Hot Music & Instruments How-Tos
How To: Whistle with a Blade of Grass
Next time you're outside, pluck a blade of grass for an easy way to entertain yourself – and annoy your friends.
How To: Play "Linger" by the Cranberries on the guitar
Learn how to play "Linger" by The Cranberries on the guitar. Chords:
How To: Play Shostakovich's 2nd Waltz on the accordion
An oldie but a goodie, this tutorial teaches you how to play Shostakovich's classic 2nd Waltz in C Minor. Watch as this video breaks down the song in simple, easy to understand steps.
How To: Play "Kiss Me" by Sixpence None The Richer on guitar
Learn how to play "Kiss Me" by Sixpence None The Richer on the guitar CHORDS:
How To: Play Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" in C# minor
Listening to Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata," with its moody minors and grab bag of sharps, is like turning through page after suspenseful page of a forlorn Romantic era novel.
How To: Make a hip hop beat in FL Studio
In this video we learn how to make a hip hop beat in FL Studio. First, load up your drum sounds from the browser to the interface. After this, change the hits on the drums to make the beat sound different. Edit how high the volume is on the snare drum and then change the ghost kick so it's not too loud either. Once you have this figured out, add in the high hat and the shaker patterns. Once you have these added in and you like the volumes that they are at, you will have your very own hip hop ...
How To: Play "A Sunday Smile" by Beirut on the accordion
This video shows you how to play "A Sunday Smile" by Beirut's Zach Condon. This simple song is a great song to add to your accordion repertoire.
How To: Play the Tetris theme song on the accordion
In this video, we learn how to play the Tetris theme song on the accordion. D major 7 is the first chord, going to A, B flat, C, B flat, A, G, B flat, D, C, B flat, A, B flat, C, D, B flat, G, and G. Play these separately, then practice doing all of these chords in order one after the other to do the first part of the song. Now, walk up to the C chord and then press, B flat, F, D, B flat, D, C, B flat, A, B flat, A, C, D, and D. Continue to play these chords until you reach the end of the son...
How To: Talk on a talkbox properly and clearly
You might think that if you can talk, you can talk into a talkbox. Not true. There is a surprising amount of technique to proper, clear talkbox talking, and this video will teach you everything you need to know to get started. It'll even teach you how to soften your tube!
How To: Play 7' records on a turntable
Ever wonder how to play 7" vinyl records on a turntable? Guess what that round piece that came with your turntable is for.
How To: Play "twinkle, twinkle, little star" on the piano
If you want to play 'Twinkle, Twinkle little Star' on the piano you should first start on the note D. You should play the notes going up the scale to find that next work that matches the tone of when you sing it. When you find it, that interval is a fifth. Then, the song goes back down again in steps. Your melody will work in the scale of the notes that you have just played. There are three parts to the whole song that you should learn. You will use all the notes found in the D Major scale. N...
How To: Play the "Howl's Moving Castle" theme on the accordion
If you want to play the Howl's Moving Castle theme on accordion you first need to play on the right hand D, G, B flat, D or G minor and on the left hand you press the C minor then go D 7 and G minor. Then it goes C minor, F and B flat. Next play D minor, E minor, A7, D minor, then C, B flat and A 7. B flat to A 7 is a pretty large jump so you may need to practice. So again you repeat C minor, D7 and G minor. Then C minor, F and Flat. Next play D minor, E minor, A7, D minor, C, B flat and then...
How To: Convert a Epiphone Mandobird into a ukulele
In this video tutorial, Rob Pelletier demonstrates how to convert an Epiphone MandoBird electric mandolin into a ukulele. He calls it the "Epiphone Cukubird." For detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to get started modding your own electric mandolin into an übercool custom ukulele, watch this home modding how-to.
How To: Play "Let It Be" by the Beatles on the piano
Watch this piano tutorial video to learn how to play "Let It Be" by the Beatles on the piano. Instructions include the scale and key signature and chord breakdowns. Beginners and intermediate pianists will be able to learn how to play the Beatles' "Let It Be" by watching this helpful how-to video.
How To: Play an easy acoustic guitar cover of "Just The Way You Are" by Bruno Mars
"Just The Way You Are" by Bruno Mars is a beautiful song, possibly the best R&B song to hit the charts in 2010. In this video you'll learn how to play an easy acoustic guitar cover of the song that will probably get any love interest of yours to love you too if you play it for them.
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 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: Use the EQ, bass, mid and treble on a 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 to use the EQ, bass, mid, and treble on a DJ mixer. This video gives you a demonstration on how to use the EQ on a DJ mixer while a track is playing. It should be set at twelve o'clock because when that track is made at the studio, it's made as a flat signal....
How To: Play "Sweet Home Alabama"
Learn how to play guitar with this classic Lynyrd Skynyrd song from our favorite guitar teacher Justin Sandercoe. This is the first video but make sure you watch the second one so you can play all of "Sweet Home Alabama". This is really for advanced players.
How To: Start Playing Guitar (For Beginners)
Do you think playing guitar is that easy? It takes time and effort to learn the basic to extreme skills for playing a guitar! But you're lucky, simply because I will make everything easy for you by teaching you how to play guitar, my friend!
How To: Make the Prodigy song "Voodoo People" from scratch in Ableton Live w/ samples
The Prodigy were one of the first groups to really grasp the potential of electronic music and bring it to the forefront of pop, and they are still fucking legend on the electronic scene. If you have Ableton Live 8, check out this video to learn how to produce their classic song "Voodoo People" in Ableton, including what samples to use and what to do with them.
How To: Play "Paint It Black" by the Rolling Stones on the ukulele
Want to play "Paint It Black" by the Rolling Stones 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 "Paint It Bla...
How To: Play "What It's Like" by Everlast on acoustic guitar
In this tutorial, we learn how to play "What It's Like" by Everlast on acoustic guitar. First, take the D minor chord with the middle finger chord on the second finger. Play this and pick the D, G, and B. Make sure the pinkie is on the third fret of the high E for the first hit of the string. This will lead you through the intro of the song. Once you start the first verse, you will be using the same chords throughout the entire song. Start to sing in the lyrics with the song, then when you re...
How To: Play "No Woman No Cry" by Bob Marley on acoustic guita
In this video, we learn how to play "No Woman No Cry" by Bob Marley on acoustic guitar. You will need a C chord, G chord, A minor, and an F chord. These are the only chords you will need to play the entire song. You can add in your own unique lick while you are playing to give the song a personal touch as you are playing. The lick is based off of a G minor chord where you will hit the open A string with your finger off of the strings. Once you finish this, you will complete the song, enjoy!
How To: Play an easy version of Big Star's "Thirteen"
Want to know how to play a simplified version of Big Star's "Thirteen" on your acoustic guitar? While this free video lesson is best suited for intermediate players, guitarists of all skill levels can play along given a little time effort. For more information, and to get started playing this Alex Chilton classic on your own guitar–a song famously covered by Elliott Smith—, watch this how-to!
How To: Play Perfect People's "What You're Told" on ukulele
Interested in playing Perfect People's "What You're Told" on your ukulele? See how it's done with this free video ukulele lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song and its chords. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the ukulele, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "What You're Told" on your own ukulele, take a look!
How To: Play "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay" on guitar
Want to know how to play "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay" by Otis Redding on the guitar? Learn how with this free video guitar lesson. While this tutorial is best suited for intermediate players, guitarists of all skill levels can play along given a little sticktoitiveness. For more information, and to get started playing this soul classic on your own guitar, watch this how-to!
How To: Play the intro to "Stairway to Heaven" on the guitar
Want to know how to play the introduction to "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin on the guitar? Learn how with this free video guitar lesson. While this tutorial is best suited for intermediate players, guitarists of all skill levels can play along given a little sticktoitiveness. For more information, and to get started playing this classic rock ballad on your own guitar, watch this how-to!
How To: Play "Blackbird" by The Beatles on the piano
Blackbird is one of the best and most well-known songs Paul McCartney songs done by The Beatles. The original version features very sparse guitar playing as the only instrumentation, but like most songs it can be translated to the piano, as has been done here. The video highlights all of the chords and which hands to play them with, which should have you playing the lights out of this beautiful, melancholy tune as quickly as your skill allows. It moves pretty fast, so keep up!
How To: Play various rhythms on bongos
Itching to start slapping some bongo skins? In this three-part bongo tutorial, learn how to play various bongo rhythms. Hosted by Manny Cepeda (a composer, songwriter, & performer), you will learn the Son Rhythm (4/4) Martillo, the Borello Rhythm, and Guaguanco Rhythm.
How To: Play "Love Story" by Taylor Swift on guitar
Learn how to play "Love Story" by Taylor Swift, an acoustic guitar tutorial. Follow along with this demonstration, tabs and lyrics here:
How To: Play "Save Tonight" by Eagle Eye Cherry 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: Pimp up your Pioneer CDJ-400 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 to pimp up your Pioneer CDJ-400 mixer. Just follow the simple step by step instructions: remove the two small screws and take off the see through piece of plastic, place a picture down on top of the platter and replace the cover, and re-screw the two screws. ...
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!
How To: Play "Life on Mars?" by David Bowie on guitar
Want to impress your friends by whipping out your guitar and strumming some of their favorite tunes the next time you are at a party? This two part acoustic guitar lesson teaches you how to play the David Bowie song "Life on Mars?" Once you get a hang of these popular guitar chords and tunes, you can start incorporating them into your own songs. With this how to video and a bit of practice you will be able to play "Life on Mars?" by David Bowie on the guitar. And who knows, maybe soon you can...
How To: Play "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" by Elton John
Playing along with your favorite songs is an enjoyable, and highly effective, way of developing your playing technique. In this five-part keyboard tutorial, you'll learn how to play Elton John's "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" on piano. While the lesson is geared toward players of an intermediate skill level, all players can follow along given adequate time and motivation. To get started playing "Don't Let the Sun Down on Me," press play!
How To: Play upright bass scales
Play upright bass scales and learn about minor and major scales. Learn about upright bass octave scales in this free stringed instrument video from a music teacher.
How To: Play "My Hero" by Foo Fighters on the guitar
Learn how to play My Hero (chords+strumming pattern), originaly played by Foo Fighters and covered by Paramore, on the guitar.
How To: Perform ricochet bowing for the violin
Violin Lesson #57 -- Ricochet Bowing. Todd Ehle continues on about ricochet bowing for the violin, using Wohlfahrt #40 as an example, continuing from part one, Wohlfahrt Op. 45, etude #40. In part three, with string crossings added, creating the springing arpeggio.
How To: Play intro to "Stairway to Heaven" on guitar
This guitar lesson demonstrates how to play the recorder/keyboard intro to Stairway to Heaven as I have transcribed it on guitar. Tabs for this lesson are available on my guitar lesson website, on the "NEW STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN VIDEO" link: