How to Convert a Right-Handed Guitar to a Left-Handed Guitar

Would you like to convert a right-handed guitar to a left-handed guitar? This is an easy conversion to do, but you'll need to do more than just change the strings. While I believe that it's better to just buy a quality left-handed guitar, maybe you've found a right-handed guitar that you really like. Perhaps you're a lefty just dabbling in guitar playing and not yet ready to make an investment in a left-handed guitar. Most left-handed guitar and bass players are faced with this dilemma.
When I was learning to play, I didn't have a lot of money to invest in a high-quality guitar, so I went to the flea market and purchased the cheapest guitar I could find, a twenty-dollar acoustic. Even with its standard setup, the action was terrible because the neck was warped. The strings wouldn't stay in tune. In short, the guitar sounded like a dying animal. But I converted it to a right-handed guitar by flipping the strings. I didn't bother to change the nut or the bridge, and this was part of my problem.
Eventually I swallowed my pride and visited a music store. Their luthier looked at it and shook his head. He said it would cost a couple hundred dollars to make it sound really good, but for about forty he could make it serviceable. I went with the latter option. In addition to doing the work, he explained what needed to be done to convert a right-handed guitar to a left-handed guitar.
This works for acoustics, electrics, and electric basses. The materials required to convert a guitar are new strings, a tuner, and wood glue. You may also need a blank nut, a screw driver, sandpaper, and a truss rod adjuster. A string winder is a handy tool to have as well.
First you need to remove the old strings. Once the strings are off, remove the nut (the little thing at the top of the neck). You may need to pry this out with a flat screwdriver. Once it's out, scrape out the crusty glue with a screwdriver or some sandpaper. Add a little bit of fresh glue to the nut and replace it with its direction reversed. The nut has a groove sized for each string, and if you don't change it around, there will be play in the little strings and the big strings won't seat properly.
If something happens in this step, for example the nut breaks or the angle causes the strings to sit too low to the fret board, you'll need to file your own nut. You can have a guitar shop do this, or you can purchase a file and do it yourself. Plenty of video tutorials are available.
For electric guitars, you might want to reverse the directions of the pickups. To do this, usually you just need to unscrew the pick guard or pickup frames. Be careful not to lose the springs that allow for height adjustment. Once your glue dries, go ahead and install your new strings. To keep your nut from flying away, don't tighten the strings to full tension until all six strings are on. Use your tuner to get close to the correct pitch. Stretch your strings a bit as you tighten them up.
After they're installed, play for a while and give them time to go to their length. Once this happens, it's time to set your intonation. Maybe you'll be lucky and you won't have to set it. To check intonation, you compare the pitch at the twelfth fret (octave) with the pitch of an open string. They should be the same.
On acoustic guitars, you may need to alter the bridge to ensure correct intonation. Sometimes this is just a matter of getting a blank and filing it down. If you are converting an expensive guitar (not recommended), take it to a luthier and let them do it.
For electric guitars and basses, this process is much easier. The string saddles are usually adjustable with a Phillips screwdriver. All you need to do is adjust them until the pitches of the twelfth fret and open string match. Always use a tuner for this process, and don't forget to re-check the open-string tuning every time you make an adjustment to the string saddle.
That covers about everything you need to know about converting a righty guitar to a left-handed guitar. For more information about left-handed guitars, check out the resource box below


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5354075

Left-Handed Acoustic Guitar - Right Way to Play Lefty

By Brian Jr Green   

Paul McCartney---the music icon is a left handed guitarist. This is a proof of the fact that being a lefty can not stop you from becoming a successful guitarist. True that from finding the right guitar to getting used to a playing position becomes a bit more difficult for lefty players, it is ultimately your talent and dedication that can take you to the top. Taking guitar lessons is as easy for the lefties as it is with the right handed students. Moreover with so many online stores out there, left handed guitars are easily available these days.
Left handed versus adjusted guitar
Some instructors maintain that it is better to readjust an acoustic guitar to suit the needs of lefty players. This helps in finding out the best quality instruments, maintain these school of teachers. But with acoustic guitars, this kind of customization is not only difficult, but expensive as well. To suit it to the needs of lefty guitarist, you have to first string it backwards. Then the bridge and nut of the guitar would have to be replaced too. As you continue to play it with a pick, the body of the instrument may get maimed.
A left handed acoustic guitar is an easy solution to all these problems. These days you can get lefty's acoustic guitars from the leading brands like Fender. Thus buying an acoustic guitar specially made for the southpaws make a better solution than readjusting a right handed guitar.
Where to find
You can buy left handed guitars from the local stores. But buying online is the best option. There are a number of websites that directly cater to the lefty's clientele. InstrumentPro, musiciansfriend.com, ZZounds, Woodwind and Brasswind are some of the online stores that stock huge amount of left handed acoustic guitars. Buying online is not only most convenient, but it also saves a lot of you money.
However it is recommended that along with the instrument, also consider buying left handed thumb picks and a range of chord and instruction books.
While buying an acoustic guitar to suit your left handed acoustic lessons, choose from the leading brands such as Fender, Hohner, Daisy Rock and Dean. In most of the cases, you won't have to pay any extra shipping charges.
If you are a beginner, you can set out a budget of $200 to $400 for getting a good quality guitar. As you progress on your lesson, you can consider investing in more expensive brands like Washburn or Gibson---it may cost you anywhere between $1000 and $1,200.

Brian Jr Green is a guitar expert. For more great information on Left-handed Acoustic Guitar [http://www.only4guitar.com/left-handed-acoustic-guitar/], visit http://www.only4guitar.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_Jr_Green


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3751016

HONDO 4-STRING BASS GUITAR - RIGHT HAND

This  a Hondo 4-string bass guitar. This guitar has typical wear like dings, chips, light scratches, and wear on frets. There is no model number or any other information listed on this bass. Stands approximately 44" tall.

Gibson Custom ES-335 '60s Block Inlay Antique Tea Burst

What we have here is a mint unplayed 2010 Gibson Custom Shop ES-335 Plain '60s Block Inlay"Slim Neck" Electric Guitar. Finished in a beautiful antique tea burst. The guitar is mint with no issues. Comes with the Gibson hardshell case and all the case candy with the COA. Weighs in at a nice 7lb 12oz...All the features are listed below...

Sumptuous '60s vibe with pearl bar inlays on the bound rosewood fingerboard.

Hailed as the most adaptable of all electric guitars, the Gibson ES-335 Electric Guitar sports the original semi-hollow design with laminated maple top, back, and rims, plus a lightweight maple center block. With Burstbucker Pro 1 and 2 humbuckers it will generate screaming extended sustain, dense rich jazz tones, and everything in between-all with no feedback issues.

Gibson Custom ES-335 Plain '60s Block Inlay"Slim Neck" Electric Guitar Features:
Plain maple top, back, and rims
3-ply maple/poplar/maple body construction
Lightweight maple center block
Rosewood fretboard with pearloid small block fretboard inlays and single-ply cream binding
Burstbucker Pro 1 & 2 humbuckers
Pearl bar inlays
Single ply top and back binding
1963 slim taper neck profile
Vintage tulip tuners
Nickel hardware
Stop tail with ABR-1 bridge
24-3/4" scale
1-11/16" nut width

Gibson Custom ES-335 Plain '60s Block Inlay"Slim Neck" Electric Guitar Includes:

Gibson hardshell case

Types of Guitars - What's Best for You?


By: Troy Bryant

For the most part, there are two types of guitars - acoustic and electric. Yes, there are other body shapes and styles, but the overwhelming majority of guitars fall into one of these two categories.

The purpose of this article is to give a brief description of each type of guitar, it's unique characteristics and what to look for when choosing a guitar for yourself. Be advised that there are hundreds of guitar manufacturers, and thousands of different things you can look for when purchasing your guitar.

Though this article only scratches the surface on different types of guitars, it should provide you with what you need to make an informed buying decision.

Let's first take a look at acoustic guitars. Acoustic guitars are made of a variety of woods, from Hawaiian KOA to mahogany, to spruce to red cedar. Among these, spruce and red cedar are the most popular. Without dispute, Taylor and Martin are the two most popular brands available to the general public. The strings are made of steel or nylon. Nylon string guitars are used more for classical and flamenco. The necks on nylon string models tend to be wider because individual strings are played frequently versus strumming.

Steel string guitars have a bit thinner of a neck, and produce a much brighter tone when played. The strings on these types of guitars also are a bit harder to press against the neck. This is something you should take into consideration when choosing an acoustic guitar.

If you are considering an electric guitar, the music style you want to play is one of the biggest factors. If you're a country picker, and like the "twangy" tone, you might want to consider a guitar with the single coil pickup. If you're a shreader or a blues man, I would advise going for a double coil or "humbucking pickup". This produces a "fatter" sound so often desired by rock and blues artists.

The most desired of the electric types of guitars are the Fender Stratacaster and the Gibson Les Paul. The biggests difference between the two of these models is the scale, which is basically the lenght of the neck.

The scale on a Les Paul is twenty four and three quarter inches long, while it is twenty five and a half inches long on the Stratacaser.

In the end though, the guitar you choose should be the one that feels most comfortable for you to play. That way, you will be more likely to practice more and become the awesome guitarist you dream of being.


Author Resource:->  Troy Bryant is an accomplished musician who owns a website which provides additional information on types of guitars.

Article From ArticleSlide.com

CLASSIC ACOUSTIC GUITAR RIGHT HANDED

AN ACOUSTIC CLASSIC GUITAR, RIGHT HANDED, 6 STRING,  IT MEASURES 40" LONG, 14 3/4" WIDE AT THE BOTTOM AND 3 1/2" THICK.

Guitar lesson: Can You Play Classical Guitar Without Nails?

By: Peter Edvinsson

Most classical guitarists use a lot of time polishing and grooming their right hand fingernails. In order to play with nails you have to have good nails and working with them a lot. Is it possible to play witout nails? Let's take a look at no nail playing!

Angel Iglesias, a great spanish guitarist touring Denmark round 1953 played with nails in the same way as Segovia, Llobet and Barrios did. Some guitarists at this time played with their fingertips.

Another great Spanish virtuoso who toured Denmark in periods, Francisco Alfonso, (whose father studied with Tárrega) used only his fingertips. The differences of their tone quality was described by people who had heard them both:

"Alfonso's tone was unusually beautiful, round and soft while Iglesias' was harder and somewhat sharp."

Personally I have played classical guitar with nails and without nails and I can see some advantages from playing without nails:

1. You will come nearer your guitar through the contact between your fingertips and the guitar string.
2. You can play with your fingers on electric guitars without the risk of damaging your nails.
3. Playing guitar without nails will force you to play with the highest degree of articulation and concentration.
4. You will be able to play piano properly without disturbing nails.
5. You will get a soft and beautiful tone on your guitar if you consistently work on it.

Pujol a guitarist who played without nails wrote, "the flesh best transmit the feeling of the soul...such an unresponsive medium as nails interferes, somehow with the direct contact of the artist's sensibility to the string."

The art of playing without nails must be developed. You have to work with your tone as much without nail as with them. If you have used nails and start to play without nails you will feel uncomfortable before getting used to the different technique involved and before you develop callouses on you fingertips.

As times goes by you will improve your tone through your harder fingertips and your better articulation. You cannot be sloppy in your playing with this technique.

Even if you will go back to playing with your nails again you will see an improvement in you playing due to a better technique.


Author Resource:->  Peter Edvinsson is a musician, composer and music teacher. Visit his site Capotasto Music and download your free sheet music and learn to play resources at http://www.capotastomusic.com/

Article From ArticleshmArticle.com

Electric , Classical , Acoustic - Which Guitar Is Best For You?

By: David Arnold Livingston

No one could really pinpoint the exact year as to when
the guitar was created. The lute, harp and lyre are
the three stringed instruments from which guitars
evolved. The features of guitars vary for each musical
period. The guitar is one of the most popular musical
instruments today to bring out soothing music or to
perk up one's energy level. Bands and gigs will not be
complete without guitars. Guitars are also used as a
means to free hidden and unexpressed feelings and
emotions or it can as well be a medium to spend time
meaningfully together with loved ones and peers.

There are various types of guitars that can suit the
intended purpose of the user such as the twelve strings
guitars, six strings, classical guitars and electric
guitars. Twelve strings made up the twelve strings
guitar to achieve a rich tone compared with the
standard six string guitars. The courses of strings
are played together though the sound produced are
different from the other. On the bass course are two
strings tuned an octave apart and on the treble courses
are the other pairs of strings that are tuned together.
The third string in the third course can be tuned by
using unison strings or the distinct high-pitched
octave guitars strings. The style of standard six
string guitars can allow the user to have easy contact
on the higher frets on the finger board. This type
needs an access on the frets to produce the desired
sounds and effects.

Classical guitars of the olden days have cat gut which
later on developed into nylon strings. These types of
guitars have a flat fingerboard and wide neck. Other
guitars experts suggest that classical guitars are the
best types for beginners since it has greater string
gauge and lighter string tension but still the decision
is on the buyer since the classic guitar may not suit
their preferences and style. Classic songs and music
are best played using classical guitars.

Electric guitars are made up of different materials and
use various components to produce the needed sound.
Alder, Mahogany, Walnut, Maple and Ash are the commonly
used types for the body of electric guitars. The woods
and the construction, the types of strings, quality of
components used, length of cables and the overall
condition of the environment determine the quality of
the sound produced. Electric guitars are used in
various forms and styles of music may it be pop,
country, rock and roll, jazz or blues.

In buying guitars, the user must make sure that the
chosen guitar will match his budget, playing style and
skills. An electric guitar is easier to play compared
with an acoustic guitar. Acoustic guitars can produce
audible sounds without using amplifiers. It makes use
of either the nylon or wound steel rings. There are
also acoustic and electric guitars that can be played
with the presence or absence of an amplifier.

Package deals are at times offered for beginners which
may include a guitar together with other options like a
tuner, pics, strap and case. The soundboard of the
guitars must be carefully inspected to determine the
type of sound produced. Producers of good quality
guitars are usually the well-known companies in the
industry like Taylor, Gibson, Yamaha, Fender, Ovation,
Martin and Ibanez. There are wide selections of style
and design to choose from to match the buyer's
distinctness and uniqueness.


Author Resource:->  David Arnold Livingston is a music lover and enjoys guitars.

Visit: http://ufguitar.com/

for lots of great information about guitars.

Article From ArticleshmArticle.com

DILLION BRIAN MAY STYLE ( RED Special ) Right Hand

A new 2010 Made For Dillion USA Model DBM-010T

Solid Mahogany body
7 ply binding on the front and back of body
Bound set neck with striped ebony fingerboard
Grover USA gears with 18 to 1 ratio
Abalone dot inlays
24 hand polished 2.7 mm frets + Bone nut
D'Addario strings ( 10 - 46 )
Dillion custom Power bend tremolo
Three Tri-Sonic pick ups
Six 3 way phase slide switches
Two volume, Two tone, plus 3 way switch
12" Radius
25 1/2scale
1 11/16 nut width

The Hardy Souls: From An Unsigned Band to a Modern Indie Star

By: Karina Daniel

Contrary to their name, The Hardy Souls can actually melt the heart with their modern indie. From the heart of Glasgow music scene, the band is one of the great Scottish bands in the small country who can compete musics from anywhere in the world and who continue to bring fresh and innovative sounds to the indie scene.

Starting from its formation in 2008, The Hardy Souls have gained a status as one of the newest bands in Glasgow. The band comprises of music fanatics who also are gifted and who really love to play, namely: Seb Jonsen Campbell Lindsay, Ross Lindsay, Craig O'Neill, and Craig Watson.

Strikingly, the band has a great quality of recording in spite of the reality that the production of rock music is really expensive and recording it is quite hard. There may be a low-budget recording for the band but its sound quality is not affected with such problem. Listening to their recorded music, there is none of the echoing drums or tinny guitars as the band pays much concentration to the way they sound.

As a result, The Hard Souls band produce a sophisticated modern indie that is mixing blues of blues inspired guitar and fills of furious drums. While enjoying their music, one may feel like listening and tasting the 'The Minority' along with a vibe of Rolling Stones. Well, this is because the some of the key influences of the band include the Stones, The Who and also Pink Floyd.

Indeed, it is this influence and inspiration of the 1960's rock combined with a touch of a more modern indie which creates the character of the band.

To hone more their skills and be prepared for any inevitable approach of recording companies, The Hard Souls continue to rover and gig around Scotland. Currently, they are working on some fresh materials on which they hope to release a demo sometime soon.

Await another bamboozling material from this humble, unsigned band and crank your speakers up to 11 and rock out to The Hardy Souls!


Author Resource:->  Read free music reviews and other insightful and entertaining articles. Visit the site for all music junkies.

Article From ArticleSlide.com

Guitar: Can You Learn To Play Guitar Without Goals?

By: Peter Edvinsson

In many articles on the net on learning to play guitar you will find many article authors stressing the importance of setting goals. Well, it would be interesting to find out if you can learn to play guitar without goals. Let us investigate the matter!

I have many memories of my first attemps to play the guitar. Like many boys I had many interests like reading, playing piano, singing, listening to music, athletics, chess, stamp collecting, painting and other things at different times. Playing guitar was just one of them.

I remember that I had my own way of practicing guitar playing. I always had my guitar on my bed waiting for me. I sat down on my bed many times everyday playing for a while and then starting to do other things.

Sometimes I felt inspired to play guitar for an hour or two and other times just for a minute. Did I have goals or not?

I know that I was developing as a guitarist quite fast and I think it must have been something in my way of playing and practicing guitar that was good.

I believe that some of the reasons for my progress during those early days of my learn to play guitar career were:

1. 
   I felt no pressure to become an accomplished guitarist. I just felt the joy of sitting down with my guitar trying to find out the treasuries in the land of music.
   
2. 
   My father was a guitar teacher giving me lessons at times and I always heard him play guitar in our home. Other guitarists visited our home many times and these visits inspired me a lot.
   
3. 
   I never felt a pressure to play fast and thereby building tensions by playing too fast. This is one of the big mistakes beginning guitarist and even accomplished guitarists sometimes make.
   
4. 
   As I mentioned previously I did a lot of other things besides playing guitar and I guess all these things I was involved in kept my mind quite healthy and helped me retain my joy when I learned to play guitar.
   

I guess in a sense I had goals that was not so apparent to me that directed me towards somewhere even if I was quite content being on the road of progress towards guitar land.

Can you learn something from my early guitar experiences? At least you can learn the following:

1. 
   When learning to play guitar always remember to enjoy the act of playing without thinking too much on what you can or cannot do as a guitarist.
   
2. 
   Try to associate with good musicians and guitarists that inspire you to play musically and that give you the motivation to learn to play new things on your guitar.
   
3. 
   Beware of playing too fast on your guitar. There is a risk of building up muscle tensions and thereby actually reducing your ability to play fast. A remedy for this and a way to tame yourself is to use a metronome at a low tempo to reduce your speed to a level where you can play your guitar in a relaxed manner.
   
4. 
   To become an interesting guitarist and musician you might benefit from being involved in other activities like listening to good music, having another hobby, reading good books, assiciate with other people and more.
   

Do you have to have goals to become a good guitarist? Well, even if you don't have learn to play guitar goals in the ordinary sense you can help yourself to play everyday by having easy access to your guitar.

I had my guitar on my bed. Maybe you want to have your guitar in your favorite armchair. I guess you understand the principle....


Author Resource:->  Peter Edvinsson is a musician, composer and music teacher. Visit his site Capotasto Music and download your free sheet music and learn to play guitar resources at http://www.capotastomusic.com/

Article From ArticleSlide.com

5 Tips for Crappie Fishing in Arkansas

By: Daniel Eggertsen

Arkansas has an abundance of great crappie waters. And the climate is such, that they can be had all year long. You just need to know how. There are many tricks-of-the-trade involved in crappie fishing. Learning them can go a long way towards helping you fill your creel with slabs. Here are some of my best tips.

The first trick I use is a double-rig (also known as a fish-finder rig). It evolved from commercial Longliner fishermen in their search for Bluefin Tuna. Scaled down, it is a very efficient rig for crappie. Simply rig two # 4 Aberdeen hooks on dropper loops, 12"-18" apart, over a 1/8 oz. bell sinker, or several split shots. You can fish this under a slip-bobber, or anywhere from the bottom up, tight-lining (or vertical fishing, as it is sometimes called). You can also omit the sinker and hooks and use two 1/16 oz. marabou jigs under a slip-bobber.

You can also cast this rig upstream in tailraces or heavy current, and let it drift downstream. This is deadly for crappie in heavy cover. It is not uncommon to hook two crappie at a time with one of these rigs. I usually tie a white or yellow jig on above a chartreuse jig. Another trick is to omit the bobber, and tie a small crank-bait on under the jig. It gives the appearance of a small minnow chasing an even smaller one, an irresistible situation for any predator fish.

When minnow fishing slows down, try this trick. Take 6 or 7 minnows and place them in a 2 qt. or gal. glass jar with water in it. Punch a few small hole in the top to let water and smell circulate. Then tie it with a small rope so you can lower it into the water a few feet. Now fish near the jar. The crappie can smell the minnows, and see them, thinking it is a school of unwary baitfish.

In winter, when crappies are hitting very light, you can make a strike indicator out of an old guitar low E string. Simply tie on a 3" length of the guitar string onto the last section of your rod, with the ball-end even with the tip. Then bend the string up and away from the tip at a 45 degree angle. Run your line through the ball-end of the E string, then through the tip guide of your rod. You can now detect even the lightest of hits.


Author Resource:->  Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best crappie fishing information possible. Get more information on crappie fishing here: http://www.askcrappiefishing.com/

Article From ArticleSlide.com

Pearl Jam Tickets - Giving Back to the Environment

By: Stub Hub

Pearl Jam has already attained notoriety as one of the world's most prominent rock bands, but these days the band members are more about green trees than they are about all-night parties. Guitarist Stone Gossard is trying his hand as a businessman in an effort to try and slow climate change, recently saying to Reuters, "Pearl Jam is a band but we are also a business. We're seeing ourselves as a Washington business, a regional business that is acknowledging its carbon footprint and hoping to inspire other businesses." Be sure to support the band in their environmental endeavors and enjoy their musical tunes by going online and getting Pearl Jam tickets today!

In the recent Reuters interview, Gossard noted that Pearl Jam's recent investment of $210,000 was aimed at trying to offset carbon emissions from Pearl Jam's concerts throughout 2009. They are planning on planting thousands of trees to help restore several acres of forest land in the Washington cities of Seattle, Kent, Kirkland and Redmond. While staying green, the band also recently announced new dates for an upcoming U.S. tour. The spring jaunt opens with the New Orleans Jazz Festival May 1. Other dates throughout the month of May include stops in Kansas City, Columbus, Cleveland, Buffalo, Hartford, Boston and New York. In June, they will set out for Europe for another extensive trek on the road.

Pearl Jam rose to fame after the release of their debut album, Ten. Some of their more classic ballads were featured on the record, including "Evenflow," "Jeremy" and "Alive." They were hailed for their angry, heavy vocals and significant guitar riffs. Throughout the early 1990s, Pearl Jam's audience grew significantly and their popularity remained strong through the rest of decade, although Ten is still considered one of their best releases.

Pearl Jam has managed to adapt to the times by keeping their sound and style constant. They never quite disappeared from the scene and although some of their albums were ranked better than others, they've continued to make an impact on the industry, even with members of the younger generation. Subsequent albums after the release of Ten included Vitalogy, Mirror Ball and Yield.

The band once again emerged with another full-length record (their ninth) in 2009, titled Backspacer. The whole package emerged as much more of a lighter effort than much of their previous work, which always tended to verge on depressing. Nevertheless, Pearl Jam manages to stay true to their style and tunes like "The Fixer," "Just Breathe" and "Speed of Sound" stand out as particularly great examples of how the band has stayed relevant. The cheerful vibe that fans get from listening to this album perhaps makes up for the gloomy messages heard on most of their previous albums.

Pearl Jam has spent plenty of time on the road supporting Backspacer and you will want to catch them performing live in concert when they come into a town near you. Pearl Jam tickets are currently available on StubHub.


Author Resource:->  This article is sponsored by StubHub. StubHub.com is a leader in the business of selling Pearl Jam tickets, sports tickets, concert tickets, theater tickets and special events tickets.

Article From ArticleSlide.com

Four Options To Consider For Learning The Guitar

By: Art Gib

Everyone has a different learning style. Learning an instrument comes easier to some than to others. Some people are able to learn from example while others need to be more hands on. Luckily, there is more than one way to master this stringed instrument. In fact, there are four ways that can be utilized to learn the guitar. This is incredibly helpful information to have considering the fact that everyone learns differently. With one of these four options, everyone should find a suitable way for them to learn to play this instrument.

Of course, the first option is still the most common that is chosen. This is to opt for traditional lessons that involve an instructor. This is indeed a popular choice for good reason. Instructors have a way of explaining things that can be tailored specifically to your learning curve. Being able to ask questions to someone who can show you the answers is indeed a great help. While traditional lessons with instructors can be a great avenue to take, it is not the best choice for everyone.

Some tend to learn better on paper. Having instructional books can help novices to take in the information at their own pace. The same is true for instructional videos. Being able to pause, and rewind the information to hear it as many times as is needed is indeed a helpful tool. While some people are too shy to ask their instructors to repeat things, those who need to hear information a few times before it saturates will do well with the method of learning from instructional books and videos.

An option similar to instructional books and videos is turning to the internet for help. The World Wide Web has a plethora of videos and instructional writings that can be had for free. There are many forums out there as well that bring like-minded people together who can share their problems and solutions together. Indeed, the internet is undoubtedly a great resource and yet another tool that can be used to help learn the guitar.

The last way to learn the guitar is probably the least common, mostly because it requires skill that many do not have. Some skilled musicians have been able to teach themselves instruments simply by learning by ear. This means hearing something and being able to follow it. These types of musicians are incredibly musically talented and rarely learn to read sheet music. There are several choices out there for those who wish to learn the guitar. Regardless of your learning style, there should be at least one that is right for you.


Author Resource:->  Music Parts Plus, Inc (http://www.musicpartsplus.com/) offers the best in dean markley guitar strings.

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The Difference Between Various Types Of Guitar Strings

By: Art Gib

There are many different guitars that one can choose from when it comes to the sounds they most prefer. Not all guitars sound alike. In fact, depending upon the type of guitar strings that one has on their instrument, the sounds can differ dramatically. There are acoustic, bass, electric and classic types of guitars. All are a great option to consider and all use different types of strings.

The acoustic guitar has a bit of an earthy tone which is more often used with mellow music. It has been a beloved form of instrument for many years and there are many brands of strings that can be bought for the acoustic guitar. Well known brands such as Adamas, D'Addario, Dean Markley, Dunlop, Elixir, Ernie Ball, Fender, GHS, Gibson and Martin have all done will with the acoustic crowd.

The bass guitar is used more for lower tones and therefore necessitates strings that are meant for a lower sound. There are several well-known brands that work for these types of guitar strings-in fact, most of them are the same brands that service acoustic guitar strings. Fender, Ernie Ball, Elixer and DR do not work for bass strings; however, the rest of the ones mentioned above that work for acoustic also work for bass.

A classic guitar is often confused with an acoustic guitar. This is probably most likely so because their sounds are very similar. While their sounds are similar, they still require different types of strings. The most popular brands that service classic guitar strings are Adamas, D'Addario and GHS.

The electric guitar is definitely the most unique of the four types. It is powered by electricity as its name suggests and yields a very powerful sound. A string can hold a note for far longer than a classic, acoustic or bass guitar. These strings are most unique from the other three types as well. The brands best known for electric guitar strings are many of the same that work for classic, acoustic and bass. The best brands to use for electric guitar strings include D'Addario, DR strings, Darco, Dunlop, Ernie Ball, Fender, GHS, Gibson and Dean Markley guitar strings.

There are indeed many different types of guitars as well as many different types of strings to choose from. There is not necessarily a right or wrong answer pertaining to the type of instrument you choose. It all depends upon personal preference regarding what you end up ultimately choosing. It is important to note, however, that there is a difference between each of these instruments and this therefore produces a variety of sound choices for you.


Author Resource:->  Music Parts Plus, Inc (http://www.musicpartsplus.com/Dean-Markley/bDeanMarkley.html/prods_per_page/240) is proud to partner up with Dean Markley Strings to provide world class players with the complete line of world class Dean Markley guitar strings and accessories.

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Learning Acoustic Guitar With Online Lessons

By: Dominic Donaldson

Music it is said can be the best medicine, well most people say that laughter is the best medicine and I am inclined to agree with them on this point, but music has the ability to move your emotions like nothing else on earth. It can make you feel happy, sad, elated, mad, uplifted and one hundred and one other feelings and all in the space of three minutes or however long the track last for.

Music can be soothing and relaxing and those effects can be heightened further by deciding to learn to play an instrument. One of the most popular choices of instrument is the guitar and especially the acoustic guitar. The acoustic guitar can release a series of rich and wonderful sounds that can warm and stir the heart of yourself or others around you when played correctly. Unfortunately, it can take some time to learn how to play an instrument like this correctly especially if you decide to do it on your own.

Thankfully there are a number of resources out there today that will allow you to learn to play like a master through the aid of acoustic guitar lessons. Whether you want to learn through a book, video or with a teacher these acoustic guitar lessons will have you wowing crowds in no time.

Before the invention of the internet there was only a couple of ways to obtain acoustic guitar lessons and that was either to get a teach yourself book or book up a lesson with a tutor. However, since the invention of the internet, there are now a number of sites that offer videos allowing people to pick up the skills they require to play to perfection. Technology giants Apple have also looked to capitalise on this market sector with their application Garage Band which allows users the opportunity to get acoustic guitar lessons from the professionals themselves. Who could teach you to play Roxanne better than Sting himself?

There really is no reason not to learn an instrument these days, sometimes the travelling after a hard day's work could put people off, but now with the ease of the internet, all you have to do is go home, turn on the laptop and sit back, relax and practise, It really couldn't be a lot easier.

If you are thinking of learning how to play the acoustic guitar in 2010, then get online and search for acoustic guitar lessons and make sure you can amaze and stun crowds with your performances.


Author Resource:->  Dominic Donaldson is a business analyst with many years of experience in the computer industry. Find out more about acoustic guitar lessons at http://www.licklibrary.com/artists/acoustic/

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Guitar Players Super Glue Finger Tips

By: Daniel Lehrman

Here is an exclusive tip from the late great Stevie Ray Vaughan. Players like Stevie Ray bend strings use a playing technique where you bend the strings with your left hand, for right handed guitarists that is. It is part of the particular style of music most blues players use, which is a staple of blues guitar music.

Bending the guitar strings to change a note or tone is abusive to the fingertips of the fret hand. To put it mildly it is a lot of work to play this style.

Stevie Ray Vaughan used the largest gauge strings made, at least ones I am familiar with. Gauge size is .013" to .056", basically the same size as suspension bridge cable. I am a sissy, I use light gauge strings such as .009" to .046" gauge. Bending strings is quite common today, however there is a fairly serious problem that can occur from lots of guitar string bending that is not a guitar problem. It is more of a guitarists health problem.

The problem I want to address is cuts on your fingertips and or separation of the fingernail to the fingertip itself. I have had this problem occur, and more than enough guitar players who bend strings can testify to this problem.

What is the solution? Super Glue. Regardless of whether it is a cut or separation, a drop of super glue solves the problem. One small drop of glue on the cut or in the separation is plenty to let you finish your set or gig. Some players actually put a drop of glue under the nail before a long hi energy set/ gig starts. This is a mandatory tool to keep available, like in your gig bag or tool box.

Incidentally, super glue was invented and used in the medical field as 'surgical cement' for years before it became a house hold product. Particularly by orthopedists for bone repairs.

Super glue in general can be found almost anywhere. Because guitar players are specialists, there is a company that sells a unique super glue just for guitar players. Stewart-MacDonald sells a specialized super glue for repairing fingertips and damaged guitars and guitar parts. Keep a bottle handy, you will be glad to have it should it become necessary to fix a cut fingertip.

I don't know for sure that Stevie Ray Vaughan was the first guitarist to figure out that super glue was great for this purpose, however, SRV is the only player I know of to have mentioned and discussed how he solved the issue.

Guitarists health issues are real. Most of them such as sore wrists and elbows, etc. can be searched on the internet for viable solutions. Many of the health problems specific to guitar players can be treated easily and painlessly, especially if attended to as soon as possible. Make health issues important. Don't let them become emergencies.


Author Resource:->  For more information about Guitar Players Center Guitarists Health or Danny's Favorites. Feel free to visit our website, ask questions, share it with others, make comments or simply enjoy.

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How To Look For A Good Music Teacher

By: Chris Chew

It does not matter whether if you are looking for a guitar teacher, a singing coach, a piano teacher or any music teachers for that matter, finding a good and qualified teacher may not be the easiest thing to do. So why is it so important to find a good teacher?

Well, if you at the beginner level, then you must start off on the correct footing, isn't it? If you are an intermediate musician, it is even more important that you need a teacher really knows his or her stuff, right? So the question boils down to this - are you really getting the right information when looking for a good music teacher?

This issue is further because since the music teaching industry is unregulated, music teachers need not necessary to have any degrees, diplomas or certificates in order to set up teaching classes. On the other hand, many good teachers do not even have any paper qualifications, but are simply very talented teachers. I personally know quite a number of these talented self taught teachers. Hence the dilemma as a music student begins.

Firstly, you must comprehend that a good music teacher may not be the best instrumentalist or singer. You can see this happening especially in the field of sports. For example, football coaches may not be able to play football better than their charges, but yet able to produce world class winning teams. Similarly, whether a teacher can play musical instruments well or can sing like a star is only just one of many indicators of being a good teacher.

Now let us just say that you are an absolute beginner in playing whatsoever kind of music instruments, so what should you do? Well, you can start off by using your own personal contacts. You may have a friend or a relative who is taking music lessons or have taken music lessons before and may be able to recommend you a good teacher.

Music stores and shops often provide music lessons and you can check with them for good recommendations or even just search for a teacher using the internet. You see, it is very easy to find a music teacher this way, however can you count on these sources to provide you with the correct and accurate information?

Here are some guides. Let's say that you now have short listed some teachers teaching in your vicinity and before you interview them, these are some of the questions you may like to ask.

What teaching qualifications do the potential teacher have? Are their qualifications recognized? If so, by whom? How long have the teacher been teaching? How many other students do they have? Can they give you the phone numbers of two or three of your students so that you can verify their claims?

Yes, these questions may seem rude and upfront, but you are the one paying good money for quality teachers. Furthermore, as a new student, you will have absolutely no idea whether your potential teachers actually know their trade.

Now, if you are an intermediate music student, you probably need to rely more on word of mouth recommendations to get the suitable music teacher at your level to take you to another level of your music education. As an intermediate student, you would probably have played professionally or have been mingling in the musician circuit, so you would probably have a couple of good contacts.

Aside from musical expertise, is that your teacher and you need to have good vibes with one another. You see, since both of you will be working one-on-one, any friction will mean the end of this relationship and you will have to start all over again finding and looking for a good music teacher. So ask for trial lessons if you can. However, many good teachers do not give free trial lessons because they are so good that their itinerary is packed back to back.

Music lessons need not be face to face with your teacher. One good way of finding a good music teacher is not to look for one. I mean with today's internet technology, many musically renowned and good music teachers have set up websites and blogs to teach music online, by VCDs, MP3s, video podcast and other means so that you need not have a live teacher present.

Furthermore, you can verify the credentials of these teachers by searching their name online. Another plus factor is that you can practice in the comfort of your own home and save plenty of commuting time. Best of all, because you will be learning from recorded material without the teacher's presence, you will be saving plenty of money. This is perhaps the option most convenient to you.


Author Resource:->  For more free articles by Chris Chew, go to his sites at Music Lessons And Articles and Get Perfect Pitch Ear Training

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How To Persuade Your Child To Practice Guitar

By: Art Gib

Music has always been very important to me. I can't remember a time when it wasn't one of my passions, and although I have never been particularly gifted at singing or playing an instrument, I still have a hope to pass on my love to my children.

I'm sure you feel the same--whether you have a musical background or not, you recognize the value of discipline and development of this particular talent. That is why you have urged your child to excel in music through practicing the guitar.

Of course, things might have gone the other way, too. They might have begged you for it--but now their dedication seems to be slipping. No matter what the scenario, you may feel frustrated and tired of arguments or even tears and shouting.

First of all, you need to consider your child's age and interests. Unfortunately, too many parents today try to thrust their own ideas of "good music," on their children, which ends up breeding resentment.

Give them freedom to experiment. Consider purchasing an instrument that allows for even greater diversity and liberty; acoustic electric guitars are one option to allow your children to use a single instrument to explore multiple creative avenues.

Along these same lines, you may want to choose an instructor for your little musical pupil that has experience and interest in similar arenas as your child. But conversely, you still want to select someone that will challenge him or her to try new things and explore new musical paths.

For at-home practice times, try breaking them up into fifteen-minute increments. After all, children--especially younger children--have limited attention spans and can only stand so much disciplined focus at one time.

Offer them little rewards for the time they do spend practicing, particularly when they sit down to it without your nagging. This might be a trip to the ice cream parlor or a little extra TV time.

However, you should avoid giving these rewards every single time they practice. Instead, consider offering one to them if they consistently practice for a week. Give them something to work toward, and they will surely try to please.

Give them plenty of positive reinforcement aside from weekly or bimonthly rewards. Verbally praise them whenever they practice without being reminded or nagged and whenever they master or begin a new song. They want to know they are doing well, so don't be sparse with your positive commendations.

Try to understand where they are coming from, and avoid fighting. This will make them become resentful and perpetuate your frustration. It is difficult for children to focus, and they don't see in the long term like you do. So be patient!

Author Resource:-> Starr's Guitars (http://www.starrsguitars.com/) is a acoustic electric guitars. Art Gib is a freelance writer.

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Guitar Playing Tips To Help You Learn And Master Guitar Playing

By: Carolyn Anderson

The guitar is one of the most enjoyable musical instruments to learn. Aside from being portable, you can also easily sing along your favorite songs with it. To help you learn fast and easy, finding some guitar playing tips from friends who know the instrument, learning from tutors and finding some web resources and tutorials can help you a lot in your quest to become a guitar master.

Some people who start learning the guitar may be stuck at one point of the lessons and don't end up finishing the course - probably because of many reasons - too painful to the fingers, or the barre chords are too difficult and they avoid it, or they have grown impatient. If you want to learn the instrument, you have to have the determination to master the skill. To make your learning easy, here are some of the guitar playing tips that you might find useful in your practice.

• Learn how to read tabs. It may not be the perfect system to learn how to play the guitar, but it sure can make a lot of difference in being able to learn faster. It is also a great way to learn new songs on the guitar without having to read music. The notations of a guitar tab may be difficult to decipher at first glance, but when you get to understand them, they can be your guide to playing your favorite songs.




• Trim those nails. If you are not playing clear notes, it might just need a little trimming of your fingernails. Indeed, long fingernails on your fingers that press the strings may make your playing more difficult. Short fingernails are best with that hand on the frets, so that only your fingertips are pressing down the string. Press the strings more to make the note clearer. Do not worry about the bit of pain - it will be gone after a few days of practicing on your guitar and callus begins to form on your fingertips.




• Do you like singing while playing the guitar? Use the capo. The capo is device clamped on the frets of the guitar to change the key of the song. If you have been playing the guitar and sometimes you tend to find it difficult to sing at the right key of the song, you will find the capo helpful. Indeed, one of the great guitar playing tips to consider especially if you are a singer wanting to learn to play the guitar.




• Learn to play by ear. It is indeed impressive to find some guitar players who just listen to a song and are able to play it on their guitars without tablatures or sheet music. The skill of playing the guitar by ear can actually be learned. Learning this skill would mean being able to recognize chords, chord progressions as well as listening to melodies and intervals of the song. Some music teachers recommend you to learn these with the help of the piano to make the identification a lot easier. Whatever way you choose to learn t play by ear, make sure you also hone your listening skills to help you through the process.

Keep in mind these guitar playing tips and you might find them useful now or later, in your quest to play the guitar well.

Author Resource:-> Carolyn Anderson loves to play with the acoustic guitar in her free time. For a fun way of learning the guitar, check out Jamorama Guitar Learning Course. Also check out Jamorama Lead Guitar, if you are interested in learning the lead guitar.

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