Archive for the 'Guitar Primers' Category
Alternate tuning might not seem like an easy task, but “Drop D” tuning is both easy and widely used. Modern rock, metal, and even jazz has used this tuning to make an easier playing method that gives a darker tone to music. A large number of songs, such as “Spoonman” by Soundgarden, take full advantage of the Drop D tuning method- allowing all power chords to be played with one finger!
Figure 1 - Drop D tuning is popular among many music types- such as grunge. Nirvana’s “Heart Shaped Box” used Drop D Tuning.
Read User's CommentsThere are many myths floating around in the guitar community about amplifiers. Many myths claim that better tone can be achieved by certain “tricks of the trade”. Surprisingly, there are a great number of these myths that even the experts themselves sometimes believe- so it can often be hard to separate amplifier fact from fiction.
Figure 1 - The wealth of amplifier types, models, and effects have created a great deal of myths as to which particular way to go is best.
Elixir strings were made to increase the life span of guitar strings, and prevent rust. All types of acoustic, bass, and electric guitar strings suffer from rust and buildup of dirt and grime. This buildup dampens tone and reduces overall sound quality- and this is what a new set of Elixir strings intend to fix through a revolutionary process.
Figure 1 - Dirty or corroded strings give poor tone and sound quality- and music will sound increasingly dull until they are replaced.
Take a good, long, look at your guitar strings. Odds are, they most likely need a cleaning. In fact, guitar strings should be cleaned after every session! Doing so will make the time between changing guitar strings longer, and it is also necessary to maintain a good sound and tone. But what exactly needs to be done?
Figure 1 - We recommend FAST-FRET; It makes cleaning a one step process.
Guitar strings are one of the most important parts of a guitar- so knowing how they work is vital to getting the tone and control that is desired. Different gauges, materials, construction, and string condition can all have a big impact on the sound of a guitar.
Figure 1 - Look familiar? This is your guitar string up close! Notice how the metal is wound into string.
Some of the more odd picks in the guitar world come from exotic locations such as Japan or Arabian locations. Instead of the traditional three-sided, plastic, hand-held pick that most of the world is accustomed to, some simpler picks are fashioned out of bone, horn, and other natural materials. Others are more modern- from an Allen wrench to a loose piece of change.
The oud is a musical instrument from the Middle-East. Interestingly, this instrument was played with an eagle feather. Modern times have led oud players to find an alternative plectrum to use, as eagle feathers are becoming increasingly rare. Instead, the risha was invented. The risha is an elongated piece of bone or horn that has soaked in oil to make it softer. Plastic rishas are also available for beginners, and more crude forms of rishas can even be fashioned out of a plastic bottle.
Figure 1 - Imagine playing your guitar with a risha stick!
Tortex is a type of plastic manufactured by the successful company named Dunlop. Jim Dunlop created the plastic known as Tortex to replace tortoiseshell guitar picks- since an international ban on tortoiseshell in the 1970’s restricted the sale of one of the best guitar pick materials used around the world.
Figure 1 - Standard Dunlop Tortex Picks
A Gemstone pick may seem like a luxury, but in some ways they are just as different as nylon and metal picks. On average, they can cost around thirty times as much as the standard nylon or plastic guitar picks- but is the price worth it?
Figure 1 - Agate Stone Pick - $32
Guitar picks, as it is likely everyone knows, are used to pluck guitar strings to improve sound, and reduce injury on fingers. However, there are many types of guitar picks to choose from- from materials, to shapes, and as well as sizes and colors. Some guitar picks are even used for special purposes, such as a double-sided pick for “double plucking.”
Guitar picks are commonly made out of plastic, but also may incorporate nylon, rubber, felt, tortoiseshell, wood, stone, metals, and even gemstone guitar picks to the composition. Each of the materials has a separate sound or grip from the other. For instance, metal has a very unique sound when plucked against a guitar string- but offers little grip. Tortoiseshell is one of the best for gripping, although an international ban led to the creation of Tortex picks. Choosing the right material is a matter of trying them all out, and deciding on which sound and grip works for you playing style- whether it be metal, bues, or jazz. If all else fails, weird guitar picks aren’t unheard of- from bone, to an Allen wrench- just about anything can become a good plectrum!
Figure 1 - Traditional picks, a thumb pick, and a triangle pick example
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