Hot Music & Instruments How-Tos

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: Understand the structure of dance music for a DJ

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 to DJ dance music. You must have a grasp of the structure of dance music in order to mix it well. Watch this DJ tutorial and you can learn how to understand the structure of dance music.

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 "Jailbreak" by AC/DC on electric guitar

If you want to play the guitar well, you have to learn from the masters, like AC/DC. Learn how to play "Jailbreak" by AC/DC on the guitar with this two part tutorial. This lesson focuses on the strumming pattern, and chord structure of the song "Jailbreak." This song is geared towards intermediate guitarists because it assumes prior knowledge of guitar playing. With this how to video you will be able to sing and play "Jailbreak" like AC/DC. Play "Jailbreak" by AC/DC on electric guitar.

How To: Play "Ring of Fire" by Johnny Cash on guitar

Want to learn how to play Johnny Cash on the guitar? With this tutorial you can learn how to play "Ring of Fire" by Johnny Cash on the acoustic guitar. This version is a simplified version of the song and is not exactly how Johnny Cash plays it. This lesson is geared towards intermediate guitarists because it assumes prior knowledge of guitar playing. Watch this how to video and you will be able to sing and play along to "Ring of Fire" by Johnny Cash.

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 a G minor blues progression on acoustic 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 play a G minor blues progression on acoustic guitar. Remember, the more you practice and the more theory you know, the better...

How To: Play beguine and tango rhythms on acoustic 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 play beguine and tango rhythms on acoustic guitar. Remember, the more you practice and the more theory you know, the better y...

How To: Play "Michelle" 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 one-two piano tutorial, you'll learn how to play "Michelle" 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 "Michelle" on your own piano or keyboard, press play!

How To: Play Billy Joel's "Vienna" on piano

Playing along with your favorite songs is an enjoyable, and highly effective, way of developing your playing technique. In this one-two piano tutorial, you'll learn how to play "Vienna" by Billy Joel. 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 "Vienna" on your own piano or keyboard, press play!

How To: Properly hold drumsticks

Holding your drumsticks correctly will reduce tension and give you greater speed and control in playing while reducing fatigue. In this video tutorial, DRUM! Magazine music editor Wally Schnalle demonstrates how to properly hold drumsticks and provides tips for best performance. Get a handle on drumstick grips with this how-to.

How To: Play Art Tatum two-finger descending runs on piano

If you have so much as a passing interest in jazz piano, then you've surely heard of Art Tatum. This two-part tutorial offers a visual demonstration of one of Art Tatum's favorite licks, the two-finger descending run. While this tutorial is best suited for intermediate or advanced pianists, players of all skill levels can play along. Watch this tutorial to get started playing two-finger runs.

How To: Disassemble an accordion

The reeds, cover pins, keys and the bass are a few of the parts you'll need to identify and disassemble on your accordion. Learn more in this free video series that will show you how to safely and easily remove the different parts of your accordion.

How To: Jam with the harmonica in E

Check out this instructional harmonica video to learn how to jam in E on the harmonica. This tutorial explains how to know what key you are playing in when playing in second position, or cross harp, in the key of E on the A. To play cross harp, you are playing the harmonica in a key other than the key in which the harmonica is labeled.

How To: Hold your cello bow

Take a bow. This brief video tutorial demonstrates how to use your thumb and pointer finger to form a basic cello hold while familiarizing you with some of the more common pitfalls among cello novices.

How To: Play a melodic ending passage on the banjo

Learn how you can play a common melodic ending passage on the banjo with this tutorial. This is an Earl Scruggs style banjo lick that can be used as a phrase ending lick or break it into fragment and use it in many ways. Watch this how to video and you can play this melodic ending passage on the banjo.

How To: Play "He's a Pirate" from Pirates of the Caribbean

Learn how to play "He's a Pirate" from Pirates Of The Caribbean on the piano or keyboard with this tutorial. This song is first played at regular speed and then is slowed down so it is easier to follow the notes. The middle C of the tutorial is one octave higher in the slow part of the song because the camera had to be set one octave lower so you could see the chords. Watch this piano how to video and you will be able to play "He's a Pirate" from Pirates of the Caribbean in no time.

How To: Play the tin whistle

Watch this winds tutorial video to learn how to hold and play the tin whistle. This video is intended for people who have never played the tin whistle before. This helpful how-to video will teach you all you need to know to get started playing the tin whistle.

How To: Play "Close to You" by the Carpenters on ukulele

Watch this ukulele tutorial video to learn how to play the Carpenters' "Close to You" on ukulele. The instruction in this how-to video is very detailed and aimed toward intermediate to advanced ukulele players. You'll be playing "Close to You" beautifully in no time after you've watched this instructional ukulele video.

How To: Play train songs and the fox chase on the harmonica

How to play train songs and the fox chase on the harmonica. (G Harmonica) The best guys for this are Joe filisko, Richard Sleigh, Grant Dermondy, Peter "Mad Cat" Ruth, and Charlie Mcoy Sonny Terry etc. To really hear it done right listen to those guys. Also, all the old pre war harp players that those guys got it from!