Which Acoustic Guitar String Gauge Is Best?

This article sticks to the basics of the various gauges of acoustic guitar strings. I cover the basic construction of guitar strings and cover why one gauge of guitar string size is preferable than other sizes. It boils down to your decision on the sound you want and your level of playing.

Comments Off on Which Acoustic Guitar String Gauge Is Best?
Read more about the article How To Play Guitar For Beginners: Songs First Or Theory?
Should you learn to play songs first or music theory?

How To Play Guitar For Beginners: Songs First Or Theory?

If you are a beginner musician trying to learn how to play guitar without a teacher then you have two choices when it comes to learning. You can either learn by playing songs you like or you can learn music theory and reading sheet music. For me the answer is obvious – you should learn…

Comments Off on How To Play Guitar For Beginners: Songs First Or Theory?

Two Chord Songs (How To Write Your Own)

In this article, I analyze the vocal melody for 4 different two chord songs: Fire on the Mountain by the Grateful Dead, Something in the Way by Nirvana, Break on Through by The Doors, and Mannish Boy by Muddy Waters. The two chords used in each song varies so you can see 4 examples of how to write your own two-chord song.

Comments Off on Two Chord Songs (How To Write Your Own)

How To Write One Chord Songs (Analysis & Tips)

I transcribed the vocal melodies of three classic one chord songs: Get Up Stand Up, Spanish Moon and Papa Was a Rollin' Stone. There are commonalities in all three songs. First, they all use either a minor triad or minor 7th chord. Also, they base the vocal melodies around the tones in the chord. I have the sheet music for the vocals for all 3 songs with some quality notes.

Comments Off on How To Write One Chord Songs (Analysis & Tips)

Time Signatures Examples: 117 Songs Not In 4/4 Time

This article is geared towards the guitarist or musician interested in playing and \ or writing music in time signatures other than 4/4 common time. I have 117 song examples of time signatures from rock, country, folk and other genres in 5 commonly seen time signatures other than common time. I also have song examples with odd time signatures and polyrhythms.

Comments Off on Time Signatures Examples: 117 Songs Not In 4/4 Time

Song Structure Types: The AAA / Strophic Song Form

The strophic form, or AAA song form, is interesting in its simplicity and ability to tell a story. It is commonly seen in folk and country music, as well as in ballads, Christmas carols, religious hymns. I cover the defining features of the AAA song form, list examples and have notes on how to write a song in this form.

Comments Off on Song Structure Types: The AAA / Strophic Song Form