Guitar Lesson: Play Country Licks In D - By Peter Edvinsson

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By Peter Edvinsson

Have you ever wondered about how to get that ringing country sound from your guitar. In this guitar lesson you will learn some country licks based on a combination of fretted notes and open strings.

We will first take a look at a D-major scale in one octave:

0/4 2/4 4/4 0/3 2/3 0/2 3/2

How do you read this guitar tablature?

The first digit indicates which fret to play. The digit after the slash gives you the string to play.

2/3 means that you are to play the second fret on the third string.

We will now try to figure out a way to play the previous scale with some ringing open strings. Let’s try this one:

0/4 7/5 4/4 0/3 7/4 0/2 6/3 3/2

A little bit confusing at first of course. If you are used to the ordinary way of playing scales you have get used to finding higher notes on lower strings.

I suggest that you learn the scales and licks by heart by learning just a few notes at a time until you get a little bit more used to this new way of finding notes.

You can probably figure out a left hand fingering that works for you. The principle is to hold the notes as long as possible to let them blend together.

But, what about the right hand?

You can pick the notes with a pick of course. It’s a little bit awkward, though trying to play notes on different strings in succession. Many country pickers use one of the following approaches:

1. Hybrid picking. This means that you hold the pick as usual but also use the middle finger and ring finger along with the pick. This opens for an easier way to play notes in rapid succession even if the are on different strings.

2. Finger picking. You can play the notes with your bare fingers using your thumb, index, middle finger and ring finger. You will miss the crisp sound from the pick but can compensate this with the freedom of having four finger to use and growing calluses on your finger tips!

3. Using a thumb pick. A little bit like hybrid picking but with the advantage of having four fingers at your disposal and a crisp sound from the thumb. Not bad! Not all guitarist like this approach though. But it has to be tested! I have bought a couple of these thumb picks but they have a tendency to dissappear! I guess it’s because I can’t keep them in my hip pocket because of the pain sitting down!

Let’s test a few country guitar licks in the key of D:

I will put the suggested chord in front of the lick:

(A7) 9/6 0/4 7/4 0/3 7/4 0/2 7/3 0/1 6/3 0/2 7/4 0/3 (D) 4/4

Yes, you have to learn it by heart, a couple of notes at a time!

The last lick will use both hammer-ons and pull-offs.

I will put h and p between the actual notes.

(A7) 3/5 h 4/5 0/4 0/3 2/3 p 0/3 4/4 0/3 2/4 p 0/4 3/5 h 4/5 4/0

Don’t play faster than your present technical skills allow you to but of course you have already figured out that the last lick is supposed to be played fast, maybe lightning fast!

Peter Edvinsson invites you to download your free sheet music, guitar tabs, ebooks, guitar lessons and read his music blog at http://www.capotastomusic.com

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Guitar lesson: Do You Have To Set Goals?

By Peter Edvinsson

Do you have to take the right train to have success? It depends on what you want to accomplish. The same with your guitar playing. Let’s see if you can play guitar without goals!

I would like to share some memories with you…

Way back in the late 80’s I started to become very interested in computers. Well, not really in the computers but in the things I believed a computer could help me with.

I compose a lot of music and had used ink and paper so far. Mozart used this equipment so it surely is effective in the hands of the right person.

I used my pens and wrote my music sheets with concentrated efforts trying not to make mistakes. The problem was that it was difficult to change things in my compositions. I often changed things then and still do today.

It was quite difficult to use the notation programs back then. I used DOS on my computers and had to peruse the notation program manuals.

However, I had a goal in the back of my head.

To tame the computer to help me in my endeavors to create sheet music!

Let’s stop for a second and go to your guitar playing. What about your goals? Do you have any? In many guitar articles you can read about the importance of setting goals as you try to progress as a guitar player.

Well, there are many advantages with setting goals. Let’s take a look at some of them:

1. As you write down a long term goal you give yourself a chance to meditate upon why you are playing guitar. Is it to impress your friends? Is it because you like to play? Is it because you want to find a profession as a guitar player? Is your desire to play guitar so strong that you think it is worth to take the time and effort required?

In the goal setting process you will have time to think the whole thing over and maybe turn the whole thing off!

2. Writing down a long term goal and splitting it up in smaller manageable chunks is a good way to use your free agency instead of letting circumstances dictate what will happen with your guitar playing.

3. When you have clear goals and also smaller intermediate goals it is easier to measure your progress and feel the satisfaction that you are on your way and to the right place.

But what if you don’t want to have goals? You just want to play!

Let’s go back to the previous story..

Somehow things have turned out quite nice as far as my more or less subconscious goal is concerned. I do write my music with the help of computers nowadays and can change my music as much as I want. I can change keys, melodies, lyrics and feel good about it. I am where I wanted to be back in the 80’s.

Was this a goal of mine?

Some people define goals as something you have written down on paper with clear deadlines and clearly defined and measureable intermediate goals along the way.

Before we discuss if we need goals or not we have to define what we mean. Is a wish a goal? Is a strong desire a goal?

Let’s continue with the story..

There are people using computers the opposite way from what I do. I have friends who have been deeply interested in working with computers and have seemingly aimlessly installed computer programs, messed around with the Windows directory, changed OS, changed hardware, run into trouble, trying to solve the problems and so on.

My friends have sometimes been of great help when I myself have run into trouble with my computers because they have learned a lot about computers by the previosly mentioned activities and accompanying mistakes.

Did the have goals?

In a broad sense we could say that their goals were to have fun with computers. I guess they haven’t expressed it that way but we could say that they reached their goal.

Let us take a look at you!

If you don’t wish to have written down goals is of course completely up to you. You can have fun just sitting down strumming some chords on your guitar sometimes.

The important thing to think about is this:

Whatever you do with your guitar will lead you somewhere sooner or later. Whatever road you take will take you to a place if you don’t change direction. Do you want to come to this place or not? If not, let me suggest that you change road!

Thirty years from now do you want to be a guitar player that is only able to play a few chords and that is not able to play a song on your guitar? We can say that this is the goal you will reach if you are an “occasional strummer”.

If this is okay with you you can relax and continue playing this way. If you want to be another type of guitar player I guess you have to think about goal setting a little bit more consciously!

Peter Edvinsson invites you to download your free sheet music, guitar tabs, ebooks, music lessons and read his music blog at http://www.capotastomusic.com

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Getting The Most From Your Guitar Practice Sessions

Playing the guitar is probably one of the great hobbies anyone can have. There is something to be said about picking up the guitar and letting the music lead you. If you intend to make a career out of or grow as a guitarist, practice is essential. You have heard the saying practice makes perfect. Well, it applies in all areas of your life, even your hobbies.

Here we will show you just how beneficial guitar practice can be, just what you can hope to gain, and how you should organize your practice sessions in order to experience a successful practice session that will help you grow as a guitarist.

The Importance of Practice

Practice, in any area of your life, is extremely important. You cannot hope to grow, excel, or better yourself without routine practice. Practice can help you fine tune and advance in your areas of strength, as well as improve on your areas of weakness.

When you pick up the guitar and decide to start learning how to play you have goals. These goals could be anything from just learning to play because of your love of music, a hobby, or even something more advanced in life, such as one day become a member of a band, recording music, or writing music for others.

The only way to excel in your choice is to practice, practice, and practice some more. Even advanced guitar players need routine practice sessions. Just because they are at a higher level of experience, does not mean that they do not have to practice routinely and fine-tune their art of playing.

Approaching Practice with the Right Mindset

When it comes time to practice on your guitar, it is important to have the right mindset. Your mindset can either make or break your practice session.

First, remember why you are practicing. Remember your love of music and the enjoyment you get out of your guitar. If you look at your practice sessions as if they are a chore or a job, you definitely will not gain the most insight out of the session.

Secondly, remember that you are not perfect. You will make mistakes on your journey to perfecting your guitar sessions. Mistakes are what makes us human. Do not dwell on one mistake, simply work to correct it or move on and come back to it after a while. Do not beat yourself up over the mistake.

Try to clear your head of all the day’s worries. What happened at work or in class today should not be on your mind, preventing you from really making the best out of your practice sessions.

Understand your goals for this practice session. Before you start, realize your goals. What do you want to work on? What do you want improve? Is it a new song or an old song? These are all important. Achieving your goals first require understanding your goals.

How to structure your practice time

Scheduling your practice sessions should first be a priority. Even if you work or go to school on a full-time basis, your practice sessions should be scheduled around them, on a daily basis. It is far to easy to because too busy in life and lose track of time. Without scheduled practice sessions, it will be extremely hard to reach your full potential and advance in your skill level. Therefore, be sure that each and every day you set aside specific time to practice.

Make sure the time you schedule is not going to be interfered with visitors or phone calls, or rushed by appointments and commitments.

At the start of your practice session, make time for warm ups. Stretch your fingers and prepare yourself for the session. Warming up can help you work through muscle tensions, so either start up with a few warm up chords or a song you already know.

Then you should start working on your goals, both the long term and the short term. Practice sessions should always be beneficial. While working on things you already know is a great way to fine-tune your skills, you should also, at every practice session, attempt to learn something new. Push yourself to extend that song, learn a new chord, or try something a tad more difficult.

With each session, if you attempt something new, you will find yourself achieving your goals in no time, mastering the concept and moving on to bigger and better things.

In the End

Not everything about playing the guitar is easy. It is important you continue to practice, learn new things, practice some more, and increase your level of difficulty. Practice sessions will help you flourish as a guitarist and find some intense satisfaction as well.

Kevin Sinclair is the publisher and editor of MusicianHome.com, a site that provides information and articles for musicians at all stages of their development. http://www.musicianhome.com/

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What Waiting For A Bus Can Teach You About Guitar Playing

Is it possible to learn to play guitar as you wait for a bus? Well, sort of! Let’s see what you can learn about the art of guitar playing as you are standing there freezing!

Well, you are a guitarist and you are waiting for a bus. Good luck!

One thing we can agree upon anyway is that you are going somewhere. I guess that it is important for you to come to this place otherwise you wouldn’t be standing here freezing.

I mean, the main reason for you standing here is not because you like the bus stop so much. There must be much nicer places to stand freezing.

Let’s think a bit about your guitar playing. If you want to learn to play something on your guitar I guess you feel that it is worth working for. It’s like the trouble waiting for the bus. If you really want to go to a place you can take the work coming to this place.

This wish to go somewhere could be called your motivation. In both cases, guitar playing and traveling, it will determine how much energy you can put into the project and it will also determine what type of goals you can set.

At this point you know where you want to go and why. The same with traveling and guitar playing.

Now you can go to a suitable bus stop as you are prepared to choose the bus that will take you to your destination. In guitar playing this means that you now are prepared to choose the exercises that will lead you to your playing goal.

This step is important because a clear picture of what you want to be able to play on your guitar will help you a lot to be sufficiently motivated and also to take the right roads to your goal.

Well, we are back at the bus stop! There is one more thing. There are many buses going to this destination. Every day, every week, month, year. Yes, you guessed it! You have to decide when you want to arrive at your destination.

To set a date when you will have accomplished your guitar playing goal will motivate you a lot and help you to divide your goal into smaller chunks that will lead to your destination at the right time.

To sum up what we have discussed about guitar playing so far we can say that when you know what you want to accomplish and when it will be accomplished it is much easier to select a proper method to use to reach your goals.

What about buying tickets? In guitar playing goals this is when you make a commitment to accomplish your goal. Either you do this commitment to yourself or even better also to other people. Through a commitment you gain momentum to accomplish the guitar playing goal.

This is why a good guitar teacher is an effective means to become a better player.

With a good guitar teacher, it is two of you knowing what you will accomplish as your homework and also two of you will be present when you report, that is play, your homework.

You will get the proper amount of homework and at the right level and maybe even more important, you will also report at a date you have mutually agreed upon. Having a good guitar teacher is this bus story in a nutshell.

After having bought your bus ticket and entered the bus you can find a seat and then relax and maybe enjoy the trip. You put this into practice in your guitar playing goals by feeling a confidence as you have decided what to do, when and how. You can relax with the confidence that you are on a road leading to a goal that you want to reach.

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Comparing 6 String And 12 String Guitars

Comparing 6 String And 12 String Guitars by Gray Rollins -

6-string or 12-string Acoustic guitar, which should you get? Both have pros and cons, and both are excellent instruments, depending on what you’re looking to accomplish on guitar and how much you are willing to spend. In this article, we’ll go over both guitars, which will hopefully help you make an educated decision on which to purchase.

The Main Difference Between Both Guitars:

The major difference, of course, is the number of strings. On a 6-string Acoustic guitar in standard tuning, there is one low e, one a, one d, one g, one b and one high e string, in that order. A 12-string acoustic has two low e, two a, two d, two g, two b, and two high e strings, all in that order. 12-string guitars have the ability to be tuned in two different tunings, while 6-string guitars don’t. On the other hand, 12-string guitars also have a lot more tension on their necks, and as a result, their necks tend to warp after only a few years of playing.

Which should I pick?

That’s a good question, and it depends on a few different things, all of which are discussed here:

The Advantages of a 6-String

To start with, 6-string guitars are much easier to learn than 12-strings are. This is because of the number of strings and how close together they are on the 12-string. It is nearly impossible to perform certain guitar techniques (like bends) on the 12-string guitar, and significantly harder to tune the guitar and change strings. Also, string picking is complicated by the number of strings. Thus, 6-string guitars are really ideal for those looking to play lead Acoustic guitar, that is, those who want to play a lot of individual notes (not just chords) and use guitar techniques like bends/slides/hammer-ons/pull-offs etc. Beginners will also have an easier time learning to play guitar on a 6-string than on a 12-string, for the reasons mentioned above.

The Advantages of a 12-string

Despite what was said in the last paragraph, there are quite a few advantages to 12-string guitars. 12-string guitars produce a very rich, bright sound. This is because they have twice the number of strings as a 6-string does. Chords strummed on a 12-string guitar will sound a lot richer (better) than those strummed on a 12-string. Additionally, the 12-string guitar gives you the option of using two different tunings. You can’t do that on the 6-string. Beginners can learn to play 12-string guitars, but it will take a bit more practice to master than the 6-string. However, if you can master a 12-string, a 6-string guitar will be very easy to play.

What to keep in mind

Most musicians who use 12-string guitars use the 6-string guitar as their primary instrument. They usually pull out the 12-string when a song calls for a big, bright rhythm sound. So, if the songs you want to play feature mainly chords (and the songs call for a very rich sound) then a 12-string would be a good purchase, even if you are a beginner. The learning curve on a 12-string would obviously be steeper, but it would still be doable and worth it. If, however, you are looking to play songs with chords and individual notes, or simply want an instrument that isn’t as complex and difficult to learn, a 6-string guitar is your best bet. You might also want to consider cost. Good 12-string guitars are usually $100-$200 more than good 6-string guitars. If you’re on a budget, you’ll probably want to pick the 6-string guitar.

Gray Rollins is a featured writer for GuitarsLand.com. To learn more about 6 string and 12 string guitars and to learn how to buy an acoustic guitar, visit us.

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A Closer Look At The Acoustic Guitar

A Closer Look At The Acoustic Guitar by Gray Rollins -

The Acoustic Guitar

As was mentioned in our article on “the History of the Guitar,” guitars have been around for centuries. The original guitars were Acoustic guitars, which changed in shape over several hundred years. Since you’ve already been given a timeline of the evolution of the guitar, in this article we’ll go into greater depth discussing the Acoustic guitar itself.

History

The Acoustic guitar is essentially a descendent of the Classical guitar, which, in its current form, has been around for over 100 years. The main difference between the Classical and Acoustic guitars are that one is strung with nylon strings, while the other is strung with steel strings. Since the Acoustic guitar is strung with steel strings, it has a louder, brighter sound which is appealing to folk and blues players.

Another difference between the Acoustic and Classical guitars is that the Acoustic guitar has a bigger body size, stronger structure, and a narrower neck than does the Classical guitar. The structure of the Acoustic guitar is stronger so that it can withstand the immense tension placed on it by the heavier steel strings.

Acoustic-Electric guitars haven’t been in existence for nearly the amount of time that their Acoustic counterparts have. These guitars, which have the ability to be both plugged into an amp and played unplugged, have been around for roughly 70 years.

All about the Acoustic guitar

The bodies of cheap Acoustic guitars are typically made from laminated tonewood. More expensive Acoustics are made from higher cuts of solid spruce top wood On an Acoustic guitar, the material which the body is made from really matters, so those looking for a rich sound will want to choose a guitar with a body made from nicer wood such as spruce top wood.

The neck of the Acoustic guitar is usually made from maple, mahogany, or rosewood. However, some guitar necks are comprised of different woods. Yet again, the quality of wood does matter. Generally speaking, Acoustic guitars with necks made of a high quality maple or mahogany and bodies made with solid spruce top are quality guitars with great tone. These guitars usually cost $250 on up.

The vibration of the strings is amplified by the soundhole of the guitar. This is where all sound that you hear comes from.

If you look inside the soundhole of the Acoustic guitar, you’ll see the construction of the body. There are braces and linings, all essential to keeping the guitar intact and playable. X-bracing, a strong, durable bracing, is typically used on Acoustic guitars because it is heavy and strong enough to withstand the pressure of steel strings.

On the body of the guitar, you’ll find the bridge. This is where one end of the strings goes. The strings are inserted into the little holes and the bridge pegs hold them there.

On the neck of the Acoustic guitar is the fretboard. Most fretboards on the Acoustic guitar are made of rosewood or ebony. More expensive Acoustic guitars have fretboards made of higher quality woods.

The headstock of the Acoustic guitar features six tuning pegs (three on each side of the headstock) and six tuners (three on each side of the headstock). Good Acoustic guitars will have die-cast Grover tuners which usually stay in tune longer than other brands of tuners.

Like their Electric counterparts, Acoustic guitars are tuned in the standard E A D G B E tuning. Most Acoustic guitars have six strings, while some have twelve. If you are curious as to the difference between the two, check out our article on “Twelve string vs. Six string”.

The Acoustic guitar still remains a very popular instrument. It is used in virtually every style of music—rock, pop, country, blues, you name it. Acoustic guitars are wonderful instruments for both beginners and professionals.

Gray Rollins is a featured writer for Guitarsland.com. To learn more about acoustic guitars and for tips on how to play the guitar, please visit us.

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How To Change Acoustic Guitar Strings - Part 2 - Video Lesson

Changing strings on acoustic guitarthe pro way with Justin Sandercoe.

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How To Change Acoustic Guitar Strings - Part 1- Video Lesson

Changing acoustic guitar strings the pro way with Justin Sandercoe.

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Tuning Your Acoustic Guitar in E Video Lesson

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Tuning Your Guitar The Right Way

Proper maintenance is important to any technical piece of equipment, all the way from vehicles down to instruments that you play. The guitar is no exception. One of the things that you must do on a regular basis is to tune the strings on your guitar.

Without doing this, they can stretch and the sound will be distorted. Tuning your guitar every so often will help prevent you from looking like an idiot in front of your friends whenever you are trying to impress them with your musical skills.

There is a standard, as there always seems to be, involved in guitar tuning and it is conveniently labeled the standard guitar tuning method. The standard involves tuning the strings from the thickest to the thinnest. The order should be E, A, D, G, B, E.

This method is the easiest methods because it is the easiest for tuning the most amounts of scales and chords. The way to start this method is with the E string. The E string is the thickest, and the least likely to fall short of tuning.

The A string is the next string that you should tune. The way to adjust the A string is to place your finger on the fret, pick the fifth and sixth strings while adjusting the fifth string tuning peg until the two notes sound the same. The D string comes next in line.

The way to find the proper D string note is to find the A string that is located just behind the fifth fret. You then turn the fourth string to that note. Tune your G string to the note that rings when you put the first finger on your left hand just behind the fifth fret.

The B string should sound like when your first finger of your left hand is placed behind the forth fret. You should recognize that the tuning of the B string is the only one in the method that uses the fourth fret and not the fifth. Last is the E string which is where you place the first finger of, you guessed it, your left hand behind the fifth fret on the B string.

There are other ways to tune your guitar, but they can get more complicated. You can use an online guitar tuner. You can customize these tuners or you can use the standard method in order to hear how the note is supposed to sound. There are many sites that you can visit in order to find an online tuner, but when you find a site that you like, you should bookmark it in your favorites so that you can easily find it the next time.

If you don’t have a keen ear attuned to different pitches, you might want to invest in an electric tuner. With this device you can look at a tuning monitor to see how off-tune each string on your guitar is. Then, by following the needle on the display, you can tune each string on your guitar according to the reading given on the electric tuner.

Even if you do have a trained ear, electric tuners can come in handy if you’re trying to tune your equipment just before a gig. Noises and other distractions can keep your ear from creating just the right sound on your guitar strings.

If you’re experienced enough, you can tune your guitar by using piano notes. This is quite difficult to do though, especially if you’re not trained in tuning your guitar with this method. Experts and musicians who have been performing for years can also tune their instruments though harmonies and octaves, but this might only confuse the beginning guitar player.

If you’re unsure about your tuning abilities, it is best to just stick with the other methods, such as an electric tuner, to make sure that your strings are tuned to just the right pitch.

Mike Selvon owns a number of niche portal. Please visit our guitar portal at http://guitar.trustprofitableniche.com for more great tips on tuning your guitar the right way.

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How To Properly Clean And Maintain Your Guitar

Cleaning your instrument is probably the hardest thing to remember to do. Proper maintenance is important for any piece of equipment, and the guitar is no exception to that.

Keeping your guitar cleaned and maintained prevents any type of buildup or grime that can occur. Forgetting or just failing to clean it can result in a distorted sound or even damage if you go too long in between cleanings and maintenance.

Safeguarding your guitar can depend on the type of guitar you have, acoustic or electric, but there are basics that should be followed for both. For instance, you should give attention to the frets of your instrument. The body produces natural oils that can build up in the strings, not to mention dirt and other outside filth, and this can make a difference in the sound that comes from your guitar if you don’t pay close attention.

You should make a point to tighten all of the screws, strap-pins, and tuning machines. Tightening all of the necessary parts can prevent unwanted background rattling while you play. Also, you should try your hardest not to scratch, bump, or ding your guitar. Simple things like wearing a belt buckle when you have a strap on your guitar can scratch up the back and take the value of your instrument down.

To preserve the strings on your guitar, it is important to wipe them down periodically with a cloth. This not only keeps your instrument producing the sound that it should, it also makes it last longer. Cleaning the metal parts of your guitar is also important.

You can pick up a cleaning solution specially made for this at your local music store. Failure to properly clean the mechanisms and the metal can cause expensive damage to your equipment. Amplifiers are also important to the sound of your guitar. You can keep your amplifier sounding good by storing it in a closet whenever you are not using it.

Acoustic guitars may need a little more attention. You should come up with a wiping, and polishing regime for these guitars. Set aside a certain time of the week, or a couple of times a month, to devote to cleaning your instrument so you can keep it as an investment and avoid frequent replacements.

You should shield your guitar by keeping it in its case. Humidity is a factor when it comes to guitars and it can have a lasting effect on your instrument. There are humidifiers that are man-made that you can find directions for online, there are also capsules that you can buy and keep in your case for unwanted humidity.

Just like vehicles, guitars and other instruments need care and maintenance. Making sure that you handle your guitar properly is vital to its length of life the way it sounds. Your local music store will provide maintenance and cleaning services if you are unsure about how to do it yourself.

The best way to maintain your guitar is to keep it stored in its case when you are not using it. Leaving it out in the open or where the elements can affect it is the worst thing you can do for you instrument.

Mike Selvon owns a number of niche portal. Please visit our guitar portal at http://guitar.trustprofitableniche.com for more great tips on guitar maintenance.

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The Difference Between Acoustic And Electric Guitar

Choosing the right guitar for you can be quite an ordeal. You want it to look cool hanging from around your neck, but you also want it to be comfortable and unique. You see the many different types on television and that makes it even more difficult to decide. The first decision that you have to make is between an electric guitar and an acoustic guitar. Knowing a few things about both might help you to make and informed and educated decision.

The difference between an acoustic and an electric guitar is simply amplification. An electric one needs an amplifier, but they are much easier to play. The electric instrument will cost more because you will have to purchase a good amp, and they both cost quite a bit of money. The acoustic instrument is more limited in shape and size because both shape and size make a difference on the sound that comes from the guitar.

Therefore, you do get more of a selection when you choose an electric one. Although the electric guitar is easier to learn on, there are obviously limited types of music that you can play with it. So, if you learn with an acoustic one, you might find yourself a better musician in the long run.

An acoustic guitar does have choices as well. You can get a steel string or a nylon string guitar. A nylon string guitar is good for playing music styles such as classical, flamenco, and folk. The reason for the particular styles is that the nylon string produces a more tranquil sound.

The steel string guitars are louder and you find that they gravitate more towards rock, country, and any other style that requires a louder, more crisp sound. The steel string is played with a pick while the nylon is almost always played with fingers.

Deciding between an electric and an acoustic instrument can be a moot point due to the option of buying a blended guitar. This type of guitar combines the ease of learning generally associated with an electric instrument and the rich sound of an acoustic guitar.

The design and style of the blended guitars are also a combination of both kinds of guitars in that the body is similar to an acoustic instrument while the neck generally resembles the electric instrument style. Unfortunately, though, the blended guitar sounds much better when used with an amplifier rather than by itself.

One thing that is never a good idea is to bite off more than you can chew. You should master whatever you feel the most comfortable with first. For example, many people fall in love with the sound of a twelve-string guitar. This instrument is known for a rich sound that resembles two guitars playing at once. However, the twelve-string guitar would be frustrating and infinitely harder to learn before mastering a simpler six string guitar.

You should also pay close attention to your own person preferences. If you want to be a rock star, and you love Aerosmith, looking for a huge acoustic guitar would not be the wisest decision because you will hate learning to play. The same rule applies for the next James Taylor; don’t invest in an expensive amplifier if it is just not your style.

Mike Selvon owns a number of niche portal. Please visit our guitar portal at http://guitar.trustprofitableniche.com for more great tips on the difference between an acoustic and electric guitar.

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Free Acoustic Guitar Lesson Video: D Ballad

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Protecting Your Acoustic Guitar by Al Wielder

Protecting the investment you have made in your acoustic guitar is very important. Here are a few tips and ideas for making your instrument last more than a lifetime.

Let’s consider some potential threats to your acoustic guitar. Some of these threats may be glaringly obvious while others may be a bit more obscure. While it would be impossible to include every scenario or potential threat element in one article, perhaps the items mentioned in this article will prevent a new guitar owner from experiencing the certain regret associated with a damaged instrument.

Here is a list of things to be aware of that could be a potential threat to your acoustic guitar:

1. Stage Damage 2. Climate and Element Effects 3. Improper Storage 4. Children and Pets

Let us address these potential threats in the order they are listed above.

1. Stage Damage

I mention stage damage first because it is the most common factor I have seen regarding damage to acoustic guitars. Countless guitarists have severely or irreparably damaged their acoustic guitar by failing to take extra precautions on stage. When setting up on stage, it is necessary to have a solid and secure guitar stand. Quality acoustic guitar stands are designed to stabilize your instrument. Be sure to buy a sturdy stand that has a low center of gravity. You will be well advised to spend the extra money required to obtain a higher quality guitar stand.

Also, set your guitar on the stage in an area where it is less likely to be upset by anyone passing by the instrument. Be sure to do the best you can to set the instrument away from cords and cables. This may prove to be easier said than done, especially in a tight stage setting, but the bottom line is to do your best.

Finally, whenever possible, place your guitar on stage as one of the last items to be set up. The less time the instrument is on stage, the less risk there is for accidental damage.

2. Climate and Element Effects

One might be surprised to note the statistics related to acoustic guitar damage which are caused by the elements. Some of the scenarios associated with this damage are very obvious while others may not be so easily recognized.

A. Heat and Sun Damage: Be very careful not to leave your guitar in a closed automobile in the summer months. Extreme heat can severely damage the instrument and may void your manufacturers warranty. Be very careful not to leave the instrument in direct sunlight for extended periods of time. This rule applies even if there is sufficient ventilation in the area.

B. Rain and Water Damage: Be careful not to leave your acoustic guitar outside during wet weather. Also, be very cautious when you are playing around a pool or fountain. Be mindful of the wind if you are playing outdoors near a fountain or waterfall.

C. Humidity Effects: If you live in a very dry climate such as Arizona, you are well aware of the effect that extreme dry conditions can have on many objects. Your guitar is not exempt. However, you do not have to live in Arizona or any other extremely dry climate to be mindful of the effects dry air can have on your guitar. This is especially true over long periods of time.

TIP: Here is a great tip that will prolong the life of your guitar. Also, over time it will help the instrument to age with mellow tonal qualities:

Get a zipper style plastic sandwich bag. Create perforations in one side of the bag (15 to 20 holes with a hole punch). Get a small household sponge, one that fits easily into the sandwich bag. Make sure you get a clean, new sponge. Saturate the sponge thoroughly, but NOT dripping. Place the sponge in the sandwich bag. Close the zipper. Place the sandwich bag in your guitar case with the perforated side of the bag facing up. This practice will keep your acoustic guitar from drying out in any climate. Over time it will also help prevent your guitar finish from crazing (cracking). This simple tip will add life to your guitar.

3. Improper Storage

During the life of your guitar you may find it necessary to place the instrument in storage. If you find you need to store the guitar for an extended period of time, consider these simple tips.

A. Store In A Snug Fitting, Plush Lined, Hard Shell Case B. Remove The Strings C. Clean And Polish The Instrument (Using Protective Wax Or Wood Preserving Oil) D. Place The Plastic Baggie Containing Wet Sponge In The Case (TIP: Mentioned Above) E. Store In A Cool, Dry Place F. Loosen The Truss Rod (If Applicable)

Taking the time to properly prepare your acoustic guitar for storage will extend the life of the instrument. It will also help to ensure your guitar is unaffected by its time in storage.

4. Children And Pets

This category is obvious. Keep your guitar protected from damage and abuse by keeping it out of the reach of children. This will not only protect your guitar, it will also protect a small child from being injured by the instrument. A falling guitar can be dangerous to a small child. The guitar also has sharp string ends that can puncture the skin. If your child is old enough to have an interest in the instrument, by all means provide the child with an inexpensive entry level guitar of their own.

Finally, many times Fido loves to chew or Felix loves to scratch. Keeping your acoustic guitar out of the reach of your pet is safe and beneficial for everyone involved, especially your guitar.

Al Wielder is a host and instructor at Riff TV. Contact Al Wielder at Riff TV.com, your source for guitar tab, guitar lessons and free video guitar training.

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