Trip Meter Music » Music Instruments

The Blues Guitar

admin — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:50:08 +0000

The guitar is an amazing instrument, one of favorite styles of playing is without doubt playing the Blues, it is also one of the healthier ways to express emotions in music, one can even say that it is healing. In direct contrast to the sound of the blues it is in reality extremely fun to play and not as complex as in other styles so don’t be fooled by the gloom and doom of the tone and lyrics for one second.

For both the listener and the musician the blues is one of the few forms of music that will guarantee crowded clubs, packed concert halls, and amazing jam sessions. It was once said that listening to the blues is healing in itself and if you want to heal someone, play them the blues.

Think about how doctors heal an individual, unfortunately a Doctor can only help only one patient at a time, instead play the blues and have everyone who can hear you feel better by playing a great clean blues riff or awesome heavily distorted riffs. Now, that’s what I call not only therapeutic but “healing”.

The blues has a tremendous range of sounds, feeling, emotions, and passion, and individuals have many different connections when you say the word blues. You can hear the range or variation in the sounds and feeling for instance Robert Johnson who incorporates sounds such as his sparse sounding acoustics or to other people it could be the infectious sound of Muddy Waters playing in a packed club, or to some Zeppelin playing hard rock in a filled stadium, and finally to some the shredding riffs of Hendrix and Steve Ray, either way they are all reflections of the blues style.

You might be amazed to find that as perfect as the blues is for the guitar, it did not come from the guitar instead it came from the distinct, unaccompanied human voice. Since the inception of music sad songs have always been written and what we know today as American blues, was actually formed back when Africans field worker songs came across and encountered European folk songs. These African workers used instruments while singing such as the banjo, guitar, fiddles, drums, basses made out of wash basins and harmonicas. The result of using a variety of these unique instruments helped carve this extraordinary sound. The sound of the blues!

It was once stated by the legendary Muddy Waters “The blues had a baby and they called it rock ‘n’ roll,”

Beginner Drum Set, Can You Play?

admin — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:52:30 +0000

Are you learning how to play drums or wanting to buy a set? Well, the drummer’s most important trait is coordination, and without that drummers would have a difficult time learning how to move all four limbs at the same time. If your not sure if your coordinated there are a few simple tests you can do.

One that most kids do for fun its rubbing your stomach and patting your head at the same time and then switch hands. Another one geared for an inspired drummer would be try and imitate a basic drum beat at your computer desk. Count 1,2,3,4…1,2,3,4 and on each count tap the desk with your right hand, and on 2 tap with your left hand, then on 4 tap your foot. It may take just a moment to get this down but if your finding this difficult then drums might be a challenge for you.

Not all of us are cut out to be drummers but if your able to do that simple beat then you have potential to learn much more about the musical aspect of drums. Drums aren’t cheap even a beginner drum set is quiet expensive for what it is. I would opt out of buying a beginner drum set as they are weak and most of them out there have sheet cymbals that are basically just trash can lids that look like cymbals and flip inside out. What should you do then? Well look for a used set on Craigs List or in the paper. Might even get a good deal that comes with real cast cymbals which plays a huge role in how much the set is worth.

If your on a budget and not sure you want to buy a drum set just yet get a drum pad or aka (practice pad). They are perfect for practicing your rudiments while trying to keep quiet, and the also are very portable so you could take it anywhere. Its almost become a standard for practice pads to come with two different sides. One side would be softer and quieter (Gum Rubber) than the other and give a nice bounce (Neoprene) while the other would be more of a speed pad as its harder and louder so you can hear each stroke very well. When planning out which one is best for you its recommended that its big enough to fit your lap about (10″-12″).

Drum pads make life easy, and are great to practice with a metronome at odd hours of the night. Now when starting out in drumming or maybe you don’t own a beginner drum set just yet. Its highly recommended to get one of these and a pair of sticks to begin your practice on a budget. They really are quiet cheap and even after you buy a set you’ll still be using your drum pad.

Violin Strings – Which Ones Do You Like?

admin — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:45:34 +0000

Catgut…that word leads one to believe that the ASPCA is going to hunt you down if you even consider using strings made of catgut. In reality, feline intestines are not used, so you can breathe a sigh of relief now.
Originally, sheep gut was stretched, twisted and tied to make violin strings. Although the tone of catgut strings is rich and full of body, they are sensitive to weather conditions which affects their tuning. During the 16th century, silver wire was added to the lower strings to add thickness and delay breakage. “Catgut” strings are still used today but they are a bit different from days of old in that they have a gut core but have other metals wrapped around them. Violinists who play early music or Baroque style tend to prefer catgut strings for the sound.
Pirastro Passione is one brand of gut string that might be worth a try. They claim to have more core reliability to reduce tuning problems. Pirastro also makes Eudoxa and Olive brands, the former offers a warm tone while the latter holds up to aggressive bowing. Any one of these brands of catgut string might give you the sound you are trying to achieve.
Steel core strings are quite popular with the non-classical violinists because they have a clear, distinct sound with little overtone, although the steel strings that are wound tend to have more body to them. These strings last longer than catgut and are able to stay in tune longer.
D’Addario has a brand of steel core strings labeled Helicore. Their unique winding gives them more depth than you would ordinarily find in a steel core string.
Another brand of steel core string is the Supersensitive Red Label which tends to be preferred by fiddlers as they are almost indestructible and are inexpensive. Classical violinists usually do not appreciate the bright, almost harsh sound of the steel strings. Jargar also has a brand of steel string that is noted for its warm tones, unlike the Red Label strings.
In the early 1970s, the Austrian company Thomastik-Infeld created the Dominant, a synthetic core string made from nylon perlon. This changed the way violinists felt about non-catgut strings because the Dominant string has the sound of catgut, but did not have the sensitivity to atmosphere that catgut has. It was warm, rich and full-bodied, without the steel sound or inability to stay in tune. With technology moving along at a fast pace, other manufacturers have jumped on board and created different lines of synthetic strings using composite materials and other high-tech nylons. One such company is Evah Pirazzi. They have a synthetic core string that is stable, easy to play and sounds brilliant, although they must be changed often.
Larsen Tzigane has a brand that supposedly has a longer playing life while Pirastro Violino,Tonica, and Obligato strings continue to be very popular. It has been said that the most popular brand of strings in the world is the Dominant, so please keep them in mind as well.

Tips For Buying Beginner drum set

admin — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 03:32:21 +0000

1. Does the drum set come with cymbals? Believe it or not but cymbals play a big role in the cost of the drum set.

2. Are the cymbals “cast” or “sheet” cymbals? Please don’t let me hear another sheet metal cymbal or my ears will pop. I’m not kidding these things sound terrible and with the right research you can buy cast cymbals even on a budget. I guarantee you 100% that you’ve never seen a cymbal flip inside out when you were at a concert or watching a music video, so save yourself the embarrassment and get the real deal on the same budget.

3. If possible stick with a brand that has been out for awhile as they tend to be a lot better. Their hi-hat and snare hardware actually stay in place and don’t fall over while playing.

4. Check out some cymbal kits that include 3-4 cymbals. They come with your standard cymbals hi-hat, crash, ride, but costs less than it would if you bought them all separately. Also make sure the kit you decide on has the right number of stands as your cymbal kit does or you’ll be paying for something your unable to use.

5. What kind of tom mounting system does it use? Now you’d think this was obvious to some of the more experienced drummers but somehow it still seems to elude them today. We all know drum shells around round but why would we put a hole in the center of it just to mount them? To save a buck and prevent them drum from sounding any good that’s why. It really doesn’t require any extra money to get what you paid for but its keeping from getting ripped off as your new to the drum industry world.

6. A no brainer here but let me say it anyways. Does it come with a warranty? This will show you how reliable the manufacture thinks of their own set! Yes quiet brilliant of you to think that way.

7. Check to see what kind of stands come with the drum set if any at all! I highly recommend heavy duty stands as they are double jointed at the bottom and won’t flex when you hit a cymbal and fall over. Silly to think they would make a stand that isn’t really suppose to hold the cymbal! I hope you don’t fall victim to this as its becoming quiet popular these days.

Conclusion: Not all beginner drum sets are made cheaply. Only some companies cut corners should you should keep your eye out on what you buy. Also its very possible to get a used set for a good price, so check your local paper and do a little research if your on a tight budget. You never know you may find a good deal on a classic set if they don’t know what they have.

If your just beginning and your not really sure what to buy yet consider paying just a little bit more for an entry level drum set. When you get into entry level drum sets you can be more picky on what it comes with. For instance what type of wood and how many plies? Does it come with a wood snare? There are many factors in the drum set world and most of the companies compete for the entry to novice level set. I’d truly start there first if you can afford it.

The Different Types Of Percussion Drums

admin — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:19:28 +0000

Drums, and percussion instruments in general, have been a key part of ceremonies, communications, and other uses throughout history. From the Karate Drums of Japan to the Steel Drums of Trinidad and Tobago, drums have reached across cultures and centuries of societal evolution.

Percussion drum sets are a popular component of musical groups across many styles. Individual components of the drum sets are used in orchestral compositions and these drum sets are also used in rock bands. The diversity of the sounds created by the components, both individually and combined, allows the percussion drum set to be both diverse in the genres it’s used in and a stable provider of rhythmic components to a song.

The percussion drum set comes in multiple variations and can be changed to fit the musician’s need. Below are some of the more common percussion drum types in use.

Bass Drum (Kick Drum) is used predominantly in rock and jazz and has a deep, low sound.
Crash Cymbals (Hi-Hat) is two matching cymbals that are stacked one above the other and played by either a pedal or by striking with a stick.
Snare Drum is used in orchestral, band and jazz and is named for the strings stretched across the lower of the two heads.
Tom Drum is a cylinder drum that does not have a snare and is most commonly used in jazz and rock music.
Ride Cymbal is a single Cymbal that is positioned at an angle and comes in varying degrees of thickness based on the need of the musician.
Splash Cymbal is a single cymbal that sits at an angle and is named for the “splash” sound that it makes when struck.

These are some of the more commonly used drums and cymbals used in a percussion drum set and their uses. Each one has its own distinct sound. Due to this, musicians have needed to evolve in order to include the various types of sounds produced by each into their compositions