Hot Music & Instruments Posts
How To: Tune the three strings of any treble note on a piano
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to tune a piano. Begin by placing a rubber tuning wedge in between to mute the two outer strings. Then tune the middle sting with a piano tuning hammer. Tune it to a strobe tuner or using intervals from already tuned strings. Now mute the right string and tune the left string. Use the middle string as reference. Then mute the left string and tune the right string. This video will benefit those viewers who have a piano, and would like to learn how to t...
How To: Play the "Star Wars" theme song on the piano
Want to know how to play the Star Wars theme on your piano or keyboard? Learn how with this free video piano lesson. While this tutorial is best suited for intermediate players, Jedi pianists of all skill levels can play along given a little sticktoitiveness. For more information, and to get started playing this classic John Williams theme on your own keyboard instrument, watch this how-to!
How To: Play the drum fill from "In the Air Tonight" on drums
Learn how to play the famous drum fill from Phil Collin's "In the Air Tonight" with this free drum lesson. This video guide presents a complete, step-by-step breakdown of fill. For more information, and to get started playing this popular Collins fill on your own drums, watch this tutorial.
How To: Play Caesars' "Jerk It Out" on the piano
Want to know how to perform Caesars' "Jerk It Out" on the piano? Work it out 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 "Jerk It Out" on your own keyboard instrument, watch this how-to!
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 "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey on the piano
Want to know how to perform Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" on your piano or keyboard? 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 sticktoitiveness. For more information, and to get started playing this song on your own keyboard instrument, watch this how-to!
How To: Play "Amazing Grace" on slide guitar in the key of E
Want to know how to play the "Amazing Grace" hymn on slide guitar? Learn how with this free video guitar lesson. While this tutorial is best suited for intermediate players, rock guitarists of all skill levels can play along given a little sticktoitiveness. For more information, and to get started playing "Amazing Grace" on your own guitar, watch this how-to!
How To: Fix a wobbly whammy bar with plumber's tape
Wobbly whammy? Don't fret. This brief how-to from YouTube guitar whiz Justin Sandercoe will demonstrate how to use normal PTFE tape (also known as thread seal or plumber's tape) to keep your guitar's whammy bar from rattling around. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this free video tutorial.
How To: Substitute diminished chords for 7b9ths in jazz guitar
Ready to make your brain hurt? In this free video jazz guitar lesson from Justin Sandercoe, you'll learn about dimished/7b9 chord substitution. In short, if you have a functioning 5 chord, you can substitute a diminished chord (with one of the root notes a semitone above the root). For more information, and to get started using this substitution in your own jazz playing, watch this helpful tutorial.
How To: Play "Hey, Soul Sister" by Train on the ukulele
Want to play Train's "Hey, Soul Sister" 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 modern pop song on y...
How To: Treat the skin on your bodhrán drum
Michelle Stewart of BodhranExpert.com demonstrates to viewers how to treat the skin on a Bodhran drum. The skin on this particular drum is made of goat skin and, much like your own skin, must be treated with a skin-conditioning treatment in order to maintain proper moisture.
How To: Whistle loudly using only 2 fingers
Carla Simian demonstrates how to whistle loudly using only two fingers. Whistling with two fingers is an easy way to get the attention of people who are far away from you. Whistling with two fingers is easy with a few simple steps and some practice. First, fold your tongue backwards so it presses against the bottom teeth. Make two fingers in the shape of a V and place them on your tongue. Next, put your lips tight around your fingers and blow. Adjusting the angle and the depth of your fingers...
How To: Do the legato bass technique on the accordion
Moshezuchter demonstrates how to do a legato bass technique on an accordion which will add drama to your playing. Legato means tying it together. When playing staccato, you touch the keys like they are hot with short strokes to get the punctuated effect. Try playing an alternate base pattern using A, A minor, E to A minor for an oompah sound. Hold your finger on the A while pumping the A minor key. Then, hit the E major key while continuing to hole the A key down. You can also transition to o...
How To: Play "Perfect Day" by Lou Reed on acoustic guitar
If you want to play 'Perfect Day' by Lou Reed on acoustic guitar you first need to play an E chord, then go to Am, and repeat this. Now move to a D and crawl up to a G, then play a C and go to F. Move to Dm and play E. When you play the E chord you should play it with your pinkie. After playing the E, you play the last two strings in order and then continue on with the chord progression. If you continue on with this chord progression you will play the song. Listen to the song to get the strum...
How To: Differentiate tunable and non-tunable bodhrán drums
In this how to video, you will learn how to tell the difference between a tunable and non-tunable bodhran. A tunable bodhran has a tuning mechanism to allow you to adjust the skin tension. A non-tunable bodhran is actually tunable, but it just needs more time to do so. A tunable drum has the tuning mechanism in the inside. They are lugs pressing on an inner hoop. When the key is turned clockwise, this will make it tighter. Make sure to go crisscross rather than around the circle when tuning. ...
How To: Play the same piano chord different ways
Chord inversions are a great way to use the same series of notes in a chord to get different voicings. For the example in this video use a C-major triad, which contain the notes C, E, G. Playing these three notes in this pattern is called the root inversion. The first inversion is to use the root being C and put the note up one octave. Now the chord is played E, G, and C. The second inversion is two take the E and put that note up one octave. Now the pattern goes G, C, and E. These three inve...
How To: Move a baby grand piano
In this tutorial we learn how to pack and move a baby grand piano. First, remove cover of the piano and wrap it in moving pads. Next, remove cover hinges and screws from the piano and dismantle the petals. After this, remove the legs of the piano. Now, place the piano board onto soft moving pads and wrap well as well as shrink wrap. Now wrap all of the piano legs and other parts with moving wrap, making sure it's packed tightly and taped together. Place the piano onto a wheeled board and you ...
How To: Connect your laptop to your DJ mixer
This video shows you how to connect your laptop to your mixer. First you will need two different sound sources from your laptop to your mixer. This is so that you can use all of your mixer functions on two different channels. The way to do this is to run a 1/8" RCA cable channel 7 from your normal earphone jack to the mixer. Also use a behringer uca202 audio interface to connect to the laptop via USB cord. This provides another earphone jack. Then use a master out cable to connect it to an am...
How To: Play "Europa" by Carlos Santana on ukulele
In this how-to video, you will learn how to play the Carlos Santana song "Europa" on a ukulele. You will need a tuned ukulele and knowledge of basic chord shapes. The chord progression consists of the chords Gm, C7, F, Am, and Dm. End the previous progression with the chords Gm, A7, Dm, A7, Dm. Repeat these progressions in succession. These two progression make up the majority of the song. If another person is playing the chord progressions, you can do improvised soloing over the entire song....
How To: Chuck When Playing You Ukulele
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to chuck when playing the ukulele. The chuck is a different type of strumming technique. It looks like the user is slapping the ukulele. To chuck, users are to slide the fingers quickly down the string. The chuck is used as an extra beat and helps add rhythm to the song that is played. This video provides a visual demonstration and step-by-step instructions for viewers to easily understand and follow along. This video will benefit those viewers who ar...
How To: Play "Sweet Home Alabama" on the electric guitar
This video is part 1 of the lessons of FamousRiffs that teach you how to play the basic, easy riffs of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama" on electric guitar. The video starts with a clean demonstration of how to play the intro and bridge of the song. After that, the guitarist shows and explains the 3 chords of the song: D power chord, a modified C and a modified G (all of them are very easy, even for beginners). He then explicitly explains and demonstrates the picking pattern used with the...
How To: Play Fur Elise on the piano, step by step
Fur Elise by Beethoven is one of piano's most recognizable tunes. In this two part series, listen and learn how to play this beloved classical piece on your own. With a little practice, you should be impressing your listeners in no time.
How To: Play "Under Pressure" on the bass
This great tutorial shows you how to play John Deacon's bassline to Queen's "Under Pressure". It's a great breakdown of the various parts and notes so you can learn it very quickly.
How To: Play "Thunderstruck" by AC/DC on electric guitar
This is a great instructional video on how to play thunderstruck by AC/DC on electric guitar. Thunderstruck is played mainly on B string. It is the second string as you may be aware of. First you should start with 12th fret and hit that note. Then move to 10th fret and 9th fret. Then go back to 10fret and back to 9th fret. Then you have to go 7 and then again 9 and then 5. Now go to 7th fret and then to 4 and 5. Then to 4 and 5 and again 4 and 5 and finally to 4. You can write down on these n...
How To: Change the actives pickups battery on a guitar
The guy in the video starts out explaining that, over time, his guitar has started to sound a little funny. He thought maybe it was a cord or wire shorting out, but it turned out to be the battery. He shows us how to change that battery. You are going to need a Philips head screwdriver and a new nine volt battery. Take off the tremolo plate on the back of the guitar. You'll be able to see the old battery in the body. Gently remove the old battery and replace it with the new. Slide the new bat...
How To: Scratch on the Pioneer CDJ turntable
To scratch on a pioneer CDJ turntable, first select the sound you are going to use. Observe the position of the black line on the turntable in relation to the sound you've selected. Understand how much room you have to manipulate the sound and position your fingers accordingly. The platter will move in accordance to the black line and your finger. You can also lift your hand off the platter in the play and pause mode to let the sound move itself by its own accord and at its own speed. Move yo...
How To: Play "Five Years" by David Bowie on guitar
If you are a fan of David Bowie and want to learn how to play his "Five Years" on the acoustic guitar, follow this video tutorial by TboneWilson1978. Tbone goes over what chords to strum for each section of the song and the proper timing. First-time players who are unable to read notes simply have to watch where he places his fingers on the fret board to figure out how and when to play each chord. Follow the steps in this tutorial to learn how to play "Five Years" by David Bowie.
How To: Play "Wanted Dead or Alive" by Bon Jovi on guitar
In this video acoustic guitar lesson, brought to you by GuitarJamz, host Marty Schwarz, will teach you how to play "Wanted: Dead or Alive" by Bon Jovi. This video focuses on the rhythm parts of the song. As you follow along with him, he breaks down the strumming of the chords used in the song, breaking down each part of the song, calling out the chords and explaining the strum pattern he uses, going into detail and demonstrating how to finger the chords he uses.
How To: Master your song in Studio One
Come see how to master your own music tracks with software by Studio One! Just follow the step by step instructional video. Mastering is done from the project page, which is not available in Studio One Artist. If you want mastering features, please upgrade to Studio One Professional. How to Master a song using Studio One: Adjust song start and end markers: Click on Open Marker Track button. Click and drag start and end markers to the beginning and end of the song. Master a song in a new proje...
How To: Play "Final Countdown" on a piano
Love the all time favorite "Final Countdown?" watch this short tutorial and learn how to play final countdown on the piano. This short instructional video will teach you exactly how to play it and in no time you too will be playing it on your piano. So if you want to learn how to play final countdown on your piano watch this short instructional video and follow along and you will be playing it like a pro.
How To: Play "Baby Can I Hold You" by Tracy Chapman on guitar
In this video, Ways Linn demonstrates how to play "Baby Can I Hold You" by Tracy Chapman, in this acoustic guitar lesson. She gives this lesson in both English and French, listing all the chords, and illustrating their fingering, that you will need to know to play the song. This video is fairly easy to follow. Beginning guitarists looking for a new lesson will appreciate this video, as well as Tracy Chapman fans wanting to learn this song.
How To: Create a techno beat in GarageBand 08
If you like techno music and want to create your own music, this video takes us through the steps of how to do that. Using GarageBand '08, you can create your own techno beat. All you need to do is create a new file in GarageBand at 140 beats per minute. The piano tool will need to be changed to techno kit and can be altered to different octaves moving higher or lower along the scale. You can then record your beats and perfect it for your own custom techno beat, and the best part is you don't...
How To: Play "Wind" by Naruto on piano
Written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto, "Naturo" is an ongoing Japanese manga series. The plot tells the story of a young ninja named Naruto Uzumaki, who constantly searches for recognition & aspires to become the ninja in his village that is acknowledged as the leader and the strongest of all, also called a Hokage. The series is based on a one-shot comic by Kishimoto that was published in the August 1997 issue of Akamaru Jump and has since grown into a phenonmenon.
News: Guinness World Record Holder Trumps Deliverance-Style Dueling Banjos
"Dueling Banjos" - we've all heard it, we've all seen it - that famous scene from Deliverance where a young inbred banjo player outplays the guitar with incredible speed and accuracy.
News: DIY Musical Maven Cannot Stop Creating Instruments
Musical instruments are lots of fun but boy, they sure ain't cheap. Dennis Havlena (the internet's true DIY instrument king) demonstrates some dedicated yankee ingenuity with his homemade alternatives (aka poor man's instruments). Dennis has created hundreds of hybrid, folksy instruments including bagpipes, banjos, psalteries, didgeridoos, hang drums, and dulcimers.
How To: Play "Blister in the Sun" by Violent Femmes on 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 "Throw Your Arms Around Me" by Seymour on 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 "Run" by Snow Patrol on acoustic guitar
Want to know how to play some good music on the acoustic guitar? Well, this video tutorial will show you how to up your guitarist skills by learning to play "Run" by Snow Patrol. When you play this song from the lesson, play it like you mean it.
How To: Play Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama" on 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 Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama" 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 Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama" on your acoustic guitar with this video tutorial.
How To: Play Black Sabbath's "Iron Man" 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 Black Sabbath's "Iron Man" 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 an unplugged version of Black Sabbath's "Iron Man" on your acoustic guitar with this video tutorial.