Hot Music & Instruments How-Tos
How To: Play Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd acoustically
Want to know how to play an unplugged version of Lynyrd Skynrd's "Sweet Home Alabama" your acoustic guitar? Learn how with this free video guitar lesson. While this tutorial is best suited for intermediate players, rock guitarists of all skill levels can play along given a little sticktoitiveness. For more information, and to get started playing this southern rock anthem 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 common 4/4-time strumming patterns on the ukulele
There's no getting around it: if you want to get good at playing the ukulele or any other instrument, you'll need to practice. Fortunately, the Internet is awash in free, high-quality uke lessons, like this one from YouTube's preeminent tropical tutor, Ukulele Mike. This particular tutorial provides a detailed, step-by-step overview of how to play a number of useful 4/4 time strumming patterns. For more information, and to get started playing quarter time strumming patterns on your own uke, w...
How To: Do the right hand slide up technique on the accordion
If you want to know how to do the right hand slide up technique on the accordion you should take D as an example of a not you want to slide up to it. You can slide up to this not using 1, or 2 or three notes. You can also do 4, but this is a lot to do. The fingering to use is to have a spare finger before the not you want to hit. You can use your index finger or a middle finger. Choose the semitone before the D and roll over the D. Make sure the emphasis is on the D note. You just want to lig...
How To: Hold the bodhrán drum tipper
There are two recommended ways to hold the Bodhran Drum tipper for beginners. The first way is called the "curved wrist" technique. You put the stick in between the area of your index and thumb finger. Then you put the end of the stick in between your index and middle finger. You must make sure not to keep your fingers tight, they must be elongated and resting gently on the stick. When you drum, you keep your wrist curved and swing your hand up and down. The next method is the "straight wrist...
How To: Play "Oh! Susannah" on the ukulele
Ukulele Mike shows his viewers how simple it can be to play "Oh, Susannah" on the ukulele. According to Mike, "Oh, Susannah" is an old classic story song. This means that it is a song that has been handed down that tells a story and doesn't just throw words together because they sound nice.
How To: Play "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" on a recorder
In this how-to video, you will learn how to play "Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star" on a recorder. The first note you have to play is a D. The D note is made of a G. This means three fingers on the top, and three fingers on the bottom. The left hand will be on the top. Play an A note by letting go of the bottom four holes. Do this transition over and over until you feel comfortable with this. Next play the next note by only holding one finger on the top hole. Next, play the last note by placing f...
How To: Paint a 5150 Van Halen replica guitar
This three part tutorial shows you how to pait a EVH Kramer 5150. You'll paint and design, doing it all for less than $350.00. It covers all the steps from primer, taping, painting, clearing coating, and assembly. After watching this you'll have your very own Van Halen replica electric guitar to jam out with.
How To: DJ with your PC or Mac laptop
DJing with your laptop computer requires a combination of specialized hardware and software. This video tutorial demonstrates how to DJ with your laptop computer, using both a Mac and PC system. From the audio output jack, connect your laptop to an amplifier, then to your mixer where you can apply effects to your music.
How To: Chuck When Playing You Ukulele
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to chuck when playing the ukulele. The chuck is a different type of strumming technique. It looks like the user is slapping the ukulele. To chuck, users are to slide the fingers quickly down the string. The chuck is used as an extra beat and helps add rhythm to the song that is played. This video provides a visual demonstration and step-by-step instructions for viewers to easily understand and follow along. This video will benefit those viewers who ar...
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: Play "Light My Fire" by The Doors on the bass
This is a great lesson by Paul from how-to-play-bass.com for playing the bassline from The Doors' "Light My Fire". It's a simple bassline that utilizes triads and simple chord changes.
How To: Play "The Godfather Waltz" on the accordion
This is a tutorial on how to play the theme from "The Godfather" films, written by the prolific Nino Rota. The video breaks down the chords to play this brooding accordion classic.
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: Play Tommy Johnson's "Canned Heat Blues" on Guitar
Get ready for a delta blues good time. If you want to learn the delta blues, a good place to start is with this video lesson where you'll learn how to play Tommy Johnson's "Canned Heat Blues" on your guitar.
How To: Sing from your diaphragm
Many people speak from their chests by default. If you're serious about singing, however, you should make an effort to sing from your belly. Not only will you increase your volume, but your singing will take on a sweeter, more open tone.
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 "No Surprises" by Radiohead on guitar
In this acoustic guitar video lesson from TboneWilson1978, you will learn how to play the song "No Surprises" by Radiohead. To begin this lesson, you will need a capo to play this song. He starts you out by showing which chords you need to know to get started on learning the song, and demonstrates how to finger each of them. He then moves on to the progression of the chords through the song in the verse and the chorus.
How To: Use a digital tuner to tune your guitar
Guitars will need to be tuned continuously to ensure that it is tuned for the correct scale and notes so your music makes sounds the way you intend. If you haven’t been playing forever, you will probably need the assistance of an electric tuner to find the note. This video will show you how to tune your guitar using a tuner.
How To: Mix, fade, and combine tracks in Adobe Soundbooth CS4
Discover how to easily mix and combine individual audio tracks into a single muli-track file using Adobe Soundbooth CS4. This video tutorial also demonstrates the program's fading options, providing an upbeat techno mix as an example.
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 "Crush" by David Archuleta on guitar
Learn how to play "Crush" by David Archuleta, an acoustic guitar tutorial. Follow along with this demonstration, tabs and lyrics here:
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 "Miss Independent" by Ne-Yo on guitar
Learn how to play "Miss Independent" by Ne-Yo on guitar, 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: Tune a Djembe African hand drum properly
Understand the concept of tuning a rope djembe. The proper sound is achieved with minimum effort for maximum effect. The key is to either focus or disperse the hand's energy, and position the hand in the correct place. The bass and tone notes require focused energy (a beginner will have the most success by holding their fingers firmly together), while the slap requires dispersed energy (fingers are relaxed).
How To: Play a B flat chord on the ukulele
This video tutorial will get you started playing B flat barre chords on the ukulele. In it, you'll find a number of tips and techniques for fretting the B flat chord and be advised of common pitfalls. For more information, and to get started playing B flat chords on your own uke at home, watch this helpful video guide.
How To: Mix rock music
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 mix rock music. Most rock, soul, disco, motown and other old school styles had real people playing real instruments, so the timing was never exactly the same all the way through the song. So it becomes quite difficult to mix these styles. Watch this DJ tut...
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: Use a VESTAX VCM-100 midi and audio controller
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 VESTAX VCM-100 midi and audio controller. This tutorial also shows you the similarities between this and a separate DJ mixer and CDJ turntable. Watch this DJ tutorial and you can learn how to use the VESTAX VCM-100 midi and audio controller.
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: 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: 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 a simple guitar boogie in G
Check out this music tutorial video that demonstrates how to play a simple guitar boogie in G. This instructional video provides fret diagrams and live action to show how to play a simple boogie in G. This video is aimed at budding fingerstyle guitar players, but can be adapted to a pick. Advanced beginners are also encouraged to watch and learn. Play a simple guitar boogie in G and improve your guitar playing skills!
How To: Play "Better Together" by Jack Johnson acoustic guitar
Want to learn how to play Jack Johnson on the guitar? With this two part tutorial you can learn how to play "Better Together" by Jack Johnson on the acoustic guitar. This version is a simplified version of the song and is not exactly how Jack Johnson 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 "Better Together" by Jack Johnson.
How To: Replace, install, remove a guitar pickguard
You can personalize your guitar with a cool, and original pickguard. Check out this tutorial on how to change a Strat or electric guitar pickguard. You can change your pickguard yourself with this easy to follow how to video.
How To: Play famous Tori Amos riffs on the piano
Are you a fan of Tori Amos? This tutorial is designed to help you play famous riffs by Tori Amos on the piano or keyboard. This two part lesson demonstrates riffs from Silent All These Years, Precious Things, Pretty Good Year, A Sorta Fairytale, Cooling, iieee, Winter, Spark (extended), Cornflake Girl, Lust, Bliss, Take Me with You, and Space Dog.. This video will help you understand these riffs by Tori Amos and enables you to make them your own. This how to video is for intermediate to advan...
How To: Play "Siren" by Tori Amos on the piano
Are you a fan of Tori Amos? This tutorial is designed to help you play "Siren" from Great Expectations soundtrack by Tori Amos on the piano or keyboard. This song isn't taught in a literal or mechanical fashion but rather is taught to grasp the song's structural parameters & essence. This video will help you understand the body of "Siren" by Tori Amos and enables you to make it your own. This how to video is for intermediate to advanced piano students. With this lesson you will be able to pla...
How To: Play "Big Legged Woman" by Freddie King on the guitar
Do you dream of standing on stage in front of millions of fans with a guitar in your hand? You can make this dream come true, if only you could play the guitar! This guitar tutorial series from Robert Renman teaches you the basics of guitar playing along with a few beginner and intermediate techniques. You can learn how to play a a great Freddie King song "Big Legged Woman" with this guitar lesson. Freddie King, also known as the "Texas Cannonball" was a very influential American blues guitar...
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...