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	<title>Guitar Riff Project &#187; Advanced Guitar Lessons</title>
	<atom:link href="http://guitarriffproject.com/category/advanced-guitar-lessons/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://guitarriffproject.com</link>
	<description>Learn guitar &#124; Learn to play guitar tips</description>
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		<title>Learning to Play Guitar Chords</title>
		<link>http://guitarriffproject.com/learning-to-play-guitar-chords-2/</link>
		<comments>http://guitarriffproject.com/learning-to-play-guitar-chords-2/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Mar 2007 13:41:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jim Morris</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Advanced Guitar Lessons]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Music]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://guitarriffproject.com/advanced-guitar-lessons/learning-to-play-guitar-chords-2/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ The final stage in learning to play guitar is learning to play the chords. This is the most satisfying part of learning the guitar because the beginner will already be playing music with the instrument. Playing a chord simply means striking simultaneously at least two or three strings on the guitar.
 In order to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p> The final stage in learning to play <a  href='http://guitarriffproject.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-affiliate-pro.php?id=4' onmouseover="top.window.status='Guitar'; return true" onmouseout="top.window.status=''; return true" target="_blank">guitar</a> is learning to play the chords. This is the most satisfying part of learning the guitar because the beginner will already be playing music with the instrument. Playing a chord simply means striking simultaneously at least two or three strings on the guitar.</p>
<p> In order to play the chords, the beginner should first start with the three most common chords. They are the G major chord, C major chord and the D major chord. These are the easiest chords and they should be the ones practiced first. </p>
<p> When playing the G major chord, the guitar player should place the second finger on the sixth string of the third fret. Then he can place the first finger on the fifth string of the second fret. The third finger is then placed on the third fret of the first string. It is important to remember that the fingers should be curled and should not be touching any other strings that they are not supposed to touch. He can then strike all the six strings in one continuous strum. They should make the sound at the same time and not one at a time.<span id="more-113"></span></p>
<p> In playing the C major key, all he can do is place the third finger on the third fret of the fifth string. Then, the second finger may be placed on the second fret of the fourth string. He can finally place the first finger on the first fret of the second string. It is important to be careful and not hit the sixth string. Only the bottom five strings should be strummed when playing the C major key.</p>
<p> The D major key may be difficult for some beginners because all three fingers crowd into a very small area. After the technique id learned this should not be a problem to everyone. The beginner can put the first finger on the third string of the fourth fret. Then he can place the third finger on the second string of the third fret. Finally, he can put the second finger on the first string of the second fret. He can then strum the four bottom strings to play the D major key.</p>
<p> It is important to be familiar with these three basic chords before starting to learn the more complicated ones, as these are the chords that are commonly used to play many songs. He can start learning by choosing songs that only have these three chords for his practice and remember, it is by practicing that a person will be able to master playing chords with the guitar.</p>
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		<title>Tips for Tuning Your Guitar</title>
		<link>http://guitarriffproject.com/tips-for-tuning-your-guitar/</link>
		<comments>http://guitarriffproject.com/tips-for-tuning-your-guitar/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 27 Dec 2006 14:38:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jim Morris</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Advanced Guitar Lessons]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Music]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://guitarriffproject.com/advanced-guitar-lessons/tips-for-tuning-your-guitar/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The guitar is such a simple and convenient instrument:  just open the case and start playing.  Well, its not THAT simple.  A good practice before playing the guitar is to tune it first.
Tuning the guitar prior to playing it will ensure that you create harmonious music; for each string has a specific [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><!--adsense--><span class="dropcap">T</span>he <a  href='http://guitarriffproject.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-affiliate-pro.php?id=4' onmouseover="top.window.status='Guitar'; return true" onmouseout="top.window.status=''; return true" target="_blank">guitar</a> is such a simple and convenient instrument:  just open the case and start playing.  Well, its not THAT simple.  A good practice before playing the guitar is to tune it first.</p>
<p>Tuning the guitar prior to playing it will ensure that you create harmonious music; for each string has a specific note to play and if it goes out of tune, the sound will seem to be disarrayed.  Note that some guitars may not need frequent tuning (well constructed / expensive), but if it is played (to the point of abuse, actually), then it may need tuning.  Read on for an essential guide for guitar tuning.<span id="more-111"></span></p>
<p>The guitar presents a particular kind of difficulty in tuning because it has six strings, each of which has an individual pitch or a place in the musical staff assigned to it.  The string numbers, as more popularly known, from top to bottom are 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, while their musical counterpart are mi, la, re, sol, si, and mi or E, A, D, G, B, and E respectively.</p>
<p>In order to tune the guitar correctly, you must have an axis or a reference pitch.  You will need a commercially available pitch pipe or, better yet, acquire a tuning fork in case you dont have a reliable instrument at hand to give you an axis.  Pitch pipes have the bad reputation of changing pitches after some time.  Tuning forks are more reliable and easier to use.</p>
<p>First, make the fork vibrate by tapping it lightly on any hard object while holding the handle and then let the handle touch the guitars soundboard below or above the sound hole while gently moving it toward the bridge.  This will locate the spot where the resonance is at its loudest.  You are supposed to hear a high pitched A (la) which should be the same as the sound produced by striking the first string while it is being depressed on the fifth fret.</p>
<p>Now that you have tuned the first string (E/mi), its open sound is the same as the sound of the second string pressed on the fifth fret.  The third string on the fourth fret is equal to the open second string (B/si);  the fourth string/ fifth fret equals open third string (G/sol); fifth string/ fifth fret equals open fourth string (D/re); and the sixth string/ fifth fret equals open fifth string (A/la).</p>
<p>In order to check the accuracy of your tuning, gently or lightly touch the fifth string directly above the fifth fret wire without pressing the string to the fingerboard.  By striking the string in this manner, it should sound similar to that high-pitched tone produced by the tuning fork.  Sounds of the string produced this way are called harmonics.</p>
<p>Harmonic 5 (Harmonic on the fifth fret) of the sixth string equals harmonic 7 of the fifth string (which is also similar to the open sound of the first string).  Harmonic 5 of the fifth string equals harmonic 7 on the fourth string;  harmonic 4 of the third string is equal to the harmonic 5 of the second string and harmonic 7 of the first string.  Incidentally, harmonic 4 may require lots of practice for some, so I suggest that harmonic 7 of the sixth string be used to tune the open second string.  These pairs of harmonics, when sounded together, should produce only one steady tone.  If the sound they produce clashes or seems wavy, they are not in tune.</p>
<p>These two methods of tuning must always go together.  You may use the harmonics method first then check with the other or vice versa.  If, after crosschecking, the strings do not agree with each other, you may have to repeat the whole process.  If you still cannot get them in tune, your strings might be defective.  If your strings are new, this may even be worse &#8211; your ears need tuning!</p>
<p>To avoid all the hassles of manual tuning, a costly electronic device called a strobo tuner is available.  Just turn the dial to the strings name and it will pick the strings sound through a condenser microphone and tell you if it is in tune through a meter</p>
<p>Other conventional methods of tuning are through imitation of pitches from different musical instruments like the piano, flute, etc.  You can even use that portable but silly investment, the pitch pipe.  But you have been warned!</p>
<p><a href="http://splork.egraham.hop.clickbank.net/?"><strong>Guitar Made Easy</strong></a><br />
Learn How To Play Guitar Like A Pro In The Privacy of Your Own Home in just 6 easy steps. Guaranteed!</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Secrets to Learning Chord Structure</title>
		<link>http://guitarriffproject.com/secrets-to-learning-chord-structure-2/</link>
		<comments>http://guitarriffproject.com/secrets-to-learning-chord-structure-2/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 01 Dec 2006 16:06:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jim Morris</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Advanced Guitar Lessons]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Music]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://guitarriffproject.com/advanced-guitar-lessons/secrets-to-learning-chord-structure-2/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A technical knowledge of harmony is not an absolute prerequisite to the enjoyment of music, but the amateur musician and listener alike should be aware of harmony as an element of guitar chord structure.  He should be cognizant of certain basic principles, properties and uses of this element.
Harmony as an element is more sophisticated [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><!--adsense--><span class="dropcap">A</span> technical knowledge of harmony is not an absolute prerequisite to the enjoyment of music, but the amateur musician and listener alike should be aware of harmony as an element of <a  href='http://guitarriffproject.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-affiliate-pro.php?id=4' onmouseover="top.window.status='Guitar'; return true" onmouseout="top.window.status=''; return true" target="_blank">guitar</a> chord structure.  He should be cognizant of certain basic principles, properties and uses of this element.</p>
<p>Harmony as an element is more sophisticated than rhythm and melody.  It was virtually non-existent in primitive cultures. It is an element which appeared comparatively late in the history of music and was developed primarily in western civilization.</p>
<p>Harmony is a musical element based on the simultaneous combination of musical tones (as distinguished from the consecutive tones of a melody), or the accompaniment of a melody using chords.</p>
<p>A combination of three or more tones, played simultaneously and perceived as sounding as a whole is called a chord.<span id="more-109"></span></p>
<p>A few rudimentary principles will help you understand the nature of conventional chord construction.  The simplest chord is the major triad, which consists of three tones.  We can build a triad by selecting the tones of a certain major scale and by adding two or more tones above it in alternate degrees of the original scale.  For example, if we start with the tone C as do, the tonic of the C-major scale, we get the triad do-mi-sol, 1-3-5, or using the letter names C-E-G.</p>
<p>The tones of any chord maybe arranged in different order, and they maybe duplicated an octave above or below without changing the essential nature of the chord.  This is the reason why we often see chords such as C/E, (the first inversion of the C major triad using the chord tone E as the bass) or C/G (the second inversion of the same triad using the chord tone G as the bass)</p>
<p>Building chords in thirds (on alternate scale degrees as described) was the basis of all conventional harmony from 1700-1900.</p>
<p>In the twentieth century serious music composers expanded the chord vocabulary by additional means of construction for the sake of more colorful and complex effects.  Although additional means of construction have been introduced, modern pop, rock and jazz music still follow the conventional way of chord construction  by thirds.</p>
<p>Going back to the major chord, you may be wondering why there are several fingerings for a certain major chord. This is possible because in the 12 frets of the guitar, the notes simply repeat themselves in increasing octaves, at their corresponding string.  C, for example, is on the first fret at the B string, third fret at the A string, fifth fret at the G string, and on the eighth fret at the E string.  For reference, here are the other notes and their possible fingerings:</p>
<p>D: 3rd fret at B, 5th fret at A, 7th at G and 10th at E;</p>
<p>E:  2nd at D, 5th at B, 7th at A, 9th at G and 12th at E;</p>
<p>F:  1st at E, 3rd at D, 6th at B, 8th at S and 10th at G;</p>
<p>G:  3rd at E, 5th at D, 8th at B, 10th at A and 12th at G;</p>
<p>A:  2nd at G, 5th at E, 7th at D, 10th at B and 12th at A;</p>
<p>B:  2nd at A, 4th at G, 7th at E, 9th at D and 12th at B.</p>
<p>Depending on how the melody of the song is arranged, the chord formation can assume any fingering position as long as the triad is formed and however it is conveniently played.</p>
<p>Now that you have an understanding of the major chord, let us investigate its parallel counterpart the minor chord.  If the third of the major triad is altered by lowering it by one semitone (one fret on the guitar and two frets for each whole tone), the resulting triad will be C-E /flat-G, which is the minor triad.</p>
<p>Check the fret board and investigate all of the possible fingerings, for the minor chord.  You may see that if comparing it with the major chord fingerings, only one string is lowered when forming the minor chord, unless there is a doubling of the minor third (E /flat).</p>
<p>If you are wondering why all the examples mentioned here are on the C chord, it is because  it now your turn to apply the lesson.  Chart down the major and minor chord triads for the rest of the notes and  start strummin!</p>
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		<title>Learning the Guitar Basics: 4/4 Rhythm Strumming</title>
		<link>http://guitarriffproject.com/learning-the-guitar-basics-44-rhythm-strumming/</link>
		<comments>http://guitarriffproject.com/learning-the-guitar-basics-44-rhythm-strumming/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Nov 2006 14:30:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jim Morris</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Advanced Guitar Lessons]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Music]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://guitarriffproject.com/advanced-guitar-lessons/learning-the-guitar-basics-44-rhythm-strumming/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If  you are learning how to play the guitar, the basic 4/4 strumming technique is one of the first guitar playing techniques that you must be able to master. This is usually used by beginners to hone their guitar skills and get the feel of the instrument.
In learning the basic 4/4 guitar strumming, you [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><!--adsense--><span class="dropcap">I</span>f  you are learning how to play the <a  href='http://guitarriffproject.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-affiliate-pro.php?id=4' onmouseover="top.window.status='Guitar'; return true" onmouseout="top.window.status=''; return true" target="_blank">guitar</a>, the basic 4/4 strumming technique is one of the first guitar playing techniques that you must be able to master. This is usually used by beginners to hone their guitar skills and get the feel of the instrument.</p>
<p>In learning the basic 4/4 guitar strumming, you must be knowledgeable about the different basic requirements for guitar playing:</p>
<p>Strokes</p>
<p>Guitar strumming is basically composed of two different strokes: the downward stroke and the upward stroke.</p>
<p>The downward stroke is done by drawing the picking hand (usually, this is the right hand) from the uppermost string down to the other side. The upward stroke is the opposite of the downward stroke.</p>
<p>Finger placing</p>
<p>When reading guitar instructional materials, the fingers are usually assigned  numbers. The left-hand fingers are numbered from 1 to 4: the index finger is numbered as 1, the middle finger is numbered as 2, the ring finger is number 3 and the little finger is 4. This numbering is important to remember because tablatures show a beginner how to form chords by placing the fingers properly on the fret board.</p>
<p>The fingers of the left hand are supposed to be placed near the succeeding fret bar to ensure that you get quality sounding vibration from the strings. You must remember not to stress your fingers when pressing the frets.</p>
<p>4/4</p>
<p>If are playing the guitar by reading notes, you can refer to the beat shown near the clef sign to determine if the song should be played with a 4/4 beat as this is what you call the time signature. The time signature looks like a fraction when written in musical notation, the upper number tells one how many beats there are in one measure and the bottom number indicates what kind of note will receive one beat.</p>
<p>D-A-G-A</p>
<p>In learning the basic 4/4 guitar strumming, one can use the different chord families when practicing. One of the most popular chord patterns used in practicing this particular technique is the D-A-G-A chord pattern. Its very popular because the chord patterns are easy to remember and very easy to perform.</p>
<p>You must first memorize the placement of the fingers on the fret board to be able to do the chords. This can take some time and beginners must be patient. Learning the guitar takes time and dedication and cannot be done overnight.</p>
<p>When you are able to master the chords, you should practice doing the chords one after the other, and this is where the 4/4 strumming comes in. In strumming the guitar in a 4/4 rhythm, you should count 1-2-3-4 repeatedly for each chord and shift to the next chord as you repeat the count. You can use downward strokes for each chord when you begin and then practice strumming the chords upward and then downward-upward.</p>
<p>A beginner will almost always find that the left hand is left out when practicing strumming because the fact is that the fingers are still adjusting to doing the chords properly. It will take time and a lot of practice to do the 4/4 strumming technique but it will be worth it.</p>
<p>When the left hand is being left out, you must not stop the right hand and wait for the left hand to form the chord patterns. Be consistent in your counting and strumming to prevent the right hand from becoming slower and train the left hand to be faster in forming the chord patterns.</p>
<p>After you become comfortable doing the 4/4 strumming technique with the D-A-G-A chord pattern, then shift into doing other chord patterns such as C-E-F-G or G-C-F-G. Opt to learn the different chords and familiarize your fingers with forming them. Learning the chords and strumming should be done simultaneously which will allow you to be able to learn at a much faster rate and understand the mechanics behind playing the guitar.</p>
<p>You must remember that the guitar is an instrument of passion and you cannot be a guitar expert in one night. There are many things that you must learn about the guitar to truly appreciate the beauty of the instrument.</p>
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		<title>Learning 3/4 Guitar Strumming</title>
		<link>http://guitarriffproject.com/learning-34-guitar-strumming/</link>
		<comments>http://guitarriffproject.com/learning-34-guitar-strumming/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 Oct 2006 13:09:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jim Morris</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Advanced Guitar Lessons]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Music]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://guitarriffproject.com/advanced-guitar-lessons/learning-34-guitar-strumming/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Learning how to strum is one of the most basic steps in guitar playing. After a beginner learns to do the basic 4/4 strumming, he can then move on to learning the 3/4 strumming technique.
If one wants to play a 3/4 song using a guitar, he must first know what 3/4 means: 4/4, 3/4, 2/4 [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><!--adsense--><span class="dropcap">L</span>earning how to strum is one of the most basic steps in <a  href='http://guitarriffproject.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-affiliate-pro.php?id=4' onmouseover="top.window.status='Guitar'; return true" onmouseout="top.window.status=''; return true" target="_blank">guitar</a> playing. After a beginner learns to do the basic 4/4 strumming, he can then move on to learning the 3/4 strumming technique.</p>
<p>If one wants to play a 3/4 song using a guitar, he must first know what 3/4 means: 4/4, 3/4, 2/4 are what musicians call time signatures. The time signatures are usually placed  beside the clef sign. The upper number<br />
(or numerator) indicates the number of beats per measure and the lower number (or denominator) indicates the kind of note that will receive one beat.</p>
<p>3/4 Chord pattern</p>
<p>In playing a 3/4 guitar riff, one has to count 1-2-3 and use this count as a guide when strumming the guitar. In practicing the 3/4 guitar strumming, one can use the chord pattern: D- A7- G.</p>
<p>This is a variation of the 4/4 chord pattern D-A-G-A. Again, this pattern is recommended because of the playability of the chords. This allows the player to be able to concentrate on strumming and chord formation simultaneously without prioritizing one above the other.</p>
<p>The strokes in practicing the 3/4 strumming pattern can be varied, depending on the players preferences. He can practice the pattern using only downward strokes, or upwards strokes or he can use both alternately to get the feel of the guitar.</p>
<p>The traditional song Down in the Valley can be used by beginners to practice strumming the guitar with a 3/4 time. Another song which could be used in 3/4 strumming is the song Time is on my Side by Jerry Ragovoy.</p>
<p>Chord Shifting</p>
<p>Another important thing that a beginner must learn in 4/4 strumming is chord shifting. This becomes an even harder thing to do in 3/4 strumming but it is not impossible to learn; it just takes time and patience. Dont let frustration get into the learning process.</p>
<p>Lets go back and review some of the important basic things one has to know in guitar strumming.</p>
<p>Playing position</p>
<p>When a beginner first holds the guitar and tries out some chords, he usually does these things in an awkward looking position. This is acceptable because beginners will always look at the fret board, put their heads closer to the left hand, etc. But when you want to get serious about learning further things about guitar playing, he needs to be able to play the instrument using the right position.</p>
<p>Here are some few tips for playing the guitar in the proper position:</p>
<p>-position the body, legs and arms in so that tension is avoided<br />
-if tension is present, reassess the playing position<br />
-tilt the neck of the guitar upwards and never tilt it downwards<br />
-keep the body of the guitar as vertical as possible<br />
-avoid slanting the top of the guitar so that you an see better</p>
<p>Holding the pick</p>
<p>If you are using a pick to strum the guitar strings, hold the pick in such a way that the hand is stress-free. So do not hold it too tight or too loosely. The pick should make good contact with the strings but should be done in a moderate way.</p>
<p>Reading tablatures</p>
<p>When you are comfortable with playing some chords and chord patterns, you can then shift into reading guitar tablatures. Tablatures or tabs are great tools in learning how to play the guitar as they translate the musical notation into readable symbols that reflect the way to play a musical piece using a guitar. The lines that are in guitar tabs represent the strings of the guitar. If you place the guitar adjacent to the tabs, you can see what this is all about. The numbers in the lines represent the fret number which is to be pressed by the player. This is basically all you have to know to be able to start reading tabs. Tabs are comprised of symbols and signs other than lines and numbers. More advanced tabs also indicate the type of plucking or string bending technique that should be used for striking each note.</p>
<p>Learning how to play the guitar is an arduous process, but its also fun. One must take it step-by-step and must not rush to learn more techniques if he still cant master the preceding technique. Have fun!</p>
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		<title>How to Strengthen Your Fingers for Guitar Playing</title>
		<link>http://guitarriffproject.com/how-to-strengthen-your-fingers-for-guitar-playing-2/</link>
		<comments>http://guitarriffproject.com/how-to-strengthen-your-fingers-for-guitar-playing-2/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 Sep 2006 13:29:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jim Morris</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Advanced Guitar Lessons]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Music]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://guitarriffproject.com/advanced-guitar-lessons/how-to-strengthen-your-fingers-for-guitar-playing-2/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Guitar playing is one of the most popular ways to personally play and enjoy music.  The appeal of the guitar is mostly due to its presence in practically all popular and rock music recordings.  Furthermore, it is an instrument that is very portable and versatile enough for many kinds of songs and occasions, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><!--adsense--><span class="dropcap">G</span>uitar playing is one of the most popular ways to personally play and enjoy music.  The appeal of the <a  href='http://guitarriffproject.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-affiliate-pro.php?id=4' onmouseover="top.window.status='Guitar'; return true" onmouseout="top.window.status=''; return true" target="_blank">guitar</a> is mostly due to its presence in practically all popular and rock music recordings.  Furthermore, it is an instrument that is very portable and versatile enough for many kinds of songs and occasions, and is practical as an accompaniment to vocalists or other instruments.</p>
<p>Playing the guitar requires more than the requisite musical ability, dedication and practice.  A guitar players fingers must be dexterous and agile to allow quick single string or chord changes in rhythm or solo musical performances.  Those fingers also need to be tough and strong to be able to press the strings enough during quick changes to produce clean tones.</p>
<p>All beginners will remember the first time they played the guitar for an extended period.  Our fingertips are originally soft at the very end, with thin skin protecting them.  First we feel pain after pressing down on the strings too  hard when playing the fretboard, especially all of the fingers except for the thumb.  If the aspiring musician hasnt given up by then and continues to practice playing the blisters will eventually dry up and leave calluses on the fingertips.</p>
<p>These calluses will protect the fingertips from the pain of playing for a little while but eventually the pain builds up again as the calluses keep building you end up with thick rough fingertips on a guitarists left (or fret) hand.  Graduating to full chords, the entire 1st and 2nd fingers, which form bar chords across the strings, will also go through the process of pain, blisters and calluses.  This process toughens up the fingertips, and makes it easy to press on the strings to produce the needed musical tone on the guitar.</p>
<p>The most effective way to strengthen the fingers and improve dexterity is to practice scales and chords on the guitar itself.  Chords and scales will help the beginner become familiar with the different chord progressions and musical configuration of the fretboard &#8211; it will help the student master the instrument.  Knowing and playing chords and scales will embed the musical secrets of the guitar to the player and make it easier to read, learn and perform music, and to create or write your own music for the guitar.  As an added bonus, all that practice will greatly improve the strength and agility of the fingers.  With the dual advantage of musical training and strength and endurance improvement, a guitarist can develop the ability to perform several full pieces or songs necessary for a long performance event.</p>
<p>However, there is a danger of over-training.  Tendonitis is a common affliction of over-exercising and is prevalent in professional athletes and musicians alike.  Tendonitis is caused by a repetitive action of a limited set of muscles, causing inflammation and possible damage to tendons and joints.  Because certain athletes and musicians tend to use a focused set of muscles in their activities, they share a certain propensity to this injury.  But this can be easily avoided.  Many persons over-train when they choose to ignore pain during practice and instead continue to perform the activity which directly leads to tendonitis.  For guitarists, once you feel pain in your wrist or the tender part of your hands, stop.  You should incorporate 5-15 minutes of rest between sets of scales or chord practices.  Put the guitar down and shake your hand for a few seconds.  If you are not tired but still feel pain, change the practice method:  if you are doing scales, switch to slow strumming with full chords..  Changing the set of muscles you exert can help avoid injury and increase the strength of your fingers.</p>
<p>Finally, like an athlete, a guitarist should take care of his body with exercise.  Following are two stretching exercises that will improve the flexibility and strength of your fingers:</p>
<p>1. Stand straight with your arms at your sides and hands facing forward.  Stretch your fingers down and outward as far as you can and count to ten.  Relax and rest for a few seconds and do three repetitions.</p>
<p>2. With the same posture, hold the four fingers of your left hand (except the thumb) with your right and push them towards the back of the hand.  Hold the stretch for ten seconds then relax and continue by doing three repetitions.</p>
<p>Remember, strength and agility is achieved by practice, proper rest, and stretching exercises.  Now play on!</p>
<p><a href="http://splork.rjackman.hop.clickbank.net/?"><strong>Classical-Guitar.net</strong></a><br />
Original Compositions and Transcriptions: download RealAudio and PDF Sheet Music.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>Guide to Changing Chords Easily</title>
		<link>http://guitarriffproject.com/guide-to-changing-chords-easily/</link>
		<comments>http://guitarriffproject.com/guide-to-changing-chords-easily/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 24 Aug 2006 20:08:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jim Morris</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Advanced Guitar Lessons]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Music]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://guitarriffproject.com/advanced-guitar-lessons/guide-to-changing-chords-easily/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[How quickly can your fretting hand switch from one chord to another?  The speed and confidence you have in making chord changes will be key to further mastering the guitar and successfully playing and creating music for the instrument.
The key to learning any instrument, like most intricate human activity, is to develop brain and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><!--adsense--><span class="dropcap">H</span>ow quickly can your fretting hand switch from one chord to another?  The speed and confidence you have in making chord changes will be key to further mastering the <a  href='http://guitarriffproject.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-affiliate-pro.php?id=4' onmouseover="top.window.status='Guitar'; return true" onmouseout="top.window.status=''; return true" target="_blank">guitar</a> and successfully playing and creating music for the instrument.</p>
<p>The key to learning any instrument, like most intricate human activity, is to develop brain and muscle coordination, more commonly called, muscle memory needed to play the instrument.  If you picture a basketball player, for instance, the key to a good shooting performance is the proper hand-to-eye coordination in order to bring the ball up, prepare, aim, and throw it towards the hoop.  The different muscles of the arms, wrist and hands will learn the right movements and strength needed to score.  Constant practice will condition the brain, eyes, and entire body to know the routine of shooting the ball.</p>
<p>This is similar to guitar playing.  The muscles involved would be the arms, wrists and the fingers, with the eyes, ears and brain working in unison to relate the movements to the music being read and the notes produced by the guitar.  This is the mechanism that works when a guitar player starts to change chords.</p>
<p>Luckily, there are simple techniques that can help the beginning guitar player to develop these muscle memories and ear training for proper chord changes.  Read below and you will see that chord changes are not that difficult to do.</p>
<p>When changing chords, first memorize all the chords involved in the song, and then visualize exactly which fingers of the fretting hand are involved in playing the chords.  When playing simple barre chords, the most important finger is the index finger, which will squeeze all 6 strings across the fretboard.  So as you move towards playing the chord, you have to position the index finger across the proper fret, or place, along the fretboard before positioning the other fingers of the chord.</p>
<p>When playing a broken or simple chord, it is usually the index finger that is the most important finger.  Primarily, the index finger and the thumb will form a stable anchor on the guitar neck in order for the other fingers to press the other strings of the chord.  The index finger is usually played on the lowest fret and the highest string (by pitch, or string 1), where it could more easily find the proper note, and the other fingers can follow to complete the chord.</p>
<p>When playing a particular song, keep time with the music, but anticipate in which bar and on which beat the next chord will continue.  For beginners, it would be preferable to practice the entire song slowly from beginning to end, taking care to change to each chord on time and on tempo.  When the student can play the entire song like this without chord errors, he can start increasing the speed to the songs proper tempo.  It would also be helpful to identify particularly tricky chord changes.</p>
<p>For instance, 2 consecutive bar graphs would be a relatively simple change, because the guitar player needs only to slide his index finger (which is already in the barre position) to its proper position on the fretboard and quickly press in the other strings of the chord.  Changes from simple chords to barre chords  and vice versa  and chords that are positioned at a far distance from each other along the length of the neck are more difficult to perform.  Isolate these difficult changes and practice those chord changes.</p>
<p>If it is still to difficult with the slow tempo, dont play the last beat of the last chord and use the time to move your fret hand into position for the next fret.  Keep practicing these changes until the short passage can be played without error.  Afterwards, go back to playing the entire song as discussed above.</p>
<p>When you can play an entire song properly, try different strumming styles to accentuate parts of the song, or a particular beat; or alternate strumming and light plucking to give volume and variety to the music of the song.  First, it is best to complete the song by actually copying how the original artist played it on the guitar; then you can add your own twists and extra technique according to your ear and taste.  This will help you develop your hands for more difficult chords and finger playing techniques.</p>
<p>Do this for every song, and before you know it, youll be playing a new song like a seasoned guitarist in a short period of time.</p>
<p><a href="http://splork.bm2806.hop.clickbank.net/?"><strong>Pentatonic Power</strong></a><br />
The first practical, step by step roadmap for playing lead guitar like a pro!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>How to Tune Your Guitar Properly</title>
		<link>http://guitarriffproject.com/how-to-tune-your-guitar-properly/</link>
		<comments>http://guitarriffproject.com/how-to-tune-your-guitar-properly/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 28 Jul 2006 14:05:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jim Morris</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Advanced Guitar Lessons]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Music]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://guitarriffproject.com/advanced-guitar-lessons/how-to-tune-your-guitar-properly/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Learning to play the guitar is never difficult especially if the beginner has a passion for guitars. A part of the learning process is learning how to tune the guitar. Tuning the guitar may seem very difficult when in fact it is not. Here are some quick steps to learn how to tune the guitar:
1. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><!--adsense--><span class="dropcap">L</span>earning to play the <a  href='http://guitarriffproject.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-affiliate-pro.php?id=4' onmouseover="top.window.status='Guitar'; return true" onmouseout="top.window.status=''; return true" target="_blank">guitar</a> is never difficult especially if the beginner has a passion for guitars. A part of the learning process is learning how to tune the guitar. Tuning the guitar may seem very difficult when in fact it is not. Here are some quick steps to learn how to tune the guitar:</p>
<p>1. The guitar player should first identify if the guitar is in or out of tune. A guitar is out of tune if the chords are played but the sounds do not seem right which means that it is time to tune the guitar.</p>
<p>2. The sixth string is usually the string that is always in tune because it is the largest string and does not go out of tune easily.</p>
<p>3. When tuning the fifth string, all a person has to do is place the finger on the sixth string on the fifth fret. He can then strike the sixth string. After that, he can strike the fifth string. If the sounds created were not the same, he can make the fifth string tighter or loosen it depending how low or high the pitch has become.</p>
<p>4. The person can do the same process on the fourth and third strings placing the higher string on the fifth fret and striking it. Then he can strike the lower string and if they do not create the same pitch, he can either loosen or tighten it.</p>
<p>5. When tuning the second string, he can place the finger at the third string on the fourth fret and either tighten or loosen the third string to match the sound of the second string.</p>
<p>6. Placing the finger on the second string and press on the fifth fret will be the method to tune the first string and then he can strike and follow by striking the first string open. He can either tighten or loosen the second string to match the sound of the first string.</p>
<p>7. To check to determine if the guitar is in tune, all he has to do is try a chord. If the guitar still does not sound in tune, he can do the process again until he is able to fine-tune the guitar.</p>
<p>This is the easiest method of tuning a guitar. There are also electric methods to tune a guitar, but this traditional method is the most efficient. Once a beginner is able to learn how to tune a guitar, learning to play it will never be that hard.</p>
<p><a href="http://splork.acoustics.hop.clickbank.net/?"><strong><a  href='http://guitarriffproject.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-affiliate-pro.php?id=7' target="_blank">acoustic guitar</a> Workshop</strong></a><br />
Online acoustic guitar courses.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>How to Strengthen Your Fingers for Guitar Playing</title>
		<link>http://guitarriffproject.com/how-to-strengthen-your-fingers-for-guitar-playing/</link>
		<comments>http://guitarriffproject.com/how-to-strengthen-your-fingers-for-guitar-playing/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 08 Jun 2006 18:05:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jim Morris</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Advanced Guitar Lessons]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Music]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://guitarriffproject.com/advanced-guitar-lessons/how-to-strengthen-your-fingers-for-guitar-playing/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ Guitar playing is one of the most popular ways to personally play and enjoy music.  The appeal of the guitar is mostly due to its presence in practically all popular and rock music recordings.  Furthermore, it is an instrument that is very portable and versatile enough for many kinds of songs and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><!--adsense--> <span class="dropcap">G</span>uitar playing is one of the most popular ways to personally play and enjoy music.  The appeal of the <a  href='http://guitarriffproject.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-affiliate-pro.php?id=4' onmouseover="top.window.status='Guitar'; return true" onmouseout="top.window.status=''; return true" target="_blank">guitar</a> is mostly due to its presence in practically all popular and rock music recordings.  Furthermore, it is an instrument that is very portable and versatile enough for many kinds of songs and occasions, and is practical as an accompaniment to vocalists or other instruments.</p>
<p>Playing the guitar requires more than the requisite musical ability, dedication and practice.  A guitar players fingers must be dexterous and agile to allow quick single string or chord changes in rhythm or solo musical performances.  Those fingers also need to be tough and strong to be able to press the strings enough during quick changes to produce clean tones.</p>
<p>All beginners will remember the first time they played the guitar for an extended period.  Our fingertips are originally soft at the very end, with thin skin protecting them.  First we feel pain after pressing down on the strings too  hard when playing the fretboard, especially all of the fingers except for the thumb.  If the aspiring musician hasnt given up by then and continues to practice playing the blisters will eventually dry up and leave calluses on the fingertips.</p>
<p>These calluses will protect the fingertips from the pain of playing for a little while but eventually the pain builds up again as the calluses keep building you end up with thick rough fingertips on a guitarists left (or fret) hand.  Graduating to full chords, the entire 1st and 2nd fingers, which form bar chords across the strings, will also go through the process of pain, blisters and calluses.  This process toughens up the fingertips, and makes it easy to press on the strings to produce the needed musical tone on the guitar.</p>
<p>The most effective way to strengthen the fingers and improve dexterity is to practice scales and chords on the guitar itself.  Chords and scales will help the beginner become familiar with the different chord progressions and musical configuration of the fretboard &#8211; it will help the student master the instrument.  Knowing and playing chords and scales will embed the musical secrets of the guitar to the player and make it easier to read, learn and perform music, and to create or write your own music for the guitar.  As an added bonus, all that practice will greatly improve the strength and agility of the fingers.  With the dual advantage of musical training and strength and endurance improvement, a guitarist can develop the ability to perform several full pieces or songs necessary for a long performance event.</p>
<p>However, there is a danger of over-training.  Tendonitis is a common affliction of over-exercising and is prevalent in professional athletes and musicians alike.  Tendonitis is caused by a repetitive action of a limited set of muscles, causing inflammation and possible damage to tendons and joints.  Because certain athletes and musicians tend to use a focused set of muscles in their activities, they share a certain propensity to this injury.  But this can be easily avoided.  Many persons over-train when they choose to ignore pain during practice and instead continue to perform the activity which directly leads to tendonitis.  For guitarists, once you feel pain in your wrist or the tender part of your hands, stop.  You should incorporate 5-15 minutes of rest between sets of scales or chord practices.  Put the guitar down and shake your hand for a few seconds.  If you are not tired but still feel pain, change the practice method:  if you are doing scales, switch to slow strumming with full chords..  Changing the set of muscles you exert can help avoid injury and increase the strength of your fingers.</p>
<p>Finally, like an athlete, a guitarist should take care of his body with exercise.  Following are two stretching exercises that will improve the flexibility and strength of your fingers:</p>
<p>1. Stand straight with your arms at your sides and hands facing forward.  Stretch your fingers down and outward as far as you can and count to ten.  Relax and rest for a few seconds and do three repetitions.</p>
<p>2. With the same posture, hold the four fingers of your left hand (except the thumb) with your right and push them towards the back of the hand.  Hold the stretch for ten seconds then relax and continue by doing three repetitions.</p>
<p>Remember, strength and agility is achieved by practice, proper rest, and stretching exercises.  Now play on!</p>
<p><a href="http://splork.egraham.hop.clickbank.net/?"><strong>Guitar Made Easy</strong></a><br />
Learn How To Play Guitar Like A Pro In The Privacy of Your Own Home in just 6 easy steps. Guaranteed!<br />
<!--adsense#1--></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>How to Play Jazz Guitar</title>
		<link>http://guitarriffproject.com/how-to-play-jazz-guitar/</link>
		<comments>http://guitarriffproject.com/how-to-play-jazz-guitar/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 28 May 2006 01:50:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jim Morris</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Advanced Guitar Lessons]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Music]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://guitarriffproject.com/advanced-guitar-lessons/how-to-play-jazz-guitar/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ When a person knows the basics of playing the guitar, it is quite easy to play music from various genres. Many people start in one genre before moving on to another. A good example is Bach who composed classical music the traditional way then later improvised it creating something unique for the audience to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><!--adsense--> <span class="dropcap">W</span>hen a person knows the basics of playing the <a  href='http://guitarriffproject.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-affiliate-pro.php?id=4' onmouseover="top.window.status='Guitar'; return true" onmouseout="top.window.status=''; return true" target="_blank">guitar</a>, it is quite easy to play music from various genres. Many people start in one genre before moving on to another. A good example is Bach who composed classical music the traditional way then later improvised it creating something unique for the audience to appreciate.</p>
<p>Playing guitar jazz is also like that. It can be improvised and/or combined with other musical genres. By listening to the notes and a little practice, the people who hear it will simply love it.</p>
<p>The same thing can happen when playing the guitar. A person can start by learning a certain song the way is it commonly played; then when he understands the rhythm he can determine where slight changes can be made, how it can be refined and/or turned into a jazz rendition.</p>
<p>Jazz music is made up of 4 beats to a measure. This is called syncopation which is very different from classical music that is made up of half beats. By learning how to play each of these notes and with a lot of practice, you will be able to get used to the rhythm.</p>
<p>Jazz guitars are different from traditional guitars because the wood used is a lighter material and the strings are set much lower making it faster to play. For the person to play like other guitarists, it is advisable to buy the right guitar for the part.</p>
<p>Another way of learning how to play jazz is by listening to some of the greatest jazz musicians. Some of the best are Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong and David Benoit. By buying the albums and listening to how each of these people play and sing, you will get into the rhythm and be playing like the experts in a short time.</p>
<p>Since the music is quite different, practicing the various notes will help. One can start with a C note. This should be done repeatedly while the left hand is moving on the chromatic scale. For a better feel, the E flat can be added until one has reached the blue scale.</p>
<p>Learning how to play jazz music will take some time. The important thing to make it successful is being able to hear each part of the song. If a person is serious about switching genres, then he must devote a lot of time and effort to get it right.</p>
<p><a href="http://splork.screaming.hop.clickbank.net/?"><strong>Screamingfingers Guitar Website</strong></a><br />
Guitarists, learn how to systematically increase your picking speed without practicing and performing your mistakes.</p>
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