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Saturday, May 12. 2007
There's two less lonely people in the world when Russell Hitchcock finally found a soulmate in Graham Russell. Oh no, they're not middle age gay couples! They're the musical duo behind the soft ballads of Air Supply. I know, for the past years they've vanished into thin air, but I still find their melodies kinda sweet. I'm not actually a fan of the group, but come on, admit it, there's a hopeless romantic thriving in us all. When you're alone, I bet you'll feel the same drama of finding and losing love while wallowing in the lyrics of their melodies.
Friday, May 11. 2007
 It was back in the 80s when two Russells, Russell Hitchcock and Graham Russell, started making beautiful music together. Back-ups did come and go, but this musical duo was tougher than marriage. They've stuck it out through fame and defeat while invading the American music industry. Actually, they first met in "Jesus Christ Superstar" in 1986 and started a band called Air Supply. But thanks to Rod Stewart, they made a stunning international breakthrough after playing the front act for Stewart's North American Tour. The Australian music legend, Air Supply, made a debut on airwaves when they signed a record deal for Arista in 1980.
Thursday, May 10. 2007
Their first album, "Lost in Love," was a sold-out in 1980. Air Supply zoomed to fame with 2 million copies of their album sold. "Lost in Love," "All Out of Love," and "Every Woman in the World" hit the charts and knocked every romantic soul helpless with their tear-jerking melody. My personal favorites were "Here I Am" and "Sweet Dreams," which are included in their second album. There were considered guitar chart classics, especially before, when I used to look like Cat Stevens and played like Santana. Unfortunately, sooner than expected, the duo lost the spotlight. The duo disbanded and reunited, but didn't make a sucessful comeback.
Wednesday, May 9. 2007
Even when it comes to using our hands, we tend to have our personal favorite. I wonder why we always use the right hand in writing, cooking or handling! While the other left receives less of the attention he needed. But just to be fair, we must develop the same impulse and strength on both hands. For instance, in playing the guitar, the perfect notes and tunes rely heavily on your beautiful left hand execution. It also suffers a great deal in putting up with pressure on chords while retaining the varied finger positions on strings. Just as a boxing champ can strike a knock-out with a power left punch, flexibility and accuracy should also intensify your left hand technique.
Tuesday, May 8. 2007
There are different shapes and chords and each should be treated with unique specialty. Sometimes you'll need a firmer grip but most of the time, a gentle touch may do the trick. A good guitar player knows exactly how to work with both hands in seamless coordination but a more challenging task is to master the left hand technique. You do not need to employ too much pressure or strength, just relax and make your fingers at ease with the chords and strings. Flexibitlity and accuracy is best achieved once you learn to distinguish the different muscle strengths and contractions you'll need to impose on your left hand. There are various tips to relax a left hand touch. This routine will improve you guitar playing in no time.
Monday, May 7. 2007
Step 1, place your left hand on 5th position: the first finger on the 5th fret, second on the 6th fret, third on the 7th fret, and the pinky on th 8th fret. Next, just touch the strings and release the pressure. Then, elevate all your fingers except for the first and you're now ready to pluck the B string. You're not supposed to hear a note, just a muted pluck so continue plucking and slowly place your first finger down and soon you'll hear a clear note. Repeat the cycle but this time, use your second, then third and the fourth finger. To get the fret buzz, back off all the presssure from your fingers.
Sunday, May 6. 2007
 We often hear people claim that music soothes our ailing soul, but what if you hear lyrics like "We come bursting through your bodies, Rape your helpless soul"? You will then conclude that music isn't always as good as it sounds! If you hear this excerpt, "We force you to kill your brother, Eat his blood and brain" from Demons by Rigor Mortis, I'm sure you'll feel the creeps running through your veins. But when you're in a rock concert you do not mind at all. You just start slamming your hands and banging your head; you become oblivious to everything. And people start rounding up like an obsessive herd. I wonder, is there a conniving power behind this flare?
Saturday, May 5. 2007
Sex, drugs and rock 'n roll: this is the slogan of rock stars who live their lives in waste and who are utterly ruined by fame and misery. This glaring lifestyle catches the critical eye of the cynic, that's why rock bands and their music are linked to Satanism and evil. Some dismiss it as a total bluff, an unproven mystery, while others continue to gather stories that try to support this claim. They say that rock bands are like puppets, they are hypnotized by music recording companies who used them as baits to the unknowing and ignorant music consumers. Money, music and fame. They say that this is the devil's way of sabotaging our faith and power.
Friday, May 4. 2007
Hearing about the arresting stories of the Satanic rock band cults, I know that many self-knowing hypocrites will say that we should bring back the Beatles when their melody and beats are innocent and real. But little do people know that John Lennon and Keith Richard of Rolling Stones are heroin addicts. At least that's what biographical researches say. Just so Richard could get an American Visa, he had to undergo blood transfusion and wash away the trace of his heroin-contaminated blood. This free sex and drug trade also happened during the musical reign of the Beatles and the Rolling Stone. There's no way of telling if this is a fact or a myth, but all I know is that all instruments--whether a simple guitar or a complicated trumpet--can be potential sources for good and evil. But it's not an excuse to drift away from our faith just becasue of a lousy music.
Thursday, May 3. 2007
 Does your playing suck real bad, with your knuckles all red and hurting? Suck it up, crybaby! To remedy that pain and awful playing, a good exercise trick may just do wonders. Yes, there's an exercise for wanna-be guitar players like you. I've seen fingers bleed, strings tearing out from relentless playing, but still nobody could master a trick. So in one of my classes, I decided to apply an age-old practice of guitar exercises. Guess what? It worked! After two weeks, I was able to spot some of my students' flaws and and improvements. Give my boys a decade from now and they can play as good as John Mayer and Ryan Cabrerra.
Wednesday, May 2. 2007
Guitar exercises are like dog tricks; you can find them on the Net or in dusty guitar books. Just follow some finger patterns and slowly advance from one phase to another. You think it's easy? Not quite! It may take some time and much of your patience. But if you're willing to go through a drill that will improve your accuracy and give your fingers some flexibility, then it may be worthwhile. In playing the guitar, time may suck you dry. You'll have to pay attention even to minor details before you can advance to playing like Carlos Santana. The truth is, some exercises can be frustrating. So when you feel like your finger patterns are all sloppy, slow down a bit and retain the pressure, holding on to it for a little longer.
Tuesday, May 1. 2007
Like in yoga and other fitness exercises, you'll need to focus and breathe deeply. Relax your mind. Your fingers would hurt a bit but in order to strengthen your muscles, you'll have to welcome the bitter pain. This is not about racing so don't think about speed yet. Concentrate on the tempo and clear notes before you shuffle along one pattern to another. Make it an everyday routine and in no time, you'll able to adapt speed, techniques and strength. Take your time because good things happen to those who are willing to wait.
Monday, April 30. 2007
There's a raging drama within us all and what better way to express this growing cynicism of teenage angst but to rebel with the music of Guns 'N Roses. I'm sure you haven't erased the image of Axl Rose on your nostalgic minds, in his tight-ass leather spandex and trashy black shirts. Classic,huh? And don't you forget about Slash. He's the hot puff of curly black hair who plays the electric guitar like a music god. Pot anyone? Just kidding! But they are true blue rock star icons of the early 90's. They're the Beatles of the modern rock 'n roll jam. Babes went gaga over them while guys tried too hard to fit into those tight pants, pouting a cigarette and fiddling an electric guitar on the other. Sad to say, bandwagons are not meant to stay forever. They dominated for a while and disappeared when it's already time. Out with the old and in with the new. Yet one thing remains, their music will continue to blast on our airwaves.
Sunday, April 29. 2007
Melting two bands into one heavy metal jam, Guns 'N Roses got its name from Hollywood Rose and LA Guns. One lousy day in LA back in March, 1985, a group of rock musicians was born with Axl Rose on lead vocals, Tracii Guns and Izzy Stradlin on guitars, Ole Beich on base, and Rob Gardner on drums. It was after Gardner and Guns couldn't make it to a gig in Seattle that Slash and drummer Steven Adler joined Guns 'N Roses on their stage performance. And the Guns 'N Roses soon strummed their way to fame. Their first signature song was "Welcome to the Jungle" followed by their first album, Appetite for Destruction. One debut success ensued another before they made a world-breaking record of 90 million album sales worldwide. They're hailed as charismatic leaders of the hard rock genre. When you see GNR perform on stage, man, they'll rock your souls out. They're a perfect ensemble of attitude and style.
Saturday, April 28. 2007
 Although Guns N' Roses helped introduce a new brand of music style, stardom had gone to their heads. Their clashing personalities, drug and alcohol abuse couldn't stop them from breaking apart. In the end, Axl Rose was left with no one but as the sole member of GNR. These guys may be crazy, but crazy people are genius. We may be obnoxious of Axl Rose's hip hop grooves and plastic surgeries but no matter what they say, GNR rules! They played like hell during their time and they'll forever be reminiscent of a new-age heavy metal drama we once enjoyed.
Friday, April 27. 2007
Tony Bacon's latest published book, which is entitled "The Ultimate Guitar Book," is all about guitars. Where would you find such a book that contains it all--from ancient guitar trends to the latest, from guitar physical parts to music's essence in a person's daily life. It is a 192-page book where you will see nothing else but guitar images right from its front cover to its back cover.
Thursday, April 26. 2007
The book basically shows a tremendous display of unique guitars from around the globe and it specifically features old-fashioned acoustic guitars to latest electronic guitars. It is actually a compilation of a total of 450 unique and classic guitar photographs that will capture any guitar aficionado's attention. No author has ever dared to bring such a book that is full of guitar pictures and abundant in information like Tony Bacon.
Wednesday, April 25. 2007
I've purchased Bacon's book because aside from its free guitar lessons, it is also an educational book. It gives me a lot of information that I have never known before. It's an eye-opener for me because I've learned a lot of new things like the origins and types of guitar. I also realized that playing guitar for some people is not a way of passing time, nor is it for prestigious music awards, but it's their passion.
Tuesday, April 24. 2007
As a man, whose meager earning can't even assure his son of a college education, the least I could do is to leave him my passion for music and guitars. I was beginning to think that I'm a failure as a father when I barged into my son's room. It was banging and ripping my ear off with Eminem rapping like hell on his radio. Then I thought, is that what they call music?! You just curse in rhyme and beat and you're entitled to a music slam?! I thought of my good old days. Music was tender and smooth then. There were lovely melodies and sweet lyrics. So I decided to introduce my boy to The Cascades, hoping it will give a little cheer to his ripped off ears.
Monday, April 23. 2007
 Kids will even date it back to the dinosaur stage. The Cascades, I know they're aging in webs. I even remember my dad who used to play their songs in a disc as huge as a frisbee. The first tune I learned was Rhythm of the Rain. It was easy to play and it's even soothing to your soul. It's a classic for beginners who's itching to play a tune with their guitars. So I asked my son to learn the guitar tabs of the song or I'll confiscate his audio system. At first he was squirming but later on, it was smooth playing. He may not admit it, but I know he liked it. I may not be able to turn Eminem off his music jive, but at least I was able to share a classic of pure melody and beat.
Sunday, April 22. 2007
Even before The Beatles, some bands also knew how to rock 'n roll. No one knew that a spectacular band will be formed in a Navy ship. John Gummoe, with a flair for song writing and performing, joined with other friends to form a band. At first, they were singing The Everly Brothers rendition. But after their stint in the Navy, changes were made for the band called The Cascades. In 1962, they recorded Gummoe's composition Rhythm of the Rain. It became their ultimate bid to stardom hitting the top ten charts and topping the charts in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan. They also released other records on the track before Gummoe left the group for a solo career. The band and Gummoe may be broken apart, but their songs will always be a number one pick for those who knew music and artistry.
Saturday, April 21. 2007
If there's one blazing guitar daddy who's ass John Mayer and the likes can kiss, I could only think of one and it's Carlos Santana. Even if he looks grubby with long swirls of mustache and a balding senile head, he's definitely a rock hottie when he plays the guitar. Although he first learned to fiddle the violin because of a mariachi violinist father, good thing he didn't follow his old man's footsteps or we wouldn't see him rocking the airwaves by now. How could we dare imagine Santana wearing that gaudy mariachi hat playing classical? It's like Andrea Boccelli dressed as Prince! But at least he came to his senses later on when he chose to use the guitar instead and introduced to America the local Latino rhythms and beats. Unlike Ricky Martin, Santana's more of an authentic Latino artist. He doesn't even have to wear pads just to shake his "bon-bon". He's a true guitar god.
Friday, April 20. 2007
 I've always been fascinated with the man even without his band. He can play music, no words but plain melody. It's as if he's born with a guitar on hand. He's passionate and simply electrifying. His latest team up with modern acts like Michelle Branch and Rob Thomas was a shining glimmer to his career as a musical performer. His music shall continue to inspire the acoustic genre. So if you're learning how to play guitar, guitar tabs of Santana are masterful tricks to the A-B-C of guitar slams and jams. Here's my top five pick: Maria Maria, Black Magic Woman, Smooth, Soul Sacrifice, and Put Your Lights On. You can find these tabs posted on the web or you could buy the collection in a book of tabs.
Monday, April 16. 2007
To play the guitar is to create music. That's first in mind while others dream big of becoming entertainment legends. But for me, being able to bobble with the guitar is a way to escape the filth of an ordinary life. I've always been hooked watching cool bands on TV and I eavesdrop whenever radios start playing. I grew up thinking that if I play better, I'll have my shot to fame.
But the world is not cut out that way. I soon found out that in able to survive, you don't just play music. You need a day job and even another part time just to get by. Although I'm quite aware of my seemingly ordinary life, I feel special whenever I play. I may have given up on a dream, but not the passion.
Playing the guitar is the closest way you can get in touch with the music gods. I personally love The Beatles, and here's a list of my top ten picks of Beatles guitar tabs that are easy to play. These are the songs Day Tripper, Eight Days a Week, Fool on the Hill, Hard Day's Night, I Saw Her Standing There, I Should Have Known Better, I've Just Seen a Face, Nowhere Man, Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da, and Rocky Racoon.
Those are not just my favorite songs, but also the helpful Chapter One if you're a beginner. They're easy to follow and it's easy to read their guitar tabs. If you can't be the next Paul McCartney, just play his songs and you'll be reincarnated with the mania.
Saturday, April 14. 2007
When I was a kid, I used to be a natural teaser. I'm a Dennis the Menace and I stir mayhem into people's lives. At least that was before, but if there's one thing I did regret the most, it is my failure as an older brother. You see, when I already had the mastery of skills in playing the guitar, my kid brother would come to me and ask about my secrets. But I told him none because I wanted to be the only best in the family, someone who'd stand out in the crowd. And so he quit playing. If he only knew that he was actually better than I am! So now that I'm a teacher, I've learned to share some things I wish I could have done before.
My brother had a natural kick for it. He was fast and he even had a steady grip. So where did he lack in score? He didn't play his favorite tune. He readily jumped to masterpieces when he could have learned more with silly camping jingles. It's important that you also combine singing with playing. I know it's absurd if you don't have that golden voice. But for purposes of mastering your musical craft, it will help you develop a better ear for timing and coordination.
One thing I've learned as a guitar player and much more as a man is that always, the first step is humility. Learn the basics little by little as you go on to the advanced stage. It's okay if you're no Mozart or Cat Stevens. They also had their humble beginnings. They'd been through so much pain before they sprang to fame.
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Guitar Music Comments
Thu, 12.10.2006 09:11
Closing your eyes and holding on to it for a while will make you a better player. Do your own routine. Mix and play.
Thu, 12.10.2006 09:10
I tried the chromatic exercises. After a week, I've improved in playing though I'll have to do mre patterns.
Sun, 08.10.2006 09:02
Have you seen Axl Rose now? He's had face lifts and surgeries. I wish he never had to make a comeback. He's crazy.
Sun, 08.10.2006 09:02
I love Axl Rose, he's so sexy in those spandex and he's a true blue rock star.
Wed, 04.10.2006 11:19
I love playing it for my grand kids. It's gentle and it's really easy to do with a guitar.
Wed, 04.10.2006 11:18
The Cascades is a classic but I liked them better when Gummoe was replaced in the band.
Fri, 22.09.2006 14:32
You're such an ass to your brother! How could you? At least you shared it with us.
Fri, 22.09.2006 14:31
That's very important than actually memorizing the chords. If you know the song, you'll know how it sounds for sure.
Wed, 20.09.2006 16:57
I've always wondered why guitars are hard to play. At least now I know.
Wed, 20.09.2006 16:56
It's easier to play the piano because you'll just have to fiddle with the bars but with guitars, timing is essential.
Sat, 16.09.2006 15:54
In Drumroll, Cannon learned drums but can't read a note. But the moral of the story is to learn the craft with [...]
Sat, 16.09.2006 15:53
I've heard similar stories before and movies about music without having to be technical in nature.
Fri, 15.09.2006 14:39
After doing stressful paperworks and other stuff in the office, I usually spend my leisure time reading no-brainer [...]
Fri, 15.09.2006 07:52
I used to play guitar but I found much fun in hitting the drums. Actually, if you don't enjoy what you're doing, maybe [...]
Fri, 15.09.2006 07:52
It takes time. My brother took a year to learn, but I was the slower learner for 3 years. But I get to play lead in [...]