by Freddy Mason
It's no secret that whenever something new and hip is released, that companies are ready to line up with it.
It's no secret that whenever something new and hip is released, that companies are ready to line up with it. One such item is the iPod Nano. The iPod literally changed the way the world thinks about music. Soon after its release, you could walk around any hip metropolitan street and see those instantly recognizable white ear buds poking through the collars and jackets of many people, young and old, male and female. So, it didn't take a marketing genius to figure out that all those iPod listeners represent a huge target audience. Many marketers soon moved to be seen and heard with the Apple iPod Nano.
Many companies that, at first glance, would have very little to do with the Apple iPod, soon lined up to be associated with the world's most popular portable digital music player. Before you knew it, there were charities working together with Apple to create an iPod Nano with that charity's logo and colors on it. Many charities that associated themselves with the Apple iPod Nano suddenly appeared to be current, hip and worthy of time and attention.
However, even though charities recognized the power of the iPod, it was the music industry itself that has taken the greatest advantage of the reach and visibility of the iPod. Now, the music industry generally frowns upon downloading music from a computer onto an iPod without paying for it. Yet, some music executives realized that the iPod is the music player of choice for many people. The danger was that to go against the iPod Nano was to go against your fanbase.
One of the biggest and most popular bands of all time, U2, decided to work with the iPod Nano, rather than against it. A limited U2 edition of the iPod Nano was released, and songs could only be downloaded via the Apple iPod Nano. Of course, there was the obligatory super-cool ad campaign featuring the band, the songs and the Apple iPod Nano. Because of this foresight, two goals were achieved. One, of course, was to work together with the Apple iPod Nano to get the music and songs released and introduced to the public. The second goal was that U2 did not appear to be anti-download and embraced the iPod and everything it can do.
Before, there were many bands who did not like the idea of downloading. As a result, they appeared to be greedy, out of touch and completely against the wishes of their fans. But, with the advent of the Apple iPod Nano, it is now imperative that if the whole world is going to be listening to this little device, then they might as well be listening to you.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
How To Make Your Music Website Interactive
by K Haria
When your website is open for interaction, fans can meet others who are interested in your music and network. You grow a community around you, the artist, and your website. Here are seven quick and easy ways to make your website interactive:
When your website is open for interaction, fans can meet others who are interested in your music and network. You grow a community around you, the artist, and your website. Here are seven quick and easy ways to make your website interactive:
* Use polls and surveys. Create these interactive elements using FreePolls.com or SurveyMonkey.com
* Use guest books where people can leave you a note freely. You can have your guest book moderated so you have to check and accept each message before it’s visible online. This is great for stopping spam but can be time consuming. You can get free guest book scripts for your website from GuestBookDepot.com
* Install forums for discussion. Use free SimpleMachines.org software to install it. Instigate community creation.
* Allow people to contact you by Skype in just one click. Your website should always leave an opening for further communication, whether it’s connection through to your sky-click web call center or yourself, one click calls are the future of customer communication.
* Start blogging. This is one of the best ways to drive traffic to your website. Start a blog free today using Wordpress.com or you can install it at your domain from Wordpress.org
* Run a competition and offer GREAT gifts. Competitions are now used everywhere but most offer mediocre gifts so they don’t get much response. Offer GREAT gifts. You don’t even have to spend, just network with other people’s products that YOU like. Regular competitions which provide good entertainment value to the users and the promise of a prize are also likely to get repeat users on an ongoing basis.
* Online games appeal to a wide age group of people and you will be surprised to note that the age group of people who play online games is not limited to the younger generation only. You can have games developed specifically for your music style and your songs which you are selling.
When your website is open for interaction, fans can meet others who are interested in your music and network. You grow a community around you, the artist, and your website. Here are seven quick and easy ways to make your website interactive:
When your website is open for interaction, fans can meet others who are interested in your music and network. You grow a community around you, the artist, and your website. Here are seven quick and easy ways to make your website interactive:
* Use polls and surveys. Create these interactive elements using FreePolls.com or SurveyMonkey.com
* Use guest books where people can leave you a note freely. You can have your guest book moderated so you have to check and accept each message before it’s visible online. This is great for stopping spam but can be time consuming. You can get free guest book scripts for your website from GuestBookDepot.com
* Install forums for discussion. Use free SimpleMachines.org software to install it. Instigate community creation.
* Allow people to contact you by Skype in just one click. Your website should always leave an opening for further communication, whether it’s connection through to your sky-click web call center or yourself, one click calls are the future of customer communication.
* Start blogging. This is one of the best ways to drive traffic to your website. Start a blog free today using Wordpress.com or you can install it at your domain from Wordpress.org
* Run a competition and offer GREAT gifts. Competitions are now used everywhere but most offer mediocre gifts so they don’t get much response. Offer GREAT gifts. You don’t even have to spend, just network with other people’s products that YOU like. Regular competitions which provide good entertainment value to the users and the promise of a prize are also likely to get repeat users on an ongoing basis.
* Online games appeal to a wide age group of people and you will be surprised to note that the age group of people who play online games is not limited to the younger generation only. You can have games developed specifically for your music style and your songs which you are selling.
Slipknot Discography
by Alin Aalin
The full discography of the metal band Slipknot. All the official Slipknot Albums listed.
This is the full discography of the metal band Slipknot. All the official Slipknot Albums listed.
SLIPKNOT were formed in Des Moines, Iowa; the lineup settled around (in order from number 0 to number 8): DJ Sid Wilson, drummer Joey Jordison, bassist Paul Grey, percussionist Chris Fehn, guitarist James Root, sampler/programmer Craig Jones, percussionist Shawn Crahan, guitarist Mick Thompson, and vocalist Corey Taylor.
It will probably be 2008 if not 2009 before Slipknot will release a new album and start performing live once again.
2005 - 9.0: Live
-Chapter One:
1. "The Blister Exists"
2. "(sic)"
3. "Disasterpiece"
4. "Before I Forget"
5. "Left Behind"
6. "Liberate"
7. "Vermilion"
8. "Pulse of the Maggots"
9. "Purity"
10. "Eyeless"
11. "Drum Solo"
12. "Eeyore"
-Chapter Two:
1. "Three Nil"
2. "The Nameless"
3. "Skin Ticket"
4. "Everything Ends"
5. "The Heretic Anthem"
6. "Iowa"
7. "Duality"
8. "Spit it Out"
9. "People = Shit"
10. "Get This"
11. "Wait and Bleed"
12. "Surfacing"
2004 - Vol. 3: The Subliminal Verses slipknot subliminal album
1. "Prelude 3.0" – 3:57
2. "The Blister Exists" – 5:19
3. "Three Nil" – 4:48
4. "Duality" – 4:12
5. "Opium of the People" – 3:12
6. "Circle" – 4:22
7. "Welcome" – 3:15
8. "Vermilion" – 5:16
9. "Pulse of the Maggots" – 4:19
10. "Before I Forget" – 4:38
11. "Vermilion Pt. 2" – 3:44
12. "The nameless" – 4:28
13. "The Virus of Life" – 5:25
14. "Danger - Keep Away" – 3:16
2001 - IowaIowa album slipknot
1. "(515)" – 0:59
2. "People = Shit" – 3:35
3. "Disasterpiece" – 5:08
4. "My Plague" – 3:39
5. "Everything Ends" – 4:14
6. "The Heretic Anthem" – 4:14
7. "Gently" – 4:54
8. "Left Behind" – 4:01
9. "The Shape" – 3:37
10. "I Am Hated" – 2:37
11. "Skin Ticket" – 6:41
12. "New Abortion" – 3:36
13. "Metabolic" – 3:59
14. "Iowa" – 15:03
1999 - Slipknot
Original version slipknot album 1999
1. "742617000027" – 0:35
2. "(sic)" – 3:19
3. "Eyeless" – 3:56
4. "Wait and Bleed" – 2:27
5. "Surfacing" – 3:38
6. "Spit It Out" – 2:39
7. "Tattered and Torn" – 2:53
8. "Frail Limb Nursery" – 0:45
9. "Purity" - 4:14
10. "Liberate" – 3:05
11. "Prosthetics" – 4:58
12. "No Life" – 2:47
13. "Diluted" – 3:23
14. "Only One" – 2:26
15. "Scissors" / "Eeyore" – 19:18
1997 - Mate. Feed. Kill. Repeat (A self-released album made by 5 members of the current Slipknot)mfkr
1. "Slipknot" – 6:54
2. "Gently" – 5:15
3. "Do Nothing/Bitchslap" – 4:19
4. "Only One" – 2:33
5. "Tattered & Torn" – 2:35
6. "Confessions" – 5:03
7. "Some Feel" – 3:35
8. "Killers Are Quiet" / "Dogfish Rising" – 20:42
The full discography of the metal band Slipknot. All the official Slipknot Albums listed.
This is the full discography of the metal band Slipknot. All the official Slipknot Albums listed.
SLIPKNOT were formed in Des Moines, Iowa; the lineup settled around (in order from number 0 to number 8): DJ Sid Wilson, drummer Joey Jordison, bassist Paul Grey, percussionist Chris Fehn, guitarist James Root, sampler/programmer Craig Jones, percussionist Shawn Crahan, guitarist Mick Thompson, and vocalist Corey Taylor.
It will probably be 2008 if not 2009 before Slipknot will release a new album and start performing live once again.
2005 - 9.0: Live
-Chapter One:
1. "The Blister Exists"
2. "(sic)"
3. "Disasterpiece"
4. "Before I Forget"
5. "Left Behind"
6. "Liberate"
7. "Vermilion"
8. "Pulse of the Maggots"
9. "Purity"
10. "Eyeless"
11. "Drum Solo"
12. "Eeyore"
-Chapter Two:
1. "Three Nil"
2. "The Nameless"
3. "Skin Ticket"
4. "Everything Ends"
5. "The Heretic Anthem"
6. "Iowa"
7. "Duality"
8. "Spit it Out"
9. "People = Shit"
10. "Get This"
11. "Wait and Bleed"
12. "Surfacing"
2004 - Vol. 3: The Subliminal Verses slipknot subliminal album
1. "Prelude 3.0" – 3:57
2. "The Blister Exists" – 5:19
3. "Three Nil" – 4:48
4. "Duality" – 4:12
5. "Opium of the People" – 3:12
6. "Circle" – 4:22
7. "Welcome" – 3:15
8. "Vermilion" – 5:16
9. "Pulse of the Maggots" – 4:19
10. "Before I Forget" – 4:38
11. "Vermilion Pt. 2" – 3:44
12. "The nameless" – 4:28
13. "The Virus of Life" – 5:25
14. "Danger - Keep Away" – 3:16
2001 - IowaIowa album slipknot
1. "(515)" – 0:59
2. "People = Shit" – 3:35
3. "Disasterpiece" – 5:08
4. "My Plague" – 3:39
5. "Everything Ends" – 4:14
6. "The Heretic Anthem" – 4:14
7. "Gently" – 4:54
8. "Left Behind" – 4:01
9. "The Shape" – 3:37
10. "I Am Hated" – 2:37
11. "Skin Ticket" – 6:41
12. "New Abortion" – 3:36
13. "Metabolic" – 3:59
14. "Iowa" – 15:03
1999 - Slipknot
Original version slipknot album 1999
1. "742617000027" – 0:35
2. "(sic)" – 3:19
3. "Eyeless" – 3:56
4. "Wait and Bleed" – 2:27
5. "Surfacing" – 3:38
6. "Spit It Out" – 2:39
7. "Tattered and Torn" – 2:53
8. "Frail Limb Nursery" – 0:45
9. "Purity" - 4:14
10. "Liberate" – 3:05
11. "Prosthetics" – 4:58
12. "No Life" – 2:47
13. "Diluted" – 3:23
14. "Only One" – 2:26
15. "Scissors" / "Eeyore" – 19:18
1997 - Mate. Feed. Kill. Repeat (A self-released album made by 5 members of the current Slipknot)mfkr
1. "Slipknot" – 6:54
2. "Gently" – 5:15
3. "Do Nothing/Bitchslap" – 4:19
4. "Only One" – 2:33
5. "Tattered & Torn" – 2:35
6. "Confessions" – 5:03
7. "Some Feel" – 3:35
8. "Killers Are Quiet" / "Dogfish Rising" – 20:42
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Slipknot Biography
By Alin Aalin
Slipknot were formed in late 1995 in Des Moines, Iowa; after some early changes and shifts, the lineup settled around (in order from number 0 to number 8): DJ Sid Wilson, drummer Joey Jordison, bassist Paul Grey, percussionist Chris Fehn, guitarist James Root, sampler/programmer Craig Jones, percussionist Shawn "Clown" Crahan, guitarist Mick Thompson, and lead vocalist Corey Taylor.
On Halloween 1996, Slipknot self-released an album called Mate. Feed. Kill. Repeat., which began to build a buzz around the group once it found its way to several labels. It was picked up for distribution by the Nebraska-based -ismist label, and also caught the attention of Roadrunner Records, which signed Slipknot in 1997. Slipknot recorded their official, self-titled debut album, which was released in 1999. They gradually built an audience through near-constant touring, working their way up to the summer Ozzfest package tour, which really expanded their audience. Their live shows were a hit with metal fans, and the band performed with such energy that Crahan gashed his head open on his own drum kit twice that summer, requiring stitches both times. The tracks "Wait and Bleed" and "Spit It Out" got the band some airplay, but most of the buzz came from touring and word of mouth. Finally, in the spring of 2000, Slipknot was certified platinum; the first such album in Roadrunner's history. slipknot band biography
The anticipation for Slipknot's follow-up was intense, and many observers predicted that it would debut as number one; however, facing some stiff competition that week, the band's sophomore effort, Iowa, bowed at number three at its release in 2001. More touring followed, including another, more prominent slot on that summer's Ozzfest.
After a long spell on the road, Slipknot took a break while the members worked on side projects. The band set up its own label called Maggot Recordings, and signed a band called Downthesun, whose lead singer had served as Crahan's drum technician. Wilson began DJ-ing solo under the name DJ Starscream, and Root and Thompson both worked on solo material. Drummer Jordison worked with a side group called the Rejects, where he'd actually served for quite some time as guitarist. Taylor, meanwhile, started a side band called Superego, and also contributed a solo song, "Bother," to the soundtrack of the 2002 blockbuster Spider-Man. That May, the band got some amusing press when some of its fans discovered the website of a British crocheting group also called 'Slipknot', and flooded the members' in-boxes with excessively rude e-mails. Guitarist Joey Jordison and Static-X guitarist Tripp Eisen teamed that summer for the Murderdolls project, while Taylor reformed his old band Stone Sour and released an album.
In August, the entire squad had decamped Iowa for LA, where they began work on the new record with famously bearded producer Rick Rubin. "Pulse of the Maggots" appeared in early 2004 as an exclusive download; it was followed by a full track listing for Slipknot's Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses), which was slated for a May release. Slipknot then embarked on a brief tour as a warm-up for their dates headlining Ozzfest that summer. The group also debuted a fully-redesigned third generation of their famous masks. On May 25th, the Subliminal Verses was finally released.
Slipknot were formed in late 1995 in Des Moines, Iowa; after some early changes and shifts, the lineup settled around (in order from number 0 to number 8): DJ Sid Wilson, drummer Joey Jordison, bassist Paul Grey, percussionist Chris Fehn, guitarist James Root, sampler/programmer Craig Jones, percussionist Shawn "Clown" Crahan, guitarist Mick Thompson, and lead vocalist Corey Taylor.
On Halloween 1996, Slipknot self-released an album called Mate. Feed. Kill. Repeat., which began to build a buzz around the group once it found its way to several labels. It was picked up for distribution by the Nebraska-based -ismist label, and also caught the attention of Roadrunner Records, which signed Slipknot in 1997. Slipknot recorded their official, self-titled debut album, which was released in 1999. They gradually built an audience through near-constant touring, working their way up to the summer Ozzfest package tour, which really expanded their audience. Their live shows were a hit with metal fans, and the band performed with such energy that Crahan gashed his head open on his own drum kit twice that summer, requiring stitches both times. The tracks "Wait and Bleed" and "Spit It Out" got the band some airplay, but most of the buzz came from touring and word of mouth. Finally, in the spring of 2000, Slipknot was certified platinum; the first such album in Roadrunner's history. slipknot band biography
The anticipation for Slipknot's follow-up was intense, and many observers predicted that it would debut as number one; however, facing some stiff competition that week, the band's sophomore effort, Iowa, bowed at number three at its release in 2001. More touring followed, including another, more prominent slot on that summer's Ozzfest.
After a long spell on the road, Slipknot took a break while the members worked on side projects. The band set up its own label called Maggot Recordings, and signed a band called Downthesun, whose lead singer had served as Crahan's drum technician. Wilson began DJ-ing solo under the name DJ Starscream, and Root and Thompson both worked on solo material. Drummer Jordison worked with a side group called the Rejects, where he'd actually served for quite some time as guitarist. Taylor, meanwhile, started a side band called Superego, and also contributed a solo song, "Bother," to the soundtrack of the 2002 blockbuster Spider-Man. That May, the band got some amusing press when some of its fans discovered the website of a British crocheting group also called 'Slipknot', and flooded the members' in-boxes with excessively rude e-mails. Guitarist Joey Jordison and Static-X guitarist Tripp Eisen teamed that summer for the Murderdolls project, while Taylor reformed his old band Stone Sour and released an album.
In August, the entire squad had decamped Iowa for LA, where they began work on the new record with famously bearded producer Rick Rubin. "Pulse of the Maggots" appeared in early 2004 as an exclusive download; it was followed by a full track listing for Slipknot's Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses), which was slated for a May release. Slipknot then embarked on a brief tour as a warm-up for their dates headlining Ozzfest that summer. The group also debuted a fully-redesigned third generation of their famous masks. On May 25th, the Subliminal Verses was finally released.
Five Basic Ways To Market Your Piano Music Online
by Chris Carlin
Many people have argued that there are no great piano composers in the modern world. They say that this art died fifty to one hundred years ago. Here are the facts – there are still many unbelievable piano composers in the modern world today. However, whilst one cannot argue with their creative skills, they lack basic modern marketing skills. And the world is missing out on this distinguished talent.
Many people have argued that there are no great piano composers in the modern world. They say that this art died fifty to one hundred years ago. Here are the facts – there are still many unbelievable piano composers in the modern world today. However, whilst one cannot argue with their creative skills, they lack basic modern marketing skills. And the world is missing out on this distinguished talent.
The most affordable and convenient way to market your music today is through the internet. It is used by billions every single year. So why do many piano players fail to market their music online? Why do they go down the traditional route of taking it to a publisher?
Marketing Method Number One – Creating Your Own Website with A List
If you make the decision to market your music online, it is almost criminal to do so without a website. Your website must be where you send all of your prospective customers. Your website must contain details on how to purchase your music, both online and offline. I would also recommend having a ‘sample’ piece of music for clientele to listen to for free and to be able to download the score.
When you are building your website, you must include a list. What is a list? A list is a collection of email addresses of potential customers. Your list should be kept abreast on new pieces of music that you are creating. Also they should receive occasional incentives to remain on your list, eg. a free song or a discount.
It is much easier to sell to people that know and trust you then to sell to a complete stranger. But so many people in all facets of marketing spend more time on getting more customers than selling to previous customers. Do not make this same mistake. By investing no more than $US200 per year, you could and should have a major increase in sales.
Marketing Method Number Two – Piano Radio Stations
Piano radio stations are a great way to market your music online. There are numerous radio stations on the World Wide Web that specialize in all sorts of areas, and piano is no exception. Whilst I could only speculate costs, you might be able to get your music played for free, or even better, you might be entitled to royalties from that particular radio station.
The main difference between radio piano stations and normal piano stations is that online users are able to click on a link that will take them directly to your site. So make sure that the music that you submit to radio stations are some of your best pieces of work and fit the mould of the station.
Marketing Method Number Three – Submitting Your Scores To Directories
There are numerous cases where piano composers only market their actual music and neglect to market their sheet music. This is such a silly thing to do. If a piano player likes listening to your music, then naturally they would want to learn to play it. Web sites like Free Piano Sheet Music would be more than willing to put your compositions onto their web site for free. Also you would get valuable links from your sheet music to your website.
Marketing Method Number Four – You Tube
This is the new way to market your music online. You Tube has simply taken the world by storm, not only from a viewers perspective but from a marketing perspective also. Similar to video clips that you see on MTV you are able to create your own video of your music. It does not have to be a complicated task. The easiest way to do it is to record yourself at the piano playing the score and this would be enough. However if you have a theme to your music i.e. the ocean, then you would cut to shot of the beach, i.e. waves crashing on the rocks. Whatever you decide your video clip to be, make sure you put a visible URL at the end of your video as credits, so the viewer can take action to buy your music.
Marketing Method Number Five – Piano Forums
Forums are an old and popular way to marketing your music, and it still works today. Not only can you specifically market your music in the forum, you can also market your music by just posting messages about anything related to the piano. For example, if there is a discussion about what is the best brand of piano, and you post your comments, you can put a link at the bottom of your post to your website. So not only do you market your music, you also marketing to the right group of people, piano players!
In conclusion these are much more effective methods of marketing your music then taking it to a publisher. Not only do you have much more control of your music, it is also much cheaper.
Many people have argued that there are no great piano composers in the modern world. They say that this art died fifty to one hundred years ago. Here are the facts – there are still many unbelievable piano composers in the modern world today. However, whilst one cannot argue with their creative skills, they lack basic modern marketing skills. And the world is missing out on this distinguished talent.
Many people have argued that there are no great piano composers in the modern world. They say that this art died fifty to one hundred years ago. Here are the facts – there are still many unbelievable piano composers in the modern world today. However, whilst one cannot argue with their creative skills, they lack basic modern marketing skills. And the world is missing out on this distinguished talent.
The most affordable and convenient way to market your music today is through the internet. It is used by billions every single year. So why do many piano players fail to market their music online? Why do they go down the traditional route of taking it to a publisher?
Marketing Method Number One – Creating Your Own Website with A List
If you make the decision to market your music online, it is almost criminal to do so without a website. Your website must be where you send all of your prospective customers. Your website must contain details on how to purchase your music, both online and offline. I would also recommend having a ‘sample’ piece of music for clientele to listen to for free and to be able to download the score.
When you are building your website, you must include a list. What is a list? A list is a collection of email addresses of potential customers. Your list should be kept abreast on new pieces of music that you are creating. Also they should receive occasional incentives to remain on your list, eg. a free song or a discount.
It is much easier to sell to people that know and trust you then to sell to a complete stranger. But so many people in all facets of marketing spend more time on getting more customers than selling to previous customers. Do not make this same mistake. By investing no more than $US200 per year, you could and should have a major increase in sales.
Marketing Method Number Two – Piano Radio Stations
Piano radio stations are a great way to market your music online. There are numerous radio stations on the World Wide Web that specialize in all sorts of areas, and piano is no exception. Whilst I could only speculate costs, you might be able to get your music played for free, or even better, you might be entitled to royalties from that particular radio station.
The main difference between radio piano stations and normal piano stations is that online users are able to click on a link that will take them directly to your site. So make sure that the music that you submit to radio stations are some of your best pieces of work and fit the mould of the station.
Marketing Method Number Three – Submitting Your Scores To Directories
There are numerous cases where piano composers only market their actual music and neglect to market their sheet music. This is such a silly thing to do. If a piano player likes listening to your music, then naturally they would want to learn to play it. Web sites like Free Piano Sheet Music would be more than willing to put your compositions onto their web site for free. Also you would get valuable links from your sheet music to your website.
Marketing Method Number Four – You Tube
This is the new way to market your music online. You Tube has simply taken the world by storm, not only from a viewers perspective but from a marketing perspective also. Similar to video clips that you see on MTV you are able to create your own video of your music. It does not have to be a complicated task. The easiest way to do it is to record yourself at the piano playing the score and this would be enough. However if you have a theme to your music i.e. the ocean, then you would cut to shot of the beach, i.e. waves crashing on the rocks. Whatever you decide your video clip to be, make sure you put a visible URL at the end of your video as credits, so the viewer can take action to buy your music.
Marketing Method Number Five – Piano Forums
Forums are an old and popular way to marketing your music, and it still works today. Not only can you specifically market your music in the forum, you can also market your music by just posting messages about anything related to the piano. For example, if there is a discussion about what is the best brand of piano, and you post your comments, you can put a link at the bottom of your post to your website. So not only do you market your music, you also marketing to the right group of people, piano players!
In conclusion these are much more effective methods of marketing your music then taking it to a publisher. Not only do you have much more control of your music, it is also much cheaper.
Ten Easy Rock Songs For Guitar Beginners
by Enrico Monsanto
When I started playing guitar, nobody taught me how to do it. It wasn't easy at first. My fretting hand's fingertips were so painful that I couldn't touch anything for days! But once I got the hang of it, I discovered it was one of the most enjoyable things I've ever done.
When I started playing guitar, nobody taught me how to do it. It wasn't easy at first. My fretting hand's fingertips were so painful that I couldn't touch anything for days! But once I got the hang of it, I discovered it was one of the most enjoyable things I've ever done. Over the years I would look back at those times and smile thinking how my life was changed the moment I picked up the guitar. It was actually my big sister's guitar. However it turned out that I was more inclined to it that she was. She eventually turned over all the guitar playing duties to me.
I thought of making a random list of easy guitar songs that beginners might want to try playing, just to get things started. It will cover different genres but the objective is to improve playing, one song at a time. These are the criteria I've used for the selection of the songs:
a) Minimal number of chords -the less chords in a song, the easier it is to remember how to play it.
b) Minimal barre chords - barre chords require us to use our fretting hand's index finger to press all 6 strings in a particular fret. Less barre chords is better for beginners.
c) Familiarity of the song - the songs are some of the most popular during their times.
And since we're talking about beginner songs here, the primary goal of this list is to give novice players some songs to STRUM the guitar along with. No point in doing any complicated stuff yet. We have to first establish the rhythm within the player. So here it goes, in no particular order:
1. "Horse With No Name" - America
Chords: Em, F#m7sus
2. "Leaving On A Jet Plane" - John Denver
Chords: G, C, D
3. "No Rain" - Blind Melon
Chords: E, D, A, G
4. "Every Rose Has It's Thorns" - Poison
Chords: G, C, D, Em
5. "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" - Bob Dylan/ Guns N' Roses
Chords: G, C, D, Am
6. "One" - U2
Chords: Am, D7, FM7, G
7. "Four Strong Winds" - Neil Young
Chords: C, Dm, G, F
8. "I Remember You" - Skid Row
Chords: G, C, D, Am, Em
9. "Come As You Are" - Nirvana
Chords: Em, D, G, Am, C
10. "Wonderful Tonight" - Eric Clapton
Chords: G, D, C, Em, Am
Finger placement:
C (x-3-2-0-1-0)
D (x-x-0-2-3-2)
D7 (x-x-0-2-1-2)
E (0-2-2-1-0-0)
Em (0-2-2-0-0-0)
A (x-0-2-2-2-0)
Am (x-0-2-2-1-0)
F (x-x-3-2-1-1)
FM7 (x-x-3-2-1-0)
F#m7sus (2-0-0-2-0-0) G (3-2-0-0-0-3)
Legend:
D (x-x-0-2-3-2)
D - the chord name
x - E string will not be struck
x - A string will not be struck
0 - D string open
2 - Press G string on 2nd fret
3 - Press B string on 3rd fret
2 - Press e string on 2nd fret
There you go! Most of the songs have similar chords. That way, if we can recall chords from another some and incorporate that chord into another song then you get to practice applied knowledge. Ain't that grand!
Happy practicing!
When I started playing guitar, nobody taught me how to do it. It wasn't easy at first. My fretting hand's fingertips were so painful that I couldn't touch anything for days! But once I got the hang of it, I discovered it was one of the most enjoyable things I've ever done.
When I started playing guitar, nobody taught me how to do it. It wasn't easy at first. My fretting hand's fingertips were so painful that I couldn't touch anything for days! But once I got the hang of it, I discovered it was one of the most enjoyable things I've ever done. Over the years I would look back at those times and smile thinking how my life was changed the moment I picked up the guitar. It was actually my big sister's guitar. However it turned out that I was more inclined to it that she was. She eventually turned over all the guitar playing duties to me.
I thought of making a random list of easy guitar songs that beginners might want to try playing, just to get things started. It will cover different genres but the objective is to improve playing, one song at a time. These are the criteria I've used for the selection of the songs:
a) Minimal number of chords -the less chords in a song, the easier it is to remember how to play it.
b) Minimal barre chords - barre chords require us to use our fretting hand's index finger to press all 6 strings in a particular fret. Less barre chords is better for beginners.
c) Familiarity of the song - the songs are some of the most popular during their times.
And since we're talking about beginner songs here, the primary goal of this list is to give novice players some songs to STRUM the guitar along with. No point in doing any complicated stuff yet. We have to first establish the rhythm within the player. So here it goes, in no particular order:
1. "Horse With No Name" - America
Chords: Em, F#m7sus
2. "Leaving On A Jet Plane" - John Denver
Chords: G, C, D
3. "No Rain" - Blind Melon
Chords: E, D, A, G
4. "Every Rose Has It's Thorns" - Poison
Chords: G, C, D, Em
5. "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" - Bob Dylan/ Guns N' Roses
Chords: G, C, D, Am
6. "One" - U2
Chords: Am, D7, FM7, G
7. "Four Strong Winds" - Neil Young
Chords: C, Dm, G, F
8. "I Remember You" - Skid Row
Chords: G, C, D, Am, Em
9. "Come As You Are" - Nirvana
Chords: Em, D, G, Am, C
10. "Wonderful Tonight" - Eric Clapton
Chords: G, D, C, Em, Am
Finger placement:
C (x-3-2-0-1-0)
D (x-x-0-2-3-2)
D7 (x-x-0-2-1-2)
E (0-2-2-1-0-0)
Em (0-2-2-0-0-0)
A (x-0-2-2-2-0)
Am (x-0-2-2-1-0)
F (x-x-3-2-1-1)
FM7 (x-x-3-2-1-0)
F#m7sus (2-0-0-2-0-0) G (3-2-0-0-0-3)
Legend:
D (x-x-0-2-3-2)
D - the chord name
x - E string will not be struck
x - A string will not be struck
0 - D string open
2 - Press G string on 2nd fret
3 - Press B string on 3rd fret
2 - Press e string on 2nd fret
There you go! Most of the songs have similar chords. That way, if we can recall chords from another some and incorporate that chord into another song then you get to practice applied knowledge. Ain't that grand!
Happy practicing!
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Getting The Best Out Of Music Downloads by
by Sarika Kabra
While all of us enjoy music, we may not have an idea of the basic requirements of the computer, or the software to enhance that listening experience. This is a beginner’s guide to break free from the shackles of ignorance and using the PC as the ultimate music partner.
has undergone a rapid transformation over the past few years. A wide variety of software is available in music and hardware stores, as well as over the internet. Numerous websites allow you to download music, often giving away to make themselves popular. To successfully make the best use of the facility, we need to familiarize ourselves with a few basic requirements. Let us examine these requirements for a successful music download.
First and foremost let us look at the hardware requirements. Apparently, a PC or a laptop is the primary requisite. Your PC/ Laptop should have a minimum of 128 MB RAM if you want good quality output. Latest systems come with much higher RAM, and it’s a simple case of the more the merrier. Get a 1GB RAM and see that music fly along!
A Hard Disk Drive with at least 2 MB free space is essential. If you have more, it is better as the more the free space, the better will be the performance of the system. Though most motherboards today support audio, for improved output you may need to think of installing an additional audio and/or a graphics card, which will also do the job admirably.
A high speed modem of min capacity 56 Kbps is a must, as is an internet connection to go with it. If you can manage to hook on to a high-speed broadband connection of 2Mbps or above, well; your job will be done in a fraction of the time. Most music files, even MP3, are fairly large for a dial-up connection to handle comfortably; hence a high speed connection will definitely be an asset as it will allow much faster downloads. If you are planning to download music videos, then a min internet speed of 512 Kbps is absolutely essential.
While laptops come with inbuilt speakers, good quality PC speakers may be chosen from famous brands like JBL, Sony, Yamaha, or the very boss of them all – Bose. Branded PCs, of course, come bundled with their own speakers.
Coming to the Software. If you have a Windows based system, anything that is Windows 98 upwards will do just fine. Red Hat Linux also supports music downloads. If you have a Mac, well- you need look no further.
Besides using the basic internet browser to connect to the internet, you will need a good Audio/Video player to enjoy the results of your efforts once you have downloaded your music. Windows Media Player comes bundled with the operating system itself and is a powerhouse in itself, offering a host of mind-boggling options. Interested in trying out something new? Take your pick from other good players that are available freely on the internet. Try out Jet Audio, VLC Media player, Music Match to add interesting options to your basic music player. These are audio/video players with a lot of playing options for different music experiences like Jazz, Rock, Classical, Vocal etc, automatically setting the equalizers for the best output for each of these music forms. Further, they give several options of enjoying your music with the varied output effects of sitting in a hall, big or small room, theatre etc. A number of interesting visualizations are bound to add to the enchanting experience. You can even set your own equalizer settings, depending whether you like more bass or not.
If, however, you are planning something more advanced like studio recording etc, go in for higher end that has sound editing and audio ripping capabilities. Some of the freely available ones are N-Track studio, MIDI Maestro, Chord Composer, MusiGenesis and VF160EX Fostex digital recorder.
While all of us enjoy music, we may not have an idea of the basic requirements of the computer, or the software to enhance that listening experience. This is a beginner’s guide to break free from the shackles of ignorance and using the PC as the ultimate music partner.
has undergone a rapid transformation over the past few years. A wide variety of software is available in music and hardware stores, as well as over the internet. Numerous websites allow you to download music, often giving away to make themselves popular. To successfully make the best use of the facility, we need to familiarize ourselves with a few basic requirements. Let us examine these requirements for a successful music download.
First and foremost let us look at the hardware requirements. Apparently, a PC or a laptop is the primary requisite. Your PC/ Laptop should have a minimum of 128 MB RAM if you want good quality output. Latest systems come with much higher RAM, and it’s a simple case of the more the merrier. Get a 1GB RAM and see that music fly along!
A Hard Disk Drive with at least 2 MB free space is essential. If you have more, it is better as the more the free space, the better will be the performance of the system. Though most motherboards today support audio, for improved output you may need to think of installing an additional audio and/or a graphics card, which will also do the job admirably.
A high speed modem of min capacity 56 Kbps is a must, as is an internet connection to go with it. If you can manage to hook on to a high-speed broadband connection of 2Mbps or above, well; your job will be done in a fraction of the time. Most music files, even MP3, are fairly large for a dial-up connection to handle comfortably; hence a high speed connection will definitely be an asset as it will allow much faster downloads. If you are planning to download music videos, then a min internet speed of 512 Kbps is absolutely essential.
While laptops come with inbuilt speakers, good quality PC speakers may be chosen from famous brands like JBL, Sony, Yamaha, or the very boss of them all – Bose. Branded PCs, of course, come bundled with their own speakers.
Coming to the Software. If you have a Windows based system, anything that is Windows 98 upwards will do just fine. Red Hat Linux also supports music downloads. If you have a Mac, well- you need look no further.
Besides using the basic internet browser to connect to the internet, you will need a good Audio/Video player to enjoy the results of your efforts once you have downloaded your music. Windows Media Player comes bundled with the operating system itself and is a powerhouse in itself, offering a host of mind-boggling options. Interested in trying out something new? Take your pick from other good players that are available freely on the internet. Try out Jet Audio, VLC Media player, Music Match to add interesting options to your basic music player. These are audio/video players with a lot of playing options for different music experiences like Jazz, Rock, Classical, Vocal etc, automatically setting the equalizers for the best output for each of these music forms. Further, they give several options of enjoying your music with the varied output effects of sitting in a hall, big or small room, theatre etc. A number of interesting visualizations are bound to add to the enchanting experience. You can even set your own equalizer settings, depending whether you like more bass or not.
If, however, you are planning something more advanced like studio recording etc, go in for higher end that has sound editing and audio ripping capabilities. Some of the freely available ones are N-Track studio, MIDI Maestro, Chord Composer, MusiGenesis and VF160EX Fostex digital recorder.
Roger Smith "Just Enough" Jazz Music CD Review by
Clyde Lee Dennis
Refreshingly, this was one of those CDs I was able to just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish...
One word describes the CD Just Enough from Roger Smith... AWESOME!
Refreshingly, this was one of those CDs I was able to just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.
One of the nicer things about a CD like this is when the talent is this rich even if Jazz isn’t your favorite style you still can’t help but appreciate the greatness of the artist.
If you’re a Roger Smith fan this is a CD your collection flat cannot be without. In fact, this is one of those CDs that you don’t even have to be a fan of Smith, or even Jazz to know is good. It’s just good music. Period.
While the entire album is really very good the truly standout tracks are Rough Cut [track 1], I'll Always Love You [track 4], and Just Another Day [track 11].
My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 6, Sunset Dreams. Good stuff!
Just Enough Release Notes:
Roger Smith originally released Just Enough on Apr 06, 2004 on the Trippin ‘N’ Rhythm Records label.
CD Track List Follows:
1. Rough Cut
2. Just Enough
3. Vega
4. I'll Always Love You
5. Workin' It
6. Sunset Dreams
7. Hali' Imile
8. Friday
9. Tunisina
10. Perfect Circle
11. Just Another Day
12. Roger's Groove
13. Friday - (remix)
Personnel: Roger Smith (piano, electric piano, organ, programming); Phillip Ingram, Lynne Fiddmont, Rachael Santos, Carol Toca, The Temptations (vocals); Cornelious Daniels (various instruments, programming); Peter White, Derek Allen; Arthur Marbury (various instruments); Dino Soldo (soprano saxophone); Norbert Statchel (tenor saxophone); Dave Koz (saxophone); Adolpho Acosta (trumpet); Thom Rotella, Kevin Chokan, Ray Raymond (guitar); Mike Tores (percussion). Producers include: Peter White, Roger Smith, Derek Allen, Cornelious Daniels, Arthur Marbury. Recorded at Hollywood Sound, Hollywood, California and O'Henry Studios, Burbank, California.
Refreshingly, this was one of those CDs I was able to just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish...
One word describes the CD Just Enough from Roger Smith... AWESOME!
Refreshingly, this was one of those CDs I was able to just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.
One of the nicer things about a CD like this is when the talent is this rich even if Jazz isn’t your favorite style you still can’t help but appreciate the greatness of the artist.
If you’re a Roger Smith fan this is a CD your collection flat cannot be without. In fact, this is one of those CDs that you don’t even have to be a fan of Smith, or even Jazz to know is good. It’s just good music. Period.
While the entire album is really very good the truly standout tracks are Rough Cut [track 1], I'll Always Love You [track 4], and Just Another Day [track 11].
My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 6, Sunset Dreams. Good stuff!
Just Enough Release Notes:
Roger Smith originally released Just Enough on Apr 06, 2004 on the Trippin ‘N’ Rhythm Records label.
CD Track List Follows:
1. Rough Cut
2. Just Enough
3. Vega
4. I'll Always Love You
5. Workin' It
6. Sunset Dreams
7. Hali' Imile
8. Friday
9. Tunisina
10. Perfect Circle
11. Just Another Day
12. Roger's Groove
13. Friday - (remix)
Personnel: Roger Smith (piano, electric piano, organ, programming); Phillip Ingram, Lynne Fiddmont, Rachael Santos, Carol Toca, The Temptations (vocals); Cornelious Daniels (various instruments, programming); Peter White, Derek Allen; Arthur Marbury (various instruments); Dino Soldo (soprano saxophone); Norbert Statchel (tenor saxophone); Dave Koz (saxophone); Adolpho Acosta (trumpet); Thom Rotella, Kevin Chokan, Ray Raymond (guitar); Mike Tores (percussion). Producers include: Peter White, Roger Smith, Derek Allen, Cornelious Daniels, Arthur Marbury. Recorded at Hollywood Sound, Hollywood, California and O'Henry Studios, Burbank, California.
Guitar Scales Practice Tip - The Number One Reason Why Guitarists Can't Use Scales Musically
by Craig Bassett
Find it hard to use guitar scales in a musical way? This article tells you why!
To start off this guitar scales practice tip, let me ask you a quick question. When was the last time you learnt a guitar scale to mastery? What I mean “to mastery” is this…
You can play the scale anywhere on your fretboard.
You know exactly what each note of the guitar scale sounds like.
You can see the scale over your entire fretboard.
You have memorized the notes and scales degrees of the scale. And you can see these notes and scale degrees over the entire fretboard.
You can solo using the guitar scale without having to think.
You have a large vocabulary of licks that you can play using the scale.
I’m guessing that you probably said something along the lines of “Never”. And that’s fine! Most guitarists never completely master the guitar scales that they learn. They just learn scales on a very superficial level.
And that is the number one reason why they struggle to use scales in a musical way when they improvise solos.
Try this experiment for a minute. Start talking about a subject that you know a lot about. It could be about anything. There are no rules! Pretend that you are explaining the subject to a friend. Keep on doing this for a few minutes. After you have finished, please read the rest of the article.
So what did you notice as you did it? Did you notice how you were thinking about the IDEAS that you were trying to convey and NOT the actual words themselves? I can almost guarantee that you didn’t think about the spelling of all of the words that you said. If you did, you would find it impossible to speak fluently…
Why is this? Why are you able to use those words without having to think?
You have imprinted those words into your brain so much that now you don’t consciously have to think when you use them. You spent countless hours learning, practicing, and mastering those words when you were young. Now you can use those words without thought. And do you know what?
It MUST be this way with the guitar scales that you learn! You need to learn them so well that you don’t have to think when you play them. It must become as easy as tying your shoelaces. Sure…you might think about the IDEAS you want to convey when you solo, but you don’t want to be thinking about the scale itself. If you do, then fluent and creative improvisation will be impossible.
Find it hard to use guitar scales in a musical way? This article tells you why!
To start off this guitar scales practice tip, let me ask you a quick question. When was the last time you learnt a guitar scale to mastery? What I mean “to mastery” is this…
You can play the scale anywhere on your fretboard.
You know exactly what each note of the guitar scale sounds like.
You can see the scale over your entire fretboard.
You have memorized the notes and scales degrees of the scale. And you can see these notes and scale degrees over the entire fretboard.
You can solo using the guitar scale without having to think.
You have a large vocabulary of licks that you can play using the scale.
I’m guessing that you probably said something along the lines of “Never”. And that’s fine! Most guitarists never completely master the guitar scales that they learn. They just learn scales on a very superficial level.
And that is the number one reason why they struggle to use scales in a musical way when they improvise solos.
Try this experiment for a minute. Start talking about a subject that you know a lot about. It could be about anything. There are no rules! Pretend that you are explaining the subject to a friend. Keep on doing this for a few minutes. After you have finished, please read the rest of the article.
So what did you notice as you did it? Did you notice how you were thinking about the IDEAS that you were trying to convey and NOT the actual words themselves? I can almost guarantee that you didn’t think about the spelling of all of the words that you said. If you did, you would find it impossible to speak fluently…
Why is this? Why are you able to use those words without having to think?
You have imprinted those words into your brain so much that now you don’t consciously have to think when you use them. You spent countless hours learning, practicing, and mastering those words when you were young. Now you can use those words without thought. And do you know what?
It MUST be this way with the guitar scales that you learn! You need to learn them so well that you don’t have to think when you play them. It must become as easy as tying your shoelaces. Sure…you might think about the IDEAS you want to convey when you solo, but you don’t want to be thinking about the scale itself. If you do, then fluent and creative improvisation will be impossible.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
