Listening to classical music can bring much joy, meaning, and solace to one's life. However, it can also be overwhelming or confusing. The following approach can help demystify classical music, whether you are listening to a recording or enjoying a live performance. It is a simple process that can elucidate the music, making it more accessible and meaningful. Let's say you are listening to a recording of a symphony or attending an orchestra concert. First, observe a memorable part in the music. When you hear something interesting or moving, write down the approximate time for that part. If you are listening to a recording, you can pause the track to do so. If you are listening to a live performance, you can make note of a memorable moment and refer to a recording later. What made the moment memorable to you? Was it the color of the sound? The texture? An idea that the violins played? Was it a series of low notes or a big swell in the sound? Revisit the moment and listen again....
Just like we need to sharpen our hockey skates or clean our dance shoes, we need to take care of our guitars! Ideally, the guitar should receive a full tune-up at least twice a year. There are two basic levels to maintenance. The first level is changing the guitar strings. The second level is a full tune-up of the instrument. Over time, strings lose their fresh tone and playability because of moisture, sweat, and exposure to air. They start to feel rusty and less pliable. In the beginning, I recommend taking your guitar to the shop for a string change. Although you can learn the skill of changing guitar strings with some guidance, it’s best to let professionals do it in the beginning! If you’d like to learn how to change your own strings, your teacher can show you how, or you can teach yourself using instructional materials. More about this a little later. The next level of care is a full tune-up or service of your instrument. What’s involved in a tune up, you ask? Good questio...
Just getting into guitar and unsure how to approach the fretboard? There are many systems and methods available to you. Let's take a look. One of the most popular methods is known as the Three-Notes-Per-String system. In this approach, the guitarist organizes the instrument into patterns based on three notes per string. It's a method that's popular among metal guitarists given its adaptability for tapping and legato playing. Another well-known approach is called the Berklee method, named after the Berklee School of Music in Boston. This method combines a classical perspective with position playing. Huh? In other words, this system presents the fretboard as a formal set of patterns according to numeric position on the neck - fret one, fret two, etc. Last but not least is the CAGED system, in which players conceptualize the fretboard as a series of predictable patterns resembling chord shapes. The open-string C, A, G, E, and D major chord shapes familiar to most beginners (o...
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