Many young people of today who are interested in modern music have a love for the sound of an electric guitar and when asked if they would like to learn how to play a musical instrument, the electric guitar is always a favorite. However, some guitarists will tell you that it’s so much easier to learn how to play an acoustic guitar first of all. Why do you think that is? Well, one thing to bear in mind is that electric guitars have steel strings. If you are not used to playing a guitar, your fingertips will be soft so the steel strings are likely to feel very uncomfortable, even painful at times.

If you decide to begin with an acoustic model, by the time your fingers have hardened sufficiently on the softer strings, you well be well on the road to knowing your chords and many other aspects of playing needed for the electric guitar. The transformation will be quite simple. On the other hand, some guitarists will say, just go with the type of guitar which is best suited to your taste in music. So if an electric guitar is the instrument of your choice, then go for it.! Remember to start off gently in order to let your fingers get used to the steel strings without a blister in sight.

Aside from the strain on the fingertips, another reason to begin your guitar playing with an acoustic instrument is that you are more likely to learn how to play correctly. This means you will be laying down a good musical base instead of having to rely on sound boxes to achieve your desired results. It is important when you start to learn to play the guitar you are aware of what all the controls and knobs allow you to do. This is not just a plug and play machine. A sensitive ear is needed to get the mix just right.

A good way to learn how to play properly from the beginning is to take one to one lessons. But it really doesn’t matter which type of lessons you have as it is practise which will make you perfect. It’s the only way to learn to how to play an instrument well.

When you buy your electric guitar there are a few other pieces of equipment which you will need. It’s advisable to get the best amplifier within your budget to go with your guitar. Even the greatest or most costly guitar will sound disappointing, if the amplifier is not of good quality. You’ll also need a good effects box with lots of characteristics such as distortion, reverb, chorus, amp simulator and easy adjustment modules.

Last but not least, don’t forget the cables. Just like the amp, its better in the long run to spend your money on good quality cabling. At least then, you will not have to replace them so often.

The art of singing is something which is thought of by many people, as a simple way of receiving popularity along with entering the showbiz industry and earning lots of money. However, there are many more advantages that singing has to offer those particular people with the art.

Listed below are some practical uses for singing in everyday life.

1. Some things learned in singing can be applied to our daily lives

A great deal of discipline is required when learning how to sing. It is this type of discipline that can be applied to other aspects of life.

You will also breathe correctly during your everyday life, when you have learned the correct breathing techniques for singing.

2. Singing induces pleasure

Bursting out into song can provide pleasure and relaxation. It does not matter what song you select to sing, or whether or not the song pleases others, if it makes you feel happy then continue.

Located in your inner ear, is an organ by the name of the sacculus. This organ only responds to low frequency, high intensity sound, which are ideally produced from singing. When you sing, this organ immediately reacts by causing the release of pleasure-inducing endorphins.

3. Singing uplifts the spirit

Singing is not only used in religious practices, but it can virtually uplift the spirit and the mood of any person also. It acts as an anti-depressant. However, unlike the forms of anti-depressants that people take as prescription drugs, singing has no adverse side effects.

4. Singing can also be considered as a catharsis

A person can express their feelings by singing. The entire human emotional spectrum can be expressed through singing.

5. Singing is good for respiration and blood circulation

The correct breathing is required for singing. When breathing in the correct way, the following health benefits can happen:

- Due to the correct amount of oxygen taken in by the body, any muscle tension is released.

- Because you are breathing correctly, your body burns more calories. Therefore, you can experience weight loss without becoming tired. Breathing correctly is all that is required.

6. Singing improves socialization in communities

Various studies have proven that there is a link between social participation and singing. This has been observed in choral groups and church organizations that undertake singing activities.

Listed below are some social advantages to singing:

- When you undertake singing in groups, then social tension is released. By singing and working together to create harmony, then a relationship can be resolved.

- A common experience is created for the group by singing, which contributes more to the solidarity and unity of that particular organization.

With all of the above mentioned advantages of singing, it is important that you find a reason to begin singing today.

You may find it frustrating when attempting to play chords and notes for the first time. When you are not accustomed to using your hands and fingers in this way, it will of course, take a while to adjust, and to build up the correct muscles and increase the suppleness in your hands and fingers. It is possible for your hands and fingers to feel a little stiff after your first practice session, especially if your first session was rather lengthy. However, it is imperative that you do not allow this to prevent you from continuing. Your fingers will become strong and agile in no time at all to enable you to tackle the most difficult riffs and licks.

Notes are very different to chords. When striking a note, only one single tone is produced from one string. When playing chords, then three or more notes are generally used in order to produce the tone. When a piano is played, only one key is pressed to produce a note. When a guitar is being played, then you need to push down one string onto the fret. Assuming that your guitar is tuned correctly, you can pick the low E-string without fretting, which will result in your playing the E note.

The frets of your guitar produce different notes, such as:

- Using the first fret with the E-string, will produce an F note,
- An F# (#means sharp) is produced when using the second fret,
- When using the third fret on the E-string, you will produce a G note, and
- By using the fourth fret you will produce a G#.

This is continued right up to the B note. It is important to note that there is no B# or E#.

Each specific note can be produced on a guitar in many different ways. It is always advised to learn how to read the tablature format, or guitar tab. The strings of the guitar are resembled in the tablature format, making it easier to learn and read. The guitar tab will point out to you which fingers should be used on which frets.

It is essential to begin with your thumb in order to hold your fretting hand in the correct position for playing notes. You should place the ball of your thumb flatly on the back of the guitar neck, as if you were attempting to create a thumbprint on it. Your other four fingers should then be curled around up and over the strings, ensuring that you are touching the top string lightly, which is the thickest string. Position them comfortably without allowing them to brush against the bottom string, which is the thinnest string. The position of your thumb can now be changed to make it more comfortable.

It is important that you do not place your fingers directly onto the fret when you are fretting. In order to push the string against the fret, you need to use your fingertip. However, ensure that you keep your finger slightly to the topside of the fret. This can be practiced by holding all four fingers on the topside and above the first four frets on the top string, otherwise known as the sixth string. The sixth string should then be picked, then your index finger should be lowered onto the fret, remembering to keep your finger just above it. Pick the string again and you will notice a clear difference in the sound that is produced. The other fingers should be used in a similar manner. You may find it difficult initially, but remember that with time, it will become easier.

Have you always wanted to learn to play the piano but never had the time or the money…or worst of all spent endless amounts money that you really didn’t have on lessons that were “supposed” to teach you but left you even further back than where you started?

In celebration of a brand new year, my good friend Jermaine Griggs at HearandPlay.com has developed a set of tools that’s going to kick start your playing off to a powerful beggining.

This system includes a 300 pg. course that’s split up into 20 chapters that are jam-packed with with TONS of expert techniques, interactive diagrams, and challenging quizzes that are guaranteed to teach you (step-by-step and over-the-shoulder) EVERYTHING you’ve always wanted to know about your “SCALES,” “CHORDS,” “CHORD PROGRESSIONS,” “NOTES,” “FILL-INS,” “RUNS,” and more!

That’s not all, this special “Ultimate Starter Course” also includes one of his most talked about products to date, Gospel Keys 101. In almost 2-HOURS, he takes you by the hand and shows you step-by-step how to Turn Your One-Note Melodies Into Full-Sounding Songs by using 3 easy steps.

Lastly, you’ll also be receiving a special edition copy of his brand new Hear and Play Chords Audio series! This one is loaded with over 4 H-O-U-R-S worth of audio instruction that you’ll be able to take literally anywhere and practice.

So if you act now, the package not only will include a comprehensive, step-by-step, 300-pg workbook and accompanying software cd, but also comes complete with 2 audio programs that you can listen to in your car or on the go (that’s 4 additional hours). That’s not all… you also get a 90-minute DVD covering the basics and fundamentals to playing music by ear. So we’ve got all angles covered… See below for more details.

In this course you’re going to…

-Play piano without having to rely solely on sheet music or chord symbols (more on this later).

-Be able to hum a tune, then immediately play it on the piano in a few minutes.

-Be able to hear something on the radio or on a favorite album and immediately understand what’s happening in the song without being at a piano.

-and so much MORE!

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All the best,
Kevin Sinclair

P.S. - You might find more interesting information, techniques, or resources just by clicking around on their website at http://www.HearandPlay.com/

Every good guitarist will want to take care of their guitar in order to keep it in the best condition. A large part of caring for your guitar is by cleaning it on a regular basis. And as a guitarist, it is your solemn duty to ensure that your guitar it maintained to the best of conditions, in order for it to deliver a quality sound. No matter whether you are a professional guitarist or a beginner, it is essential to undertake the care and maintenance of your guitar.

Your guitar will become dirty with sweat and dust just by playing it. Using a soft cloth is the best way to clean it. Special cloths can be purchased in music stores, or you can simply use an old t-shirt, providing that it is 100% cotton. It is imperative however, that if the t-shirt contains a logo, you firstly remove it, as this can cause damage by scratching the surface of your guitar.

If the surface of your guitar is French polished or lacquered, then cleaning items such as paper towels must be avoided at all times, as these will also cause scratches. If you feel that it is necessary to clean your guitar with paper towels, then it is advised to purchase non-woven shop towels which are available on a roll. These do cost a little more, but they will not scratch your guitar.

You will find that dust accumulates under the strings. Therefore particular attention should be paid to this area of your guitar. Do not be hesitant in inserting a cloth behind the strings and giving it a good rub, at the same time as you are wiping the entire body of your guitar. If you pay close attention to cleaning the strings of your guitar, then their life will be extended. In addition to a normal cleaning routine, it is advised that after every jam session with your guitar, you give the strings a good wipe by holding them firmly through a cloth and rubbing the cloth up and down their length. This will remove any dust, grease from your fingers, perspiration build-up, and skin cells etc.

If you find that you are having difficulty in removing finger prints on your guitar, then you can blow a gentle breath, just as you would with spectacles, to create a little moisture. You will then find that by rubbing your guitar vigorously that the finger prints will be removed. It is also possible to use a slightly moistened soft cloth and a small amount of mild detergent. However, do not overdo it. It is essential that you avoid at all times, getting moisture into the small spaces on the guitar surface. However you choose to remove finger prints from your guitar, it is advised to rub it well afterwards with a soft dry cloth. It is also recommended to change to a clean cloth on a regular basis, to avoid rubbing the dirt from an old cloth back on to the guitar.

There are also various types of commercial guitar cleaners available to purchase, most of which are good products. When purchasing such products, it is essential that you primarily read all instructions on the bottle carefully, and use a water-based product for water-soluble dirt. There are creamy polishes available on the market, but they do have a tendency to be slightly abrasive. Therefore, if your guitar has a matte finish, then it is recommended not to use a cream product.

If your guitar should have a sticky residue from tape or stickers on it, then this will need to be removed by using mineral spirits. It is also possible to use lighter fluid, which is otherwise known as naphtha. Neither of these products will cause any harm to the finish of your guitar. However, you will need to remove the solvent with a damp cloth to buff your guitar clean after removing tape or stickers. Ensure that you are careful when cleaning sticky residue off your guitar, as you do not want to spread it around the rest of the guitar.

The fingerboard of a guitar, along with the strings and the fret wire are subject to acidity in the player’s hands. Therefore it is advised to completely remove the strings and rub up and down the fingerboard with a piece of extra fine grade steel wool. When rubbing the frets, it is essential that you take care not to catch the ends of them with the steel wool. The steel wool does not need to be wet before undertaking this process. It is after a few motions that the frets should be shiny. Obviously this depends on how dirty the fingerboard initially is. If the surface of the fingerboard is not cracked or damaged, then you can apply a little lemon oil to prevent the wood from cracking, which is caused by temperature and humidity.