Who plays an instrument?

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  • mgoblue
    Go Wings!
    • Jul 2002
    • 25477

    #106
    Re: Who plays an instrument?

    Originally posted by caseyd
    I'm with ya. I can get the chords down. My biggest problem is strumming. I can strum up and down normally, but I get all messed up when I try to do some of the things he was doing. I think it's really all just a matter of practice. Learn the chords first and then strumming will probably come as you get used to it. At least that's what I'm hoping. I have an accoustic, but I just bought an electric guitar. I got my daughter one for Christmas and she's now taking lessons. Since I go with her to the lessons, I'm able to pick up what he's teaching her and come home to practice. I have found, using her electric, that it's much easier to learn on because it's a lot easier to hit the chords on the smaller neck. That may not be the ideal way, but I've been having fun with the electric and most teachers say that having fun is what keeps you coming back and practicing like your're supposed to. It seems to be working for me.

    Thanks for the heads up on that site. I may check that out. I also bought a software program called eMedia Guitar Method. It has been helpful too.
    I do think I'm getting more used to things as I play along. I'm just happy that parts of the song actually sound like the song. Sounds dumb, but for me it's like golf. I find that little part that I do ok and it keeps me playing. It's that one awesome golf shot a round that keeps you playing.

    I'm also on an electric and enjoy that. Honestly, I just think of the electric as more "cool" and if that keeps me interested then so be it .

    I think we should just keep practicing. I like the about.com stuff, at least gives me things to work on. I may pick up Guitar for Dummies just to have a print text with all the chords and whatnot easily available.
    Nintendo Switch Friend Code: SW-7009-7102-8818

    Comment

    • Chief Illinimac
      Gimme the Oscar, Friendo.
      • Dec 2004
      • 2365

      #107
      Re: Who plays an instrument?

      The biggest tip I can give regarding strumming rhythm is to just use your ear. Listen to the song you want to play and just try to duplicate it. Depending on how much natural rhythm you have, it may take a little while, but keep at it and it will become second nature.
      Listen to some of my covers:
      http://profile.ultimate-guitar.com/chiefillinimac/

      Currently:
      Asilos Magdalena by The Mars Volta
      LOST Theme
      The Rain Song by Led Zeppelin
      Rage Against the Machine Acoustic Medley

      Comment

      • eXperiment63
        MVP
        • Mar 2004
        • 3077

        #108
        Re: Who plays an instrument?

        The BIGGEST deal with strumming is learning timing. Being able to hear the intervals between strums allows you to get the strum pattern. Because strumming is one constant up-down rinse-repeat motion. You just have to listen closely and get the hang of it. Another thing that will help you is listening closely to the sound of the chord. If it has more of a bassy sound, it's a down-strum. If it has more of a trebly sound, it's an up-strum.

        If I got it right he is using an 8th note strum pattern(Bold are the ones he hits, and the ones that are not bold he misses the strings).

        D UD U D UDU

        And for that first D(Down), he is just bouncing off the bass-note.
        Last edited by eXperiment63; 02-24-2008, 11:57 PM.

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        • mgoblue
          Go Wings!
          • Jul 2002
          • 25477

          #109
          Re: Who plays an instrument?

          Originally posted by eXperiment63
          The BIGGEST deal with strumming is learning timing. Being able to hear the intervals between strums allows you to get the strum pattern. Because strumming is one constant up-down rinse-repeat motion. You just have to listen closely and get the hang of it. Another thing that will help you is listening closely to the sound of the chord. If it has more of a bassy sound, it's a down-strum. If it has more of a trebly sound, it's an up-strum.

          If I got it right he is using an 8th note strum pattern(Bold are the ones he hits, and the ones that are not bold he misses the strings).

          D UD U D UDU

          And for that first D(Down), he is just bouncing off the bass-note.
          Thanks...yeah, I keep listening to it and slowly i'm getting better...

          Rhythm isn't my strongest suit (why i'm not a great musician), but slowly I get better...
          Nintendo Switch Friend Code: SW-7009-7102-8818

          Comment

          • skitch
            Fear Ameer
            • Oct 2002
            • 12349

            #110
            Re: Who plays an instrument?

            I'm still interested in seeing how many real drummers we have here at OS.. it'd be great to get some tips and stuff from real veterans.

            Comment

            • caseyd
              D*d y** g*t th* m*m*?
              • Jul 2002
              • 2367

              #111
              Re: Who plays an instrument?

              Originally posted by mgoblue
              I do think I'm getting more used to things as I play along. I'm just happy that parts of the song actually sound like the song. Sounds dumb, but for me it's like golf. I find that little part that I do ok and it keeps me playing. It's that one awesome golf shot a round that keeps you playing.

              I'm also on an electric and enjoy that. Honestly, I just think of the electric as more "cool" and if that keeps me interested then so be it .

              I think we should just keep practicing. I like the about.com stuff, at least gives me things to work on. I may pick up Guitar for Dummies just to have a print text with all the chords and whatnot easily available.
              Yeah, I have Guitar for Dummies too. Good book.

              Thanks for the strumming info guys. Very helpful.
              Mario Kart Wii: 1203 9969 5095
              Super Smash Brothers: 1590 5514 9377
              Animal Crossing Friends Code: 4081-9120-3313
              Animal Crossing Town: Danville

              Comment

              • Chief Illinimac
                Gimme the Oscar, Friendo.
                • Dec 2004
                • 2365

                #112
                Re: Who plays an instrument?

                Originally posted by mgoblue
                I do think I'm getting more used to things as I play along. I'm just happy that parts of the song actually sound like the song. Sounds dumb, but for me it's like golf. I find that little part that I do ok and it keeps me playing. It's that one awesome golf shot a round that keeps you playing.

                I'm also on an electric and enjoy that. Honestly, I just think of the electric as more "cool" and if that keeps me interested then so be it .

                I think we should just keep practicing. I like the about.com stuff, at least gives me things to work on. I may pick up Guitar for Dummies just to have a print text with all the chords and whatnot easily available.
                The only thing outside of preference that I can think of in terms of acoustic vs. electric is that playing an acoustic will make your hands/fingers much stronger.
                Listen to some of my covers:
                http://profile.ultimate-guitar.com/chiefillinimac/

                Currently:
                Asilos Magdalena by The Mars Volta
                LOST Theme
                The Rain Song by Led Zeppelin
                Rage Against the Machine Acoustic Medley

                Comment

                • mgoblue
                  Go Wings!
                  • Jul 2002
                  • 25477

                  #113
                  Re: Who plays an instrument?

                  Originally posted by ChiefIllinimac
                  The only thing outside of preference that I can think of in terms of acoustic vs. electric is that playing an acoustic will make your hands/fingers much stronger.
                  If I get to the point I can play pretty well I'll probably get an acoustic too, but for now I'd rather not waste money...I can see myself getting one in a year or so though.
                  Nintendo Switch Friend Code: SW-7009-7102-8818

                  Comment

                  • HiJumpr111
                    D*st*ny
                    • Jul 2002
                    • 1189

                    #114
                    Re: Who plays an instrument?

                    Casey or Mgoblue,

                    Are either of you familiar with the computer software called Guitar Pro? It's an interactive guitar tablature and music notation program. I've used it quite extensively with my students and it has helped me when I need to get to the bare bones of a complex strum pattern.
                    Congratulations BUTLER BULL DOGS!
                    2010 NCAA WEST REGIONAL CHAMPS

                    Comment

                    • caseyd
                      D*d y** g*t th* m*m*?
                      • Jul 2002
                      • 2367

                      #115
                      Re: Who plays an instrument?

                      Originally posted by HiJumpr111
                      Casey or Mgoblue,

                      Are either of you familiar with the computer software called Guitar Pro? It's an interactive guitar tablature and music notation program. I've used it quite extensively with my students and it has helped me when I need to get to the bare bones of a complex strum pattern.
                      Nope, I haven't heard of that. Sounds interesting though.
                      Mario Kart Wii: 1203 9969 5095
                      Super Smash Brothers: 1590 5514 9377
                      Animal Crossing Friends Code: 4081-9120-3313
                      Animal Crossing Town: Danville

                      Comment

                      • headrulz101
                        MVP
                        • Jul 2004
                        • 2045

                        #116
                        Re: Who plays an instrument?

                        If I'm not mistaken you have to pay for Guitar Pro right? There is a free program called Power Tab which is pretty much the exact same thing as Guitar Pro.

                        BTW, just recently got in touch with a few major labels (Warner Music Canada Ltd. and EMI Canada) and will be sending a demo tape to each. This could either be a life changing moment for me, or it could be another reason to work harder! I love the music industry.
                        http://twitter.com/jamesmartin1

                        Comment

                        • HiJumpr111
                          D*st*ny
                          • Jul 2002
                          • 1189

                          #117
                          Re: Who plays an instrument?

                          Guitar Pro retails for around $50 where Power Tab is a free download (www.power-tab.net). While the two are extremely similar, the feature-rich GP 5.2 allows for much more customization of your tracks. Additionally the number of "Guitar Pro" tabs found online outnumber the "Power Tabs" tabs nearly 3 to 1.
                          Last edited by HiJumpr111; 02-25-2008, 10:04 PM.
                          Congratulations BUTLER BULL DOGS!
                          2010 NCAA WEST REGIONAL CHAMPS

                          Comment

                          • KobeBryant
                            Rookie
                            • May 2003
                            • 264

                            #118
                            Re: Who plays an instrument?

                            My band Lions of August is me playing all the instruments: all vocals, keyboards, drums, guitars and other various percussion and stringed instruments. I'm adding a new song later tonight but you can hear some songs at http://www.lionsofaugust.com/music.html

                            I'm about to add this song in like 5 minutes called Lucid Dreaming and that's the one I'd like you to hear first and read the lyrics as you listen to it, please.
                            Last edited by KobeBryant; 02-26-2008, 10:06 PM.

                            Comment

                            • caseyd
                              D*d y** g*t th* m*m*?
                              • Jul 2002
                              • 2367

                              #119
                              Re: Who plays an instrument?

                              Originally posted by KobeBryant
                              My band Lions of August is me playing all the instruments: all vocals, keyboards, drums, guitars and other various percussion and stringed instruments. I'm adding a new song later tonight but you can hear some songs at http://www.lionsofaugust.com/music.html

                              I'm about to add this song in like 5 minutes called Lucid Dreaming and that's the one I'd like you to hear first and read the lyrics as you listen to it, please.
                              I didn't see the link for lyrics to that song, but it sounded good. It reminded me of The Alan Parsons Project. Maybe I'm off base with that.
                              Mario Kart Wii: 1203 9969 5095
                              Super Smash Brothers: 1590 5514 9377
                              Animal Crossing Friends Code: 4081-9120-3313
                              Animal Crossing Town: Danville

                              Comment

                              • KobeBryant
                                Rookie
                                • May 2003
                                • 264

                                #120
                                Re: Who plays an instrument?

                                I had to type the lyrics up which was a pain in the butt, but it's on there now.

                                Thank you a lot for the compliment I like them and this song is part of a concept album that I've written about ancient Rome, Greece, Babylon, and Egypt.

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