Guitar Legends - My Top Ten

3rd July

Okay, I’m sure you’ve gotten an argument with your buddies at some point, comparing who you think are the top 10 guitar players of all time. We’ve all been there, but here’s the thing that few realize. Rock and Roll isn’t competition, it’s not about who’s better at this or that. Plus, there are so many musical genres, that to compare let’s say a metal master and a blues king doesn’t really work all that well. It’s like comparing Country to Rap.

That being said, there’s still a few guitarists that most people consider to be real heavies, and every time these types of lists come up, their names are always mentioned. These guitar players are arguably the most skilled at a specific technique, or are the most influential guitarists to other aspiring musicians, and that’s why they appear on my top 10 guitar players list.

In my opinion, this is the top 10 list of the most influential guitar players:

1. Jimi Hendrix
Need I say more? Jimi Hendrix is almost always at the top of every “top guitarists” list! He turned the electric guitar into musicl science, playing around with sounds never before dreamed of on the electric guitar. Hendrix’s style of raw, fuzzy, feedback-y sound is instantly recognizable, and he has been the influence for very many younger guitarists. His stage presence is also one of the most mind-blowing and electrifying. “Purple Haze” and “All Along the Watchtower” set the foundation for a towering monument of rock that stands to this day.

2. Jimmy Page
Another Jimmy! The Led Zeppelin guitar master has been very influential to a lot of rockers nowadays, and his guitar licks are legendary and instantly recognizable. His solo of “Heartbreaker” is legendary, and “Black Dog” and “Stairway to Heaven” are earth shattering rock classics. And no one else I know has ever had a guitar solo using a violin bow? That’s from “Dazed and Confused”,

3. BB King
When you say blues, everything all boils down to its master and ambassador: BB King. He paved the way for the newer generation of blues players, from Eric Clapton to John Mayer. BB King’s powerful bending and vibrato are classic blues techniques, still used today. Also, his guitar is also legendary – who else names their guitar Lucille?

4. Chuck Berry
You know that four-note riff that always reminds you of 50’s rock n’ roll? That came from Chuck Berry. Modern rock n’ roll wouldn’t be possible without the awesomeness that is “Johnny B. Goode”!

5. Keith Richards
Keith Richards is a founding member of one of the age-defying, and arguably one of the most influential active rock bands The Rolling Stones. I know you are aware of that classic fuzzy three-note riff from “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”! For all the hits the Stones put out that became foundations of other hit songs, Keith Richards also deserves a spot on the top 10 guitarists list.

6. Kirk Hammett
Metal was changed forever with the coming of Metallica. Kirk Hammett redefined hard rock with the pounding solos of “Master of Puppets” and, arguably their most popular song, “Enter Sandman”.

7. Carlos Santana
If you’re talking of instantly recognizable tone, there’s the master of Latin-infused rock, Carlos Santana. Before he started collaborating with other musicians, he was a Latin-rhythm purist, improvising with solos that are full of passion and spiritual meaning. Before hits like “Smooth”, there were the soaring, sustained instrumental solos of “Oye Come Va”, “Black Magic Woman” and other magical hits like these.

8. Kurt Cobain
The misunderstood genius, Kurt Cobain pretty much ended the era of 80’s “glam” metal in a totally unique way. He favored simple, heavy tunes instead of hair metal’s theatric style, and it reflected better the angst of the time. His most memorable contribution to rock and roll was the original anthem of misunderstood generations, the four-chord monster “Smells Like Teen Spirit”.

9. The Edge
While a lot of guitar players think of skill as playing millions of notes at blazing speed, The Edge is known for actually playing short, spare, repetitive solos. But he and his rolling delay effects created the most passionate, most anthemic rock songs in history, from “Bad” to “Where The Streets Have No Name”. With the Edge at the lead, it’s hard not to scream in triumph.

10. Eric Clapton
A true son of the blues, Eric Clapton had influences in rock, creating classics like “Layla” with his early band Derek and the Dominoes, and progressing to one of the most recognizable blues guitarists, from “Bell Bottom Blues” to his heartbreaking “Tears In Heaven”.

I know for a fact that most people will have a much different list of top ten guitar players than mine, but that’s the effect of growing up with varying musical backgrounds. There are countless talented guitarists from many different genres to choose from. Whoever we pick as our top 10 guitarists says a lot about our favorite styles, criteria and our personality as guitarists. Till then, keep on rocking!

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What Are Karaoke Music That You Will Love?

3rd July

karaoke music

At the center of any great karaoke party is the karaoke music. The best DJ will have a little of everything in his or her collection, including all the timeless classics. For some strange reason, eighties music has the biggest appeal to amateur singers of any age group. Focusing too heavily on modern artists like Christina Aguilera, Spineshank, Buck Cherry or Kelly Clarkson is bound to doom your show. Instead, load up your collection with lots of Bon Jovi, Cyndi Lauper, Michael Jackson, Madonna and Culture Club.

Girls and guys have their favorite karaoke hits that have withstood the test of time, so be sure to add the following favorites to your karaoke song collection. Girls like empowering songs of survival, enduring sexuality and sass. To appease these spunky vixens include such tunes as “These Boots Were Made For Walkin’” (Nancy Sinatra), “I Will Survive” (Gloria Gaynor) “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” (Pat Benatar), “Venus” (Bananarama), “I Love Rock N Roll” (Joan Jett), “I’m Just A Girl” (No Doubt/Gwen Stefani), “Like A Virgin” (Madonna), “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” (Cyndi Lauper), “Feel Like A Woman” (Shania Twain), “You’re So Vain” (Carly Simon), “She Works Hard For The Money” (Donna Summer), “Respect” (Aretha Franklin), “Sweet Dreams” (Eurythmics), “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” (Whitney Houston), “Listen To Your Heart” (Roxette) and “Black Velvet” (Alannah Myles).

Karaoke music for guys should be fun, macho and hilarious. Fun karaoke songs for them might include “Sweet Child O’ Mine” (Guns N’ Roses), “Sharp-Dressed Man” (ZZ Top), “Werewolves of London” (Warren Zevon), “Sultans of Swing,” (Dire Straits), “Bohemian Rhapsody” (Queen) and “Celebrate” (Kool & The Gang). “Man’s man” karaoke songs might be “Girls, Girls, Girls” (Motley Crue), “You Shook Me All Night Long” (AC/DC), “You Give Love A Bad Name” (Bon Jovi), “Macho Man” (The Village People), “Baby Got Back” (Sir Mix-a-lot), “I’m Too Sexy” (Right Said Fred), “Hurt So Good” (John Mellencamp) and “Born To Be Wild” (Steppenwolf). Funny songs include “Because I Got High” (Afroman), “Billie Jean” (Michael Jackson) or “Friends In Low Places” (Garth Brooks), although the funniest karaoke songs usually aren’t intentional.

Some people like to make their own karaoke music. You can do this if you have an mp3/mp4 compatible karaoke system or if your karaoke activities are mainly online. You can transform any CD into a karaoke CD by purchasing karaoke software. Or you may buy karaoke songs at www.eztracks.com, www.buykaraokedownloads.com or www.karaoke-version.com. If you don’t care about keeping the songs but simply want to sing for free, then there are a number of karaoke communities, which can be found at www.kariokebar.com, www.redkaraoke.com, www.singsnap.com and www.ksolo.myspace.com.

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A Software Beat Maker Makes Sense - Right?

2nd July

The internet is loaded with beats and people are gathering reputations for some of the work they are doing creating beats that are getting used in the music industry. Whether you are looking to make beats for others to use, or if you are just looking for a way to make your own beats for your own entertainment you will still need the computer software necessary to create quality beats. You can pay fo rit, or get a free beat make rsoftware, but if getting a free beat maker you should be aware of the fact that they are very often infected with viruses and adware.

Downloading software these days can be a dangerous venture, and when you start looking for a free beat maker you need to understand what you are up against when you hit the internet looking for answers. Many of the most popular forms of software downloads can be found on websites loaded with viruses and other dangerous computer programs. Very often all you need to do is click a link you found when conducting a search on your favorite search engine and within minutes your computer is full of spyware, adware, and viruses.

Websites that offer free MP3 downloads, free beat maker software, and many other forms of free computer software downloads will also come with the added extra of a nasty computer virus. In some cases you may feel like you have beaten that system by finding a site that allows you to sign up to receive software downloads, and it seems like a secure site for getting safe software. You are still under the impression that everything is Ok and then you start the download an dinstall the software and end up with dozens of ads an dbanner ads popping up all over your computer screen or your computer crashes, because a viruse has ruined your harddrive. In case you need to reformat your harddrive and did no tget the chance to make backup copies of your data, then everything is lost.

Downloading a beat maker seems like a losing proposition and it can be that way unless you go to Sonicproducer and use their software instead. The software is one of the beast beat maker software programs out there, go and read reviews! And another good thing: it is low cost. Sonicproducer offers a state of the art beat make rsoftware that you can download viruse free and without the fear that comes when downloading from other sites. At Sonicproducer your software downloads are virus-free and completely safe to use on your computer. So do not take chances with another website when you are looking for free software to help you make your beats, get to Sonicproducer.com and get the best beat software on the internet without any of the hassles that come with other websites.

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Make Music Beats Online

2nd July

Whether you are experienced in the music industry or just starting out, you can make your own beats using software on your computer. Visualize producing your own sound with the freedom to express yourself creatively in your own music. With a wide range of software available online, it is important to shop for a program from a trusted source. You should stay away from free beat maker software, because in most cases it is infected with adware, viruses, trojans, and adware. Possible damage to your computer is not worth the risk, invest in software from a company that will provide customer support and future updates.

In most cases pre-recorded beats all sound similar and definitely will not reflect your personal style. Searching for beats made by someone else can take up precious time and often ends in disappointment when you have a specific sound in mind. So why not make your own beats and have the individuality that will make your music stand out in the crowd?

In most casey ou have the perfect beat in your head, this is why you will need a software offering a wide range of sounds. In case the sound that you need to make your beat is nowhere found in your beatmaker, your creativity is totally restricted. By listening to sounds you may not have had in mind originally, you may well create a beat that surpasses what you imagined yourself capable of producing! In this way your beat swill be unique and stand out of the crowd and help you to be heard.
No matter what genre of music you are interested in, you can create a beat that is unique and will be noticeable in your own music. Many well-known artists are interested in a style of music that will make their music stand apart from the rest, imagine being the producer of beats to popular songs everyone will hear on the radio and in music videos!

Anothe rthing that is very important when shopping for a beat maker software is the ability to convert and export your beats in MP3 format. The program should be easy to use and the final version of your beat should be of high quality.

SonicProducer is an excellent music sequencer that offers features anyone can use and has everything you need to make distinctive beats. It can be used on all computers and operating systems. You will be able to download the beat maker software and tutorials from inside the members area. The beat maker software is absolutely top afo rmaking you rown beats and you will even get tons of tutorials inside the members area that will assist you in getting started. Sonicproducer is definitely the best beat maker software out there and in addition it is very low cost.

To download an incredible cutting edge music sequencer with mp3 export capability and for comprehensive music production tutorials with different keyboards go to Make Your Own Beats

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Learning Acoustic Guitar: The Parts of the Guitar and Proper Posture

2nd July

Some people may think otherwise, but in truth learning to play the guitar is pretty easy. The only thing that you need to do is learn where to start, and the proper place to start is by learning the different parts of a guitar. By doing this you will learn the way it works, and then you’ll understand the importance of aspects such as string and pick selection. There aren’t that many parts in an acoustic guitar, so we’ll go over them fast:

1. The biggest part is the body. This is where all the sound comes from, and it emits those sounds through a hole that is carved in the center. This is also where the strings run through from the neck of the guitar.

2. Behind the pick hand at the end of the body you will find the bridge. This is the area in which the strings are attached to the guitar before making contact with the hole, and making their way up the neck. On the majority of acoustic guitars, you will find that this bridge is composed of wood.

3. The next part to concern yourself with is the neck. Where is the neck? It is way on the other end of the guitar. It’s very hard to miss because it’s the only part on the guitar that’s long and skinny. The strings of the guitar travel up the neck and attach themselves to the tuning keys.

4. In order to make different notes and sounds with your guitar, you need to place your fingers behind the frets. The frets are the golden bars running across the neck, and there are normally twenty four of them.

5. The next part is the nut; this is a divider that goes between the neck and the head stock. Normally this is grooved and keeps the headstock from sliding about while you play your guitar.\

6. Next there is the headstock, which is the topmost section on the neck. This is where the tuning keys are situated.

7. What exactly are tuning keys? Those are the metal table located either on the side or the bottom of the head stock, and they are used for tuning the guitar. If the guitar is in tune then it will actually sound right, as opposed to when it is not in tune.

You have now been filled in on the various parts of an acoustic guitar. The next part of course is to learn the right way to hold this instrument, and if you keep reading you’re certain to find out!

For right handed players: Begin in a sitting position, and raise one of your knees just a little bit. Put the guitar body in such a way that you are holding the neck to the left. Take the neck with your left, and then put the pick in your right. This is a decent posture, and one suitable for playing the guitar. If you need to, you can always use a strap.

If you are not right handed, then you are obviously left handed, and there is a specific way to do that as well. You need to make sure that you are comfortable first of all, and because of that you are free to sit in any way you want. All you need to do is reverse the posture of the right hand player and everything will be fine, just try it out a little, try a few different cords, and see what feels right.

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Escape To Your Music

1st July

Taking care of our jobs and families takes up most of our free time. This does not help our bodies, or our mind relax. Looking after ourselves is very important, and a few minutes of relaxation can really make the day go by easier.

One such relaxing activity, for both the mind and body, is listening to music. Listening to music is not influenced by gender, age or nationality, and people all over the world are enjoying this fun, relaxing activity, whenever their time allows it.

Nothing compares to listening to music in the comfort of your own home, but not all people have the time for this. Mobile Mp3 players come to the aid of such people, allowing them to listen to music wherever they are.

Mp3 players have also become more advanced, and allow for much more than just music. Photos, and even videos have become playable on most modern Mp3 players, and they are now called Portable Media Players.

One such player is the Creative Zen 4GB, which even includes a FM radio, if your music collection is not that big. The player is one of the most advanced portable media players, and having it with you at all times allows you to listen to music, or view a video clip, whenever you want.

Most people find it weird to wear headphones and listen to music while other people are around. However, it has become as common as talking on the phone, and people can be seen listening to music while jogging, while traveling by train, or even while reading a book. Headphones have also become more inconspicuous so many times people will not even know you are wearing them. Do yourself a favor and try it out for a couple of days, it will definitely make your day more enjoyable!

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