Hot Music & Instruments How-Tos
How To: Play "Little Lion Man" by Mumford and Sons on acoustic guitar
Want to perform an unplugged version of the Mumford and Sons' "Little Lion Man"? See how it's done with this free video guitar 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 guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "Little Lion Man" on your own acoustic guitar, take a look!
How To: Play "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?" by Pete Seeger on the ukulele
Want to play "Where Have All the Flowers Gone" 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 folk...
How To: Use a sidechain gate on synths & drums in Ableton
In this video, we learn how to use a sidechain gate on synths & drums in Ableton. First, drag a gate device onto your synth track. This will turn down the volume of the synthesizer device very quickly. Once you do this, you will have a sidechain view, turn it on by clicking the green button. Then, bring the attack down to 0 ms and bring your hold down to 3.9 ms. When this plays, you will hear an electronica type of beat. This is a simple way to make your synth lines more exciting. Save this w...
How To: Play "Redemption Song" by Bob Marley on the ukulele
Want to play Bob Marley's "Redemption Song" on the 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 uke, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "Redemption Song" on your own ukulele, take a look!
How To: Play "Pirates" by Bullets and Octane on an acoustic guitar
Want to perform an unplugged version of the Bullets and Octane's "Pirates"? See how it's done with this free video guitar 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 guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "Pirates" on your own acoustic guitar, take a look!
How To: Play "Easy Target" by Blink 182 on acoustic guitar
Want to perform an unplugged version of Blink 182's "Easy Target"? See how it's done with this free video guitar 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 guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "Easy Target" on your own acoustic guitar, take a look!
How To: Play "I Will Follow You into the Dark" by Death Cab for Cutie on guitar
Want to perform an unplugged version of Death Cab for Cutie's "I Will Follow You into the Dark"? See how it's done with this free video guitar 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 guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "I Will Follow You into the Dark" on your own acousti...
How To: Play "My Heart" by Paramore on acoustic guitar
Want to perform an unplugged version of Paramore's "My Heart"? See how it's done with this free video guitar 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 guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "My Heart" on your own acoustic guitar, take a look!
How To: Play "Teenage Dream" by Katy Perry on acoustic guitar
Want to perform an unplugged version of Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream"? See how it's done with this free video guitar 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 guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "Teenage Dream" on your own acoustic guitar, take a look!
How To: Play "Same Jeans" by the View on acoustic guitar
Want to perform an unplugged version of the View's "Same Jeans"? See how it's done with this free video guitar 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 guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "Same Jeans" on your own acoustic guitar, take a look!
How To: Circuit bend a Yamaha PortaSound PSS-80 keyboard with 10 modifications
If you just happen to own a Yamaha PortaSound PSS-80 keyboard (1989), why not try something a little out of the ordinary— like circuit bending? Circuit bending can help you create a new musical sound via your keyboard, and this video tutorial will show you 10 different ways to circuit bend.
How To: Get backstage at a concert without a Backstage Pass
Your favorite band is probably one of your greatest emotional outlets, and many people spend their whole lives dreaming of hanging out backstage with the band that changed their life. Wait no longer. This video will give you some great tips to help you get backstage without a pass and party like a rockstar.
How To: Keep your singing voice great by taking care of you vocal chords
A great singing voice is one of the greatest natural gifts a person can have. Voices change though, and if you want to keep your golden pipes shiny your have to take care of your vocal chords. Watch this video to find out how.
How To: Play "Rude Boy" by Rihanna on acoustic guitar
Want to play an unplugged version of Rihanna's "Rude Boy"? See how it's done with this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song and its chords from three different angles. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing this Rihanna song on your own guitar, watch this video tutorial.
How To: Play "Rhythm of Love" by Plain White T's on an acoustic guitar
Want to play an unplugged version of Plain White T's "Rhythm of Love"? See how it's done with this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song and its chords from three different angles. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing this PWT song on your own guitar, watch this video ...
How To: Play 112 jazz guitar chords
In this video, we learn how to play 112 jazz guitar chords. Start off with the F major 7 chord. Then play this where you mute the fifth and first strings so you only play the sixth, fourth, and third. Walk along these strings starting with the "e" and continuing through the scale. Continue to do this for all the different chords on your guitar, until you reach through all of them. As you continue to play, star to do this more quickly and slowly. Once you are finished, you will better understa...
How To: Play Paramore's "Pressure" on acoustic guitar
In this tutorial, we learn how to play Paramore's "Pressure" on acoustic guitar. First, you will need to tune your guitar using drop D tuning. After this, listen to the song to get a feel for how it sounds as you play, and where the chords change. After this, learn the different chords you will be playing and start playing them on the intro of the song. Once you have this down, learn how to play the first verse, then the chorus and the rest of the verses. When finished getting through the son...
How To: Play "Happy Birthday" on the guitar
In this video, we learn how to play "Happy Birthday" on the guitar. You will start out with the G on the E string on the D and the B string. Repeat the D note and then start with the E on the B string. After this, play the B and G strings, then the D major. Now, play the A note on the E string. Then repeat. Once you finish, you will plat on the 10th fret an A and an E. Then, add on the 12th note the B and G strings. Add in a C7, then the F#. The song will go faster, then continue to repeat un...
How To: Play bass guitar for beginners using open strings
In this tutorial, we learn how to play bass guitar for beginners using open strings. Get used to look at written notes. To do this, look at open notes on a piece of paper and work on your right hand technique. You won't be pulling straight up, your finger should be resting on the string. Pull it slightly backwards and feel the string vibrate. A nice and eve stroke will be perfect, do this for all the notes to get them to all sound the same. Then, combine looking at sheet music with your right...
How To: Play "Upside Down" by Jack Johnson on acoustic guitar
In this tutorial, we learn how to play "Upside Down" by Jack Johnson on acoustic guitar. Start off with playing the intro to the song. Make sure you are playing the right chords and your fingers are on the right frets. As you continue, you will start to play the middle of the song and all of the verses that are in the song. Make sure you pay attention to the highs and lows of the song, as well as where the stops to the song are. After you do this, you will be able to play this song through wi...
How To: Play "Rock n' Roll" by Led Zeppelin on electric guitar
In this tutorial, we learn how to play "Rock n' Roll" by Led Zeppelin on electric guitar. First, you will start out by learning the different chords of the song. These include: E, B, G, D, A, and E; although they will be played higher and lower throughout the song. As you continue to play, learn where the breaks of the song are at and where they change to higher and lower. Once you get through the first part of the song, continue to play until you reach the chorus and the last few verses of t...
How To: Play the heavy metal scale
In this tutorial, we learn how to play the heavy metal scale. You will start out with the E, B, G, D, A, and E chords on the 5,7, and 8 strings. These will make the heavy metal sound and be fit to the scale. There are different ways you can play this, using small riffs. You can play the strings differently as you go, changing up the order that you put them in. Continue to practice with the scale to better understand how it works. Once you do this, you will be able to better play the heavy met...
How To: Play "Magic" by B.o.B and Rivers Cuomo of Weezer on acoustic guitar
Want to play an unplugged version of the B.o.B's "Magic"? See how it's done with this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song and its chords from multiple angles. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing this B.o.B. song on your own guitar, watch this video tutorial.
How To: Play "Misery" by Maroon 5 on an acoustic guitar
Want to play an unplugged version of Maroon 5's "Misery"? See how it's done with this free video guitar lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song and its chords in tab notation. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing this Maroon 5 song on your own guitar, watch this video tutorial.
How To: Read music for drums
In this tutorial, we learn how to read music for drums. A hi hat and kick is equal to quarter notes and a hi hat is just eighth notes. When you see a snare and a kick this is equal to quarter notes. As you continue to read the music for the drums, you will see the music notes lie differently for different notes that you are supposed to play. A hi hat can also mean sixteenth notes and a kick can equal quarter notes depending on where they are placed on the music sheet. Once you get a hang of r...
How To: Use automation in Studio One
In this video, we learn how to use automation in Studio One. Controlling is a system you use to control the devices that control the software. Control link has a window on the song interface in the upper left hand corner. You can quickly move parameters as you edit the automation. Make sure you change it if it's for an instrument or an audio track. Add an automation track to the window, by clicking the "A" button that will give you sounds for the same instrument. This will avoid automation en...
How To: Play acoustic guitar and learn basic finger picking
In this video, we learn how to play acoustic guitar and learn basic finger picking. Start with an A minor, then hold this for a while to better understand this chord throughout the entire song. After you have this down, you will need to start playing the first verse of the song and break down the entire rest of the song. Make sure you understand the pattern of the music as you play, so you can play it accurately. Once you have done this, play the chorus and then the rest of the verses. Focus ...
How To: Use the groove function in Ableton Live 8
In this tutorial, we learn how to use the groove function in Ableton Live 8. A group settings consists on points along the timeline where hits sit. If you have something with no groove applied, it will sound robotic. By adding a groove, you will shuffle around the midi from the hard quantized parts. This will add more human element to the audio. There is a button on the left with two lines that show the library with options you can use. You can also apply this to other clips, scroll through t...
How To: Play A Simple Blues Lead Guitar Lick
There is a lot of mystery and voodoo surrounding blues guitar these days. With the common opinion claiming that in order to play the blues you have to really feel the music and respond with your playing. While this is certainly the case when improvising, I would argue that a good knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of blues guitar can provide even the beginner guitarist with a great sounding set of licks to impress friends and family.
How To: Play the blues with an electric guitar for beginners
In this tutorial, we learn how to play the blues with an electric guitar for beginners. Blues is a great gateway into learning more types of progressions of music. To start, you will need to have your favorite guitar and a basic knowledge of music. Next, you will need to learn where the six strings are going from top to bottom. The highest one is the first, then so on from there. Fir the first finger on the third fret, then play the A note. After this, place your third finger on the fret next...
How To: Play an afro beat on bongos
In this tutorial, we learn how to play an Afro beat on bongos. Start off by sitting down on a chair with the drums in between your thighs and knees. After this, start to use both of your hands to beat onto both of the drums. As you continue to play, create an Afro beat. The Afro beat is a critical pattern that is not founded in salsa. It's essential to the Afro Cuban tradition to play with the Afro beat. Once you have the beat down, repeat playing so you can better understand how this is play...
How To: Change a string on an acoustic guitar
In this tutorial, we learn how to change a string on an acoustic guitar. First, you will put the string in the bridge pin. Make sure the ball from the string is against the bridge plate. If the ball is underneath the bridge pin it will make the string come out easily. After you have the string locked in, pull the string out tightly until it reaches the bottom of the guitar. Pull it to the tuner you want to wind it to, then pull it out a couple of more inches to know how much slack to give it....
How To: Comprehend quarter, half, and whole music rests
In this tutorial, we learn how to understand music rests (Quarter, half, & whole rests). Rests are signs of silence while you are playing a song. Silence is a very important element in creating music, giving the audience time to reflect on the notes that they just heard. The whole note lasts for four beats and has two half notes. Every half note has a quarter not and every quarter note lasts one beat. The quarter rest means you will count one beat where you will lift your finger from the key ...
How to Use Logic Pro: Screensets
In this tutorial, we learn how to use Logic Pro: Screensets. First, open up the score editor in a separate window to do your editing. Then, open up your arrange menu and edit the piano part of the music. This is a good approach because the windows can both be large, but it can get cluttered quickly. Screen sets allow you to set up windows and save them as a screen set at the top of your screen in the software. When you do this, it will stay locked so those windows always stay the same. Set th...
How To: Use clip envelope modulation in Ableton
In this tutorial, we learn how to use clip envelope modulation in Ableton. This allows you to change parameters over time. You can access this by selecting your audio clip, then hitting the "E" button in the lower left hand corner. Now, you will see the envelope section where you will be presented with drop down menus. These will allow you to choose parameters and modify the tuning or position. This is an easy way to do extreme tuning changes in your audio. Continue to play around with the cl...
How To: Play the "Beat It" electric guitar solo
In this video, we learn how to play the "Beat It" electric guitar solo. You will want to focus on harmonics when you are playing this so it sounds just like the original song. Start out by playing the intro to the song, paying attention to where the highs and the lows of the song are at. Also play the different riffs and then play onto the first verse. After this, play the rest of the verses and incorporate the chorus in between. Once you finish with the song, you can add in lyrics to it and ...
How To: Use the Mastering Suite in Studio One
Two books were presented as suggested reading. One was by Bob Katz: Mastering audio; art and science. The other was Bob Alginski: the Audio Mastering handbook. Mastering takes a collection of songs and makes them sound like they belong together by making certain technical changes. The project page in Studio One is where the mastering is done. Drag in your sound content that you will be working with. Make sure you have the most recently updated version. If you are using multiple tracks, you mu...
How To: Play "Rock and Roll" by Velvet Underground on guitar
In this tutorial, we learn how to play "Rock and Roll" by Velvet Underground on guitar. The chords to play this on the electric guitar would be bar chords D, C, and G. Play these together slowly at first so you understand the rhythm you are looking for. Once you have these down, you will have the basic sounds down for the entirety of the song. After this, play the first verse of the song, then play the second, chorus, and the rest of the verses. You will need to pay attention to where the pau...
How To: Play "I'm a Little More Country Than That" by Easton
In this video, we learn how to play "I'm a Little More Country Than That" by Easton. There is a riff that is played at the beginning, which is played on the fourth fret. Put your middle finger on the third fret of the high E string and your pointer finger on the second string. On the third note, move your middle finger to the third fret and then play it over several times. Once you finish this, you can move into the intro of the song and then start to play the verses. Incorporate the lyrics i...
How To: Add delay to monitor mix on StudioLive 16.4.2
In this tutorial, we learn how to add delay to monitor mix on Studio Live 16.4.2. First, hit the mix control and turn up channel 15 for some volume. Next, you will assign a digital delay to effect a. To do this, hit the effects button, then page down to the first page and you will see the value knob. Put in a mono-delay, then hit recall. You can manually adjust the decay time, or it will automatically adjust to the tempo to the song. When finished, add this to your music and play back to see ...