Guitar Sheet Music - Learn To Play Octaves In 4 Steps

by: Nik Martin

The guitar is a very popular instrument for people to learn but electric guitar sheet music can be quite complicated to master. A lot of instruments are only required to play a single note at a time but a guitar can play up to 6 notes at any one time. It would not be a sensible idea to suggest you learn to read six notes straight away so we are going to look at just reading two notes to start with. The simplest way to start reading two notes with electric guitar sheet music is with octaves.

1 - Find The Octaves

Before we try to play the song you have chosen, you need to look through your guitar sheet music to find two notes that are the same but are stacked on top of one another. These are octaves because they are an octave apart. You should start by putting your first finger (or index finger) of your fretting hand on the lower note of the two. Next you need to place the little finger (or your ring finger) on the top note.

2 - Dampen And Strum

Once you have your fingers in the correct position try strumming the strings with your pick hand. You only want to be hearing the octave strings. If you find that the other strings are ringing you need to dampen them by slightly resting the middle finger of your fretting hand over any unwanted strings. This may be a bit difficult to control but after a some practice you will find the best position that works for you.

3 - Play 2 Sets Of Octaves On The Same Strings

The step you need to take next to help your reading and playing electric guitar sheet music is to try and play two sets of octaves on the same strings. This technique can sometimes be quite tricky as you ideally need to keep your fret hand in a similar shape as you slide from one set of octaves to the next. By practicing a bit you will soon find your own way to play this.

4 - Play 2 Sets Of Octaves On Different Strings

Once you have gotten to grips with playing 2 sets of octaves on the same sets of strings you can then move on to playing 2 octaves in a row on different strings. The key to mastering guitar sheet music when moving from one note to another and one set of strings to another is to try and keep your hand in the same shape and keep it as close to the strings as possible. Learning to play octaves is not easy and you may find yourself not seeming to progress. But keep practicing because suddenly it will happen and you will soon forget that only a short time ago you were struggling to read electric guitar sheet music

Music Licensing For Film – Factors Affecting Your Music to Be Licensed

by: Harry Smith

Music licensing for film is regarded as a safe method to make money by introducing your songs in films. There are numerous artists who compose music and get it placed in movies to enjoy additional income. But it is required to license music before you get it introduced in onscreen productions. You may go through the various tips and guidelines that can also help you to be included in the category of the licensed music artists who earn money by using their compositions in movies, ads, TV soaps. As per the definition of licensing, it is described as the method of granting permission so that one can use the music that is composed and owned by some other person.

The owner of the music possesses the copyright on his songs that he utilizes to achieve his goal of reaping maximum revenues. Music licensing for film does not only help the artists to get higher revenues, but it also makes them identified and their song recognized by the people. The license music process thus helps in the overall exposure of these artists and makes them take their first step towards fame. However, before moving towards the other aspects of licensing, there are certain terms that need to be given a hard look by the readers. Some of these terms include Copyrights, Publishing, Licenses, etc.

As far as the copyright for the license music is concerned, the artists must be sure to fill up the form with a copy of their music. There are two forms, available in this case that include a copyright for the sound recording (Form SR) and a copyright for the underlying song (Form PA). Publishing in case of the music licensing for film is defined as the owning and increasing the value of musical copyrights. This is really beneficial for the artists as their songs get popularized and used in maximum.

In fact, it is also required to be noted down that there are few tips and guidelines that one can use to increase his chances to get music licensing for film easily. In order to license music, you may write and produce better ones. In this case, however, the primary as well as secondary focus should be on music and no other thing. The license that you will get will completely depend on the quality of work that you will provide. The second step to follow is to submit your music to various sources in order to get it noticed maximum times and obtain a valid license. Last but not the least; you must always keep on doing research to make yourself updated about various perspective of music.

Make Music Online

by: James Jackson

Useful Tips on How to Make Your Own Music Online

Are you one of the most promising artists today? A producer? Or maybe a DJ? Is music an enduring passion which could turn into a profession or is it a past time?

Well either way, you're on your first step to making your dreams come true! Before anything else, you must research the type of music you're going to create. Another thing to do is to search for tools, equipment and software to make your own music online!

Some people might give you the impression that it's tricky to make your own music online. Trust me when I tell you, that it's not!

Because of technology, comprehending the fundamentals of how to make your own music online is not only fun and easy but also affordable! You can create music on your own without renting a studio! More importantly, you no longer have to hire a producer to help you create your music.

Now you can do it from the comfort and convenience of your own home. One of the perks of learning how to make your own music online is the fact that it's so convenient. Because we're living in modern times, online music creation programs are available for anyone who wants to make music.

For beginners, there are a few basic skills you need to develop.

If you're in the market for a good beat making software, get one that offers good support, has a great FAQ help desk and offers video tutorials. This sort of support will really guide you as you learn how to make your own music online. It's great when you know someone has your back when you run into problems. When you're still experimenting, a reply email from a support staff is a good thing.

You also need to keep your eyes open for refund guarantees. Some software just might not be for you; whether it doesn't have the sounds you want or the user interface just doesn't work for you, you should always make sure you are covered.

The most important thing you need to do to learn how to make your own music online is to practice. You will be able to accomplish more in no time when you invest your time in practice.

Being able to have creative control over what you make whether you're a novice or a pro, it's a great feeling to know that those awesome sounds are completely yours. Online beat making software will introduce you to the world of making your own music and should give you the support you need as you get your feet in this new and exciting creative outlet!

Crystal Music Method

by: Nicholas Wood

Since time immemorial, music has been made use of for influencing emotions and boosting the willpower of human beings. The immense energy of music is being harnessed more and more in today’s world of showbiz.

In such a scenario, the organization of musical education of children has become an important issue today. Old methods continue to be used in music schools and public schools, when the need is to develop a scientific, systematic and comprehensive base for kids music education. One such new-generation method is – Crystal Music Method.

Modern teaching methods like this one open up a new array of opportunities in perfecting the process of musical learning for children. Arts, especially music, have a tremendous impact on the learning capabilities of children, and hence it is vital to keep improving on music teaching methods all the time.

In the Crystal Music Method, the music instructors strive to enhance their personal qualifications and creativity by researching and incorporating newer concepts, ideas, theories, know-how and methods. They set some reference points and determine the right direction in which to channel their efforts.

Creative puzzles are designed to broaden the diapason of inventiveness and seek better ways of music education, the sole purpose of which is to produce excellent musically oriented students. The Crystal Music Method is simply a next-generation innovation in music and learning.

Reasons for adopting the Crystal Music Method for improving the talents of gifted musicians are significant.

Firstly, it takes advantage of the current Information Age for new ideas.

Secondly, it aims at developing a unique “Instructor-Student” personal teaching method to create a harmonious relationship between teacher and disciple.

Thirdly, it incorporates the latest telecommunication and multimedia technologies of the modern age to provide the right knowledge to the students at the right time.

Computerization has enabled a host of immensely beneficial softwares and programs to aid in the teaching process, including online study guides, training software, multimedia tools, etc. Each one of them provides unique benefits.

Although such softwares and tools are available, not many music teachers are able to put them to good use because they are reluctant to let go of their “old methods” and adapt to new ones. This makes the new generation of music students frustrated as they want to use the computers as often as they can.

Thankfully, new models of musical learning are taking shape today. The young generation of music teachers is more open to the idea of using modern technology to perfect the teaching process, and evolve from the “old methods”.

The new methods are thoroughly discussed by the music teachers before being put to use, because just knowing the theory is not enough; they need to know how to implement it into practice.

The Crystal Music Method thoroughly examines the nitty-gritty of the new methods of musical education for both theory and practical implementation. The required skill set for any sort of music profession is developed. This method is all about the proper organization of the understanding process. As you know, all that a music student might need to make it big is a couple of “smart ideas”.

New technologies are a part of the Crystal Music Method, but it doesn’t forget the two most important factors in the musical learning process – sparking the student’s interest in the subject, and creating a harmonious teacher-student relationship.

The Advent Of Rock Music

by: Christian Wilson

Rock music, in one form or another, has been around for years. Many pin point the 1950s as the advent of rock with the emergence of Elvis Presley. Though not performing ‘rock’ as we know it, Presley is credited as being a pioneer as rock and roll.

Presley’s ‘new’ music caused a stir amongst the music industry and outrage amongst some parents as his risqué dance moves left many in shock.

In the 60s rock music evolved further when four lads form Liverpool came to the fore. The Beatles are one of the most successful bands of all time and in the 1960s Beatlemania gripped the world!

The 1970s saw the advent of two subgenres of rock - glam rock and punk rock. Both had their roots firmly in rock music but they were very different form each other. Punk rock was about rebellion and anarchy with bands like the Sex Pistols at the fore front of the movement.

Glam rock was more experimental and saw the like of David Bowie lead the way. Make up, glitter and platforms were the style of choice.

By the 1980s rock had evolved even further. One of the main forms of rock in the 1980s was soft rock. Power ballads were en vogue and big hair was the order of the day. Bands like Chicago and Mr Mister were setting the tone.

There was also a darker, more aggressive rock on the scene with bands like Black Sabbath gaining coverage.

Towards the end of the decade we saw more American rock bands - particularly shoe-gaze rock bands - come into the scene. The term shoe-gaze was coined from the way the lead singer of such bands would perform on stage, usually staring at his feet!

The 1990s saw indie rock take the spotlight. While pop was dominating much of the charts, Brit pop - a form of indie rock emerged and fierce chart battles ensued.

Grunge rock was also big in the 1990s with bands like Nirvana reaching the top of the charts.

2000s saw indie rock back on top as Arctic Monkeys from the UK and Kings of Leon from the US continue to dominate the music industry.

A rock band usually includes one or more guitarists, a drummer and a bassist along with a lead singer. This can change though for example the rock band Keane originally had no guitarists but for the most part this format is followed.

Rock music is one of the biggest and most successful genres of music in the history of the music industry and if recent record sales are anything to go by it shows little sign of giving up that claim.

Heavy Metal Music as Sound Therapy?

by: Sharon Carne

Whenever I present to groups about sound therapy or talk with people at trade fairs, I often get expressions of concern and questions about heavy metal music. These are valid concerns, so I decided to take a closer look. My closer look has provided some interesting insight.

Heavy metal music has been a personal journey for our family. Our son, Matt, is lead guitar in a heavy metal band. It is his favorite music. He is a fabulously talented guitarist. Matt is also an early indigo child and one of the wisest, old souls I know. If I need advice, I will often ask Matt. He is one of the kindest, compassionate, joyful and authentic people I know.

Heavy metal music touched our family in a very personal way when Matt entered grade 10 in high school. By the second term, Matt was suffering from a clinical depression. For him, it was a true dark night of the soul.

Medication and intervention were refused as he relied on his own inner wisdom and healer. From a very young age, this wise old soul has preferred to heal himself. Mind you, for a broken arm, he was taken to the hospital. The doctors were amazed at how quickly he healed.

What he found during this dark night of the soul was an expression of what he was going through in the form of heavy metal music. If he was feeling really angry, for example, he would play some really angry music, we would plug our ears, and shortly, he would emerge from his room calmer.

Now, Matt regularly shares with me videos on youtube of his favorite bands and performers. We gleefully share our wonder over the technical and musical accomplishments of some of these guitarists. I also share with him my concern over the content of some of the songs and its effect on him. As a classically trained musician and sound and energy healer, I had some serious reservations about this style of music.

Many people enthusiastically condemn heavy metal music. You may even be aware of a court case or two brought against a band concerning its influence over young people. I believe that labeling it "bad" and shoving it under the rug may not be the wisest thing to do.

Music and art are reflections of what is going on in the heart, mind and soul of humanity. With heavy metal music, I believe that we are staring right into our collective shadow. What is the content of this shadow? Death, anger, fear, illness, sex, repressed weakness, shortcomings and instincts. Welcome to heavy metal.

Each of us is a mixture of light (like compassion) and shadow (like dark angry thoughts). We like very much to avoid the shadow. The problem is that the more we avoid or repress it, the darker it becomes.

Sometimes we have to turn out all the lights and sit in the dark to understand the nature of the darkness. Sometimes that experience becomes the dark night of the soul where we confront our own shadow side.

Humanity as a whole is undergoing a shift in consciousness right now and part of this shift involves understanding and creating a relationship with our collective shadow. As an individual, some of the unconsciousness mind becomes conscious. As a species, some of our collective unconscious is becoming conscious and we are getting a good look. As a result, humanity is experiencing a collective dark night of the soul.

The great psychiatrist, Carl Jung wrote about the shadow and coined the term collective unconscious. One of the things he said was, "To confront a person with his shadow is to show him his own light." (Good and Evil in Analytical Psychology (1959). In Collected Works 10. Civilization in Transition, p. 872.)

He also said, "One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious." (The Philosophical Tree (1945). In Collected Works 13: Alchemical Studies, p. 335.)

The gift of heavy metal music is that it forces us to look at our collective shadow. We have been shoving it under the rug for millennia. It has grown deep and dark there. By bubbling up in music and art, it forces us to take a good look and make some choices about what we see.

Do I Have Talent?

By: Harvey Mosley

The path of learning guitar is full of ups and downs. Everyone has had these down moments, when you’re comparing yourself to all these guitar virtuosos out there, questioning your guitar skills and talent, and hesitating if you should continue playing or if you should give up, because it all seems just like a waste of time Well, let me tell you something: whatever you are learning in life, there will always be people that are better than you. People of different skills and ages, yet better.

Let’s take school math as an example. We have the young man in twelfth grade, using logarithms and trigonometric functions with ease. He’s not a math genius, just an average student who paid attention during his math classes throughout the years. Then we have the little boy in first grade. He doesn’t know what logarithms are, nor he knows of the existence of trigonometric functions, yet he’s really good in adding numbers and while his classmates can count to 20, he can count to 1 million – a real math genius. However, when you compare them both, disregarding their age, it turns out that average student is “better” than the genius.

The point is – even talent needs time to be discovered and developed. And even if you find out that you don’t have any talent at all, you can compensate for that with many years of hard work and dedication.

So basically the math example is absolutely the same when it comes to playing guitar. Of course in real life, we will never compare the twelfth grade student with the boy from first grade, because of their age. However, it’s not the age what makes them different – it’s the years of learning experience. When it comes to guitar playing, we simply forget that every guitar player has a different starting point. Someone may have started playing at the age of 7, another one may have started at 20 and you may have started at the age of 15. If the three of you meet at the age of 21, you won’t have the same playing skills, will you?

Don’t question yourself if you have talent or not. It’s true that talent will help you develop faster, but you can never compensate 10 years of hard work with 1 year of playing and lots of talent. Sure, you may be achieving your goals for 10 years, while a talented guitarists achieves the same for 7, but after all music is not a competition. It’s an art. You don’t necessarily need to be lightning fast to make good music or to stand out with some other aspect of your guitar technique. You shouldn’t improve your guitar technique just to brag with it. Instead you should do it in order to be able to express yourself the way you want. Because that’s what music is all about – listening to your heart and expressing your feelings.