326

(2 replies, posted in Acoustic)

No grief here. I always play covers the way I want to play them. The more you make them your own the better they come out IMO. Playing 'em exactly like the original seems sort of pointless to me. I enjoy covers that stay somewhat true but stray from the original

327

(17 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

Happy B'day MKM

328

(7 replies, posted in Acoustic)

No offense Wayne but when you guys tour I think he's gonna get the lion's share of the groupies!!!

329

(6 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

Zurf wrote:

I'll be praying for you Lieven.  Stay strong. 

- Zurf

+1... Hang in there

330

(59 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

If you like dogs try "The Art of Racing in the Rain". I just finished it and the story is told from the perspective of a dog. Sounds crazy but is actually a great read.

I can't say I have a favorite; I'll read just about any fiction that crosses my desk/nightstand and over the years there have by many good ones and many bad ones as well.

331

(9 replies, posted in Electric)

They did change the SX and Agile headstocks on Rondo Music's site as of about Summer or so. I also have the older headstock on both my SX's.

MKM...congrats...now you're next to receive a new one...right?

mekidsmom wrote:

After the shopping that I did this year online at a highly recommended site (by chordie members)... I have to agree about the toys R us guitars.  If you're going to pay $70 for a junky one there... you could have paid $70 plus shipping for a good one at rondo music.  I wanted to stop people that I saw in the toy store... but I knew they wouldn't listen to me... so I kept going.  I can say from personal experience with the first act brand (that my husband and I stupidly bought my son a few years ago when we didn't know better) that they are pure junk.  The action is so high that it's nearly impossible to fret the simplest chords.  Go to a music store and pay $30 for a lauren for a 3 year old... not great, but still 100 times better than the junk in the toy stores!  Not only that, but on the slightly higher end... I was looking at Squires for my husband... I paid less at rondo and I'm 100% sure I got a whole lot more!!!  No... it's wrapped and still in the box so I can't say for sure... but just the specs are amazing when you compare.  MOM's, DAD's, GRANDPARENTS ... buy toys at Toys R Us... buy guitars at guitar stores!  The toy stores are ripping you off!  smile

Hey MKM...props for Rondo Music!!!!!!! Glad you had good luck. Simply, the finest inexpensive guitar site on the internet. Agile, SX, Douglas I've owned at least one of each and they are worth at least double what you pay. Happy Holidays!!!!!!!!!!!

333

(4 replies, posted in Electric)

I have one too. Pretty fun once I got used to it. Enjoy

334

(23 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

Happy holidays to all and Merry Christmas to the Christians!!!!! I hate the fact that people are offended by Merry Christmas; I am not offended by Happy Hanukkah just not applicable.

Peace and Love to all no matter what your denomination.

Unless you're against peace and love in which case "Chaos and Hatred"....

14" here as of this morning in Massachusetts. Unlike our southern neighbors, it's sort of business as usual with anything this size. Roads are clear, power's good...Winter still sucks!

336

(4 replies, posted in Electric)

tubatooter1940 wrote:

Maybe the replacement strings were much lighter gauge than the origionals. If thats the case raise the bridge.
toots

Good point above. Also, what sort of bridge is it. Like a Fender Strat? You may have to adjust the tension by opening the back plate if the bridge is "up".

337

(50 replies, posted in Acoustic)

Zurf wrote:
geoaguiar wrote:

No cheating vocals. MKM has a great solution; the drunker you get the better you'll sound (at least to yourself). I think Zurf might recommend a single malt that would be just the medicine but I'm not a scotch drinker so I can't help you there.

1. I prefer to get the audience drunk.  That way, I can keep my mind sharp and continue to play while they get drunk and I begin to sound a whole lot better.

2. Macallan 18 year.  For a less expensive elixir, try Jefferson's small batch bourbon or Elijah Craig 18 year old bourbon. 

- Zurf

Thanks...you continue to be a great on line source for bourbon recommendations

338

(50 replies, posted in Acoustic)

Russell_Harding wrote:

I hate to be a meanie but there is no open F chord unless you change the 1st string (E) and tune it up a semi tone to F and play the chord as xx3210 otherwise you leave it alone and mute it and play the chord as xx321x keep in mind any chord may be voiced several ways depending on the notes in the chord just as a C chord is CEG (135) it could also be GEC (531) or ECG (315) etcetera etcetera lol

There's always one in every crowd....just when the chaos begins to subside and everyone concedes.......

Russell has forgot more about guitar then I'll ever now, so if he says play all 6 then you folks just best get to practicing!!!!!

339

(50 replies, posted in Acoustic)

wlbaye wrote:

Dad Burn it,

Now you've went and done it !

This is my last post !


Concerning the F Chord that is smile

wink

340

(50 replies, posted in Acoustic)

wlbaye wrote:

I disagree Amy,

The F chord that you refer to, that is an open chord is just another chord voicing as pointed out by our Theory expert Jerome.
I believe where the cheater term come in, some instructors say you can cheat and use a Fmaj7 instead of the F chord that frets the first and second string together. The Fmaj7 leaves the first string open and is a easier chord to play for beginners and fits in some songs ok.

Ok , my rant is over smile

OOps  i guess not , IT IS NOT A CHEATER F   !!!

There now I'm ok  smile

Whew!!!!!! Welcome to the Ornary Club!!!!!!!! smile

Agreed. That is also a legit F.

341

(50 replies, posted in Acoustic)

dino48 wrote:

I wish I would have seen all these cheats years ago,it would have saved me alot of pain in my fingers and wrists,but its better I can play b and f chords properely now. anyone know of any way to cheat your vocals,as I need alot of improvment!!

No cheating vocals. MKM has a great solution; the drunker you get the better you'll sound (at least to yourself). I think Zurf might recommend a single malt that would be just the medicine but I'm not a scotch drinker so I can't help you there.
I too have an awful voice but it doesn't stop me from singing. I think the best advice I received was someone telling me "you're trying too hard; sing it the way YOU can". I've toned it down and stayed within my limited range and the results while not spectacular are somewhat improved.

342

(5 replies, posted in Recording)

Man, they just keep getting better and better Wayne. Keep 'em coming. Didn't you just start playing harp?

Damn good!!! Thanks for sharing

343

(50 replies, posted in Acoustic)

bensonp wrote:

I cheat on my chords much as Tiger Woods cheats on his wife.  And i have found that I, too, can still lead a fruitful and happy life.  And Like geo, I try barre chords once a day.  I know once a day will probably never get me there, but......when I play and sing, never has anyone said, "Stop right there, you are playing cheater chords and I refuze to listen."  Only professional players would comment on my use of chords and I almost never play in front of professionals.

And the pros cheat too!!!!!! Playing supposed to be fun. that's what it's ll about. I was just trying to point out how many doors bar chords can open up.

MKM I'll get off that horse now.

344

(50 replies, posted in Acoustic)

wlbaye wrote:

lol

That was a good one Amy !  I woulda missed that one smile  but Geo didn't

If i get too opinionated let me know also  smile

Almost as good as Pix   "Cowboy Chords"  smile


It sucks having "Barre Chord Masters look down us Cowboys and Cowgirls"   smile

I've seen you pick cowboy...no ones looking down at you smile

345

(50 replies, posted in Acoustic)

Zurf wrote:
geoaguiar wrote:

Learn F, B and Bminor bar shapes for starters. These shapes will serve you well up and down the fret board. I know they suck at first (as a matter of fact B still sucks) but don't underestimate how these shapes will open up a whole new way of playing guitar.

B is evil and I have been granted amnesty.  I hear your point, but choose to ignore it at my own risk. 

- Zurf

Truth is I cheat on B as well and secretly wished I had amnesty as well. BUT every day I try the right way with at least one chord progression. Someday I will have "Russell Harding" fingers!!!!

I play B like:
22444x (the little x is for muting. I've trained my top knuckle of my 3rd finger to mute the high E string. Sounds weird but I've become quite good at it. Not quite as bright as real B.

There, I've been exposed....That is the B shape I'm sliding around....I feel ashamed....Might have to stop posting now.....

346

(50 replies, posted in Acoustic)

mekidsmom wrote:

Can you play a barre cord while riding your horse Geo?  LOL!  Someday... but for now, a few months in, I'm happy to just play any chord.  There are a LOT of songs that I like that have Bm in them however, so I know someday I will have to learn... it's just not the same transcribing them all the time... and then, that doesn't always work out well!

My high horse? Yes, I believe I could but I'm not much of an equestrian. I can play them while laying on the sofa. I know that doesn't sound like an accomplishment but it is!

I played on and off for 20 years (with a 10 year hiatus) and a few years back I really found out how useful bar chords are. Being able to move a 1/2 shapes around the fret board and create virtually any chord is awesome. These shapes lead you to start thinking of lead guitar licks as well which then lead to scales, etc...

I'm ranting again aren't I?????

Your time with open chords has not been wasted although some of what you say is true; bar chords are fundamentally important. I would say knowing both is very necessary. Although I'd say bar chords are more "powerful", sometimes there is no substitute for an open chord. Your ear will discern this if it hasn't already. An open C vs the 3rd fret "A shape" bar sound similar but not the same. Sometimes there is no sweeter sound than an open chord. Both are useful

348

(25 replies, posted in Electric)

tandm3 wrote:

Sorry to stir the pot here but, a Telecaster might fit the bill better. Especially if you're not used to the careful balance between springs and strings.

Good point. I thought about that but sonically I think the strat is a little more versatile but you're right the bridge is less simple. Either is a great choice

349

(50 replies, posted in Acoustic)

Take the time to learn to play a bar chord F. Trust me. Learning to use and move this shape will pay big rewards down the road. For years I cheated, happy just to play a song. One day you will realize how vitally important bar chords are. It's fun to play the "cowboy chords" (thanks to Guitarpix for the term) but you NEED to learn these vital shapes. Learn F, B and Bminor bar shapes for starters. These shapes will serve you well up and down the fret board. I know they suck at first (as a matter of fact B still sucks) but don't underestimate how these shapes will open up a whole new way of playing guitar.

350

(9 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

It's not cheating it's improvising!!