Trip Meter Music

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.

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.

• African Folk – Music held to be typical of a nation or ethnic group, known to all segments of its society, and preserved usually by oral tradition.
• Afro jazz – refers to jazz music which has been heavily influenced by African music. The music took elements of marabi, swing and American jazz and synthesized this into a unique fusion. The first band to really achieve this synthesis was the South African band Jazz Maniacs.
• Afro-beat – is a combination of Yoruba music, jazz, Highlife, and funk rhythms, fused with African percussion and vocal styles, popularized in Africa in the 1970s.
• Afro-Pop – Afropop or Afro Pop is a term sometimes used to refer to contemporary African pop music. The term does not refer to a specific style or sound, but is used as a general term to describe African popular music.
• Apala – Originally derived from the Yoruba people of Nigeria. It is a percussion-based style that developed in the late 1930s, when it was used to wake worshippers after fasting during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
• Assiko – is a popular dance from the South of Cameroon. The band is usually based on a singer accompanied with a guitar, and a percussionnist playing the pulsating rhythm of Assiko with metal knives and forks on an empty bottle.
• Batuque – is a music and dance genre from Cape Verde.
• Bend Skin – is a kind of urban Cameroonian popular music. Kouchoum Mbada is the most well-known group associated with the genre.
• Benga – Is a musical genre of Kenyan popular music. It evolved between the late 1940s and late 1960s, in Kenya’s capital city of Nairobi.
• Biguine – is a style of music that originated in Martinique in the 19th century. By combining the traditional bele music with the polka, the black musicians of Martinique created the biguine, which comprises three distinct styles, the biguine de salon, the biguine de bal and the biguines de rue.
• Bikutsi – is a musical genre from Cameroon. It developed from the traditional styles of the Beti, or Ewondo, people, who live around the city of Yaounde.
• Bongo Flava – it has a mix of rap, hip hop, and R&B for starters but these labels don’t do it justice. It’s rap, hip hop and R&B Tanzanian style: a big melting pot of tastes, history, culture and identity.
• Cadence – is a particular series of intervals or chords that ends a phrase, section, or piece of music.
• Calypso – is a style of Afro-Caribbean music which originated in Trinidad at about the start of the 20th century. The roots of the genre lay in the arrival of African slaves, who, not being allowed to speak with each other, communicated through song.
• Chaabi – is a popular music of Morocco, very similar to the Algerian Rai.
• Chimurenga – is a Zimbabwean popular music genre coined by and popularised by Thomas Mapfumo. Chimurenga is a Shona language word for struggle.

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.

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

The 90s was a time of Bill Clinton, Friends and Sienfield. In regards to music, here are the top five songs
and musicians along with a little trivia.

1.  Britney Spears :  ‘…Baby, One More Time’

This Mouseketeer became a pop phenomenon shortly after this first hit single.  Jive Records released the song on October 13, 1998.  With a sexy and somewhat controversial video, the single peaked at number on the Billboard Hot 100 for weeks.

The song was originally written for TLC, claimed the song’s writer, Max Martin.  Unfortunately for TLC the song was nominated for a Grammy that year, and has since become Spear’s most successful song performed.  Britney said, “ever girl can relate to it”.  This claimed to be somewhat true, as the song sold over 750,000 copies, earning a three-times golf certification.

2. Nirvana:  ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’

Off the release of Nirvana’s album, Nevermind in 1992, ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’, quickly became a hit.  Some believe this song sparked a teenage revolution of alternative rock, which is still well recognized today.  The song was Nirvana’s biggest hit, even getting a fluke remake out of Weird Al Yankovic.

‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ received many MTV Video Music Awards.  Cobain stated, “I was trying to write the ultimate pop song”.  Even after Kurt Cobain’s death critics recognized the song as being one of the greatest alternative rock songs of all time.

3.  Alanis Morissette:  ’You Oughta Know’

Grammy-Award winning song written and performed by Alanis, herself, was placed on Morissette’s album Jagged Little Pill in 1995.  The song’s love/hate lyrics were rumored to be about Morissette’s boyfriend Dave Coulier of TV’s Full House.

This pain-ridden song, with a shocking set of musical words, was one of the first attempts to state heartache so explicitly.  The song became mainstream across the teenage universe, becoming a hit in the U.S., Canada and Australia.

4. Cher:  ‘Believe”

This spark of one of Cher’s many comebacks became the single, most-listened to, hit of her career.  The song has been remade four times, to fit the club scene, dance re-mix genre and ballad arena.  Earning a Grammy, this multi-platinum song was written collaboratively by six individuals (Paul Barry, Matt Gray, Steven Torch, Brian Higgins, Timothy Powell and Stuart McLellan).

The song, ‘Believe’ was released in 1998, and reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100.  After it’s release, it also became a number one song in over twenty-three countries worldwide, within two weeks.

5.  Rob Thomas:  ‘Smooth’

This collaborative effort between Rob Thomas (of Matchbox Twenty), and Santana wowed music audiences with its slick lyrics and amazing guitar riffs.  Rob Thomas originally wanted George Michael to sing the song for the recreated lyrics he had constructed from the song, ’Room 17’.

The song became a hit in 1999, spending over twelve consecutive weeks at number one, on the Billboard Hot 100.  The same year, ’Smooth’ won three esteemed Grammy Awards, including, Song of the Year.  Rob wrote the song for his wife, Marisol Thomas.

If you don’t own them already, at some point, you will encounter what are called guitar effects. Guitar effects are used to enhance the tone and sound of your instrument. Guitar effects can dramatically change your guitar sound, or simply make your guitar sound sonically rich.

When you enter the world of guitar effects, it can be quite overwhelming to know what the best guitar effects to purchase are. From stomp boxes, to full rack mount guitar effects, there is an unending supply of sound available to enhance your guitar playing sound and abilities.

Let’s take a look at 4 must-have guitar effects that you will want to utilize in your guitar playing experience.

1. Distortion
2. Delay
3. Chorus
4. Reverb

1. Distortion: If you’ve ever heard a hard rock band, chances are you have heard a guitar player that is using distortion. Believe it or not, distortion is not just limited to heavy metal playing guitar players. Many jazz guitar players incorporate distortion into their sound. Even rock and blues players will incorporate a light distortion sound, giving their clean tone an extra edge to the sound that their guitar produces. There are unlimited types of distortion available to the guitar player making distortion a great way to craft your own unique guitar tone
2. Delay: Think back to a time where you were yelling your name in a concrete stairwell, or shouting your name across a canyon, and while you were calling out your name you heard your name repeat over and over. You have just experienced delay. Another name for delay is echo. Delay as a guitar effect is basically when the sound that you produce on your guitar repeats itself over and over again. There are short delays, and long delays. Short delays are great for adding rhythmic variation to your guitar. Long delays are a great way to add excitement within your guitar solos.
3. Chorus: The idea behind the effect known as chorus is when you have an overlapping blend of voices sounding together. Chorus on the guitar is similar to having many guitar‘s overlapping together. Chorus is a great guitar effect when played on a clean guitar tone. Both electric and acoustic guitars will sound great with chorus added to the sound mix of your guitar.
4. Reverb: Very similarly related to delay is the effect called reverb. If hearing the sound repeat over and over again is called delay, the part of the sound that continues onward after you’ve stopped playing is called reverb. Right now, clap your hand in the room that you’re in. If you’re in a small room your handclap will not last very long. In a large auditorium however, the after sound of clapping your hand might last for a few seconds. You’ll also hear the effects of natural reverb by yelling your name in a concrete stairwell, or a canyon. Reverb is a great guitar effect that can add depth to your sound. Thick Reverb guitar effects are generally not recommended playing with live because reverb can muddy up your guitar sound. Instead, try adding reverb to your guitar in a studio recording. In a home studio recording, reverb can make your guitar sound amazing.

It needs to look nice, reflect your personality, fit you physically well, and perform as expected, and above all – it needs to be affordable, because we all know that cars and guitars can be expensive.
Acoustic Guitar Guide
The perfect place to begin when considering buying a guitar is with what style of music do you think you are most interested in. There’s acoustics, electrics and classicals to keep it simple. Electrics are more expandable in the sense that you would need an amp, which does cost more money, but makes it easier to record, and also means that you can customize your sound the easiest to play different styles of music. Electric guitars
are typically used on heavy metal, blues, jazz, funk, punk, rock, country, and other styles, but acoustics can be used for ballads in some forms of this music.
Acoustic guitars are great for a more subtle touch, and for a beginner are a little less intimidating since they can be played a little quieter. Acoustics come in different sizes, so make sure that you try out the different shapes and sizes to fit your posture body type. Getting the wrong guitar can make playing it a very bad first experience.
Acoustics can also be electrified for work with amps, or you can buy a simple pickup insert for the sound hole to be used to amplify it. Some people find that acoustic strings are hard on the fingers while the strings used on an electric are are easier to play with. I always recommend going with a classical, as they use nylon strings which are very gentle, but only if you feel this will be a problem.
Always make sure that you try as many different guitars as possible before buying a guitar, and don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as necessary. There is no such thing as a stupid question after all.
Finally, budget is to be considered. It is very possible to get a wonderfully made guitar that sounds great and works for you for a fraction of the price of a high end guitar. You can also find affordable guitars such as this that are made from trusted brand names. Its very possible to purchase a good condition guitar used from ebay, but be careful not to get into a bidding war over something that you may not enjoy, and it should be a guitar that you have actually tried first in real life.
Never just purchase a guitar or a piece of guitar related equipment, simply because someone else recommended it. Everyone has different needs when it comes to buying a guitar. If you want to go off of some online reviews, that’s a little better, but make sure that the reviews reflect that the people who bought a certain model were beginners themselves.

There are two types of guitars from which to choose. Either electric or acoustical. Beyond that, the choices are many. There are guitars for all size people, from children to adult size. You will find ¼ size, ½ size, ¾ size or full size. There are even some for toddlers. You may also find that there are many colors from which to choose. Of course there are the natural colors of the wood, but there are also black, red, green, purple, pink, blue or almost any other color you want.
As far as sound is concerned, there is the type of wood which resonates with best sound as well as the strings which give the best sound. Many guitars are made of mahogany or birch or some other lovely wood, but strings are equally important. The choices are either metal strings or non-metal usually plastic of some sort. It is really up to the one playing the instrument as to which he or she likes the sound of.
Usually the electric guitars use metal strings as that is what gives them the sound of the electricity. Acoustic guitars use either metal or non-metal. If you are using a pick to strum the guitar, it makes no difference which you use except for the sound. If you strum with your fingers, you probably want to use non-metal strings–at least until your fingers get used to the feel of the strings. Otherwise you may get some serious blisters on your fingers.
There are some guitars which come with a whole kit including strings, shoulder strap, case, and instruction book. There are also many accessories that you may want to consider in the future. And of course there is always the price. Many people feel that the best instruments are the most expensive, but that is not necessarily so. Many good instruments are quite inexpensive and will do a good job. For the beginner, it is better to start with an inexpensive instrument in case the enthusiasm disappears.
You probably should try out some of these instruments at your local music outlet and when you find one you like, check out the ones on the internet where you may find a better price. At least you will be able to make a more informed choice. You may be surprised at how reasonable they can be. It is always good to do some comparison shopping. Happy “picking”

Many people dream of producing a music CD, this has been made easier by the current evolving high technology. The audio production has become a day to day routine and those who have a dream in producing their own music, can do it with lot of ease. There are, however, a few steps that you need to follow so that you can produce quality music. You need to prepare yourself adequately so that you can produce music that everyone will be pleased to listen to.
Obviously you need to have the words to sing, a song can never be complete without the words. Therefore, the first thing you need to do is sit down and write the song. The type of instrumentation you select is a very important aspect when you are writing music. You can write a vocal and also look for a musician to help in writing the music. This work can best be done if you form a collaboration with someone who can sing and another who can play the instruments.
Once you have the written words, you can now start rehearsing the written material. It will be wise to commit enough of your time in this and also ensure that all the involved are available. This will enable you get the suggestions that you need in order to change the contradicting issues in the written music. The editing of the song is one of the most important parts when it comes to audio production.
If your interest is to produce a full album you need to develop a repertoire of your own song. This however, may not be very important if you intentions are to produce only one track. Once you are sure about the words in the song and you have come up with a repertoire then you can practice more. You can attend some open mic nights. This will help you develop the confidence that is needed to produce this song and it is extremely important also when recording.
Once you have adequately prepared your music, you can now think of how you are going to record this music. There are many kinds of recordings that you can make ranging from investing in a home studio or producing an analog track. You can as well consider booking a recording studio whereby you record your own music and also learn playing different types of equipments that you may need. If you involve professionals in the audio production of your music then you are sure of getting experience and save money on buying your own equipment.
If you feel that you are now ready to record your music you can now start committing enough of your time in recording. Once you have done the final touches on your music you can now have it normalized. This can be done using an Audio grabber which can be downloaded online. Mastering is the last step but the most important one. It needs to be done by someone who has experience.