areas. Photo Therapy is used to take a look at the world through the patient’s eyes to better understand what they look at what they see in their mind. And writing therapy is also used. Many people use writing therapy, even people not in therapy. Dairies, poems, songs and the also fall into the category of writing therapy.
All of the art therapy’s reach out to different populations of patients. The therapist’s job is to better understand what the core issues are and then introducing the patient to possible alternative therapies that might assist them in their quest to find resolution to their issues. Let’s talk about each one of these in a little more detail.
Photo Therapy is not widely discussed but it is a form of therapy that is used especially for those that do not have any verbal communication skills and/or are mentally limited. In most cases the therapy takes the patient’s own photos of people, places things and brings to bear the emotions and thoughts that are then evoked when the patient looks at these photos. What was going on? How does that make you feel? What are you remembering right now? These could be some of the questions that are asked while the patient is walking through some of the photos that the patient has taken or has brought in.
Photo therapy can be used with many people and can touch very different areas with the patient. It can be used in something as simple as diversity training to conflict management and resolution to as complicated as divorce. In using photo therapy it is hoped that the patient will gain insight, deepen their understanding of the situation, people or place and then allow them to be expressed.
Sometimes it is as simple as the emotional reaction to the photo which will help the therapist understand some of the issues that the patient has. Photo therapy is also used for the active, not patient people who just need to do some individual therapy without the need for a therapist. For those individuals it is considered fun and enjoyable. It is an oppo0rtunity to de-stress and relax and let themselves go.
Music therapy is a delightful therapy that is very popular and used by many therapists in a great variety of issues, conflicts and therapeutic situations. It is an art therapy which, like all of the others, to fully use it the therapist has to have a working knowledge of the “art” being used in the therapy. In this case the therapist needs to know music and have a musical area of expertise such as an instrument or vocals.
Music therapy is used very widely both from a therapeutic diagnosis perspective to an age, demographic perspective. It can be used for any one such those suffering from a psychiatric issue, a medical issue, stroke victims and physically challenged. It is adaptable to many types of patients. The young to the old all tend to enjoy music therapy, hence its success with pre-school all the way to patients in nursing homes.
Music therapy is primary in stress management. It is well used to try to find that musical trigger which can cause calming and peacefulness in patients that are otherwise agitated. It builds self esteem in those that are in need. This is very effective in the teen age group as it helps them build something they can be proud of. Additionally music therapy is always used in the physically challenged. The music tends to allow the patient to move as fluidly as possible while they are continuing to struggle with their physical ailments.
In art therapy the patient is encouraged to draw, paint or display their innermost thoughts through a drawing or other type of expression using paints, chalks and markers. It is a freeing experience where the patient is able to express themselves through the use of an external tool.
Many people respond to art therapy at all different ages. Children especially tent to like art therapy and when given the opportunity to just draw whatever is on their mind it can often be extremely enlightening to the therapist.
Art therapy uses the psychology of the creative process which means that creativity will eventually allow for a true expression of oneself on the paper or canvas and will get to the inner thoughts of the patient where talking was unable to reach.
Art therapy is a healing art when the patient uses it to draw not only what is in their mind but also express how they feel about it and why they feel the way they do. It allows for the beginning of discussion about what is drawn and why the patient drew it. It also allows for interpretation by both the therapist and the patient and can resolve a number of unresolved issues. Art therapy is very beneficial to the patient’s life if used properly.
Dance therapy looks to build the body/mind connection. It allows for self expression in a setting that is considered safe and non-threatening. It is considered an established understanding that for human’s movement can often be influenced by the emotions that the patient is feeling. Using that as the premise of the therapy, dance therapy tries to tie the patient’s state of emotion to the movement that the patient makes.
It is used very often with patients such as the blind or deaf in an effort to let them express themselves in way s that they are unable. It is also used with patients with Parkinson’s to help them try to control and use their bodies throughout their tremors. Dance therapy is effective as will with patients with PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). It allows the patient to dance out the impact of what they are either feeling or experiencing with the trauma in their life.
Drama and Writing therapies also use the particular art form to assist the patient in the expression of themselves either b y acting out how they felt about certain events or issues that they are experiencing.
All of the therapy’s that use the arts as their core tap into the inner person and the art that tends to trigger a response which will allow the therapist to see and understand and then help the patient to resolve to a better and more fulfilling life.
Through the years there became clarity of the impact of the arts on the human psyche and as such it was explored as a possible trigger or therapy for patients who otherwise had their thoughts, emotions or problems locked deep within themselves and were either hesitant or unable to let out. A hundred years ago at least therapists began to delve into taking the linkage of the arts and implication on body, mind and spirit and applying these concepts to theories of psychoanalysis which would include the use of the arts.
Why the arts? All arts touch something deep inside the human soul and for some reason or another; touch the core of our emotions as humans. All arts have some type of impact on us, and the participation in these arts as part of defined therapy seemed to be the next step into reaching into the depths of that humanness to help comfort, resolve and redeem the soul of the person who was struggling with a particular issue or concern.
So what do we mean when we talk about the arts? Just about any “art” can be applied to psychotherapy and depending on the triggers for the person or the aliment being dealt with, different art therapies might be more appropriate than others. There are a few that are used regularly which will be discussed in greater detail later but let’s take a look at the primary ones that are accepted therapeutic assists for patients. Art therapy is the use of paints, chalk and markers for the purposes of understanding the psychology of the creative process and relating it to patient issues.
Dance therapy is used often to enhance the body and mind connection. It builds upon the belief that movement and emotions are interrelated. Drama therapy is used often for acting out and finding a safe space to express oneself. Music therapy is probably the most well know therapy and is used in a variety of psychotherapy areas. Photo Therapy is used to take a look at the world through the patient’s eyes to better understand what they look at what they see in their mind. And writing therapy is also used. Many people use writing therapy, even people not in therapy. Dairies, poems, songs and the also fall into the category of writing therapy.
All of the art therapy’s reach out to different populations of patients. The therapist’s job is to better understand what the core issues are and then introducing the patient to possible alternative therapies that might assist them in their quest to find resolution to their issues. Let’s talk about each one of these in a little more detail.
Photo Therapy is not widely discussed but it is a form of therapy that is used especially for those that do not have any verbal communication skills and/or are mentally limited. In most cases the therapy takes the patient’s own photos of people, places things and brings to bear the emotions and thoughts that are then evoked when the patient looks at these photos. What was going on? How does that make you feel? What are you remembering right now? These could be some of the questions that are asked while the patient is walking through some of the photos that the patient has taken or has brought in.
Photo therapy can be used with many people and can touch very different areas with the patient. It can be used in something as simple as diversity training to conflict management and resolution to as complicated as divorce. In using photo therapy it is hoped that the patient will gain insight, deepen their understanding of the situation, people or place and then allow them to be expressed.
Sometimes it is as simple as the emotional reaction to the photo which will help the therapist understand some of the issues that the patient has. Photo therapy is also used for the active, not patient people who just need to do some individual therapy without the need for a therapist. For those individuals it is considered fun and enjoyable. It is an oppo0rtunity to de-stress and relax and let themselves go.
Music therapy is a delightful therapy that is very popular and used by many therapists in a great variety of issues, conflicts and therapeutic situations. It is an art therapy which, like all of the others, to fully use it the therapist has to have a working knowledge of the “art” being used in the therapy. In this case the therapist needs to know music and have a musical area of expertise such as an instrument or vocals.
Music therapy is used very widely both from a therapeutic diagnosis perspective to an age, demographic perspective. It can be used for any one such those suffering from a psychiatric issue, a medical issue, stroke victims and physically challenged. It is adaptable to many types of patients. The young to the old all tend to enjoy music therapy, hence its success with pre-school all the way to patients in nursing homes.
Music therapy is primary in stress management. It is well used to try to find that musical trigger which can cause calming and peacefulness in patients that are otherwise agitated. It builds self esteem in those that are in need. This is very effective in the teen age group as it helps them build something they can be proud of. Additionally music therapy is always used in the physically challenged. The music tends to allow the patient to move as fluidly as possible while they are continuing to struggle with their physical ailments.
In art therapy the patient is encouraged to draw, paint or display their innermost thoughts through a drawing or other type of expression using paints, chalks and markers. It is a freeing experience where the patient is able to express themselves through the use of an external tool.
Many people respond to art therapy at all different ages. Children especially tent to like art therapy and when given the opportunity to just draw whatever is on their mind it can often be extremely enlightening to the therapist.
Art therapy uses the psychology of the creative process which means that creativity will eventually allow for a true expression of oneself on the paper or canvas and will get to the inner thoughts of the patient where talking was unable to reach.
Art therapy is a healing art when the patient uses it to draw not only what is in their mind but also express how they feel about it and why they feel the way they do. It allows for the beginning of discussion about what is drawn and why the patient drew it. It also allows for interpretation by both the therapist and the patient and can resolve a number of unresolved issues. Art therapy is very beneficial to the patient’s life if used properly.
Dance therapy looks to build the body/mind connection. It allows for self expression in a setting that is considered safe and non-threatening. It is considered an established understanding that for human’s movement can often be influenced by the emotions that the patient is feeling. Using that as the premise of the therapy, dance therapy tries to tie the patient’s state of emotion to the movement that the patient makes.
It is used very often with patients such as the blind or deaf in an effort to let them express themselves in way s that they are unable. It is also used with patients with Parkinson’s to help them try to control and use their bodies throughout their tremors. Dance therapy is effective as will with patients with PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). It allows the patient to dance out the impact of what they are either feeling or experiencing with the trauma in their life.
Drama and Writing therapies also use the particular art form to assist the patient in the expression of themselves either b y acting out how they felt about certain events or issues that they are experiencing.
All of the therapy’s that use the arts as their core tap into the inner person and the art that tends to trigger a response which will allow the therapist to see and understand and then help the patient to resolve to a better and more fulfilling life.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
What Accessories Do you Need With Your Guitar
Many times when a new guitarist is at the store they get so overwhelmed that they don't remember some of the accessories which are going to make their learning experience just a bit easier. Having the right guitar is only the first step for the guitarist.
Most importantly make sure you take care of your guitar first. Get a hard guitar case. Protect your investment with a case that can take a hit. Spend a bit more money on it and it will pay back dividends in the long run. A hard case can be kicked, thrown and tossed in the back of the car and survive. Of course, you really don't want to treat your guitar that way but if you have a particularly difficult lesson...you never can tell.
You'll need a capo. A good capo. (allows you to transpose the key of the song while leaving the chords the same by starting the song off in a higher key up on the neck of the guitar). Get a metal or hard plastic capo, don't waste your money on a elastic capo, they do not press the strings down hard enough and often will make the strings sound fuzzy and THAT might make you want to throw your guitar.
Everyone needs a spare set of strings, preferably a set that includes 2 first and second strings since you will break these two more than any other strings. New guitarist tend to break strings more than experienced players. They tend to strum too hard or they are so new to tuning strings that they break them while tuning.
Get lots of picks and a pick holder since they tend to disappear if they are loose. Medium picks tend to work the best for beginners but which ever weight you like, get at least five of them, ten if you choose thin weight, they break very easily.
Everyone needs a music stand and hardly anyone will buy one. So then you spend the day messing with your music, trying to find a place to put it and getting frustrated with not being able to see it well enough. Get a music stand, and not a flimsy one, one that wil stand up if you put a big guitar song book on it that weighs a pound. You will appreciate it if you plan on using books a lot.
This might sound funny but make sure you have a stool if you don't have an armless chair to sit on at home. You are going to want a seat that positions you correctly and stools work really well. Not a bar stool, which is too high, a low stool so your feet will be on the ground.
These items should set you up right when you buy your guitar.
Most importantly make sure you take care of your guitar first. Get a hard guitar case. Protect your investment with a case that can take a hit. Spend a bit more money on it and it will pay back dividends in the long run. A hard case can be kicked, thrown and tossed in the back of the car and survive. Of course, you really don't want to treat your guitar that way but if you have a particularly difficult lesson...you never can tell.
You'll need a capo. A good capo. (allows you to transpose the key of the song while leaving the chords the same by starting the song off in a higher key up on the neck of the guitar). Get a metal or hard plastic capo, don't waste your money on a elastic capo, they do not press the strings down hard enough and often will make the strings sound fuzzy and THAT might make you want to throw your guitar.
Everyone needs a spare set of strings, preferably a set that includes 2 first and second strings since you will break these two more than any other strings. New guitarist tend to break strings more than experienced players. They tend to strum too hard or they are so new to tuning strings that they break them while tuning.
Get lots of picks and a pick holder since they tend to disappear if they are loose. Medium picks tend to work the best for beginners but which ever weight you like, get at least five of them, ten if you choose thin weight, they break very easily.
Everyone needs a music stand and hardly anyone will buy one. So then you spend the day messing with your music, trying to find a place to put it and getting frustrated with not being able to see it well enough. Get a music stand, and not a flimsy one, one that wil stand up if you put a big guitar song book on it that weighs a pound. You will appreciate it if you plan on using books a lot.
This might sound funny but make sure you have a stool if you don't have an armless chair to sit on at home. You are going to want a seat that positions you correctly and stools work really well. Not a bar stool, which is too high, a low stool so your feet will be on the ground.
These items should set you up right when you buy your guitar.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Music Makes the Moment
It begins with the desire for the ambiance you want to create. A clear vision of what you want and what end result is required. Then you build the environment, you play all theexternal factors which will make the event successful down to the tee, this includes the music. In a lot of cases, it is mostly about the music. Why? Because music can make the moment.
Take a sporting event. You have the two teams, the arena, the crowd and the food (and the beer), but when does the crowd start to build in excitement? When does the freenzy start? It starts when the organist plays some of the "charge" music, or it starts when they pipe in the loud aggressive music that gets them up, on their feet, shouting, dancing and pumping their fists to the music they are hearing. The music made the moment and will continue to as the match/game continues.
Or that romantic dinner with the one you love and are trying to win over. You get the food, the flowers and the candles but how do you put the final touch on? You struggle and plan and strive for the perfect dinner music. Maybe something you can dance to? Maye something that will support soft talking and loving moments but it is again a moment making decision and important enough that you think long and hard about it.
Music in and of itself perhaps can't make the total ambiance for an occasion but it is a "completer", it is the final touches on a perfect day or moment, it is the companion to other things (taste, smell, seeing) or the other senses, which when managed together create the perfect ambiance for the occasion.
One of the many influences into creating a god ambiance, music can directly impact emotion in a waythat perhaps some of the other senses can't (at least not as vividly). So it is used to be the emotional accelerant. For the sports crowd it was used to acceerate the emotion of excitment and anticipation, for the romantic dinner it was used to accelerate the emotion of love and longing. Music can put the exclamation point on the moment.
Take a sporting event. You have the two teams, the arena, the crowd and the food (and the beer), but when does the crowd start to build in excitement? When does the freenzy start? It starts when the organist plays some of the "charge" music, or it starts when they pipe in the loud aggressive music that gets them up, on their feet, shouting, dancing and pumping their fists to the music they are hearing. The music made the moment and will continue to as the match/game continues.
Or that romantic dinner with the one you love and are trying to win over. You get the food, the flowers and the candles but how do you put the final touch on? You struggle and plan and strive for the perfect dinner music. Maybe something you can dance to? Maye something that will support soft talking and loving moments but it is again a moment making decision and important enough that you think long and hard about it.
Music in and of itself perhaps can't make the total ambiance for an occasion but it is a "completer", it is the final touches on a perfect day or moment, it is the companion to other things (taste, smell, seeing) or the other senses, which when managed together create the perfect ambiance for the occasion.
One of the many influences into creating a god ambiance, music can directly impact emotion in a waythat perhaps some of the other senses can't (at least not as vividly). So it is used to be the emotional accelerant. For the sports crowd it was used to acceerate the emotion of excitment and anticipation, for the romantic dinner it was used to accelerate the emotion of love and longing. Music can put the exclamation point on the moment.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Should You Force Your Child to Play an Instrument?
It's a battle at times. You want your child to play an instrument, you think it will be good for them, you want them to experience it, you think it is a good idea. Problem is, Little Johnny or Jane do not think it is such a hot idea. They would rather be outside playing, gaming, sleeping, anything but practicing that instrument. So what do you do?
There are many schools of thought on this so I can only give you the thoughts of a retired guitar teacher who have taught them both, the kids that want to learn and the kids that have no desire to learn but are being made to sit there and try. It's an interesting dilemna.
There are children that with a little encouragement will get over their reluctance to learn and do half way decent. Perhaps it is the interaction with the teacher, the knowledge that the instrument is actually fun or they just give up the fight and play to satisfy mom and dad. I have found that these kids tend to do okay but never really excel.
There are kids who go down screaming and yelling. I have spent full lessons watching the child and their mom (usually) fight about why I was there in the first place. Not a vey comfortable position and in one instance I left them their fighting.
There is a love, a desire to learn that is very important for the child to have in order to be successful. So perhaps the trick or the starting point is to help your child fall in love with music. This would include an early introduction to music and instruments, access to music and instruments at a young age is very helpful.
I never once doubted that I would play an instrument. I was introduced to piano at a very young age by a mother who was an accomplished pianist. I learned to love the music by sitting next to hr as she played. And when we both discovered that I had no apptitude at all for piano she did a very smart thing. She let me quit and asked me what other instrument I would like to try.
And at nine years of age I was allowed to choose for myself what instrument I was going to learn. I picked guitar. The key word is "I".
I have never taught a child successfully that was forced to play. I do not believe it is productive or beneficial. I do think early exposure will allow the child to want to play or sing. I think that love of music will allow you and your child to decide what they might be interested in learning. And if they are interested in learning they have a heck of a better shot at being successful than being forced to look at the keys on a piano for an hour hating every minute of it.
There are many schools of thought on this so I can only give you the thoughts of a retired guitar teacher who have taught them both, the kids that want to learn and the kids that have no desire to learn but are being made to sit there and try. It's an interesting dilemna.
There are children that with a little encouragement will get over their reluctance to learn and do half way decent. Perhaps it is the interaction with the teacher, the knowledge that the instrument is actually fun or they just give up the fight and play to satisfy mom and dad. I have found that these kids tend to do okay but never really excel.
There are kids who go down screaming and yelling. I have spent full lessons watching the child and their mom (usually) fight about why I was there in the first place. Not a vey comfortable position and in one instance I left them their fighting.
There is a love, a desire to learn that is very important for the child to have in order to be successful. So perhaps the trick or the starting point is to help your child fall in love with music. This would include an early introduction to music and instruments, access to music and instruments at a young age is very helpful.
I never once doubted that I would play an instrument. I was introduced to piano at a very young age by a mother who was an accomplished pianist. I learned to love the music by sitting next to hr as she played. And when we both discovered that I had no apptitude at all for piano she did a very smart thing. She let me quit and asked me what other instrument I would like to try.
And at nine years of age I was allowed to choose for myself what instrument I was going to learn. I picked guitar. The key word is "I".
I have never taught a child successfully that was forced to play. I do not believe it is productive or beneficial. I do think early exposure will allow the child to want to play or sing. I think that love of music will allow you and your child to decide what they might be interested in learning. And if they are interested in learning they have a heck of a better shot at being successful than being forced to look at the keys on a piano for an hour hating every minute of it.
Ringtones are More Than A Silly Passtime
Ever call someone and hear the music they play for you while you are waiting for them to answere? There is probably a lot more to the ringtone than you realize. Have you ever thought about what the music says about the person who put it there?
I love listening to ring tones of my friends. They tend to be a perfect indicator of the personality of the person I am calling, but sometimes they really surprise me. For instance I have a friend who is meek and mild and her ring tone is anything but (sorry can't put in print!!) So I asked her about it and what she told me was very indicative of music in general.
She told me that music gives her the chance to escape to the places where she wants to be and live out her dreams through what she listens to and plays. It is her escape into different worlds and be who she wants through what she listens to and what it does for her.
This is not so strange. When I play my guitar and close my eyes it takes me away to whatever place I want to be. Sometimes I'm singing in front of a group of friends, sometimes I am at a beach other times I find my Mom there who is long deceased but music was and always will be our connection. But I digress, wht about those ringtones?
I'm a ringtone junkie, I have seperate ringtones for seperate people. There is a musical message that I want people to hear when they call me. It is my way of musicially connecting with them. So for the love of my life I have a love song, which I change regularily. For my familiy I have a song that my Mom use to play for us on piano playing for them as a sweet reminder of the mother we all loved, for unknown people I have some upbeat happy Abba music and then some of my closer friends have their own tunes as well.
So what does this say about me? Well, I deal with all my relationships indiviudally, I have an eclectic taste in music, I owe the phone company a lot of money for all the tones I buy and I probably spend too much time thinking about this to begin with.
I love listening to ring tones of my friends. They tend to be a perfect indicator of the personality of the person I am calling, but sometimes they really surprise me. For instance I have a friend who is meek and mild and her ring tone is anything but (sorry can't put in print!!) So I asked her about it and what she told me was very indicative of music in general.
She told me that music gives her the chance to escape to the places where she wants to be and live out her dreams through what she listens to and plays. It is her escape into different worlds and be who she wants through what she listens to and what it does for her.
This is not so strange. When I play my guitar and close my eyes it takes me away to whatever place I want to be. Sometimes I'm singing in front of a group of friends, sometimes I am at a beach other times I find my Mom there who is long deceased but music was and always will be our connection. But I digress, wht about those ringtones?
I'm a ringtone junkie, I have seperate ringtones for seperate people. There is a musical message that I want people to hear when they call me. It is my way of musicially connecting with them. So for the love of my life I have a love song, which I change regularily. For my familiy I have a song that my Mom use to play for us on piano playing for them as a sweet reminder of the mother we all loved, for unknown people I have some upbeat happy Abba music and then some of my closer friends have their own tunes as well.
So what does this say about me? Well, I deal with all my relationships indiviudally, I have an eclectic taste in music, I owe the phone company a lot of money for all the tones I buy and I probably spend too much time thinking about this to begin with.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Simplifying Guitar Scales for Beginners
Learning scales on the guitar is a very important process. To truly become a seasoned player you really do need to get a handle on knowing the notes on the fret board and how to play the scale for each one.
Each scale starts with the root note (or the scale name like "C" scale). Each scale follows the same pattern W-W-H-W-W-W-H This means that the next note is either a whole step or a half step from the previous note. A whole step on guitar is two frets always, a half step on guitar is always one fret.
Keep in mind that a chromatic scale for any instrument is below:
C-C#/Db-D-D#/Eb-E-F-F#/Gb-G-G#/Ab-A-A#/Bb-B-C
And the difference between each of these is a half step so for scale in C
C (one whole step would be two frets or D)
D (one whole sterp would be two frets or E)
E (one half step wold be one fret or F)
F (one whole step would be two frets or G)
G (one whole step would be two frets or A)
A (one whole step would be two frets or B)
B (one half step would be one fret or C)
C
Try another scale, how about a G scale
G (one whole step /two frets or A)
A (one whole step/two frets or B)
B (one half step/on fret or C)
C (one whole step /two frets or D)
D (one whole step/two frets or E)
E (one whole step /two frets or F#)
F# (one half step /one fret or G)
G
If you follow this simple pattern for major scales you will be able to find all the scales you need to play on the guitar.
Each scale starts with the root note (or the scale name like "C" scale). Each scale follows the same pattern W-W-H-W-W-W-H This means that the next note is either a whole step or a half step from the previous note. A whole step on guitar is two frets always, a half step on guitar is always one fret.
Keep in mind that a chromatic scale for any instrument is below:
C-C#/Db-D-D#/Eb-E-F-F#/Gb-G-G#/Ab-A-A#/Bb-B-C
And the difference between each of these is a half step so for scale in C
C (one whole step would be two frets or D)
D (one whole sterp would be two frets or E)
E (one half step wold be one fret or F)
F (one whole step would be two frets or G)
G (one whole step would be two frets or A)
A (one whole step would be two frets or B)
B (one half step would be one fret or C)
C
Try another scale, how about a G scale
G (one whole step /two frets or A)
A (one whole step/two frets or B)
B (one half step/on fret or C)
C (one whole step /two frets or D)
D (one whole step/two frets or E)
E (one whole step /two frets or F#)
F# (one half step /one fret or G)
G
If you follow this simple pattern for major scales you will be able to find all the scales you need to play on the guitar.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
What Strings Do I Use?
For the acoustic guitar most guitar players have a choice of light, medium or heavy strings. These are the choices in its simplist form. Take note however that you can actually buy strings by net weight in single string format. However for the majoity of recreational players, light, medium and heavy are the choices.
So how do you know which ones to string your guitar with? The obvious answer is you try all three and pick the ones you like the best for your style of play, but in order to get started here are some quick rules or thoughts about the pros and cons of each.
Light gauge strings can be manipulated very easily. They take slightly less pressure to press down to make chords. However, because they move so much sometimes they will actually move too much and slide up or down a bit more than you want which will distort the sound a bit. They also can cut your fingers a bit, especially the 1st and 2nd string. They tend to break easier if you strum too hard.
Medium strings are what I normally recommend when I am asked for advice. They tend to be very hardy with strong strumming, they usually do not twist or move when you don't want them to and they have a more robust sound to them. They are good for fingerpicking but they are just a bit tougher to play your chords on for a beginner.
Heavy strings hurt. They hurt the sound and they hurt your left hand. The strings are thicker causing more of a callous and so tend to be tough on the fingers. They very rarely break and can be used just fine for fingerpicking although they might take a bit more effort to move.
So how do you know which ones to string your guitar with? The obvious answer is you try all three and pick the ones you like the best for your style of play, but in order to get started here are some quick rules or thoughts about the pros and cons of each.
Light gauge strings can be manipulated very easily. They take slightly less pressure to press down to make chords. However, because they move so much sometimes they will actually move too much and slide up or down a bit more than you want which will distort the sound a bit. They also can cut your fingers a bit, especially the 1st and 2nd string. They tend to break easier if you strum too hard.
Medium strings are what I normally recommend when I am asked for advice. They tend to be very hardy with strong strumming, they usually do not twist or move when you don't want them to and they have a more robust sound to them. They are good for fingerpicking but they are just a bit tougher to play your chords on for a beginner.
Heavy strings hurt. They hurt the sound and they hurt your left hand. The strings are thicker causing more of a callous and so tend to be tough on the fingers. They very rarely break and can be used just fine for fingerpicking although they might take a bit more effort to move.
Can I Learn Piano on An Electric Keyboard
There are tons of affordable keyboards out there that are almost full sized pianos in terms of number of keys. They are portable, light, easy to cart around and quick to set up. The convienence of the portable electronic keyboard is one of many reasons bands like to have them instead of pianos in their instrumental section.
If you are a beginner and you are interested in learning piano you can use a portable keyboard as your instrument to practice on. There are keyboards, a little bit pricer, that have piano as one of their settings. These piano settings sound as close to a real piano as you can get with the exception of not having the pedals to sustain notes (which can be added on later but for a beginner you don't need to worry too much about sustain pedals).
The basic piano lessons for beginniers are all about locating notes, understand hand positioning and reading bass and treble clefs. Then of course the main part of beginning piano is getting both hands working together. You can do this all on an electric keyboard.
Some of the better electric keyboards have more than 70 notes which is close enough to a full sized piano that they are more than sufficient. Couple that with the fact that most beginner music pieces are usually right in the neighborhood of middle "C" on the keyboard that even a keyboard with 60 notes would do just fine.
If you want to see if piano is for you and don't want to spend thousands on buying one, try it out first on an electric piano and then go from there. You are sure to get enough of a feel for the piano throgh the keyboard that you will know if you want to move up to a piano or not.
If you are a beginner and you are interested in learning piano you can use a portable keyboard as your instrument to practice on. There are keyboards, a little bit pricer, that have piano as one of their settings. These piano settings sound as close to a real piano as you can get with the exception of not having the pedals to sustain notes (which can be added on later but for a beginner you don't need to worry too much about sustain pedals).
The basic piano lessons for beginniers are all about locating notes, understand hand positioning and reading bass and treble clefs. Then of course the main part of beginning piano is getting both hands working together. You can do this all on an electric keyboard.
Some of the better electric keyboards have more than 70 notes which is close enough to a full sized piano that they are more than sufficient. Couple that with the fact that most beginner music pieces are usually right in the neighborhood of middle "C" on the keyboard that even a keyboard with 60 notes would do just fine.
If you want to see if piano is for you and don't want to spend thousands on buying one, try it out first on an electric piano and then go from there. You are sure to get enough of a feel for the piano throgh the keyboard that you will know if you want to move up to a piano or not.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Who Needs a Therapist When You Have a Guitar?
I don't need a therapist, I have a guitar. My guitar is a better therapist for me than any counselor could ever be. It doesn't offer me any advice, it doesn't judge me or tell me to drop my friend because she is not treating me right, it just sits there, patiently in my lap waiting for me to get whatever it is out of my system.
When I have had a particularly good day I will take out my favorite acoustic guitar, a Yamaha, and go to town on it. Playing riff after riff, strumming my heart out, sometimes singing, sometimes not but playing the fast, upbeat music that I love to play so much. Bar chord after bar chord, up and down the neck of the guitar, I play until I am too tired to play anymore. Celebrating the good day that I had with my best friend, my guitar.
When I am sad and shaky I pull out my guitar and put the pick away. I take off my glasses, close my eyes and rest my head on the body. I slowly start to finger pick my way through a series of minor chords and classical riffs that I love and sometimes, if it has been a really tough day I will feel myself cry. But I don't worry about it, because its just me and my guitar and my guitar doesn't judge me, it just plays what I ask it to, no more no less. I do make sure to wipe the tears when I am done, salt and wood-not a good combination.
Who needs a therapist when you have a guitar? Not I. All I need is my six string, my fingers and a chair with no arms to sit on, I can take care of the rest.
When I have had a particularly good day I will take out my favorite acoustic guitar, a Yamaha, and go to town on it. Playing riff after riff, strumming my heart out, sometimes singing, sometimes not but playing the fast, upbeat music that I love to play so much. Bar chord after bar chord, up and down the neck of the guitar, I play until I am too tired to play anymore. Celebrating the good day that I had with my best friend, my guitar.
When I am sad and shaky I pull out my guitar and put the pick away. I take off my glasses, close my eyes and rest my head on the body. I slowly start to finger pick my way through a series of minor chords and classical riffs that I love and sometimes, if it has been a really tough day I will feel myself cry. But I don't worry about it, because its just me and my guitar and my guitar doesn't judge me, it just plays what I ask it to, no more no less. I do make sure to wipe the tears when I am done, salt and wood-not a good combination.
Who needs a therapist when you have a guitar? Not I. All I need is my six string, my fingers and a chair with no arms to sit on, I can take care of the rest.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Guitar as Accompaniment
Acoustic guitar is known best as the type of guitar that supports singers as they perform on stage. the ease of playing the basic chords of an acoustic guitar (or any guitar for that matter), makes it perfect for a self-accompaniment.
When you learn acoustic guitar well you will find that eventually the chords become natural, the steps become expected and the flow of the song is one that the fingers on chord placement become mindless.
It is this mindless ability to play that makes it such a good accompaniment. Not having to think too much about what you are doing or how to do it makes it that much easier for you to play the guitar and really concentrate on the song that is being sung. It is too difficult to perform two instruments at once well, so having one down to a science makes the voice (another instrument) so much easier to put your time into.
Acoustic guitar is wonderful to add color to the piece being played. It also gives a new singer a bit of support, having something to hold on to and keep your attention could only be a good thing for a new singer.
Eventually your chord maturity will get to the point where you can also add some riffs, bass lines and bar chords to the complexity of the songs that you play. Adding these elemnts to accompany your song will give the song even more body and will allow for the song to sound even more complete.
When you learn acoustic guitar well you will find that eventually the chords become natural, the steps become expected and the flow of the song is one that the fingers on chord placement become mindless.
It is this mindless ability to play that makes it such a good accompaniment. Not having to think too much about what you are doing or how to do it makes it that much easier for you to play the guitar and really concentrate on the song that is being sung. It is too difficult to perform two instruments at once well, so having one down to a science makes the voice (another instrument) so much easier to put your time into.
Acoustic guitar is wonderful to add color to the piece being played. It also gives a new singer a bit of support, having something to hold on to and keep your attention could only be a good thing for a new singer.
Eventually your chord maturity will get to the point where you can also add some riffs, bass lines and bar chords to the complexity of the songs that you play. Adding these elemnts to accompany your song will give the song even more body and will allow for the song to sound even more complete.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Guitar Exercise to Strengthen your Fingers
There are many exercises that you can do to strength your finger tips and develop solid calluses on your tips. The quicker you develop calluses the easier it is for you to play. The easier it is for you to play the long your practice (since it won’t hurt nearly as much). The longer you practice the better you will get at playing. It’s a great circle and it works really well but you need to work on part one very diligently.
Calluses on your left hand will develop to the point that your tips are hard and it even when you play for long periods of time you will have the protection of the tougher skin. So let’s work on those fingers for a bit.
The exercise is called the hammer and pull. Take index finger and place it on any fret on the 1st string (the thinnest), pluck just that string. While the string is vibrating take you middle finger and “hammer” it down on the next fret up on the same string. The string will change notes up one half step. Then while the string is still vibrating, “pull” the middle finger back off by pulling your finger down and off the string.
You will hear the string go back down to its original note and because you have “pulled” the string you are ready to do the same thing again since the string is still vibrating. Continue to hammer and pull until the vibrations gets to the point where the string is no longer active.
Do the same thing with the middle finger with the ring finger doing the hammering and pulling. Continue with the ring finger and the pinky. You can also do this exercise with the index finger to an open E string where you would hammer and pull between the open string and the 1st fret of the E string.
Calluses on your left hand will develop to the point that your tips are hard and it even when you play for long periods of time you will have the protection of the tougher skin. So let’s work on those fingers for a bit.
The exercise is called the hammer and pull. Take index finger and place it on any fret on the 1st string (the thinnest), pluck just that string. While the string is vibrating take you middle finger and “hammer” it down on the next fret up on the same string. The string will change notes up one half step. Then while the string is still vibrating, “pull” the middle finger back off by pulling your finger down and off the string.
You will hear the string go back down to its original note and because you have “pulled” the string you are ready to do the same thing again since the string is still vibrating. Continue to hammer and pull until the vibrations gets to the point where the string is no longer active.
Do the same thing with the middle finger with the ring finger doing the hammering and pulling. Continue with the ring finger and the pinky. You can also do this exercise with the index finger to an open E string where you would hammer and pull between the open string and the 1st fret of the E string.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Tuning Your Guitar
So you have a guitar, that’s awesome. Now you have to tune it. Tuning the guitar is by far one of the most frustrating things that new students complain to me about all the time. There’s really no way to learn this other than doing it over and over again.
In my lessons with students I have spend full lessons untuning their guitar, handing it back to them and having them tune it again, and again and again. On occasion I thought the instrument might be thrown back at me, but I can safely say that most of my students got it after a while.
Although you can “self-tune”-which is the process of tuning your guitar to the E string no matter if it is right or not, is okay, you really should put some effort into getting the E string right. I recommend a guitar pitch pipe but if you have a piano that would work also.
The 6th string (the one closest to you/the heavest or lowest sounding string) is always your starting point. Using the pitch pipe or the E note below middle C on the piano, tune your guitar up or down so your E string sounds like that note. Humming the two sometimes help you get your bearings and eventually you will find it.
Next, put your finger on the 5th fret of the 6th string and pluck it, then pluck the open 5th string (open means no fingers) tune the 5th string to sound like the 6th string with a covered 5th fret. After you get that move your finger down to the 5th string covered 5th fret and do the same for the 4th string tuning it to meet the 5th strings sound.
Continue on the 4th string, again 4th string covered 5th fret will equal the open 3rd string. On the 3rd string you cover the 4th fret; it is the only string when you are not on the 5th fret. The 3rd string covered 4th fret equals the open 2nd string. The 2nd string covered 5th fret equals the open 1st string and you are done.
The trick to tuning the guitar is to then play a chord and identify the string that sounds off to tweak it. There will always be a string off; it’s just the nature of the sliding the strings do when they stretch and so forth. The real success in tuning is this step. And unfortunately, the only way to get go at this step is to do it over and over again until you know the sound well enough that you can find it and fix it.
In my lessons with students I have spend full lessons untuning their guitar, handing it back to them and having them tune it again, and again and again. On occasion I thought the instrument might be thrown back at me, but I can safely say that most of my students got it after a while.
Although you can “self-tune”-which is the process of tuning your guitar to the E string no matter if it is right or not, is okay, you really should put some effort into getting the E string right. I recommend a guitar pitch pipe but if you have a piano that would work also.
The 6th string (the one closest to you/the heavest or lowest sounding string) is always your starting point. Using the pitch pipe or the E note below middle C on the piano, tune your guitar up or down so your E string sounds like that note. Humming the two sometimes help you get your bearings and eventually you will find it.
Next, put your finger on the 5th fret of the 6th string and pluck it, then pluck the open 5th string (open means no fingers) tune the 5th string to sound like the 6th string with a covered 5th fret. After you get that move your finger down to the 5th string covered 5th fret and do the same for the 4th string tuning it to meet the 5th strings sound.
Continue on the 4th string, again 4th string covered 5th fret will equal the open 3rd string. On the 3rd string you cover the 4th fret; it is the only string when you are not on the 5th fret. The 3rd string covered 4th fret equals the open 2nd string. The 2nd string covered 5th fret equals the open 1st string and you are done.
The trick to tuning the guitar is to then play a chord and identify the string that sounds off to tweak it. There will always be a string off; it’s just the nature of the sliding the strings do when they stretch and so forth. The real success in tuning is this step. And unfortunately, the only way to get go at this step is to do it over and over again until you know the sound well enough that you can find it and fix it.
TheParts of the Guitar
Most guitars have a lot of parts in common and although the guitar itself might be different (number of strings, electric or acoustic) the basic parts of the guitar stay relatively the same. So let's start at the thin part of the guitar. Let’s see what we have.
The very head of the guitar is called the “Headstock”. Its primary purpose is to be the end of the guitar as well as the piece that has the tuners screwed onto.
The “Tuners” are the screw like mechanisms which have the strings wound around them and are used to tune the guitar. (Note: the proper stringing of the guitar is for the string to be wound on top of the tuner. So for a string that the tuner is on the left hand side you would come up the guitar, find the tuner, and wind the string counter clockwise to back it tighter, for strings on the right hand side you tune the strings clockwise to make the string tighter).
Connecting the headstock to the neck is the “nut”. This is a piece of plastic or wood that has grooves in it for the placement of the strings on the way up to the tuners.
Next is the “neck” the neck is the thin part of the guitar where all the action happens. It is where you do all your work. Depending on where you put your fingers on the neck you will make different sounds.
Next the neck overlaps the body. The body for acoustic and classical guitars is hollow with a sound hole right in the middle which helps resonate the sound. Electric guitar are solid, no sound hole with pickups in the middle where the hole would be to generate the electric sound when attached to an amp/speaker.
The strings are the primary part of the guitar which runs up and down the neck of the guitar. They are different lengths and thickness depending on the string name.
The bridge is the piece of plastic or wood about 3 or 4 inches from the sound hole. The bridge has holes for the strings to be anchored. Most strings have balls of steel at the end which when threaded through or into the bridge will be the starting point for the stringing process of the guitar.
The very head of the guitar is called the “Headstock”. Its primary purpose is to be the end of the guitar as well as the piece that has the tuners screwed onto.
The “Tuners” are the screw like mechanisms which have the strings wound around them and are used to tune the guitar. (Note: the proper stringing of the guitar is for the string to be wound on top of the tuner. So for a string that the tuner is on the left hand side you would come up the guitar, find the tuner, and wind the string counter clockwise to back it tighter, for strings on the right hand side you tune the strings clockwise to make the string tighter).
Connecting the headstock to the neck is the “nut”. This is a piece of plastic or wood that has grooves in it for the placement of the strings on the way up to the tuners.
Next is the “neck” the neck is the thin part of the guitar where all the action happens. It is where you do all your work. Depending on where you put your fingers on the neck you will make different sounds.
Next the neck overlaps the body. The body for acoustic and classical guitars is hollow with a sound hole right in the middle which helps resonate the sound. Electric guitar are solid, no sound hole with pickups in the middle where the hole would be to generate the electric sound when attached to an amp/speaker.
The strings are the primary part of the guitar which runs up and down the neck of the guitar. They are different lengths and thickness depending on the string name.
The bridge is the piece of plastic or wood about 3 or 4 inches from the sound hole. The bridge has holes for the strings to be anchored. Most strings have balls of steel at the end which when threaded through or into the bridge will be the starting point for the stringing process of the guitar.
Music and Sports
Have you ever noticed that every athlete you look at during practice has on the infamous ear buds and are apparently listening to their favorite music? Or when you walk into an arena and the crowd is getting seriously pumped up it’s because they are listening to some kind of music being pumped into the arena?
Music and sports have been joined at the hip for hundreds, thousands of years. In ancient times when the gladiators were about to come into the arena, what pumped up the crowd? It was the band of trumpeters next to the king playing the music of the time which foretold that the match was about to begin.
Music can be an adrenaline drip to an athlete. The athlete understands what music gets their heart racing a bit or their feet moving and picks the songs to play when they are looking for an extra edge when practicing, working out or preparing for their next match.
Just watch a basketball shoot around or football players in the weight room. And what about those introductions? Getting ready for a game, when being introduced to the crowd often times the athlete is allowed to pick the song they want played. You ever notice how pumped they get? Jumping, high fiving and flexing their muscles.
Music, athletics and adrenaline can be used very affectively to influence the performance of the individual athlete. The connection between the two will be on going as long as it continues to give an athlete any kind of edge.
Music and sports have been joined at the hip for hundreds, thousands of years. In ancient times when the gladiators were about to come into the arena, what pumped up the crowd? It was the band of trumpeters next to the king playing the music of the time which foretold that the match was about to begin.
Music can be an adrenaline drip to an athlete. The athlete understands what music gets their heart racing a bit or their feet moving and picks the songs to play when they are looking for an extra edge when practicing, working out or preparing for their next match.
Just watch a basketball shoot around or football players in the weight room. And what about those introductions? Getting ready for a game, when being introduced to the crowd often times the athlete is allowed to pick the song they want played. You ever notice how pumped they get? Jumping, high fiving and flexing their muscles.
Music, athletics and adrenaline can be used very affectively to influence the performance of the individual athlete. The connection between the two will be on going as long as it continues to give an athlete any kind of edge.
Mood Music
You hear about it all the time. Mood music. But where did the phrase come from and is there really any such thing as mood music. Science has proven time and time again that there is a concrete connection between the music you play and the impact it has on your mood.
For instance, therapists would tell a patient who listens to a lot of music to perhaps avoid the love song channel for a bit. Why? Because the music has an impact on the psyche of the patient and can cause depression.
When preparing for an important romantic dinner at home what do you look for? Low lights, candles and again, music. Music that will work for both parties. In some cases it might be slow love songs, in others it might be some jazz or some instrumental music.
You go to the gym and what do you listen to? The type of music that can pump you up and get your adrenaline going is what most people think of but it really is dependent on what you want to listen that will augment your work out.
Mood music is more than just a phrase. Understanding how to use music to either advance or change to the mood you are looking for in a huge advantage if you know how to do it well. Identify the type of music you need for the mood you are looking for and put together play lists of the best. This way when you need the pick me up, you’ll be all ready to go.
For instance, therapists would tell a patient who listens to a lot of music to perhaps avoid the love song channel for a bit. Why? Because the music has an impact on the psyche of the patient and can cause depression.
When preparing for an important romantic dinner at home what do you look for? Low lights, candles and again, music. Music that will work for both parties. In some cases it might be slow love songs, in others it might be some jazz or some instrumental music.
You go to the gym and what do you listen to? The type of music that can pump you up and get your adrenaline going is what most people think of but it really is dependent on what you want to listen that will augment your work out.
Mood music is more than just a phrase. Understanding how to use music to either advance or change to the mood you are looking for in a huge advantage if you know how to do it well. Identify the type of music you need for the mood you are looking for and put together play lists of the best. This way when you need the pick me up, you’ll be all ready to go.
An Exercise to Get Your Fingers Going
Time to start working those strings with some scale/note playing ..So let’s start with something easy.
First: Make sure your positioning of your hand is right. Your left hand should be place so that the thumb is solidly behind the neck of the guitar and the top of the thumb should not be hanging out over the top. Usually the thumb is a little more than half way up the neck.
Second: Your wrist should be dropped so that your fingers have enough leverage to hit the strings and notes like a hammer on a nail. A good solid bent wrist will give you a lot more leverage.
Third: Starting with the 6th string (the one closest to you- the lowest in sound-the E string) put your index finger on the first fret and play that string only. (For positioning, you finger should be right next to the fret bar between the first and second fret but not on the bar, still within the first fret).
Fourth: keeping that first finger down now put the middle finger in the second fret on that string and pluck it. Do this with the ring finger on the third fret and the pinky on the fourth fret.
Fifth: Now move down to the 5th string and do the same thing all over again. Do this same exercise on each string all the way down to the 1st string.
Sixth: Once you have completed that, slide the whole exercise down to start on the 2nd fret and start all over. Eventually you should take this exercise not only up and down the neck but also backwards (starting on the first string 4th fret and moving your way down all the way to the 6th string 1st fret)
First: Make sure your positioning of your hand is right. Your left hand should be place so that the thumb is solidly behind the neck of the guitar and the top of the thumb should not be hanging out over the top. Usually the thumb is a little more than half way up the neck.
Second: Your wrist should be dropped so that your fingers have enough leverage to hit the strings and notes like a hammer on a nail. A good solid bent wrist will give you a lot more leverage.
Third: Starting with the 6th string (the one closest to you- the lowest in sound-the E string) put your index finger on the first fret and play that string only. (For positioning, you finger should be right next to the fret bar between the first and second fret but not on the bar, still within the first fret).
Fourth: keeping that first finger down now put the middle finger in the second fret on that string and pluck it. Do this with the ring finger on the third fret and the pinky on the fourth fret.
Fifth: Now move down to the 5th string and do the same thing all over again. Do this same exercise on each string all the way down to the 1st string.
Sixth: Once you have completed that, slide the whole exercise down to start on the 2nd fret and start all over. Eventually you should take this exercise not only up and down the neck but also backwards (starting on the first string 4th fret and moving your way down all the way to the 6th string 1st fret)
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Fingerpicking basics
For a rhythm guitar player there are times that strummingwill ruin th softness or specific guitar section being played. Think for instance of the introduction and first few verses of "Stairway to Heaven". Can you imagine how different the song would sound if those first few minutes were strummed instead of fingerpicked?
Or how about "Tears in Heaven"? Same basic idea. There are some guitar accompanyments that only sund right if they are fingerpicked. When you fngerpick you use your thumb, plus index, middle and ring finger when fingerpicking. If you were to read a piece of music which specifically is written with fingerpicking notations these fingers migt be referred to as P-I-M-A (P=thumb, I=index, M=middle, A=ring).
In fingerpicking the thumb (P) covers all the bass strings. Strings number 6 through 4. Or looking down at the strings if you are holding the guitar, the first three strings. Otherwise known as the E-A-D strings. For the remaining three strings, each of the other fingers have a one string assignment. The index covers the 3rd string (G), the middle covers the 2nd string (B) and the ring finger covers the 1st string (E). Notice that there are two E strings on the guitar. They are an octave apart in sound.
When you continue to study guitar it will be important for you to pick up sheet music which gives you fingerpicking tablature if you truly want to play good fingerpicking songs but here are a few tips that are usually true. Almost always the pattern starts with a base note followed by a series of I-M-A notes and then the pattern is repeated. Often times the pattern equates to the timing of the song and you will notice that the base note is hit on the count of "1" repeatedly. So if you have a piece of muisc that is in 4/4time almost always the P finger is struck on count 1, I on count 2, MA on count 3 and I again on count 4.
More times than not you will be striking more than one string at a time when finger picking, as illustrated above. Fingerpicking uses a combination of patterns, finger strikes and chord structures (often up on the neck of the guitar) to give a piece of music a smooth body. However, this is the theory behind fingerpicking. Understanding it will be a good start.
Or how about "Tears in Heaven"? Same basic idea. There are some guitar accompanyments that only sund right if they are fingerpicked. When you fngerpick you use your thumb, plus index, middle and ring finger when fingerpicking. If you were to read a piece of music which specifically is written with fingerpicking notations these fingers migt be referred to as P-I-M-A (P=thumb, I=index, M=middle, A=ring).
In fingerpicking the thumb (P) covers all the bass strings. Strings number 6 through 4. Or looking down at the strings if you are holding the guitar, the first three strings. Otherwise known as the E-A-D strings. For the remaining three strings, each of the other fingers have a one string assignment. The index covers the 3rd string (G), the middle covers the 2nd string (B) and the ring finger covers the 1st string (E). Notice that there are two E strings on the guitar. They are an octave apart in sound.
When you continue to study guitar it will be important for you to pick up sheet music which gives you fingerpicking tablature if you truly want to play good fingerpicking songs but here are a few tips that are usually true. Almost always the pattern starts with a base note followed by a series of I-M-A notes and then the pattern is repeated. Often times the pattern equates to the timing of the song and you will notice that the base note is hit on the count of "1" repeatedly. So if you have a piece of muisc that is in 4/4time almost always the P finger is struck on count 1, I on count 2, MA on count 3 and I again on count 4.
More times than not you will be striking more than one string at a time when finger picking, as illustrated above. Fingerpicking uses a combination of patterns, finger strikes and chord structures (often up on the neck of the guitar) to give a piece of music a smooth body. However, this is the theory behind fingerpicking. Understanding it will be a good start.
Bar Chords
When you play guitar and are ready to advance to some of the more dfficult chords, you need to have the ability to play bar chords with your left hand.
So what is a bar chord? A bar chord is a chord where two or more strings are covered by one finger (usually the left index finger) to play more complex sounds.
Bar chords are especially used for chords (minor keys, flats or sharps) that are not considered major chords. On guitar the most popular chords that you play are G-C-D-Em-Bm-A-Am. All of which can be played without using a bar chord. Interestingly many songs use these root chords as its basic starting point. Of course after a while these would get boring.
All of the chords mentioned above are played in the first four frets of the guitar. When you add bar chords to your skill set you open up a whole world of additional sounds.
Bar chords can be as simple as a two stringed bar chord to a full bar chord where you cover all six strings. In that case it works almost like a temporary capo. Take an E chord. Add a bar behind it and slide it up the neck of the guitar. With a bar on the first fret it becomes an F, when you slide it up to the 2nd fret it becomes an F#, 3rd fret-G and so on and so forth.
Another common full bar is using the root of Am(minor). A full bar on the first fret following by an Am fingering equals an A#m, on the second fret a Bm, on the third fret a Cm. You can slide this chord all the way up the neck and the chord goes up a half step.
So what is a half step? A half step is like the notes on the piano from white to black in order from left to right. When you add bar chords and you understand the notes as illustrated below you can more easily understand where you need to slide your bar chord to get to the chord you are looking to play.
A-A#/Bb-B-C-C#/Db-D-D#/Eb-E-F-F#/Gb-G-G#/Ab
Bar chords are a major part of a rhythm guitar players skill set to be successful. There are tricks to use to play them successfully. First though, get use to to the concept of what they are.
So what is a bar chord? A bar chord is a chord where two or more strings are covered by one finger (usually the left index finger) to play more complex sounds.
Bar chords are especially used for chords (minor keys, flats or sharps) that are not considered major chords. On guitar the most popular chords that you play are G-C-D-Em-Bm-A-Am. All of which can be played without using a bar chord. Interestingly many songs use these root chords as its basic starting point. Of course after a while these would get boring.
All of the chords mentioned above are played in the first four frets of the guitar. When you add bar chords to your skill set you open up a whole world of additional sounds.
Bar chords can be as simple as a two stringed bar chord to a full bar chord where you cover all six strings. In that case it works almost like a temporary capo. Take an E chord. Add a bar behind it and slide it up the neck of the guitar. With a bar on the first fret it becomes an F, when you slide it up to the 2nd fret it becomes an F#, 3rd fret-G and so on and so forth.
Another common full bar is using the root of Am(minor). A full bar on the first fret following by an Am fingering equals an A#m, on the second fret a Bm, on the third fret a Cm. You can slide this chord all the way up the neck and the chord goes up a half step.
So what is a half step? A half step is like the notes on the piano from white to black in order from left to right. When you add bar chords and you understand the notes as illustrated below you can more easily understand where you need to slide your bar chord to get to the chord you are looking to play.
A-A#/Bb-B-C-C#/Db-D-D#/Eb-E-F-F#/Gb-G-G#/Ab
Bar chords are a major part of a rhythm guitar players skill set to be successful. There are tricks to use to play them successfully. First though, get use to to the concept of what they are.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
So You Want to Learn How to Play Guitar
You've decided that this is it. You want to learn how to play guitar, start aband, become rich and famous and got buy an island. Not so fast. Let's get you off on the right foot first and that gets you right back to the beginning of that great dream of yours. (I'm all in favor of great dreams).
Where do you start? Well you start by figuring out what style of guitar you think you want to learn: lead, bass, rhythm, classical...what is it that you see yourself doing. And then you go from there.
Let's stick with acoustic guitar..I know a bit about that one. You start off by getting a guitar. Well..you need one so don't laugh at that. And get a decent one. Full body, low string action to the fret board, not warped and of course not opening at any seams.
With rythem guitar you really will be well served to learn chord and chord progressions. Get yourself a good guitar chord book and if you are self-teaching, a good lesson book. Pay attention to the way things are explained and described. A couple hints for a newbie like you would include simple things like clip your fngernails at least on your left hand. Nails get in the way when first learning to hold down strings and you will have enough challenges without that too.
Strum with an up down motion of your right wrist. If you wake up after one day of strumming and it feels like your right arm worked out with weights or something, you are probably using too much arm and too little wrist.
Speaking of wrists, make sure your left on is dropped so you have the leverage to curl those fingertips over the strings. Think of your fingertips like a hammer hitting a mail, the more straight over the top you can go the clearer you probably will sound. And look at your fingers after you play where is the line from the sting? The more straight across the tip it is the bettrer you are doing with your finger posture.
And then start trying chord progressions. Learn a new chord every day. And make yourself at least TRY to find the chord without looking to see how much you remember. And of course, like I say all the time..practice, practice, practice.
I think this is a good enough start for you. Try that, I'll give you more to chew on later.
Where do you start? Well you start by figuring out what style of guitar you think you want to learn: lead, bass, rhythm, classical...what is it that you see yourself doing. And then you go from there.
Let's stick with acoustic guitar..I know a bit about that one. You start off by getting a guitar. Well..you need one so don't laugh at that. And get a decent one. Full body, low string action to the fret board, not warped and of course not opening at any seams.
With rythem guitar you really will be well served to learn chord and chord progressions. Get yourself a good guitar chord book and if you are self-teaching, a good lesson book. Pay attention to the way things are explained and described. A couple hints for a newbie like you would include simple things like clip your fngernails at least on your left hand. Nails get in the way when first learning to hold down strings and you will have enough challenges without that too.
Strum with an up down motion of your right wrist. If you wake up after one day of strumming and it feels like your right arm worked out with weights or something, you are probably using too much arm and too little wrist.
Speaking of wrists, make sure your left on is dropped so you have the leverage to curl those fingertips over the strings. Think of your fingertips like a hammer hitting a mail, the more straight over the top you can go the clearer you probably will sound. And look at your fingers after you play where is the line from the sting? The more straight across the tip it is the bettrer you are doing with your finger posture.
And then start trying chord progressions. Learn a new chord every day. And make yourself at least TRY to find the chord without looking to see how much you remember. And of course, like I say all the time..practice, practice, practice.
I think this is a good enough start for you. Try that, I'll give you more to chew on later.
Biggest Barrier to Learning to Play Guitar
I have been playing guitar for over thirty years. In that time I have taught many a child and grown up how to play. I teach rhythm guitar for those that want to accompany themselves singing. I never taught lead or bass, since I don't play either and don't necessarily have the skill sets for those types of playing styles. But I can strum. And I can play every chord out there. I have come to realize that the biggest barrier to learning how to play guitar is practice time.
You might say this is not a big "ah-ha" but it was for me. For the longest time I thought my students weren't succeeding because of their technical skills like how they position there wrists and fingers, the way they hold their pick and how they strummed, many using full arm instead of the wrist. But in the long run, it all came down to practice.
My students had different levels of interest in learning to play, that didn't help either. But I don't count that. Any kid being forced to play something they don't want to play is hardly ever going to succeed. If you don't want to play, why would you bother learning? I never understood that. But I digress.
Practice time was the key..is the key. Now I'm not talking abou two hours a day (heck on steel strings your fingers might bleed and then the student definitly won't want to play) Consistant practice. Even fifteen minutes a couple times a day will get you there. Practice, practice, practice.
It is up to the teacher to understand the practice habits of the student and then work their "homework" around it, not the other way around. I had students that promised me twenty minutes a day. I took the time, worked it into a structure that would give them a little bit of everything on alternating days and had great success. And, wonder of wonders, the better the student played the more time they managed to find time to practice. Funny how that works.
You might say this is not a big "ah-ha" but it was for me. For the longest time I thought my students weren't succeeding because of their technical skills like how they position there wrists and fingers, the way they hold their pick and how they strummed, many using full arm instead of the wrist. But in the long run, it all came down to practice.
My students had different levels of interest in learning to play, that didn't help either. But I don't count that. Any kid being forced to play something they don't want to play is hardly ever going to succeed. If you don't want to play, why would you bother learning? I never understood that. But I digress.
Practice time was the key..is the key. Now I'm not talking abou two hours a day (heck on steel strings your fingers might bleed and then the student definitly won't want to play) Consistant practice. Even fifteen minutes a couple times a day will get you there. Practice, practice, practice.
It is up to the teacher to understand the practice habits of the student and then work their "homework" around it, not the other way around. I had students that promised me twenty minutes a day. I took the time, worked it into a structure that would give them a little bit of everything on alternating days and had great success. And, wonder of wonders, the better the student played the more time they managed to find time to practice. Funny how that works.
Vocal Parts
Everyone knows that there is always a singer in the band. But when voice is the instrument that is being studied there are a number of voals that you can learn. For the purposes of this we can talk about the four voices in a chorus as well as some types of music that is studied.
Basically thinking, men have two voices that they fall into. When you are listening to four part harmone, you will hear a very low voice which the bass part. You can also hear a much higher mans voice which is a tenor. Often times the tenor sings in association with te womens higher voice which is the saprano. The bass voice tends to sing in association with the womens lower voice or the alto.
When you don;s have enough men or women that can sing particular parts the four voices can cover for each other so womens's voices can sing the part of tenor if need be even though it will sound a bit different.
Training your voice includes a lot of breathing training. The truly good voices know how to sing from the gut and when you are able to supportyour singing with good breathing you are usually able to expand your range as well.
Basically thinking, men have two voices that they fall into. When you are listening to four part harmone, you will hear a very low voice which the bass part. You can also hear a much higher mans voice which is a tenor. Often times the tenor sings in association with te womens higher voice which is the saprano. The bass voice tends to sing in association with the womens lower voice or the alto.
When you don;s have enough men or women that can sing particular parts the four voices can cover for each other so womens's voices can sing the part of tenor if need be even though it will sound a bit different.
Training your voice includes a lot of breathing training. The truly good voices know how to sing from the gut and when you are able to supportyour singing with good breathing you are usually able to expand your range as well.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
So What Does Music Smell Like?
You probably wonder what he heck it means to know what a piece or a style of music might smell like. there is some validity to the music and the impact on what it might smell like.
Conceptually what I orignally was referring to was the combination of smells with the right kind of music to find a soothing or relaxing place. Or perhaps the music and smell that might get you pumped up to go to your workout.
But some companies believe so much in music bringing smells to mind that they also are inventing devinces that will spray certain scnts out for certain pieces of music (maybe some ocean air for a Beach Boys songs?).
These devices would be like a paint mixer at your local hardware store. It would hold a certain number of base oil smells (five or six), and then any combination of these oils would be combined for what the device thinks should be the aroma for the song being played.
It's all very interesting and a little quirky but there is some validity in the connection between music and smell, in most cases people are looking for this particular combination in very specific circumstances, when they are trying to relax. Perhaps with the advance of science and more acceptance we will be able to use music and aroma to trigger other actions, behaaviors and feelings other than calmness.
Conceptually what I orignally was referring to was the combination of smells with the right kind of music to find a soothing or relaxing place. Or perhaps the music and smell that might get you pumped up to go to your workout.
But some companies believe so much in music bringing smells to mind that they also are inventing devinces that will spray certain scnts out for certain pieces of music (maybe some ocean air for a Beach Boys songs?).
These devices would be like a paint mixer at your local hardware store. It would hold a certain number of base oil smells (five or six), and then any combination of these oils would be combined for what the device thinks should be the aroma for the song being played.
It's all very interesting and a little quirky but there is some validity in the connection between music and smell, in most cases people are looking for this particular combination in very specific circumstances, when they are trying to relax. Perhaps with the advance of science and more acceptance we will be able to use music and aroma to trigger other actions, behaaviors and feelings other than calmness.
The Classical Guitar
The term classical guitar can be used to describe two different things. Hopefully both with go together but if not they are still definitions of the term. Classical guitar can refer to the type of music being played on an instrument (for instance an old Spanish flamingo can be played on any type of guitar but will still be considered classical guitar music).
Classical guitar can also refer to the type of guitar instrument used to play a certain type of music. Again, classical guitars can have any type of music played on them, although not all music will sound good on them and the primary type of music that is meant for a classical guitar is classical guitar music.
Classical guitars have a variety of bodies depending on the cost and the customization of the guitar but for the purposes of beginners the classical guitar has the same type of body as most acoustical guitars. The strings are made of a strong nylon and they tend to be a little further removed from the fret board than on other guitars. This, by the way, can be changed on better guitars since better guitars have bridges which move up or down.
Classical music is just that, old school classic instrumental songs which are played on a classical guitar usually by stringing a set of notes together (occasionally chords) and then plucking the strings with your fingers. In many books this is called finger picking but the two styles are often different. Plucking the strings sometimes involves plucking as in grabbing the string with two fingers and pulling it. Finger picking is an upward movement with your fingertips (except the thumb which is downward) and each finger covers one string (again except the thumb which covers the first three bass strings).
Classic guitar is beautiful sounding. Although a classical guitar can technically be used to play any type of music, any type of strumming will sound hallow or “dead”, classic guitars are not meant for hard-core strumming. Many guitar companies produce classical guitars; Yamaha and Martin both have reasonably priced nylon string guitars available for beginners.
Classical guitar can also refer to the type of guitar instrument used to play a certain type of music. Again, classical guitars can have any type of music played on them, although not all music will sound good on them and the primary type of music that is meant for a classical guitar is classical guitar music.
Classical guitars have a variety of bodies depending on the cost and the customization of the guitar but for the purposes of beginners the classical guitar has the same type of body as most acoustical guitars. The strings are made of a strong nylon and they tend to be a little further removed from the fret board than on other guitars. This, by the way, can be changed on better guitars since better guitars have bridges which move up or down.
Classical music is just that, old school classic instrumental songs which are played on a classical guitar usually by stringing a set of notes together (occasionally chords) and then plucking the strings with your fingers. In many books this is called finger picking but the two styles are often different. Plucking the strings sometimes involves plucking as in grabbing the string with two fingers and pulling it. Finger picking is an upward movement with your fingertips (except the thumb which is downward) and each finger covers one string (again except the thumb which covers the first three bass strings).
Classic guitar is beautiful sounding. Although a classical guitar can technically be used to play any type of music, any type of strumming will sound hallow or “dead”, classic guitars are not meant for hard-core strumming. Many guitar companies produce classical guitars; Yamaha and Martin both have reasonably priced nylon string guitars available for beginners.
Music and Psycology
There are some very interesting new theories out in the world of psychology which are now attempting to like your taste in music to your personality. We have long known that music is an extension of who you are, but these theories tend to believe that there is much more to how music interacts with your personality.
In this theory, you would study your personality such as your emotional being, the way you react, the way you tend to think and then based on who you are identified to be, you can develop a music play list which will fit the personality that you identified.
Music psychology has been around for many many centuries. In ancient times when a king or royalty was especially agitated, the minstrels would come in and play light music (like the lute or a harp) to try to calm the emotions of the leader. This psychological link between music and the psyche continues to be explored more and more by scientists and corporations.
There is a common belief that unlocking the personality and then developing the music which will partner with that personality is another step in the fields of both psychology and music therapy.
Understanding what pieces and types of music will trigger reactions in the personality can be an additional tool in the field of conflict management, stress management and performance management.
There are already companies out there that are linking these two together and offering personality tests which they will then take and build a music play list for the customer. This growing field has only just begun.
In this theory, you would study your personality such as your emotional being, the way you react, the way you tend to think and then based on who you are identified to be, you can develop a music play list which will fit the personality that you identified.
Music psychology has been around for many many centuries. In ancient times when a king or royalty was especially agitated, the minstrels would come in and play light music (like the lute or a harp) to try to calm the emotions of the leader. This psychological link between music and the psyche continues to be explored more and more by scientists and corporations.
There is a common belief that unlocking the personality and then developing the music which will partner with that personality is another step in the fields of both psychology and music therapy.
Understanding what pieces and types of music will trigger reactions in the personality can be an additional tool in the field of conflict management, stress management and performance management.
There are already companies out there that are linking these two together and offering personality tests which they will then take and build a music play list for the customer. This growing field has only just begun.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Playing Rhythm Guitar
Rhythm guitar is the act of keeping a strumming beat to support and back up a singer or another instrument. In most cases it is background to a more important part of the ensemble. It supports voice, keyboards or other instruments that have the "spotlight" for the piece.
Rhythm guitar can be played on either electric or acoustic guitars and is dependent on the piece of music. However, for most rhythm players the ability to put more variety into the piece comes more from acoustic guitar and not electric.
Electric guitar rhythm tends to be at the same volume and the same intensity. This is as a result of the guitar being hooked into an amp that is at a set volume. Acoustic guitar can be modified based on how hard you strum in terms of loudness or softness and it tends to sound better when applying some picking to the strings.
That being said, most bands use electric guitar with their songs and most soloist tend to use acoustic guitars with a "pick-up" which is an apparatus which allows the guitar to be played through a speaker so that it is a bit louder. Depending on the type of music, the venue or the preference of the player, either acoustic guitar or electric guitar can be used.
When you play rhythm the propensity of the player is to play chords, which are a series of notes played together to form a sound, verses scales or riffs, which are single notes played at a single time followed by more notes. (this is what lead guitar is except much faster than described here).
If you are interested in learning rhythm guitar start with chord books and learn your basic chords. That is a pretty good stating point for rhythm.
Rhythm guitar can be played on either electric or acoustic guitars and is dependent on the piece of music. However, for most rhythm players the ability to put more variety into the piece comes more from acoustic guitar and not electric.
Electric guitar rhythm tends to be at the same volume and the same intensity. This is as a result of the guitar being hooked into an amp that is at a set volume. Acoustic guitar can be modified based on how hard you strum in terms of loudness or softness and it tends to sound better when applying some picking to the strings.
That being said, most bands use electric guitar with their songs and most soloist tend to use acoustic guitars with a "pick-up" which is an apparatus which allows the guitar to be played through a speaker so that it is a bit louder. Depending on the type of music, the venue or the preference of the player, either acoustic guitar or electric guitar can be used.
When you play rhythm the propensity of the player is to play chords, which are a series of notes played together to form a sound, verses scales or riffs, which are single notes played at a single time followed by more notes. (this is what lead guitar is except much faster than described here).
If you are interested in learning rhythm guitar start with chord books and learn your basic chords. That is a pretty good stating point for rhythm.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Music DVD Collections
Over the years there has been an evolution which includes music. American's have migrated to the idea of taping everything. This has come to include music DVD's.
More and more artists are sharing their concerts through not only CD's but also taped DVD's which allow you to feel like you are right there at the concert. The pro about DVD's is that there is always a good seat. There are also usually many special effects that you will not see at the concert.
Some artists choose to make the DVD more complecated than others. For some DVD's you get the concert beginning to end with nothing else. For other artists you get the event plus perhaps a video at the end or back stage footage.
When looking for a musical artist DVD make sure you read the label. It will tell you what is covered in DVD itself. It will tell you if you get any interviews, special effects or bage stage access. The more access the DVD gives, the more entertaining the DVD can be.
Music DVD's also include compulations of multiple video's put together by one artist. For instance, the best of Madonna. In some cases the DVD's will be snippets of multiple concerts put together into one DVD. These tend to have many extras and commentary.
It's all up to what you want. But no matter whether you like just music or all the frills, there is a DVD that will suit you.
More and more artists are sharing their concerts through not only CD's but also taped DVD's which allow you to feel like you are right there at the concert. The pro about DVD's is that there is always a good seat. There are also usually many special effects that you will not see at the concert.
Some artists choose to make the DVD more complecated than others. For some DVD's you get the concert beginning to end with nothing else. For other artists you get the event plus perhaps a video at the end or back stage footage.
When looking for a musical artist DVD make sure you read the label. It will tell you what is covered in DVD itself. It will tell you if you get any interviews, special effects or bage stage access. The more access the DVD gives, the more entertaining the DVD can be.
Music DVD's also include compulations of multiple video's put together by one artist. For instance, the best of Madonna. In some cases the DVD's will be snippets of multiple concerts put together into one DVD. These tend to have many extras and commentary.
It's all up to what you want. But no matter whether you like just music or all the frills, there is a DVD that will suit you.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Why I like Affiliate Marketing
People ask me. Why do you feel so strongly about affiliate marketing and I go into my sales pitch. It's not really a "pitch" though it’s just facts. So what are the facts?
There is no other on line work that I know of that can make you affiliate type money with the level of effort you need to put into it to get started. In other words, it's not brain surgery and it doesn't take you a hundred hours a day to get it kicked off.
The cost to get into affiliate marketing can be minimal. You sign up to sell someone else's products and you can advertise them any way you want, some of those advertising methods are free, most of the affiliate sites are free so it's actually a very low cost of entry business. I'll get back to this one though; I have some thoughts to the contrary.
It can be done anytime, anywhere as long as you have your computer with you. Convenience is a very big selling point for me, I like to be able to do this at two in the morning (and I do) or not at all if I don't feel like it. I am the driver; I choose the when, how and where.
It pays pretty darn well. Find a good nitch product, find your audience and you can have a gold mine flowing into you. Affiliate marketing works and it does pay.
However, I truly believe that to do very well in affiliate marketing takes much more than posting a few ads and waiting for money to flow it. Been there, done that, earned zip. Nope, I do believe that to earn money you need to pursue the more advanced methods of getting your product out there.
In the case of affiliate marketing I do believe that you have to spend some to get some. But I do believe (heck I know for a fact) that if you do it well and invest in it right you will make money.
There are ways to learn the tricks and the way to do affiliate marketing right. You can go with trial and error and if you do I wish you well and I hope you make loads of money. However, if you really want to be successful I am going to advise you to find someone who has done it and learn from an expert.
Affiliate marketing is a great field to earn money from home. You can and will be successful if you put in the time, effort and perhaps a bit of money. But of all the on line jobs I have personally tried there are none that have worked better for me than affiliate marketing.
If you are interested in learning more about affiliate marketing click for an expert to guide you,
There is no other on line work that I know of that can make you affiliate type money with the level of effort you need to put into it to get started. In other words, it's not brain surgery and it doesn't take you a hundred hours a day to get it kicked off.
The cost to get into affiliate marketing can be minimal. You sign up to sell someone else's products and you can advertise them any way you want, some of those advertising methods are free, most of the affiliate sites are free so it's actually a very low cost of entry business. I'll get back to this one though; I have some thoughts to the contrary.
It can be done anytime, anywhere as long as you have your computer with you. Convenience is a very big selling point for me, I like to be able to do this at two in the morning (and I do) or not at all if I don't feel like it. I am the driver; I choose the when, how and where.
It pays pretty darn well. Find a good nitch product, find your audience and you can have a gold mine flowing into you. Affiliate marketing works and it does pay.
However, I truly believe that to do very well in affiliate marketing takes much more than posting a few ads and waiting for money to flow it. Been there, done that, earned zip. Nope, I do believe that to earn money you need to pursue the more advanced methods of getting your product out there.
In the case of affiliate marketing I do believe that you have to spend some to get some. But I do believe (heck I know for a fact) that if you do it well and invest in it right you will make money.
There are ways to learn the tricks and the way to do affiliate marketing right. You can go with trial and error and if you do I wish you well and I hope you make loads of money. However, if you really want to be successful I am going to advise you to find someone who has done it and learn from an expert.
Affiliate marketing is a great field to earn money from home. You can and will be successful if you put in the time, effort and perhaps a bit of money. But of all the on line jobs I have personally tried there are none that have worked better for me than affiliate marketing.
If you are interested in learning more about affiliate marketing click for an expert to guide you,
Great Harley Rides
One of the pleasures of owning a Harley is taking one out on the open road and seeing the country. Road trips are great fun and there are plenty of places that you can take your Harley to for sheer enjoyment. There are road trips and rides everywhere in the country and they are not very hard to find. Just think of a place you want to see and map it out, it’s very simple.
Take the east coast. There are plenty of trips just beckoning you. On Long Island in New York you can take your bike and ride all the way through Suffolk County down to the Hamptons or completely through to Montauk Point.
Or you can take a drive through Georgia up to Virginia where the view is breathtaking. There's a great ride just waiting for you if you ride through North Carolina near the Tennessee border through Asheville and drive the rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Parkway (absolutely beautiful during the change of leaves in the fall).
In Florida you can take Highway One through all the Keys and end up in Key West, the ride along the water is very calming. In the west you can take a ride through Arizona up by Flagstaff, you can go from Flagstaff down through to Sedona and the awesome red rocks.
Of course every biker needs to take a ride to Sturgis at least once in their life. Make sure to see the Black Hills while you are there. The California coast always offers breathtaking water views, nice weather and a great ride.
America has plenty of great rides just waiting to be found. Through the plains to the mountains, the Finger Lakes or oceans, there is bound to be a great ride right around the next corner.
Take the east coast. There are plenty of trips just beckoning you. On Long Island in New York you can take your bike and ride all the way through Suffolk County down to the Hamptons or completely through to Montauk Point.
Or you can take a drive through Georgia up to Virginia where the view is breathtaking. There's a great ride just waiting for you if you ride through North Carolina near the Tennessee border through Asheville and drive the rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Parkway (absolutely beautiful during the change of leaves in the fall).
In Florida you can take Highway One through all the Keys and end up in Key West, the ride along the water is very calming. In the west you can take a ride through Arizona up by Flagstaff, you can go from Flagstaff down through to Sedona and the awesome red rocks.
Of course every biker needs to take a ride to Sturgis at least once in their life. Make sure to see the Black Hills while you are there. The California coast always offers breathtaking water views, nice weather and a great ride.
America has plenty of great rides just waiting to be found. Through the plains to the mountains, the Finger Lakes or oceans, there is bound to be a great ride right around the next corner.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Harley Hits the Road
Riding a Harley is one of the single best joys in this world. And if you own a motorcycle most either own a Harley or aspire to own a Harley. Oh, the places that bike can take you in a country as diverse as the United States. Dependent on where you live and how far you are willing to go there is a ride that would be considered "one of the best" very close by.
Take the eastern coast line. The trip up the Atlantic Shoreline from Georgia up through Virginia is breathtaking. Slowly meandering (or sometimes not so slowly), experiencing the soaring Blue Ridge Parkway (absolutely beautiful during the change of leaves in the fall), with stops along the Shenandoah National Park and of course the Outer Banks, makes this one of the most beautiful rides out there.
Then there is the return to the old- time, riding down old Route 66 in Arizona and Nevada. You can make a little stop in Laughlin where you can get some R&R and also enjoy the magnificent Colorado River, and on the way back toward Phoenix, experience Sedona, home of the red rock. It's one of the most impressive sights in the US and a great place to grab an ice cream cone.
The California roads offers so much, including Pashnit. The trip takes you through multiple US National parks, Big Sur highway and of course, the Santa Cruz Mountains.
The US is full of incredible road trips for your Harley, the above are just some of the best, but rest assured, there are more. By far my favorite is North Carolina in the fall but that's just me. I love the change of colors in the leaves and the mountains rising and falling. Plus it gives me a reason to go visti my Dad.
Happy Harleying!!!!
Take the eastern coast line. The trip up the Atlantic Shoreline from Georgia up through Virginia is breathtaking. Slowly meandering (or sometimes not so slowly), experiencing the soaring Blue Ridge Parkway (absolutely beautiful during the change of leaves in the fall), with stops along the Shenandoah National Park and of course the Outer Banks, makes this one of the most beautiful rides out there.
Then there is the return to the old- time, riding down old Route 66 in Arizona and Nevada. You can make a little stop in Laughlin where you can get some R&R and also enjoy the magnificent Colorado River, and on the way back toward Phoenix, experience Sedona, home of the red rock. It's one of the most impressive sights in the US and a great place to grab an ice cream cone.
The California roads offers so much, including Pashnit. The trip takes you through multiple US National parks, Big Sur highway and of course, the Santa Cruz Mountains.
The US is full of incredible road trips for your Harley, the above are just some of the best, but rest assured, there are more. By far my favorite is North Carolina in the fall but that's just me. I love the change of colors in the leaves and the mountains rising and falling. Plus it gives me a reason to go visti my Dad.
Happy Harleying!!!!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Writing Music and Songs
I was wondering to myself when she was introduced as the next American Idol judge "Kara who?" So I decded to fin out for myself. In case you were curious, his is what I found out. Number one I found out that for followers of the music world, Kara DioGuardi is very well known indeed.
Kara DioGuardi was born in 1970 in Ossening, New York. She was raised in New Rochelle, New York. She is of Italian/Albanian descent. Her educational background includes an undergraduate degree in Political Science at Duke University. (she'll need that for her battles with Simon!!). Her first job was selling advertisements for Billboard magazine.
But what Kara DioGuardi is known for in the music industry is her song writing prowess. Of her thousands of songs, more than two hundred of them have ended up on the charts being sung by some of the some popular singers of our time. Kara has co-written and co-produced songs for the likes of Celine Dion, Faith Hill and Nick Lackey along with dozens of others.
In her tenure as a writer she has received ten BMI Pop Awards as a writer. In addition, she won the 2007 BMI Pop Songwriter of the Year. Kara DioGuardi has had songs on thirty nine albums and has sold over 100 million records. Of all the judges on American Idol she has had the most interaction and experience with song writing and identifying talent.
Kara DioGuardi has been helping American Idols long before she took her new gig. She has written songs for Carrie Underwood, Clay Aiken, Bo Bice, Ruben Studdard and Kelly Clarkson. Kara DioGuardi is co-owner of Artwise Entertainment.
Kara DioGuardi was born in 1970 in Ossening, New York. She was raised in New Rochelle, New York. She is of Italian/Albanian descent. Her educational background includes an undergraduate degree in Political Science at Duke University. (she'll need that for her battles with Simon!!). Her first job was selling advertisements for Billboard magazine.
But what Kara DioGuardi is known for in the music industry is her song writing prowess. Of her thousands of songs, more than two hundred of them have ended up on the charts being sung by some of the some popular singers of our time. Kara has co-written and co-produced songs for the likes of Celine Dion, Faith Hill and Nick Lackey along with dozens of others.
In her tenure as a writer she has received ten BMI Pop Awards as a writer. In addition, she won the 2007 BMI Pop Songwriter of the Year. Kara DioGuardi has had songs on thirty nine albums and has sold over 100 million records. Of all the judges on American Idol she has had the most interaction and experience with song writing and identifying talent.
Kara DioGuardi has been helping American Idols long before she took her new gig. She has written songs for Carrie Underwood, Clay Aiken, Bo Bice, Ruben Studdard and Kelly Clarkson. Kara DioGuardi is co-owner of Artwise Entertainment.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Music and Fragrance-Smells Good
Ever wonder why a romantic evening seems to include music and candles. Or when you need that relazing bath you find some candles to light at the least and some music at the most. It is no coincidence that these two seem to go together like peanut butter and jelly.
A Japanese study proved the correlation between the two in a small but effective gtest group of males. In the study the areas measured were impacts of music and/or fragrance if exposed to one or the other included mood disturbance, tension, depression and anger.
Additionally vitality was an area that was measured. Interestingly all the negative emotions decreased with exposure to music or fragrance. Vitality increased but only if exposed to both music and fragrance.
Feelings of feeling relaxed had a very high increased response when exposed to both. Feeling of carefreeness and feeing fine increased significantly if exposed to either music or fragrance and both together.
In short, there is a reason you feel better when you have those candles and soft music. Something in your brain tells you to feel that way. Time to stock up on those candles and classic music cd's!!!
A Japanese study proved the correlation between the two in a small but effective gtest group of males. In the study the areas measured were impacts of music and/or fragrance if exposed to one or the other included mood disturbance, tension, depression and anger.
Additionally vitality was an area that was measured. Interestingly all the negative emotions decreased with exposure to music or fragrance. Vitality increased but only if exposed to both music and fragrance.
Feelings of feeling relaxed had a very high increased response when exposed to both. Feeling of carefreeness and feeing fine increased significantly if exposed to either music or fragrance and both together.
In short, there is a reason you feel better when you have those candles and soft music. Something in your brain tells you to feel that way. Time to stock up on those candles and classic music cd's!!!
How do I Learn Guitar?
There are many ways to learn guitar. You can hire a teacher, you can hook up with a friend, you can just wing it, or you can teach yourself using one of the many stellar self teach guitar books your can find.
If you have the money for a teacher, it would be my recommmended format for learning. But even if you use a teacher, there are plenty of books and pamphlets that you can use to enhance your learning expeience.
Chord books are good to have no matter who you are or how advanced you are. A good book will have a lot of advanced chords. I know I still use mine and I have been playing forever (well it seems like forever anyway.) Tabluture books (booksthat take songs nd show you how to fingerpick the guitar pieces.) are also great to have around.
And if you can't afford a teacher there are instructional books that take you from A to Z. No matter which path you take, start now. There is no greater feeling than when you start to master an instrument.
If you have the money for a teacher, it would be my recommmended format for learning. But even if you use a teacher, there are plenty of books and pamphlets that you can use to enhance your learning expeience.
Chord books are good to have no matter who you are or how advanced you are. A good book will have a lot of advanced chords. I know I still use mine and I have been playing forever (well it seems like forever anyway.) Tabluture books (booksthat take songs nd show you how to fingerpick the guitar pieces.) are also great to have around.
And if you can't afford a teacher there are instructional books that take you from A to Z. No matter which path you take, start now. There is no greater feeling than when you start to master an instrument.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Picking a Guitar
Picking a guitar is a very personal choice. The guitar you pick has to "fit" your body contour, has to be of a weight you are comfortable and has to have the utility that you are looking for.
Speaking about Acoustic guitars you first need to decide if you want a steel or nylon string guitar. Steel strings are the norm but nylon strings are good for beginners with no calluses as well as those who want to delve into classical guitar riffs.
The guitar should fit under your armpit comfortably. Too big and you won’t be able to see anything or reach for chords and notes, too small and it will feel like it’s lost.
The string action can be either high (away from the fret board) or low (close to the fret board). Closer to the fret board results in less pressure being applied to successfully play a note or chord and is one of the characteristics I personally consider most important.
Then there is cost. You don't have to pay an arm and a leg for a guitar. Find one that fits your specifications and your pocket book. Guaranteed they are out there. Happy strumming.
Speaking about Acoustic guitars you first need to decide if you want a steel or nylon string guitar. Steel strings are the norm but nylon strings are good for beginners with no calluses as well as those who want to delve into classical guitar riffs.
The guitar should fit under your armpit comfortably. Too big and you won’t be able to see anything or reach for chords and notes, too small and it will feel like it’s lost.
The string action can be either high (away from the fret board) or low (close to the fret board). Closer to the fret board results in less pressure being applied to successfully play a note or chord and is one of the characteristics I personally consider most important.
Then there is cost. You don't have to pay an arm and a leg for a guitar. Find one that fits your specifications and your pocket book. Guaranteed they are out there. Happy strumming.
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