Hot Music & Instruments Posts

How To: Play Delta blues-inflected funk rock

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 adapt Delta blues technique for playing James Brown-style funk. While this lesson is geared more toward intermediate and advanced guitarists, this means beginning players merely have all the more to learn. Trace the ev...

How To: Get the "32-20 Blues" blues sound on acoustic 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 achieve that Robert Johnson "32-20 Blues" sound on your own guitar. While this lesson is geared more toward intermediate and advanced guitarists, this means beginning players merely have all the more to learn. Play lik...

How To: Play "Nobody Knows When You're Down and Out" 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 "Nobody Knows When You're Down and Out" on guitar. While this lesson is geared more toward intermediate and advanced guitarists, this means beginning players merely have all the ...

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: Play Eric Clapton's "Hey Hey" on acoustic 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 Eric Clapton's "Hey Hey" on acoustic guitar. While this lesson is geared more toward intermediate and advanced guitarists, this means beginning players merely have all the more to learn. Get started playing a Delt...

How To: Play Eric Clapton's "Before You Accuse Me" 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 "Before You Accuse Me" me. While this lesson is geared more toward intermediate and advanced guitarists, this means beginning players merely have all the more to l...

How To: Play "Driftin' Blues" on acoustic 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 "Driftin' Blues." While this lesson is geared more toward intermediate and advanced guitarists, this means beginning players merely have all the more to learn. Get...

How To: Play Eric Clapton's "Alberta" on acoustic 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 Eric Clapton's "Alberta" in a Delta blues-inflected style. While this lesson is geared more toward intermediate and advanced guitarists, this means beginning players merely have all the more to learn. Get started ...

How To: Use Delta-blues style picking in open G

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 use Delta Blues-style in open G. While this lesson is geared more toward intermediate and advanced guitarists, this means beginning players merely have all the more to learn. Get started using Delta blues-style picking...

How To: Play "Key to the Highway" 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 the how to play blues standard "Key to the Highway." While this lesson is geared more toward intermediate and advanced guitarists, this means beginning players merely have all the more to learn. Get started playing "Key to th...

How To: Use Delta blues-style rhythm on acoustic 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 the basics of Delta-style rhythm playing. While this lesson is geared more toward intermediate and advanced guitarists, this means beginning players merely have all the more to learn. Get started using Delta Blues-style rhyth...

How To: Play Delta blues-style embellishments on guitar in E

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 number of simple blues boogie riffs and embellishments in the key of E. While this lesson is geared more toward intermediate and advanced guitarists, this means beginning players merely have all the more to lear...

How To: Play a Delta-style blues boogie 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-style blues boogie on acoustic guitar in the style of John Hooker. While this lesson is geared more toward intermediate and advanced guitarists, this means beginning players merely have all the more to lea...

How To: Play a Delta-style blues shuffle 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-style blues shuffle. While this lesson is geared more toward intermediate and advanced guitarists, this means beginning players merely have all the more to learn. Get started using playing Delta-style shuf...

How To: Play a Delta blues-style G7 riff

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 simple Delta blues riff organized around a G7 chord. While this lesson is geared more toward intermediate and advanced guitarists, this means beginning players merely have all the more to learn. Get started usin...

How To: Play piano-style blues 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 piano-style blues guitar. While this lesson is geared more toward intermediate and advanced guitarists, this means beginning players merely have all the more to learn. Get started using Delta Blues-style piano boo...

How To: Play chords on the guitar in a Delta blues style

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 the very basics of Delta-style blues. While this lesson is geared more toward intermediate and advanced guitarists, this means beginning players merely have all the more to learn. Get started using Delta Blues-style strumming...

How To: Get that "Terraplane Blues," Delta-style sound

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 get that "Terraplane Blues" sound. While this lesson is geared more toward intermediate and advanced guitarists, this means beginning players merely have all the more to learn. Sound like Robert Johson with this how-to.

How To: Play a Delta blues-style slide riff 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-style slide riff on the guitar. While this lesson is geared more toward intermediate and advanced guitarists, this means beginning players merely have all the more to learn. Get started using Delta B...

How To: Use Delta blues-style strumming and picking 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 one-two video guitar lesson from YouTube user deltabluestips, you'll learn the basics of Delta-style strumming and picking. While this lesson is geared more toward intermediate and advanced guitarists, this means beginning players merely have all the more to learn. Get started using Delta Bl...

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: Install Jog Grips on a VCI-100 MIDI controller

Interested in having your VCI-100 feel more like a CDJ-1000 when pitch bending? Jog Grips have been designed so that your hand naturally falls half on, half off the grips when you grab the wheel. So one of your fingers activate the touch sensor while the index finger benefits from from the grip and added tactility. For step-by-step instructions on the Jog Grip installation process for VCI-100 controllers, take a look.

How To: Use multiple strum patterns on a 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 a number of strum patterns devised for songs with three chords per measure. Remember, the more you practice and the more theo...

How To: Use the Vestax VCI-100

Check out this instructional DJ video that shows you the basic and advanced features of the black VCI-100 Special Edition designed by Ean Golden for Vestax. This tutorial covers the basics of the unit in the first part, to the advanced aspects of the unit in the second video. Learn about the functions and features of the Vestax VCI-100 and improve your DJ skills.

How To: Use the filter FX in Traktor

Check out this instructional DJ video that shows you how to use the filter effect in Traktor. This is the first in a series of tutorials on using FX to spice up your DJ sets and take midi controllers to the next level. This is one of the most basic but effective effects. A filter will not only help you blend songs together by removing conflicting frequencies, but can create a lot of interesting sounds. Use the filter FX in Traktor and improve your DJ skills.

How To: Set up digital DJ gear in a club

Check out this instructional DJ video that takes a look at how to use your DJ gear at a typical nightclub setup. This tutorial also provides a walk through demonstration on how to map the Novation 25sl for use with Traktor 3. Set up your digital DJ gear in a club and start mixing beats like a master DJ!

How To: Use sound cards with the VCI-100

Do I need a sound card for the Vestax VCI-100? What sound card is the best for beginners? There are a lot of unanswered questions about sound cards. So here is a short instructional guide that answers most of your beginning questions about DJing with sound cards, a laptop and/or the VCI-100. The VCI-100 is just a MIDI control. No sound of any kind will come out of it. This is a sound card 101 demonstrational video.

How To: Add arcade buttons to a Vestax VCI-100

Check out this music tutorial that breaks down how to install arcade buttons in your Vestax VCI-100, including part names and numbers. Grab the necessary materials and just follow the simple step by step instructions outlined in this instructional video. Add arcade buttons to a Vestax VCI-100 and add a nice bouncy action to your playing techniques.

How To: Write songs on the piano

Check out this instructional piano video that shows you how to write songs on the piano. Charlie and Siggi Mertens offer some tips to songwriting in this piano tutorial. Follow along and improve your song writing skills and compose some interesting melodies on the piano.

How To: Circuit bend for beginners

Get bent with this instructional circuit bending video that provides a short introduction to circuit bending for the beginner. Circuit bending is taking any existing electronic device that is capable of generating audio signal and manipulating it and altering the schematics to produce some sort of sound other than the original intended sound. There are endless possibilities for the devices that can be used to experiment with your own circuit bend sounds.

How To: Play a funky jazz Rhodes beat on piano

Check out this instructional piano video that demonstrates how to play a funky jazz Rhodes beat on the piano. This instructor uses the the Roland RD-170 keyboard, and the 66 El.Piano sound, which is great. With its short attack, not many sustain on it. It doesn't matter how fast this piece of music is played. Find your own way of playing the rhythm that you are comfortable with it. Personalize this funky jazz Rhodes beat on piano and improve your piano playing skills!

How To: Make a strap lock for guitar

In this guitar tutorial, learn this great tip on how to make your own strap lock system for musical instruments. No modifications are required to the original buttons or button holes. They can be easily removed and replaced if necessary. They are sometimes called "lock-picks." Of course, these don't have to be made from a pick (although the nylon material is highly recommend), but guitarists don't go to the hardware store for parts. Make a strap lock for your guitar and play guitar with ease!

How To: Make a sound hole for a guitar

Check out this instructional guitar video that shows you how to make a sound hole for a guitar. Follow the simple step by step instructions outlined in this guitar tutorial video and make a sound hole for you guitar. A lot of experimentation has been done lately putting the sound holes in different places on the sound board and also in different shapes. The different shapes are sometimes just for visual effect but in addition, sometimes sound holes need to be made in different shapes or put i...

How To: Make a Guinean bolong bata drum

This instructional drum video shows you how to make a Guinean bolong bata drum. The Bolong Bata comes originally from Guinea. The base is made of two half calabashes. One half is covered with goat hide, tied with rope to the bottom of the other calabash. The hole in the upper half is made for acoustic purposes. And if you like the music, you may put some money in it. The Bolong has three or four strings, made of rope, tied to a wooden stick on one side and a wooden keg on the other. The strin...

How To: Play the banjo for beginners

This banjo tutorial video will teach you how you can play the banjo. The banjo is a stringed instrument that is tuned like a guitar. It is said to have originated from Africa. This video is great for beginners just starting out on the banjo. Practice playing the banjo and improve your banjo playing skills.

How To: Plug a screw hole in a guitar

Check out this guitar tutorial on how to plug a screw hole in an electric guitar or guitar neck. Grab the necessary tools and follow the simple step by step instructions outlined in this instructional video. Plug a screw hole in an electric guitar with this how to video and customoize your personal guitar!