Hot Music & Instruments Posts
How To: Play "Desolation Row" by My Chemical Romance on guitar
Long before My Chemical Romance made "Desolation Row" a hit, a legendary and music-changing artist named Bob Dylan sang it loud and proud as the closing track on his 6th studio release in 1965, Highway 61 Revisited. In this video tutorial, learn how to play My Chemical Romance's version of "Desolation Row" on acoustic guitar with help from Your Guitar Sage.
How To: Play drums on a keyboard MIDI controller
Jason Johnson with Revolution Audio shows us some easy steps to creating a basic midi drumbeat using your keyboard. To start, the kick drum is located at C1, this is in a different location depending on the number of keys your keyboard has. The other drums which are included are left and right snares, the tones, high hat closed, open high hat, and the pedal high hat. There are also the cymbals which include the crash, often used at the end of measures and the ride which is employed often in j...
How To: Play "Good Riddance" by Green Day on the ukulele
Scotty shows us how to play Good Riddance on the Ukulele. The song's tuning goes like this E-D-C-G. That's a whole song, it is really easy. Learn this easy song by following the master's finger playing on the Ukulele. Simply, he plays the G which is_ higher pitch than the A. For the whole song, it seems to be a repeating the following tunes in seriesE minor, then D , then C, then G.All is needed to learn playing Green Day's Good Riddance is buying a well tuned Ukulele and making sure you have...
How To: Play "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd on guitar
This is a short clip that gives a few pointers on how to play sweet home Alabama. The song starts with D-String open twice, B String, G string, B String twice, B String, G string, then the E string twice. It is a little hard to understand what the host is saying as his/her voice is very low in comparison to the music, but you can make it out if you turn the volume up. Overall, this is a good tutorial on how to play the two main melodies of the hit song sweet home Alabama if you are new to the...
How To: Play All American Rejects' "Gives You Hell" on ukulele
In this how-to video, you will learn how to play "Gives You Hell" by the All American Rejects on a ukulele. You will need knowledge of chords and a tuned ukulele. The song starts off with the chords E, C#m7, and A. The verse uses the same progression as the intro to the song. The chorus also uses this same progression. The next part consists of B, C#m7, B, and A7. Play this part once before going back into the original chord progression. You will go into the second progression, and then play ...
How To: Be a rapper in 5 minutes
Want to be a rapper? Find it hard to become one? Well, Jason Hawkins is about to show you how to become a rapper in less than five minutes. You don't have any musical skill? Well, no worries, because, as Jason Hawkins put it, musical skills are not needed to become a rapper. To start out, you'll need 3 things. One, an internet connection. Two, a working microphone. Three, you must have the clothes needed, for example: a hoodie, a tracksuit, a pair of sneakers, jewelry or "bling", and a New Yo...
How To: Move a piano the right way
Jim Hanson discusses how to correctly move a piano. It's not worth the risk you take to try to move your piano yourself. If you drop a piano on yourself and break your leg, you will have lost far more than what you will have saved by moving the piano yourself. Moving a piano takes specialized equipment and vehicles. If you are moving your piano to and from a location with more than three steps, you can not just tip it up the steps. You need to follow special instructions. Use a professional w...
How To: Play "Ehu Girl" by Kolohe Kai on ukulele
In this how-to video, you will learn how to play the song "Ehu Girl" on a ukulele. You will need a tuned ukulele and basic knowledge of chords. The song first consists of the chords C, F and G7. This will be repeated a few times. Move on to the chord progression Am, G, Am, and G. This is the part before the verse. Next, play the chords C, F, G7 into the progression C, F, G7, and Dm. Move on to G, Am, Am, Dm, and G7. The two progressions mentioned are the verses. Once this is complete, move ba...
How To: Play "Island in the Sun" on the ukulele
In this how-to video, you will learn how to play the Weezer song "Island in the Sun" on a Ukulele. You must have knowledge of basic chords and a tuned Ukulele to play this song. The chords for the first part of the song are Em, Am7, D, and G. Repeat this throughout the intro and the verse. The chorus also uses this same chord progression. The bridge will use the chords D and G. The last part of the bridge uses C, A7 and D. After the bridge, you can continue with the original chord progression...
How To: Make your guitar sound sorta like a lightsaber
Marty Schwartz demonstrates a guitar trick--how to make your electric guitar sound like a light saber from Star Wars. First, he turns his volume knob all the way down. Then, he plucks the string, keeping the front side of the guitar facing away from the camera. Then, after he plucks the string, he turns the volume knob up as he waves the neck of the guitar in his hand like a light saber. The volume knob is turned down as the guitar swings to the side, and turned back up as it nears the listen...
How To: Soundproof a room for playing and recording rap music
To sound proof a room you have many different options. If you don't have your dry wall up because you don't have your studio set up, put insulation right inside the wall before you put in the dry wall. It is important to sound proof your room because you don't want your neighbors to call the police and you don't want there to be echoes and feedback on your sound. You want your music to be crisp and high quality. The best insulation is fiberglass insulation. If you already have your wall up, y...
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: Play "Happy Birthday to You" on an acoustic guitar
This video shows you how to play Happy Birthday on acoustic guitar.For starters, you need to get familiar with 3/4 rhythm, or 3 strums per chord. You should practice it with basic chords.To play Happy Birthday, you need to use an easy succession of 3 basic chords: G, C and D. The song goes like this (remember to strum each chord 3 times, if it appears to times you have to strum it twice):G D D G G C D GWhen you play this song some people might have a difficulty getting in tune with it, so you...
How To: Use a microphone to record your rapping
In this how-to video, you will learn how to use a microphone in order to rap or record speech. A mic can be used for instruments, vocals, and other things. There is a proper way to hold the microphone. First, do not the hold the mic with your hand over the mouth piece. Do not hold it up too close or too far. Holding it too far will cause an echo. Holding the microphone too close will muffle the sound. Keep it about an inch or more away. Make sure you hold it at an angle to hit the soft spot o...
How To: Care for your recorder properly with Mrs. Hill
In this how-to video, you will learn how to maintain your recorder instrument. First, label your recorder with a permanent marker in case you leave it somewhere. This will allow someone to identify who it belongs to. First, use the cleaning rod and put a piece of cotton cloth on it. Push it through the opening of the recorder to get any spit and dirty out of the recorder. To clean the mouth piece, use an old tooth brush and scrub it. Once in a while, it is a good idea to wash the recorder in ...
How To: Play slash chords on the piano
This video shows how to play the slash chords on the piano. The first step describes how to play the c chord with the right hand and how to play the Enote on the bass with the left hand. The person explains the C/E operations with both the hands is the second step. The third step explained is about Am/g notes. The person gives the final touch by words. The camera is focused on the piano chords and on the person as required. The person used both right hand and left hand to explain how to play ...
How To: Play the recorder with Mrs. Hill
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to play a recorder. The mouthpiece of the recorder goes onto your bottom lip and in front of your bottom teeth. Do not bite on it. You rest your mouth on it. Only the tip of the mouthpiece goes in your mouth. When you blow on the recorder, blow with a steady air stream with a small amount of air. Squeaking is caused when you blow too hard and if you finger are not covering the holes completely. This video will benefit those viewers who are interested ...
How To: Play "Nothing Else Matters" by Metallica on guitar
In this two part electric guitar lesson teaches you how to play "Nothing Else Matters" by the great Metallica off "The Black Album". In the video, instructor Bobby Crispy breaks down the song cord by cord, from beginning to end. This is great for both expert and beginner guitarist, of course with lots of practice and this video you'll be mastering Metallica in no time.
How To: Play "Hey Julie" by Fountains of Wayne for beginners
This guitar lesson video shows you how to play "Hey Julie" by Fountains of Wayne on acoustic guitar . In the tutorial your learn, the chords, strumming technique and style. This video is geared towards beginners but of course the more advanced student is welcomed to give it a whirl. It's a fun great song, and your in good hands with instructor Erich Andreas.
How To: Become a wedding DJ
Do you love music and need a little extra cash? Do you think you have a knack for entertaining others with your rockin' playlists? Check out this video and learn how to turn that musical mind into a career as a wedding DJ. The most memorable part of the wedding reception is the music and dancing and you could be a part of it! Follow these steps and have people complimenting you on your awesome tunes as they leave the reception.
How To: Start your own independent record label
Starting an independent record label, like starting any other business, requires a well-conceived plan with clear goals. Check out this tutorial and learn how to take your love of music and turn a profit.
How To: Paint a 5150 Van Halen replica guitar
This three part tutorial shows you how to pait a EVH Kramer 5150. You'll paint and design, doing it all for less than $350.00. It covers all the steps from primer, taping, painting, clearing coating, and assembly. After watching this you'll have your very own Van Halen replica electric guitar to jam out with.
How To: Improve your singing voice
Do you think you are tone deaf? If you have trouble staying in key, or feel like you just can't get the rhythm, check out this video for advice on how to harness your inner songbird.
How To: Learn AC/DC "Shoot To Thril" from Iron Man 2
This is a very extensive video teaching you how to play AC/DC's "Shoot to Thrill" from the upcoming Iron Man 2 movie. In this video Justin Sandercoe, breaks it down, step by step, from finger placement to the sound your looking for. It's perfect for any level student, and very easy to follow. You'll be rocking out in no time.
How To: DJ with your PC or Mac laptop
DJing with your laptop computer requires a combination of specialized hardware and software. This video tutorial demonstrates how to DJ with your laptop computer, using both a Mac and PC system. From the audio output jack, connect your laptop to an amplifier, then to your mixer where you can apply effects to your music.
How To: Become a working DJ using pro digital techniques
In this video tutorial series, DJ Sarah Main explains how to become a working professional DJ. She offers tips on how to set up your digital DJ rig, cueing up tracks in the mix, and cataloging your music library. In the second half of the series Sarah shows how to mix tracks with the cross fader, and progressively layer audio elements.
How To: Perform digital audio effects with DJ James Zabiela
In this video tutorial series, DJ James Zabiela shows how to use effects to enhance your DJ set, utilize a feedback loop, and discover new music. In the second half of the series he shows how to alter live vocals, incorporate a few of his signature moves, and edit digital scratches into your DJ set.
How To: Master the basics of being a professional DJ
Being a professional DJ takes a studied ear and a technical mastery of your equipment. This video tutorial series covers beats, bars, and phrases, and how to incorporate beat and breakdown looping into your DJ set. Additionally, DJ Phil K shows how to insure audio frequencies blend together, and provides professional tips on how to approach your first DJ gig.
How To: Change strings to improve your acoustic guitar sound
Changing guitar strings is a skill every guitar player should master. This instructional video demonstrates how to change the guitar strings on your acoustic guitar. It's helpful to use a guitar stand throughout the process, but improvised equipment is easy to employ as well.
How To: Incorporate jazz harmony in your guitar playing
Jazz harmony is the theory and practice of chord usage in jazz music. This instructional video demonstrates the basics of jazz harmony and incorporates licks and runs on the electric guitar. Once you've mastered the basic chord progression you'll be able to improvise and further develop your sound. The chord movement known as the "two," "five," "one," is by far the most popular jazz chord movement. Most of the jazz standards contain this cycle of chords. It's popularity is on the same level a...
How To: Tune your uke with Ukulele Mike
In this how-to video, you will learn how to tune a ukulele with Ukulele Mike. This will be useful if your ukulele has been in a warm or cold setting for a while. The strings are tuned to G, C, E, and A. The G string is known as string 4, C as string 3, E as string 2, and A as string 1. String 4 is the one closest to the top when held. Start with string 3 and tune it to about where C is. You only need to know how this note sounds. Tune string 2 by fretting the fourth fret on the C string. Tune...
News: Taiwanese Boy Wonder Belts Out Whitney (Better Than Houston Herself?)
That's up for debate... Maybe Li Yu Chun isn't better than the legend herself, but damn. He is amazing. I'm moved. Transported me right back to The Bodyguard.
How To: Play the mother of all jig rhythms on the bodhrán drum
A bodhrán is a shallow one-sided Irish drum typically played with a short two-headed drumstick, and if you want to learn how to play this Irish frame drum, you've come to the right place. This two-part video tutorial from Michelle Stewart will show you how to play the "mother of all jig" rhythms on the bodhrán drum.
How To: Play happy birthday on the piano
There's nothing more important on a birthday than the ritual singing of the Happy Birthday song. Well in this video tutorial, you learn how to play the Happy Birthday song using a piano.
How To: Music read & understanding the music staff
A step by step video tutorial by Andrew Wasson of Creative Guitar Studio that shows you how the music staff works. Have you ever had trouble reading a music staff? Not anymore! Andrew Wasson explains to you what a treble clef, key signature, and time signature are and how to understand them. He goes on to teach you how to read quarter notes, eighth notes, dotted quarter notes, sixteenth notes, and triplets. The video also shows you how to bring everything that you learned on to the guitar and...
How To: Change a guitar string on a Stratocaster
In this how-to video, you will learn how to change a guitar string on a Stratocaster. You need a guitar, a new set of strings, and a diagonal wire cutter. You might also need a string winder. You will need a guitar tuner and a guitar cable if you have an electric guitar. First, remove the broken string from the guitar. Push the broken string down and through the bridge. Remove the other end from the tuning post. Take the correct string and unroll it. Do not bend the string in any way. Take th...
How To: Properly roll guitar & mic cables
This Music & Instruments video tutorial shows how to properly roll guitar & mic cables. Master Doug from Tech Support demonstrates how to do this in this video. First remove all the kinks from the cable before rolling it. Put one end of the cable in one hand; say in the left hand and with the right hand make loops and place them in the left hand. Make sure you don’t entangle the cable while doing this. If the cable is longer, do this process by placing the cable on the ground. Make sure that ...
How To: Freestyle rap using three simple rules
This is a video teaching how to freestyle rap using three rules. The first rule is to freestyle all the time. Freestyle by yourself. Listen to some beats by yourself in your room with the first thing that comes into your mind. The second thing is to make sure it flows. Do not stutter. Keep practicing until it comes out smoothly. The third rule is do not stop rapping. In other words, don't take breaks for weeks or months otherwise you will get rusty. It will take time to get good at it again i...
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: Tune guitars without tuners
Oftentimes during performances, the battery on the tuner will run out. Fortunately this tutorial video series shows you how to use your hear and harmonics to quickly keep your guitar in tune.