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	<title>Learn How To Play The Guitar For Beginners</title>
	
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		<title>Play Blues Guitar – 5 Easy Steps to Play Like BB King 12-Bar</title>
		<link>http://www.toplaytheguitar.com/215/play-blues-guitar-5-easy-steps-to-play-like-bb-king-12-bar/</link>
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		<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2009 19:02:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>John Trellis</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Guitar]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[12 bar blues]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Blues]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[If you want to play the blues on guitar here are a few tips to get you started. This style of music can be easy but has its tough parts on any instrument. The range of arrangements varies, and as you get better, the tougher ones will come. There have been many influences to this sound by many well-known musicians throughout the years and these tips will put you on the right road. Here are some tips to get you started playing the blues.<p>Post from: <a href="http://www.toplaytheguitar.com">Learn How To Play The Guitar For Beginners</a></p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style='font-style:italic;' class='byline'>by John Trellis</div>
<p>If you want to play the blues on guitar here are a few tips to get you started. This style of music can be easy but has its tough parts on any instrument. The range of arrangements varies, and as you get better, the tougher ones will come. There have been many influences to this sound by many well-known musicians throughout the years and these tips will put you on the right road. Here are some tips to get you started playing the blues.</p>
<p>Tip #1: First off, you need to learn the progression of cords in a blues style. Most times a one, four, five progression comprises the scale of the blues. Each key has its own harmonization and these numbers represent the cords needed to achieve the sound needed. For instance if you were playing in the key of A, you would use A, D7, E7, D7, A as your basic elements for this song</p>
<p>Whether you are picking it or strumming it out on your guitar the sound will surprise you.</p>
<p>Tip #2: Once you have learned the blues progressions, you?re ready to experiment with the different rhythms of this style. Listen to other blues tunes and use the tempos there to find out what you like the best. This may be a short tip, but the beat of the blues is vitally important to playing this music.</p>
<p>Tip # 3: Learning the different scales on your guitar is key to being a good blues player. The pentatonic and blues scales are the easiest to begin with and will offer you a wide range of sounds to play with. Your speed and timing will get much better with a little practice and soon you will be able to add a lick or two with the lead and improve your playing sound ten fold.</p>
<p>Tip # 4: Licks are just another way to bring out your own sound of the blues. If you listen to other artists licks and add your own style to it, you can create music that?s your own. Interpretation and progression are the key links to a great blues player. Pick out a good blues tune and see the results. </p>
<p>Tip #5: The last tip is about technique. There are a few techniques that define the blues as a different style of music. Learn the slide, this is one of the most recognized sounds of blues and is done by using a single string and sliding up and down with a bar throughout the neck of your guitar. Another major technique is the bending of the strings to reach a higher octave or pitch and the wobbling of the strings to give a vibrato sound. No one can teach you how to play the blues by just writing about it, but hopefully these tips will help in your quest to try.</p>
<div class='resource'>
<div style='font-style:italic;' class='about'>About the Author:</div>
<div class='links'>Jam with a live band with over 80 of the best <A HREF="http://www.50blues.com/12barbluesjam.htm">12 bar blues</A> backing tracks. These tracks are recorded with *live* musicians in a real studio. Download <A HREF="http://www.50blues.com/12barbluesjam.htm">12 bar blues guitar</A> jam tracks now.</div>
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		<title>Playing The 12 Bar Blues Guitar – 12-Bar Blues Progression</title>
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		<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2009 13:11:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Barry Holdenpole</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Guitar]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[12 bar blues]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Blues]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.toplaytheguitar.com/blog/214/playing-the-12-bar-blues-guitar-12-bar-blues-progression/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Playing the blues, music is something that many guitarists aspire to do. Some it comes to easily whereas others find it more difficult. Another thing about the blues music is you either love it or hate it. By the looks of how popular it is, one would have to say that those who hate it are in the minority.<p>Post from: <a href="http://www.toplaytheguitar.com">Learn How To Play The Guitar For Beginners</a></p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style='font-style:italic;' class='byline'>by Michel Pale</div>
<p>Playing the blues, music is something that many guitarists aspire to do. Some it comes to easily whereas others find it more difficult. Another thing about the blues music is you either love it or hate it. By the looks of how popular it is, one would have to say that those who hate it are in the minority. </p>
<p>One of the greatest if not the greatest blues singers was B.B.King. Many novices to the guitar marvel at how well he plays them and just how it?s done. To do so you need to learn the 12 bar blues. Don?t give up yet with some perseverance and practice you will master the blues as well. </p>
<p>Have you ever been listening to the blues and just know it reminds you of something? Well it may well do so if you remember the African American slaves from down south. It stems from their local traditions of how they would call out and respond to each other. The majority of blues songs is simply based on this and mimics those sounds. It is the progressive scale.</p>
<p>If you have been following the history of blues music then you have heard the name W.C.Handy. By using the 12 bar blues he was able to produce the very first certifiable blue hit. This is going back some years naturally, since blues has been around for a long time. We?re talking back to the introduction of the ?St. Louis Blues? back in 1914.</p>
<p>Interestingly enough at that time the blues wasn?t all that well received it was just ok in the opinion of most. It slowly caught on and almost seemed to have an infectious affect to it.It didn?t matter what the ethnic group was it was being accepted. It really was the African American artist that brought the blues to the forefront. Artists such as Billie Holiday played a big part in this roll. By this time, it was well in the 1930?s. As the 20th century grew to a close, B.B.King added a unique touch to the Blues. Being a lead guitar player, he would bring a different touch to the music with his 12 bars blues techniques. From this point on there was no looking back or cooling off for the blues. It has just continued to grow into popularity, as it is known today. </p>
<p>It revolutionized the aspects of guitar playing. The 12 bars blues is now a commonplace and basic way of the guitar. Anyone aspiring to be good guitar player must learn the essential cord progression.</p>
<p>One of the best ways to learn this technique is through iVideosongs. Here is where you will start the beginning of learning the 12 bar blues, and then by taking what you learn here and making it a practice you will soon be surprised and pleased at how adept you will become.</p>
<p>It just seems to be natural to begin to learn how to play the 12 bar blues the moment one becomes serious about learning to play the guitar. Perhaps because rock includes the 12 bar blues this is the reason.</p>
<p>The first thing you are going to learn is that in order to learn the blues you are going to learn three bars that follow each other in succession.</p>
<p>The first measure is learning how to play a chord. If you are familiar with Presley?s some Hound Dog then you already know what a cord is. Don?t even think about moving onto the next step until you have this one down perfectly.</p>
<p>Now moving onto the second measure does not mean you will not be continuing in the 4/4 time meaning each quarter measure is one beat. The difference here is that in the first measure you were playing in ?A? now you will be playing in ?D? chord. Once again, become really familiar and comfortable at this measure then get ready to move onto the third and final measure.</p>
<p>Finally, you are here on your last measure and guess what? It?s no different from your first two except now you are going to be playing in ?E? chord. That really wasn?t so hard was it? Now it means hours of practice and application to really master these 3 measures to make up the 12 bar blues.</p>
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<div class='links'>Download 80 of the best <A HREF="http://www.50blues.com/12barbluesjam.htm">12 bar blues backing</A> tracks and jam with a *live* band at the comfort of your room. Download these killer <A HREF="http://www.50blues.com/12barbluesjam.htm">12 bar blues progression</A> backing tracks now.</div>
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		<title>Learn How To Play The 12 Bar Blues On Guitar</title>
		<link>http://www.toplaytheguitar.com/213/learn-how-to-play-the-12-bar-blues-on-guitar/</link>
		<comments>http://www.toplaytheguitar.com/213/learn-how-to-play-the-12-bar-blues-on-guitar/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2009 08:15:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michel Pale</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.toplaytheguitar.com/blog/213/learn-how-to-play-the-12-bar-blues-on-guitar/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It?s hard to describe how to play the 12 Bar blues on the guitar when you don?t have one in front of you. It?s also hard to play it if you have never done it before and you are interested in playing the 12 bar blues . What isn?t hard is writing about it so that you can get fired up enough to want to play it, or, if you play , and have lost your way, to re-kindle that passion so that you can learn the proper way.<p>Post from: <a href="http://www.toplaytheguitar.com">Learn How To Play The Guitar For Beginners</a></p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style='font-style:italic;' class='byline'>by Michel Pale</div>
<p>It?s hard to describe how to play the 12 Bar blues on the guitar when you don?t have one in front of you. It?s also hard to play it if you have never done it before and you are interested in playing the 12 bar blues . What isn?t hard is writing about it so that you can get fired up enough to want to play it, or, if you play , and have lost your way, to re-kindle that passion so that you can learn the proper way.</p>
<p>Many who hear some music that they love and want to play it, often see themselves up on stage having the time of their lives with mobs of screaming fans who just can?t get enough. Well, learning should be that way too if you approach it properly. </p>
<p>The first thing you need to know if you are bitten by the bug is to know how to go about learning properly, and that means, wanting to really learn. If you go about it recklessly, then you won?t go far before you lose interest, and you may never touch the guitar again, and that would be a shame because all you really needed was to learn how to learn. </p>
<p>Start by finding a good instructor. You can usually find one by seeing where all the real musicians go. If you begin your instruction there, then you will be introduced to the world of 12 bar blues in the right way, by taking it slow at first so that you get the chords and the progression right, and then, getting it smooth. Never worry about speed, which will come once it?s fluid enough.</p>
<p>Once you have the basics then you can get into the theory, which is all about structure and form, and that has to with tonic chords, dominant chords, sub dominant, etc., then the 12 bar blues progression that is blended in with it. Remember, this all takes time, but if you take the time, you will get out of it what you have put into it.</p>
<p>There are three main chords that you need to know, and they are A7, E7, and B7, and from there, once you?ve got those down, you can move on to different keys, fifth notes, and how it all combines into that sound you first fell in love with, and wanted so much to learn. Once you do get proficient, there is a tendency to show off how technically good you are by trying to cram all you know into everything you play, and that is where the style gained through confidence is learned, and that is what makes you stand out. </p>
<p>So keep in mind that you must be technically proficient enough so that you can create an emotional impact, and when you do that, there will be someone else out there who will want to play the 12 bar blues guitar just like you!</p>
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		<title>What is a 12 Bar Blues Progression? – 12 Bar Blues Chords Guitar</title>
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		<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2009 07:56:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>John Travis</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[So, you want to play the blues just like all the blues greats who are out there. Good, hold on to that desire. It is the love of the thing that endures and grows with you as your playing gets better and better.<p>Post from: <a href="http://www.toplaytheguitar.com">Learn How To Play The Guitar For Beginners</a></p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style='font-style:italic;' class='byline'>by John Travis</div>
<p>So, you want to play the blues just like all the blues greats who are out there. Good, hold on to that desire. It is the love of the thing that endures and grows with you as your playing gets better and better. </p>
<p>So, now that you?re hooked, what about the actual reality? The twelve bars refers to a musical term called measure, measures are informally referred to as bars, which is how the notation looks. It looks like vertical bars, and with the twelve bar blues progression, there are twelve. When you marvel at your favorite blues artist and how they do all that wonderful stuff, just remember that it is simplicity itself, and it is only one layer atop the other that gives the depth style and rhythm that you hear.</p>
<p>The progression part is the chord changes, and the blues part is the style. There are only three chords in blues and they are called seventh chords. The blues chords are A7, B7, and E7, and again, all the fancy stuff that you love so much is only technique and personal style in combination with those three basic chords. The actual blues style is to sing a line, and then repeat it, followed by additional lyrics that tell the story.</p>
<p>The first line has that all too familiar, ?Woke up this mornin? start followed by the situation, Like ?Woke up this morning?, and I couldn?t feel my head. Said I woke up this mornin?, and I couldn?t feel my head?. Then the next line describes why he is this way ? ?I know I lived through last night, and that?s why I feel half dead?. The pattern is repeated in the second verse. </p>
<p>As far as the playing goes, there are as many styles out there as stars in the sky, but what you are listening to is called a riff. A riff is a certain way of playing that sets this player apart from the others. A riff can also be called a lick. This is what the artist has learned from others on the way up, and eventually made his own. It is best not to try to figure out the fancy playing, and why it is this way or that, it is always best just to allow yourself to feel, as all the greats have.</p>
<p>It is easy to get lost in all the technical jargon of dominant sevenths and tonics, to sub-dominants, etc. The best advice is to either mentor with someone who knows, learning as you go, or take lessons from a qualified instructor. It is crucial that you get off on the right foot. If you don?t. Then it is easier and easier time to lose interest, and eventually give it up, because you start to think that being good is for someone else, but not for you. So, remember to keep it simple, that?s what the blues is all about and that?s where you?ll get your enjoyment.</p>
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<div style='font-style:italic;' class='about'>About the Author:</div>
<div class='links'>Jam with a live band with over 80 of the best <A HREF="http://www.50blues.com/12barbluesjam.htm">12 bar blues</A> backing tracks. These tracks are recorded with *live* musicians in a real studio. Download <A HREF="http://www.50blues.com/12barbluesjam.htm">12 bar blues guitar</A> jam tracks now.</div>
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		<title>Don’t Buy An Electric Guitar Without Reading This Article First!</title>
		<link>http://www.toplaytheguitar.com/211/dont-buy-an-electric-guitar-without-reading-this-article-first/</link>
		<comments>http://www.toplaytheguitar.com/211/dont-buy-an-electric-guitar-without-reading-this-article-first/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:18:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Matt Rushton</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.toplaytheguitar.com/blog/211/dont-buy-an-electric-guitar-without-reading-this-article-first/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When people come to see me play in my live band, they often ask me which electric guitar they should buy. The answer is the same everytime. I always tell them to pay more and get a professional quality electric guitar.<p>Post from: <a href="http://www.toplaytheguitar.com">Learn How To Play The Guitar For Beginners</a></p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style='font-style:italic;' class='byline'>by Matt Rushton</div>
<p>When people come to see me play in my live band, they often ask me which electric guitar they should buy. The answer is the same everytime. I always tell them to pay more and get a professional quality electric guitar.</p>
<p>The problem that most people run into when buying an electric guitar is they arent willing to spend enough to get a quality instrument. The old adage you get what you pay for is certainly true when buying guitars. I can tell you from experience that if youre willing to pay a little more, youll get a much better guitar.</p>
<p>The biggest problem with cheap guitars is that they are uncomfortable to play. If youre learning on an instrument that isnt comfortable to play its not going to be very much fun. It takes more craftsmanship on the part of the builder to make a more comfortable guitar and thats one reason they cost more.</p>
<p>There are some decent beginner guitar packages out there which include the guitar, and amplifier and other accessories. This is a good way to get started but the quality of the guitars in these packages is usually quite low. I honestly feel like youre better off just laying down the extra cash right off the top for a quality guitar.</p>
<p>The difference between a professional quality guitars and poorly made guitars is really in the details. The way the neck, nut and bridge all work together will determine how low you can have the guitars string action. The lower the action the easier and more comfortable it will be to play. Quality guitars will have a good straight neck with smooth fret ends that don't snag on your hand.</p>
<p>Top of the line guitars will also have a better bridge on them. A good bridge will make your playing experience much easier. The bridge determines how well the guitar gets in tune and stays in tune. It's also one of the most important factors in determining string height.</p>
<p>Electric guitar pickups determine how the guitar sounds more than any other piece of the instrument. Cheaper pickups will hum and their sound will not be as clear and defined as the more expensive pickups. Professional grade guitars will always have better pickups that are matched to the guitar and each other.</p>
<p>Thats why I tell everyone that asks me about buying a guitar to get the absolute best that you can afford. If you buy a top of the line guitar its going to be easier to play and that will keep you playing longer. My personal top recommendation for a guitar is the <a href="http://livemusiciancentral.com/2008/11/18/the-fender-american-deluxe-stratocaster-my-favorite-guitar/">Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster</a>.</p>
<div class='resource'>
<div style='font-style:italic;' class='about'>About the Author:</div>
<div class='links'>Matt Rushton is a working musician whose <a href="http://livemusiciancentral.com">original band</a> has opened for Sheryl Crow, Joan Jett, Barenaked Ladies and Quiet Riot. Matt also programs custom <a href="http://livemusiciancentral.com/fender-cyber-twin-se-amplifier-preset-downloads/">preset sound patches for the Fender Cyber-Twin SE amplifier</a>. Matt is the writer of the website, Live Musician Central.</div>
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		<title>Learn Acoustic Guitar – A Guide</title>
		<link>http://www.toplaytheguitar.com/210/learn-acoustic-guitar-a-guide/</link>
		<comments>http://www.toplaytheguitar.com/210/learn-acoustic-guitar-a-guide/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:57:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Payo W Perry</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.toplaytheguitar.com/blog/210/learn-acoustic-guitar-a-guide/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Now days if you wish to learn acoustic guitar you'll find many sites on the web offering instruction and guidance.<p>Post from: <a href="http://www.toplaytheguitar.com">Learn How To Play The Guitar For Beginners</a></p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style='font-style:italic;' class='byline'>by Payo W Perry</div>
<p>Now days if you wish to learn acoustic guitar you'll find many sites on the web offering instruction and guidance.</p>
<p>Above all else, the question most asked is how long will it take me to learn acoustic guitar? Actually, there are three very important aspects which will decide the answer...</p>
<p>What is your natural aptitude to learn acoustic guitar? Is the instructional method youre using of high quality? How often do you practice?</p>
<p>Lets take the first question. Every person, no matter how good their instructor, has a natural aptitude for learning guitar. For example you may possess a fast ability for learning to surf but not for learning to drive. To learn acoustic guitar you wont know youre aptitude for the instrument until you begin.</p>
<p>The instructional method you use to learn acoustic guitar is extremely important as not all methods are equal. If you choose, for example, an out of date and old fashioned method it could slow your progress considerably, even to the point where you will want to give up.</p>
<p>Now days there are modern and new ways available to accelerate the time it takes to learn acoustic guitar. Make sure you are using one of those newer and more modern methods.</p>
<p>And so now we come to the topic of practice. It actually means one thing - consistency. This means that it's much better to practice 15 min daily than to do 90min on Saturday and nothing more. Each day it's important to touch base with the instrument for a short time as that's how you learn acoustic guitar effectively.</p>
<p>When you learn acoustic guitar you dont need to know hundreds of chords and strums to be able to play lots of songs. In fact, a simple set of just 10 chords and 3 strums will get you playing literally 100s of popular songs. </p>
<p>With the basics covered you can normally learn acoustic guitar in about 4 weeks to a standard good enough to strum along to songs. For some that will satisfy their ambitions while others will want to learn acoustic guitar to a more advanced level.</p>
<p>In the beginning stages you will find certain aspects of playing quite difficult, even impossible! But even the most accomplished players once started as complete beginners and with time, as you learn acoustic guitar, every obstacle now will eventually become effortless. </p>
<p>The old adage of practice makes perfect was probably thought of with musical instruments in mind. You can learn acoustic guitar just the same as anyone else with regular practice. The key is keeping your motivation over the long term to continue doing it. Good luck.</p>
<div class='resource'>
<div style='font-style:italic;' class='about'>About the Author:</div>
<div class='links'>The author is considered an excellent guitar tutor and his site is specifically designed to <a href="http://www.guitar-in-a-nutshell.com/learn_acoustic_guitar.php">learn acoustic guitar</a>. Visit his popular site <a href="http://www.guitar-in-a-nutshell.com">Guitar in a Nutshell</a> for lots of free tutorials.</div>
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		<title>How To Buy The Perfect Guitar – Guide For Beginners</title>
		<link>http://www.toplaytheguitar.com/209/how-to-buy-the-perfect-guitar-guide-for-beginners/</link>
		<comments>http://www.toplaytheguitar.com/209/how-to-buy-the-perfect-guitar-guide-for-beginners/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:51:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Patrick Jules</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.toplaytheguitar.com/blog/209/how-to-buy-the-perfect-guitar-guide-for-beginners/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There is a popular joke that goes ? There is a frog driving one way on the highway, and a banjo player driving the other way ? what?s the difference. Answer, the frog has a gig.<p>Post from: <a href="http://www.toplaytheguitar.com">Learn How To Play The Guitar For Beginners</a></p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style='font-style:italic;' class='byline'>by Patrick Jules</div>
<p>There is a popular joke that goes ? There is a frog driving one way on the highway, and a banjo player driving the other way ? what?s the difference. Answer, the frog has a gig. </p>
<p>There are so many different instrument s out there that it is difficult to say which one is the best, but certainly one of the most versatile instruments out there is the guitar. </p>
<p>For centuries, the guitar has been around, and in that time, it has grown in stature and use because it is so easily adaptable to many different styles from jazz to heavy metal, and Spanish to classical. Learning the guitar and mastering it can be the joy of an entire lifetime. However, buying that first one can be painful sometimes. </p>
<p>There are so many different makes and models that suit this or that style that it is easy to get lost in all the choice. As a friend if mine who has been in the music business says, ?You have to go with your gut?. Always listen to that little voice and watch that you don?t override it. Some prefer the mellow sound of the ?flat top?, or acoustic, and others love to blast everything to pieces with an electric that sounds like its on steroids, but there is one common guideline that makes the best sense of all ? ?If you?re starting out, get something that isn?t pricey. There are many good makes out there that are ideal for starting on. </p>
<p>There are reasons for going with the inexpensive first. When you start out, all the instruments in the store are like candy, they all look so beautiful, and when you watch someone test playing one, it?s intoxicating, and all you know is that you want that one! </p>
<p>Work with the sales staff, but first check and see if the store is a good one. You will know if it?s a good one by how many professional musicians go there. In a good store, the staff doesn?t try to push you into getting the most expensive one there; they work with you to your playing level and to your budget. </p>
<p>Good sales staff know that starry eyed look that beginners get and will steer you in the right direction according to your needs and your budget. They know that many who start playing can lose interest quickly when they find out what it takes to get to where they can play that beautiful music they heard being played by a pro. Do not make yourself crazy just enjoy the adventure.</p>
<p>So, when you?re looking for the ?perfect guitar? for you, remember to listen to that little voice, and when you also listen to the sales person, you will get something that is ideally suited to you. So, is there such a thing as the perfect guitar?? Go looking and find out. Remember in the end it comes down to what you want and your preferences.</p>
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<div style='font-style:italic;' class='about'>About the Author:</div>
<div class='links'>E Walker is the founder of Planet of Rock. For <A HREF="http://www.planetofrock.com/index.php/VIP.html">Free Lead Guitar Lessons</A> and to get access to <A HREF="http://www.planetofrock.com/index.php/VIP.html">online guitar lessons</A>, tips and techniques, join our FREE VIP Membership! Visit Planet Of Rock for more details.</div>
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		<title>Key Tips to Mastering the Guitar</title>
		<link>http://www.toplaytheguitar.com/208/key-tips-to-mastering-the-guitar/</link>
		<comments>http://www.toplaytheguitar.com/208/key-tips-to-mastering-the-guitar/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2009 18:02:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Eugene W</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.toplaytheguitar.com/blog/208/key-tips-to-mastering-the-guitar/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Take a trip with us as we examine at a few key tips for learning how to master the guitar. You'll learn how playing clean with no effects improves accuracy. Learn how to get the most out of practice sessions with backing tracks for guitarists, as well as a few principles to apply to guitar practice.<p>Post from: <a href="http://www.toplaytheguitar.com">Learn How To Play The Guitar For Beginners</a></p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style='font-style:italic;' class='byline'>by Eugene W</div>
<p>Take a trip with us as we examine at a few key tips for learning how to master the guitar. You'll learn how playing clean with no effects improves accuracy. Learn how to get the most out of practice sessions with backing tracks for guitarists, as well as a few principles to apply to guitar practice.</p>
<p> Every aspiring guitarist who picks up a guitar has the ultimate goal in mind of being able to just <I>pick up their guitar and blaze a solo,</I> leaving impressed friends and family in a state of awed shock. The problem is that most people do not put in the effort that is necessary in order to master their instrument because they desire instant gratification. Although guitar is one of the most difficult instruments to master, anyone can do it if they put in enough dedication, effort and time and have a true passion for creative musical expression.</p>
<p> There are a few tips that are the key to unlocking success when it comes to mastering the guitar. One of the most basic tips to success playing the guitar is to put in the time that is necessary to practice. As elementary as it may seem, a lot of people <I>fail and give up the guitar </I>because they expected instant results without putting in any work. Practice takes <I>time, effort, passion, and work</I>. There isn't a single great guitar player in the history of music that didn't sacrifice a lot of time to practice theirguitar. Some would practice for five to eight hours a day. This doesn't mean that you have to practice that long every day, but you have to give more than five minutes of your time if you want to see any real results.</p>
<p> Another great tip for mastering the guitar is to take it slow at first. This means that playing fast is put to the side for awhile. <I>Take your time perfecting your chords and learning them</I>. Learn all your scales, commit them to your mind, master these fundamentals first, and then you can begin to build on your speed. It's important to remember that playing fast is not as important as playing with accuracy.</p>
<p> One tip for mastering accuracy and clarity in your playing is to <I>play your guitar clean</I>. Playing your guitar clean means no distortion and no effects. By practicing your scales and chords without distortion, you will have to play the notes clean and accurately in order for them to sound good. This will push your style and accuracy to the next level as you're learning new techniques and scales.</p>
<p> An excellent tool to allow you put into practice all that you have learned is guitar backing tracks. These tracks are great for helping you take what you have learned and use it alongside other musicians. It makes guitar practice so much more entertaining and keeps your motivated! These guitar backing tracks are like <I>practicing with an entire band</I>, and will help you develop timing and rhythm during lead sections. They are excellent for helping you tap into your creativity and apply what you have learned to creating excellent lead parts.</p>
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<div style='font-style:italic;' class='about'>About the Author:</div>
<div class='links'>E Walker is the founder of <A HREF="http://www.PlanetofRock.com">Planet of Rock</A> Music Studios. Listen to samples of <A HREF="http://www.PlanetofRock.com">Free Guitar Backing Tracks</A> at Planet of Rock today. Find out how they can bring your skills to the next level. Jam to over 1000 professional tracks. You are just One Click Away!</div>
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		<title>Acoustic Guitar Chords – Key To Learning Guitar</title>
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		<pubDate>Sun, 26 Apr 2009 17:01:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Adrian Fletcher</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[An acoustic guitar chord is simply several notes played simultaneously. There are several different acoustic guitar chords but most people can get by with just a few of the basic chords. Indeed many classic songs are made up of three or four chords throughout the song so you can play these songs and many more if you master the basic chords. A basic fact to commit to memory before you begin is that major chords should sound bright while minor chords sound dark.<p>Post from: <a href="http://www.toplaytheguitar.com">Learn How To Play The Guitar For Beginners</a></p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style='font-style:italic;' class='byline'>by Adrian Fletcher</div>
<p>An acoustic guitar chord is simply several notes played simultaneously. There are several different acoustic guitar chords but most people can get by with just a few of the basic chords. Indeed many classic songs are made up of three or four chords throughout the song so you can play these songs and many more if you master the basic chords. A basic fact to commit to memory before you begin is that major chords should sound bright while minor chords sound dark.</p>
<p>Acoustic guitar chords are expressed in print as chord diagrams. Chord diagrams for acoustic guitars are similar to guitar tabs for electric guitars however they are slightly different. While guitar tabs are printed side-to-side (horizontally), acoustic guitar chord diagrams are vertical (top to bottom). The chord diagram appears as a series of crossed lines with vertical lines to mark each string, horizontal lines to mark each fret and dots to mark the spot where the string should be held down.</p>
<p>The acoustic guitar chord diagram will display six lines with numbers on those lines. The lines represent the stings from top to bottom of the guitar neck, and the numbers represent which finger is to be used on the string to produce a chord. 1 indicates that the index finger should be used, 2 for the middle finger, 3 for the ring finger, 4 for the little finger, and T for rare instances that the thumb is used. O represents an open string that is played, and strings marked with an X are not played.</p>
<p>G-major is the first chord we?re going to learn on the acoustic guitar. Place your fingers as follows: middle finger on sixth string at third fret, index finger on fifth string at second fret, ring finger on first string at third fret. Play each note one at a time, including the open strings. Each note should be heard clearly, with no odd buzzing or rattling sounds. If anything sounds off, you can push down firmer on the string or move your fingers so they are closer to the fret. Your fingers should not be in contact with one another and only on one string at a time. When each individual note sounds good, strum them all together. You have just accomplished a G-major chord on your acoustic guitar.</p>
<p>The acoustic guitar chord E-minor is much easier to learn how to finger. Your index finger goes on the second fret of the fifth string, while your middle finger rests on the second fret of the fourth string when playing this chord. There should be enough room for both fingers to rest on the fret without having them touch. After trying the notes, adjust your fingers until the sound you hear is the right note. Then, strum both strings to play the E-minor chord. You will notice a darker sound from this minor chord.</p>
<p>The basic acoustic guitar chords that you should hone include C-major, D-major, A-minor, and A-major. You should get comfortable with the finger positioning for each chord and then practice moving the fingers from one chord to another. You should get it to the stage where this moving from one position to the next is almost second nature.</p>
<p>Despite what you may have been told or think, learning to play acoustic guitar chords is not easy. It is not a natural movement and only by continued and focused practice will you get the skill set down and into your head. Don't let this put you off though as continued practice will guarantee success. Everyday you practice will strengthen the muscle memory and you will be playing acoustic guitar chords without too much apparent effort. And believe me the effort is worth it.</p>
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		<title>A Look At Famous Guitarists and Their Guitars – Guitar Players</title>
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		<pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2009 08:52:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Patrick Jules</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[If you like music, then you know about an American guitarist, singer and songwriter named Jimi Hendrix. He was classed as one of best and influenced many a budding guitarists with his music.<p>Post from: <a href="http://www.toplaytheguitar.com">Learn How To Play The Guitar For Beginners</a></p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style='font-style:italic;' class='byline'>by Patrick Jules</div>
<p>If you like music, then you know about an American guitarist, singer and songwriter named Jimi Hendrix. He was classed as one of best and influenced many a budding guitarists with his music.</p>
<p>Though starting in England it wasn?t until the Monterey Festival in 1967 that he was recognized worldwide. He later went on to headline The 1969 Woodstock Festival and with his style of playing using guitar feedback and overdriven amplifiers he turned an undesirable sound into a highly popular type of music.</p>
<p>HIS GUITAR-FENDER 60s REVERSE HEADSTOCK STRATOCASTER</p>
<p>Another amazing artist is Jimmy Page, from England he is also a composer and record producer. He started out as a Studio guitarist then joined a band called the Yardbirds, which played from 1966 to 1968. He then founded one of best and most popular English bands called Led Zepplin. In rock history, Jimmy Page is a legend in his own right. as a guitarist and songwriter. Page was also ranked the #9th greatest guitarist of all time.</p>
<p>HIS GUITARS-GIBSON LES PAUL CLASSIC, GIBSON CUSTOM SHOP JIMMY PAGE DOUBLE NECK ELECTRIC</p>
<p>You can?t talk guitarists without talking about? Slowhand? Eric Clapton. This English award winning rock guitarist, singer is also a songwriter and composer. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 3 times and was one of the best musicians of the 20th and 21rst centuries. Though he?s tried different styles, the blues are always present in his playing. He has played with Cream, The Yardbirds and blues ?rock band John Mavril &amp; the Bluesbreakers.</p>
<p>HIS GUITAR-ERIC CLAPTON ARTIST SIGNATURE STRATOCASTER </p>
<p>Another great guitarist, from America, is Joe Satriani. His style of instrumental rock music in a world previously dominated by pop opened the doors for a completely new type of music. His blues and rock tone has a warm sound and the influences of such artists as Jimi Hendrix , Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck can be heard in his music.</p>
<p>HIS GUITARS-IBANEZ JS100, IBANEZ JS1000, IBANEZ JS1200</p>
<p>Fame came to Carlos Santana and the Santana Blues Band in the late 60s and early 70s. With a fantastic blend of rock, blues, jazz, salsa using Latin instruments such as congas, and timbales it was a sound with great melody that Santana perfected over the decades to come.</p>
<p>HIS GUITAR-PRS SANTANA II GIBSON SG </p>
<p>AC/DC is an Australian hard rock band and its co-founder Angus Young is an amazing guitarist and songwriter and is ranked in the magazine Rolling Stones list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists Of All Time at 96th. He is known for his schoolboy ?uniform outfits and his hard edge style lead guitar playing. </p>
<p>HIS GUITAR-GIBSON ANGUS YOUNG SIGNATURE SG</p>
<p>One of the most famous bands of all times is by far The Rolling Stones. One of the co-founders. Keith Richards is a guitarist from England and sings as well as produces music with lead vocalist Mick Jagger. Together they have written and produced many hit songs and Richards is rated number 10 on the Rolling Stones Guitarist list.</p>
<p>HIS GUITARS-FENDER 1950s TELECASTER, GIBSON LES PAUL CLASSIC</p>
<p>These are but a few of the most famous guitarists and the guitars they play!</p>
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<div style='font-style:italic;' class='about'>About the Author:</div>
<div class='links'>E Walker is the founder of Planet of Rock Music Studios and contributes regularly to many guitar publications. Find out how <A HREF="http://www.PlanetofRock.com">Guitar Backing Tracks</A> will improve your guitar playing skills. Sign up for our FREE <A HREF="http://www.planetofrock.com/index.php/Affiliate-Program.html">Guitar Affiliate Programs</A> and start making cash!</div>
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