Hot Music & Instruments Posts
How To: Make Korg nanoKontrol transport buttons work in FL Studio 8 or above
FL Studio is one of the biggest names in digital music-making software, and Korg the biggest in physical gear. Unfortunately, FL Studio and the Korg nanoKontrol USB controller don't get along out of the box, and the transport buttons on the Korg won't work with FL Studio. That is, until you perform the steps in this video that will lead to a blessed union of software and hardware.
How To: Use the blues scale, twelve tone row technique, polychords, and tone clusters
Music theory, for any musician, is EXTREMELY important to know if you expect playing in any form of professional capacity. But if you can't afford to go to Berklee College of Music or Musician's Institute, then you can get almost the same education in this great video! In this video you will learn the basics of the minor Blues scale, 12 tone technique, polychords, chordal chords, and tone clusters. Truly amazing work and make sure you have a pen and piece of paper to take notes!
How To: Quantize audio in Ableton Live 8
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...
How To: Use music dynamics (Forte, Fortissimo, Pianissimo)
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 pianissi...
How To: Play "No Woman No Cry" by Bob Marley on acoustic guita
In this video, we learn how to play "No Woman No Cry" by Bob Marley on acoustic guitar. You will need a C chord, G chord, A minor, and an F chord. These are the only chords you will need to play the entire song. You can add in your own unique lick while you are playing to give the song a personal touch as you are playing. The lick is based off of a G minor chord where you will hit the open A string with your finger off of the strings. Once you finish this, you will complete the song, enjoy!
How To: Make a simple clapping noise in beatboxing
In this tutorial, we learn how to make a simple clapping noise in beat boxing. First, you want to suck air in through your teeth and make a sizzling noise. Block air from coming into your mouth and then open up the back of your tongue so your focusing all your air to go through the small space in your mouth at the back of your tongue. After you do this, you can just suck the air through the side of your teeth. You can also do this by taking a breath in and then breathing in through the sides ...
How To: Finger thirds when playing Pachelbel's "Canon in D"
In this clip, you'll learn how to play double notes (thirds) when performing Pachelbel's "Canon in D" on a piano or other keyboard instrument. Regardless of your preferred style of music, if you want to be great, you'll need your head and hands on the same page. And there's no better way to get your head and hands on the same page than to practice. Happily, the Internet is awash in video tutorials like this one.
How To: Play Green Day's "Boulevard of Broken Dreams"
Want to play Green Day's "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" on your acoustic guitar? 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: Play "Me and Bobby McGee" on the ukulele
Want to play Kris Kristofferson & Fred Foster's "Me and Bobby McGee" on your ukulele? Learn how with this free video ukulele lesson from Ukulele Mike. 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 pla...
How To: Use a Yamaha PSS 780 synthesizer
In this tutorial, viewers will learn how to use the synthesizer functions of the Yamaha PSS-780 keyboard. Starting with the basic piano voice, the presenter shows how this can be modified to create a new sound. He shows how the attack rate of the sound can be modified with one setting, how the modulation button affects the tones of the sound, and how sounds can be further modified with the frequency control. The presenter concludes by noting that with practice the user will learn to create ot...
How To: Play a basic conga drum sequence
In this video are the Afro-Cuban Percussion Class at Grossmont College, with instructor Manny Cepeda to show us how to play a Meringue rhythm on the Conga Drums. He starts off with a slow beat by beat demonstration and then moves on to a faster beat. The camera changes the view so that you can see both a front and back view of him drumming. Once he has shown the basics he shows the different variations you can use and the various counts that you can start on.
How To: Drop D tune a bass
This is a tutorial video on how to play bass, brought to you by How to Play Bass, hosted by Paul Wolf. In this lesson Paul teaches you how to tune your bass guitar down to what is called "Drop D" tuning. Follow along with him, as Paul demonstrates how to achieve this tuning by two different methods. The first method is done by tuning to the 'A' string, and de-tuning the 'E' string to 'D'. The second method involves a similar process, this time using the 'D' string to achieve the same effect.
How To: Play the didgeridoo for beginners
Interested in learning how to play the didgeridoo? If so, this video lesson may prove a good place to begin. This tutorial will walk you through the rudiments of didgeridoo playing, including tonal techniques for varying the pitch, volume and timbre of your didge. For more information, and to get started playing didgeridoo yourself, watch this helpful video tutorial.
How To: Get started playing Brazilian-style guitar
Whether you're interested in playing bossa nova, tropicália, música popular brasileira-style guitar, the rudiments are the same and this two-part video tutorial will get you started. Both segments look look at the basics of Brazilian chord progressions. For more information, as well as to get started playing Brazilian-style guitar yourself, press play!
How To: Cut and chop on a DJ mixer
Want to mix and scratch like a professional DJ? To be a good DJ you need to understand the concepts of mixing tracks, adding cool effects, and of course you need a good sense of rhythm to line up the beats. This how to video sequence explains how to cut and chop on a DJ mixer. There are loads of ways of describing this technique: editing the track, washing up, mowing the lawn, or drying your hair.
How To: Set your up faders on your DJ mixer
Want to mix and scratch like a professional DJ? To be a good DJ you need to understand the concepts of mixing tracks, adding cool effects, and of course you need a good sense of rhythm to line up the beats. This how to video explains how you can set your up faders on your DJ mixer. You might want to have the up fader at the top, so you have less chance of accidentally increasing the gain or volume and in turn getting a distorted sound. Watch this two part DJ tutorial and you can learn how to ...
How To: Play "Doctor Jazz" by Joe "King" Oliver on guitar
Although mainly demonstrational, this video shows you how to play "Doctor Jazz" by Joe "King" Oliver on guitar. This video is intended for advanced players who learn easily by watching or listening. Read the useful tips posted below to aid your guitar learning:
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 "My Life" by the Game ft. Lil Wayne on piano
If you want to learn how to play cool songs on the piano then this tutorial is the place to start. This lesson teaches you how to play "My Life" by the Game featuring Lil Wayne on the guitar. This lesson is geared towards beginner and intermediate pianists but it does assume prior knowledge of piano playing. Follow along with the host and soon you will be able to play "My Life" by the Game ft. Lil Wayne on piano.
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: Play "Hard to Handle" by the Black Crows on drums
In this video tutorial, DRUM! Magazine music editor Wally Schnalle demonstrates how to play "Hard to Handle" by the Black Crowes on the drums. While this tutorial is geared towards intermediate drum players, drummers of all skill levels can play along. Take a look and learn how to play "Hard to Handle"!
How To: Do simple beat mapping in Ableton
This is a turntable tutorial that shows how to do simple beat mapping in Ableton geared towards beginning Ableton DJs. This process is very simple, but the written documentation was very difficult to understand. Hopefully this will help some people out! Watch this video tutorial and start beat mapping and practicing your turntable skills on Ableton!
How To: Play the dhol drum
The dhol is a drum or percussive instrument, widely used in Bangladesh , India and Pakistan, usually the Punjab region, the Indian/Pakistani province of Punjab, Maharastra and Gujarat. This 4 part video is an introduction to the dhol and how to begin to play this ancient double sided drum. Watch these tutorial and you will be able to play the dhol in no time.
How To: Make a Cuíca Brazilian percussive instument
A Cuíca (pronounced KWEE-kah) is a Brazilian friction drum often used in samba music. This 3 part how to video will teach you to make a Cuíca with household objects. You will need a plastic or paper cup, string or twine, a paper clip and cloth. This is a perfect project for children. Make a Cuíca Brazilian percussive instument - Part 1 of 3.
How To: Play blues riffs in F on the piano
Learn how to play some blues licks and chord patterns in the key of F on the piano or keyboard. This piano tutorial is great for intermediate pianists.
How To: Play the violin solo in "Our Song" by Taylor Swift
Learn how to play the violin solo from "Our Song" by Taylor Swift.
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 overblows on your harmonica
Overblows! A quick-hit lesson on what they are, how to play them, and how to set up your harmonica to make them easier to play. Brief demo of overblow licks and Sony Rollins' "Tenor Madness."
How To: Play a B-flat blues on harmonica
Learn how to play B-flat blues beats on harmonica using the 4 hole added variant on the "blue third"
How To: Pan automation in Pro Tools
Check out this video from Berkleemusic.com and watch as Berklee Professor Jeff Baust illustrates different ways for using the panning automation in Pro Tools software.
How To: Play "Lean On Me" on the piano
Learn how to play 'Lean On Me' by Bill Withers on the piano. This is a fun song for beginners.
How To: Solo over a D major tune
This lesson soloing. This chord progression has been used to create many, many hits in just about every genre of popular music. During this lesson, we will investigate the D major pentatonic scale. You may still use the D minor pentatonic scale, but the best players can switch between major and minor pentatonic at will. The D major pentatonic scale is exactly the same as the Bm pentatonic scale. When you play D major pentatonic you are playing Bm pentatonic as well. This is called relative ma...
How To: Play Billy Preston's solo from the Beatles' "Get Back"
Want to know how to perform Billy Preston's classic solo from the Beatles' "Get Back" on the piano or ogan? Learn how with this free video piano lesson. 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 the solo from this classic McCartney song on your own keyboard instrument, watch this how-to!
How To: Play the “Heart and Soul” Melody on the piano
Any dope can play “Heart and Soul.” Now you can be one of them. Use your pointer finger to hit the 2nd F key up from the middle C briskly three times, then hit it once more before moving down to play keys E, then D, then F three times, briskly. Then F once more, before bouncing down and playing keys E then D.
How To: Play a basic melody technique on the autoharp
This how to video installment explains a basic autoharp melody playing technique called "pinching". Playing melody on the autoharp is not as difficult as it may first appear. There are an awful lot of strings, but finding a melody note and playing it clearly isn't as hard as it seems. Pay attention to these harp playing tips.
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: Talk on a talkbox properly and clearly
You might think that if you can talk, you can talk into a talkbox. Not true. There is a surprising amount of technique to proper, clear talkbox talking, and this video will teach you everything you need to know to get started. It'll even teach you how to soften your tube!
How To: Play Glenn Miller's "In the Mood" on the ukulele
Want to play Glenn Miller's "In the Mood" on the ukulele? Learn how with this free video ukulele lesson from Ukulele Mike. 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 this popular American s...
How To: Sing high notes with vibrato
Saher known as “sbGALT” is here to help with your singing vibrato. He gives an example of what vibrato is & how it varies from straight tone when singing. He sings a note with & without vibrato to illustrate the differences.
How To: Play "Whammer Jammer" by Magic Dick on harmonica
In a five-part how-to series on the classic blues harmonica instrumental by Magic Dick and the J. Geils Band. Your guide, Adam Gussow, has been wood shedding the tune for 33 years and is happy to share what he's learned, so you to can play this legendary piece.