26 Reply by canudigit

(11 replies, posted in Music theory)

Thanks for the reply.  I have been having the same issue and wonder what is going on :(.  When i preview, everyting looks perfect, when i submit I get the same as SoutPaw41L.

SoutPaw41L wrote:

And the "for chordie members only" logo at the bottom of your post makes us look like selfish snobs, in my humble opinion.

You don't sound so humble to me :).  I agree with you and will remove it now. 

Thanks for that valuable feedback

Steve

Go to forum: Music theory

27 Reply by canudigit

(11 replies, posted in Music theory)

Stonebridge wrote:

Whoever told you that there is no such note as E# or Fb etc was incorrect.
Those notes exist. E#, for example, as you rightly say in your post, exists in the key of F# major. It is the last (7th) note of the scale. It must be written as E# in formal music notation.
The problem is only when you have to play the note. You then find that on keyed instruments and fretted instruments, it is the same physical note as F natural and is also at the same pitch.
The difference really is just one of musical "grammar". You choose the name of the note depending on what is correct for the key you are playing in.

Here is an image that hopefully helps clear things up. 

http://home.comcast.net/~musicman2006/pwpimages/E%23%20in%20the%20key%20of%20F%23%282%29.png

http://home.comcast.net/~musicman2006/p … 282%29.png 

Like Stonebridge said above an E# does exist and is the seventh note in the key of F# (F#, G#, A#, B, C#, D# and yup E#).

Music notation can be difficult to understand especially when dealing with double flats, double sharps and enharmonic notes.  Things can ugy fast!

Excellent question smile

Thanks

Steve

NOTE:  If the image does not appear correctly, PLEASE let me know!  For some reason the image looks perfect then I preview but when I submit, the image seems choppy with lines missing sad.

UPDATE:  I have posted both the link and the image so if the image does not look clear, just click on the link.  The problem occurs when the image is larger than the page width and causes the image to distort.  I will try to post images in the correct size.

Thanks

Steve

Go to forum: Music theory

28 Reply by canudigit

(109 replies, posted in Electric)

Chet Atkins was one of best guitar players that ever lived.  Whenever he played, EVERYBODY listened.  We lost a great ledgend when he passed away.

Steve

Go to forum: Electric

29 Reply by canudigit

(22 replies, posted in Music theory)

Nice to see this many replies so soon smile.  I like these kinds of threads because we can all speak from our own experiences. 

I have been reading guitar tabs since 1982 and still have troves of guitar tabs from "Guitar for the practicing musician".  This magazine was the "flagship" magazine for guitar tabs.

I can still remember having to wait an entire month for a new issue to come out and hope that the new issue had good tabs. 

The tabs were extremely accurate and I learned to play many tunes note for note with those tabs.  I spent a fortune on purchasing those magazines, but it was worth it.

Things have changed quite a bit since then.  Now everyone can get tabs on the net for FREE. 

The biggest advance with guitar tab for me was buying and using Guitar Pro software.  Most of the issues with reading guitar tab and standard notation are gone.  The reason is that Guitar Pro (and other guitar notation programs) play the tab and the tab can be slowed down, looped etc... 

Sure beats the old way of having to wait for a tab, buy the song on cassette (yea Im old) and spend hours matching what was heard with the guitar tab.

In the end the old way takes a lot of time and costs a lot of $$.  The benefit is that I learned to be patient and persistent.

Thanks

Steve

Go to forum: Music theory

30 Reply by canudigit

(6 replies, posted in Acoustic)

I will put something together for the chordie community so you can find your info here instead of always being linked to sites outside this great community of guitar players.

Go to forum: Acoustic

31 Topic by canudigit

(22 replies, posted in Music theory)

I have always wanted to ask that question and this looks like a nice place to start the thread.

I would like to start the thread off by getting some feedback on the following questions.

Do you know how to read standard music notation (G clef)?

Do you read guitar tab?

If you read guitar tab, what are the main reasons why you like guitar tab over standard notation?

If so, how long have you been reading music?

If not, then what has stopped you from learning how to read standard notation?

If you do read music, how long have you been reading and how difficult was it for you?

What is your overall opinion on reading standard music notation? 

Lastly, do you think it is helpfull or, do you think it is a waste of time because it is too hard and takes too long?

As for me, I learned how to read guitar tab first and then learned how to read standard notation. 

I have met people who could play a peice of music in standard notation like they were reading a newspaper and it didn't matter how complex the peice was.

What I did notice is that these types of players play everything "exactly as written" and lose a sense of feeling because they follow the music literally. 

Also many times players who are read music well DEPEND on the sheetmusic and are reluctant to learn songs without sheetmusic.

I will come back to this thread and answer the questions as posted, but figured these comments would to good for now.

I am looking forward to hearing your thoughts and experiences.

Thanks

Steve

Go to forum: Music theory

32 Reply by canudigit

(74 replies, posted in Music theory)

dfoskey wrote:

Wow the keyboard and fretboard really explained to me how it works. I already knew the fretboard was laid out like the piano keyboard but this just confirmed it for me and helps me find the notes i need to play better up the neck. Thanks and keep up the good work.

canudigit wrote:

The more appreciation I get the more I will submit smile.  I am happy to "shed some light" in any way I can.

I have some more lessons coming up so PLEASE check back and give me some feedback so I can make sure that what I present is being understood. 

The more feedback the better because if one person has a questions, there are most likely more people who have the same question.

When I post videos, you will be able to SEE and HEAR what the lesson is about.

Thanks again and please subscribe to this topic if you find the lessons helpfull.

Thanks

Steve

Go to forum: Music theory

33 Reply by canudigit

(11 replies, posted in Acoustic)

I suggest using Guitar Pro Software.  I have been using this software for years and have had nothing but good things to say about the software.

You can choose from open tunings or create your own.  You can then add chords that will be created according to the tuning.

There are many, many more features that you can check out by going to the Guitar Pro website. 

I am not allowed to put a link here so if you are intersted, just search the net on Guitar Pro and you should find it.

Hope this helps

Thanks

Steve

Go to forum: Acoustic

34 Reply by canudigit

(74 replies, posted in Music theory)

Thanks for the feedback.  What I will do is continue on with this lesson and will also add video so you can see and hear the examples. 

stransong wrote:

Personally, I think you should learn to play in Nashville notation to start with.

I prefer Nashville notation myself because of much simpler it is to transpose to other keys.  The standard numbers like 1,2m,3m,4,5,6m,7dim are more like that number system and in the end are easier to work with.

I will add the "Solfege" to the video for this first lesson. 

For the next lesson, I was going to show the sharps and flats according to the C chromatic scale and then show all the notes on all strings up the the 12th fret.

After this lessons, I was going to shift the C major scale notes to different positions to show that the only thing that changes is the scale fingering and guitar tab.  The standard notation and keyboard do not change. 

ANY and ALL ideas and suggestions are appreciated. 

The lessons will be posted according to your feedback and the time I have to post the lessons.

Thanks

Steve

Go to forum: Music theory

35 Reply by canudigit

(74 replies, posted in Music theory)

The reason I suggested creating the lessons with the learning objective stated up front is because I had to take a training module at work and that is the approach they used.  I found the approach to be very effective because I knew up front what I was supposed to get out of the lessons.  I learned quite a bit from that darn training module smile

Stonebridge wrote:

I would vote for a piano keyboard too. Showing the fretboard, keyboard, tab and staff gives everyone a chance.
I agree it's also useful, in fact it's standard practice in training literature, to state the learning objectives up front so everyone knows what the lesson is about.
Go for it.

Here we go yikes

Learning objectives

Learn the notes in the C major scale.
Learn the major scale interval formula.
Identify the C major scale notes on a keyboard, guitar fretboard, guitar tab and standard notation.

Diagram 1

http://home.comcast.net/~musicman2006/pwpimages/c%20%20major%20formula%20complete.png

Learn the notes in the C major scale.

The notes in the C major scale are C D E F G A and B.  The 1 is also commonly referred to as the "root".  You can think of the root as being the root(s) of a tree and the rest of the notes in the scale as being the blossoms providing color and contrast.  The notes are numbered 1 - 8 with the 8th note being the octave.

Learn the major scale interval formula.

Scales are created from intervals which are measured by the number of half steps from on note to the next.  The major scale formula is W-W-h-W-W-W-h.  W=whole step or two frets and h=half step or one fret.  The last half step that leads to the octave is appropriately called "the leading tone".

Identify the C major scale notes on a piano keyboard, guitar fretboard, guitar tab and standard notation.

The notes of the C major scale are the same for both the guitar and keyboard.  The main difference is "how the notes are laid out" and "how to physically play" the notes.

NOTE:  The small box on the first C note denotes middle C.  Middle C is located in the "middle" of a keyboard.

Conclusion:

The C major scale is a nice starting place to learn music theory because there are no sharps or flats.  The C major scale is a "reference scale" since all other scales have some kind of sharp(s) or flat(s).  This lesson not only applies to guitar and keyboard but any instrument that uses the 12 note chromatic scale. 

I hope you enjoyed this lesson and look forward to your comments and suggestions smile.

Thank you

Steve

Go to forum: Music theory

36 Reply by canudigit

(74 replies, posted in Music theory)

jerome.oneil  wrote:

Hey!  That worked!   * pats self on back *

Thanks so much for the tile change, you did it in record time.  If I could see you I would pat you on the back too. KUDOS TO YOU! 

jerome.oneil  wrote:

If you can create a keyboard diagram, I think that's really useful.

You got it!  No problem at all. 

Do you want a keyboard diagram with the natrual notes (white keys) and sharp AND flat notes (black keys)? 

NOTE:  I am sure you already knew about the white and black keys, just trying to be clear. 

Let me know exactly what you want and I will get that out when I have a chance. 

Now this is how collaboration works!

The more feedback from you all the better.  I hope you all understand my PASSION for wanting to help as best as I can.

I look forward to working together and learning from EVERYONE!

Thanks

Steve

Go to forum: Music theory

37 Reply by canudigit

(74 replies, posted in Music theory)

If possible, could one of the moderators change the thread title to something like "collaborative music theory" or whatever you think is appropriate?  I will go with whatever you decide. 

selso wrote:

I think everyone had the best intentions, now on with the lesson!!

I couldn't agree with you more selso smile.  Again this lesson will continue and I will keep posting and look forward to all your comments, suggestions, opinions AND constructive criticism.

Thanks

Steve

Go to forum: Music theory

38 Reply by canudigit

(74 replies, posted in Music theory)

jerome.oneil  wrote:

I think it's much easier to show using a keyboard, where you can break things down into white keys and black keys, to demonstrate how the key signature and the "number of sharps/flats" all make sense.  The fretboard can be a frightening thing sometimes!

I absolutely agree with you and thanks for that feedback:). 

I didn't do that because I was thinking this is a guitar forum and didn't want to confuse anyone with a different kind of instrument. 

jerome.oneil Do you think I should add a piano diagram to?

Also, I was thinking of creating the lessons with the learning objective stated up front so we can all give feedback and know exactly what the lesson is actually about.  I think this would be very helpful, but I would like to hear what others think.  This would be a way to have a standard, but this is just IMHO.

I am happy that we are all getting along not to mention I am learning how to communicate effectively in a forum.

This could have gotton much uglier, but we all did the rite thing smile.

Thanks Steve

Go to forum: Music theory

39 Reply by canudigit

(74 replies, posted in Music theory)

Thanks for understanding and I truly appologize.  Thanks SouthPaw41L for copying and pasting the url in for some reason it doesn't show up correctly. 

Thanks to StranSongs for giving me a break here.  I just have to figure out why it look PERFECTLY in the url link that SouthPaw41L put up and now showing up correctly.  When I tested the post before uploaded everything looked good.  I will keep working on this until I get it.


jerome.oneil  Thanks for the clear explanation on where you are coming from.  I totally agree with you that It's perfectly fine to disagree, discuss, and argue.  In fact, it's expected, and something that I encourage.

I think these diagrams are quite useful, and I'm pleased to see this thread turned in that direction.

Thanks for that I realy apprecitate it and would enjoy your feedback to and help with this. 

The idea was I wanted to teach the major scale formula (like you did so nicley in your scale primer) but starting in the key of C since there are no # or b's that got us somewhat fired up in the first place smile. 

The way you did it was great! using the open E string, I just wanted to try with the key of C on one string.

It looks like we have something in common jerome.oneil.

In the next lesson I was going to show how those notes on the A string translate to the open position for practicing a basic open position C major scale.

I think the linear approach (all the scale notes on one string) is a great way to show and explain the major scale formula. 



Next I will get used to this BBCode so I can quote and such..

ALL coments and suggestions are welcomed, all I ask is that you please treat me with respect (even if we disagree) and I will do the same.

I hope you enjoy the screen shots (they take time to get looking clean and clear).

The screen shots will also help me to SHOW you all what I am trying to say with words (very difficult).

IMHO, they all work together nicely.

The bottom line is playing guitar and learning anything else and being able to apply what you learn is an added bonus.

I would like to know if you like to have all three types of notation (Guitar tab, standard notation AND the fretboard diagrams). 

Lastly I would like to change the thread name, but I don't know how smile.  Would it be best to dispose of this thread and copy the basic info into an appropriately named heading?

Thanks again

Steve

P.S  When I get home from work I will put up lesson 2 (translating the C major scale on the open A string to the open position for practice).

Go to forum: Music theory

40 Reply by canudigit

(74 replies, posted in Music theory)

DISCLAIMER:  This information will be put in my own words using my own original methods.  I try my best to teach things in a clear and easy to understand way.  This method is based on what I have learned from teaching how to play guitar. 

The screen shots linked to a folder I created STRICTLY FOR CHORDIE MEMBERS. 

Please work with me while get a feel for posting the images and aligning the screen shots.  I want to provide the highest possible quality notation for my explanations. 

I think that I was going a little too far with the basics so lets start learning what I call the Major Scale formula.


Diagram 1

http://home.comcast.net/~musicman2006/pwpimages/c%20%20major%20formula%20on%20the%20first%20string%281%29.png


Diagram 2

http://home.comcast.net/~musicman2006/pwpimages/c%20major%20on%20the%20fifth%20string.png

Diagram 1 will most likely look familiar to most of you already.  Diagram 1 shows both guitar tab AND standard notation showing the C major scale (no flats or sharps) labled C D E F G A B C.   

The formula is W W h W W W h.  The W stands for whole step (two frets) and the h stands for a half step (one fret).  I notated the half steps in red just to help dfferentiate the Whole and half steps.

To be continued...

Go to forum: Music theory

41 Reply by canudigit

(74 replies, posted in Music theory)

Nicely said. 

Firstly I thank all of you who have had my back on this thread smile.  AND I appolgize to everyone I have offended sad. 

I guess I was just a bit excited and just started off without making myself known and without helping on a question.  You guys and gals smile have been morea active in this forum than I. 

I haven't been as active in this forum to do what I did.  Now if you accept my appolgies I would like to move forward. 

P.S Do you want me to change the thread title?  I am afraid if I do, it will not get as much attention as it has big_smile.

Go to forum: Music theory

42 Reply by canudigit

(74 replies, posted in Music theory)

I thank you all for your support on this smile. 

Russell_Harding

I absolutely understand asking if I was trying to solicite unwanted ads, that realy drives me crazy.  I put my passion first and foremost and refuse to sacrafice that approach.

Stonebridge

There's not much point in repeating this or going over the same ground, don't you think? No need to reinvent the wheel!

IMHO you are exactly correct.  I did not read all the music theory threads so I wanted to start from the ground up.  I was hoping to cover any HOLES in the basics.

I can go over the melodic minor scale, but I need to know how to explain things since there are some real theory buffs here in the forums.  I don't want to use terminology that is not used here in the forum.

If most of the chordie members understand half and whole steps and how keys are created then I can go from there.  I will even put a jam track together if one of the moderators put together a progression and I will include tab.

I find the best way to learn is to apply what you learn and custom jam tracks (rather than computer generated tracks) is much better. 

We could share our leaning experiences with each other and see what works best.

Here is an example:

I tried practicing xx scale with xx progression and found xx notes worked better than xx notes. 

With this approach, we will be learning from each other.  I learn a LOT from listening to the experiences of others and I am sure there are some others here at chordie that would enjoy the interaction.

Thanks again everyone,

Steve

I am a team player and DO NOT want to hog this thread.  I am hoping that we can all come together to make this work.

Go to forum: Music theory

43 Reply by canudigit

(11 replies, posted in Acoustic)

I didn't even notice.  I was realy just looking to let the machines be machines and create some music from a human being that can give feedback in a great forum like here at chordie. 

The jam tracks cannot offer human feedback and share the learning experience with each other here at chordie. 

Also, I am not asking for donations of any kind (WOW I know it's hard to believe). 

The only donations I would like to see is a donation of time and sharing learning experiences.

I AM ASTONISHED at how everything I say here a chordie seems to be wrong.

Thanks

Steve

UPDATE:

I will not try to force anything on anyone, I was just trying to help out.

I will be adding jam tracks with some of the lessons that I post so you can apply what you are learning directly to the guitar which is more of a "Practical approach"

I understand that most of you in this thread are using Jamstation which is a great tool.

I was just trying to offer the human element instead of random generators creating the music. 

If you like, search on author canudigit to find lessons that I post. 

There are some great moderators here at chordie and we are all out to help each other. 

I look forward to seeing your feedback on any lessons that are posted. 

The more feedback the better!

Thanks

Steve

Go to forum: Acoustic

44 Reply by canudigit

(74 replies, posted in Music theory)

No way!  This is an offer to help those who are intersted in learning music theory. 

Please reply and let me know what I can and can't do as far as posting lessons. 

I just thought it would be easier if I created a mini website.  I have NO PROBLEMS posting everything here.  The mini website would have been for the chordie community ONLY.

It seems that all the moderators are after me because I said I was an "expert".  I take that back and instead I would like to say I am a musician who wants to help other INTERESTED musicians out.

I am thinking this is more of a jealosy thing since there already have been posts on music theory already.  What is wrong with another persons view and way of teaching?

I do not want to cause trouble, if you ask I will leave in PEACE.

Thanks

Steve

Go to forum: Music theory

45 Reply by canudigit

(11 replies, posted in Acoustic)

I have checked out Jamcenter before and it is a cool practice tool. 

Band In A Box does just about the same thing, but lacks the feel that a human being brings to music.

Jamcenter is a GREAT tool to use.

I am offering to create tracks with NO ADVERTISING and no pitch for any kind of cash whatsoever.  I wanted to do this EXLUSIVELY for the chordie members.

Also I did not see any tab or transcriptions of any kind.

I was going to add the notation and give scale suggestions to solo over.  This way we can share ideas of what scales worked best and we could work together with feedback from humans.

I agree there are a lot of resources out there, but I have yet to see one that is not full of distracting advertisements.

If there is someone out there who wants to send me the practice track info (see the earlier post) I will get started. 

Thanks

Steve

Go to forum: Acoustic

46 Reply by canudigit

(11 replies, posted in Acoustic)

If anyone is interested, I am willing to create scale practice track.  Post the following info and I will get a track together to practice to.

What key do you want the track in?
What tempo?
Give me a chord progression to work with?
Pick either electric or acoustic guitar?
Do you want bass guitar ?
Do you want drums?

This is plenty of info to get the first track done.

Thanks

Steve

Go to forum: Acoustic

47 Reply by canudigit

(109 replies, posted in Electric)

My older brother taght me a few basic chords and was "HOOKED". 

Some of my influences are wide and varied like Hank Williams SR, The Beatles, Jimmy Page, Eddie VH, David Gilmore, Fernando Sor and just about all the 80's shredders.  I have a lot of appreciation for Andy Mckee (my look alike) who is a MASTER at his playing style. 

Steve

Go to forum: Electric

48 Reply by canudigit

(74 replies, posted in Music theory)

Jerome you don't give up do you.  There is some interest here so if you don't mind give me a break. 

You already posted some guitar and scale primers so give someone else a chance.  I am a big boy and can answer questions on the lessons that I present in plain english not in boring technical gibberish.

This thread proves how complex music theory can get.  The music theory police may arrest you if you don't speak in technical terms.

If I asked someone what color an orange is most people would say "orange" but a technical theorist would say that an orange is a certain shade of the color orange.  Why make things so complicated when the don't have to be?

The 12 tones that have been talking about are called "the chromatic scale" and there are different versions of it. 

The issue is how a note  is notated according to it's relationship to the actual key. 

This is the kind of stuff I try to avoid and reserve for when it's time to learn about the 12 major and minor keys in order to avoid confusion.

The basic rule I mentioned earlier is (as I stated earlier) my own rule that get's broken when learning the keys in music.

The bottom line is to "play guitar anyway you like".  Some people like to fingerpick while other like to play with a pick. 

I personally like to play in different types of styles like classical guitar, strumming chords, fingerpicking, solo guitar, lead guitar etc..

The guitar is one of the most dynamic and versatile instruments on the planet.

Think about a piano.  When someone plays a piano they are not physically touching the strings.  A soft padded hammer hits the string removing the intimacy of actually touching the strings.  Not so with guitar.  Look what Eddie Van Halen did with two handed tapping.  He shocked the world with his two handed tapping style.

At this time I am trying to create a basic mini website for these lessons so I can put up my own images and files.  I will give an update as soon
as the site is ready.

I hope you can see my PASSION as a musican and wanting to share some knowledge with others.  I want to thank everyone who supports me in this thread and look forward to some feedback on the lessons so I can clarify (in my own words) what I am trying to say.

Thanks again,

Steve

Go to forum: Music theory

49 Reply by canudigit

(10 replies, posted in Electric)

Love the Elixer strings.  I find they last a very long time because of the coating on them. 

Try sending them an e-mail stating that you are in the market for a new brand of string to use but find the price of Elixers to be a bit higher than say GHS Boomers.

I sent Elixer an e-mail like above and I recieved a new set of strings in the mail.

Give it a shot, all that can happen is they say no.

Thanks

Steve

Go to forum: Electric

50 Reply by canudigit

(275 replies, posted in Electric)

Hello all I am 41 years young.  It's nice to see so many young people wanting to play one of the worlds best instruments GUITAR!!

Go to forum: Electric