By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Anthony_Lee]Anthony Lee
The electric guitar is one of the most powerful musical instruments today. It dominates every popular genre and style of music in the modern world. The sheer flexibility of the electric guitar in terms of volume, tone and sound quality makes it an ultimate musical instrument.
The electric guitar is an instrument of power or finesse, of speed or subtlety, but definitely, it is an instrument of musical glory. For those people who would want to learn how to play the electric guitar, here are some noteworthy tips:
1. Use a nylon guitar first
If one is thinking about learning how to play a guitar by using an electric guitar, he should think about it twice. If one is just learning how to play the guitar, he shouldn’t do it with an electric guitar. Electric guitars use steel strings which can be very uncomfortable for beginners. Besides, learning the basics from an acoustic guitar teaches one to use a holistic guitar playing approach rather than relying on the effects and features of an electric guitar. Electric guitar playing should come subsequently after learning how to play using an acoustic guitar.
2. Know your electric guitar
If one already knows how to play a guitar and is thinking of buying an electric guitar, he should know the different features and qualities of the electric guitar. The same thing goes for people who are using an old electric guitar. Playing with the knobs and controls of the electric guitar will give one an idea of how to mix everything properly to be able to get an optimal sound. Electric guitars are not plug-and-play instruments, they require a lot of sensitivity in terms of mixing sounds and tones together.
3. Buy a decent amp
An expensive electric guitar will sound crappy on low quality amps on any given day. When getting an electric guitar amp, make sure to test the amp at the store. If possible, turn all the knobs to the highest value and listen to the sound that the amp will produce. There are also amps out there that have a built-in distortion option which can be switched on and off. This feature is especially useful for people who have no money to buy an effects box since a distortion feature is the most essential for any electric guitar.
4. Buy a decent effects box
An effects box is a great tool to have when playing an electric guitar. One can make all sorts of sounds using an effects box. The basic tones that one should look for in an effects box are: good distortion sounds, chorus, reverb, amp simulator and easy adjustments modules.
5. Get durable cables
Cables are also an integral part of the whole electric guitar system. Cheap and low quality cables are not worth investing into because they will wear out soon.
6. Listen to electric guitar tracks
A great way to holistically grasp the basics of electric guitar playing is to listen to great electric guitar classics. Many lessons are learned just by listening to different riffs and tunes that are produced from electric guitars.
Electric guitars are somewhat different from unplugged guitars. There are skills that are needed to play the electric guitar properly aside from the basic ones. Practice is always the best way to learn how to play the electric guitar.
To learn more tips on guitar playing, please visit http://www.improve-guitar-playing.info/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anthony_Lee http://EzineArticles.com/?Tips-For-Learning-to-Play-the-Electric-Guitar&id=272388
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Lead Guitar - Electric or Acoustic?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Derek_Cockrum]Derek Cockrum
Lead guitar is not dependent on the type of guitar being played, but on how that guitar is played. Often when people think of playing lead guitar, they think of playing an electric guitar. In reality, lead guitar can be electric or acoustic.
In the most basic terms, music consists of harmony, melody and rhythm. The rhythm is the pulse of the song, often referred to as the beat, and is usually played by drums, bass guitar, and rhythm guitar. Harmony is the use of matching simultaneous chords within a musical composition.
The third major component of music is the melody. Melody is the part of the music that you remember and can later identify. Melody is often the lyrics of a song, with verse and chorus being two separate melodies. It is what gives a piece of music its character.
In terms of guitar playing, lead guitar is the guitar playing the melody. A lead guitarist must be able to use riffs and fills to move the melody along, as well as playing a guitar solo if it is required in the song. While doing all of that, the lead guitarist must also be able to play in the same key at the same tempo as the rest of the band.
Whether lead guitar is played on an acoustic guitar or an electric guitar depends on the music being played. Currently popular acoustical, or unplugged, sets require musicians to play acoustical instruments. In that case, the lead guitar would be played using an acoustic guitar.
Lead guitar does not always sound the same, even if the same musician is playing the same song twice. For example, electric guitars allow for distortion and effects that acoustic guitars do not have, so the transition from electric to acoustic may require changing the melody to suit the instrument. In addition, the riffs, fills, and solos used by the guitarist may change each time if the guitarist prefers to be creative during live performances.
Contrary to popular belief, lead guitar is not a type of guitar, but a position within a band and within a song. The lead guitarist carries a great deal of responsibility in carrying the melody while staying in tune and in time with the rest of the band. Learning to play lead guitar correctly requires time and practice, but it is the instrument most listeners will remember having heard.
About The Author
My name is Derek Cockrum, and I have been an instructor and professional guitarist for the past 11 years. I established "Guitar Lesson Reviews" to help you, (the beginner and advanced guitarist), discover the top acoustic and electric guitar lessons program available that will teach you how to really take your guitar playing skills to the next level. I have personally reviewed and tested almost every advanced and beginner guitar lessons program out there and have listed my top 3 recommended programs. If you're seriously ready to learn to play guitar like your favorite guitarist, you owe it to yourself to check out "Guitar Lesson Reviews" to find an easy guitar lessons program that offers Acoustic and Electric Guitar Lessons to train you how to play guitar like it was meant to be played. Learn what these Advanced, and Beginner Guitar Lessons can do for you and your guitar playing.
To Your Success,
Derek Cockrum [http://guitar-lesson-reviews.blogspot.com]Guitar Lesson Reviews
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Derek_Cockrum http://EzineArticles.com/?Lead-Guitar---Electric-or-Acoustic?&id=753057
Lead guitar is not dependent on the type of guitar being played, but on how that guitar is played. Often when people think of playing lead guitar, they think of playing an electric guitar. In reality, lead guitar can be electric or acoustic.
In the most basic terms, music consists of harmony, melody and rhythm. The rhythm is the pulse of the song, often referred to as the beat, and is usually played by drums, bass guitar, and rhythm guitar. Harmony is the use of matching simultaneous chords within a musical composition.
The third major component of music is the melody. Melody is the part of the music that you remember and can later identify. Melody is often the lyrics of a song, with verse and chorus being two separate melodies. It is what gives a piece of music its character.
In terms of guitar playing, lead guitar is the guitar playing the melody. A lead guitarist must be able to use riffs and fills to move the melody along, as well as playing a guitar solo if it is required in the song. While doing all of that, the lead guitarist must also be able to play in the same key at the same tempo as the rest of the band.
Whether lead guitar is played on an acoustic guitar or an electric guitar depends on the music being played. Currently popular acoustical, or unplugged, sets require musicians to play acoustical instruments. In that case, the lead guitar would be played using an acoustic guitar.
Lead guitar does not always sound the same, even if the same musician is playing the same song twice. For example, electric guitars allow for distortion and effects that acoustic guitars do not have, so the transition from electric to acoustic may require changing the melody to suit the instrument. In addition, the riffs, fills, and solos used by the guitarist may change each time if the guitarist prefers to be creative during live performances.
Contrary to popular belief, lead guitar is not a type of guitar, but a position within a band and within a song. The lead guitarist carries a great deal of responsibility in carrying the melody while staying in tune and in time with the rest of the band. Learning to play lead guitar correctly requires time and practice, but it is the instrument most listeners will remember having heard.
About The Author
My name is Derek Cockrum, and I have been an instructor and professional guitarist for the past 11 years. I established "Guitar Lesson Reviews" to help you, (the beginner and advanced guitarist), discover the top acoustic and electric guitar lessons program available that will teach you how to really take your guitar playing skills to the next level. I have personally reviewed and tested almost every advanced and beginner guitar lessons program out there and have listed my top 3 recommended programs. If you're seriously ready to learn to play guitar like your favorite guitarist, you owe it to yourself to check out "Guitar Lesson Reviews" to find an easy guitar lessons program that offers Acoustic and Electric Guitar Lessons to train you how to play guitar like it was meant to be played. Learn what these Advanced, and Beginner Guitar Lessons can do for you and your guitar playing.
To Your Success,
Derek Cockrum [http://guitar-lesson-reviews.blogspot.com]Guitar Lesson Reviews
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Derek_Cockrum http://EzineArticles.com/?Lead-Guitar---Electric-or-Acoustic?&id=753057
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
The Rewards of Playing an Acoustic Electric Guitar
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jim_Konerko]Jim Konerko
I’ve been playing acoustic guitar for several years now, but it was just recently that I finally purchased an acoustic electric guitar. At the beginning of my guitar-playing days, I was just playing for fun, and so I didn’t really need an acoustic electric guitar. Essentially, a normal acoustic and an electric acoustic guitar are almost exactly the same, except for one very significant difference: the electric one contains a built-in pickup. This means that you do not need to insert an additional pickup to the guitar to amplify it. You merely plug it in, and you're ready to play.
When you are just playing by yourself, you have no need for an acoustic electric guitar. Because unless you're playing with a band, amplifying is probably not your biggest need. Normal acoustic guitars generate enough volume on their own, and don‘t require the amplification level an acoustic electric guitar amplification produces.
An acoustic electric guitar does have several advantages over a normal acoustic with an added pickup. To start with, when playing the electric guitar the pickup is always with you. There is no need to drag it around, and no concern about the pickup falling out. In addition, acoustic electric guitars are likely to include superior quality pickups, and these pickups will be well mounted. Pickups added for a non-electric acoustic guitar are difficult to position to get a great quality of sound.
One of the best features of a new acoustic electric guitar, though, is the built-in controls included with it. There is really no easy way to control the volume of a normal acoustic guitar that’s been amplified. But an acoustic electric guitar has volume controls built into the guitar itself. This is such a great feature. If your guitar volume level doesn’t sound the best to you, then rather than going over to the amp and tinkering with it, you can instead adjust the volume on the side of your guitar. If you are playing a gig, this can be a big timesaver (not to mention it looks more professional to the audience).
An acoustic electric guitar can help evoke the confidence and desire one needs to play the guitar with other people. Although it takes more than a great guitar to play well, having an acoustic electric guitar represents a big step in that direction.
To find out more information about guitars, including a great way to learn how to play, please click [http://guitarinthebag.com]here.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Konerko http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Rewards-of-Playing-an-Acoustic-Electric-Guitar&id=493353
I’ve been playing acoustic guitar for several years now, but it was just recently that I finally purchased an acoustic electric guitar. At the beginning of my guitar-playing days, I was just playing for fun, and so I didn’t really need an acoustic electric guitar. Essentially, a normal acoustic and an electric acoustic guitar are almost exactly the same, except for one very significant difference: the electric one contains a built-in pickup. This means that you do not need to insert an additional pickup to the guitar to amplify it. You merely plug it in, and you're ready to play.
When you are just playing by yourself, you have no need for an acoustic electric guitar. Because unless you're playing with a band, amplifying is probably not your biggest need. Normal acoustic guitars generate enough volume on their own, and don‘t require the amplification level an acoustic electric guitar amplification produces.
An acoustic electric guitar does have several advantages over a normal acoustic with an added pickup. To start with, when playing the electric guitar the pickup is always with you. There is no need to drag it around, and no concern about the pickup falling out. In addition, acoustic electric guitars are likely to include superior quality pickups, and these pickups will be well mounted. Pickups added for a non-electric acoustic guitar are difficult to position to get a great quality of sound.
One of the best features of a new acoustic electric guitar, though, is the built-in controls included with it. There is really no easy way to control the volume of a normal acoustic guitar that’s been amplified. But an acoustic electric guitar has volume controls built into the guitar itself. This is such a great feature. If your guitar volume level doesn’t sound the best to you, then rather than going over to the amp and tinkering with it, you can instead adjust the volume on the side of your guitar. If you are playing a gig, this can be a big timesaver (not to mention it looks more professional to the audience).
An acoustic electric guitar can help evoke the confidence and desire one needs to play the guitar with other people. Although it takes more than a great guitar to play well, having an acoustic electric guitar represents a big step in that direction.
To find out more information about guitars, including a great way to learn how to play, please click [http://guitarinthebag.com]here.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Konerko http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Rewards-of-Playing-an-Acoustic-Electric-Guitar&id=493353
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
A Guide to Electric Guitars
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Seth_Miller]Seth Miller
Electric guitars are in tremendous demand in the music industry. Many musicians prefer to play the guitar rather than any other musical instruments. An electric guitar is an essential instrument at many musical events. The artists playing the electric guitar at concerts have an audience and fans of their own. It is one of the most important musical instruments at rock shows, jazz concerts, country music events, rap and blues concerts and even on pop albums. The function of a guitar, especially an electric guitar, is multi-faceted.
While purchasing a guitar the options available must be carefully weighed. All the details should be examined thoroughly in accordance with the purpose of the guitar. An electric guitar may be used to play for large audiences, small audiences, or simply for leisure and recreation. One of the main attributes of a good guitar is the wood it is made of. One of the options available is Mahogany. It has a relatively low velocity of sound. Koa wood has a considerable density and a low overtone content, Brazilian Rosewood contributes to the tone coloration. It offers high sound velocity and broad range of overtones.
Another important detail is the body style. Electric guitars come in three basic body styles. They are solid-body, semi-hollow or semi-solid body and hollow-body. The neck of the guitar can help in the quality of sound output. The type of neck the guitar should have is depends on the length of the guitarist's hand. Necks come in a number of shapes such as C-shaped, thin, and thin and wide. While purchasing a guitar, it is advisable to scrutinize the scale length, intonation, number of frets, finish, the bridge, pickups and tuning machine.
Electric guitars are very expensive. The advice of a professional guitarist would be invaluable to an enthusiast. [http://www.e-ElectricGuitars.com]Electric Guitars provides detailed information on Electric Guitars, Acoustic Electric Guitars, Cheap Electric Guitars, Electric Bass Guitars and more. Electric Guitars is affiliated with [http://www.Piano-Web.com]Piano Lessons.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Seth_Miller http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Guide-to-Electric-Guitars&id=407570
Electric guitars are in tremendous demand in the music industry. Many musicians prefer to play the guitar rather than any other musical instruments. An electric guitar is an essential instrument at many musical events. The artists playing the electric guitar at concerts have an audience and fans of their own. It is one of the most important musical instruments at rock shows, jazz concerts, country music events, rap and blues concerts and even on pop albums. The function of a guitar, especially an electric guitar, is multi-faceted.
While purchasing a guitar the options available must be carefully weighed. All the details should be examined thoroughly in accordance with the purpose of the guitar. An electric guitar may be used to play for large audiences, small audiences, or simply for leisure and recreation. One of the main attributes of a good guitar is the wood it is made of. One of the options available is Mahogany. It has a relatively low velocity of sound. Koa wood has a considerable density and a low overtone content, Brazilian Rosewood contributes to the tone coloration. It offers high sound velocity and broad range of overtones.
Another important detail is the body style. Electric guitars come in three basic body styles. They are solid-body, semi-hollow or semi-solid body and hollow-body. The neck of the guitar can help in the quality of sound output. The type of neck the guitar should have is depends on the length of the guitarist's hand. Necks come in a number of shapes such as C-shaped, thin, and thin and wide. While purchasing a guitar, it is advisable to scrutinize the scale length, intonation, number of frets, finish, the bridge, pickups and tuning machine.
Electric guitars are very expensive. The advice of a professional guitarist would be invaluable to an enthusiast. [http://www.e-ElectricGuitars.com]Electric Guitars provides detailed information on Electric Guitars, Acoustic Electric Guitars, Cheap Electric Guitars, Electric Bass Guitars and more. Electric Guitars is affiliated with [http://www.Piano-Web.com]Piano Lessons.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Seth_Miller http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Guide-to-Electric-Guitars&id=407570
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