Hotel California is a fairly good, but more medium difficulty song. I play it a lot and never thought about the strum pattern. I play mostly the high pitch acoustic lead part, which is more finger picking. My suggestion is to try and play the Hell Freezes Over (unplugged) version. It's much easier to play, and you can pick up the strum pattern much easier.
101 2007-10-18 20:22:57
Re: can some one tell me the strumming pattern for Hotel California? (8 replies, posted in Acoustic)
102 2007-10-17 22:30:46
Re: barre chords (57 replies, posted in Acoustic)
SouthPaw's suggestion is as basic as it comes. To add on to his suggestion, have you had your guitar set up correctly? By doing that, you are assured the space between your strings and the frets are at its closest! Thus, making it easier for you to barre your chords. You can also tune your guitar half a step lower and use a capo to get standard tuning. This will also help when barring.
For me, I had my guitar set up with standard tuning. Then, spent a few hours a day with a hand exerciser to strengthen my hand. Now, barring chords don't hurt as much. The key here is to play barre chords every day in a song. You will see improvements after a few months. Patience and play often!
Good luck!
SouthPaw41L wrote:
Michael,
Hello and welcome to chordie. The trick to successfully playing barre chords is leverage. This comes from your left thumb(if you play right handed) placement on the back of the guitar neck. If you place your thumb on the lower third of the neck you'll find that executing these booger barre chords will be much easier.(if neck were transparent your thumb would line up with the D,G,and B strings) It's gonna take a little time and muscle building but once you get it, it's all worth it.Peace and Guitars,
SouthPaw41L(Toney)
103 2007-10-15 21:44:38
Re: barre chords (57 replies, posted in Acoustic)
I agree with everyone here too. I, personally, started out with a non-crappy acoustic, then went to an electric. I was merely suggesting to those who may be intimidated by the barre. Either way is ok!
geoaguiar wrote:
I'm from the opposite school than Kahuna. I say practice on a crappy action cheap acoustic, tough it out. Then when you finally get your hands on something nicer (electric or acoustic) you'll breeze through bar chords.
104 2007-10-15 21:39:27
Re: a problem with playing barre chords (29 replies, posted in Acoustic)
Playing barre on an acoustic is also more difficult than on an electric one. Make sure that your acoustic is set up correctly (ie. stings' distance to fretboard, string size, etc.) If you can master the barre on an acoustic, it will be a breeze on an electric.
Again, strengthen your hand with a tennis ball or hand exerciser and practice every day!
105 2007-09-18 20:27:59
Re: a problem with playing barre chords (29 replies, posted in Acoustic)
Zurf is right! Becoming good at barre chords requires constant practice and hand strengthening. I use those hand exerciser from time to time. I use it mainly between my thumb and index finger. But, only playing the barre everyday will help overcome the pain and cramp. After a while, you won't feel them as much.
Another way to get relief is to play a non-barre chord between progression (if feasible). Then, return to barre. This will help remove the pain and cramp briefly, so you can keep playing.
106 2007-09-18 20:23:08
Re: .i need some good trainig. (2 replies, posted in Acoustic)
Check out Peter Vogl's lesson on chord changes. Google his name and you should be able to find his website. The lesson on changing chords is free off the site. I have a few lessons downloaded and still refer to them when I need to.
bonafellla wrote:
hello.
i need some trainings that i can quickly change my chords.
because this is one of my weak points and i want do i better.i hope someone can give m some good advice.:)
107 2007-09-18 20:20:04
Re: String "tension" or size (2 replies, posted in Acoustic)
If you're a beginner or intermediate player, using the medium size strings may not do you justice! The size of the medium string starts at .013, where the light starts at .012. Then, you have the extra light, .011.
It is good to know what size strings you want to use before having the guitar set up. Majority of intermediate players use the light string (.012). And, you can still use the extra light strings after set up if you choose.
108 2007-09-18 20:14:49
Re: ADAMAS OVATION APPLAUSE (8 replies, posted in Acoustic)
The Applause line is an entry level line from Ovation. Just like the Jasmine series for Takamine. I have (and had) several Ovations, and I do like the sound. Of course, it's not a Taylor or a Martin, but the bowl shape back produces a different acoustic sound.
The Adamas series is probably the best in the Ovation line. Most of the celebrities (ie Melissa Etheridge) endorses this line. The electronics are very good and the narrower neck is good for those with small hands and short fingers. Like me!
gitaardocphil wrote:
Do I hear a chordion who can give me more information about Ovation.
The Ovation story, that one I know.
But I am an absolute zero about especially OVATION versus APPLAUSE. The only thing I know is that APPLAUSE is an Ovation brand.
They look really nice, sometimes they look almost identical as a real Ovation, but where is the difference?
_______________________________________________________________________________GITAARDOCPHIL SAIS: IS OVATION DESERVING AN APPLAUSE
109 2007-09-18 20:10:16
Re: B chord blues (13 replies, posted in Acoustic)
Doing the F shape on the 7th fret is good on an electric. I'm thinking the pitch will be a bit high on an acoustic. I guess it depends on whether you're barring other chords around the same fret area. I found that barring the B on second fret on acoustic sounds better.
bororob wrote:
If I'm playing a song with lots of Bs in I tend to capo it up to the 2nd or 4th fret (depending on the other chords in the progression) and transpose the rest of the chords.
Alternatively I play it on the 7th fret (F shape).
110 2007-09-05 18:13:43
Re: BLUES: the scales (31 replies, posted in Electric)
Well said ST! I do agree that there are other positions one can explore in the Am pentatonic scale. What you have below is what I'm used to as well. I've limited my comments to only the first position because it was easier to read and understand by those who read this thread!
Playing the Blues is wonderful, and it easier than most people think! I especially love the fifth position. It makes such a difference when jamming with other people!
Thanks,
Kahuna
st800 wrote:
I think you all are right with your meanings but without knowless what you you can not play music with feeling from your heart.
you all that you first have to train what you want play and then anytime you can put in feeling into your play.
All you talk about the first position of pentatonic, but there 4positions more to play blues pentatonic.
That´s Am pentatonic scale
First position second position Third position Fouth position Fifth position
e - 5 & 8 e - 8 & 10 e -10 & 12 e -12 & 15 e-15 & 17
b - 5 & 8 b - 8 & 10 b -10 & 13 b -13 & 15 b-15 & 17
g - 5 & 7 g - 7 & 9 g -9 & 12 g -12 & 14 g- 14 & 17
d - 5 & 7 d - 7 & 10 d -10& 12 d - 12 & 14 d- 14 & 17
a - 5 & 7 a - 7 & 10 a -10&12 a - 12 & 15 a- 15 & 17
E - 5 & 8 E - 8 & 10 E -10&12 E - 12 & 15 E- 15 & 17You have to train that position so long that you don´t have to think what position you play. Try to bind the postions and you will get fun with it.
That positions are for also for the other Chords you only have to choose the position on your neck. For example for F your first position is on the first fret.
111 2007-08-31 17:19:17
Re: BLUES: the scales (31 replies, posted in Electric)
Jerome,
Yes, I completely agree with you about knowing the scales. What I should have said, also, was that most people think that playing Blues is too tough or too confusing (with scales and all). But, having seen Muddy Waters, BB King and other Blues players, a few simple notes with some attitude really helped their expression! So, maybe folks wouldn't have to be afraid of trying to play the blues!
jerome.oneil wrote:
All the emotion and artistic intent in the world means nothing if you can not manipulate the fretboard in a predictable manner.
Blues isn't just the scale, but it's nothing without it.
112 2007-08-31 17:13:37
Re: BLUES: the scales (31 replies, posted in Electric)
Altex,
Yes, I love using the blues scale below as well! The 6 and 7 transition note on A and G strings really makes it unique!
Altex wrote:
You can also use the actual blues scale wich is almost exactly the same as the pentatonic. I'll give you an example in A
e - 5 & 8
b - 5 & 8
g - 5 & 7 & 8
d - 5 & 7
a - 5 & 6 & 7
E - 5 & 8
113 2007-08-30 17:04:08
Re: BLUES: the scales (31 replies, posted in Electric)
Playing Blues is often more an attitude, and not really the scale! Yes, the scales are important. But, in a typical 12-bar blues riff, playing in Am pentatonic, you can do wonders within that scale! It's really depends on how creative you are. You can do long or short bends (1/2 or full), some slide, or hammer to make your playing more interesting! You can then, move your scale to the 17th fret, which is the same as playing the 5th fret of the Am pentatonic. Just have fun and try different tricks when playing the blues.
kahuna
gitaardocphil wrote:
It is not really that I know NOTHING about pentatonic. I used the before I knew, like the same pattern as beautifully described by Detman, you can use it on every fret from the first to....
But are there also other scales AND WHY IS THIS SO IMPORTANT IN BLUES, meaning like is it used to play solos, and how, why..
Thanks already, you are a great help
114 2007-08-30 16:40:01
Re: I Need an introductory to barre chords with an easy song (6 replies, posted in Electric)
A few good songs to practice Barre chords:
* Wicked Games - Chris Isaak (E, A, Bm)
* What's Up? - Four Non Blondes (A, D, Bm)
* Sweet Baby James - James Taylor (D, Bm, F#m, G, A)
Good luck!
115 2007-08-30 16:36:07
Re: Questions about electric (10 replies, posted in Electric)
I have a Les Paul model with similar switch. And, I found that I like to keep it in the middle when I want the basic electric sound. When I play more Jazz tunes, I switch it up. Then, down when I want to play scales. This switch, will make smaller difference if you use an effect pedal. Also, depending on the amplifier you're using, the sound may be altered there as well.
116 2007-08-20 15:47:29
Re: does anybody know any awesome songs (16 replies, posted in Acoustic)
Goo Goo Dolls, Green Day, James Taylor, Jim Croce! Very cool stuff!
117 2007-08-14 21:24:33
Re: gutairs (1 replies, posted in Acoustic)
Hi,
From my experience, I found the Ovation to have the narrowest fingerboard. I've tried others, but the Ovation fits my small hand best. Others may have different thoughts.
118 2007-08-12 05:28:30
Re: BLUES (7 replies, posted in Acoustic)
Barnesy,
There are several variations when it comes to playing blues. There are jazzy type blues and Southern style blues. However, the chords and scales are very much interchangeable.
I'm personally love the jazzy type blues (George Benson, Crusaders, etc.) To play this type of blues, it's good to learn barre chords and a few major scales. Blues chords like 7th and 9th are pretty popular. Then, you have some Southern blues (Stevie Ray Vaughn, BB King, Muddy Waters, etc.) I also love to play these as well.
Bottom line is that it would be ideal to expand your playing to barre chords and scales. These are easier to do on an electric guitar. It's a bit tougher to bend or slide on an acoustic. Just my opinion, of course.
barnesy wrote:
G'day from down under
I have read about alot of problems people are having learnin to play and see im not the only one i have had lessons and although they have been helpful i still get stuck when it comes to the blues.Is there any basic strumming pattern to use? been trying to play for about 1yr now can anyone help? thanks
119 2007-07-30 21:14:26
Re: ring finger knuckle (7 replies, posted in Acoustic)
I too, use my pinky on the B string. I can't bend my knuckle that well, so using the pinky helped quite a bit. You can also barre the A chord on the 5th fret, using the E chord shape as well. This might help down the road.
arkady wrote:
Hi,
Sorry to hear about your problem.I don't suffer from what you describe but have had some problems. Which at the time I felt that I needed something drastic done.
But with time and practice plus exercise things became easier.
Your problem with The A chord is annoying for you. but using your pinky for the B string can be an advantage in some ways and not to restrictive. For moving up to the barred B chord it can be helpful. Also a tough pinky is not a bad thing to have.
Try to be positive and Goodluck
Regards
Ark
120 2007-07-30 21:07:02
Re: Epiphone or Fender ? (5 replies, posted in Electric)
I have an Epiphone LP Studio and it's been a great guitar (for the money) so far. After it was set up, the action is now very smooth and effortless. Barre chords seem to work very well here too. If you like a more jazz-like, warmer, tone, LP is your choice. I also like the sound of a strat as well. However, with a good tube amplifier or pedal, the strat sound can be attained.
Of course, the strat is also much lighter than the Epi. Mine is about 17 pounds. Good luck!
121 2007-07-18 17:41:07
Re: in your opinion...... (8 replies, posted in Acoustic)
I guess depending on your preference. I have a couple of Ovations and they were fine for me. Of course, I would prefer to have a Takamine or a Martin. But, my dream guitar would be a Taylor.
For practicing, if your guitar is set up correctly, it would get you by. I still think a Takamine is a good solid practice guitar for the price.
122 2007-07-17 18:26:24
Re: need easy solos!! (9 replies, posted in Electric)
Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton. Easy to do! Only a few full bends.
123 2007-07-16 03:10:18
Re: I need scales (5 replies, posted in Electric)
Jake,
Try this site
http://www.tonart.com/Main/ScaleLessons … terns.html
Jake Livingston wrote:
Does anyone know any web sites with free scale charts? I have limited internet (paraniod parents) ad I can't do much searching. I know sevral, but I want to be able to find all different keys all over the fretboard.
124 2007-07-12 21:04:40
Re: A-shape Barre Chords... is this good form? (5 replies, posted in Acoustic)
Alvee33 is correct. The B or Bb barre chords starts with the 5th string root. Most electric guitar players use their ring finger on the 4th fret, barring the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th string. While mute out the 1st (high E) string. This technique takes time, but it will serve you well when you transition to other barre chords (such as D, E, and F). You can also play the B and Bb on the 7th or 6th fret (respectively) by using the E chord shape. The root note, will then be on the 6th string.
125 2007-07-11 22:04:35
Re: barre chords (57 replies, posted in Acoustic)
If you pick yourself up an inexpensive electric guitar, it's much easier to practice barre chords. Once you've learned how to hold the chords, you can then transfer it back to acoustic. It worked for me at least.
hopeful wrote:
I don't quite understand what you mean, if i don't press the bar down hard enough, it doesn't sound right.
Also at this stage in learning i have to stop playing when i come to the barre to get my fingers in position. At the moment i can't imagine the time when i will be able just to go straight to it without stopping, and i have been practicing for weeks, i suppose i'll just have to keep at it but it's very frustrating!