Learning to Play

These rehearsal tips will help guitar players understand how to run band practice most efficiently and accomplish their goals.

Half stack, full stack or combo? Learn which guitar amp is best in a band situation, and how to choose the right option for you.

Check out this list of the guitar accessories that are most important for beginners and start building your collection of guitar supplies.

How can some pianists play so fast and flawless? Strong and flexible fingers, just like a strong and flexible body, provide the strength necessary for speed. Here's how you can build stronger fingers

Easy step-by-step instruction to learn how to breathe using the diaphragm (diaphragmatic breathing.) Sing and speak better. Bring more oxygen to your brain functioning neurons. Let's start now.

Learn to read chords in standard notation fast and accurately. All it needs is the right mental approach and graded practice material.

The key to singing with clarity and good diction is learning how to form vowels. Each word you sing contains at least one vowel. Vowels help to carry the sound and takes the voice to a whole new level

The job of playing music in a cover band involves a never ending responsibility to learn new songs. While these songs may not be new to you, they are ones that you need to know if you play regularly.

Is there an easy way to remember the order of sharps and flats in music? There is. Read more to find out exactly how to do it.

The Martin D-18 has always been one of the world's most desired acoustic steel string guitars. It is somewhat expensive, so not everyone can afford a D-18, here, here are five alternative guitars.

People who are inherently comfortable with being in charge are sometimes very good leaders. However, if they don't follow these basic guidelines, even they can often fall short.

I hate my voice! If you're one of the many people who feel this way, you've come to the right place because you're about to learn why you hate your voice and how to fix it.

Do you, as a music leader, ever ask yourself: What is the best key for congregational singing? What key should hymns be sung in? or, How can I know the best key for unison singing at church? -- Finding the best musical key for group singing can be a challenge, but the challenge can be pleasant and rewarding.

Audio-video lesson and demonstration of harmonic intervals and how to recognise and identify them by ear

Why you tell yourself you can't sing? Find solutions for correcting your thinking, free your own natural voice, and sing with joy.

Learn how to make interesting and original solo fingerstyle guitar arrangements of songs. This is a step by step tutorial with audio demo.

Methods to memorize the seven musical modes. Catchy mnemonics included!

A quick and authoritative guide to buying a classical guitar for a child or beginner. This article includes common mistakes, prices, and reviews from years of first-hand experience.

When it comes to difference and difficulty how do you compare bass vs guitar? This article can help you decide which is a better choice for you.

This article is aimed at self-learning guitarists wondering whether to learn standard music notation or guitar tablature (tab) or both, or even neither. A look at the pros and cons of each system.

If you want to excel in the cover music scene, it's not always a question of your level of skill, but often just a matter of focusing on the right things that makes a difference. Click in to see them.

The best music education bloggers, helping students, performers and teachers succeed and reach their dreams.

This article on flute breathing exercises discusses how we breathe, types of breathing and which is best for the flautist and also for the player's general health. Some breathing exercises that help with the control of breath are explained with diagrams along with an emphasis on the importance of good posture to assist controlled flow of air.

Which guitar is better for beginners to learn on: Acoustic or Electric? Discover the pros and cons of each and decide which is right for you!

The Suzuki method is enormously popular in the United States and Japan. While the method was originally used to teach violin, many children learn to play piano (and other instruments) with this method. The Suzuki method allows very young children to play music by ear before progressing to sight reading, which allows 3 and 4 year old children to play the piano. Parental involvement is critical to the success of this method!

These easy, but important, vocal tips promise to change a weak, unconfident, sound into a bigger and better voice.

This article will show you the best method ever of how to efficiently learn and memorize the notes on a guitar neck in the shortest amount of time.

Learn about the terminology and definitions used in playing and discussing electric and acoustic guitar in this basic vocabulary guide for beginners.

That is...when you're not playing music. You never want dead air; so it's best to have a practical checklist of things that you should be talking about to keep the show moving along. Here ya go. :)

Having an extensive catalog of songs that you know how to play is essential for any successful musician and cover band. These are the songs that just about every band plays at some point, with lyrics.

A guitar player could really pull off a huge sound by going multitimbral.

Whether your hands are too big or small or your wrist muscles are too weak, some ukulele chords are just plan hard to shape.

Even though all technique is mastered, as a singer if you don't learn this one thing, all else doesn't matter. Learn what is absolutely necessary for all singers. Discover the difference now.

Get some advice on how to buy the best electric guitar for a beginner and learn what features to look for in your first instrument.

Find out which instruments are the best choices for kids or adults who are total beginners and want to learn music for the first time.

Singing is your birthright. Your body holds every tool needed to produce a clear, beautiful tone. It's time to reverse the notion that good singers are reserved for a fortunate few.

Triads are easy 3-note guitar chords that are useful in both rhythm and lead playing. This article explores how to play them and what the best practices are when using them.

Learn how to read and use note durations and timing in modern guitar tablature.

So you want to learn how to play guitar? Well join the club, because people from all over the world want to do exactly what you want to as well. What separates you from the rest? It all comes down to whether you've got motivation and that little...

Further reharmonization of a twelve bar progression in G. In-depth theory, professional transcriptions, video guitar lessons.

Have you ever wanted to learn guitar but weren't sure where to start? From choosing a guitar to playing your first songs, this guide will walk you through the first steps and more.

Guitarists - Learn to read music with this graded tutorial covering the basics of standard music notation for guitar.

A standard 3 chord blues progression, reharmonized to form a jazz version. Stormy Monday Substitutions. Chords, tab, video. High quality, accurate transcriptions. In depth theory and videos

Singing releases endorphins, feel-good chemicals, into your brain. This process works immediately bringing about positive psychological effects. Even if you think you can't carry a tune - sing!

It may start off as a group of people getting together to make some noise, but if you want fans, you've got to come up with a good name for your band.

Get started playing your new ukulele today by learning a few basic techniques. It is easy to get started playing simple songs, even if you have no musical experience.

Learn 5 steps to help you teach yourself to play guitar, no lessons required. It isn’t easy, but with a little hard work you can do it!

Fretboard Logic SE by Bill Edwards is a guitar instruction manual where the CAGED system is made easy to understand for any level of guitarist.

Learn how to sing quietly or softly. Just follow these simple exercises. Everything you want to know about making your voice sing soft.

This chord construction article explains how notes are combined to produce chords. It also includes a chord formula list of all the basic chord types and more.

If you're thinking of investing in piano lessons for your child (or yourself), you need to hear from a seasoned veteran piano educator on the pros and cons of organized piano study.

Learn about some of the often neglected student-level concertos that are so beautiful and full of pedagogic value. Explore the works of Rieding, Seitz, Sitt, Portnoff, and Accolay.

Sharps and flats can be confusing... but not if you know what to look for. Find out how to take the mystery out of key signatures for good!

Maple is one of the traditional tonewoods for acoustic instruments. Right there with maple are rosewood, mahogany, spruce, ebony, and all the varieties of species of those trees. Maple as a tonewood for bodies or backs and sides of a guitar can...

Want to know how to get better at playing guitar? Here are 5 tips that can help you improve, whether you are a beginner or veteran guitarist.

"Practice, practice, practice!"--But what about practicing *smarter*? This article gives ten useful tips to do just that. Get better, faster!

Stop! Don't sing any song without first warming up your voice. Here are some of the most effective vocal warm-ups for singers and vocalists.

To understand how the vocal cords work, we need a little information on how we produce sound. Watch Steven Tyler's vocal cords and learn about the variation in our body's natural instrument.

Learn how to build chords belonging to any major key from the notes of its major scale.

Be honest. You want to be doing better. You know you're good, but you know there are some things that you're missing or could be improved upon. You're right. Read on.

Do you need to learn how to read music if you want to play the guitar? Maybe! Find out whether it is the right choice for you.

Find out how to master arpeggio playing on the piano in any key!

Discover the best way to learn to guitar, with a focus on scales, chords and songs, as well as music theory. If you want to learn guitar there is nothing stopping you. Here are some top options to get you started!

Another easy classical guitar piece by the 19th century guitar virtuoso, Mauro Giuliani—tab, notation, playing tips, and audio demo are included for easy learning.

Returning and re-learning the piano can be frustrating. These tips will help increase motivation and enjoyment, and prevent burn-out.

Have you wondered what your authentic voice would sound like if you had perfect singing technique? Using the 'rag doll' exercise will lead you directly to your natural voice. Here's how.

Performing in a musical can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, some singers and actors miss this fun and educational opportunity because they fail the audition process. Here is a list of how to prepare for that audition.

Find out if you really need a teacher to learn to play guitar, and why taking lessons may not be the best choice for every newbie guitarist.

Why is the bass guitar so underrated? Are rock bassists just failed guitar players, looking for some other way to get into a band without having to really learn an instrument? Learn why the bass is looked down on, and the true importance of the bass guitar.

Common, everyday items have many functions. Some are even practical for working musicians. Things that may seem useless in the live music performance world can actually come in quite handy. Read on!

Do you want to know how to play those deep soulful chords with a lot of emotion?

Synovitis can ruin a piano-player's career. Here's how I (mostly) recovered and got back to the keys, with gentle repertoire suggestions that I enjoy playing.

Performance anxiety can be problematic especially with those who have the desire and talent to be on stage but can't seem to overcome that fluttery feeling in their stomachs.

Improve your guitar practice routine with these eight tips on playing guitar with small hands. Includes alternative guitar technique ideas and original video examples.

Here are 6 easy tips for improving your present singing voice. Confidence is everything, so you must begin believing in yourself. Until you do this, others will not believe in you either.

Can it be done? Follow these easy steps to find out. Everyone has a singing voice. This tutorial will help you discover yours. It's also a good breathing refresher sequel for those who already sing

Learn the meaning behind some of the most used musical terms. A helpful resource for music students and teachers. Become a better musician by applying musical symbols to your music.

Learn to tune your guitar by ear in a few simple steps. It’s easy, and it can even help you become a better guitar player.

This page talks about common hand signals for choir directing and the best ways to use those signals.

Chords are a musical basic--but what are they, really? Here's a beginner's guide, with written and audio examples.

Learn how to build major scales with correct naming of notes.

Hold your tongue! Just make sure this " rudder" for sound is nice and relaxed for better singing and speaking. Learn how to use your tongue for controlling your vocal tone. You'll like the results.

What's the best method for learning a new piece of piano music? Find out what you should and shouldn't do to get that new piano piece under your belt as quickly as possible.

Find out how beginners can learn blues guitar by working on basic scales and music theory. The rest comes down to hard work and practice!

Sight reading for guitarists in 12 fretboard positions - with standard notation, tab reading exercises and audio demos.

Discover a few easy shortcuts to help you quickly learn the notes of the guitar fretboard. You can't master the guitar unless you know where to find all the notes!

Learn the basics of how to write a song on guitar! Even beginners can create a basic song outline and start making their own music today.

Learn everything you need to know about getting started on guitar in this comprehensive guide. Get help choosing your first guitar, advice on lessons and more!

You’re never too old to learn to play guitar! Here are 10 reasons why your 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond are the perfect time to pick up the instrument.

Singers and speakers often acquire throat irritation. This interferes with the voice and interrupts the presentation, audition, recording session and show. Learn how to avoid these throat problems.

I Still Got The Blues For You by Gary Moore guitar lesson. Chords, tab, video. High quality, accurate transcriptions, theory explanations, and video lessons.

A clear and concise explanation of the 3 forms of the minor scale (natural, harmonic and melodic) and their uses in music.

Learn about five important concepts that can help you beat songwriter's block. Creative blocks occur for many reasons, but as musicians there are a few things we can do to keep on writing songs when times get tough.

Check out this Gibson Les Paul LPJ Review and learn more about the 2013 and 2014 models of this affordable American-made Les Paul.

The basics of guitar tablature explained - including timing and note durations.

Learn some easy fingerstyle accompaniment patterns with clear and concise explanation and charts.

This article offers advice for parents of beginning band students to find a great clarinet at the right price. What distinguishes a quality instrument from a beginner piece? Read on to find out.

Learn how to write great lyrics and take your songwriting to the next level in one short article.

Rondo form is a flexible and versatile way to construct a piece of music. Find out how it works and which composers have used it successfully inside this comprehensive guide.

How to become a tribute act, written by a guy who makes a living as a Michael Buble tribute. It's not just wearing a wig and singing songs, it's about scrutiny, practice, and spending a lot of money.