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Guitar chord forum - chordie → Posts by Kahuna
Is it a big system? Wattage? Would 500w bridged work for me?
Thanks!
Bose L1. Small package, huge, crystal clear sound, easy set-up/breakdown. I have one and can honestly say it's the best sounding PA I've ever played through.
Que,
Silly question: you had your guitar's action set-up...right? Playing 'till your thumb is black is not normal. If your guitar is set up correctly, you shouldn't have to press hard to form a barre chord.
Ya I think I was just pressing way to hard. When my thumb was locked straight for that amount of time I had now oxygen getting to it.
Tim,
The stomp boxes are pretty easy to use. Yes, you plug your guitar into the input and plug the output to your amp. A typical configuration would include (but not limited to): Chromatic Tuner > Reverb > Flange > Distortion > Chorus...etc.. These boxes are not in any order, so others may have more inputs. If you are planning on using multiple boxes, get yourself a pedal board with a power supply chain. This way, you only need one electrical plug for all your boxes.
Good luck!
Greetings,
The guys I've been jamming with are thinking about getting a PA system together, so our "noise" can be leveled and controlled when we play.
We're looking for a medium-size system. I was told a 250w x 2 (500w bridged) powered mixer would work. We're also thinking of mid-size speakers (on stands.)
I would appreciate any thoughts on a good configuration that we can grow into.
Thanks
Hey Tim,
I would never call anyone who uses power chords a cheater. Yes, they really don't sound as good or as full as real barre chords, but they often do the trick. Most rock bands use these with lots of distortions, and most of the time they sound find.
However, if you are going to be a life-long player, knowing the correct chords will only benefit you.
Sad to say that I actually found ways around barre-chording ... alot of the 5th/6th string powerchords can suppliment (ex. C5 powerchord can suppliment a barred "C" or open C) ... my buddie is a barre chord junkie and I'm still learning so I switch to my powerchords and he calls me a cheater lol but hey, it works for now until I get the barre chording down pat!
You can also use a spring-loaded hand exerciser to help strengthen you left hand. I used to use this thing about 30 minutes a day or when I was driving somewhere. It helps reduce cramps when barring and let you play longer too.
Ya I have been trying and trying playing nothing really just getting all 6 stings to ring out. I can generally get it now, so I am happy for now that this doesn't limit me. Thank You for all the help and tips, been working wonders for me.
I am sure I will have a lot more questions in the future, I know where I will come first!
Pat,
If you have a guitar with normal sound hole, you can get one of those round rubber plug to close the hole. This will help reduce/eliminate feedback from your amp. Also, what volume level are you using on your guitar? I would suggest a mid way point, and then compensate more at the amplifier.
Wormproof,
Yes, playing barre chords on an electric is much easier to do. It's definitely an encouragement tool to play more barre stuff. I also found that transitioning the barre from electric to acoustic is also easier. Yes, you'll need to press a bit harder, but it will also help you strengthening your fingers and thumb position.
So, don't play just the electric. Switch back and forth is pretty fun.
que522 wrote:With that are barre chords easier to play on an electric? Harder? Or the same?
Little back round I am in the market for an electric, but in the mean time my G-pa gave he him old acoustic guitar to start piddling with, starting to learn chords and what not.
So in short my goal is to play electric.
O.o
I just tried an electric for the first time recently, and let me tell you it is a MILLION times easier. I can get all six strings ringing out clearly with no effort on an electric, but I still struggle with F#m on acoustic. That being said, even if you want to play electric, don't avoid your acoustic. It will really strengthen your fingers and you'll be a better electric player because of your acoustic experience. Especially if you are just starting, barres will be hard on electric too. For the time it takes you to learn it on electric, afterwards, you probably won't be able to play it on acoustic, whereas if you learn it on acoustic, electric should be no problem.
aj1 is right! Once you are bored with learning, it's time to put those learnings to the test! Forming a jam group, or join someone else's jam sessions would help you understand more whether or not you're on the right track. It's always easy to play along with a recorded song, but it's an entirely different thing to play in a real (band) settings. As a guitarist, you will not get to play every note in a song when you jam. The collaboration and others giving you feedback are the fun/exciting part about playing live.
Whether or not you're considering playing live for others or for pay, your ultimate test is to be able to play live with your band mates. This is where you'll either shine or learn about your weak points.
Good luck!
Sounds like you need to join/form a band.
It appears that you have the tenacity and ability to play the guitar well and are ready to take it to the band.
Can't honestly say that a discussion group is going to help judging by your current advanced standard.
Get that band together dude and rock the tits off that axe.
doc,
I was reading some recommendations from people about Jay Turser hollow body, and decided to check it out. Well, needless to say, I went ahead and got a brand new jazz hollow body for around $260 (JT-139). It's similar to the Epi Dot or Gibson ES335 (from the hardware perspective.) But, the aesthetics and refinements are of course, nowhere near an Epi or a Gibson!
After having it set up, it played quite well! It comes with quality P90 (dog ear) pick ups and nice chrome bridge tail. The sound (from what I heard) is quite good. Again, I would love to have a nice ES335 or a Sheraton. But, for the amount of money, the JT brand would do well on gigs or as a back-up guitar.
Just my two-cents worth. Link is below.
- I was surfing again, and this time I found some guitars, hollowbodies. I own 1 hollowbody: an Epihone Sheraton, also quit expensive.
Some questions:
- An Epiphone Sheraton versus Gibson 335, I know that my Sheraton plays great, but versus an amp, a lot of disturbing feedback, if used on my Fender Cybertwin, less on my 100W acoustic Marshall amp.
I never got the opportunity, because my solid body obsession, to compare it with A Gibson ES 335, a Gibson ES-345. What's the difference between those two?
an Ibanez George Benson.
I found some brands, completely new for me, like STROUP guitars, they look great.
Can we add in this list: GRETSCH? RICKENBACKER?
- I found information, concerning EPIPHONE. They seem to have amazing hollowbodies. Guitars who are, except from my Sheraton, really good looking. If the sound is equal to the looks, waw.
WHO CAN HELP ME HERE?:
- EPIPHONE = (FIRST what are Epiphone Dot Studio guitars, and what about the sound) Sheraton, Epiphone Elitist 1963 ES-335 Dot Electric Guitar, an Emperor (I noticed already laminated Top, Sides and Back) Epiphone Revolution Casino Electric Guitar (2550$) and 2 single coils. There are a lot more, even looking as an acoustic guitar, thick body, and a lot more other hollowbodies.
WHO HAS EXPERIENCE WITH THESE HOLLOWBODIES EPIPHONE BRANDS, GIBSON, IBANEZ and a lot of other hollowbody brands??
DPG,
What you can do to reduce the calluses is to use a wet file to remove some of the dead skin. This will also allow your fingers to generate newer, tougher skin on your fingertips. As you play more and more, the dead skin will ultimately get in the way, and you'll be either biting or filing them off.
You may want to, also, use moisturizer on your fingertips daily. This will help keep your calluses a bit softer.
If any of the above don't work, try Russell's suggestion! Nonetheless, don't stop playing!
My girlfriend complains about my chord fingers that are always callused. Im not a complete novice with the guitar, but the tips of my chord fingers remain raw and rough. Any suggestions?
If you have a real Fender Strat (with logo) case, I would sell it separately from the guitar. Of course it will help sweeten the deal if you sell it with, but the Strat has to be a special (American made) one. There are just too many strats and knock-offs out there.
I'm thinking, from the durability perspective, that a bridge pickup would be a better idea than a sound hole pick up. Just my two cents.
This is probably a stupid question but will a soundhole pickup for a 6 string acoustic work well for an acoustic bass? A friend has a dean playmate bass the acoustics aren't that bad but the electronics it came with are trash. I was going to recommend to him possibly a soundhole pickup but wanted to make sure it would work properly before I made a fool of myself...lol Thanks!
Charlotte,
I have to agree with Cytania about the LP. They are pretty heavy (17+lbs.) But, if you're planning on sitting down and play all the time, the weight may be a non issue. For me, I like standing when I'm playing. So, after a while, my neck started to hurt and the strap was cutting into my neck. With that said, however, the tone from the humbuckers is still quite nice.
But, as much as I liked the LP, I am now a firm believer in the Fender Strat! I love the Strat as to how it feels and the five different tone selections I have to choose from. The thickness of the neck is a bit less than the LP. So, it fitted my small hand better. It doesn't matter if what style of music you play, the Strat will work just as well.
Hope this helps.
That's what you call advice, many, many thanks. It has given me alot to think about.
You have set me thinking by asking what am I going to play on it, it sounds silly but I had not thought of that. To attempt the answer I would say the usual popular rock for a few months and then get down to some good ol' blues which I suppose my heart is.
Do the words..crisp..clear..quality and maybe mellow help at all. Heavy rock, apart from one or two classics is not my scene, blues, country rock, bluegrass is nearer to the mark.
The advice of get down to the shops and try them out has got to be correct instead of just ordering something that I think should be good and suitable.
Once again, many thanks.
Rob.
Another vote for the Gretsch! If you can afford it, get it!
Check out the Derek Trucks Band also! Derek Trucks has been doing slide guitar since he was 9 years old! This guy is incredible!
Artist to listen to:
THe Allman brothers band early stuff with Duane Allman before he died. The warren haye & derek trucks stuff also.
Lynyrd Skynrd also older stuff when Allan Collins,Stevie Gaines were alive and earlier albums. Gary Rossington played most of the slide parts.
Playing is typcially different tuning. Alot of older style country also.
Check out Robert Randolph and the Family Band. He plays a lap steel and really, really smokes!.
Bootleger.
Bootlegger guitars.
I have a Crate acoustic amp with an Ovation acoustic/electric. For the adjustments, I normally start with every EQ level in the middle first. This means all knobs and slides on both your amp and your guitar (assuming you have a EQ preamp on your guitar) need to be in the middle. Then, start playing some of your tunes and start making fine adjustments from there to suit your room and acoustic taste.
For the other settings on the amp, some amps have chorus (flange), reverb, and contour. For me, I like my contour high, reverb and chorus at about level 1.
For your channel gain, depending on the room size, try to keep this slightly above the middle power range. More fine tuning may be needed here at both your guitar and amp. So, give it a try and hope this works for you.
I like my amp very much too, but im no expert in these settings. especally the vocal part. Well i be very happy for suggestions
gtar,
Yes, barre chords are a pain, but they are necessary in some songs. Chords like Bm, Bb, and B, are common for transitions. No need to worry about your fingers. With practice, you'll be great.
just listen and you will hear the quick double strum, its a great campfire tune as all eagles tunes are..my problem is making those darn barre chords, got some short fat fingers..
Russell,
I guess I should have been more clear on which of Glenn Frey's hands to look at. My suggestion was to watch his left hand, when he alternates string within each measure. The strumming part is pretty steady throughout with a few quick double strums around the Am to D transition. Yes, there is no set rules here. Just play to what sounds good to you.
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how is watching "glenn's hand" going to teach joy the basics of music? if you understand the basics you wont need to watch anyone's hand, most strumming patterns are laid out systematacally in easy to understand formats in addition to time,note value,scale construction and a great deal more that is why i suggested taking lessons because in the long run(another Eagles song)it will provide a greater benifit>
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Tim,
It's a natural human behavior to "hold" things. However, it's best to be conscious of where your thumb is, on the neck. The reason for this is to help you when you start playing scales! If you establish a good habit of keeping your thumb pressed lightly on the back of the neck while playing, it will help make moving your fingers throughout the scales much easier. Plus, your barre chords will get a bit easier because your wrist will be in a natural (straight) position when you play either chord or scale.
Another time when people tend to "hold" the neck is when they're sitting and playing. Since the guitar body is heavier, there's a tendency to try to keep the neck down (or from sliding) while playing. To fix this problem, wear a guitar strap while you're playing sitting down. This will help reduce the neck from moving and distribute the weight more evenly across your back.
Good luck!
I have a buddie of mine that we play together ... he does barchording like its second nature where as for me it's a hassle ... but usually where he barchords I can supliment with power chords ... it's a good mix and works pretty well ... now we're in the process of adding another guy from work to our sessions and will see how it works this weekend ...
One other question I have though is on holding the neck ... I know for the most part having your thumb placement in the middle back of the neck is the optimum position (granted it changes location depending on the chords, string variations) but one thin I've noticed is I'm always "cupping" in the back; meaning my thumb is wrapping up and above the neck ... for me this feels comfortable or I'm just solidifying a bad habit!
Is this something I should engrain away from or keep using it if it works for me? Thanks for the advice!
I've been playing Taquila Sunrise for a while now, and it's a pretty steady strum pattern. The reason why it sounds quicker is because of one switching the root note from 5th string 2rd fret to 4th string 2nd fret in the bar. This switch keeps the rhythm steady throughout. I also remember watching Glenn Frey adding a quick double strum to a few parts of the song. But, it's not required.
If you're watching You Tube, try to finding the Hell Freezes Over version. You can see Glenn's hand pretty clearly on how he switches during the song. Good luck!
joy the strumming pattern is based on strummimg up and down 8th notes you would count this as: 1&2&3&4& but there is more--some parts of the song the phrasing is trickey you might on one bar just strum once and hold for 4 beats this only comes in at (i cant tell you because i am not allowed to enter lyrics) certain lyrics i know this is hard to understand but i am limited on line to explain just so much,you might concider talking to a teacher in a music store and ask for a few lessons you need to understand the basics and theres no easy way to get this knowledge other then methodic practice period!
I'm with you Cytania! I too, have gone through some changes in the past years. I've recently sold my Epi Les Paul, because I bought a strat and found it to be more of what I wanted in both sound and playing ability. I also collected five different amps and several effect pedals. Somehow, I always ended up back to the blues & jazz sound.
I love the grunge tone, but seldom use it when I play. So, here we are, 2008. And, so I bought another guitar! This time, it's a Gibson ES knock-off, which plays fairly well for the price. My goal this year, is to learn more jazz chords and songs. I started to dig up my old George Benson records for reference.
Congrats and welcome to Chordie! It's good that you're learning scales! I found that I have to use at least three (of the five) patterns when playing a song. In addition to minor pentatonic, you should also learn major scales as well.
One of the ways to guage your current knowledge is to do some jamming with other people. Yes, knowing your chords and scales is nice, but how do you fair with other players/instruments? I started jamming with a few guys now for about a year, and although it's fun, it's also challenging at times.
When you're playing by yourself, it's easy. Because you're playing the entire song that you have control over. In a band or jam session, you get to play only part of a song through either lead or rhythm. And, someone has to lead the group during play so everyone is on the same progression and timing.
Nonetheless, keep practicing and always try to watch others for inspirations! I saw Joe Satriani and Derek Trucks band on TV the other day. And, wow, they were amazing! Good to see their techniques too!
Also try "Give a Little Bit" by Super Tramp.
dajamu,
Guitar Centers just sell the instruments. They don't really do any set-up. The buzz you hear was from the neck needing adjustment. You would normally spend another $50 to $65 (strings included) to have it set-up by a repair shop. A typical set up includes: new strings (a must), adjust spacing between strings & frets (throughout the neck), neck adjustment, file down the nut (if needed), a full inspection of the guitar (cracks, warps, loose hardware, etc.)
String wise, a typical repair shop normally uses .012 gauge. If you're a beginner, I would suggest either a .10 or .11 to start. You'll need to make this decision before the guitar is set up. Once the guitar is set up, you can then change your own strings as needed going forward.
Hope this helps!
Thanks! I just went to the guitar center and played a few, and the thing I noticed was that for some reason it is easier for me to play bar chords on the martins. It seems like the neck is a little wider or something. I did play a seagull that sounded really nice. I am giving up on the epiphone masterbuilt because the neck just seems so narrow and my fingers feel crowded, but man that thing sounded nice. I have noticed that the guitars at the guitar center have alot of buzz ...the salesman said they don't set them up. What do other guitar stores do to "set them up", and can I fix them if I buy fom the guitar center?
Are there any online stores that you buy from, or is it better to just buy locally?
Thanks again for your input!
dajamu
Guitar chord forum - chordie → Posts by Kahuna
