1 Reply by UncleLeon

(11 replies, posted in Music theory)

All theory aside, it just adds something beautiful to the progression, as opposed to using the normal F.  Minors are the "beauty" chords.  In the lead in to the song additional beauty  is added by the playing the notes of the chords Am and Fm, as opposed to strumming.

The "standard" verse progression in the key of C would be either C-Am-F-G, or C-Em-F-G, or C-C7-F-G.  Then, there's the option of C-G-G-C-F-C, which is used more in some country songs, such as "Cryin' Time" or "I washed my hands in dirty water".

Go to forum: Music theory

2 Reply by UncleLeon

(6 replies, posted in Guitars and accessories)

I don't understand, by your post, whether your porblem is finger tip pain or "squeezing" strength.

For fingertips, two things:  One, light guage strings will help.  Smooth wound strings also will help, but they don't sound as good.  And finally...just stick it out.  Before too long you will develop callouses on your finger tips and the problem will be solved.

If Squeezing strength is your problem, first examine your keyboard.  are the strings close to the keyboard all the way up the keyboard.  If not-take it to a repair facility to get the keyboard adjusted.  If it's just a question of weakness in your grip, just hang in there.  Like iother muscles...the more you exercise them, the stronger they get.

Go to forum: Guitars and accessories

3 Reply by UncleLeon

(11 replies, posted in Electric)

PLEASE...(I know I'll probably get flak on this)..Please let me make a VERY strong recommendation to you.

Don't try to take a "Short Cut".  The bad habits you develop will cling to you for life.  I am a self taught guitarist who has played for many years.   I wish I had learned correctly.   I do NOT teach, so I have no "ax to grind.

PLEASE...find a great teacher.  - One recommended by others who play the type of music you wish to play.  Learn to play correctly.  Don't end up with habits that will limit you for life.

Guitarists are a dime a dozen.  Learn your instrument thoroughly, and don't accept "almost clear" as good enough.  Don't allow yourself to be convinced that the distortion and effects will "mask" a lack of precision.  I assure you that if you do, you will wish that you had not.

Learning to play correctly is really the "Short Cut".

Go to forum: Electric

4 Reply by UncleLeon

(3 replies, posted in Electric)

First, I'll answer your question.  Then I'll give you G-R-E-A-T  encouragement.

the easiest song I know consist of three chords, which is really only one chord (if you play full chords) moved up a half note at a time.,  It's called "Bald Headed Woman".  If my memory serves me correctly, it was played by the Pretty Things.  You can play it in any Major key you like.  If I remember correctly, our band played it in G.

Another very easy song is "The Rose".  Again...three chords, and very easy strumming.  You can get by with playing it with no real rhythm.

But NOW...HERE"S the great news.  Learn 8 chords in one key, and you can play thousands of songs.  It's true.  In the key of "C", those 8 chords are: C C7 Am Em F Fm D and G.  The o0rder to put them together depends on the song.  But as yoiu play these chords and L-I-S-T-E-N  to the sound of each...and listen to the song you wish to play, you can see how each chord will fit in.  The more you play, the better your "ear" will develop. 

Now...an additional encouragement:  If you learn to play these 8 chords as FULL chords, you can play in ANY KEY, simply by moving up the keyboard by half-notes.

Go to forum: Electric