Music & Instruments: Page 12

In this video, we learn how to use Ableton Live 8: Quantizing audio. To find the bars you want to use, find the up and down arrow keys. These will jump the loops back and forth based on the width of the loop race itself. Press play to search around for the best four bar section in your music. Now, set your first attack in your loop by zooming in on the hit. Hover over the audio and create a warp marker to drag from each of the bars. Label it as the beginning of your clip to the end, then save...

In this video, we learn how to play piano using piano legato and staccato techniques. These techniques are when you do not have any break in how you are playing, it all flows smoothly. You want to create a feeling of symmetry with the music so it all flows together seamlessly. To practice this, you will use one hand on the piano keys and play from A going to C. One you have done this, pay attention to your finger placement and then practice with the other hand. As you memorize this, you will...

In this video, we learn how to play Jazz guitar: II-V-I Chord Sequences. You will play this in C, D minor, G7, and C major. You will be using different frets, so you have to pay attention to where your finger placement is and how you are placing your entire hand. When you start to play, you will notice how many different combinations there are on the guitar and see how the flow of the jazz sequence goes. Once you learn this, you can incorporate it into jazz music that you are playing, then you...

In this tutorial, we learn how to play "Julia" by The Beatles on acoustic guitar. This song is not too difficult, but it is for more intermediate finger pickers. You will want to start out with the intro of the song, making sure you have your fingers on the right frets and know the chords that are played in this part of the song. Continue on to play the different verses and the chorus, as well as the ending verses of the song. As you are playing, make sure you pay attention to where the song...

In this video, Nick teaches us how to use effects automation in Garageband. Any effects you use on your track will allow you to change the effects over time if you change how you want it. First, load up your track and loop it up by clicking on the loop button. Once finished, load up effects so you can automate them later. Hit the "i" button, then go to the details tab on the bottom. Now, change the effects you would like for automation. For the first one, go with the "au" filter, then for the...

In this tutorial, we learn how to play the intro from "The Winner Takes It All" by ABBA. You will want to start out by playing the intro to this ABBA song. Once you have done the intro to the song, you will continue onto the first verse of the song. Make sure to pay attention to the keys and use the right and left hand while playing. Continue on to play the rest of the verses and the chorus of the song. Finish off with the last verse, then go back over the song adding in the lyrics and...

In this video, we learn how to change the strings on the erhu. First, loosen and remove the inner string. After this, take and unwind the new inner string. Then, take the end with the loop and put it through the Qianjing. Then, loop it in the screw at the bottom of the erhu. Then fold the tip of the other end of the string and put it through the hole in the first peg. Then, loop the string one and push the tip into the hole. Now turn the peg clockwise to tighten it. Repeat this for all the...

In this tutorial, we learn how to play "Bittersweet Symphony" by The Verve on guitar. This is a great song to learn if you are a beginner. Many of the chords on the guitar repeat during this song, you will just need to change the height and how low the chords are played. Also pay attention to when there are pauses in the song as you play. Start with the intro and go all the way to the last verse of the song in different sections. After this, play the song all together and practice the song more...

In this tutorial, we learn how to play Bingo on the piano. You will want to start out with the notes in front of you so you know which keys to play. Play the first part of the song first. You will notice that you play the same keys over and over again while doing this song. Break it down into sections so you have all the correct keys and listen as you are playing. Once you have finished playing all the sections, bring it together to create the entire song. Now add in the lyrics to the song and...

First you need to do is press the t button in your keyboard and add a new mono track. Choose mono in format and click OK.

In this video, we learn how to use sidechain compression in Ableton Live 8. First, set up your tracks on the software. Open up the compressor and select the sidechain so you can decide how the impulse will sound on the different tracks. From here, change the filter type and anything else you need to change. After this, go and mute your kick drum from the track so you can better hear with the sidechain that you have activated. Continue to play your tracks and play around with how they sound,...

In this tutorial, we learn how to play "What It's Like" by Everlast on acoustic guitar. First, take the D minor chord with the middle finger chord on the second finger. Play this and pick the D, G, and B. Make sure the pinkie is on the third fret of the high E for the first hit of the string. This will lead you through the intro of the song. Once you start the first verse, you will be using the same chords throughout the entire song. Start to sing in the lyrics with the song, then when you...

In this video, we learn how to adjust the spring tension on a Tremolo. First, find the strings in the back that are parallel to the body of the guitar. Then, unlock the nut and set the fine tuners so you have maximum range of adjustment. Start to twist the tuners at the bottom of the guitar until the tension on the strings is enough for you to play correctly. Then, go to the back of the guitar and adjust the crimp screws that are along it. When finished with tightening your guitar, test it out...

This video presents a piano tutorial which explains music dynamics in playing music, which illustrate a change in the volume or intensity in your playing. The basic dynamics are forte (f), which means to play loudly, and piano (p), which means to play softly. Notations added to the left side of forte and piano signs such as mF and mP signify mezzo forte and mezzo piano, meaning that the part should be played relatively loud and relatively soft, respectively. FF and PP, fortissimo and...

In this video, we learn how to play blues guitar: A major and A minor licks. Start by turning on your metronome and playing various A minor and A major chord licks and phrases. Play in pentatonic as you are doing the different licks so you can hear a difference between how the different chords sound. Continue to go back and forth between these, learning how to do different phrases while you are playing. This can help make your blues songs sound even better than before, adding a unique flair....

In this video, we learn how to DJ the 1 click flare scratch. When you are ready to DJ, you must first make sure you have all the proper equipment. You will want to put an album into the player and then learn the proper technique on how to scratch the music without hurting it. As you do this, you will want to push the album back and fort on the spinning table as you are using the knob on the right hand side to control the level of sound while scratching. Record this to use when switching up...

In this video, we learn how to use Logic Pro: Changing presets in Logic instruments. First, insert the ES2 and add in a preset that you like. You can also use key strokes to step through presets instead of using the mouse to click through all of them. By doing this, you will save time while you are going through presets to audition a bunch of presets to find the one you want. Use the drop down menu within the instrument to find the different presets and then choose one you would like to insert...

In this tutorial, we learn how to understand dotted notes (Dotted whole, half, quarter). Dotted notes are a dot after a note that add more to the duration of the note. A whole note is four notes, adding the dot adds two more beats to the note. A whole note with a dot is worth six beats. Basically, you will have to read the music to see if it's a half a note or a whole note, then subtract the dot from the note to see how many notes that specific part of the song is. You will need to be familiar...

Justin teaches us how to play the minor pentatonic scale in this tutorial. This is a useful scale that you will use as long as you play the guitar. Start with your first finger in the fifth fret of the thickest string. Play A, then reach up with your fourth finger in the eight fret. All fingers should be in ascending order with the different frets. Move onto the next string, playing first finger and third finger. Go onto the next string with the fingers changing in between the frets as you go....

In this video, we learn how to play "Bennie and the Jets" by Elton John. Start out with A, E, C. Next, go to the G and then to the A. After this, go to B, A, A, sharp, and D. After this, you will have started to do the intro to the song. You will be playing with your right hand during this. Next, you will trip again and go to A, A sharp, B, A sharp, G, E, then finally to the G in the new measure. Continue to play until you reach the end of the song. You will go through all the different keys...

In this video, we learn how to play "Leaving on a Jet plane" by John Denver on guitar. This is a very easy song to sing and it's recognizable so that a group of people will be able to sing along with you. The chords you will need are a G, C, A minor, and D. These are the only chords you will need for the entire song. Start out by playing these chords for the intro twice in a row. After you have done this, play the chords throughout the rest of the verses. Make sure you pause and go down and up...

In this tutorial, we learn how to play the ruan, a Chinese Lute. First, sit on 2/3 of the chair, then rest the ruan on the lap, slanting it 45 degrees to the left. For the left hand position rest the thumb at the back of the neck and allow the other fingers to curve into a ball shape. use the fingertips to press into the strings. Do not pull the strings when pressing or the pitch will be messed up. Also, do not rest the palm onto the neck of the ruan. Use the pick between the thumb and pointer...

In this video, we learn how to record audio in Ableton. When you are ready to record audio, you will need to first make sure everything is set up correctly. Check the audio input and output so you can choose the sources and configure them so they are correct. You will want to choose the level of input you have and find where the record and on buttons are. There will be a signal of the input when you are recording so you can see what the level of noise is while you are recording. As you monitor,...

In this video, we learn how to pan your drums in Ableton. First, load an impulse and lay out your drum pattern. Play it back to see how it sounds. Then, pay attention to panning the individual elements of your drum track. When you click on the bottom, you will be able to see where the panning is. Pan in a way so the sounds on the track play off of each other. They should be panned opposite of each other so when you play it back you will be able to hear how the track plays much more smoothly....

In this video you will learn some wrist techniques for striking your Bodhran as well as how to play and count triplets. As a percussion you know how important it is to know your rhythmical figures and how to count. Just be sure, if triplets are hard for you, be sure to tap your foot and clap out quarter, eighth and sixteenth notes and count them out loud. Once you've got that down, start doing the same thing, but counting out quarter, eighth and sixteenth note triplets, and count them out LOUD...

If you've always wanted to build your own Classical Acoustic guitar, this video series can get you started! You will watch he starts with some simple blocks of wood and an idea and crafts a great classical guitar! He will also show you his mistakes along the way and his own fixes, so that way if you make the same mistake, you will have an answer right there!

Giant Steps is quite popular for being an incredibly difficult song to play seeing as it's a string of II, V, I chord changes in three different keys, among other changes that are inherent in the song. Thanks for making our lives more difficult Coltrane! If you're having trouble making your way around the neck and improvising this video can help! He talks about similar tonalities out of each chord change and scale connection between different keys. Just be careful because the audio goes out of...

The Jonas Brother may not be the kings of pop anymore since Nick Jonas emergence as a solo artist. Their songs still resonate with their millions of adoring fans though. If you play a little piano and count yourself among those fans, give this video a try. It will show you how to play a cover of their hit song "Black Keys" on piano.

NeverShoutNever are a pretty cool band, but their songs are ridiculously easy to play on guitar, piano, or shamisen. So easy, in fact, that this video will teach you how to play three entire songs on piano which all use the same chords. They are "BigCityDreams", "DareDistance", and "ShesGotStyle".

NeverShoutNever have become verifiable indie-pop darlings, and their songs are pretty easy to learn and fun to play on acoustic guitar. Why not give it a spin? This video will show you how to play the hit song "Trouble" by showing you all of the chords while the song plays in the background.

Want to perform an unplugged version of Death Cab for Cutie's "Soul Meets Body"? See how it's done with this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song and it chords. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "Soul Meets Body" on your own acoustic guitar, just take a look!

Want to perform an unplugged version of Paramore's "Decode"? See how it's done with this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song and it chords. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "Paramore" on your own acoustic guitar, just take a look!

Want to perform an unplugged version of "I Gotta Feeling" by the Black Eyed Peas? I've got a feeling you're going to like this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song and it chords. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "I Gotta Feeling" on your own acoustic guitar, just...

Want to perform an unplugged version of "California Gurls" by Katy Perry? See how it's done with this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song and it chords. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "California Gurls" on your own acoustic guitar, just take a look!

You can never start 'em too young. Chinese kids are raised on the violin or piano. Brazilian kids play soccer from birth. And then there's P-Nut. He's only 7-years-old and he's been working at becoming a household name in the Memphis hop hop scene since the young age of 4.

Do you wish to resonate PURE AWESOMENESS whenever you pick up a guitar? Then check out this guitar tutorial. You'll learn how to play one of the Beatles' most popular songs then and now: "Ticket to Ride."

This piano lesson is both a music theory approach to playing and an actual working piano lesson, which offers you a great chance to apply what you've just learned. Follow along with the video to learn how to understand and construct triad chords and, later, 7th chords.

Open chords are pretty simple to understand. They're basically notes in a chord that you don't play or finger.

Back in the day, TLC was the original girl power pop group. Sure, there were the Spice Girls, too, but for the Spice Girls girl power was more about hiking up your skirt and letting your bra show through than anything else.

No matter how great you are at playing the piano, and even if you're a natural who can strum out Rachmaninoff perfectly simply by listening to it once, music theory should still be a vital part of your music learning process. Whether you're a beginning piano player or an advanced professional looking to polish up your music theory skills, you should check out this music theory tutorial.