Active Music & Instruments Posts
How To: Play "The Scientist" by Coldplay on acoustic guitar
James from Handsome Alvin, the Australian, acoustic duo band who perform in pubs and clubs around Brisbane, wants to teach you an acoustic guitar lesson.
How To: Play Paramore's "Only Exception" on acoustic guitar
Learn how to play Paramore's "Only Exception" on acoustic guitar with this free guitar lesson. This video guide presents a complete, step-by-step breakdown of the song including chords and picking patterns. For more information, and to get started playing this popular Paramore song on your own acoustic guitar, watch this tutorial.
How To: Make smooth cello string crossings
In this instructional cello video, learn how to make smooth string crossings on the cello. When going from one string to another, you don't want any accents. You want this to be as smooth and seamless as possible. This cello tutorial also provides a couple of exercises to practice making smooth string crossings.
How To: Play "Stairway To Heaven" by Led Zeppelin on guitar
Playing popular songs on the guitar is not as difficult as it seems. With this tutorial you can learn how to play "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin on the electric guitar. This lesson is geared towards intermediate guitarists because it assumes prior knowledge of guitar playing. This lesson covers the finger picking as well as the chord structure for "Stairway to Heaven." Watch this how to video and you will be able to sing and play "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin.
How To: Play the Tetris theme song on the accordion
In this video, we learn how to play the Tetris theme song on the accordion. D major 7 is the first chord, going to A, B flat, C, B flat, A, G, B flat, D, C, B flat, A, B flat, C, D, B flat, G, and G. Play these separately, then practice doing all of these chords in order one after the other to do the first part of the song. Now, walk up to the C chord and then press, B flat, F, D, B flat, D, C, B flat, A, B flat, A, C, D, and D. Continue to play these chords until you reach the end of the son...
How To: Play "Why" by Ayaka [Guitar Tabs]
This is a guitar cover of Ayaka's "Why" song by Yazan Markabi. Tabs below the video. Video: .
How To: Play "Apologize" by OneRepublic on piano
Watch this piano tutorial to learn how to play "Apologize" by OneRepublic or the remix by Timbaland on piano. Instruction includes detailed descriptions of intervals and chords on the staff. The tips in this how-to video will help you play "Apologize" quickly, even if you are new to the piano.
How To: Play "Piano Man" by Billy Joel on piano
Playing along with your favorite songs is an enjoyable, and highly effective, way of developing your playing technique. In this four-part piano tutorial, you'll learn how to play Billy Joel's "Piano Man." While the lesson is geared toward players of an intermediate skill level, all players can follow along given adequate time and motivation. To get started playing "Piano Man" on your own piano or keyboard, press play!
How To: Play "O Holy Night" by Mariah Carey on piano
In this video, we learn how to play "O Holy Night" by Mariah Carey on piano. This song is simple and you have to realize you are going to have to count your keys out differently. Sing along while you are playing so you can better understand. Start with a C chord, then play the F chord, following the guidelines of counting the keys. As you do this, you will continue to play out the different bars and then move on to move F chords and C chords. When you approach the chorus, take your time on th...
How To: Play "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" on the ukulele
Want to play the "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" Christmas carol on your ukulele? See how it's done with this free video ukulele lesson from Ukulele Mike, 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 ukulele, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing this classic winter holiday song on your own uk...
News: The Amazing Upside-Down Guitar Playing Woman
A super cool anonymous woman rocks at playing the guitar... upside-down. I don't know about you, but I have yet to see a style quite this unique. That hand rolling move is awesome. Previously, 13-Year-Old Guitarist Wows Guitar Pros... and Yoko Ono.
How To: Play blues chords with sevenths on the piano
Interested in playing the blues on a piano or other keyboard instrument? Let this free video music lesson be your guide. While this tutorial is best suited for intermediate or advanced piano players, players of all skill levels can play along. Watch this tutorial to get started playing blues notes with sevenths and to learn about basic chord inversions!
How To: Control your breathing while singing
What's the big deal about breathing? Inhale, exhale, then repeat, right? "Passive" breathing is a breath of fresh air that improves pitch and strengthens endurance. So, for all of you singers out there, watch this. Revealed by vocal coach Renee Grant-Williams.
How To: Fix your breathing to sing better
Jill Jaxx teaches some simple techniques you can use to improve your singing voice. These techniques are easy enough that you can practice them at home. The main focus is focusing on your breathing but includes some great (and funny) tips including holding your tongue! The student featured in this demonstration has a retainer and Jill helps her to not only relax her breathing to sing better, but to control her tongue to help get her notes and voice out the way she wants it!
How To: Make a Free Microphone Pop Filter Entirely Out of Paper in 5 Minutes
In this video, I'm going to show you how to make an effective DIY pop filter using nothing but a few sheets of paper and a tissue. This will give you an excellent quality recording with your microphone. In fact, the no-cost pop filter I'm about to show you how to make is the same one I used to record this video, so the results are right here for you to hear.
How To: Create Awesome Sweep Picking Licks While Improving Your Guitar Technique
If you are having problems playing your sweep picking arpeggios fast and clean then you are not alone. Many guitarists have the same problem. I suffered from the same problem, years ago. In fact, playing sweep picking arpeggios with poor technique is one of the most common problems that I encounter with my guitar students. After helping them overcome these challenges I have discovered 2 different approaches to improving your sweep picking technique. The first will keep you frustrated with bad...
News: NEYO "So Sick" Covers by Ferb Huynh (Acoustic)
hey guys check out my acoustic cover of 'so sick' by neyo thank you
How To: Play "Nineteen" by Tegan And Sara on guitar
Learn how to play "Nineteen" by Tegan And Sara, an acoustic guitar tutorial. Follow along with this demonstration, tabs and lyrics here:
How To: Play the Tambourine
Today we teach you how to play the tambourine! Playing the tambourine is So Easy A Guy Could Do It!
How To: Play a repetitive metal, rock, blues riff
Check out this instructional electric guitar video that shows you how to play a repetitive metal, rock, or blues riff. If you listen to Megadeth, you will recognize this tune that had Marty Friedman playing this riff. This is one of those fun, repetitive patterns you hear in metal, rock and blues songs. Improve your guitar skills by watching this short tutorial video to learn how to play this electric guitar riff.
How To: Play simplified rock riffs for beginners
New to electric guitar? You needn't sound that way. This nine-part video guitar lesson series is aimed at those who have never played electric guitar before and would like to try it for the first time. By the end of this series, you'll be playing the main riffs from Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water," "Satisfaction" by the Rolling Stones, Roy Orbison's "Pretty Woman," and "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin. To get started playing any, or all, above the above riffs on your own guitar, take a...
How To: Tongue block on harmonica
This is a two part video to show you how to tongue-block on a harmonica. Part 1 of 2 - How to Tongue block on harmonica.
How To: Play third position blues on a harmonica
On a hot and sultry July afternoon in Mississippi, Gussow shows you how to play blues in B on an A harp in a two part series.
How To: Record audio in Ableton
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 monito...
How To: Do the right hand slide up technique on the accordion
If you want to know how to do the right hand slide up technique on the accordion you should take D as an example of a not you want to slide up to it. You can slide up to this not using 1, or 2 or three notes. You can also do 4, but this is a lot to do. The fingering to use is to have a spare finger before the not you want to hit. You can use your index finger or a middle finger. Choose the semitone before the D and roll over the D. Make sure the emphasis is on the D note. You just want to lig...
How To: Play "Neon" by John Mayer on acoustic guitar
Learning to play your favorite songs will, down the road, help you to make the sort of music you want to make. In this free video guitar lesson, you'll learn to play John Mayer's "Neon" on acoustic guitar. While this video assumes some knowledge on the part of its audience, beginning guitarists will find much to take away. Get started playing John Mayer's "Neon" on your acoustic guitar with this video tutorial.
How To: Stop electrical hum on an Wurlitzer Electric Piano
While one can achieve a number of realistic vintage keyboard sounds through sample libraries like the Reason Abbey Road Keyboards refill, there's no beating the genuine article. If you find a vintage keyboard, however, it may need any number of repairs to get it sounding like it should. In this how-to, you'll learn a few quick tips for getting rid of electrical hum on a Wurlitzer 200 Electric Piano. Take a look!
How To: Play "Uprising" by Muse on an electric guitar
Want to play Muse's "Uprising" on the electric guitar? See how it's done with this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song and its 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 this Muse song on your own guitar, watch this video tutorial.
How To: Play "Paradise City" by Guns n Roses on guitar
Playing popular songs on the guitar is not as difficult as it seems. With this tutorial you can learn how to play "Paradise City" by Guns N Roses on the acoustic guitar. This lesson is geared towards intermediate guitarists because it assumes prior knowledge of guitar playing. Marty Schwartz covers the finger picking as well as the chord structure for "Paradise City." Watch this how to video and you will be able to sing and play "Paradise City" by Guns n Roses.
How To: Sing from your diaphragm
Many people speak from their chests by default. If you're serious about singing, however, you should make an effort to sing from your belly. Not only will you increase your volume, but your singing will take on a sweeter, more open tone.
How To: Play in the high register of a harmonica
Wondering how to hit high notes on your harp? In this harmonica tutorial, you'll learn how to play using the upper register. While this tutorial is geared towards intermediate players, beginners are certain to walk away with something. For more, and to get started playing in the high register of your own harmonica, just press play!
How To: Play "Poker Face" by Lady Gaga on the acoustic guitar
Want to play Lady Gaga's "Poker Face"? 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 this song on your own guitar, take a look!
How To: Teach how to play piano fast with good hand position
Learn how to teach the hand position necessary to play the piano quickly and accurately.
How To: Make a Guinean bolong bata drum
This instructional drum video shows you how to make a Guinean bolong bata drum. The Bolong Bata comes originally from Guinea. The base is made of two half calabashes. One half is covered with goat hide, tied with rope to the bottom of the other calabash. The hole in the upper half is made for acoustic purposes. And if you like the music, you may put some money in it. The Bolong has three or four strings, made of rope, tied to a wooden stick on one side and a wooden keg on the other. The strin...
How To: Play rumba pattern, flamenco style on acoustic guitar
Charles Sedlak shows you one of the most fun strumming techniques in Flamenco - the Rumba. You won't be able to stop playing this Spanish style music. It's so addicting, like crack, but how would I know.
How To: Play polyrhythms on the piano
Polyrhythm is the simultaneous sounding of two or more independent rhythms. A common example of a polyrhythm is 3 notes against 2, with the 3 beat pattern being faster than the 2 beat pattern, so that they both take the same amount of time. This how to video teaches the polyrhythmic structures of 2 against 3 and 3 against 4. This is a technique for the advanced musician and pianist. Watch this how to video and you will finally figure out the mystery behind playing polyrhythms.
How To: Remix a song
In this video I show you the basics of how a DJ/producer will re-mix a song/tune.
How To: Play "Last Christmas (I Gave You My Heart)" on the acoustic guitar
What better time to play syrupy love songs than Christmas? This season, master the holiday classic "Last Christmas (I Gave You My Heart)" and play it for your sweetheart on the guitar. You'll make your love's heart melt with these chords.
How To: Play Deep River Blues by Doc Watson
Doc Watson was a foremost flat picker, but did you know he was also a formidable finger picker? Incredibly, he used just his thumb and one finger to make that marvelous sound - check it out!