Hot Music & Instruments Posts
How To: Understand basic guitar theory
To play a guitar riff is to do more than simply to memorize a short musical phrase. Guitar riffs are like any other musical exercise; practicing them can be a terrific means of building manual dexterity and improving your overall playing technique. We can say of riffs, then, that they are not so much about rote repetition as making available to the guitarist new and different ways of playing. Every new riff you learn will make you a more able and versatile guitarist and better equip you to st...
How To: Set up and maintain an electric guitar for metal
This free guitar lesson is all about setting up and maintaining your guitar to have a great metal sound and tone. This tutorial covers truss rods, intonation, action, and other things you can do to improve the playability and sound of your guitar. Get the best metal playing sound out of your guitar with this maintenance how-to.
How To: Harmonize any melody on guitar
This free guitar video lesson is all about harmony and melody. It goes over how to create dual guitar harmonies, using thirds and other intervals. The goal of this lesson is to teach you how to take any melody and harmonize it. For more, or to get started harmonizing your own favorite melody lines, take a look!
How To: Play metal rhythm guitar
This is a lesson on the basics of rhythm guitar playing. Some of the topics covered are drum beats, timing, and what to listen for when playing along with drums. You may try learning easy power metal songs to practice changing chords quickly and sharply to make your playing sound tight and on beat. For more, or to get started playing metal-style rhythm guitar, take a look!
How To: Compose a song on the guitar
If you are looking for new ideas for writing songs on the electric guitar, then this how to video is a great place to start. In this guitar lesson you will learn how to compose a song on the guitar, add rhythm guitars, bass and drums and then mix them to have a great complete product. There are many different styles of writing songs. This advice from Dave Weiner is his techniques for writing unique melodies on the guitar. Watch this how to video and soon you will be able to compose a beautifu...
How To: Play chord and melody tapping on the guitar
If you are looking for some new licks to incorporate into your solos on the electric guitar, then this how to video is a great place to start. In this guitar lesson you will learn how to play the tapping technique when playing chords and single line melodies. Some guitarists use a pick to perform tapping faster but this lesson demonstrates the hand tapping technique. Watch this how to video and soon you will be able to play the tapping technique on the guitar.
How To: Play an acoustic guitar solo
If you are looking for some new licks to incorporate into your solos on the electric guitar, then this three part how to video is a great place to start. In this guitar lesson you will learn how to play an acoustic guitar solo. This riff outlines basic chord shapes. Watch this tutorial and soon you will be able to play this cool acoustic guitar solo.
How To: Play "Shove the Sun Aside" on 7 string guitar
If you are looking for some new licks to incorporate into your solos on the electric guitar, then this how to video is a great place to start. In this guitar lesson you will learn how to play a lick from the song "Shove the Sun Aside" by Dave Weiner. This riff is played on a 7 string guitar Watch this how to video and soon you will be able to play this 7 string guitar lick from "Shove the Sun Aside."
How To: Play a linear sequenced blues riff in E on guitar
If you are looking for some new licks to incorporate into your solos on the electric guitar, then this how to video is a great place to start. In this guitar lesson you will learn how to play a linear blues lickin the key of E. A linear lick is played up and down the neck of the guitar as opposed to in one small position. Watch this how to video and soon you will be able to play this linear blue guitar lick based in E.
How To: Play a guitar lick in a major key
If you are looking for some new licks to incorporate into your solos on the electric guitar, then this how to video is a great place to start. In this guitar lesson you will learn how to play a major lick. This riff outlines chord shapes and uses slides to create a pedal slide effect. Watch this how to video and soon you will be able to play this major chord based guitar lick.
How To: Spin back on a CDJ turntable
Interested in jockeying discs? Compact discs? If so, you'll want a CDJ, which will let you do with your CDs what your turntable permits you to do with your records. In this tutorial, you'll learn how to spin back on a CDJ turntable while simultaneously setting up cue points. For more, and to get started using advanced spin back techniques on your own CDJ , take a look!
How To: Set cue points on the Pioneer CDJ1000
Interested in jockeying discs? Compact discs? If so, you'll want a CDJ, which will permit you to do with your CDs what your turntable permits you to do with your records. In this tutorial, you'll learn how to set cue points using the Pioneer CDJ1000. For more, and to get started setting cue points on your own Pioneer CDJ1000, take a look!
How To: A look at an alternative to big head phones
Interested in jockeying discs? If so, you'll need a decent pair of DJ headphones. While big, closed-ear phones are the standard, in-ear-canal headphones can be a smart choice to the extent that they don't need to be turned up as loudly as other phones and so can protect your hearing. For more information on using in-ear-canal earbuds while DJing, take a look! And remember: always watch the output level on your headphones!
How To: Play artificial harmonics on the violin
Artifical harmonics are a little different from natural harmonics as each requires two fingers to create one note. In this video violin lesson, you'll learn how to finger and play artificial harmonics on your own violin. For more information, or to get started, press play! (NB: When playing artificial harmonics, the finger's contact with the string should be reduced to the smallest point possible.)
How To: Play in the high register of a harmonica
Wondering how to hit high notes on your harp? In this harmonica tutorial, you'll learn how to play using the upper register. While this tutorial is geared towards intermediate players, beginners are certain to walk away with something. For more, and to get started playing in the high register of your own harmonica, just press play!
How To: Play Sugar Blue's signature riff on the harmonica
In this harmonica lesson, you'll learn how to play Sugar Blue's signature harp riff. While this tutorial is geared toward intermediate and advanced players, even begginers are sure to walk away with something. To get started playing Sugar Blue's signature harmonica riff on your own harp, take a look!
How To: Twirl a drumstick
Ever wanted to learn how to spin a drumstick? Now is your chance. This how-to video breaks down some basic drumstick spins into simple steps. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to twirl a drumstick. Get practicing.
How To: Change the strings on your acoustic guitar
Has it been a while since you last changed your guitar strings? This video tutorial presents a complete, step-by-step guide to the string changing process. Specifically, this tutorial addresses how to buy the right strings, what tools you'll need, and how to remove and replace your guitar's old strings. For more, take a look!
How To: Sing scales and arpeggios
Have your pipes gotten a little rusty? For singers, your body is your instrument, so always warm up before practicing or performing—simple scales and arpeggios sung to different vowels and other sounds are good for gradually extending your range as your muscles warm up.
How To: Get started playing the banjo again
A bit rusty on the banjo? This video lesson from the BCC will get you going again. If your banjo hasn't been played for some time it's possible the vellum might need replacing - this is the skin, like the head on a drum, which is stretched over the banjo's circular sound body, and tightened using tensioning nuts. Plastic is a good option these days, as it's more constant and less likely to attract moisture and slacken.
How To: Play D7b9 and Dm7b5 jazz chord substitutions
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 freddym233 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 play D7b9 and Dm7b5 jazz chord substitutions on your guitar. Remember, the more you practice and the more theory you know, the better you'll sound and the better able you'll be to play what you hear. To start playin...
How To: Play C#dim, GM7, CM7, Am7, Dm7, D7, G7 & G#dim chords
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 freddym233 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 play C#dim, GM7, CM7, Am7, Dm7, D7, G7 and G#dim jazz chords on your guitar. Remember, the more you practice and the more theory you know, the better you'll sound and the better able you'll be to play what you hear....
How To: Use jazz chord substituions
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 freddym233 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 use chord substitutions when playing your favorite songs. Remember, the more you practice and the more theory you know, the better you'll sound and the better able you'll be to play what you hear. To start playing u...
How To: Play D9, G9, CM6, GM6, Gm6, G7#5 & G7b5 jazz chords
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 freddym233 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 play D9, G9, CM6, GM6, Gm6, G7#5, G7b5 jazz chords on your guitar. Remember, the more you practice and the more theory you know, the better you'll sound and the better able you'll be to play what you hear. To start ...
How To: Buy headphones for a DJ
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. But you also need a great pair of headphones. This how to video explains how you can pick and buy the best headphones for a DJ. Which headphones do you use? Are they any good? Watch this two part DJ tutorial and you can learn how to buy the perfect headphones for you.
How To: Mix tracks in the right key
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 mix tracks in the right key. Ever wondered why the mix sounds a little dodgy even though it is perfectly beat matched? It could be because the two tunes playing are not in the same key or of a key that is suitable. Watch this two part DJ tutorial and ...
How To: Do a spin back on a vinyl turntable
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 do a spin back on a vinyl turntable. This video also how to use a vinyl turntable to get a faster spin back. Watch this DJ tutorial and you can learn how to do a spin back on a vinyl turntable.
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: Fix or replace Technics SL1200 tone arm
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. But you also need to know how to fix your turntables. This two part how to video explains how you can fix or replace Technics SL1200 tone arm. Also this video gives an in depth look at the Technics SL1200. Watch this two part DJ tutorial and you can learn how to fix or replace Technics SL1...
How To: Set your power amp
Check out this instructional DJ video that shows you how to set your power amplifier. In this video, the instructor gives you an idea on what is going on inside a power amp using diagrams and colorful explanations. This tutorial has nothing to do with speakers, and deals exclusively with setting the power amplifier. Practice your DJ skills and have fun!
How To: Use the kill switches in the mix on the KAM KCM 450
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 use the kill switches in the mix on the KAM KCM 450. This demonstration uses two mixes, one just using the x fade, the other using the kill switches. Watch this DJ tutorial and you can learn how to use the kill switches in the mix on the KAM KCM 450.
How To: Use the pitch bend to beat match
Check out this instructional DJ video that demonstrates how to use the pitch bend to find tune your beat matching skills. This video is great for beginning DJs who are just starting. Using the American Audio Q-SD mixer and the American Audio MCD-710 twin CD player, learn a simple trick to beat match. Practice your DJ skills by learning this technique!
How To: Know what lighting a DJ needs
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 where you should place lights around your DJ booth. Learn where to place lights and what you would need in a small, med and large room. Watch this DJ tutorial and you can learn how to strategically place your lights when DJ-ing a gig.
How To: Use the MIX CONTROLE 10 from DJ-TECH
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 use the MIX CONTROLE 10 from DJ-TECH. This mixer comes with the Mix vibes program enabling you to use the music off your PC and the mixer. Watch this DJ tutorial and you can learn how to use MIX CONTROLE 10 from DJ-TECH.
How To: Use the back of a Gemini CDM-3600
In this instructional DJ video, take a look at the back of the Gemini CDM-3600 unit to learn how to use the inputs and outputs. This video is ideally for beginners who are just starting off as DJs and need some advice on the various outlets. Learn how to use the back of a Gemini CDM-3600 by watching this DJ tutorial video.
How To: Do a spin back on a CDJ turntable
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 three part how to video explains how you can do a spin back on a CDJ turntable. A small spin back can give a subtle change to the mix. Watch this three part DJ tutorial and you can learn how to do a spin back on a CDJ turntable.
How To: Set the tone arm on a vinyl turntable
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 the tone arm on your vinyl turntable. Remember all cartridges have different weight settings so look at the box or go on the web to make sure the weight of your tone arm. Watch this DJ tutorial and you can learn how to set the tone arm on a vinyl ...
How To: Plug the vinyl turn table into a mixer
Check out this instructional DJ video that demonstrates how to attach the vinyl turn table into a mixer. In this video for the totally new DJ, learn where to plug the RCA cables (or phono plugs) from a Vinyl turntable into a DJ mixer. Discover the proper way of plugging your equipment in by watching this DJ tutorial video.
How To: Create a basic mix with two vinyl turntables
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 create a basic mix with two turntables. Try to concentrate on getting a basic mix first off as apposed to trying too hard to be like the pros. Watch this DJ tutorial and you can learn how to create a basic mix with two turntables.
How To: Attach the earth cable to the back of a DJ mixer
Check out this instructional DJ video that demonstrates how to attach the earth cable for most vinyl turntables to the back of the DJ mixer. This video is dedicated to the new DJ who is just starting out and setting up new gear. The earth cable has to be fitted to your mixer. Watch this turntable tutorial video to learn how to attach the earth cable to the back of a DJ mixer to stop any nasty buzzing sounds. Practice and enjoy!