Hot Music & Instruments Posts
How To: Travis pick using G, C, and D chords on guitar
Because of its portability, the acoustic guitar can be wonderful songwriting device. However, having a pocket symphony in your head–or pocket, as it were–does you little good if your hands aren't on board. Fortunately, YouTube user Sawlon is here to help you train your head and hands with his series of free video guitar lessons. In this installment, you'll learn how to play a G-C-D Travis picking progression on acoustic guitar. Remember, the more you practice and the more theory you know, the...
How To: Play the Beatles' "Come Together" on piano
Playing along with your favorite songs is an enjoyable, and highly effective, way of developing your playing technique. In this keyboard tutorial, you'll learn how to play "Come Together" by John Lennon of the Beatles on the piano. While the lesson is geared toward pianists of an intermediate skill level, all players can follow along given adequate time and motivation. To get started playing "Come Together," press play!
How To: Do the dog pant vocal exercise
This singing lesson is designed to develop the diaphragm muscle. The diaphragm controls breathing for singing & speech. Learn how to do the dog pant exercise so you can improve your singing.
How To: Play a vocal warm-up on the piano
Learn how to play a classic vocal warm-up rising through the keys playing a major scale up to note 5 and returning to the root before rising by a semitone
How To: Play "Take Me Home, Country Roads" on ukulele
Want to play John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Roads" on the ukulele? Learn how with this free video ukulele lesson. Whether you play the ukulele or bass kazoo, there is no better way to improve your chops than by learning to play your favorite songs. Not only is it more fun and much easier than running drills or memorizing a chord book by wrote, it's obviously also a wonderful way to build your repertory of songs. For more information, and to get started playing John Denver's signature so...
How To: Play "Clair de lune" on piano — Clefs, flats, and keys
Start out playing the piano by learning one of the most famous pieces of music in the world. That song would be "Clair de lune" by Claude Debussy. And this video starts you out with playing and learning the clefs, flats, key signatures, and black keys that will help you begin playing this work of art.
How To: Play "Hero" by Enrique Iglesias on acoustic guitar
Aaron from Free and Easy Guitar shows how to play Enrique Iglesias' "Hero" on the acoustic guitar. The song requires a four-finger G chord with the string picking order 6, 3, 1, 2, 3, and 2. This is repeated four times for the introduction. The chorus is strummed using any chord of your choice. If the G or E minor chord is used, you can pick all six strings. With the C chord, any of the bottom five strings can be strummed and with the D chord, any of the bottom four strings can be strummed. T...
How To: Play the C major scale on the diatonic accordion
Learn how to play a C Major Scale, learn the diatonic accordion, learn the button accordion, scales in a button accordion
How To: Beatbox the Classic Snare Sound
If you've seen my basic sounds tutorial (and if you haven't, you should!) you'd know a rimshot sound instead of a snare. The classic snare, while considerably more tricky, is far more versatile.
How To: Play the guitar chords to "Handle with Care" by the Traveling Wilburys
Today is the anniversary of George Harrison's death nine years ago in 2001, and we thought a commemorative music lesson was in order. And instead of the usual Beatles fare, we thought we'd show you something a little less known, but just as good— "Handle with Care" by the Traveling Wilburys. Many still aren't familiar with the Traveling Wilburys, despite the superstar musicians involved, but that doesn't change the fact that these guys were awesome!
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 piano in a romantic style
In this tutorial, we learn how to play piano in a romantic style. Take a minor third to begin and play these two notes. Improvise a melody by hitting any white key you choose. This is great for a beginner who doesn't have much experience. Adding the melody will help your song sound happier and more romantic. Using harmonies will help you create romantic notes and help you build a great song. You can use improvisation to make a beautiful melody as well, and make something that is all your own....
How To: Play "Kids" by MGMT on the piano
Want to know how to perform MGMT's "Kids" on the piano? Learn how with this free video piano lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song and its chords. While this tutorial is best suited for intermediate players, pianists of all skill levels can play along given a little time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "Kids" on your own keyboard instrument, watch this how-to!
How To: Practice without a bodhrán and make your own tipper
In this how to video, you will learn how to practice without a Bodhran and make your own tipper. This is useful if you do not have enough money to buy a Bodhran or you want to practice silently. To make a tipper, buy skewers from any place. Take about 14 and put the together. Tie them together with 2 rubber bands. You can get different sounds depending on the distant of the rubber band from the end of the sticks. Next, you must get a practice board. A clip board can be used for one. You can m...
How To: Make a guitar pick display case
To start off making the guitar pick case, the apparatus you need here is an old CD case, scissors, a pencil, ruler, background design, the guitar picks, blue tack, knife and glue.
How To: Play "Such Great Heights" by Iron & Wine on guitar
This video explains how to play the song "Such Great Heights" by Iron & Wine on guitar. This song requires a capo on the sixth fret of the guitar and knowledge of the basic chord set shown. The key is F# major and the beginning chord is C Major with the song composed using finger picking. The majority of this songs constitution is alternating between F#, A and C major with the enharmonic chords being G and C. This video contains vocal instructions as well as a close up on the fret board of th...
How To: Play Eric Clapton's "Malted Milk" on guitar
Popularized by artists like Son House and Skip James, Delta blues is not only one of the oldest forms of blues music, it is among the most stylistically distinct and technically rewarding to play. In this video guitar lesson from YouTube user deltabluestips, you'll learn how to play a Delta blues-inflected version of Eric Clapton's "Malted Milk." While this lesson is geared more toward intermediate and advanced guitarists, this means beginning players merely have all the more to learn. Get st...
How To: Use a joystick or gamepad as a MIDI controller
Did you know that your joystick and gamepad are amazing MIDI controllers? MIJOY PRO 2 is a VSTi that lets you use your joystick or gamepad as a MIDI controller. So follow the step by step instructions outlined in this music tutorial video that demonstrates how to use your joystick or gamepad as a MIDI controller.
How To: Attach the earth cable to the back of a DJ mixer
Check out this instructional DJ video that demonstrates how to attach the earth cable for most vinyl turntables to the back of the DJ mixer. This video is dedicated to the new DJ who is just starting out and setting up new gear. The earth cable has to be fitted to your mixer. Watch this turntable tutorial video to learn how to attach the earth cable to the back of a DJ mixer to stop any nasty buzzing sounds. Practice and enjoy!
How To: Tune an ocarina
An ocarina is an ancient instrument similar to a flute. It has an oval-shaped body with four to twelve finger holes and a mouth tube projecting out from the body. This tutorial teaches you how to tune an ocarina. You will need a needle tool, a cutting tool or small sharp knife and a drill bit. With this how to video you will be able to tune your ocarina.
How To: Play "Both Sides Now" by Joni Mitchell on the guitar
Want to learn how to play the guitar like Joni Mitchell? With this two part tutorial you can learn how to play "Both Sides Now" from the album Clouds by Joni Mitchell on the acoustic guitar. This lesson is geared towards intermediate guitarists because it assumes prior knowledge of guitar playing. This song is played in Open G tuning. The host covers the fingerpicking technique for "Both Sides Now." Watch this two part how to video and you will be able to sing and play "Both Sides Now" by Jon...
How To: Teach children proper vowel sounds when singing
This how to video shows techniques she's used successfully to teach kids how to properly make vowel sounds when singing. These tips are great if you are interested in teaching a music class or a children's choir. Watch this tutorial and you will be able to teach children to sing with proper vowel form in no time.
How To: Play like Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead
This acoustic video will show you how you can play acoustic guitar just like Jerry Garcia. The secret, of course, is to hear a song in your head.
How To: Play Coldplay "The Scientist" on acoustic guitar
Learn to play Colplay's "The Scientist," a great tune that uses an unusual tuning (in 4ths). It uses chords like power chords and barre chords, but they are easier to play. This is great for a beginner trying to stretch into intermediate material. Chords are taught in detail because they are not normal chords.
How To: Play "Kiss Me" by Sixpence None The Richer on guitar
Learn how to play "Kiss Me" by Sixpence None The Richer on the guitar CHORDS:
How To: Play the theme from Amelie on the accordion
A step by step tutorial on playing the Amelie theme song on the accordion (left-hand). Tips:
How To: Fix the crossfader on your DJ mixer
Does your cross fade on your mixer work properly? If it is making crackly noises, it may have dirt in it, so use contact fluid to clean it.
How To: Clean vinyl records with glass cleaner
Brian Sredd gives tips and pointers on how to clean vinyl records.
How To: Do drum music for the Chinese Lion Dance
In these lion dance video instruction clips, learn about the music of the Southern style Chinese New Year Lion Dance and how it influences and directs the ceremony. Listen to the cymbals and drums as the Buddha puts the lion through its paces, taunting him with his fan. Learn how the different instruments create emotional soundscapes related to the narrative of the lion dance. Get an in-depth look at Chinese lion dance drum music in this video series, a thousand years in the making.
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: Play "New Year's Day" by U2 on electric guitar
Want to play "New Year's Day" by U2? See how it's done with this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete (and we mean complete) breakdown of the song and its constituent parts. 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 "New Year's Day" on your own guitar, just take a look!
How To: Get a thick distorted guitar sound at low volume with pedals & Marshall amp
In this instructional tutorial hosted by Robert Renman, get a thick, distorted sound on your guitar without cranking it to 11. Robert uses a Maxon SD-9 distortion pedal, a Zonkin Yellow Screamer and a blueSky Reverberator, paired with a Marshall Class 5 amp to make it all come together.
How To: Learn different music score types (soprano, alto, tenor & bass)
It's music theory time with Andrew Furmanczyk. With this in depth and informative lesson, Andrew will show you four various music score types, (Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Bass). You'll learn how to write them, how to read them and what they mean in the world of music composition and performance. Note for note, this guy teaches it pitch perfect!
How To: Play "Little Wing" by Jimi Hendrix on the bass
Want to know how to perform the bass part to Jimi Hendrix's "Little Wing"? Learn how to lay it down with this free video bass lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song's bass line. While this tutorial is best suited for intermediate players, bassists of all skill levels can play along given a little time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "Little Wing" on your own bass guitar, watch this how-to!
How To: Play "I Wish You Love (Que reste-t-il de nos amours?)" on the ukulele
Want to play "I Wish You Love (Que reste-t-il de nos amours)" by Charles Trenet on the ukulele? Learn how with this video tab from Glen Rose of Jazzy Ukulele, which presents a complete breakdown of the song's component sections, chords, and strumming & picking patterns. For all of the details, and to get started playing "I Wish You Love" on your own uke, watch this free video ukulele lesson.
How To: Play "Is There a Place" by Gyptian on ukulele
Want to play "Is There a Place" by Gyptian on the ukulele? Learn how with this free video ukulele lesson. Whether you play the ukulele or bass kazoo, there is no better way to improve your chops than by learning to play your favorite songs. Not only is it more fun and much easier than running drills or memorizing a chord book by wrote, it's obviously also a wonderful way to build your repertory of songs. For more information, and to get started playing "Is There a Place" on your own uke, watc...
How To: Warp an audio track using Ableton Live
Warping is one of the many beatmatching tools at the disposal of the modern electronic music producer, and allows you to stretch out notes to make them match the required beat. Watch this video to learn how to warp tracks live on the fly using Ableton Live.
How To: Play "What It's Like" by Everlast on acoustic guitar
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 re...
How To: Play the ruan, a Chinese Lute
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 pointe...
How To: Play "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson on the ukulele
If you're an advanced ukulele player who's played what seems like every song out there, then get ready for a challenge like none your dexterous fingers have ever faced.