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Apps Let You Learn Modes By Ear - Sonic State

... learning the fingering patterns on guitar and piano. Here's all the details directly from Smappsoft... Scales & Modes is an interactive visual and audio reference for the diatonic scales and modes that are fundamental in music theory.

"In New Jersey" - Pitchfork

... learn ... theory and passion, equal parts composition exercise and absorbing, emotive art. Lynch prefers not to make his lyrics the centerpiece of his songs, and it shows; his ghostly, multi-tracked vocals share billing with a spacious guitar

Where Will Amar'e Stoudemire Play Next? - Bleacherreport.com

The main argument given in favor of the LeBron/Knicks theory is the size of the NY market and the potential for activities outside ... I’d stake my favorite guitar (a 1985 Gibson Les Paul that was a gift from my uncle, for the record) that he is ...

To B sharp and smart --- twice blissed - Staten Island Advance

Or strumming his guitar. In fact, 13-year-old Michael enjoys immersing himself in music so much ... I hear they have a music theory class and I'd like to learn more theory." Several miles away, in New Dorp, Tyler Musante pondered what he would like ...

Faces in the crowd: Helping children march to the beat - Prior Lake American

... how to sing and play the drums, cello, guitar, keyboard and wind instruments. To do that, Martens uses rhymes to teach music theory such as: “G is in treble, when F is in bass.” “Studies have shown that students who learn the linear ...

Posted Monday, January 25, at 9:05 AM - Banner-Graphic

While the idea of having a real conversation with an actor, musician, writer or other famous person you admire might be thrilling in theory, real-life encounters ... about our age joined the musicians, picked up a guitar and played one BTE song after ...

22 student artists selected for Young Masters program - KLTV

Lynn Eustis voice studio at the University of North Texas in Denton where she receives intensive music theory and vocal training ... She plans on attending the School of Visual Arts in New York to learn other techniques and to preview the school as a ...

School music program seeks instruments - Taos News

They learn about music history and theory, and field trips to the Nutcracker ballet ... Professional teachers come to the school weekly to teach violin, cello, piano, percussion, harmonica and guitar (there are classes for both classical and jazz ...

The Watercooler: Things look bad on ‘Idol,’ but ... - Johnson City Press

I would suggest he study David Cook’s Season 7 trajectory to learn the right combination of swagger and humility. Casey James. Casey rocked the electric guitar on last night ... after a couple of bars, I realized my theory last week was right ...

Sexy secret seven - Mid Day.com

As pop star Loki Local, 26 year-old Herry had to learn to play the guitar for a month ... This may sound great in theory but can you ignore that the film screams sex? While most viewers may be game to ogle at the film in private, how comfortable will ...

Open Question: How hard will it be for a trombone player like me to learn other brass instruments?

I've been playing trombone for a few years (since 5th i'm in 9th now) and would like to play the tuba and trumpet as well. my friend plays tuba and at his house i tried it and it didn't seem to hard. i was able to play a B flat scale no problem and my articulations were pretty clean after a little while. i'm not looking to be a crazy player, i just want to get pretty good and be able to do jazz improvisations and stuff like that. another reason i want to play tuba is because my school band's tuba player is a senior and next year we will be tuba-less. how long to you think it will take me to get good at the tuba and trumpet? music theory and reading is not an issue for me since i play piano and guitar, and i'm pretty deep into jazz theory. i guess i want to get deeper into the trumpet than tuba, because in order to improvise on it i'll have to learn all sorts of different modes. i tend to pick things up quickly, and i can't image that buzzing into a trumpet and tuba mouthpiece can be that much different than a trombone mouthpiece. so how long do you think it will take me? more

Resolved Question: I've come up with the most romantic idea ever and with it I'll confess my feelings but does she feel the same?

Me and my gf have been dating for almost 7 months now. Everything is going great and she is definitely the most amazing girlfriend I've ever had hands down. I'd totally describe her but that won't exactly pinpoint how I feel about her. Before I questioned it but now I'm certain... I'm definitely falling in love with her and at this point I don't want to just randomly toss those words around. I'm afraid i'll end up ruining what we have. But i decided that life's too short and even if she doesn't love me back I'm going to tell her how I feel; what the hell might as well cause holding it in ain't easy. But the thing is I'm not just going to randomly tell her I decided I am going to do it the best way I can and make it special. SO I learned how to play 1234 by Plain White t's on my acoustic guitar and I sing and play for her on her birthday in May. I'm also gonna take her to a romantic place of course lol. I'm putting LOTS of time into learning this song for her and tell her I lvoe her through the song. Ready for the bad part? We've had this conversation about love before and well, frankly, let's just say it didn't go well. Well it did at the time because I didn't love her then and she clearly flat out told me she doesn't love me(we had this conversation around our 4th or 5th month). Now I'm in no rush like I said, I'm perfecting this song for her and everything. But now I'm confused.... What bugs me is she said that she doesn't feel that way about me but i'm honestly confused on whether or not she feels the same. I feel like she'll really appreciate the time I put into this song for her, but unfortunately I just don't know if she even feels the same. One day though i managed to spot the word "love" in her prettiest handwriting written on her inner thigh very lightly. I didn't say anything because well I thought I was just makin a big deal outta nothin. My theory is maybe she got bored and ddid it. But it was in her best handwriting that I've ever seen and... why would she take the time to randomly do that? I'm just going to tell her through the song like I said. I know she'll love it. But what scares me is the fact that she might not love me back and I'm afraid I'll lose her after I say it through the song. We will have been dating for almost 9 months when I finally do this. So yea. Do you guys think theres A possibility she loves me back? more

Open Question: Best way to learn piano without a teacher?

I am 14 and I really want to learn to play the piano, but I can't afford a teacher. I don't think it will matter though because I am grade 6 clarinet, grade 4 classical guitar and grade 5 theory. Could anyone recommend a book or something? A book would probably be the best for me as I don't get internet access in my own home. more

Open Question: What's a good music theory book/textbook I could buy?

I already know a lot of theory. I know about scales, modes, chord progressions, and more. so i'd like something more advanced. i play piano, trombone, and guitar. right now i have a jazz theory book, but i'd like something that covers more classical and other types of music. among other things, i'd like to learn more about chord resolution (besides that V to I is the strongest resolution) and chord leading and adding harmonies to melody lines. basically, i'd like to have all the material at my hands to help me compose good, sophisticated songs. more

Resolved Question: I want to learn piano and guitar, is it better to take lessons for both at the same time or one at a time?

I want to learn piano and guitar, and eventually more instruments as well, but these are my two main interests and the ones I want to start with. I'm wondering if you think that it makes more sense to work with both at once, or start with just taking lessons for one for a while and then later incorporating the other one. I do have some background with the piano, I took several years of lessons years ago as a kid, but I am quite rusty. I have never taken guitar lessons, and know little beyond basic theory and a handful of chords. more

Voting Question: Is a good idea to learn how to read music sheet if I have the possibility?

Look, I am 16 years old, a guitarist and I play for like a year (I really started seriously for a few months). I have a live guitar teacher. I study with him for like 2 months, this month is the 3rd. I asked him about music sheet, what is it, because I saw a portative in Guitar Pro program, and then he said "OK, I'll teach you how to read it if you want". He said many students he had were running away in fear when they heard about reading music and theory stuff. Do you think is a good idea to learn how to read it? It will help me a lot in the future? What if I decide to go to a music school? more

Voting Question: What is the best way to learn guitar scales?

I learned the E pentatonic minor scale, but I have trouble soloing in other keys and moving the pattern up and down the fretboard. Is it worth learning the major scale and how to form scales with music theory? Do you guitar players learn scales based on notes or patterns? And does anyone have any advice on how I can better teach myself to solo in different keys? (It's kind of lame to keep asking people to play rhythm parts in E all the time) more

Voting Question: Can Someone Help Me With Writing Songs?

Hi I'm 17 and I have a sweet new telecaster and a pretty good band with my friends. I like rock, pop, punk rock, alternative, metal, hip hop, and indie among others so I like alot. I really wanna get creative and write like my favorite bands BUT: I've had some years of inconsistent lessons and I've tried singing for a previous band for a couple shows (not very well or confident). I can't sing well so I haven't got the strength or confidence to do it again...and I dunno where to begin writing a song... I have emotions but puting em on paper AND coming up with some chords and arrangments just kills me... I know I'm not a singer but is it possible to write some lyrics and melodies and maybe get a band where someone else can sing em eventually...? I always copy other bands and learn my favorite songs... I know a ton. I just wanna put all these influences to good use ya know? :P I just wanna know how I can get started without needing to have a big background on music theory or a perfect singing voice... I want someone to explain to me how to begin writing a song (with lyrics) from the level of an average rock guitar player with knowledge of some chords and some serious passion! What can I do?? Help and encouragement will be greatly appreciated. =] more

Voting Question: should i give up learning the electric guitar ?

i picked up a electric guitar. I learned how to get the metal sound with a distortion pedal. I learned how to tune the guitar in normal position "D" and down tuned "C". I am learning a lot of chords by heart the usual open chords and also all those power chords that are so often used in metal such as D5,B5 ect.. Yet i can't play guitar. My hand is not strong enough and i don't know how to make my left hand work correctly i mute strings that should not be mutted. It's frustrating. Lots of theory and little to no play at all. I know how to read music tabs too. I know there is a device available at music store especially to build strengh in the fingers I am inversting lots of money to do tuning on my guitar new bridge,new pots ect.. I would hate not actually learning the guitar. more

Resolved Question: Just me i guess..sorry im just bored im not really asking a question.?

ok. hi. My name is......well...lets just call me Doodle. That's what my friends call me. I am 16 years old. My birthday is Oct. 11 1993. I guess you could say im your average teenage girl in high school..well...with your average teenage girl in high school problems. Grades, Boyfriends, Friends, classes, just drama and trying to please my mama when i get home. Now i know you didn't open this question just to read my boring sob story. So if your bored already just turn around and go back and go answer someones Else question. seeing as im not asking a question. Still here? well ok ill continue. Now where was i? oh yeah...well my high school is like every ones Else's. You got your jocks, cheerleader (all look the same btw. blonds and brunets and stick thin with big boobs and butts) yes i i have issues with myself and how i look so i talk about pretty girls. get over it. Now where was i again? oh yes and you have your all A's students that are like a walking computer. you got your stoners and drunks, your musicians who either really suck or are actually unbelievably good. you got your anime freaks, your twilight fans, your skater and scene kids. we don't have goth or emo anymore. they just kind of jumped together, you also got your tech freaks (those guys/girls that have the best cell phones and music players around), your best dressed, class clowns, bad asses, and weirdos. Now where i fit in all this..i have no clue. i kinda float among them all. i love music and i live in a music family but im too lazy to learn an instrument. Im not the worst stoner but i will smoke if i want it. I read the twilight books but didn't see the movies...book was pretty good but it killed the name of vampires everywhere. Im kind of weird cause i like scary movies and i think jason vorhees is the best thing since french toast. im a horror movie bad guy freak. love'em. and i liked anime as a kid and i learned how to draw that stuff in middle school so i sometimes draw it now. Im random and dress weird all the time. Im just kinda stuck with this high school hell. everyday is drama. everyday my friend either get in a fight, get broken hearted, get thrown in jail, or worse. it never ends. I just recently got a boyfriend. His name is...well i call him Bunny. long story just a big joke really. Well me and Bunny have been dating for going on 10 months this 18th. yay us! well Bunny is a blend of a stoner guitar guy. He is very sweet in his own way. No hes not one of those guys that shows his love in an obvious way. He has his own weird way of showing it...like when im with his guy friends he had to put his arms around me. when im sad he likes to act like he is sucking my brains out through my ear. he makes me laugh and i cant help but smile when he is around. I cant say that we will last forever and i wont. But im happy where i am and i wont worry bout the future yet. My boyfriend may be sweet but he can be a jerk sometimes and trust me im no angel either when we both get mad. I hate when we fight cause usually its my fault cause i over react and always jump to conclusions. i cant tell u how many times i jumped on Bunny cause i accused him of cheating or lying or wanting to leave me. But its just me being paranoid. You see my mother has been through many a relationship and sometimes i make her same mistakes. So i try to think things through and not just resort to the..all guys are cheating lying pigs theory. There are some good ones out there. I really don't know why im writing this. Im just alone at home with nothing to do. I miss Bunny and i wish there was something better to eat that instant Ramen. but hey, beggars cant be choosers. If you have managed to stick around this long for this boring story with no pint or question i want to thank you. You truly are as bored as i am. Well im going to end this because iv ran out of things to say and this has helped my loneliness. So thank you yahoo! and thank you readers if you truly have stayed with me this long. if not...well thanks for trying. Gtg. muah. good night dear internet browsers! more

Resolved Question: Best way to learn piano?

I've been playing guitar for several years, however I'd like to learn piano along with a bit of music theory (mainly for reading sheet music). How should I go about starting? Not looking to take lessons either. I don't know enough about reading sheet music or the piano to be able to learn more complicated songs on my own (some modern stuff, but Chopin, Rachmaninoff, and other greats), so I guess I'm looking more for exercises and websites to learn from. Any ideas? more

Voting Question: I've been playing guitar for 8 months... motivation?

Im still feeling discouraged. i obviously dont suck, i wouldnt say im amazing, and i can definitely see that ive progressed ALOT, but half the time i pick up my guitar im just pretty much soloing to no beat or playin lil parts of songs. Well ontop of so far not impressing anyone (i mean close ppl too, my friends are rap ppl so not into guitar, my sister hates completely and thinks guitar is all i do and that i still suck, and my parents are just sick of the noise and they also think im not really learning anthin) i kinda also dont feel like im impressing myself... I can play some songs but only ones i completely learn how to play are the ones with repeating progressions or riffs... every once in a while i check out some theory lessons or some vid on youtube but honestly i feel like i suck and i just pick it up and play random stuff to keep my hands occupied... more

Resolved Question: How to go about learning guitar......?

Ive been playing guitar for a year and a half, I know intermediate songs (closer to the heart, la villa strangiato etc.) and i never learned any music theory. I can play pretty much anything if in tab form. I barely know the notes on the fretboard and pretty much no chords. Ive tried learning music theory through online lessons but it didnt help. I just dont know where to start. Should i buy books (which is what i prefer)? I just cant figure out music theory because theres is not literal starting point. I want some form of teaching that has step by step learning. What should I do? more

Resolved Question: where to start with music theory?

So, i play guitar, and am at the point where i need to know music theory. Where is the best place to start? learn the modes, major scales, box patterns?? the internet and books will be my teachers, so, what do you suggest i start with? i've been playing for like 8 years, and have developed high manual dexterity in my fingers, i am fluent in playing all chords, open or barred, and changing between them. I can figure a lot of stuff out by ear and can learn songs from watching people play them on youtube pretty easily. but i just want to be a better guitar player, and theory is my answer. I know the pentatonic minor scales for some of the keys, and i know the names/location of the notes on the fret board. so i not a total newbie to theory, but I've always jsut kinda jumped around. where should i start? more

Resolved Question: can i still learn how to play the piano?

hey, ive really been interested in learning piano, jazz piano! im pretty good at music, theory wise, play the guitar and trombone, but im not sure if i could do piano, because if its anything like singing/talking while playing the guitar :\ more

Resolved Question: is learning how to read guitar tabulature good for complete guitar newbs?

i'm looking to learn how to play the guitar. i am completely new to the instrument, but i do know how to play the piano, so i have basic knowledge of chords. i'm asking this question because i have a worry that, if i start off reading individual notes from guitar tabs, will my learning capacity be capped at just that? or should i dive straight into playing full chords (with the guidance of more experienced guitarist friends of course) to get a less theory-concentric experience in learning the instrument. btw, this is my time using yahoo answers! so hello community! :D more

Resolved Question: Guitar theory/improvising/chords help?

I don't understand how knowing theory can help give you a path that "works". it doesnt make sense, or maybe its just that i dont know how to learn, how to know what "to do next". Anyways... what would i need to know in order to improvise alot better (guitar solos.. anything)? i wish i knew how to create a better path but i just dont know how (chords/notes). I need a good website/explaination that can tell me how to create/structure a solo, and what in theory to learn that will help me improvise/create/structure/etc etc etc. thanks more

Voting Question: How to progress further on guitar creatively?

Ive been playing for a while now, and I believe I've built up enough technicality to play guitar, I know some basic theory, scales, etc, I have the finger strength/speed, etc etc, but what im aiming for as a guitar player is to be more emotional than that, I want it to be about expression. Unfortunately what happens when I reach for my guitar is I feel as though im stuck in a box where I'm just using the same bar chords again and again, using the same patterns, for example usually the first thing I'll try and do is arpeggiate up and down a minor chord, change it to a c shape with my pinky then move to the major above it and just end up repeating it, that's just an example of something i'll resort to doing when I feel as though im not creative enough, like Im losing all of my innovativeness :( ? The thing is I've noticed that every now and then ill realise something sounds good, e.g. a certain chord pattern or a way of bending a string, or just a way of linking chords together, anything really, and ill then start to use that in my playing, but it just feels as though I'm realising these techniques really slowly, I want to speed it up? this is basically what im asking? do I need to learn more songs to find these techniques, or do I need to build up my own style? or maybe I'm just losing my creativity? I hope im making sense here. Sorry for making this so long lol Thanks more

Resolved Question: Is composing music only a natural talent? Can it be learned?

I have always wanted to!!!!!! I play piano and guitar and I take voice lessons and am in Chamber Choir!!!!! I also take music theory lessons! I want to write my own music! (Classical, without lyrics!) more

Resolved Question: What scale do I use to solo in E?

I am finally learning theory after a number of years of playing guitar. I have learned a twelve bar 1-4-5 blues progresssion that is E-A-B and back to E, etc. I am confused about what pentatonic scale to use. Can I use a pentatonic scale that starts on fret 12? If so is it 1,4 1,3 1,3 1,3 1,4 1,4? If not, which scale do I use? Is there a mode and if so where should it start? Ive been told pentatonics are best for blues. Thats what Im trying to learn how to play. Also, what ey is that progression I am playing? Is it E or E minor? I am also confised about that... If rythym is playing 145 in E major, Do I use a Major or minor pent scale? Sorry about the confusion, I am lost. more

Resolved Question: What's a good way to casually learn to play the guitar?

I took guitar lessons years ago, but back then I was more interested in learning individual songs than actual theory, which I now regret. I have a little (not much, but a little) free time on my hands now, and I can find tabs on the internet and memorize them, but I'd like to go beyond that and maybe pick up a little music theory so I can understand what I'm playing and maybe play some things that haven't been written out note for note. I don't have the money or time for lessons, but I have the internet and a decent acoustic guitar, and I can probably stand to buy a music book or two if anyone has any good ones to recommend. So, any suggestions on where to start? more

Resolved Question: How should a guitarist of 3 years go about learning some music theory for the first time?

I've been playing guitar for about 3 years and i recently decided i want to start learning music theory to get a lot better. Ive been entirely self taught these past couple years and have really never done anything with theory. I want to know where i should start. What should i do, how should i go about learning theory. I consider myself a pretty decent player, i just think i need to know some applications/scales/etc more

Voting Question: How is the music theory same as playing guitar and the piano?

I am trying to learn to play the guitar and I don't where to start. My friend told me it is like playing the piano, but I never played the piano before... HELPPPPP more

Resolved Question: is it hard to play alto sax?

i make music, but mainly i just record people and make master cd's. throughout the years i have bought a nice keyboard, some different guitars, and a drum set. but my main passion is capturing good recordings of people. I only play these instrements on an as needed basis. although i've gotten pretty good at all three instrements, for some reason i feel these instrements are easy and that when i buy this saxophone tonight, i might be in for quite a surprise. what do you think, is sax hard to learn. I have a pretty thorough knowledge of music theory but thats from studying, not playing intrements. do you play sax? is it harder than the intrements i mentioned? more

Resolved Question: Do you have to already know how to play the piano to take ap music theory?

I played the viola and violin in middle school in 6-8th grades, i was 1st chair in the viola section, but the violin was just private lessons at home, i also took private lessons for the guitar for 2 years(6th-7th). I am in 9th grade now and planning to take ap music theory in 12th, but do i need to learn the piano, or can i just advance in the viola, violin and guitar so by 12th grade i would have 7 years of experience in all 3 instruments. I got accepted in one of the cal state northridge university orchestras for the viola. more

Resolved Question: What is a good book that I can use to learn guitar?

I have been trying to learn guitar for a very long time. I'm decent at chords and have trouble with tabs and theory. I would LOVE to take lessons, but being a full time student plus work plus the price of lessons does not let me take formal lessons. Does anyone know a great self-teaching guitar book? Something that is user friendly and can really help me progress in guitar. I want it to teach me not just how to play a specific song, but the theory behind the guitar. If there is a website that does a better job (with a low membership price) let me know about that also! more

Voting Question: How to collaborate voice and guitar?

Iam a guitarist whos just starting to sing and ill have lyrics and everything but I always end up singing the same chord iam playing on guitar. Is there theory I could learn for this I dont get what notes i should be singing. more

Resolved Question: What do I listen for in a song in order to learn about music theory?

I'm in an AP music theory class at my highschool. I used to play an instrument but now I just fool around on piano and guitar. There's so much music out there. What songs/composers do I listen to and what do I listen FOR in those songs? I just need a place to start. more

Resolved Question: Question about guitar Power Chords and finding what key they're in?

So, i've been playing guitar for awhile, but only recently have I thought about actually learning the whole "theory" behind what I'm playing (I know, it's long overdue). I have been reading about chords. I read that a chord is made up of three individual notes, that when played together, create a chord. So, are power chords to be considered chords? You're technically only using 2 notes, even if you use 3 string power chords, two of the notes are just an octave higher... so it's technically not a chord, right? Or at least in a traditional sense it's not. If you're playing in the key of C, and you have a 2-5-1 chord progression, the chords you use are Dminor, G and C.... right? My question is, if you're using only power chords, how do you make the d minor chord... or any minor chord for that matter? If you use a D power chord, is it still considered a Dminor power chord because you're writing the song in the key of C? Is there such thing as a minor power chord? If a band writes a song in A minor, yet, they only use power chords, is that song really in A minor? Or do we find the key by the melody or solo that they use later in the song? I'm confused... so if this sounds retarded, then just tell me I'm retarded and I'll buy some other guitar books.To an extent, they are used to mask poor playing, but there's a lot of bands that have great guitar players, but with distortion, it's hard to hear every note in a true chord, so power chords are used so everything isn't so muddy. It's just, every little kid hears that, picks up a guitar, plays those same power chords and considers themselves just as good as their idols, hence, the punk rock scene.... and myself is included after bands like Nirvana came around. I only recently decided that I want to learn how to take a rhythm I created, and know what scale and chords I'm using, to help develop the song quicker, by knowing what key I'm in, and what chords would be in that key, and what scales I could use for a melody or solo, instead of just blindly trying to figure out stuff by trial and error. Music theory is a lost art I think. I've played with several musicians, some good and some bad, but only a hand full understood music theory, although, that doesn't mean they were creative. more

Voting Question: What's one thing in music theory I should learn right now?

I've been playing guitar for a while and I'm at the point where I know all the notes on the guitar. Now what? (what theory should I learn)I can read sheet music more

Resolved Question: Learning guitar, please help?

So, Im going to start guitar, but I wont have any money for about 3 weeks [to buy a guitar and books and stuff] Im going to teach myself, and my friend plays guitar aswell, but she's okay not great atm. Is there anything I could do in the mean time? Online, like learning the theory first? Thanks in advance'x more

Resolved Question: Regarding learning styles (visual-spatial v. verbal-sequential)?

I realize that most, if not all people fall somewhere in the middle on the continuum, but do the 2 parts in each category necessarily always go together? I am what I would most appropriately call visual-verbal, and sorely deficient spatially and sequentially. Can this be? I understand it perfectly normal to be a bit of both (Visual-spatial AND verbal-sequential) but what of the disparity between each sub-category? Allow me to explain: -Can not perform simple arithmetic in my head. Jumble numbers, reverse signs, can never remember what to do with them... -FAILED Algebra I and Chemistry -ACED Geometry (it felt automatic) -LOVE Physics (self-taught due to the fact that my Algebra grades disallowed me to participate in Physics class in school. If my interest and level of understanding at present are any indication, I speculate I'd have done well in Physics class.) If I had my choice (regardless of prerequisite college algebra courses) I'd major in Physics, more specifically theoretical physics. -Never know what time it is. -Chronically disorganized/procrastinator -NEVER know which direction I'm going in; I'm easily lost -Love writing, reading, literature, and foreign languages (best subjects in school alongside Geometry.) -Good speller but only because I can picture the word in my head, and also the words above, below, or next to it on the paper I read it off of--not sequentially, as "normal" good-spellers usually do. -Love music -Self-taught piano, guitar, ukulele, banjo, and cello (can't read music, but can learn songs relatively quickly by ear) -I sing. - Love any sort of theory or concept, have trouble with detail (thereby learning things "backwards"--needing the whole concept in all its complexity laid in front of me first, then work down to minute details) -Can think in words and pictures. But I don't necessarily know the difference between thinking in word vs. a picture of a word. -But every memory I have is stored as a very descriptive picture. -I can memorize easily because I "see" the sentences the information came from in the textbook including where each sentence was on the page, the font, and the color, as well as any diagrams--but QUICKLY forget it after a test. I hate routine and rote-memorization, but I can do it. (the former is accepted much more reluctantly, however, if not rejected entirely...) Verbal-Visual, no? I can't help but think there is something wrong with me. Though, only because it'd be easier to swallow than to have to admit to myself that I'm actually just dumb. For the sake of my ego, I'm more comfortable with the former but have also resigned to averageness as the most befitting description of my intelligence level. However much I disdain mediocrity (more fear it, actually) I AM able to admit that I'm average-- I just hate it, and hate the fact that I hate it as well, as if it were something "bad" (which I know it is not...) Thoughts? Insight? No? Yes? Am I being melodramatic? Is this normal? Should I shut up now? ;) more

Resolved Question: Do lot of people learn guitar by themselves without anyone's help?

are there more people who take guitar lessons or those who just learn it themselves??? over a year ago i begun learning it by myself since i didn't and still don't have money to pay for lessons... even though i don't know much of the theories, i can say that i can play guitar pretty well by now.. lately i am more interested in acquiring the theoretical knowledge about the instrument though.. so basically the reason im asking is that if i play in public, and mention this fact about me, will i be allowed to make mistakes? i want to use it as an excuse in case i do, for example in strumming... but then will it look like im showing off or smthn? more

Voting Question: do lot of people learn guitar by themselves without anyone's help?

are there more people who take guitar lessons or those who just learn it themselves??? over a year ago i begun learning it by myself since i didn't and still don't have money to pay for lessons... even though i don't know much of the guitar theories, i can say that i can play pretty well by now.. lately i am more interested in acquiring the theoretical knowledge about the instrument though.. so basically the reason im asking is that if i play in public, and mention this fact about me, will i be allowed to make mistakes? i want to use it as an excuse in case i do, for example in strumming... but then will it look like im showing off or smthn? more

Voting Question: how do I start a career in the music industry?

hey the last few years I've really been getting into music and I see music as a way to go in life. I'm just wondering if there's anyone out there that can help me out. I've been playing drums for about 2 years only played with people about twice. I'm learning guitar and bass( self teaching) and in September I started to learn piano and now I'm going to start leaning theory. I'd like to write or preform but the odds of making it big are slim. I'd just like to ask for some help or guidance. Ken C I'm looking at you heh btw if it makes a difference I'm 16 my email is elephant45@hotmail.com, any help or advice would be helpfulby the way I'm not so great at singing I can memorize lyrics easy but my voice isn't that great or trained. But I've got a good ear for good music. more

Resolved Question: Guitar music theory.. help!!?

ok.. so I'm learning the song time of your life a modified version, which has a sharp(#) sign next to the treble clef. Now, I'm baffled between these two options: 1. whether or not do the notes placed on the staff is the way I should play the song. 2. or do I change the notes to make the sharp(#) I'd really appreciate the help:) more

Resolved Question: I'm 17 and want to learn how to play piano. How long will it take?

I'm already exceptional at guitar and have a very good comprehension of music theory. more

Resolved Question: How long would i serve in the air force with musician as my job?

I think learning how to fly would be pretty sick, and when i come back home, maybe i could start my own private flying transportation company or even just get a job as a pilot would be cool. I'll be doing music cause i just love it and have it as a 2nd job at home as well. I have 7 years of guitar on me, i can read/ear music tab/notes, and i have already had a class in music theory. So I was just curious how long do i have to serve the airforce? and what are the types of duties like? more

Resolved Question: Guitar Theory : Can someone explain 5ths and 9ths to me?

I'm just starting to learn guitar theory so can you just give me the basics of the 5th thing... I mean i have no clue of what they mean and if it helps i know my minor pentatonic, blue, and Dorian mode scales.... more

Resolved Question: I absolutely love music so much and I would like to go to performing arts school?

I adore it, I've always had the a lot of natural talent for music. (if i do say so myself) im on grade 6 piano (teacher says i have astounding reading skills in anyone hes taught for all his 20 years of teaching) , i have a very strong, unique voice (people say its pretty sounding and distinct) and I'm learning the guitar (started over the summer.) I may not be the best at the actual theory of music but gosh i love actually performing! im thinking of starting acting too. how should i go about this? how do you get in, do you have to like audition? im only 15 right now, how can i prepare? i want nothing for my career but performing music! more

Voting Question: Do I need a music degree to be a performer?

I am 25 and after years of working unsatisfying customer service jobs I've decided to go back to college. I love music and singing and want to learn guitar but I don't know the fundamentals such as music theory. I also love design such as jewelry and accessories, but I'm not sure which one to go to school for. I've gone to a community college for a couple of years so I have a lot of gen ed courses under my belt. However, music is my first love but I'm afraid with my lack of experience I will basically have to start over and go to school for 4 more years. So should I major in design, and minor in music? I don't really want to teach so is singing/guitar lessons enough? more

Voting Question: Guitar soloing and Improvising?

Hello my name is Ryan huebner I am an aspiring guitarist. I am very influenced by bands like nirvana, led Zeppelin, pearl jam, foo fighters, the who and more. Kurt cobain is my favorite singer songwriter and guitarist. One day I want to be like him along with others like him. So I have two questions. My first question is where the he'll do I start? I know a full pentatonic scale but how do I use it? how do I transpose keys? How do I break out of 1 box position how can I train my ears to know wat notes i should play? What music theory should I learn to know what power chords sound good together? And what scale to use to solo over that?........and lastly. What separates guitarists like Jimmy page and Clapton and Hendrix from everybody else? more

Resolved Question: Bass Guitar for a beginner...?

Can anyone recommend a good bass guitar for a beginner? I have never played bass in my life but I idolize Flea and have recently developed a little knowledge of bass theory (ie, techniques, anatomy of a bass etc.). At the moment I am thinking of getting a Fender Squire Affinity P-bass with a Fender Rumble 15. I am not looking to spend any more than £250-£300 and would like some opinions on what equipment and models of bass and accessories would be good for a beginner. If the style of music I desire to play has any bearing on what equipment I should get, I am going to play fingerstyle and learn to 'slap' as well as playing rock style bass. Everything from '7 nation army' and 'jenny was a friend of mine' to 'higher ground' and some older chilis stuff. Thanks in advance guys and gals. :) more

Resolved Question: What instrument should I learn?

I want to learn a new instrument, but I don't know what to choose. I can play guitar, but the only other instrument I've played is the saxophone and I haven't touched that in a while. Anyways, the reason I'm asking here is because I want to play an instrument that will help me learn music theory quite well. Since anybody can learn guitar even is they know nothing about music theory. I'm talking a music class next school semester, but it's only the beginner class since it's the only one I can fit in my schedule. I have many science classes and I have one class in uni, but that's not really interesting. I'm saying it, though because I want to have a class that can give me a break and at the same time I want to learn an instrument. If I really don't have a choice, I might take sax since I already know how to play a little even if I'm very rusty. But anyways, some instruments I don't want are drums, clarinet and flute. Trumpet seems like a good choice, however, since our teacher is an amazing trumpet player. Anyways, yeah, what instrument should I choose?To be honest, I've always wanted to play piano. Even before I started playing guitar. I just never took the opportunity. However, thinking about it now, I think I may just buy one for myself and just play it at home. I have a feeling I'd just rather play something different if I were in a music class. But if I ever get really good from practicing piano, I might ask my teacher to play piano, too. He'll probably let me do what I want. I know how he's like. :P more

Resolved Question: How do all these blind musicians learn to play?

Hey guys, there are so many blind musicians that play the blues and other styles its amazing!! I can't believe they can play like this? How do they do it? How do they learn when they can't see? I'm pretty good at guitar and music theory and I can play songs with my eyes closed but after I learn them while looking, I can't imagine learning without seeing?? more

Resolved Question: I need a good website where I can learn guitar easily since im still a beginner...?

I play piano so notes and theory are easy for me but I need a good website that will teach me chords. I've tried a few but some get me really confused... Thanks (: more

Voting Question: Tips for getting better at guitar(self teaching)?

OK, here's the story: I started playing guitar about 8 months ago, and I'm completely self-taught. I can't take lessons because I live in a small town and nobody teaches around here. My dad told me a few days ago that if I get really good at guitar, he'd think about buying me a $200 effects pedal. As of right now, I can play about 10-20 chords, power chords, and barre chords. I also know a lot of music theory because I'm in my middle school band. I know how to play major pentatonic scales. That's about it. The only song I can play, though, is That's What You Get by Paramore. I'm wanting to learn how to do these things: play more chords learn by ear write better riffs/chord progressions learn more scales build up hand speed learn and write songs better/faster arpeggios alternate tunings how to play in different styles If you have any websites/books/dvds/tips for me, please tell me more

Resolved Question: Can I learn to play rock with a classical guitar?

I know this question is very long, but I need some advice. My sister gave me an old classical guitar last month, and it's my first ever guitar. I was playing with my grandpa's Stratocaster, and I realized that the strings were a lot closer together than on my guitar. Is this good or bad? It felt really awkward transitioning to the Stratocaster and then switching back to my classical guitar. Really, I just want to learn to play because I know that in order to play any genre involving the guitar, you obviously have to know how play the instrument. But the genre I want to play isn't played with a classical guitar. My three favorite bands in order are Nirvana, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and The Velvet Underground. I learned to play the intro of Under the Bridge, and I can almost play the whole thing without making any errors. I tried to learn the chorus of the song, and I can play it correctly, but the nylon strings don't manage to bring out the high pitch of the 12th, 13th, and 14th fret required to play the chorus of the song. Everlong and My Hero sound great on my guitar, while Smells Like Teen Spirit, Drain You, and School were just ok. But that may be because I'm not yet comfortable strumming power chords with a fast tempo. For School though, distortion is essential, so I'm not surprised by the awful sound. I try to go for the easier songs since I just started playing and I'm actually not that bad, but my guitar sometimes just doesn't sound that great with the songs I try to play. Go With the Flow sounds absolutely horrible (not the main riff but those really high notes) on my guitar. My mom might get me my beloved Fender 65 Mustang in about a year, but she wants me to have at least the basics mastered. So what do you think? When I get my electric guitar will it be easy transitioning to closer strings, or will it be nearly impossible? I find strumming power chords quite difficult, and I'm pretty sure it's just my lack of skills, but it could be because of the more separated strings on my guitar. If you know anything about this, please include it in the answer as well. I'm 16, so by myth I should be able to learn faster than an adult. I heard that classical guitars are more difficult to play, so will that make an electric guitar easier to play once I get one? I used to play basketball, and my coach used to have us pass medicine balls to each other to make passing a regular ball easier. Does the same theory apply to guitars? Thanks for reading this insanely long question (if you did). more

Resolved Question: Can I learn to play rock on a classical guitar?

Resolved Question: Need help with some stuff to practice for bass guitar.?

Hi, I've been playing bass now for about a year and a half, and after just learning mostly songs over this time, I've realized what kinds of bass player i would like to be, I have never taken any lessons and all my music teachers i've asked have told me i could learn it all on my own, so i've taken it into consideration and i would like some things that could start me off such as bass scales and all that, i don't care to much for theory, so please if you could refrain from suggesting it. In the future i would like to be able to bass slap and do a proper loose jam, so if someone could suggest things to learn that would help me build up to that feat, it would be a great help. Please and thank you, and sorry for all the text. more