By Keith Dean
Acoustic guitars come in all shapes and sizes with a number of options. One of the most popular options is the addition of a pickup system that allows the guitar to be plugged into amplification.
When a pickup system is added to an acoustic guitar it becomes an "acoustic/ electric" guitar because it can be played on its own, acoustically, or connected to an amp or PA system like an electric guitar.
And as with anything mechanical, the more pieces you add to the puzzle, the more that can go wrong. If you have an acoustic/ electric guitar it's just a matter of time before you experience a break down in the signal chain, and it's important to know how to diagnose the problem.
Issues that can arise when plugging an acoustic/ electric guitar into an amp or PA system typically fall into two categories. Distorted or static sounds - or complete loss of signal.
Distorted or Static Sounds
When the sound that the guitar produces is distorted or full of static, there are a couple of culprits.
The first thing to check is the guitar cable you are using. Gently shake the cable and listen for a "crackling" sound. If you hear one then the cable may have a short somewhere down its length. Also, apply some pressure back and forth on the ends. If you hear a crackling sound then that is usually an indicator of a short in the cable connectors.
Either way, try a new cable and see if that alleviates the problem.
If not, try gently moving the end of the cable that is plugged into the guitar back and forth. If this produces a crackling noise then you may have a short in the input jack of the guitar itself.
If you have tried all of the above and not located a problem, then the next thing to check is the battery for the pre-amp of the guitar's pickup system.
Most acoustic guitar pickups have a pre-amp built in that boosts the signal out of the guitar before it goes to an amp or PA. One of the most common problems with these guitars is that the battery (often a 9 volt) loses power, or dies out altogether. Put a new battery in and try the guitar. This, quite often, will solve the problem.
Complete Loss of Signal
Diagnosing this problem is similar to the above issues, but since there is no signal at all you will want to check the other parts of the signal chain.
First check the amp. I know this sounds obvious, but make sure it's on! If so, check volume level settings. Use another guitar that you know is working and make sure the amp is functioning properly.
If the guitar is plugged into a D.I. (Direct Box), check the box for defects and proper cable routing. Also check the XLR cable that goes from the D.I. box, to the mixing board or snake.
Once those possibilities are eliminated, then proceed to diagnose issues as with a distorted or static sound.
In Conclusion
The above troubleshooting tips may sound like a lot of steps to go through to discover the problem, but once you have a grip on the concept of what can go wrong, you will find that tracing down the problem can be done fairly quickly.
It's really just a matter of knowing the signal path of the guitar, and eliminating everything that "is" working, until you find the thing that "isn't" working.
And remember, the number one culprit of signal loss, or distorted signal in an acoustic/ electric guitar is a faulty battery - and you can solve that problem by changing the battery often!
Over 40, 50, 60? For Free Video Guitar Lessons designed for Active Adults go to http://www.adultguitarlessons.com/amember/free_lessons-1225ez.php
Keith Dean is founder of http://www.AdultGuitarLessons.com and a 30 veteran of stage and studio. He toured extensively as a road musician throughout the US and Europe, was a former lead guitarist for Jason Aldean, and has shared stages with Little Big Town, Wild Rose, Winger, Confederate Railroad and more. He is a published songwriter, owned and operated a successful music store, and has instructed numerous students in guitar.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Keith_Dean/303832
6/28/15
Acoustic Solo - Waiting For Tomorrow
The song "Waiting For Tomorrow" was recorded via the Zoom H1 (picture below) with effects coming from the Yamaha THR5a (pic below) acoustic amp. The original composition was mixed with some 'appropriate' pictures using Windows Movie Maker app to produce this video. The Seagull Mahogany Folk guitar was used for this song. - AcousticTwang
Yamaha THR5a
and Zoom H1 (below)
If you're interested in knowing more about piano lessons, stop by how to learn to play the piano.
6/27/15
Acoustic solo - Black Alley Cat (Original arr.)
Hi, I'm posting my first video here after procrastinating for ages to do it. "Black Alley Cat" is my own original composition and is played in Open C tuning which is C-G-C-G-C-E.
Apart from the standard guitar tuning, Open C tuning is one of my favourite tunings, the other one is Drop D tuning. I have done a number of original compositions in Open C and I hope to post on this site when the time is ripe.
The acoustic guitar which I have for more than 12 years now is the Seagull Mahogany Folk Duet with an L R Baggs pickup. I believe Canadian guitar maker Godin who produced this guitar has stopped making this model.
PS: There are more of my postings at "Acoustic Ramblings" on my Google+ page. You are welcome to visit the site there
@ https://plus.google.com/collection/QzEsY?hl=en
-- AcousticTwang
3/31/15
Tomatito Bulerias - Gypsy Passion and Fire
Born in Almeria, Spain, in 1958 and coming from a gypsy family, Fernandez Torres "Tomatito" is today a flamenco guitarist without "compás" - an exceptional talent who was once dubbed the "Pope of the buleria" because when you see him play in private or at a flamenco gathering, he exudes a quality of playing the guitar that's an unforgettable moment in this musical genre.
Tomatito's style is rhythmic and elegant. He possesses an innate sense of rhythm but the compás is engraved on his subconscious. He doesn't need to think twice as he plays - a true mark of his absolute mastery of the compás. A guitarist without "compás" may play his own music which may have some flamenco characteristics, but it will never be genuine.
Tomatito embarked on his career in the 1980s when he formed what was to become the most famous of flamenco duos with Camarón, and then, taking the path prepared for him by Paco de Lucía, performed with accompanists such as Antonio and Juan Carmona (Ketama), Antonio Canales and El Duquenque.
Although this gypsy maestro has clearly established his career as a solo guitarist and flamenco temple guardian, he remains very much a man, a gypsy of his time.
This 1980 video clip shows Tomatito was way ahead of his time with modern syncopation. Despite his modern style, he keeps an earthy "gypsy" sound in his playing. This clip below is from "Rito y Geografia del Toque" DVD set, which is a must for any guitar aficionado. - AcousticTwang
9/17/13
Acoustic Guitar - Solid Wood vs Laminated Wood
Photo Credit: AcousticTwang
A lot has transpired through the years in the debate over acoustic guitars in the area of laminate versus solid wood construction. It is not a secret that the type of materials and craftsmanship affect the quality, durability, sound and price of acoustic guitars.
However, there is probably no other discussion bigger than this. The question that many players ask themselves is whether a solid body is worth the price? Despite the better sound, they require care and regular maintenance to prevent cracking. When using laminated you run the risk that it will separate over time. There is no clear answer to this question and as long as there is a discussion about acoustic guitars, it will always be at the forefront.
The Debate - Uncut
Laminated is several pieces of wood glued together and solid body is exactly that, one piece. There are pros and cons to both kinds. It is a fact that laminate is known to produce a ‘dead’ sound that does not sustain or project sound very well and the one-piece body is known for its richer tone. Laminate is more used because it is more durable and less sensitive to humidity and change in temperature. A body that is made from one-piece timber is very sensitive to humidity and climate change. The top is like a sponge that you can’t let dry out.
A Bit Of History
Years ago the debate was not about sound quality or durability, it was about price. The one piece timber body guitars were very expensive so many musicians did not have a choice but to buy one made of laminate. A one piece is coveted because of its rich and beautiful tone that only seems to become better over time.
However, times have changed quite a bit in the world of laminate including the craftsmanship. Better quality laminate is being used and more detailed craftsmanship has been applied so they are sounding better and better everyday. It is evident why this debate is becoming less spectacular, but the fact will always remain the same that a laminate will never be able to sound as good.
The Main Problem
When building a guitar you want the soundboard, better known as the top, to be as lightweight and strong as possible. Creating this ratio with laminate is often difficult because in order to make it strong it ends up too heavy. The wet glue used to secure the pieces of timber together can become to heavy when too much is used.
Unfortunately, when too little of the glue is used, the timber pulls apart. Recently new adhesives have been introduced that have helped to solve this problem and ensure lightness. This is one of the ways that laminated construction is becoming more popular and competitive.
Necks, Sides & Backs
Acoustic laminate necks are very common and widely accepted. This has become a popular way to make the neck stronger. Hybrid guitars are also extremely common. Many models are made with one piece body tops and laminate sides and backs. The sound quality is 90% dependent on what the top is made of, so as long as the soundboard is one piece the rich sound will be present. This is also a great way to make solid body tops affordable.
How Do You Tell The Difference?
Depending on how dark the timber or stain is, telling the difference between them can be a difficult task. First, you need to look at the inside edge of the sound hole on the top of the body. If the edge has a natural finish it is a one piece body and if it has two or more layers it is made of laminate.
To determine what the back and sides are constructed with you need to first look at the back of the guitar. Next, look inside the sound hole at the same spot on the back and see if the wood grains are the same. If they are the same it is a whole body. You can do this same technique with the sides.
Everyone’s opinion is different. Many believe that there is no need to buy an acoustic made of laminated timber when solid bodies are so affordable now. Others believe that the sound quality of laminate bodies on their own and in a hybrid model is comparable.
Each individual needs to evaluate the pros and cons of both, and decide what makes sense for them. For example if you travel often, perhaps it makes sense to purchase a laminate model for its durability. When buying there are always a lot of questions that need to be answered, this is just another one.
Seagull Mahogany Folk Duet
Photo Credit: AcousticTwang
About the author: Ken Searcy is the host of http://www.the-guitar-guide.com where you will discover invaluable advice and tips on how-to choose and buy electric guitars, the perfect acoustic guitar, guitar lessons, guitar amps and guitar accessories.
Article Source: EzineArticles
8/2/13
Learn Acoustic Guitar - Finger Picking Techniques
> Video Credit: martyzsongs
By Dave Long and Matt Abdallah
Finger picking can be quite an interesting alternative for a person that is learning to play acoustic guitar. With practice, a guitarist can sound almost as though they were playing two separate instruments at once, which can create some very compelling and interesting solo arrangements.
Generally, finger style guitar is slower at playing notes on one string or fast chord progressions in comparison to a pick player. There are more specialized techniques that allow players to get around these limitations. Other than higher level classical and flamenco guitarists, most people will simply not need these techniques.
However, in comparison to a pick player, it is much easier to skip strings or to play non-adjacent strings at the same time with finger picking, so there are advantages even for a player first beginning to use this style.
Basic Fingerstyle Guitar
Unlike using a pick, the strings are played directly using the fingers. While there are some variations in much higher level playing, on a basic level of playing, it is pretty straightforward.
The thumb covers the low E, A, and D strings. The index finger plays the G string, the middle finger plays the B string, and the ring finger plays the high e string. The pinky finger is not used, and usually just follows the ring finger to keep it out of the way.
Simply pick a chord and cycle through the fingers, see how much more interesting the basic chords sound simply by playing through the strings one at a time rather than all at once. Once comfortable using each finger to strike the correct string, try combining the fingers and then mixing between one and multiple strings at the same time. By playing around with the picking arrangement, some really interesting parts can be created.
Common Fingerpicking Patterns Part 1
> Video Credit: iVideosongs
Exceptions to Basic Rules
There are a few things that may crop up which violate the basic rules as to what finger strikes each string. For one thing, using the same finger twice in a row is fairly rare in finger style. Sometimes this will actually be the fretting hand hammering on and pulling off the string to create the extra notes, but other times it is because other fingers are being brought in.
One common exception is for the index finger to play the D or even A strings, if the thumb is occupied on a lower string. Sometimes that middle and ring finger will also shift up to high the next lowest string as well when this happens. With practice and experience these situations should be more easily recognizable.
Tremolo picking is another of these exceptions. This is a technique used to rapidly play the same string multiple times in a row. Rather than trying to use the same finger over and over again, the guitarist will cycle through the index, middle, and ring fingers continuously through the passage.
Quite often the thumb will also be playing notes during these passages on other strings as well. This can be a more difficult technique to learn, but once mastered, it opens many possibilities that would otherwise not been available.
> Dave Long is the owner of http://www.LearningAcousticGuitar.net where he provides acoustic guitar tips and advice.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Long
6/5/11
Buying a Parlor Guitar?
Talking Farida Guitars The Farida M-26 is a great-looking parlour guitar and sounds really great for Mississippi or Delta blues and slide playing as you can hear from this video. Farida has a range of models which replicate the parlor guitars of the early 1920's.
They are smaller in size than your usual dreadnought or Grand Auditorium. Good for finger-picking, too.
The H-67 is the top model and comes with a price tag of nearly RM5,000. For that price it features a solid Engelmann spruce top and solid rosewood back and sides. It's a beautiful guitar with a one-piece mahogany neck with a green abalone "Tree of Life" inlay, and an ebony fingerboard and bridge. It's a work of art for that price.
And yet it's still so much cheaper than some Taylors and CF Martins. With good projection of sound and great playability, the China-made parlor guitar can be considered great value for money against those expensive American-made models.
However, having tried all three models, I settled for the H-16E not only because it has the Fishman Isys T EQ system for amplified performance but, according to my ears, the twang was fantastic.
I have owned a Seagull Mahogany Folk made in Canada for more than 10 years and it still gives good service. Now I find the H-16E has got that unique twang so different from the Seagull but that's not belittling the Canadian guitar. This parlor guitar features a solid spruce top with rosewood back and sides. Of course, it's plainer than the H-67 but for a price tag of less than RM2,000 it's definitely great value for money for the sound coming out of it.
I have also tried out some Takamine, Yamaha, Epiphone, Ibanez, Taylor and CF Martin and this well-built Farida really stood out and beat the hell out of them. - AcousticTwang
UPDATE - Aug 1 2011: The Farida M-26 model is now available at The Guitar Store in Damanasara Perdana, Malaysia, and probably their other outlets will carry it, too.
8/3/09
Guitar Aficionado - A New Twang In Town
I'm a sucker for guitar magazines, especially those that spotlight the acoustic guitar like the monthly Acoustic Guitar magazine. The cover of Guitar Aficionado caught my eye while browsing in a magazine store. What do you expect from a guitar freak like me, I grab a copy because it's a premier issue.
Just as this blog is affectionately devoted to the sound of wood and wire (aka the acoustic guitar), Guitar Aficionado is the new quarterly magazine "for passionate people who enjoy the guitar in all of its timeless, functional beauty."
This Summer '09 copy of Guitar Aficionado was launched recently with an 'aristocratic' mission statement by publisher Greg Di Benedetto (he also publishes Guitar World) that this magazine celebrates the art of fine living "with the guitar as the common point."
Thumbing through its pages, I soon realized that this high-gloss mag belongs to a different crowd - it addresses the person whose lifestyle encompasses more than just the guitar.
These folks are just not your regular guitar guys working out in a garage, they are more into expensive cigars, wine, watches, cars, fashion and other collections that fall under the hedonistic culture.
Did I mention cigars? Now I remember seeing a somewhat similar-looking mag called Cigar Aficionado. However, a check indicates that the two magazines are not related. Could be just a coincidence.
By the way, the cover story features award-winning chef Tom Colicchio, owner of the Craft empire of restaurants. Obviously, Colicchio talks not only about how he ventured into cooking but also his collection of guitars and music.
The guitars on view in the magazine belongs to the upper-end range, probably not less than $6,000. So it's not for the average picker like you and I.
If you want to learn guitar techniques and chords, I guess you will not find it in this magazine. It's for those who want to polish up their status symbols and enjoy the celebrity lifestyle.
To be frank, it's not likely to be a magazine that most of you guitar pickers would fall in love with. Oh well, let's get back to our Seagull, Yamaha, Washburn, Maton... - AcousticTwang
3/13/09
Go Flamenco - Passion, Grace and Fire
The Flamenco Music
Flamenco's origins are obscure. It is regarded as gypsy music coming from Andalucia, a region in Spain. However, it is generally accepted that this musical form was Moorish influenced from North Africa.
The emergence of Flamenco came about towards the end of the 18th century when it was always played as a combination of dance, song and guitar accompaniment. The original form later split into two different styles - Solo Flamenco Guitar and Cante Flamenco.
Spanish guitarist Ramon Montoya (1880-1949) was credited as the man who gave birth to the solo guitar form. Performing artistes such as Paco Pena, Paco de Lucia and a host of other noted modern-day Flamenco solo guitarists have turned the solo guitar form into a popular musical genre worldwide.
Flamenco music is often regarded as a loose, undisciplined form. In actual fact, it is a combination of improvisation and strict rhythmic structures.
For example, the soleares is one of the four most significant structures. It has a rhythm based on a 12-beat form, with accents on the third, sixth, eighth and tenth beats. It is played in 3/4 time. More often than not, a guitarist usually sticks to one form of specialization.
The Flamenco Guitar
When it comes to wood, the flamenco guitar is traditionally constructed from Spanish cypress for its back and sides. The finest cypress is reputed to come from Aranjuez. The Spaniards call cypress the "sad wood" because most of the wood comes from old trees cut out of cemeteries where Spanish cypresses are usually found.
Cypress is adopted because the wood produces a more brilliant, penetrating sound, thus giving the instrument greater volume. The Flamenco guitar is normally an accompanying instrument, its qualities being percussive rather than melodic. The sharp metallic tone of the guitar will cut through all the background noise of dancing, singing and palm clapping during a Flamenco performance.
The Flamenco guitar is usually slightly smaller than the Classical guitar. Traditionally, wooden pegs are favoured for Flamenco guitars. They are considered to give a better tone than geared pegs which are normally used on Classical guitars.
While Flamenco guitars are generally associated with light golden colored woods the real differences between modern Flamenco guitars and Classicals are in design and construction.
Today Concert Flamenco is something rather removed from the traditional style. Paco de Lucia usually play Classical guitars in his concert performances. - acoustictwang
1/10/09
Microphone Techniques For Acoustic Guitars
Guitar is a very old musical instrument. It is normally played in an unplugged way. But when played in a show, a microphone is also used. Otherwise the sound will not reach every listener. Acoustic guitars have a unique sound.
Microphones sometimes cause different kinds of problems. And for that reason, the use of a proper microphone is ensured for acoustic guitars. Here we will talk about different microphone techniques for acoustic guitars.
The acoustic guitar delivers a varied range of frequencies. The range is from under 100hz to the extent which is not audible to human beings. The resonance of the largest string delivers low frequencies and the plucking system delivers the high frequencies. In most types of acoustic guitars, the sound hole generates the bass sound.
This instrument has always been so popular that people have thought of making some microphone which will not harm the sound of this instrument. And for this reason, a lot of experiments were made on microphones.
Dynamic and condenser microphones
After a lot of experiments, dynamic and condenser microphones were made. These two microphones are suitable for acoustic guitars. But among these two, the condenser microphone delivers the most detailed and the brightest sound.
There are small and large diaphragm microphones available. Both of them are perfect for acoustic guitars. But while playing the lead portion of the acoustic guitar, if you stroke the string hard, then a sharp transient will be produced. It is louder than the sustain portion of the waveform. This will not sound well at the time of recording. So it will be better if you use the dynamic microphones for playing the lead portion.
To get a good sound out of the microphone, it is necessary to know where you should keep the microphone. If you keep the mike just in front of the sound hole, then the guitar will create a very dark, boomy sound. Just like that if you put it in front of the neck then it will produce a thin sound. Even the surrounded portion of the bridge will not be able to produce a proper sound, if you put the mike there.
Actually the proper microphone technique for acoustic guitars depends on the instrument itself and the playing pattern. That means it depends also on whether the instrument will be strummed or plucked, and on the music style and the recording place. The perfect place for a microphone is one to two feet away from the acoustic guitar. The mike must be pointing at a place somewhere between the sound hole and the very place where the
neck of the guitar meets its body.
If you use a directional mike, then you have to adjust the distance, to make a balance between the proximity effect and the room ambiance. If you use an omni microphone for acoustic guitars, then you will be able to put it closer to the instrument and also will get a sound which is pretty much well balanced.
The most common microphone technique for acoustic guitars is the use of two microphones. One will be closer to the guitar and the other will be a bit far away. But the interesting thing about microphone techniques is that you do not always have to use all these existing styles. You can try some technique of your own. And perhaps one day you will be able to make a microphone technique that will help many acoustic guitar players.
About the author: Victor Epand is an expert consultant for music gear, speakers, and microphones. You can find the best marketplace for music gear, speakers, and microphones at these three sites: music gear, DJ, speakers, subwoofers.
1/6/09
The Best Beginner Guitar Lessons Can Be Found Online
By Russ Coop
It can be natural to make excuses, or rationalizations, about learning a new skill as an adult or child. However, those excuses are holding you back. Let them go and join the music education revolution that is taking place online right now.
Beginner guitar lessons that are found online, range from beginner to advanced, and covering every genre and every price range. You'll be looking for lessons that will help you learn most effectively and fit into your price range.
There are plenty of free lessons through numerous video web sites, and they are great, but they don't really help you "learn" to play guitar. Keep looking around until you find what works. Most people find some sort of video course to be helpful, but instructor style varies considerably. Keep this in mind when shopping for online lessons.
It is often the case that beginners can become frustrated in the early days of learning to play music. If you find that you are a person who becomes easily frustrated with new situations such as this, perhaps you can have some motivational words at the ready, or a good friend who will help you if you try to back out.
Remind yourself of the benefits and rewards you'll receive (admirers, tips, offers of free beer, confidence, etc.). The Internet is a great place to find groups of supportive and like-minded people. Search out a group of beginning musicians who can help support and motivate each other. Something like this may even be available to you within your beginner guitar lessons website.
It may be easier to learn the type of music that you enjoy listening to, since you already naturally enjoy it. Listen around for simple tunes, or even catchy commercial jingles that you can learn to play by ear. Frankly, not everyone needs to learn to read music; maybe you don't even want to. It can be very gratifying to learn to play by listening to, then copying the sounds you hear. You don't have to play music you don't like. Play what you like, just get started playing before it's too late!
About the author: Russ is a professional guitar player with over 30 years of experience. Let him show you how to learn to play guitar in the easiest way possible. Get more free powerful tips and free guitar lessons now at http://www.onlineguitarpro.com Also visit now to Get The #1 Beginner Guitar Lesson and Learning Method and Stop Asking Yourself How You're Going To Learn To Play Guitar Fast!
3/13/08
Rootsy Country Blues By Ruthie Foster
Ruthie Foster is dubbed "the best kept secret in America". This gospel-folk-blues singer from the Lone Star state of Texas is the real deal. Ruthie is a downhome performer and she's worth listening.
Miss Foster shows off her beautiful voice with this country blues number "Smalltown Blues" in this video footage - the song is one of the outstanding cuts in her "Runaway Soul" album.
"Full Circle" was her debut album in 1997 and since then, she has come a long way, making her major breakthrough in 2002 with "Runaway Soul" and last year she came out with her fifth release "The Phenomenal Ruthie Foster" which really showcases her musical talent.
You can't take away from Ruthie that she's a great soul/blues artiste. The "Phenomenal..." album is a little departure from her traditional style. It evokes a new discovery that she's just as comfortable when taking on a more contemporary sound. - AcousticTwang
Ruthie Foster website
2/8/08
Debi Jordan - Spunky Blues Singer
Jamaican Blues written by female blues guitarist Debi Jordan.
Debi Jordan rockin' out on her original blues tune "Jamaican Blues". Check out this guitar playin' and singin'!
About Debi Jordan: She's multi-talented, full of energy and vocal power. Debi started out as a street musician, performed her original music at Nashville's legendary Bluebird Cafe. As a singer-songwriter Jordan has found her niche with acoustic blues.
Jordan's style has been compared to Keb Mo', Susan Tedeschi, Janis Joplin and Robert Johnson among blues greats. She has a passion to hit the road performing at various venues. She's one spunky blues guitar-totin' roadie. Hear her out, you won't be disappointed if you love the Blues. - AcousticTwang
2/6/08
How to Play Acoustic Guitar
Here are some great tips that should help:
#1 : Because you will need to practice often (and sometimes you won't want to), playing along to a favorite song can be a great motivator. Even if you are a raw beginner you will be surprised at how many songs you can play along to."Google" your favorite song and see if there's a result that offers chord charts for them. Study the charts to find a song you know that has a simple chord progression, these will be chords that you can already play or would like to learn. Download the chord charts and start practicing. You'll be amazed at how good you will feel when you are playing along to your well loved songs.
#2 : Make sure that your guitar is tuned properly. You may not believe this but I've met people who wanted to know how to play acoustic guitar that didn't know that each string on a guitar had to be tuned to a specific pitch!. It's not a case of getting the tuning nearly right either, you need to get it "spot on" why? because you will judge your playing by the way you sound and if just one string is slightly of pitch, your "sound" won't be as good as you would like or indeed would have been had your guitar been in tune.To make sure your guitar is in tune you can use a set of inexpensive pitch pipes. Learn to tune from string to string. Use an electronic guitar tuner or tune from a piano or another guitar. To save room in this article I wont go into detail but you can find some excellent information here.
#3 : Decide on what type of pick (plectrum) you want to use. This is one of the most overlooked pieces of equipment. Picks come in various gauges. A very thin pick will give a much softer sound than a thick one so try experimenting and choose the pick that achieves the sound you want. Some guitarist wear a pick on there thumb and some guitarists just use their fingers. It's all a matter of choice and something you do need to be aware of.
#4 : Now you'll have to excuse me here as I'm going to use a word that some people find quite upsetting. Are you ready? The word is "practise". I'm sorry but it just had to be said. Of course, we all promise we will practise but there's always a good film on or the big game just about to start and a hundred other excuses. I'm no different, so here's my suggestion.
Don't promise yourself that you will practise for an hour every day. Make that a promise of twenty minutes everyday. Little and often is best I find. Have your guitar and chord books or tabs to hand if you're watching TV, that way you can have five minutes practice during the commercial break (and sometimes longer). I find that this works really well as it's sort of unplanned (and far more enjoyable than most of the commercials).
I hope that these tips will help you on your way to becoming a great guitarist.Practise, Practise, Practise. That's how to play acoustic guitar.
Play On.
When learning how to play acoustic guitar you will need the very best information available. You will find the information and help you need at: How To Play Acoustic Guitar - By Ian Major
Photo credit: acoustictwang
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ian_Major
1/30/08
Slaid Cleaves on the Road Again
Slaid Cleaves singing Horses & Divorces with Michael O'Connor on guitar
Texas troubadour Slaid Cleaves has come a long way in his singing career. With seven albums under his belt in the last 16 years, Cleaves will be hitting the road again this year (2008).
According to his website, Cleaves and his band will make a brief trip to the Netherlands in February and then it's back to the US highways sometime in March.
Although the singer-songwriter grew up in Maine, he now lives in Austin, Texas and has become a favorite with the crowd in the largely underground folk scene.
Cleaves is always drawn to traditional allusions and melodies. And like Nanci Griffith on Other Voices, Other Rooms, Cleaves' musical arrangements are more often than not straight-up Americana but his songs are more contemporary than historic.
Listen to his albums like No Angel Knows, Broke Down and his last output Unsung, and you'll get to know Cleaves better for his flair with lyrics and melodies. - AcousticTwang
1/17/08
Flamenco Busker
Hey hombre, this flamenco guy is not bad. enjoy the performance of this street busker.
1/16/08
Hi, Acoustic Guitar Aficionado...!
Hi! Welcome to AcousticTwang
If you love the sound of acoustic guitar this is the place to hear it. It doesn't get any better when you are listening to some real guitarists showing off their playing skills and styles.
Wood and steel or wood and nylon - the acoustic sound from these guitars will thrill you no end as you watch some of the selected video clips performed by professional artistes and amateurs.
Of course, we shouldn't forget the writeups. Yeah, for some of you beginners, you may want to know more about how to shop for a decent acoustic guitar. Understand the different types of woods that are used by luthiers. Know the various chords and other guitar tricks to make your playing more enjoyable.
Imagine what it's like to own a custom-made acoustic guitar - one that reflects your musical sensibilities. If you can't afford to buy a Ramirez, Taylor or C F Martin, don't worry because today's guitar makers are coming out with fantastic value-for-money acoustic guitars where you don't have to sacrifice a leg and an arm to get one.
And that's not all, there'll be info on some of your favorite models, new guitars in the market and where to find them. Hey dude, if you are a true blue aficionado of acoustic guitar you'll find plenty of varieties here, information that you can use...and much, much more.
Enjoy...! - Acoustic Twang
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