Hot Music & Instruments How-Tos
How To: Play "Love Story" by Taylor Swift on ukulele
If you want to play 'Love Story' by Taylor Swift on ukulele you should first start with making sure you have your ukulele standard tuned to G, C, E and A top to bottom. You will use the chords C, G, Am and F. These are the chords that are use basically through the entire song. Only at the end is a Bm chord thrown into the song. The strumming patter is Down Down Up, Up Down Up. Play this for each of the chords. You can also pick within the chords if you like this. This is the intro. For the ve...
How To: Play "Clair de lune" on piano — Measure 1
Begin playing the first measure in Claude Debussy's "Clair de lune" masterpiece. This song has stood the test of time, and influenced musicians around the world. This makes it a really good piece to begin learning piano with. This video covers Measure 1.
How To: Play "Clair de lune" on piano — Clefs, flats, and keys
Start out playing the piano by learning one of the most famous pieces of music in the world. That song would be "Clair de lune" by Claude Debussy. And this video starts you out with playing and learning the clefs, flats, key signatures, and black keys that will help you begin playing this work of art.
How To: Connect your laptop to your DJ mixer
This video shows you how to connect your laptop to your mixer. First you will need two different sound sources from your laptop to your mixer. This is so that you can use all of your mixer functions on two different channels. The way to do this is to run a 1/8" RCA cable channel 7 from your normal earphone jack to the mixer. Also use a behringer uca202 audio interface to connect to the laptop via USB cord. This provides another earphone jack. Then use a master out cable to connect it to an am...
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: 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: Tune a ukulele without a tuner
Brian Padilla from Hilo Guitars demonstrates how to tune a ukulele without a tuner. To tune a ukulele without a tuner, first pluck the G string and compare it to the seventh fret of the C string and match the pitch. On the same C string drop down to the fourth fret and match the E string to it. Go to the fifth fret on the E string and match the A string to it. Make adjustments as necessary. If your tuner runs out of batteries or you're stranded in an area without electricity, use the fret mat...
How To: Play "What Is Love" by Haddaway on the accordion
This tutorial shows you how to play "What Is Love" (by Haddaway) made famous by Will Ferrell and Chris Kattan's Saturday Night Live skit: Night at the Roxbury. The video demonstrates great accordion technique to give the song a pulsing rhythm.
How To: Play "Thunderstruck" by AC/DC on electric guitar
This is a great instructional video on how to play thunderstruck by AC/DC on electric guitar. Thunderstruck is played mainly on B string. It is the second string as you may be aware of. First you should start with 12th fret and hit that note. Then move to 10th fret and 9th fret. Then go back to 10fret and back to 9th fret. Then you have to go 7 and then again 9 and then 5. Now go to 7th fret and then to 4 and 5. Then to 4 and 5 and again 4 and 5 and finally to 4. You can write down on these n...
How To: Tune your ukulele for beginners
Here is a lady tuning her ukulele with a Korg tuner that she has picked up at her local music shop. Turn on the tuner and you will notice that the lights come on. The green light is going to let you know when the note is in tune and each one of the red colors will let you know which way you are out of tune. The notes on the ukulele are from lowest to highest are, ‘A, E, C, G.’ When the red light shows on the left side of the green then it is flat so you should tune up. If the red light shows ...
How To: Play the Beatles' "Because" on piano
This video teaches a piano novice how to play the introduction to “Because” by the Beatles, which was written by John Lennon. A close up on the instructor’s hands from above demonstrates the fingering for the piece. The view of the fingering is very important, since this video does not teach you how to read sheet music. Instead, it takes you through the rudimentary fingering. You will not need to know what a quarter rest, an eighth note, or a key signature mean. The instructor plays the intro...
How To: Play "Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac on guitar
In this acoustic guitar video lesson, Scotties, teaches you how to play the song "Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac. He begins the lesson by breaking down the picking pattern for you so that you can follow along, using some useful tablature overlaid on the video for you. Once you have got this down, he moves on to teaching you the chords you need to know to play the song. You will need to have a capo to play this song the way he performs it.
How To: Play "About a Girl" by Nirvana on guitar
Learning how to play Nirvana's "About a Girl" does not have to be difficult. Tbone Wilson shows what chords and at what intervals to strike them at to be able to play the guitar part of the song. Use the e power chord and the g chord. The chorus, which requires a few more chords than the introduction, is also taught in this video tutorial. You don't have to know how to read music to learn how to play "About a Girl" on the acoustic guitar.
How To: Change a string on your guzheng
This video explains how to change a string of guzheng. The process is well described in the video with each and every steps clearly. The thing that is to be done is loosen the peg in a an anticlockwise direction using a tuning tool to remove the string. Thus remove it. If there is no string to begin with then loosen the tuning first before fitting a new string. Than take a new string and insert the pointed end through the hole from the back of the guzheng. To get it on other side pull it thro...
How To: Play "Supersonic" by Oasis on acoustic guitar
This video is an acoustic guitar lesson from TboneWilson1978. In this video, he teaches you how to play the song "Supersonic" by Oasis. He begins by showing you which chords you need to know to play the song. He then moves on to the progression of the chords through the song, and the strum pattern he uses to play it. The chords you will learn in this lesson are the F# minor 11, A sus 2, B 7, E, C# 7, D, and A.
How To: Play "Last Christmas" by Wham on piano
Come along with David Yzhaki into the musical world of the piano! Learn easily with his step by step directions how to play "Last Christmas" by Wham! The song consists of only four chords. D6Bm7EmAHow to start to play "Last Christmas": Start with D6 (Right hand F#, A, B, D) (Left Hand D) Switch to Bm7 (Which is basically the same chord, only the baseline changes. )Switch to Em (Right Hand G, B, E) (Left Hand E). Switch to A (Right Hand A, C#, E) (Left Hand E). Switch to F#m/D (Right Hand C#, ...
How To: Play "Yesterday" by The Beatles on piano
Learn to play the classic Beatles tune "Yesterday" on the piano in minutes! This video will teach you how to play the classic Beatles tune "Yesterday," so that others can sing along. You'll start in the Key of F for the intro, and move along with the video, following the easy-to-learn fingering patterns that the instructor gives. With a minimal knowledge of piano, you can learn to play this song and have fun singing along! This instructional video will have you playing the piano in no time!
How To: Play chords on the flute
In this short tutorial for beginners, chords on a flute is discussed with a demontration. How to play three note chords is demonstrated by flute teacher, Dan Lefler from Danman's Music School.
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: Make a finger pop sound with your mouth
Make making music with your own anatomy easy with the fancy finger pop shown in this how-to video. You may remember this famous finger popping sound from such movies as "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." In any case, the finger pop sound is a fun party trick or a way to annoy people-it's your call. Check out this quick video lesson, and you'll soon be finger popping like a pro.
How To: Play "Mrs. Robinson" by Simon and Garfunkel 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: Play the Beatles' "Let it Be" on acoustic guitar
The Beatles revolutionized the music industry and brought us songs that can never be forgotten, that could never be overstated. With John Lennon at the front of the "Fab Four" they couldn't be stopped... wouldn't be stopped. But let's not forget it wouldn't be the "Fab Four" without George Harrison, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr. In your head you constantly hear the Beatles' tunes, so why not bring them outside, why not bring that joy to everyone around you? With this video tutorial, you'll...
How To: Play Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Simple Man" on acoustic guitar
Grab your acoustic guitar, strap, and your pick and check out this free guitar lesson. This video tutorial will teach you rock guitarists how to play a Lynyrd Skynyrd song. Not just any Lynyrd Skynyrd song, but one of their greatest: "Simple Man." And just so you know, here are the lyrics to go along with this instructional guitar lesson:
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: Use a joystick or gamepad as a MIDI controller
Did you know that your joystick and gamepad are amazing MIDI controllers? MIJOY PRO 2 is a VSTi that lets you use your joystick or gamepad as a MIDI controller. So follow the step by step instructions outlined in this music tutorial video that demonstrates how to use your joystick or gamepad as a MIDI controller.
How To: Play funk chord voicings on guitar
Check out this instructional funk guitar video that shows you how to play funk chord voicings. Now that you know how to strum the 16th notes and how to add in some accents, learn a few funk chord voicings that work well with those techniques. The first is a 9th chord, and the second is a 7th voicing. This video is great for beginners just starting out on the guitar. Follow the instructions and techniques outlined in this guitar tutorial to learn how to play funk chord voicings and improve you...
How To: Get 3 music sources out of the DJM-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 you can get three separate audio signals from a two channel mixer, focusing on the Pioneer DJM-400 mixer. Watch this DJ tutorial and you can learn how to get three music sources out of the DJM-400 mixer.
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: 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: Cut breaks with turntables
Wonder how to become a great 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 cut music known as breaks with turntabless. This video demonstrates how to use the cross fade in a way in which you can go from one tune to the other in a motion known as cutting. This is a bit like mixing. Watch this DJ tutorial and you can learn how to cut from on...
How To: Play "Summertime" in D minor on guitar
Although mainly demonstrational, this video shows you how to play a song "Summertime" in D minor on guitar. This video is intended for advanced players who learn easily by watching or listening. Read the useful tips posted below to aid your guitar learning:
How To: Play "Silent Lucidity" by Queensryche on guitar
Playing your favorite songs on the guitar is not as difficult as it seems. With this tutorial you can learn how to play "Silent Lucidity" by Queensryche on the acoustic guitar. This lesson is geared towards intermediate guitarists because it assumes prior knowledge of guitar playing. This lesson covers the finger picking as well as the chord structure for "Silent Lucidity." Watch this how to video and you will be able to play "Silent Lucidity" by Queensryche.
How To: Study the "Ocean" etude op.25 n.12 by Chopin on piano
If you are looking to improve your classical piano technique then this how to video is the place to start. You will learn how to practice and study Chopin's "Ocean" etude opus 25 number 12. This detailed lesson goes over where to place the accents, analyzes the dynamics and staccato playing technique. This piano tutorial teaches you the best way to practice it so you can Chopin's "Ocean" etude op.25 no. 12 quickly and easily. With this concise classical piano lesson you can improve your techn...
How To: Play "Smells Like Teen Spirit" on acoustic guitar
Playing your favorite songs by Nirvana on the guitar is not as difficult as it seems. With this tutorial you can learn how to play "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana on the acoustic guitar. This lesson is geared towards intermediate guitarists because it assumes prior knowledge of guitar playing. Marty Schwartz covers the finger picking as well as the chord structure for "Smells Like Teen Spirit." Watch this how to video and you will be able to sing and play "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nir...
How To: Play "Eyes" by Rogue Wave on the acoustic guitar
Want to learn how to play guitar like Rogue Wave? In this how to video you can learn how to play "Eyes" by Rogue Wave on the guitar. "Eyes" uses the capo in the 5th fret in standard tuning. This lesson is geared towards intermediate to advanced guitarists because it assumes some prior knowledge of guitar playing. With this how to video you will be able to sing and play "Have You Forgotten" by Rogue Wave on the guitar.
How To: Play "Like a Hurricane" by Neil Young on the 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 guitar lesson teaches you how to play the Neil Young song "Like a Hurricane." Once you get a hang of these popular guitar chords and tunes, you can start incorporating them into your own songs. With this lesson and a bit of practice you will be able to play "Like a Hurricane" by Neil Young on the guitar. And who knows, maybe soon you can play lead guitar i...
How To: Play "Save it for Later" on guitar in standard tuning
Want to play lead guitar in a rock band? Well first you have to learn techniques from the masters. This guitar lesson teaches you how to play "Save it for Later" by the English Beat. The original song uses a highly unusual guitar tuning (D-A-D-A-A-D). Here's how to play the song using standard guitar tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). Once you get a hang of these popular guitar chords and tunes, you can start incorporating them into your own songs. With this lesson and a bit of practice you will be able t...
How To: Play "Golden Slumbers" by the Beatles on piano
Playing along with your favorite songs is an enjoyable, and highly effective, way of developing your playing technique. In this piano tutorial, you'll learn how to play "Golden Slumbers" by Paul McCartney of the Beatles. 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 "Golden Slumbers" on your own piano or keyboard, press play!
How To: Play the Beatles' "A Day in the Life" on piano
Playing along with your favorite songs is an enjoyable, and highly effective, way of developing your playing technique. In this piano tutorial, you'll learn how to play "A Day in the Life" by John Lennon and Paul McCartney of the Beatles. 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 "A Day in the Life" on your own piano or keyboard, press play!
How To: Play "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" on piano
Playing along with your favorite songs is an enjoyable, and highly effective, way of developing your playing technique. In this three-part piano tutorial, you'll learn how to play "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" by Elton John. 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 "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" on your own piano or keyboard, press play!