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What Are The Types Of Mandolin In The Mandolin Family

2007-06-04T12:14:00.001-07:00

by Tango Pang

So what are the different types of mandolin that can be found? Well, you can find as list such as the mandola, octave mandolin, mandocello, laouto and mando-bass are just some of the mandolin family that can be found.

The mandolin is the soprano member of the mandolin family, just as the violin is the soprano member of the violin family. Similar to the violin, the instrument scale length is typically about 13 inches (330 mm).

So what are the different types of mandolin that can be found? Well, below is a list of some of the main type of mandolin:

The mandola (US and Canada), termed the tenor mandola in Europe, Ireland and the UK, which is tuned to a fifth below the typical mandolin, in the same relationship as that of the viola to the violin. Some people also call this instrument the "alto mandola." The instrument scale length is typically about 16.5 inches (420 mm). It is normally tuned like a viola, which is: C-G-D-A.

The octave mandolin (US and Canada), termed the octave mandola or mandole in Europe, Ireland, and the UK, which is tuned an octave lower than the mandolin. The instrument scale length is typically about 20 inches (500 mm), although such instruments with scales as short as 17 inches (430 mm) or as long as 21 inches (530 mm) are not unknown.

The mandocello, which is classically tuned to an octave and a fifth below the mandolin, in the same relationship as that of the cello to the violin: C-G-D-A. Today, it is quite frequent that it is restrung for octave mandolin tuning or the Irish bouzouki's GDAD. The instrument scale length is typically about 25 inches (635 mm). Note that a violoncello scale is 27" (686mm).

The Greek laouto is actually a mandocello, ordinarily tuned D-G-D-A, with half of each pair of the lower two courses that are being tuned an octave high on a lighter gauge string. The body is a staved bowl, the saddle-less bridge is glued to the flat face like most ouds and lutes, with mechanical tuners, steel strings and tied gut frets. Modern laoutos, as played on Crete, have the whole lower course tuned in octaves as well as being tuned a reentrant octave above the expected D. The instrument scale length is typically about 28 inches (712mm).

The mando-bass, has 4 single strings, rather than double courses, and it is tuned like a double bass. These were made by the Gibson company in the early twentieth century, but appear to have never been common. Most of the mandolin orchestras will prefer to use the ordinary double bass, rather than a specialized mandolin family instrument.

The piccolo or sopranino mandolin is a rare member of the mandolin family, tuned one octave above the tenor mandola and one fourth above the mandolin; the same relation as that of the piccolo or sopranino violin to the violin and viola. The instrument scale length is typically about 9.5 inches (240 mm).

The Irish bouzouki is also considered a member of the mandolin family; although it is derived from the Greek bouzouki, it is constructed like a flat backed mandolin and uses fifth-based tunings (most often GDAD, an octave below the mandolin, sometimes GDAE, ADAD or ADAE) in place of the guitar-like fourths-and-third tunings of the three- and four-course Greek bouzouki. Although the bouzouki's bass course pairs are very often tuned in unison, on some instruments one of each pair is replaced with a lighter string and tuned in octaves, in the fashion of the 12-string guitar. Although occupying the same range as the octave mandolin/octave mandola, the Irish bouzouki is different from the former instrument by its longer scale length, typically from 22 inches (560 mm) to 24 inches (610 inches), although scales as long as 26 inches (660 mm), which is the usual Greek bouzouki scale, are not unknown.

Dreams - Drums - and Memories - The Little Drum Museum

2007-06-04T12:13:00.003-07:00

by Don Doman

On shelves, which circumnavigate the entire space, are drum kits, cases, and individual drums from a Green Day burned and melted drum kit to the entire collection of drums by Elvin Jones. If you close your eyes you can almost hear many of the songs that have been played on those drums from When I Come Around to The Drum Thing. You can close your eyes and get Good Vibrations.

In a small, older business mall in Bellevue, Washington is a little shop crammed with dreams and memories. Donn Bennett sells percussion equipment there, but the latest innovations and drum kits are not what makes the Bennett Drum Studios a great place to visit.

As you open the door to the shop a bright glittering rainbow of cylinders assaults your eyes. There are drums in a myriad of colors stacked almost to the ceiling. On the ceiling and in almost every available wall space there are autographed drumheads. The narrow room is part showroom and part museum. The autographs cover generations and venues from jazz to alternative rock.

On shelves, which circumnavigate the entire space, are drum kits, cases, and individual drums from a Green Day burned and melted drum kit to the entire collection of drums by Elvin Jones. If you close your eyes you can almost hear many of the songs that have been played on those drums from When I Come Around to The Drum Thing. You can close your eyes and get Good Vibrations.

Donn started the shop out of his home: buying, selling and trading drums for his own personal collection. Donn found he had a knack for finding rare and unusual drums and his collection became so large he opened up the shop, so he could teach, sell drums and share memories.

Donn has the full drum kit of Buddy Rich. He bought it from someone that had been given the set by Buddy Rich himself. Buddy supposedly said, “You want ‘em? Take ‘em.” Some of the drum sets are autographed like Carmine Appice’s drums from Rod Stewart, Simon Kirke’s of Bad Company, Alan White’s from Yes, Jerry Kramer’s from Aerosmith, and Michael Derosier’s of Heart.

The person who has probably spawned the most drummers is Hal Blaine, who has played the drums on more hit records than anyone else. One of his drum kits is on the shelf. Picture a garage band learning songs by listening to the latest records. In The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Playing Drums it says, “Hal Blaine is a legend. As the top Los Angeles studio drummer in the 1960s and early 1970s, he played on more than 8,000 different tracks for hundreds and hundreds of different musicians. His list of hits is staggering, and it's almost impossible to listen to an oldies radio station for more than 10 minutes without hearing a Hal Blaine song.”

Think of the huge number of young drummers learning their craft by pounding out the beat to 8,000 different tracks and making it their own. Drummers inspire drummers. Drummers can start with surface and a pair of drumsticks. Donn keeps buying more drums and more drumsticks as he shares his passion for drumming. He attracts drums.

Over the years Donn has become well known not just in the Puget Sound area, but in the world and with some of the most famous of drummers. The widow of Elvin Jones sought out Donn. He ended up buying all of Elvin’s equipment. Just imagine the sound of those drums accompanying John Coltrane on his classic recordings and still rolling around inside the drums and cases. Dreams, drums and memories . . . they’re all there at a little shop in Bellevue.

Guitar Lesson - Play Country Guitar Licks In A

2007-06-04T12:13:00.001-07:00

by Peter Edvinsson

Many things you learn from playing country guitar licks can be used to spice up solos in other genres. You will now learn to play some useful country licks in the key of A. Some easy, some a little bit awkward but nice!

Many things you learn from playing country guitar licks can be used to spice up solos in other genres. You will now learn to play some useful country licks in the key of A. Some easy, some a little bit awkward but nice!

You can play these licks using a pick or with your right hand fingers. You can also combine the pick with the use of a couple of more fingers like the middle finger and ring finger. This is commonly called hybrid picking. Having a few fingers at your disposal makes it easier to play licks with a lot of jumping between strings.

You will use a form of guitar tablature I have found suitable for articles like this one. The notes you will play are notated with the fret to play before a slash and the string after the slash. An example:

2/4

This means: Play the second fret on string four!

You will start with an A-major scale with some ringing open strings.

We will use hammer-ons in this scale. I will notate them with the letter h between the notes:

0/5 7/6 4/5 0/4 7/5 4/4 h 6/4 h 7/4 0/2 6/3 3/2 0/1 7/2 4/1 h 5/1

You will now play this scale descending. This will require you to replace the hammer-ons with pull-offs notated the same way with a p between the notes. It will look like this:

5/1 p 4/1 7/2 0/1 3/2 6/3 0/2 7/4 p 6/4 p 4/4 7/5 0/4 4/5 7/6 0/5

Your first country guitar lick will take you from E7 to A. We will use hammer-ons and pull-offs even in this lick. The suggested chords to play with the lick is in parenthesis:

(E7) 0/6 3/6 h 4/6 0/4 2/4 p 0/4 4/5 0/4 2/5 p 0/5 3/6 h 4/6 (A) 0/5

It is easiest to play in the second position. This means that you play the notes on the second fret with your index, the note on the third with your middle finger and so on.

In your next lick you will also use slides. I will notate this with an - between the notes:

4/3 - 5/3 3/2 0/1 3/2 5/3 - 4/3 0/2 2/3 5/4 - 4/4 0/3 2/4 p 0/4 3/5 h 4/5 0/5

The following country guitar lick uses a bend up a half note. It is notated (1/2b) before the note:

(E7) 3/1 h 4/1 0/1 3/2 p 0/2 2/3 0/3 h 1/3 2/4 p 1/4 p 0/4 (1/2b) 3/5 (A) 0/5

My intention with these licks is that you will learn them by heart as soon as you can. Play a couple of notes or so at a time until you know them by heart and add a couple of more notes. The notation is not important. It's just a means to convey the lick.

As soon as you know the lick by heart you can experiment with it and change it as you like.

Country guitar licks are often played in a way that creates a rapid succession of notes using a minimum of energy. This is accomplished by the following means:

1. Using a pick and two more fingers or only using the fingers with maybe a thumb pick.

2. Using as much open strings or strings ringing together as possible.

3. Using slides, hammer-ons and pull-offs and of course bends.

There is a risk with this type of licks. The ultimate goal is of course to play them fast and fluid, creating this nice cascades of notes that you can hear from a good country guitarist. To reach this goal you really have to practice these licks slowly using as little tension as possible as you play.

If you are that type of person that wants to learn things fast I guess you have to remind yourself that the fastest way to learn to play fast is to play slowly. It is as easy as that.

Marketing with the iPod

2007-05-16T09:12:00.000-07:00

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.

How To Make Your Music Website Interactive

2007-05-16T09:11:00.002-07:00

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.

Slipknot Discography

2007-05-16T09:11:00.001-07:00

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

Slipknot Biography

2007-05-08T10:04:00.001-07:00

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.

Five Basic Ways To Market Your Piano Music Online

2007-05-08T10:03:00.001-07:00

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.

Ten Easy Rock Songs For Guitar Beginners

2007-05-08T10:02:00.000-07:00

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!

Getting The Best Out Of Music Downloads by

2007-05-02T11:57:00.001-07:00

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.

Roger Smith "Just Enough" Jazz Music CD Review by

2007-05-02T11:56:00.000-07:00

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.

Guitar Scales Practice Tip - The Number One Reason Why Guitarists Can't Use Scales Musically

2007-05-02T11:54:00.000-07:00

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.

Grammy Awards

2007-04-28T04:35:00.000-07:00

by Joy Cagil
Grammy Awards are the Oscars of the music industry. In 2008, Grammy Awards will celebrate its fiftieth year, a milestone in the music awards business.

Grammy Awards are the Oscars of the music industry. The music industry launched its own awards thirty years after the Academy Awards were established. The Grammys, the Gramophone Awards--as originally named, were created in 1957 by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.

The Grammys were conservative. At that time, rock and roll was not included in the nominations, since it was considered a fad. Although the committee consisted of representatives from pop, jazz, classical, R&B, country etc, most innovators never won any awards for years to come.

The first Grammy Awards were presented for the year 1958, on May 4, 1959. Although Elvis Presley’s records were half of the music sold that year, The King wasn’t even nominated.

It is said that Frank Sinatra, the chairman of the board, had a hand in this, since he did not appreciate Rock’n Roll, and in the second year, when Bobby Darin was granted the Record of The Year Award for 1959 for “Mack the Knife,” Sinatra despised the new music even more. During the later years, however, Sinatra recorded the same song.

The end of the sixties still stayed conservative, although with Woodstock and with the push for following along with the times, the middle-of-the-road choices started to take hold. In 1969, the group 5th Dimension proved to be a godsend with their soft jazzy rock music, winning two awards for the same song, “Aquarius--Let the Sunshine in.”

The traditionalist view lost its hold during the seventies when the Grammys relaxed the strict judging criteria and included the rock music artists like the Eagles and Stevie Wonder.

A slap in the face came to Grammys with their biggest scandal when the Best New Artist Award was given to Milli Vanilli. Milli Vanilli were a twosome who had three singles at the number one spot. It was later discovered that the two never sang any of their songs, but lip-synched. Their German producer said afterwards, “We made a pact with the devil.”

The Grammys were broadcast on television for the first time by ABC until CBS bought the rights of telecast in 1973. The Grammys were held in Los Angeles at the Shrine Auditorium for several years and then moved to the Staples Center because of the increase in the size of the audience and the categories. For years, New York and Los Angeles have competed for hosting the Grammys.

The Grammys now boast 108 categories with more than 20 genres of music and chapters in Atlanta, Chicago, Florida, Los Angeles, Memphis, Nashville, New York, Pacific Northwest, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Texas, and Washington, D.C.

The 49th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony took place on February 11, 2007 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California with Dixie Chicks becoming the big winners. In 2008, Grammy Awards will celebrate its fiftieth year, a milestone in the music awards business and will be held on a date to be yet announced at Staples Center, Los Angeles, California.

Learning Guitar Scales - 3 Powerful Tips To Stop You Feeling Totally Overwhelmed With Scales

2007-04-28T04:34:00.002-07:00

by Craig Bassett
Is learning guitar scales frustrating you? Don't know where to start? This article can help you!
Learning guitar scales can be a very frustrating experience for many guitarists. It’s very easy to feel totally overwhelmed with just how much needs to be learnt. To learn and master every possible guitar scale out there would take many lifetimes. Because of this, many guitarists find it hard even knowing where to start!

In this article I’ll reveal three powerful tips to help you in your quest for guitar scale mastery. They are designed to help reduce any feelings of overwhelm that you may currently have. Let’s take a look at the tips now…

Tip #1: Develop a written plan for learning guitar scales.

This is really important. It is vital to introduce some structure into your scale learning process. Rather than aimlessly practicing guitar scales, you want to become laser-focused. This is achieved by writing down things such as…

-How much time each day you will devote to scale practice.
-What guitar scales you need to learn, in order to play the style of music that you love.
-What keys are the most common to the style of music that you play.
-What specific guitar scale exercises you will learn.
-What books, DVDs and other resources you will use to learn scales.
-The specific things that you don’t understand yet about guitar scales.

If you don’t know how to work out the stuff above, then I recommend booking some lessons with a professional guitar tutor. Make sure that they can play the style of music that you love. It’s not much point asking a classical guitar tutor what scales you need to learn for jazz guitar!

Tip #2: Learn one guitar scale at a time.

I can’t stress this tip enough. A major reason why many guitarists never master guitar scales is that they try to learn too many at once. This usually causes them to learn scales on a very superficial level. They may know lots of scales, but they definitely haven’t mastered any. This causes them to sound very unmusical when they improvise. They just sound like they are running up-and-down scales.

Tip #3: Don’t worry about trying to learn guitar scales in all 12 keys.

This advice goes against what a lot of guitar tutors and guitar books say. The reason why I say it is simple…

Trying to learn all scales in all 12 keys leads to a feeling of overwhelm for most guitarists! It can take months to learn a scale to mastery in one key. Especially if you want to know that scale over the entire fretboard AND be able to improvise fluently with it. For some guitarists, just thinking that they need to do this in all 12 keys is too much. They just give up! Here is a much better approach…

1. Find out what the most common keys are for the style of music that you play.
2. List the keys in order. You will put the most common key at the top, and the least common key at the bottom.
3. Master the key that is at the top of the list.
4. Master, (one at a time), the rest of the keys on your list.

There we have it! Implement these three tips and turbo-charge your ability to learn guitar scales!

Passa The Salsa - There's An "X" In Thar!

2007-04-28T04:34:00.001-07:00

by La Jackson
Got a taste for some flair on the dance floor and Latin music all wrapped up in a great story? Allow me to bring it to you HOT and ZESTY! Take a trip to the Caribbean and other places that folks lke Xavier Cugat and Salsa music visited. A lively re-cap of an era of great Latin music.

Another Latin music style is Salsa, which you will soon see is a popular music genre unto itself. Salsa instruments include the bass, bongo, conga, cowbell, clave, cabaca, guitar, maracas, piano, timbales, trombones, trumpets, woodwinds called ocarinas and panpipes. Salsa embodies the Latin music persona, but has since expanded to include American genres like Pop, Rock, Jazz, and R&B. You may notice that when a music style–-in this case Salsa–-gets popular, it often sub-divides and forms other styles of Salsa: Erotica, Gorda, and Romantica. There are also fusions like Charanga-Vallenata, Mereng-House, Salsa-Merengue, Songa-Salsa, TImba, and Salsa flavored Reggeaton.

As the name might imply, Reggaeton is made up of Jamaica’s popular Dancehall-Reggae music style with Spanish lyrics riding on top of it. There are various related cultures that continue to mesh, and we’ll probably see more interesting mixes of different genres. Along the way, assorted countries continue to produce Rap music in their own language. If you haven’t had a chance to hear Rap music from other countries, you owe it to yourself to take a listen to the similarities and differences of these dynamic styles. Certain college and community-based radio stations such as Atlanta’s WRFG-FM radio are leading the way to alternative programming that cannot be found in commercial radio.

A major force of the Caribbean Latin music movement was a very impressionable musician with flair. His full name is, (take a deep breath) Francisco De Asis Javier Cugat Mingall De Cru Y Deulofeo. That adds up to a name for every day of the week! The last time I heard a name that long was in a Debra ‘She’s So Fine’ Wilson skit on ‘Mad TV.’ I can’t remember all of the other names that preceded her last name – wait, it’s coming back to me: “Bunifa Latifah Halifa Sharifa Jackson.” Without twisting up our tongue this time, Xavier Cugat brought his influence to American audiences through a rich musical heritage that began in Spain and by 1905, landed him in Cuba. His humble beginnings as a trained violinist led him to create an exciting musical sound that spread like wildfire to Latin-American dance floors. He is credited with taking popular Latin music to new heights for dances like the Cha Cha, Mambo, Rhumba, Tango, “Latin Hustle, too.” Coincidentally, the last three dances were so popular that they were mentioned in the classic Disco group Chic’s hit song, “Dance, Dance, Dance (Yowsah Yowsah Yowsah).”

Hollywood was growing ever more glitzy by introducing film stars such as America’s funniest redhead–Lucille Ball–who through comedy, later claimed her share of the television broadcast market. Hit shows like “I Love Lucy” put Lucy and her musician-husband Desi Arnaz into TV’s limelight. Shows like this featured a wide variety of musicians that made contributions to Hollywood, like Desi Arnaz and Xavier Cugat.

In 1918, Cugat traveled to the United States to work in film with his superb band. It featured a young, pre-Lucille Ball Desi Arnez and other notable Cuban musicians. By 1920, Cugat moved to Los Angeles to perform his spicy shows that often featured popular singers like Rita Hayworth, who he once helped to get a starring role in a movie. Having been known as a ladies man, his third wife, Abbe Lane Cugat, starred in nine motion pictures during a fabulous Hollywood movie career that spanned from 1930 to 1959. Not even “Cuchi Cuchi” diva Charo: the international film and television star, songstress, guitarist and dancer, could not resist Cugat’s charm. She became his fourth wife in August of 1966; he was 66 years young. After Cugat discovered Charo, the fabulous Salsoul Orchestra collaborated on her first four albums. Like Xavier Cugat, Charo was born in Spain, and also has an extensive name: Maria del Rosario Pilar Martinez Molina Baeza.

Towards the completion of Cugat’s dynamic career, he moved to the east coast and conducted the famous Waldorf-Astoria Hotel’s house band. Originally just an ordinary gig, it turned into an encore that lasted more than 15 years. Xavier Cugat actually tapped into a commercial form of Latin-American music, but got criticized for crossing the unwritten borders of credible music as prescribed by his peers. He eventually left his band and passed his baton to a well-known and respected Tito Puente. After releasing dozens of tracks over the course of 75 years, Cugat’s legacy encompassed significant forays into the Hollywood movie world during the ‘40s and ‘50s. Cugat completed his ‘circle of life’ in America, and in 1970 he moved back to where it all began for him, Spain. This extraordinary musician will always be remembered for his important contributions to the world of entertainment, dance and music, which points to what I call a ‘particular modus operandi’, like the special gift called Salsa.

The newfound popularity of Salsa was taken to another level by Fania Records. This record label spearheaded a music revolution during the 1960’s, and still has a lasting effect on the world of Pop today. Fania Records was created in the early ‘60s by musician Johnny Pacheco and lawyer Jerry Masucci. Johnny Pacheco linked singer Hector LaVoe up with trombonist Willie Colon, and formed a team unlike any other in their profession. Many famous pairings of people from different professions have succeeded in business ventures. One example is the collaboration between talented musicians and savvy lawyers who came together to establish powerful organizations like ASCAP and Capitol Records.

On a side note, Capitol was the first major west-coast based label; the rest were based in New York. Around this time, the music industry was making room for new artists and music styles, like James Brown (Soul). There was also Stanley Clarke and Return To Forever (Jazz-Fusion), Jimi Hendrix & The Experience, Sly & The Family Stone (racially integrated bands), and Parliament-Funkadelic (Funk). Salsa's newest baby became the majestic Fania All-Stars. The band featured ‘heavyweights’ like Celia Cruz, Larry Harlow, Ray Baretto, Luis Ortiz, Bobby Valentin, and Panama’s own Ruben Blades, whose eye for Hollywood landed him in blockbuster films and popular shows. Besides making appearances in classics like Predator 2, Blades popped up in these movies:

Assassination Tango Spin Chinese Box Once Upon A Time in Mexico Fatal Beauty Critical Condition Disorganized Crime The Two Jakes Mo' Betta Blues Life with Mikey Color of Night The X Files

This is not a complete listing. So where did such an exciting music style like Salsa get its roots? That’s a great question; for that, there too is an answer. This infectious music known as Salsa was actually an amalgamation of Afro-Cuban, American, and Puerto Rican flavors of Bomba, Jazz and Merengue. Through tons of performances and recordings, Salsa took on a unique form and shaped itself into a dominant music style. As a result, Salsa was let loose on stages and dance floors wherever it went. The Fania All-Stars represented Salsa at its best.

Although Fania Records was sold in the fall of 2005, its legendary music releases won’t soon be forgotten; they may just be slightly difficult obtaining. Without important contributions from creative singers, musicians and Fania Records, Latin music may not have been as popular as it is outside of the Caribbean. To make my journey through life and music worthwhile, I rely on a Biblical verse to motivate me: “Seek and you shall find.” People should take time to search for the important values in life. Music’s a given; Salsa is a gift. I recommend getting a taste of them both from time to time; or as often as needed. “The music doctor has spoken – vamonos, mi amigos!”

A valedictorian and contributing author to Bernard Percy's books during elementary school, L.A. finished high school in Brooklyn, then went to L.A.City College. He graduated in 1987 from Georgia State University in Atlanta. An internship led to 10 years with CBS Records/Sony Music, where L.A. worked with almost every act, implemented sales/marketing campaigns, received numerous gold/platinum albums, awards, and traveled throughout the U.S., Canada and Jamaica to events.

As a recording studio owner, AV technician and manager for a global audiovisual company (TAVS), L.A. owns MKM Multimedia Works. In 2001 he executive-produced the Million Mom March’s Atlanta Artists Against Gun Violence compilation CD, featuring top Atlanta acts. In 2002, L.A. secured a commercial with The GAP for Arrested Development’s Baba Oje. L.A. now initiates his ‘6 books in 5 years’ plan.

How To Get Great Seats At Concerts - Backstage

2007-04-25T08:07:00.001-07:00

by Alex Mudge
A lot of people wonder how I get such good seats at all the concerts and how I'm able to obtain backstage passes. It's really not that hard but it does involve some techniques that the average concert goer wouldn't know.

A lot of techniques that I’m going to talk about specifically refer to Ticketmaster. However, most of these techniques and secrets can be used at any other online ticketing location. If you don’t have a ticketmaster account already then you really should get on the ball and set one up, now! You’ll thank me later when you’re favorite artist goes on sale and you don’t get rejected because you time-out while filling your payment info. I’m going to assume you know how to set up a ticketmaster account on your own, if you don’t then stop reading now, your hopeless.

Still here? Ok good. One of the main things that people contact me about is how their artist went on sale and they didn’t even know about it. You can be sure your up to date with your favorite artists by using ticketmasters: Ticket Alert Performer Alert Venue Alert It’s all self-explanatory but if you’re a little slow I’ll explain it to you. Basically, once you set up your favorite artist / venue, ticketmaster will automatically alert you before your tickets go on sale.

To set up your ticket alert simply log in to your created account (you did create one right?) and specify your artists and venues. Ticketmaster now enables wireless alerts via text messaging for certain artists and venues: Sign up to receive a Wireless Alert by clicking on the link “Get a text message reminder” on an Event Page or on a Performer Alert email. If there is no link on the Event Page, the event is not eligible for Wireless Alerts or tickets are (or have been) on sale for that event. Complete the Wireless Alerts sign up page by entering your 10 digit mobile number and agreeing to the Terms and Conditions.

GETTING YOUR TICKETS

All right now lets take care of your browsers. If you’re running Windows grab these three – Explorer, Firefox (www.firefox.com) and Opera. If your running MAC OSX – Safari, Firefox and Camino Why do I need three different browsers???

Simple, choices.

Lets say you’ve been notified early via Ticketmasters Ticket Alert that your favorite artist is going on sale at precisely 10 A.M. Pacific time.

Here is what you need to do
1. Open all three browsers
2. Log into your Ticketmaster account with each browser
3. Get onto the for sale page around 9:45 A.M.
4. DON’T keep refreshing your page – Ticketmaster can block you if you do this.
5. Wait until 9:58 A.M. until you start refreshing (one browser for now)
6. Once you are able to select tickets refresh all your browsers and input your data
7. Put in your amount of seats desired and select “Best Available” IN EACH BROWSER!!!
8. Get to the page where you can see your seats, if you like them BUY THEM.

TIP: If you find a pair of tickets that you like in one browser, take it to the BILLING page where you can “hold them” for a few minutes while you search on your other browser for more seats.

TIP: If you and a friend want to attend the same show, teach him this technique and wake his/her lazy butt up to help you out.

TIP: Try selecting “LOWER FLOOR” instead of “BEST AVAILABLE.” I’ve scored a couple times doing this.

Don’t worry if you get snuffed or if your seats suck. Be persistent, many times Ticketmaster releases a new batch of tickets every 15 minutes or so to deter scalpers. Just keep using the technique.

Learn to PLay Piano By Ear - Left Hand Techniques

2007-04-25T08:06:00.000-07:00

by Matthew Stephens
Many individuals know how to play the piano by ear, but they have trouble with the left hand. Here's some techniques that will help you bring your left hand alive!

The tenth (10th) chord is an excellent technique you can use on your left hand. The 10th chord is basically following this:

Every major chord is made up of the numbers 1-3-5 of the scale played simultaneously. Basically, the 10th chord is made up of these three numbers inverted and played either simultaneously or in a "roll" form.

1-5-3 (the 3 actually becomes the 10)

For example:

C D E F G A B C D E F G A B C
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1
1 2 3 4 7 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

That means that on the left hand you would play C-G-E. Now this may be rather hard for some of you. In fact, when I started playing the 10th chord I have to "roll" it until my fingers stretched out enough to play it as a chord. (I'll focus on stretching exercises later.)

HOW DO I USE THE 10th CHORD ON SLOW TO MODERATE SONGS?

The most common way of using the 10th chord is to use it on the left hand on most "down" beats. It creates a wonderful full sound. Another common way to use the 10th chord is in a roll. This would mean the pianist would create the rhythm to the song playing the following numbers:

Moving up the keyboard: 1-5-3-5-1 (repeat)

So, if you were in the key of C and you were in the C chord change, while your right hand is playing the melody to the song, the left hand would follow the pattern above and would look like this:

Moving up the keyboard: C-G-E-G-C

When you get to the F chord change:

Moving up the keyboard: F-C-A-C-F

Wow! What a difference in the full sound it gives! Try the 10th run!

EMG Guitar Pickups

2007-04-25T08:05:00.000-07:00

By Louis Merz
EMG, Inc first started manufacturing guitar pickups back in 1976, known as EMG pickups. Over the years they have earned the reputation for quality, clear sounding pickups used by many professional artists. ESP guitars and Jackson guitars currently use EMG pickups as their standard pickup design. Their high output is preferred by hard rock and heavy metal guitarists because of the pickups higher gain output as opposed to most lower output pickups. Some of the bands and artists who currently endorse EMG pickups are Tom Morrello, Zakk Wylde, Stephen Carpenter, Metallica, Slayer and many others

The most common EMG pickups are the EMG 81 and 85. The EMG 81 is usually considered to be the lead pickup and is more commonly used in the bridge position, while the EMG 85 is mainly used as a rhythm pickup more used in the neck position.

Personally I have had great success with using EMG pickups in a Gibson Les Paul and 7 string ESP guitar especially if you are into heavier sounding music. The clarity, deeper tone, and added gain are what make the pickups more suitable. One negative thing about the EMG active pickups is the need for a 9 volt battery, but it's not much of a problem because the battery lasts for a long time. You just need to make sure you replace the battery at least every 6 months because of tone loss over time.

Elvis the 1950s Classics History and Facts

2007-04-22T12:14:00.000-07:00

by Gail Leino
Elvis' full name is Elvis Aaron Presley. He was born on January 8, 1935. He is the most talked about rock and roll singers to date.

Elvis’ full name is Elvis Aaron Presley. He was born on January 8, 1935. He is the most talked about rock and roll singers to date. He had a twin brother named Garon, who died and it was because of him Elvis had his middle name Aaron so that he could always feel his brother as a part of him. Elvis is also known as the King of Rock and Roll. Elvis started out his career singing rhythm and blues, gospel and country. He is known as the first singer who merged the country music with blues. He also sang ballads, pop, folk, as well as opera and jazz.

Elvis took the world with a sweep. There are millions of Elvis’ fans throughout the world, who still love him dearly. He had a musical career that ranges over the span of two decades. You might be surprised to know that Elvis Presley had a very tough childhood where his father did not want to take any responsibility of the family and Elvis’ mother was working really hard to make the ends meet. It was in 1938 that Elvis’ father was convicted of forgery and was sent to Mississippi State Penitentiary.

Elvis had been known to hang out with only a few friends and he never mingled much with his classmates. His teachers tell of him as a student who was sweet and loving and loved to read comic books. Elvis was living in a dreamland of his own. He used to hang out at theaters and listened to the local musicians and it was then he thought of expressing his emotions through music. It was in 1945, that Elvis’ mom bought him the first guitar valued at $12.75. The first two songs recorded by Elvis were “My Happiness” and “That’s When Your Heartaches Begin.” There is so much about Elvis that I can go on and on for days. The last words that I have to say are “He Is My Hero.”

Maxïmo Park

2007-04-22T12:13:00.000-07:00

Maxïmo Park just released their second album Our Earthly Pleasures. Just like after the release of their first one A Certain Trigger Maxïmo Park will play a lot of gigs. Looks like singer Paul Smith has a suitcase with him just for his hats .

Top Ten Women That ROCK

2007-04-22T12:07:00.000-07:00

These ladies can rock your bones and kick your ass if they wanted to. Here we have 10 of the most talented and gifted ladies of rock n´roll.

Some are smoking hot and others well they just let their voice do their talking. Who wouldn´t mind being their groupies.

Some Words on Soul Music

2007-04-21T04:56:00.000-07:00

by Charlotte Jones
Soul is still a very popular music genre which grew out of fifties rhythm and blues. There were two very diffined record labels which dominated this era, Stax and Tamala Motown. The record label Stax started life in Memphis in 1959, founded by Jim Stewart and Estelle Axton. Around the same time Berry Gordy was creating the two record labels, Tamla and Motown in Detroit. Stax and Tamla Motown became the biggest of rivals for record sales throughout the 1960’s and 70’s. Their music idiom was the same, with a focus on the Black music form soul, but marketing and style differed significantly.

Soul is still a very popular music genre which grew out of fifties rhythm and blues. There were two very diffined record labels which dominated this era, Stax and Tamala Motown.

The record label Stax started life in Memphis in 1959, founded by Jim Stewart and Estelle Axton. Around the same time Berry Gordy was creating the two record labels, Tamla and Motown in Detroit. Stax and Tamla Motown became the biggest of rivals for record sales throughout the 1960’s and 70’s. Their music idiom was the same, with a focus on the Black music form soul, but marketing and style differed significantly.

Motown took the music market by storm at a time when white audiences were ignoring many black music forms. Their success was attributed to their light soul style with their image being aimed at the middle class market. Producing hits such as ‘Stop! In the name of love’ by the Supremes, released in 1965, and ‘Heard it through the grapevine’ by Marvin Gaye, released in 1968. Artists such as the Supremes, the Four Tops and Marvin Gaye developed a clean-cut image, appearing on record sleeves and in concerts wearing formal clothes such as tuxedos and evening dresses.

Stax records concentrated more on the original form of Black American Southern soul. For Stax records the original music form was more important than image and marketing. Artists and songs included ‘In the midnight hour’ by Wilson Pickett, released in 1965, and ‘Sittin’ on the dock of the bay’ by Otis Redding, released in 1968.

Some Words On The Two Styles Of Music Funk And Disco

2007-04-21T04:55:00.000-07:00

by Charlotte Jones

Funk music is a musical style which originated in America in the mid to late 1960’s. This musical genre blends together Rhythm and Blues, jazz and soul music into a trendy and danceable style. Nothing sets of a party better than a bit of disco music, the genre which blended together two favourite music genres, soul and funk. Disco music became popular in the 1970’s and took over the mainstream pop music charts.

Funk Funk music is a musical style which originated in America in the mid to late 1960’s. This musical genre blends together Rhythm and Blues, jazz and soul music into a trendy and danceable style.

Funk concentrates on a strong rhythmic groove from the rhythm section melody and harmony are de-emphasised. Back line instruments such as electric guitar, electric bass, Hammond organ and drums are used to play interlocking grooves. Most funk songs, unlike other musical styles such as soul and R and B, comprise of very few chords sometimes as little as a vamp on one chord. A horn section (saxophones, trumpets and sometimes trombones) is often used in funk bands to provide stabs and punches to accentuate rhythms and grooves.

Performers in this genre include James Brown with songs such as ‘I feel good’, Earth, Wind and fire, Kool and the Gang who had a hit single with ‘Celebration’, and Tower of Power. Funk has had a large influence on more recent forms of music such as disco and hip hop.

Disco Nothing sets of a party better than a bit of disco music, the genre which blended together two favourite music genres, soul and funk. Disco music became popular in the 1970’s and took over the mainstream pop music charts. This music form relies heavily on a very steady four to the floor bass drum beat, a quaver or semi quaver hi-hat pattern using an open hi-hat on the off beat, and a solid, often syncopated electric bass line. The vocals are high impact and use a great deal of reverb. Electric instruments including guitars, pianos, string sounds, often played on synthasisers, play in the background and are less important than the high impact drums and vocals. Popular artists in this genre include ‘The Jackson Five’, ‘The Bee Gees’ and ‘Donna Summer’, music by these artists is bound to get any aged person tapping or too their feet! Disco music helped the creation of techno and house in the 1990’s.

Free Songs for iPod Revealed

2007-04-21T04:53:00.000-07:00

by Gerry Restrivera
Most people go for freebies in the internet and mostly these are file downloads they thought they could enjoy and use. Is it wrong to have those freebies available that all you have to do is click that download button and you will enjoy those freebies? It's your choice but the big question is "Are these free downloads really safe to download?" Many websites appeared in the internet with free songs for iPod to download since the launch of iPod. However, there are many considerations that you have to think like viruses, damage to your iPod and PC as a result of these free unsecured downloads. Is it worth to risk your iPod and PC for a few free songs for iPod that you could download?

Most people go for freebies in the internet and mostly these are file downloads they thought they could enjoy and use. Is it wrong to have those freebies available that all you have to do is click that download button and you will enjoy those freebies? It’s your choice but the big question is “Are these free downloads really safe to download?” Many websites appeared in the internet with free songs for iPod to download since the launch of iPod. However, there are many considerations that you have to think like viruses, damage to your iPod and PC as a result of these free unsecured downloads. Is it worth to risk your iPod and PC for a few free songs for iPod that you could download?

How about copyright laws? Are you sure these websites are legal? Sad to say but most free downloads especially free songs for iPod are not legal. Do you want to end up in court for a few free songs for iPod? If you are not aware, there are a lot of lawsuits filed by Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) against people downloading copyrighted songs illegally.

Possible damage to your iPod unit, PC system and a court case for just a few free songs for iPod you downloaded? That’s a lot of trouble to go through isn’t it?

Fortunately, internet and high technology offers a lot of best deals for your iPod without the hassle of legality issues and damages to your PC and iPod. You just have to be clever to analyze your benefits and minimize your risk.

You can still have your free songs for iPod, well not totally free but the best deal you could get for your iPod. There are subscription services like MyiPodownloads where you can be a member for one time payment and have unlimited access to thousands of media files like music, movies, music videos, games, TV shows, sport events and a lot more. One time payment with no extra charges and no monthly fees for unlimited access on safe, secured and legal iPod downloads. These subscription services are completely legal and you can have your free songs for Ipod anytime you want with just one time payment.

Hip-Hop Uncovered Part II - An Inside Look at Hip-Hop's Newest Regime

2007-04-19T07:20:00.001-07:00

by Isha Edwards

In addition to hearing from key influences in Atlanta's Holy Hip-Hop movement (Part I), rap pioneers, Christopher 'Play' Martin and Curtis 'Kurtis Blow' Walker provide insight about the transition they have made and how they help progress Hip-Hop's thriving sub-genre.

In 2006, Hip-Hop's seemingly silent sub-genre, Holy Hip-Hop (Christian/Gospel/inspirational rap music), gained mainstream exposure as well as momentum. From Dr. Robert Schuller's Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California and Pastor Phil Jackson's Tha House on Chicago's West Side to Pastor Tommy Kyllonen's Hip-Hop infused community outreach in Tampa, Florida and Father Timothy Holder's e-Mass (a combination of Hip-Hop and Episcopalian ritual) in South Bronx, NY, emcees who specialize in Holy Hip-Hop music became widely recognized as did Hip-Hop themed youth groups, events, performances, and music ministries.

Although the Hip-Hop industry tends to balk at spiritual emcees and DJ's remain unsure about what to do with Hip-Hop's flourishing sub-genre, the influence of Holy Hip-Hop music in churches and even gospel infused lyrics in mainstream songs continues to grow in popularity. Entertainment marketing consultant and artist manager for The Diadem Group, LLC Treiva Williams explains the disparity, "Just like any other genre or sub-genre there are doses or levels of [Hip-Hop]. You just have to keep listening until you find your style and your appropriate dosage. Each kind serves its purpose [but] because [Holy Hip-Hop] is associated with the divine it [usually] gets a one shot deal."

Two of the most influential advocates of Holy Hip-Hop are rap pioneers Curtis "Kurtis Blow" Walker and Christopher "Play" Martin. Noted for their individual achievements and contributions to rap, Walker and Martin are proactively involved in advancing Holy Hip-Hop. Although their platforms differ, their goals are the same.

Hittin' the Breaks

With more than 25 years of industry experience, Walker has 10 albums to his credit and a host of accomplishments that won him music, film, and television acclaim in the 80's. Although Walker always "knew God as a kid," at the lowest point in his life, he succumbed to drug use. It was Walker's spiritual encounter at Church on the Way (Pastor Jack Hayford) in 1992 that changed his course and added another chapter in Hip-Hop's history book. Walker has since transitioned from entertainment magnate to co-founder of the Harlem-based, Hip-Hop Church America where the former break-dancer serves as a rapper, DJ, and worship leader.

Like the Hip-Hop Church in Harlem, sanctuaries in Dallas, Los Angles, New Jersey, Philadelphia and 15 other U.S. cities duplicate efforts to bring families together through lively church services garnished with Hip-Hop themes and Holy Hip-Hop music. "That's the thing about the Hip-Hop Church--we don't target the 18 to 34 year old [demographic]. We target entire families. When the kids come to church, they come in with their parents. They are not dropped off in another room," Walker advised.

In addition to his role with Hip-Hop Church America, speaking engagements, and tours, Walker is actively involved in community initiatives. He is an advocate for social justice and speaks empathetically against racism, drugs, and alcohol. His current film credits include a two-hour documentary titled, "The History of Rap." Remaining true to his first love Walker also deejays on Backspin 43, Sirius Satellite Radio's Classic Old School Hip-Hop station.

Fully embracing the Holy Hip-Hop movement, Walker believes that Holy Hip-Hop will "get [rappers] back on track so that God can do good through [Hip-Hop]." "When Hip-Hop first began it was the voice of the people doing and saying the right thing. Teaching was important. It was fun and wholesome... There was a code of ethics and integrity," Walker said. "[Today] Hip-Hop for many is a way out of the ‘hood," Walker commented. In order for Hip-Hop to thrive, Walker says that people who like Hip-Hop must have a "different mindset about how to use it."

Ain't Gonna Hurt Nobody

Like Walker, Martin has also amassed his share of music, film, and television credits. The 90's Hip-Hop icon is best known for his role in the Kid'n Play rap duo and as an actor in the House Party trilogy. Always a price to pay, the glamorous life that fueled Martin's claim to fame eventually lost its luster. What Martin worked so hard to obtain fell short of the happiness he sought. Predicated by many disappointments and later, a failed marriage, Martin attempted to commit suicide. It was hearing Ron Kenoly's single, "Use Me" that interrupted the attempt.

Describing Hip-Hop music as a language that everyone can relate to, Martin queries, "What won't God use to save somebody?"

Today, Martin serves as the executive director for Amen Films--the distribution arm of HP4 (House Party 4). As the founder and CEO of HP4, Martin helps "bring to fruition a dream or vision of an individual with an idea." Martin's first film under the Amen umbrella, Holy Hip-Hop: The Movie was released on DVD in March 2006. The film features the efforts of Holy Hip-Hop artists and their impact in communities across the nation. Martin has since completed video projects for Holy Hip-Hop artists, Platinum Souls, Infinity, and former trio, Ziklag Boyz. Simultaneously, Martin lent his musical talent to create three Holy Hip-Hop compilation CDs titled, "Taking the Gospel to the Streets (Volumes 1, 2, and 3)."

Although Martin's love for Hip-Hop remains, he prefers to be more of a fan and a producer-director. "I love Hip-Hop and am a product of Hip-Hop...I am just focused on looking at ways to keep [Hip-Hop] alive, advance it, innovate it, and develop it," he advised.

Expanding his reach to the academic arena, Martin serves as a professor at North Carolina Central University. Teaming up with 9th Wonder (Patrick Douthit) formerly of the rap group Little Brother, Martin teaches the school's inaugural Hip-Hop 101 course.

Trading Spaces

Together, Martin and Walker are forging full speed ahead to impact the lives of youth and young adults in a positive way. Martin's film endeavor, "Welcome to Durham USA," is geared towards gang reform in the U.S. The documentary exposes the gang problem, qualms about gangs, and addresses the "unspoken hope" of gang members. Prior to their reunion last year, Walker also completed a documentary centered on gang activity in the California region.

Among their collaborative efforts, Martin and Walker support the Annual Holy Hip-Hop Artist Showcase and Music Awards in Atlanta. The two also joined forces with notable Hip-Hop R&P artist, Canton Jones, to create a 24-track CD. "Tha Block Iz Hot," features Holy Hip-Hop artists from each region in the U.S. Atlanta-based, Ifeanyi of Ifeanyi Music and Love International's upcoming reality show, "The Streets Need Us," carries the album's lead single.

Currently, Walker is on a nationwide tour with his group, The Trinity. Martin is scheduled to make guest appearances on selective tour dates.

Individually, the two still work to progress Holy Hip-Hop. In May, Walker will cross-promote a series of Holy Hip-Hop tracks titled, Hip-Hop Ministry in conjunction with Pastor Kyllonen's Unorthodox project, which includes a Hip-Hop themed book, CD, and DVD. In addition to championing independent film and television ventures and corresponding soundtracks, Martin is also working on a music video with Holy Hip-Hop recording artist, Blessed.

Hip-Hop Heroes

Martin and Walker are not the only mainstream rap converts to the Christian faith. Nor are they the only Hip-Hop artists to merge their passion for Hip-Hop with their faith. Cheryl "Salt" James, Fabo of D4L, and Diddy's former personal assistant, Fonzworth Bentley are among a growing list of rap personalities who embrace Hip-Hop and Christianity--a trend popularized six years ago by Bad Boy recording artist, MA$E (Mason Betha). Included in the count are mainstream artists who publicly express their faith in God: Diddy, LL Cool J, Trina, Ludacris, Marques Houston, Ciara, and Crime Mob's Diamond and Princess and rap converts to ministry.

Former Three 6 Mafia member, Mr. Del continues to rap on his Holy South label while he pastors City of Refuge in Memphis, Tennessee. Currently, Betha maintains his position as a Hip-Hop artist while pastoring S.A.N.E. Church International in Atlanta. Though he does not formally pastor a church, Reverend Run of Run DMC fame is an ordained minister whose latest album was released June 2006.

Walker, who became an ordained minister in April, attributes the spiritual revival in the Hip-Hop community to purpose. "I always knew that Hip-Hop was very spiritual--something about the rapper's popularity and their mystic. [Rappers] have the potential to become the hero of their communities. That's what they are..."

Even though the influence of Hip-Hop in the church is clear as is the viability of Holy Hip-Hop artists, less evident is if the diversity and cultural influences of Hip-Hop will be transformed by churches through Holy Hip-Hop artists or by the heroes who lead Hip-Hop today.

The Amazing Singing Voice - Soar to New Singing Heights

2007-04-19T07:19:00.000-07:00

by Bob Pardue

If you are a singer or inspire to be one you don't want to miss this report about your amazing singing voice. You will learn to increase your octave range with this vocal lesson.

Every singing voice carries these two characteristics - amazing and unique! Each person's voice has its own unique sound, some high and some low. Other singing voices fall somewhere in between. No two are exactly alike. That's what makes singing and music so remarkable. Let's take a look at the amazing singing voice and how you can reach new singing heights with your voice.

A Voice Designed for Many Octaves

Did you know that your voice was designed for many different octaves, or singing ranges? Perhaps you were under the persuasion that your voice could only reach one or two ranges. If you usually sing low, maybe you never dreamed of singing in high notes, or vice versa.

Amazingly, your voice can soar to new heights with a little training and a few exercises. With lots of practice, you might even increase your singing range from two to five octaves! You can sing high with the sopranos or low with the bass singers.

How Long to Increase Your Singing Range?

Your voice cannot be forced into a new singing range; it must be trained. You'll need to find the flow in your voice and use your mind to overcome muscular limitations. While training your voice, you'll also decrease vibrating vocal cords, or mass, until your vocal cords dampen. This will decrease the vibrating sounds of the cords. With this type of voice training, you'll train your musculature to obey your mind.

Once you've accomplished these steps, you'll notice a pleasant change in your singing voice. You'll be able to sing easier, higher, longer and with a beautiful singing tone that draws the ear.

Find the Proper Training for Your Voice

Exercises to increase your singing range are great, but you'll find singing courses to be helpful in other areas as well. There are courses that show you how to sing with certain conditions affecting the throat such as dry throat, itchy throat, soar throat, etc. On the Internet, you can easily sign on for a singing course to get the training and experience you need to become a great singer!

Free Online Piano Lesson Shows You How To Improvise Step by Step

2007-04-19T05:45:00.000-07:00

by Edward Weiss

Want to learn how to improvise and create your own music? Read this article and discover how!

So, you want to learn how to improvise your own music on the piano. Most think this task is difficult. And it is, if you don't know what you're doing.

Fortunately, there is a way to actually improvise and create your own music at the piano without having to spend months… if not years learning how.

Take a look at the lesson "Reflections in Water" (available by clicking below.) Here we have what is basically an improvisation exercise in the Key of C Major.

You don't have to know anything about music in order to try this lesson. All you need is a keyboard or piano to practice on and the ability to stretch your hands out a little.

Step one of this lesson introduces you to something called the open position chord. This chord structure gives you the ability to play the piano with both hands right away. Plus, it's a modern sounding chord. This 6-note chord really stretches your hands and really is quite amazing.

The first thing you should do is get used to it and the best way this is accomplished is through playing it first as a solid chord, then as a broken chord.

If this chord type is new to you, you'll notice that your hands are being used to their fullest extent. In fact, you'll be stretching out over 2 octaves!

After you familiarize yourself with and play the chords you'll want to begin to improvise. And the cool thing about all this is that with this chord structure it's easy! All you have to do is create a little melody using the C Major scale.

The one thing that stops students from actually trying and succeeding at this improvisation exercise is the fear of actually doing it. It they would just take the first step and place their fingers on the keyboard they would be halfway there.

Truthfully though, music instruction has, for the most part ,dissuaded many from attempting anything like this. Most people think you have to have some extraordinary talent to improvise music. This belief has stopped many from experiencing the joy of improvisation. They think if they don't have the talent of a Mozart or Beethoven why even bother.

Avril Lavigne "Let Go" Pop Music CD Review

2007-04-17T04:12:00.001-07:00

by Clyde Lee Dennis
Avril Lavigne has been a heavy hitter in the Pop genre for quite a while now and Let Go is an excellent illustration as to why..

can describe the latest release from Pop sensation Avril Lavigne for you with just one word… Outstanding!

Avril Lavigne has been a heavy hitter in the Pop genre for quite a while now and Let Go is an excellent illustration as to why.

Let Go is a nicely varied, mix of 13 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly gifted artist. With many of the songs displaying a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Seemingly drawing from what I can only imagine are her own real life experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions of love, heartbreak, pain, failed relationships and unattainable romance. They’re all here.

Listen to this CD and I believe you’ll find there's not much to dis-like about it. The songs are inspired, the production is simply outstanding, and Avril Lavigne's voice is in top form. If you're even mildly into Pop music you'll enjoy this album.

While this entire album is really very good some of my favorites are track 1, Losing Grip, track 4, I'm With You, track 9, Things I'll Never Say.

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 8, Anything But Ordinary. Great track!

Let Go Release Notes:

Avril Lavigne originally released Let Go on Jun 04, 2002 on the Arista Records label.

CD Track List Follows:
1. Losing Grip
2. Complicated
3. Sk8er Boy
4. I'm With You
5. Mobile
6. Unwanted
7. Tomorrow
8. Anything But Ordinary
9. Things I'll Never Say
10. My World
11. Nobody's Fool
12. Too Much To Ask
13. Naked

Personnel: Avril Lavigne (vocals, guitar); Evan Taubenfeld (guitar); Mark Spicoluk (bass); Matthew Brann (drums). Producers: Clif Magness, The Matrix, Curt Frasca, Peter Zizzo.

The Blues Scale - How It Opened Up A Whole New World To Me

2007-04-17T04:10:00.001-07:00

by Lee Griffith
In my earlier years of playing guitar, I could never even begin to comprehend how guitar players could jam with other musicians and improvise, when it came their turn to take a break. I would listen and watch in amazement as a guitar player would (effortlessly, it seemed) play lick after lick of great sounding lead guitar. Then I read about "the blues scale."

In my earlier years of playing guitar, I could never even begin to comprehend how guitar players could jam with other musicians and improvise, when it came their turn to take a break. I would listen and watch in amazement as a guitar player would (effortlessly, it seemed) play lick after lick of great sounding lead guitar. Then I read about “the blues scale.” This simple scale, the blues scale, which I learned in a day, and mastered in a week, opened up an entirely new world to me. By knowing this collection of notes which would go with a given chord, I was able to do amazing feats of improvisation in a few days!

This collection of notes can be played in any key and position on the guitar, but to begin, let’s try it in the key of A, in the fifth position (with your left hand moved up to where you are covering the 5th through the 8th frets).

Here is the Blues Scale in A…

On the 6th string (the low E string), play a note using the first finger on the behind the 5th fret, and then a note using the fourth finger (“pinky”) behind the 8th fret.

Then, on the 5th string (the A string), play a note using the first finger behind the 5th fret, then a note using the second finger behind the 6th fret, then a note using the third finger behind the 7th fret.

Then, on the 4th string (the D string), play a note using the first finger behind the 5th fret, then a note using the third finger behind the 7th fret.

Then, on the 3rd string (the G string), play a note using the first finger behind the 5th fret, then a note using the third finger behind the 7th fret, then a note using the fourth finger (pinky) behind the 8th fret.

Then, on the 2nd string (the B string), play a note using the first finger play a note using the first finger behind the 5th fret, then a note using the fourth finger behind the 8th fret.

Then, on the 1st string (the high E string), repeat the sequence you played on the 2nd string—that is play a note using the first finger play a note using the first finger behind the 5th fret, then a note using the fourth finger behind the 8th fret.

Play this using alternating picking strokes (downstrokes and upstrokes), and go up the scale (from the 6th string to the 1st string) and then down the scale (from the 1st string to the 6th string). Then, fool around with it—play different sequences, but use only the notes on this scale. It may open up a whole new world to you too!

Tips to Learn Guitar

2007-04-17T04:06:00.000-07:00

by Eric Chiverton
The art of playing guitar seems to be coming back into fashion. We've had many years of electronic music, but live music means guitars to many people. So, if you are considering playing, here are some guidelines to get you started.

Get yourself a reasonable guitar
Do not make the mistake of buying a cheap guitar to learn on. There is nothing more off putting than trying something out, then finding it is really difficult. Imagine how you would feel if an experienced guitar picked it up and told you that they too found it hard to play on because of the build quality and strings. A good guitar is easier to play than a bad one. Simple as that.

Do not spend a fortune on a guitar tuner
You can obtain free tuners on the internet simply by using the search engines. It is expensive to play and learn guitar, with the cost of amplifiers, strings and all the effects pedals. Anything you can get for free to start off with, then you should do it. It is also very inexpensive to buy a set of pitch pipes that are very easy to use to tune the guitar.

Always have a spare set of strings
This sounds obvious, but nothing is more frustrating than being in the middle of guitar practice when a string breaks.

Play slowly
It is the walk before you run analogy. If you start by playing something too quickly and making mistakes, all you are doing is learning the mistake. Play slowly, then increase the speed as your fingers adapt to what you are playing. It is an odd fact, but your brain will remember the pattern without you having to actually think about it.

Repetition is the key
Play chords over and over again. Practice removing your fingers from the guitar, then return to position. Now move to a different chord and back again. If you make a mistake, repeat the exercise repeatedly until you have mastered it. It may seem daunting to begin with, but after many attempts, there will come a point when you are able to just play what you are practicing with less and less effort.

Use an appropriate pick
When you strum the guitar, you may wish to practice using your fingers. Most guitarists however, will use a plectrum(pick). Make sure you use a suitable one for the exercise you are performing. For chords, use a reasonably thin style, with a indented top, to allow for a smooth strumming action, and to also allow a good grip. For playing lead, individual notes, use a thicker pick. This will allow the string to sound better and will also stop the plectrum from bending too much and limiting speed of playing.

Finger exercises
Away from the guitar, you can strengthen your fingers by doing some simple exercises. Using a bottle, push it gently between each finger gently stretching the muscle at its base. Do not over do this. The key is to do this over a period of time to increase the capacity to stretch to the more difficult chords. Tensing your hand tightly, drum your fingers on a flat surface, backwards and forwards. This will pay dividends when you progress to fast note combinations. It will also educate your finger muscles to be able to play smoothly.

Up and down picking
Now this one may sound obvious, but many guitarists starting off will not consider it. It is quicker to play a note twice by picking downwards then upwards. Even when switching to a different string. A great exercise to learn lead guitar, is to pick the same string as fast as you can do it accurately, up then down continuously. The objective is to perform this correctly, then to increase speed. Moving on, you will then switch strings and position on the fretboard, so developing a melody.

Bar chords
Ask anybody who has learnt the guitar and they will tell you that once they master playing bar chords, a whole new dimension to their playing was opened. A good exercise is to hold your index finger vertically and push it into the wrist of your other arm. Push as hard as you can and hold for 10 seconds then release. Repeat a few times every day. This will make the muscle in the finger better able to push down all six strings on the guitar, thus making the bar for this type of chord.

Music theory
You do not need to know music theory to play guitar. It helps when you get better, but to start with it is not a necessity. It is better to simply know the various chord names to allow you to play songs. There are methods to learn where the individual notes are on a guitar, but to be honest they take almost as long to master as simply learning by playing.

Happy learning..

Germy Meet-And-Greets And Partying Parents: Eli Roth's 'Hostel: Part II' Column

2007-04-16T03:21:00.000-07:00

In exclusive MTV News column, director writes about getting too up close and personal with fans at NYC Comic-Con.
By Eli Roth

My parents drove down from Boston for the day to see the panel. They are the most supportive parents in the world and can show up whenever I'm filming the most violent, horrific scene and just smile and say, "We're so proud of you!" I saw "Hostel: Part II" stars Roger Bart and Heather Matarazzo, who I actually hadn't seen since the shoot since they both live in New York. It was great to see them again. I really had a fun time with the cast, and we were joking about shooting in Prague and how much we missed being there. We did a bunch of interviews together, and at 5 p.m. we went out to the convention center to the panel.

Walking the floor of the convention was really fun. MTV met me in the morning and was following me throughout the day, so when we got to Comic-Con, it was a bit of a zoo. It was fun to get recognized as the guy who made "Hostel" and not as "that guy from 'Heroes'?" (Honestly, I don't play Sylar, I swear.) I walked around the floor, taking photos with people and talking with fans. I love hearing different stories from people about their experiences seeing "Hostel." I can never be there with everyone seeing it, and I've seen the film so many times that for me the real enjoyment is watching the audience react. I love seeing the film come together, but eventually I get to the point where I just hide in the front of the theater and watch the audience react. People had great stories, some about vomiting, some about their date bruising their arm from squeezing it so hard and more than one person who hooked up that night because their date didn't want to go home.

The panel was a good time. I love doing Q&As with large audiences. I could do it for hours. I have never had a fear of public speaking, and actually find that I'm more comfortable speaking in front of an audience or going on TV than talking in a smaller, more intimate setting. Some questions were pretty hilarious. They ranged from, "Is there going to be a 'Hostel III'?" (not currently) to, "Dude, oh, man, um, like, I totally had this idea for 'Cabin Fever 2,' but now I forgot it, uh, I'm such an idiot! Can I have your autograph?" That was an actual question.

One guy said, "Your movies are supposed to be really violent, but they never are! You never show anything!" to which I responded, "If a girl getting her eye cut off on camera, a guy getting his leg sawed off with a chainsaw on camera, multiple gunshots to the head on camera, Achilles tendons splitting open on camera, a girl throwing herself in front of a train on camera, slashing fingers off and slitting a throat on camera and kids bashing in a skull with a rock on camera isn't gory enough for you, then I think you need help. What more can I do?"

I always try to answer questions with a sense of humor, and even if the questions from the audience are insulting or rude I never make anyone feel stupid, because that just scares off the people who have real questions from asking them. Roger and Heather did a great job, as always, and afterward we were quickly shuttled to the autograph area. One guy told me he'd give me a [sexual favor] for an autograph, and I told him that was not really necessary since we'd be signing for everyone after the Q&A, but he still insisted. Luckily he didn't make it to the front of the line, and I got off easy, so to speak.

The poster from Comic-Con has already caused a bit of a stir. It was actually a poster that Sony did of Bijou Phillips standing, stark naked, holding her own decapitated head. It's a brilliant poster. I love it. Of course, it would never make it to theaters here, but it was never intended to. Tarantino calls it "An exploitation poster by way of Diane Arbus," which I think is the perfect description.

Sony (who handles "Hostel" internationally) sent over about 200 posters, and within an hour they were all gone. Roger, Heather and I signed all the posters and took pictures with the fans. My parents were there, standing right behind me, often holding people's stuff while they took a picture, or even taking the picture for them. Everyone was really cool, and some had brought "Cabin Fever" and "Hostel" DVDs for me to sign, which I always appreciate. I remember it was not too long ago that I was that fan waiting in line for an autograph, and I know how much it means to people, so I try to make every one count.

After Comic-Con, Lionsgate threw a really, really nice dinner for everyone downtown, and we all wound up at 7B in the East Village, which was a favorite spot of mine when I was at NYU. I couldn't believe I was drinking with my parents at 7B until midnight on a Saturday night. It was pretty hilarious. It's not a typical Roth family activity. I hadn't been there for maybe 10 years, but it was fun to be back.

Sunday, I flew home (regular airlines, sadly), and then the following day I got so sick I could barely move. I lay in bed, sick as a dog, and had to watch every Umberto Lenzi cannibal movie to make myself feel better ("Man From Deep River," "Eaten Alive," "Cannibal Ferox" and even "Nightmare City"). After about a week I started to feel better and actually made it out of my house. But I unfortunately was so sick I had to miss going to Austin to the SXSW film festival, where I was going to show a new "Hostel: Part II" clip and do a panel with Robert Rodriguez for "Grindhouse."

Shawty's Story: Lloyd Says He Stole From Usher, Loves John Mayer

2007-04-16T03:16:00.000-07:00

'Yeah, 'Get It Shawty' was probably for Usher's album,' singer admits.
By Jayson Rodriguez

Lloyd's latest single "Get It Shawty" is currently climbing the charts and will most likely be the Inc. crooner's second top-10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 from his sophomore album, Street Love (the first was "You" featuring Lil Wayne). But it turns out shawty almost didn't get it. The song, that is.

"I was working in the studio with Jazze Pha one day and Usher's brother [James] 'J. Lack' [Lackey] came by," Lloyd explained. "[We] recorded a song called 'Hazel,' and because of our vibe, he accidentally played me another song called 'Get It Shawty.' Usher was there and he kind of waved him off, like, 'No, what are you doing? You're not supposed to play that.' I was just so in love with the song that I had Jazze kind of call them every day and tell them how much I wanted to record it. They actually invited me to the crib, Usher and J. Lack, and we recorded it at their studio. Originally, their stance was, 'I know you like it, but how about this one?' And I was like, 'No, no, no, I want that one!' [He laughs.] 'I need that one. That's the one for me.' I know Usher wants to showcase J. Lack's talent on his next project. So I would go as far as to say, yeah, 'Get It Shawty' was probably for Usher's album."

So with that nugget in mind from Lloyd, MTV News decided to find out five other things you may not have known about the Atlanta-by-way-of-New-Orleans singer.

Mom Knows Best

While most artists may be comfortable with a party-like atmosphere in the studio, the only lady crashing Lloyd's sessions is ... his mom?

"I always invite my mom to come by," Lloyd said. " 'Cause she inspires me. She reminds me why I first started. She wasn't in the studio for 'You,' but she was for most of the [other] songs on the album. She came by and kind of gave me her thumbs up. When I was a kid, she taught me how to harmonize when old-school songs came on. She would say, 'Here, Lloyd, grab this note and I'm gonna do this note.' It's just so funny, because my father ... used to make her do that kind of thing with him before he passed. She turned me on to a lot of music growing up. And I kind of just invite her down to let her know how I'm making my mark."

A Rap Role Reversal

When Lloyd and Lil Wayne collaborated on "You," Lloyd said he was surprised when Weezy told him he was a big fan. To prove his point, Wayne started belting out a tune from Lloyd's first album, which made Lloyd crack: next time you sing and I'll rap.

"Oh yeah, I can rap," Lloyd said. "Ask Akon about me. I just taped '[Nick Cannon Presents:] Wild 'N Out' a few days ago and I killed him. I'm telling you, my rhyme skills are mean. Actually, when I write my songs, I write them in the rhyme format almost as if I'm rapping. And then I go back later and put melodies to them. They used to call me DJ Sweet'N Low. Like the package of sweetener, 'cause the package had music symbols."

From Dorville to Madison Square

From singing as a young buck to joining R&B troupe N-Toon as a teen, Lloyd's been performing music about as long as Don Imus has been offending folks on the radio. But his very first time onstage as a kid — and his first time performing after joining Murder Inc. — were as different as night and day.

"My very first solo performance on a stage was at a neighborhood arts theater called the Dorville Arts Theater," Lloyd said. "We would do renditions of Broadway musicals. At the time, I was 8 years old. The music director told my mom I was too young to join, but she begged him and said, 'Let him try' ... she finally talked him into it and I ended up with my first solo. It was in a play called 'Up With Kids.' [The music director] was charmed by my ability to rock the crowd. [He laughs.] I did this song where I would say [sings], 'Moms, Dads, what do they know about kids?' I was scared, man.

"From there, I joined [N-Toon] and we did our first real performance at a showcase for Dallas Austin and some local Atlanta executives. I was really nervous back then. Now the more I perform, the more anxious I get. My very first solo performance [as a professional] was at the Ringling Bros. circus with Ashanti at Madison Square Garden. I was nervous for that, too. Know what's crazy? Those same people that booked me then invited me, just a few weeks ago, to perform again at the Ringling Bros. circus at Madison Square. But by myself this time."

Secret Admirer?

Lloyd has had the chance to work with Wayne and Ashanti, and has upcoming collabos in the can with Fabolous, DJ Khaled and DJ Drama, but one person you might not expect him to work with is John Mayer. Lloyd professes to be a huge fan.

"The most-played song on my iPod right now would probably by 'Vultures' by John Mayer," Lloyd explained. "I kind of turned myself onto John Mayer [a few years ago]. I loved his first songs, and then he came out with 'Your Body Is a Wonderland.' I just think it's really cool the way he composes his music. I'm just really drawn into it. He's very advanced [even though he's] so young. ... He keeps getting better and better. He's smooth, man. He's one person I would collaborate with if I could."

Body Language

Like most rappers, Lloyd is covered in tattoos. So far, he has a tat for every year he's lived: 21. But the first time he got marked was a family affair. After his grandmother passed, he and everyone from uncles to cousins decided to pay tribute to her in ink.

"My grandmother had such a huge influence on us, like Big Momma," Lloyd said. "So the whole family — maybe like 11 or 12 of us — were in the tattoo shop and we all got something in memory of her. So from my older uncle at like 50-something years old to one of my younger cousins at like 16, and everyone in between, got tattoos.

"I was 17 at the time. Mine is a cross — I got it done over, but it has these big rosary beads wrapped around my shoulders. I got this big tribal sign going up my shoulder. And I've got the cross, there's a sun made of roses and it says, 'May peace be with you.' And it has her name on there: Rosemary. The fact that I could be creative and express individualism is what attracted me to tattoos. ... I'll keep getting one every year."

Hip-Hop On The Defensive After Imus Incident; Sharpton Calls For 'Dialogue' With MCs

2007-04-16T03:11:00.000-07:00

'I want to meet with people like Snoop Dogg,' reverend says; Russell Simmons calls comparing rap lyrics with radio host's comments 'misguided.'
By Shaheem Reid

With radio personality Don Imus officially off the air and out of work following a racist and sexist rant, hip-hop now finds itself on the defensive as some activists and commentators try to draw comparisons between Imus' comments and hip-hop lyrics.

Many activists, community leaders and organizations — the Reverend Al Sharpton and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People among them — have publicly said they will continue to scrutinize and speak out against others who have a public forum and choose to perpetuate what they call sexist and racist stereotypes. Exactly what will fall under that scrutiny and whether hip-hop will be a target remains to be seen, but many in the hip-hop community aren't waiting for a bull's-eye to be painted on their chest.

"Hip-hop is a worldwide cultural phenomena that transcends race and doesn't engage in racial slurs," Russell Simmons said Friday (April 13) through his Hip-Hop Summit Action Network. "Don Imus' racially motivated diatribe toward the Rutgers women's basketball team was in no way connected to hip-hop culture. ... Don Imus is not a hip-hop artist or a poet. Hip-hop artists rap about what they see, hear and feel around them, their experience of the world. Like the artists throughout history, their messages are a mirror of what is right and wrong with society. Sometimes their observations or the way in which they choose to express their art may be uncomfortable for some to hear, but our job is not to silence or censor that expression. Our job is to be an inclusive voice for the hip-hop community and to help create an environment that encourages the positive growth of hip-hop."

Imus, of course, was let go from his position due to off-the-cuff racist and sexist comments aimed at the Rutgers University women's basketball team. And while Imus' comments fall far from the artistic expression found in hip-hop, the widening scope of the scrutiny they inspired looks like it will soon include music as well.

"The bad news is that we have to revisit these issues as late as 2007," Sharpton said at a press conference in New York on Thursday. "We will not stop until we make it clear that no one should denigrate women. ... No one, even in the name of creativity, should enjoy a large consumer base when they denigrate people based on race and based on sex."

He also went on to say, "airwaves should not be used to commercialize sexism and racism."

On Friday, Sharpton clarified his position to MTV News. He said he's not trying to bash rap on the whole, but at the same time, he's going to keep both ears on the music and try to dialogue more with hip-hop artists.

"We have for a while said to the hip-hop community that we believe in free speech, but at the same time, we also have the right to say this whole sexist, racist overuse of the word 'n---a' and 'ho' we need to deal with in our community," Sharpton explained. "We need to deal with how there are many artists that are conscious and progressive that can't get a [recording] contract. So this is nothing new. Two years ago at the National Action Network Convention, we had that conversation. This Saturday at the National Action Network Convention, we will have the conversation about what we do about the violence and the [racist], sexist language in hip-hop. At one of the first Hip-Hop Summits in 2000, we talked about this. I think a lot of the elements in hip-hop are positive and for us. I think some are bad."

So far, calls for hip-hop to check itself with regards to its lyrical content aren't just coming from Sharpton — a call to action from bloggers and commentators also seems to be gathering steam. Reverend DeForest Soaries announced on Friday that within the next 30 days he plans to have a "community-based town-hall meeting" on the Rutgers University campus, where media moguls and entertainers will be invited to find "constructive solutions."

Others in the hip-hop community are adamant that rap lyrics should not be compared to Imus' comments.

"Language can be a powerful tool," Simmons said. "That is why one's intention, when using the power of language, should be made clear. Comparing Don Imus' language with hip-hop artists' poetic expression is misguided and inaccurate and feeds into a mindset that can be a catalyst for unwarranted, rampant censorship."

"It's a completely different scenario," Snoop Dogg — whose music, along with Tupac Shakur and other artists', was protested by activists such as C. DeLores Tucker and singer Dionne Warwick over a decade ago — told MTV News earlier this week (see "Snoop Says Rappers And Imus Are 'Two Separate Things'; Talks New Comp"). "[Rappers] are not talking about no collegiate basketball girls who have made it to the next level in education and sports. ... We are rappers that have these songs coming from our minds and our souls that are relevant to what we feel. I will not let them mutha----as say we in the same league as him."

"We need to have that dialogue," Sharpton added. "That's why I want to meet with people like Snoop Dogg and other artists that want to have that dialogue and see where we can come to common ground. Some guys are just exploiters and don't care. I do think some guys just disagree with me but wanna sit down and see where we can go, 'cause something must be done so that we can't be distorted against each other. Those that are sincere, I wanna sit down with. Those that just don't care and are exploiters and wanna call people whatever and don't care about the consequences, those are the guys we are going after."

For the record, though, Sharpton said he and his people will not just be taking a closer look at rap, but all mediums — movies and television included.

If hip-hop does become a target, history suggests that it will have little or no effect in stopping or hindering the art form. People have literally smashed CDs in the streets and complained to the U.S. government, but with each round of protesting, hip-hop only seems to gain a larger following.

Last week, Imus brought a media hailstorm upon himself after he and people who work on his syndicated radio program, "Imus in the Morning," referred to black women on the Scarlet Knights basketball team as "nappy-headed ho's." He also used words such as "jiggaboos" and "wannabes," comparing them to fictional characters in Spike Lee's film "School Daze." On Thursday night, Imus met with the team as well as its coach, C. Vivian Stringer.

On Friday, Stringer held a press conference that was broadcast live on CNN, during which she said the team had accepted his apology. She too mentioned that society needs to take a closer look at some of the images in Hollywood and the music industry. "I personally look forward to joining forces with other people who want to bring about change," she said.

Bullet For My Valentine Recording New Album

2007-04-15T05:03:00.000-07:00

The Welsh band recorded 11 songs for the as-yet-untitled follow-up to 2005's "The Poison" in January and February with producer Colin Richardson at Sonic Ranch Studios in El Paso, Texas.

Lalah Hathaway "Outrun The Sky" Jazz Music CD Review

2007-04-15T05:02:00.000-07:00

by Clyde Lee Dennis

If you're a Lalah Hathaway 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 Hathaway, or even Jazz to know is good...

Lalah Hathaway, very talented Jazz artist has released her latest CD titled Outrun The Sky and Wow! It’s really a good one.

This one grabs your attention right out of the gate with How Many Times and doesn't let go until the very last note of the very last song Boston, which by the way is another great track.

One of the refreshingly nice things about this CD is the way all of the participating artists seem to be really enjoying themselves. Combine that with the overall presentation and you’ve got one of Lalah Hathaway’s most impressive releases ever.

If you’re a Lalah Hathaway 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 Hathaway, or even Jazz to know is good. It’s just good music. Period.

While the entire album is really very good the truly standout tunes are How Many Times [track 1], Forever, For Always, For Love [track 4], and Outrun The Sky [track 6].

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 3, Your Favorite Song. It’s a great track!

Outrun The Sky Release Notes:

Lalah Hathaway originally released Outrun The Sky on Sep 28, 2004 on the ARK 21 label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. How Many Times
2. Back Then
3. Your Favorite Song
4. Forever, For Always, For Love
5. Better And Better
6. Outrun The Sky
7. If U Ever
8. In The End
9. Admit It
10. Stronger
11. We Were 2
12. More
13. Boston

Personnel include: Lalah Hathaway (vocals); Mike City (various instruments); David Delhomme (guitar, keyboards); Chris Parks (guitar, bass guitar); John "Jubu" Smith (guitar); Brandon Fields (saxophone); Tim Carmon (Fender Rhodes piano, organ); Michael White, Poogie Bell (drums); Ricky Rodriguez (percussion).

MP3 Players - Do You Know The 3 Types

2007-04-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Jeff Schuman

You may have probably heard of mp3 players, but are not sure how they work. MP3 players are used to download music from the internet. They are smaller than a personal CD player and you need a computer to download songs.

Shopping for a new MP3 Player can be difficult if you do not know what you are looking for. It is to your benefit to do a little comparison online before you go to a store. Things like price, storage capacity, and size all come in to play. You also want to make sure it is going to work with the computer you have..

Another term for mp3 player is digital audio player. A DAP can actually perform more tasks than simply playing mp3 files. It can arrange and store digital audio files as well as play them.

Another universal audio format DAP's can play are WMA files. These are a a compressed audio file format developed by Microsoft. WMA is a popular format that is supported by many devices.

Mp3 players are very portable and range in size. Some are so small they can fit on a key chain while others can be held in two hands (typically, these devices play video as well).

In addition to mp3 player, you may have also heard of the terms flash players or flash mp3 players. This is simply a type of digital audio player.

Here are 3 different types of digital audio players:

-Mp3 CD Players

- Flash mp3 players

- Hard-drive mp3 players

Mp3 CD players can play both CDs and digital audio. Some users prefer to create their own CD from a collection of audio files they've downloaded or grabbed from another CD.

Flash mp3 players are better than their hard-drive counterparts because they contain no moving parts and are great for use with exercise and outdoor acitivies like bike riding. Flash memory is a type of electronic memory media card that retains stored information even when not powered

One downside is they are limited in storage space compared to a hard-drive players which has a max of 8 GB.

Hard-drive players are great for those that would like to store their entire music library on their mp3 player. As this technology matures these devices include more video and image support. You can watch full feature-length movies and TV shows on some devices.

Hard-drive mp3 players range in size from fitting in the palm of your hand to needing both hands. They have larger capacity whichallows for storage of entire music collections on a single mp3 player. A downside is they contain moving parts so are not as good for outdoor activity.

Flash and hard disk mp3 players are becoming the more popular choice today. The best type for you will be determined by knowing how you will use it and what you want it for.

What I’ve Done - Linkin Park - Minutes to Midnight Lyrics

2007-04-12T07:16:00.000-07:00

What I’ve Done Lyrics - Linkin Park - Minutes to Midnight

What I’ve Done

In this farewell, There is no blood
There is no alibi
So while i stand, above the crowd
Nothing is Left behind
All I’ve been, until this moment
Has been washed from my hands
And the court, will judge our movement
but i’m sure that you’ll understand

(everythings turning, memories of me in the mirror slowly disapear)

What I’ve Done
I’ll phaze myself
To cross out what i’ve become
Erase My cell
to let go of what i’ve done

And to you plead, There is no lies
just truth surfacing
So while i tear, this empty skin
Nothing is Left behind
All I’ve been, until this moment
Has been washed from my hands
And the court, will judge our movement
but i’m sure that you’ll understand

(everythings turning, memories of me in the mirror slowly disapear)

What I’ve Done
I’ll phaze myself
Let go of what i’ve become
Erase My cell
to let go of what i’ve done
Watch me now
Forgiving What I’ve Done

What I’ve Done
What I’ve Done

(Unconfirmed Lyrics )

Music Education - What's In It For Your Kids?

2007-04-12T02:05:00.000-07:00

by Marcia Covey

Can studying music make kids smarter? Recent research shows that studying music contributes to brain development. Students who study music tend to have higher grades and SAT scores, and receive more academic honors and awards than non-music students. Participating in music provides many other long-term benefits, as well - emotional, physical and social.

For young children, music helps build language skills and coordination, and boosts self-confidence. For older kids and teenagers, participation in a chorus, band or orchestra provides an emotional outlet, and enhances creativity and social skills. Participating in music provides a lot of the same benefits as sports: being part of a team, improved discipline and self-esteem, and better health.

Kids who study music tend to be high achievers who stay out of trouble--the kind of peer group most parents hope their children will have. Educators notice that high school students in band, chorus or orchestra tend to choose their friends from those groups--a trend that continues through college.

Singing is a great way for kids to get started in music. Singing:

Improves lung development, posture, muscle control and oxygen flow to the brain
Develops a better speaking voice, improved vocabulary and grammar, and clearer articulation and presence when speaking in public
Releases endorphins that relieve depression and anxiety, replacing them with feelings of energy and happiness
Can start at any age.

When should a child start music lessons? It's never too early to start singing. Second grade is a good time to start piano or a string instrument. Most students aren't physically ready to take on a brass or woodwind instrument until fourth or fifth grade. Talk to the prospective music teacher to help determine if your child is ready for lessons. If your school has a band, orchestra or chorus, encourage your kids to participate. And be sure to attend every concert!

Whether or not your kids grow up to be professional musicians, music is a social and artistic activity that they can continue to enjoy for the rest of their lives.

Music Box Repair Is Best Left To The Experts

2007-04-12T02:04:00.000-07:00

by Michelle Bery

The unique song of a music box is often something that is passed down from one generation to another. At other times, that song may be one of great sentimental value that transports us back to a special time or place. Music boxes have an unmistakable sound that is produced by the tiniest of parts that move in unison in order to perform their magic for us. But like all mechanical things, music boxes can and will break over time, and when they do you must find someone who is competent in music box repair to bring your precious heirloom back to life.

It may be tempting to open up your music box and attempt to repair it yourself. But as tempting as that may be, music box repair is something that is best left to the experts. The parts in music boxes are very small, and in many cases they are very rare as well. Antique music boxes may contain parts that haven’t been produced in decades, or even centuries, so replacement parts may need to be built by hand, and that task is almost impossible for someone who is not trained in music box repair.

An expert is music box repair is competent in all aspects of the job. They are familiar with the small, spring wound movements that power the music box, as well as the myriad cabinets that house the musical mechanisms themselves. Music box repair specialists have experience with all the styles of music boxes, especially the two primary styles: cylinder and disk. Both cylinder and disk music boxes function in similar ways, but the exciting thing about disk music boxes is that the disk can often be interchanged with other disks allowing your music box to play different songs.

Music box repair does not have to be reserved for music boxes that no longer function. In fact, with regular cleaning and preventative maintenance performed by an expert in music box repair your music box may never stop making sweet music.

Finding a shop that specializes in music box repair may be simple if you are lucky enough to live near one. For those who are less fortunate, experts in music box repair are but a click away on the Internet. Reputable music box repair websites will gladly provide price estimates upon receipt so you will be able to make an informed decision before proceeding with any work.

Getting Free Music - Legally

2007-04-12T02:02:00.000-07:00

by Gabriel J. Adams
When the Internet was young, many people that used it did not totally understand that the file sharing of copyrighted material, be it pictures or music, was illegal and immoral. Websites allowed for free downloading of copyrighted music without even trying to hide their actions from legal action, because they may have not thought it was a big deal.

When the Internet was young, many people that used it did not totally understand that the file sharing of copyrighted material, be it pictures or music, was illegal and immoral. Websites allowed for free downloading of copyrighted music without even trying to hide their actions from legal action, because they may have not thought it was a big deal. However, once legal action was taken by the RIAA, these websites either went under or started going legal. File sharing programs tend to avoid legal action because there is a legal precedent that technology that allows for the production and duplication of copyrighted material is not inherently illegal. However, the illegal file sharing itself is still illegal and many stories have hit the news about people getting arrested and sued for sharing copyrighted material.

So how you can avoid breaking the law and doing something immoral? Do not download music that is copyrighted unless you are legally allowed to. If you have to pay a fee to legally download the music you can be sure you are not breaking the law. But what if you want to download legal music for free? Well, it actually isn’t that uncommon for free music to be available officially and legally, you just have to be able to tell the difference between free legal music and free illegal music.

The first sign is obvious; if they do not say the free download is legal, it probably is not. Look for websites that proclaim that their free downloads are free. How can this be? How do they make money? There are many ways. Sites and services that allow you to download legal music for free have some way of making money of their visitors. Sometimes they pay the RIAA for the music, provide it for free, and then make their money off of ad revenue for the ads on their site. Another way they can make money off of the downloads is to have the visitors fill out a questionnaire and then sell the results to other companies for collecting data on the public's opinions and preferences. Don't worry, this doesn't mean they are going to steal your identity. You may just have to fill out a form answer questions about music, television, movies, or other subjects and then companies pay for the results so they can produce products inline with the public's preferences.

Many bands and companies also release music for free to generate a buzz for their album or product. Some television shows provide free downloads of music related to the show as a service to fans. Some bands release legal free downloads to help get their music to more people to help sell more copies of the full album. Free legal music is out there, you just need to know what to avoid.

Judge dismisses Beach Boys case

2007-04-11T06:40:00.000-07:00

A US judge has thrown out a court case brought by the Beach Boys, who claimed their recordings and memorabilia had been stolen from a warehouse.
It was ruled that the band failed to prove that Roy Sciacca and Allan Gaba stole or illegally acquired the items.

The group sued for $20m (£10.1m) last year after they discovered up to 25 boxes of material were missing.

Mr Sciacca counter-sued the Beach Boys, contending he bought the items at a warehouse auction in the 1980s.

"This has really been a difficult time for him," said Mr Sciacca's lawyer after the case was thrown out.

"He's a big collector of memorabilia, and to have the Beach Boys making these kinds of allegations against him has just really, really interfered with his ability to do business."

The group's lawyer was not available for comment.

Auction cancelled

Snoop Dogg facing drugs charges

2007-04-11T06:30:00.000-07:00

Rap star Snoop Dogg is to appear in court in California after being charged with drugs and gun offences.
The 35-year-old could face up to four years in prison for being a convicted criminal in possession of a gun and the transportation of marijuana.

The musician was arrested in October after a gun and drugs were found in his car at Burbank Airport.

In March he was forced to cancel a UK tour with P Diddy after authorities refused him an entry visa.

He was also held by police in Sweden last month on suspicion of using illegal drugs, but was later released after questioning.

Probation

In January, Snoop Dogg - real name Calvin Broadus - denied a charge of possessing a deadly weapon after a collapsible baton was found in his luggage as he boarded a flight to New York.

At the time of his arrest at a California airport, he claimed the baton was a film prop.

He was arrested for a third time after police allegedly found marijuana, cocaine and a firearm in his vehicle.

The rapper's lawyer Donald Etra said the latest charges were "fully expected" and would be "resolved" in court.

In 1990, the performer was convicted of possessing cocaine and charged with gun possession three years later.

His guilty plea came in exchange for probation and a pledge to speak publicly against violence.

Sheet Music Key Signatures

2007-04-11T05:57:00.000-07:00

by Mike Shaw

A key signature will appear at the beginning of a piece of sheet music. This will tell you if sharps and flats will be played in the piece or if no sharps and flats will be played. If you don't see any sharps or flats at the beginning of the piece then this is normally referred to as open key or C major.

A key signature will appear at the beginning of a piece of sheet music. This will tell you if sharps and flats will be played in the piece or if no sharps and flats will be played. If you don’t see any sharps or flats at the beginning of the piece then this is normally referred to as open key or C major. Sharps and flats can be written in various bars throughout the piece and these are known as accidentals and will last for the bars duration only.

Sharps and flats at the beginning of a piece can also indicate which key the piece is written in although there are other elements of the piece that also determine this because major and minor keys can share the same key signature, for example C major and A minor share the same key signature, that is, no sharps or flats, also G major and E minor share the same key signature of one sharp, (F Sharp). These similarities are known as relatives. So C majors relative minor is A minor. They are relatives because they share the same key signature.

Since most people start to learn in major keys, we will use examples in major keys only. At the beginning of a piece of music, to the right of the treble clef and the bass clef is where you will see sharps and flats.

One sharp means all occurrences of F are sharp and the key is G major Two sharps = F sharp and C sharp and the key is D major Three sharps = F sharp, C sharp and G sharp and the key is A major Four sharps = F sharp, C sharp, G sharp and D sharp and the key is E major Five sharps = F sharp, C sharp, G sharp, D sharp and A sharp and the key is B major Six sharps = F sharp, C sharp, G sharp, D sharp, A sharp and E sharp and the key is F sharp major Seven sharps = F sharp, C sharp, G sharp, D sharp, A sharp, E sharp and B sharp and the key is C sharp major

One flat means all occurrences of B are flat and the key is F major Two flats = B flat and E flat and the key is B flat major Three flats = B flat, E flat and A flat and the key is E flat major Four flats = B flat, E flat, A flat and D flat and the key is A flat major Five flats = B flat, E flat, A flat, D flat and G flat and the key is D flat major Six flats = B flat, E flat, A flat, D flat, G flat and C flat and the key is G flat major Seven flats = B flat, E flat, A flat, D flat, G flat, C flat and F flat and the key is C flat major

No flats or sharps indicates the key of C major

A good way to learn all these keys is to use a method, which I call the rule of seven. By adding the amount of sharps a key has to the amount of flats a key has, you should always end up with seven. That means if you memorise either the sharps keys or the flat keys you can work out the other by creating a relationship. We create the relationship using the letters, for example, B major and B flat major. B major has five sharps B flat major has two flats 5+2=7. Lets try E major and E flat, once you know that E flat has three flats you can work out how many sharps are in E major. So if E flat has three flats then E major must have four sharps 3+4=7

The exception to this rule is C flat major and C sharp major, make sure to relate both these keys with C major.

Zune Download - Free Or Membersip Sites

2007-04-10T06:32:00.000-07:00

by Robert Frost

Tips on choosing various zune download sites.

Are you looking for the latest in zune downloads? Before you start on your venture to search for the best download sites, there a few pointers I would like to raise.

Firstly, if you are looking for free zune download sites-there is a word of caution. Most of these sites though offering free stuff, do not guarantee them to be free of any trojan viruses or spyware. This may lead to major problems with your zune and may even cause to go defunct. Also the links these sites offer are mostly outdated and do not work, this eventually leads to a lot of frustration and waste of time.

An alternative for these free websites are-membership sites, which usually offer a guarantee on your satisfaction and will promptly return your money if you are not satisfied. These sites also offer an excellent support system which will help you get through any problems you may be having with your zune downloads.

Secondly there are various types of 'zune download' membership sites,ranging from pay-per-download to unlimited downloads. The latter ones are usually more feasible than the pay-per-variety in terms of cost, and help you in saving a lot of money if you do a lot of downloads. Also the variety on the unlimited download websites is a lot, some of them having over 300 million downloads.

Lastly if you decide on getting a membership site, it is advisable to do a through research on them before purchasing there offer. Always read through there terms and FAQ for more information before buying there membership, so you know exactly what you are getting into.Some of them also offer free trials, so you always have the option of canceling them if you are not fully satisfied.

Delightful Features of the iPod Shuffle

2007-04-10T06:31:00.000-07:00

by Bob Pardue

For music lovers - This informative report will show many of the features of the iPod Shuffle and I hope it will help you to have a better experience with downloading music or audio books.

The iPod Shuffle offers music lovers the chance to carry their music, audiobooks and podcasts with them wherever they go. This product carries some unique features that make managing songs and other data a cinch.

iPod Shuffle Uses

One reason music fans love the iPod Shuffle is because it has many uses. Podcasts are web news feeds or feeds with updates from particular websites. From the iPod Shuffle, a user can subscribe to a feed from any website that offers one and receive the podcast (or broadcast) through their iPod Shuffle device when connected to the Internet. The podcasts might be updates of the latest music or movies or anything else. Whatever the user's likes, they can subscribe to receive the updates directly to their device.

The iPod Shuffle can be used to download songs from a CD or the Internet to listen to on the go, whether in the car, on a bike, or taking a walk. Radio-style shows can be delivered to the device as well as audiobooks for the bookworm who doesn't have time to read. These items can be downloaded from sites such as iTunes Store or Audible.com.

Unique Features and Controls

Some of the features available on an iPod Shuffle include a headphones port, top status light, previous or rewind button, next or fast forward button, a shuffle switch, a bottom status light, volume controller, and a play/pause button.

Users can also organize their music by title and playlists. This makes it easy to find and select any song on demand. Some devices hold up to 1,000 to 2,000 songs or more so organization is a must!

Another great feature is the capability to convert songs with a higher bit-rate format such as AIFF to smaller sized files so they can be loaded onto the iPod Shuffle. This can be accomplished without affecting the quality of sound in the song. The iPod Shuffle is also great for file storage as an external disk.

Whether you want updates by podcast, great music or audiobooks on the go, or just a new gadget to show off to your friends, the iPod Shuffle is a great choice!

Ionic skin therapy can play a major role in your anti-aging skin care regimen. It is a noninvasive method of rejuvenating aging skin. Ions are simply

2007-04-10T06:28:00.000-07:00

By Clyde Lee Dennis

I can describe the latest release from Jazz sensation Robert Glasper for you with just one word… Outstanding!
Unfortunately, it’s not everyday that I get a CD from an artist that I can just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. There is usually a song or two that I just can’t force myself to get through. Not at all the case with In My Element. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.
Listen to this CD and I believe you’ll find there's not much to dis-like about it. The songs are inspired, the production is simply outstanding, and Robert Glasper's piano work is in top form. Of particular note on this offering is his amazing rendition of Beatrice. If you're even mildly into Jazz music you'll enjoy this CD.
While this entire CD is really very good the truly standout tracks are Of Dreams To Come [track 2], Maiden Voyage/Everything In Its Right Plac [track 7], and Silly Rabbit [track 9].
My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 6, Beatrice. What a nice track!
In My Element Release Notes:
Robert Glasper originally released In My Element on Mar 20, 2007 on the Blue Note label.
CD Track List Follows:
1. G & B2. Of Dreams To Come3. F.T.B.4. Y'outta Praise Him - (Intro)5. Y'outta Praise Him6. Beatrice7. Maiden Voyage/Everything In Its Right Place8. J Dillalude9. Silly Rabbit10. One For 'Grew11. Tribute
Composer: Various Artists. Personnel: Robert Glasper (piano); Vicente Archer (bass instrument); Damion Reid (drums).

10 Reasons (Besides Howard Stern) Why Sanjaya's Still On 'Idol'

2007-04-09T04:41:00.000-07:00

Whether it's entertainment value, pity, the media or contrariness — it's working.
By Gil Kaufman

There's one every year: An "American Idol" contestant who dominates the show despite not really having a chance at the top prize.
Some, like William Hung, don't even get past the auditions. But when they do, they shake things up every week, exasperating fans and other contestants, spawning endless chatter about their perplexing ability to avoid the ax.
This year, it's the vocally suspect Sanjaya Malakar, who has turned into a media sensation mostly because of the vast media chatter — including ours, admittedly — about his suspect vocals. Conspiracy theories explaining his popularity have credited everything from the VoteForTheWorst.com Web site and Howard Stern's lobbying efforts see ("Is Howard Stern Behind Sanjaya Malakar's Staying Power On 'Idol'?") to phantom phone banks in his father's native India flooding the show with fake votes (a theory that has apparently been debunked: see "A.M. Surf Report: Fergie Responds To Alanis; Game Slaps Vida Back; Avril Denies Britney Trash Talk").

Meet Iran's Hypernova: A Rock Band From A Country That Arrests Rock Bands

2007-04-08T23:51:00.000-07:00

Penalties for playing rock music in Iran include fines, arrest, public flogging.

By Gil Kaufman, with reporting by Conor Bezane

The best rock shows are often the ones where you feel like something dangerous could happen at any moment — whether it's the singer plunging headlong into the crowd or a scuffle breaking out between security and overzealous moshers. The air of menace can help make a show that much more exciting.
But what if the very act of stepping to the mic means taking your life in your hands?
That's how Iranian rockers Hypernova feel every time they plug in for a gig in their native country, where cultural repression is a daily reality and rock concerts are forbidden.
"It's really dangerous to do what we do back home," singer/guitarist "King" Raam, 25, told MTV News during the group's first-ever trip to the U.S. "We've come really close to [having our shows raided by police] a couple times. Every show we play we're putting our lives on the line. So it's intense, but that sort of fear adds to the rush."
The band — which also includes guitarist Kodi, 17, drummer Kami, 25 and bassist Jamshid, 26 — recently made their club debut in New York, after the group missed its scheduled appearance at the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, last month. At the time, Raam explained via e-mail that the band was forced to cool their heels on a beach in Dubai because they couldn't get visas to fly to the U.S. — an unfortunate byproduct of the political tensions between his homeland and the United States.
But inside Iran, where more than half the population is under the age of 30, bands like Hypernova are struggling to find a way to live the rock and roll dream in a country with no official rock clubs and a new ban on high-speed Internet connections (which makes posting music and surfing other bands' sites difficult at best). It's the kind of place where Western culture can be sampled on satellite TV — but a T.I. or Fall Out Boy fan has to go to an underground store or an illicit street vendor to get their hands on a Western CD, since most legitimate music stores don't stock anything beyond bland pop offerings. And even if they do, it's typically a bootlegged version.
Since December 2005, when ultraconservative Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad banned all Western music from state-run radio stations, playing a rock show in Tehran has become illegal, punishable by hefty fines, arrest or public flogging by police. But Raam said the adrenaline rush of performing and finding fellow music fanatics makes it all worthwhile.
"We play at, like, house parties or underground venues or places out of town," explained Raam, who was born in Iran but spent time in his youth living in Oregon. "The young kids, they want to have fun. They don't want to get political. They don't want to step on anyone's values or disrespect anyone's beliefs."
With a sound that owes a heavy debt to the downtown New York scene and the spiky rock of bands like the Strokes, it's hard to tell that songs like the gritty, distorted "Consequence" or the bouncy new-wave anthem of defiance "No One" are from an Iranian band, let alone one whose members must use onstage pseudonyms to avoid being hassled by police.
On the band's MySpace page, Hypernova defiantly proclaims, "Iran? Sand? Camels? Oil? Rock?!?!? Exactly!!"
Which is sort of the whole point, according to Raam. "The message that we're bringing is that rock and roll has no boundaries," he said. "It doesn't matter if you're from New York, from Europe, from Africa. It doesn't matter where you're from as long as you enjoy one common thing: music. For us, we're just a bunch of crazy kids playing in the undergrounds of Iran, in cockroach-infested basements. We grew up listening to all this rock and roll."
Among the musical influences he cited were everyone from the Strokes and Arctic Monkeys to Kings of Leon, the Ramones and NOFX. And, as harsh as his homeland sounds, Raam said things aren't that bad. Given Iran's other worries — from ongoing tension with the United States to its recent stand-off with Britain (see "Iran To Free British Sailors") — government officials probably have more pressing priorities than busting musicians, which is one reason why an underground music scene has flourished in the country, embracing everything from rock to hip-hip.
"Hip-hop is huge right now," Raam said. "Progressive rock is still happening, there's lots of metal. Almost anything you can hear in the States you could find as equally good in Iran." Bands are putting out underground records and the Tehran Avenue Music Open competition has blossomed into a countrywide, Web-based demo derby where fans vote on their favorite groups.
The title of Hypernova's new EP says it all: Who Says You Can't Rock in Iran?
Though he wouldn't mind playing for 100,000 people some day, Raam knows that's a distant dream if he continues living in the country he loves. For now, then, he's content to have shown the world that the universal language of music trumps doom-laden headlines and presidential posturing.

Chamillionaire Ditches Bad Attitude; Hooks Up With Snoop, Busta For LP'This time it's [gonna be] more about enjoying life than the nonsense,' 'Ridin'

2007-04-08T23:43:00.000-07:00

By Jayson Rodriguez, with additional reporting by Michelle Rabinowitz

NEW YORK — Chamillionaire was so hellbent on proving his naysayers wrong with his last album, The Sound of Revenge, that when the Houston rapper found success with the project, he didn't even know how to take pleasure in his accomplishment.
"I went all over the world, to Hawaii and overseas, and I didn't get to enjoy it because I was pushing myself so hard," he said Wednesday, when he was in town for an MTV live performance. "The crazy part is, after I won, I realized, 'Why was I worried about what everyone was saying?' The real victory was just being able to do what I do every day, live life and enjoy it. 'Why am I pulling my hair out and stressing over what everyone is saying?' "
So with that, Cham decided to call his follow-up Ultimate Victory. The album is now slated for a June 5 release on Universal Records.
"This time it's [gonna be] more about enjoying life and worrying about what's more important than the nonsense," he explained. "[For] this album, I tried to kick everyone out of the studio and focus on creating concepts I wanted to. I didn't want to think, 'Oh, I need to make a single [for the ladies], I need to make this club song.' I just kind of did what I wanted to do like I do on my mixtapes. And I was at peace doing it and I loved it."
For Victory, Chamillionaire recruited Kelis, Snoop Dogg and Busta Rhymes for his first two singles, "Not a Criminal" parts one and two. The Texas star also has collaborations in the can with Lil Wayne and late producer Disco D.
"I worked with people that complemented each song," Chamillionaire explained. "I told some stories, 'cause in the South we usually make records you just dance to. I been in the studio trying to perfect [my album] and craft it and put it together and make sure it's the way I want the fans to see it and the world to see it."

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Gina Glocksen: 'You Can't Rock Out Tony Bennett''It's not that he's better or worse — he's Sanjaya,' rocker says of fellow 'Idol' finalist.

2007-04-08T23:26:00.000-07:00

By Katie Byrne

Gina Glocksen lived the "American Idol" dream. The 22-year-old from Naperville, Illinois, made it to the Hollywood round of "Idol" last year — only to be cut before America had a chance to weigh in. This year, she made it to the top 10.
But after a lukewarm reception from the judges for her take on the Charlie Chaplin standard "Smile" (see " 'Idol' Recap: LaKisha Crosses Tony Bennett; Gina's Headed Back To The Mall"), the rocker girl's "Idol" fairy tale ended Wednesday night (see "Gina's Rocked Out: 'Idol' Voters Dump Glocksen, Keep Sanjaya").
On Thursday (April 5), the castoff talked Sanjaya's staying power, Diana Ross' impact and what Glocksen has planned next — now that she can't try out for "Idol" again.
Q: After your name was read at elimination, the crowd began booing. How did that make you feel?
A: It made me feel so blessed and very much loved. You never know how many people love you. It's hard to see all the signs that say "LaKisha" or "Jordin" or "Melinda, you're my Idol," and there were like two or three that said, "Gina, you rock!" And I treasure those signs and posters, but to have the crowd in that uproar of booing — it was bittersweet, because I'm great friends with Haley, and I'm glad to see her still there, but I wish I was still there.
Q: What did the judges say to you after Wednesday's show?
A: Randy, he said, "If you woulda sang ['Smile'] like that last night, you'd be through!" And Paula, she said, "I'm a fan. You're a star. You're gonna go far." And Simon was like, "Gina, you know, I really, really like you." He said he's glad I went back to my rocker image.
Q: Which of the guest mentors offered the best advice to you?
A: Probably Diana Ross. It wasn't even anything [about my voice]. It was her telling me, "In this industry, you're gonna have so many people talking to you, telling you what to wear, how to do your hair, what song choices to do, how to present yourself, how to present a song." And she said that's why you choose one: Choose one person, trust them, give them everything you have. They won't steer you wrong.
Q: Was there any song that you really wanted to sing that you didn't get a chance to?
A: I wanted to sing "Who Knew" by Pink, but she doesn't clear her songs.
Q: Simon was awfully tough on you. Do you feel he was tough because he wanted to see you fail?
A: No. I kind of considered Simon as a parent — a tough-love kind of thing. [Parents] tell you what you don't want to hear so you'll do the opposite. And I think he'll say I had a bad performance just to make me stronger.
Q: Was it tough to see Sanjaya place higher than you?
A: It's tough that all the other eight people did — it's not just Sanjaya. He's just different. It's not that he's better or worse — he's Sanjaya. And Jordin's Jordin, and Blake is Blake. America was through with me, and I'm fine with it. I'm going on tour!
Q: Are there any bad feelings among the other "Idol" contestants about Sanjaya?
A: I'm friends with Sanjaya, so they know that if they're going to badmouth him, they shouldn't do it in front of me.
Q: What is Sanjaya like?
A: He's exactly what you see on TV. He doesn't care what anyone thinks, he does his thing, and he's proud of himself. And I love that self-confidence.
Q: Since you have this rocker image, do you think the reason you got voted off this week was because of the American classics theme?
A: I don't think that's it. I think my fans and America knew this was going to be a tough week for me, because you can't rock out Tony Bennett. But my fans were just proud of my last two performances, probably my two strongest of the whole season, and thought that I'd be safe so they decided not to vote, and I think that kind of killed me because every vote counts.
Q: What did it feel like to sing "Smile," which really put into words what you must have been going through?
A: As I was singing it, it kind of clicked after the first couple lines that I sang, "Wow, I'm actually singing about myself." And I kind of changed one of the words: "When there are clouds in the sky, I'll get by" instead of "you'll get by." Because I know there's always tomorrow. That song is definitely going to be a very special song for me for the rest of my life now.
Q: What's it like living life in the "American Idol" bubble?
A: I love it, although when I get down on myself, wondering if I made the right choice, I wish I could take my body home for just 10 minutes. But I never second-guess anything. This is what I signed up for. ... If you think about it, it's only six months out of your whole life, and it's an amazing experience, so I wouldn't regret anything.
Q: After trying for "American Idol" last year and then finally making it to the top 10, what's your next big goal?
A: After the tour, I want to move to L.A. and try to get a record deal and make music — my own music, since I've been doing covers for so long — and try to sell albums.