Hot Music & Instruments Posts
How To: Play a Bo Diddley beat on the ukulele
This how to video shows you how to play the Bo Diddley beat on a ukulele. You will need a tuned ukulele and basic knowledge of chords to do this. First, form a D chord. That is, place your fingers so that the first string first fret, second string first fret, third string second fret, and fourth string third fret are pressed. Use your right hand go up and down. Do not place your fingers all the way on to the fret. Only press down at the right times to create the beat. You will be making muted...
How To: Play the phrygian mode on the piano
Nate Bosch with Piano Lessons demonstrates how to play the phrygian mode on a piano. The phyrgian mode is the third mode of the major scale. Take the C major scale. The phyrgian mode will start on the third note of that scale, which is E, and contain the same notes as the C major scale. From those notes, a seventh chord can be built. Play the E, G, B and D notes to make the E minor seven chord. That mode built out of the C major scale creates E minor seven chord or the three chord. Other keys...
How To: Play "Prenzlauerberg" by Beirut on the accordion
In this video you are shown how to play Prenzlauerberg on accordion. You will use the right hand for the melody. Both hands will be used. Your tutor divides the song into three playable components, after you develop skill in playing them you can piece them together. The song starts on G, the chords played include G minor, C minor and D7. The D7 chord includes the notes D, F sharp and C. When playing a chord you hold all of the notes (keys) of the chord at the same time. Also, playing D7 chord...
How To: Tune up your bass guitar with Dale Titus
In this how-to video, you will learn how to tune your bass. This is important, as weather can affect your tuning. Every time you pick up your bass, you should tune it. First, start with the low E string. You will need to listen to a reference E note to tune this string. A tuner or piano can be used. Go to the fifth fret on the E string and tune the open A string to this note. Tighten or loosen up the string accordingly. Now, go to the fifth fret of the A string to tune the D string. Next, go ...
How To: Do the half beat bass technique on the accordion
This how to video shows you how to perform a half beat bass technique on an accordion. You will skip every other beat to do this. In this example, a Beatles song will be played to show you how to do this. First, you will how it is normally played. Next, you will hear it using the half beat bass technique. To practice this, do an um pa um pa beat to a song that you know, such as "Mary had a Little Lamb". Say the um part but not play it. However, play the pa part. First, play it normally and th...
How To: Read and play guitar chords
If you are just starting out learning to play the guitar, one of the first things you need to know is how to read chords. In this tutorial, learn exactly how to read and play certain chords on your guitar. This video is fairly straight forward and offers useful examples for finger placement and playing tips.
How To: Read and play chord lines on guitar
In this beginner guitar lesson, learn how to read chord lines - a very popular way to write out chords that is used in the guitar playing community.
How To: Master reading guitar chords in one minute
In this tutorial, professional guitar player David Wallimann, demonstrates how to read and understand guitar chords in less than one minute. With this straight forward approach you should be on your way to reading and performing proper chords in no time at all. Follow along and practice finger placement along with David, and start playing like a rock star. Reading chords is very important and is one of the first things you will learn when you start jamming, so get a head start and check out t...
How To: Play drum and bass beats like Questlove from The Roots
In this how to video, you will learn how to play drum and bass beats like Questlove. You must work to become consistent at 8th notes. A good way to do this is alternating hands. Do this by alternating between the hi-hat an snare drum. Practice until you can play this really fast. These drum and bass beats are just funk beats sped up. Start out with a simple beat and add grace notes in between the 8th notes of the hi-hat. Slowly speed this up. You can try taking the snare hit at beat 4 and the...
How To: Play Big Star's "Back of a Car" on acoustic guitar
In order to play Big Star – Back of a Car on your guitar, you will need to play the following chords: D followed by a diminished D 7. Then, move on to a C followed by a C add 9. Next, play a D chord followed by Am7 (g, f#).
How To: Play the first section of "Crazy G" on the ukulele
Want to play the first part of "Crazy G" 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 playing the first section "Craz...
How To: Play a simplified version of "Crazy G" on the ukulele
Want to play a simplified, slowed-down version of "Crazy G" 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 playing "Cra...
How To: Play Mississippi John Hurt's "Coffee Blues" on Guitar
Learning the blues isn't an easy task, but this video helps make it a little easier. The song you'll be learning is "Coffee Blues" by Mississippi John Hurt. It's in the key of A and is a typical blues progression, in an alternating bass. It's the chords A, D, and E. If you're yearning to learn the delta blues, this is a great first step.
How To: Play "If You're Happy and You Know It" on the ukulele
Want to play "If You're Happy and You Know It" 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 playing this classic chil...
How To: Play "Teddy Bears' Picnic" on the ukulele
Want to play John Walter Bratton's "Teddy Bears' Picnic" 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 playing this cl...
How To: Play "By the Light of the Silvery Moon" on the ukulele
Want to play "By the Light of the Silvery Moon" 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 playing this classic Tin...
How To: Play "Has Anybody Seen My Gal" on the ukulele
Want to play "Has Anybody Seen My Gal" 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 playing "Has Anybody Seen My Gal"...
How To: Play Chuck Berry's "Roll Over Beethoven" on ukulele
Want to play Chuck Berry's "Roll Over Beethoven" 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 playing this Chuck Berr...
How To: Play the Beatles' "Till There Was You" on the ukulele
Want to play the Beatles' "Till There Was You" 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 playing this great popula...
How To: Play "Oh My Darling, Clementine" on the ukulele
Want to play "Oh My Darling, Clementine" 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 playing this old western folk b...
How To: Play "Daisy Bell (Bicycle Built for Two)" on ukulele
Want to play Harry Dacre's "Daisy Bell (Bicycle Built for Two)" 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 playing ...
How To: Play an advanced "down, down, up" jig on a bodhrán
In this how to video, you will learn how to perform an advanced jig rhythm Bodhran. The way it is performed is going down down up. The down and up accent create an alternating back and forth feeling. If the accent is the same sound every beat, such as on the down, it has only a forward drive to it. First, do a down stroke but do not follow through. Drop the stick to hit a few inches below. From here, go up and hit the drum. The instant way to get this is to do the opposite. Basically, go up, ...
How To: Play "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" on the ukulele
Want to play the "Swing Slow, Sweet Chariot" by Hughie Cannon 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 thi...
How To: Play "Sunshine of Your Love" by Cream on the ukulele
Want to play the main riff from Cream's "Sunshine of Your Love" 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 t...
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: Make skull caps with a bandana like a rapper
Making a skull cap with bandana is really easy to do. For this first you need is a bandana and you need to fold it corner to corner.Depending on your hair size its about half far out to the other corner you go. Once you are done you have to take the flat portion to inside and place that agianst the head. Then pull the two ends to the back and bring it down sides and overlaping with the corners and a qiuck tie in the back. You are done with it. And there is another way which is just opposite t...
How To: Play the Beach Boys' "Surfer Girl" on guitar
If you want to pay the Beach Boys' "Surfer Girl" song on guitar you should first the chords for the verse are D to a B minor, to a G and then to A. That is for the first half of the verse. The second half of the verse starts with a D chord, then goes to D7, then to a G then a G minor (barre on the 3rd fret). Now, when you play this, you should just repeat both phrases again. For the bridge, start with a G chord, to A, to D and B minor. You should also repeat this portion for the bridge then g...
How To: Sing with clarity
This video illustrate us how to sing with clarity. Here are the following steps: step 1: First of all keep in mind to sing with full confidence and in the right pitch.
How To: Tune your ukulele quick & easily
Tuning is an essential part of the upkeep for your ukulele. In this tutorial, learn how to easily tune your instrument and preserve that cool, island sound.
How To: Play the dorian mode on the piano
Nate Bosch teach us about the second mode of the major scale called ,,The Dorian Mode". On a C major scale he gonna play the notes found on that scale but starting from the second note of the scale called the second mode of the Dorian mode, playing all the notes starting from D. He end it off with another D. This is the Dorian mode of the C major scale: all the notes found on the C major scale played from the second note. The chord that can be built out of that scale is the 7th chord. Startin...
How To: Hold an acoustic guitar correctly
True Fire TV and Guitar Lessons for Beginners demonstrate how to correctly hold an electric guitar. Good posture and hand positions will affect the sounds that you are making. Cross your legs to prop up your guitar which gives you more flexibility and freedom. Prop out the neck for better hand and finger positions. Don't look over the guitar. Remain loose, comfortable and relaxed. The left hand fingers should be close to the end of the fret. Press the strings only as hard as you need to using...
How To: Play "Replay" by IYAZ and Sean Kingston on the piano
If you would like to play 'Replay' by IYAZ and Sean Kingston on the piano you first start with playing a C and G chord on the left hand. On the right hand you will play the four notes to the first part of the song. The left hand will move down and play an A minor chord that is an A and E. Your right hand will then finish off that phrase. Now your left hand with play and F major chord that consists of an A and a C. While this happens your right hand will be finishing the music phrase. Now your...
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: Restring guitars with a stop-bar tailpiece
In this Music & Instruments video tutorial you will learn how to restring guitars with a stop-bar tailpiece. The video shows how to do this on a solid body electric guitar. First, with the Planet Waves pro winder rotate the tuning key button clockwise to release the tension on the string, then pull the string put. Now slide the new string through the back of the tail piece, place the tail piece back in to position, pass it through the tuning key post and pull it tight. Wrap it around behind t...
How To: Break down a drum beat and master tempo dynamics
In this brief video tutorial, the host 'Uncle Todd' demonstrates how to 'attack a beat'. This video is intended for beginners. Watch as he shows you how to keep your tempo up as you time your drum strokes in a beat. You should practice my trying just your right foot and your right hand, and then alternating to to your left foot and your left hand. The host in this video uses an electric metronome to keep his tempo steady and accurate, something that he recommends you try at home. Don't forget...
How To: Use a metronome as a practice tool for the bodhrán
In this how to video, you will learn how to use a metronome as a practice tool for your Bodhran. This will be helpful as it helps track your progress. You can very tempos with this device. Press the red button of your metronome to turn it on. It should be at 60 BPM. If you want to change the speed, press the buttons with the arrows. Press the top gray button and press the arrow until a musical sign appears. Next, go to the second grouping of notes and press the top gray button. This will sub-...
How To: Hold your guitar pick for different types of chords
In this how-to video, you will learn how to hold your pick in different ways for certain styles of guitar playing. You must have a pick and guitar. Hold the pick between your index finger and thumb. Feel free to modify the way to hold it so that you are comfortable with it. For strumming, keep your picking hand loose. This will allow you to comfortable strum up and down. For picking chords, relax your picking hand and allow the pick to be slightly more perpendicular when picking. For shreddin...
How To: Hold your guitar pick in two different ways
Before learning how to play a guitar your going to want to know how to hold your guitar pick. First there is the one finger hold, this looks like you're making a fist. You don't want to make a hard fist but a loose one, not a of strain should be put on the hand. Move your thumb down a little and your first finger too so that it looks like a ribbon or a bow. You have to line up the edge of the pick with the edge of your index finger. Once that is done adopt the hold defined above to complete i...
How To: Learn the major chords for the ukulele
In this Music & Instruments video tutorial you will learn how to learn the major chords for the ukulele. You number the strings on the ukulele going from bottom to top; bottom one being #1 and the topmost being #4. The frets are numbered 1st, 2nd, 3rd and so on starting from the headstock. The fingers are numbered starting with the index finger being #1 and #4 being the little finger. The ‘C’ cord is the 3rd finger on the 3rd fret of the 1st string; the other strings are played open. The ...
How To: Hold you guitar pick for more accuracy
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to properly hold a guitar pick. Don't hold the pick with the point facing down because it can easily slip and cause you to lose accuracy. Instead, hold the pick with the point facing forward. Don't let the pick stick out too much. Secure it behind the index finger and under the thumb. This video provides a visual demonstration for viewers to easily follow along. This video will benefit those viewers who are beginning to play the guitar and would like ...