One fact that has emerged from field tests conducted by buskers, night club performers and covers bands is that you should look for your repertoire in the songs of years gone by. Oldies are goodies. Another thing you should think about is whether or not you are an audience participation kind of performer. If you are still wondering about it one second after the thought enters your head, then you probably aren’t. So stay away from songs that require you to yell, “Everybody now!!” or “Just the girls this time!”. Likewise if you play solo acoustic guitar and have a voice like Johnny Cash you might want to stay away from Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love”. But do not walk away from songs you enjoy just because they might not seem immediately doable.Remember Jose Feliciano’s “Light My Fire” and Eric Clapton’s unplugged “Layla”.

Of course what songs you choose is not going to matter much if you do not pay attention to how you sing and play the guitar. People pay to see performers who are better at something than they are. Which is where playing material that you like comes in. If you are playing a song that you consider to be a crowd pleaser but you personally think is a load of stomach chunks you give attention to the part the audience likes. You already know what that is. That is why you do not bellow, “Hello darkness my old friend” or shirk on the enthusiasm when you sing the line, “Welcome to the Hotel California”.

Okay so what we get out of all this is first, there are songs that crowds of people like and second, you can sing and play these songs in a way that highlights your particular talents. Now for a basic list of songs that have been known to please a crowd or two over a period of years:
Wild World by Cat Stevens
Imagine – by John Lennon
Stairway To Heaven by Led Zeppelin
Catch the Wind by Donovan
Can’t Help Falling In Love by Elvis Presley
Waterloo Sunset by The Kinks
Angie by the Rolling Stones
Everybody Hurts by REM
50 ways to leave your lover by Paul Simon
The 59th Street Bridge Song by Simon And Garfunkel
American Pie by Don Maclean
Both Sides Now by Joni Mitchell
California Dreamin’ by The Mamas and Papas
Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door by Bob Dylan
Mrs Robinson by Simon And Garfunkel
You’re so vain by Carly Simon
Blowin’ In The Wind by Bob Dylan
Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison
I Walk The Line by Johnny Cash
Tears In Heaven by Eric Clapton
Gloria by Van Morrison (or Them)
Hotel California by The Eagles
Behind Blue Eyes by The Who
White Room by Cream
Sex And Candy by Marcy Playground
Californication by Red Hot Chili Peppers
What Its Like by Everlast
Alison by Elvis Costello
Life By The Drop by Stevie Ray Vaughn
Melissa by Allman Brothers
Dead Flowers by The Rolling Stones
Seagull by Bad Company
Mediterranean Sundance by Al DiMeola and Paco De Lucia
Classical Gas by Mason Williams

This list could be much, much longer, but you probably already see songs here that you would never play in a million years so all I can say now is I hope this guide to essential guitar tab has been helpful.

Essential Guitar Tabs For Beginner Guitarists is a post from: Frappemusic.com - Your Music Reviews, News, and Discussion

2.If you have decided that you wanted to play real music through your piano, then, might as well include in your list a couple of piano lesson leaflets or books. This will help you dearly especially if you wanted to learn by your own.

3. Choose your instructor. There are a lot of options to choose from when guiding your way through piano lessons. First you could learn on your own basing on two things: manuals and through the internet. The good thing about learning on your own is that you own your time when you decide when and where to practice. And, these are cheap resources of knowledge and principles, although you should recognize your mistakes in the occasion that you make one.

The second option that you can go for is to hire or ask someone to spend even an hour of his or her time to teach you. You are lucky if someone in the family already knows how to play the piano because if not, it is very rare to find a person who can be hired to teach on such an affordable price. What’s good about finding someone to help out is that you can learn faster than learning it by yourself.

4. Either of the many variables mentioned, the next step would be tuning your piano. This would be an easy task to conquer because even before buying or delivering the instrument, you could ask someone in the music store to tune it for you.

5. Understand the manual. Don’t just read it, follow it and keep it locked inside your head. The books that you bought would be very effective only if you let yourself be taught by it.

6. Do not skip on every lesson. Every instruction is vital to complete the whole of your knowledge. Think of it, they wouldn’t be included in the instructions if they don’t mean a pinch of importance.

7. Familiarize yourself with the different chords. Unlike with the guitar wherein you can strum or pluck, in piano playing, you just have to press the right keys. It would be helpful if you would know the low pitched and high pitched tunes. Better yet, if you’re not able to remember, label your keys.

8. Warm up at the beginning of every practice to stretch your hands and make them work as a team and not just every man for himself. Playing the piano requires that every single finger attached to your hands must press the appointed keys. It’s more like encoding an article. Make your fingers move through every key.

You can play even though you’re not playing any sense out of it. This will help your fingers be more flexible and reliable. If you have struggled enough, try catching on the easy pieces.

9. Give yourself time to practice at least an hour every day. This would not make your fingers feel stressed out to advance to the next level of learning. Play with ease and relaxation.

Learn the Steps on Playing the Piano Effectively is a post from: Frappemusic.com - Your Music Reviews, News, and Discussion

You can easily get together a nice collection of chord charts and lyrics to your favorite songs to help you learn to play the guitar. If you feel that you should be learning a whole bunch of musical theory and how to read musical notation, but somehow feel it’s just not you, then that’s okay – start with what you feel most enthusiastic about. Once you have started to learn using guitar chord charts you have bought or downloaded for free, you might see as you go along that you will need to know a little bit about musical theory to see how chords and scales fit together. If, however, you are comfortable learning chords to your favorite songs, then keep at it.

So let’s start with the basic baby steps and work up to some really useful knowledge about guitar chords and how the dots on the charts relate to musical sounds. You know the frets on your guitar’s neck somehow show you where the notes are, so let’s get a little more technical. You will see when you use scale charts to learn to play guitar tunes that in a given position on the fret board, you will sometimes need to move up or down one fret or two frets. If you play the note at the first fret, and then move up to the second fret, you have moved up a semitone. If you have moved up two frets, it is called a tone. The distance between the notes E and F or B and C is a tone. The distance between the notes C and D is a tone. So as you learn songs in different keys you will start to see that what you are playing when you play scales is different patterns of tones or semi tones on the guitar neck.

If you have watched guitarists play you will have noticed that sometimes they place their index finger across all six strings. This is called a barre. When you begin to learn songs you will be making use of chords played in the FIRST position on the fret board. These are mostly open chords, that is chords that do not make use of the barre. You can try to play barre chords any time, but it’s a bit ambitious to expect to be able to use them until after your hands have done some practice with open chords.

When you are learning chords to accompany songs, you will probably make use of your chord charts showing you chords that use all the guitar’s strings. But if you want to get into playing solos start with the three note chords called triads. The three notes in a triad are the basic notes of your chord, so by learning triads you will begin to see how the guitar chords are structured. Also you can move your triads up and down the fret board to make new chords.
Here’s an example:
The chord of A Major is made up of the notes A C# and E shown in tab form as:

E—————————————–
B————–2————————–
G————–2————————–
D————–2————————–
A—————————————–
E—————————————–

Move that shape one semitone (one fret) up the neck and you get A# or Bb.

E—————————————–
B————–3————————–
G————–3————————–
D————–3————————–
A—————————————–
E—————————————–

One fret higher is B Major.

E—————————————–
B————–4————————–
G————–4————————–
D————–4————————–
A—————————————–
E—————————————–

This shape played anywhere on the neck will give you a major chord. The fret it is played at tells you the key it is in.

Here are the notes for the triads of the basic chords:
C Major – C E G
D Major – D F# A
E Major – B E G#
F Major – C F A
G Major – G B D
A Major – A C# E
B Major – B D# F#

Now the minor chords:
C Minor – C Eb G
D Minor – D F A
E Minor – B E G
F Minor – C F Ab
G Minor – G Bb D
A Minor – A C E
B Minor – B D F#
Naturally, there will be some points you need to make a little clearer, so you will find more descriptions and illustrations available for free on the internet.

Free Guitar Chord Charts is a post from: Frappemusic.com - Your Music Reviews, News, and Discussion

Setting up your kit on a good thick rug or a carpet that the spikes at the end of your bass drum legs can sink their teeth into will generally help keep bass drum creep at bay. (If your bass drum legs don’t have spikes, replace them with ones that do. Any decent drum shop will carry replacement bass drum legs at a reasonable price.)

Make sure your carpet is large enough to fit your whole kit, including your throne. The weight of your body on the throne will help keep the bass drum from sliding away with the whole carpet.
Adjust the bass drum legs so that the front of the drum is an inch or two off the ground and the drum is resting at a slight angle. This shifts more of the drums weight onto the legs themselves and helps the spikes dig in more effectively, which should put an end to most bass drum creep problems.

Sometimes, especially for those of us kicking the drum pretty hard in loud situations, setting up on a carpet is just not enough!

Here is an additional little trick that will END bass drum creep problems.

Take a three foot long 2×4 piece of wood. I have some nice fabric glued around it to make it look pretty, provide some protection to the drums, and prevent splinters. Now mark your carpet where you want the front of your bass drum to sit. Drill three quarter inch diameter holes through the wood one hole in the middle and one near each end.

Using some nice, big, 2 inch washers and 1/4 inch thick bolts actually bolt the wood to your carpet at the front edge of your bass drum. Make sure to put the flattest part of the bolt on the under side of the carpet so that your carpet still lays pretty flat. I also like to put a layer or two of gaffers tape over the end of the bolt so that it does not scratch up any nice wooden floors that happen to be underneath the carpet.

Now when you set up just slide the front of the bass drum right up against the piece of wood you have bolted to the carpet, and it will not slide any further!

It works best if you get the wood wide enough that the legs themselves actually bump up against the wood block although it will work fine with the rim of the drum against the wood block – just be sure to cover the wood with foam or thick fabric to prevent the wood from damaging the rim and lugs of your drum!

Let me know how well it works for you.

Drum Tips – Dealing with Bass Drum “Creep” is a post from: Frappemusic.com - Your Music Reviews, News, and Discussion

1) Skill – can you keep up?

I have auditioned many guys thought they could play but couldnt keep proper time or didnt know what chord changes were going on, got lost in every song just couldnt keep up musically.

2) Listening are you paying attention?

I have played with a few really skilled musicians who paid absolutely no attention to what was going on around them. It was like they had spent years practicing by themselves in their bedroom. They could play amazing things but what they played made no sense in the context of the band. The notes you play should complement what everybody else is doing and the song should work as a whole.

3) Personality are you a nice person?

This is a big deal I have played some shows with great players who live their life a sentence or two from a punch in the face. Remember when you were a kid and folks told you if you dont have anything nice to say, dont say anything at all. I have met many great musicians who desperately need to revisit that concept. They were so full of negativity that it was really hard to be in the same room with them for very long.

Drum Tips – Why didn’t you get the Gig? is a post from: Frappemusic.com - Your Music Reviews, News, and Discussion

Find the Right Houston Wedding DJ

Initially, the thought of having to find the right wedding DJ in Houston can be overwhelming. Take some time to cruise the Internet and locate DJs in Houston who specialize in weddings. Make a list and run the names by your caterer, photographer, and the manager of your reception venue. They should be familiar with Houston DJs and can help you narrow down your list.

Is it the Right Music for You?

Once you have narrowed the field, it’s time to start making calls. If you have a particular type of music you’d like played at your reception, check to see if he has that music available. Keep in mind, though, that your reception is likely to include guests ranging in age and musical preferences. A professional Houston DJ will have an eclectic mix of music that will get everyone to his or her feet. By all means, ensure that the songs you want are on his play list, but also realize that part of his job is to set the cadence for your reception. By starting your reception off with light music, your DJ will help to put everyone at ease. Through music, he’ll help to move the event along, from your first dance with your new husband, to the cutting of the wedding cake, the tossing of your bouquet, and the departure of you and the groom.

A Houston Wedding DJ Provides More than Music

When choosing from among DJs in Houston, remember that you not only want him to provide terrific musical entertainment, but also to act as an emcee. For that reason, you need to check out the DJ’s attitude, personality, promptness, and ability to please the wedding guests. The best way to ensure your wedding reception will be handled in a professional manner is to stop by another wedding reception and watch him in action. By seeing him perform, you will get to know his personality, the quality of his performance, and reaction he receives from the guests.

Important Things to Consider when Hiring a Wedding DJ

Before you sign a contract with a Houston wedding DJ, make sure that he has (or will get) the songs you would like played at your reception. Make sure that he accepts requests, as your guests will enjoy being able to dance to their favorite tunes.

Even if you don’t know much about sound equipment ask about it. A professional DJ in Houston should have top quality equipment and high-end professional lighting, both of which will make your reception more enjoyable for your guests.

If you don’t have the opportunity to watch him perform, be sure to ask the DJ what he will be wearing at your reception. Most Houston DJs wear tuxedos to weddings, but there are some who don’t. By discussing this with the DJ in advance, you’ll eliminate any problems or embarrassing moments on your big day.

Having the right Houston DJ will not only guarantee that your special day is well-organized, but will add to wonderful, lifelong memories.

A Perfect Houston Wedding includes a Houston DJ is a post from: Frappemusic.com - Your Music Reviews, News, and Discussion

Dj Equipment-What You Need to Know is a post from: Frappemusic.com - Your Music Reviews, News, and Discussion

Reggaeton music boasts its own specific rhythm and beat. The rhythm of reggaeton is often referred to as “Dem Bow.” The name Dem Bow references the title of a dancehall song from the 1990s by Shabba Ranks. Though the music genre of reggaeton is mostly associated with Puerto Rico (where this style of music was popularized and became famous), the lyrics are more hip hop type lyrics than dancehall.

The Beat of Reggaeton

It’s the reggaeton beat, or Dem Bow, that drives the music and dances. The beat is described as a drum-machine track that originated with Jamaican dancehall rhythm. Reggaeton combines a syncopated snare and steady kick drum to create an unusual rhythm. There’s a 4/4 beat emphasized by the kick drum, and the snare starts with the “and” of the 3rd 8th note and right on the 4th 8th note. There are about 95 beats per minute, and the result is a magnified “boom-ch-boom-chick” sounding beat.

Reggaeton beat sounds are usually synthesized electronically. There are also simple melodies created with electronic instruments, keyboards, and electric guitars. The beats are versatile, and can be based on bolero, hip-hop, salsa, merengue, bachata, or other similar beats.

The Reggaeton Dance

Sensual (and controversial) dancing can often be seen in reggaeton clubs or on music videos. The perreo type dance is a form of grinding dance derived from Puerto Rico. The dance puts women in control of the dance and is very provocative in its nature. Perreo moves are popular in dancehall, rhythm and blues, and hip-hop music as well. A slightly calmer form of reggaeton dancing is cumbia, which was originally a folk dance and music from Colombia. Like perreo, the cumbia dance is flirtatious in nature with the women luring the men toward them and then pushing them away.

Some of the leading artists in reggaeton include CandyMan, Esko, Fito Blanko, Nicky Jam, La Fabrica, Don Miguelo, Daddy Yankee, De la Ghetto, DJ Blass, Baby Rasta & Gringo, Don Chezina, Lito & Polaco, Eddie Dee, Adassa, El Chombo, and Tony Touch. Some popular producers of reggaeton music are Eliel, Luny Tunes, and Noriega.

With the widespread popularity of reggaeton music, there are now many radio stations specializing in this type of music. There are also online radio venues where fans can download music, listen online, or watch the reggaeton music video of choice. The major benefit of online radio is fans can listen to their favorite music or watch their favorite videos around the clock.

Exploring Reggaeton Music and Dances is a post from: Frappemusic.com - Your Music Reviews, News, and Discussion

Lets pretend youre a sports talk radio fan. Just imagine how much better your experience will be when theres no distortion, no annoying hiss, crackle, fade or static. It will be just like listening to your favorite AM station broadcast in FM.

And if music is your thing, youll love HD Radio technology even more because youll be able to hear music on your favorite classic or rock station in the clearest, cleanest, purest form ever available over the airways and, best of all, its free. All you have to do is buy a new radio.

In fact, this technology even makes it possible for your local stations to broadcast in true 5.1 surround sound. Just imagine that. You turn on your favorite music station and you are immediately surrounded by sound — just as if you were sitting in your favorite concert hall.

HD Radio technology also makes possible something called multicasting that allows stations to broadcast two or more different signals simultaneously. So, your favorite oldies stations could be broadcasting music from the 60s, 70s and 80s all at the same time!

More than 500 stations are already broadcasting in HD Radio technology. And HD radios are available for both the home and car.

So far, radio stations have not done much publicity on this exciting, new form of broadcasting but you can bet that will be changing in the near future.

Got HD? It’s the next big thing in radio — pure, crystal-clear sound — and it’s free! is a post from: Frappemusic.com - Your Music Reviews, News, and Discussion

Prosecutors, who first asked to present only excerpts from the theatrically released movie, revised their request Friday after Dr. Conrad Murray’s attorneys gained Sony Pictures’ agreement to show them unused footage.

Deputy District Attorney David Walgren said prosecutors want to see the same material. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor said both sides may go to Sony studios and view the material.

Murray has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter in Jackson’s death from an overdose of propofol and other sedatives.

Judge approves viewing of Jackson film outtakes is a post from: Frappemusic.com - Your Music Reviews, News, and Discussion