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Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Guitar Lessons DVD: The New Directions In Music

By Kyle Joseph

Find out what inspires you and soak yourself in that. For me, going to concerts to see great players or bands inspires me to practice more. Listening to great singers inspired me to refine my vibrato and phrasing. Listening and studying the music of great classical composers inspired me to study music composition.

I wanted to write great music. Watching the movie Star Wars when I was a kid, reading Lord of the Rings, etc. inspired me as well. There are lots of non musical things that have been inspiring to me.

NEVER GIVE UP! Never say can't. Never say I can't. Never say someday. Never say if... If your IQ is higher than room temperature, if you have all of your fingers and if you really want to succeed, you can.

You should be able to play all the techniques of the guitar. Van Halen did tapping but not with all his fingers as others have done. He didn't play finger style much either, but we still regard him as an important guitarist, the same thing can be said for Vai and many others. Classical guitar master John William's probably doesn't play well with a guitar pick (I am assuming this to be true, I have no proof of it), but he is considered one of the greatest classical guitarists alive today.

They started to feel like that song by Al Yankovich, "Everything You Know Is Wrong". They realize that even though they may have been playing for 25 years, there are certain really fundamental things they have never known, and if they did know them from the beginning, everything would have gone differently for them in their growth as guitarists.

I remember when I first learned them. It was the "tough" school, the school of hard knocks. The school of "here is where to put your fingers, I know it feels impossible, you're not getting most of the notes out, but if you stay with it long enough, you'll be able to do it."

There are many other things you could do, with just a small amount of time - use your imagination. Of course, keeping your guitar at the ready is essential. If you only have a few minutes, you don't want to have to get it out of a case and tune it.

Now I know I have to work on something very fundamental. I have to work on the behavior of my third finger, and change the way it reacts to it's neighbor being used, the second finger. If I can get down to the matter with that degree of specificity, that degree of clarity and focus, I am in a position to cause major Vertical Growth. If I can change the way that finger is behaving in that situation, I will see many playing problems I am having in other pieces of music begin to "melt", and eventually disappear. - 18758

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Caring for Blu-ray DVDs for the Long Run

By Robert Mann

With many consumers refreshing their movie collections with Blu-ray versions of titles, it makes sense to review the basics of caring for those collections. Blu-ray DVDs are a bit more sturdy than standard DVDs, but can still malfunction when a few simple steps are not followed.

Blu-ray discs benefit from a harder coating than standard DVDs and are more resistant to surface scratches. Often what appear to be scratches are actually marks that can be wiped away. Thus most difficulties with a Blu-ray disc have a very simple solution. The best material for wiping a DVD is micro-fiber cloth. This is the same material that is recommended for an LCD or Plasma TV screen. If micro-fiber is not available, a soft cloth is a safe alternative.

As with standard DVDs, Blu-ray discs should always be cleaned by moving the cloth from the center to the outer edge, rather than wiping around the surface. If imperfections still remain, dip the micro-fiber in a bit of water. There are several cleaners on the market meant for this purpose, but the surface can be easily ruined by the wrong chemical so it is wise to stick to a simpler method.

Even the smallest remnant can affect the play ability of a DVD, so be careful when handling the disc. Using the sides or center to transport unprotected Blu-rays will prevent fingerprints from marking the surface and causing disturbances while watching the movie.

Unfortunately there may be times when the damage is more resistant, in which case additional measures must be taken. One option is to purchase a home repair package, which uses a buffer to remove the scratch. Another way to return the DVD to its original state is to enlist the expertise of a paid specialist who will use professional tools to address the issue.

DVDs should always be stored in their original cases. Even pouches designed to hold sets of discs increase the risk of wear and damage. A pile of loose discs on top of the DVD player is an invitation for trouble.

Blu-rays should never be left in hot temperatures or in direct sun as this can cause warping. Additionally, temperature fluctuation and varying levels of moisture over an extended period of time may affect DVD quality. A lesser known fact is that discs should be kept standing along the shelf rather than stacked flat. This will maintain the integrity of the Blu-ray.

Blu-ray has taken its place as the format of choice for at home media viewing. Offering unmatched clarity and color, the experience takes watching a movie to a whole new level. Starting a new media library is an investment of both time and money, so preserving the quality of these items should be a top priority. These techniques are a simple and inexpensive way to ensure that the Blu-ray DVDs last as long as the technology. - 18758

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Keith Urban Concert in Knoxville

By Joan Broack

Keith Urban's arrival in Knoxville, Tennessee comes on the heels of a career in which the country music star has sold millions of records, achieved platinum status certification more than once and based on his own music and instrumental ability.

Urban's childhood was spent in Australia, not exactly a common background for a county music star, but his stay on the country music charts has been fantastic. He has spent time working with Garth Brooks and sharing the stage with the Dixie Chicks and re-imagined tunes such as Elton John's "Country Comfort" on his way to super stardom.

Keith's fan base is loyal and proven by the fact that several of his albums since his debut in 1999 have reached platinum certification. His marriage to actress Nicole Kidman made Hollywood headlines and created a tabloid stir. In the meantime, Keith's spotlights at the Country Music Awards and the Grammys raised his visibility significantly.

Urban is now a top concert draw around the world, and in the past few years he's performed on some of the biggest stages in history, including the Live Earth concert in 2007. Urban's down to Earth style works on the largest settings as well as the most intimate stages.

Urban's current album is titled "Defying Gravity", released in March of 2009, and critics thought highly of several tracks on the studio productions. The standout tracks include "If I Could Ever Love" and the popular "Sweet Thing". As one of the higher selling releases of the period and debuted at number one. Urban followed the release with an appearance on American Idol, where he performed his single "Kiss A Girl".

Along with young country star Taylor Swift on some of his dates, Urban's tour includes both U.S. and Canadian dates in all of the major cities. The tour not only supports the latest release but also Urban's greatest hits.

Urban will arrive to play Knoxville, Tennessee on August 28th at the Thompson-Boling Arena. Tickets are in demand, since Knoxville is just down the road from Nashville and has a large country music fan base. As 'Defying Gravity' has already reached Gold certification, his fans have proven they are still in love with his music. - 18758

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Bruce On the Loose

By James G. Pynn

It is possible to say anything new about the Boss that hasn't been said over the past thirty years of heat-felt rock and roll? The man is more than New Jersey's favorite son -- he is a worldwide icon, a beacon of integrity and musicality. What is best of America Bruce embodies and that is evident to anyone who has ever seen him play his heart out live. To be in his presence as he cries out for the underdog in "Born to Run" or "Born In The USA" is to know, even for an instance, the soul of the American working class.

Because he knows who makes up his audience, Springsteen gives his all -- there is no such thing as a bad night for the Boss. He can't afford it because he knows most of the people in the audience had to work hard to afford coming to the show. People deserve to get their money's worth and Bruce always delivers. His shows are renown for tremendous, hour-plus encores. That is entertainment and commitment. That is Bruce Springsteen.

For a boy from Long Branch, New Jersey Bruce has certainly come a long way. Only a handful of musicians ever tap into the American psyche with the skill and deftness that Bruce has displayed throughout his lauded career. The man, for lack of a better word, is a machine -- a singing, songwriting, performing machine. And we love him for it. Do you want to know what make America what it is, flaws and all? Listen to Bruce.

He perhaps our best cultural ambassador to the world. To that end, following his two-night stand in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the Boss is off on an international goodwill mission: bringing a piece of America's soul to the world. His first stop: Sweden. Though our governmental policies might not be very popular, crowds always flock to the Boss overseas.

Step up to the mic and make it happen. Don't wait until it is too late and you have to hit up the scalpers for tickets. You can get the Bruce Springsteen tickets you need with a simple mouse click. Pick you venue, your exact seat, and sleep well at night. The barn-burning Boss is coming, and you've got the choice seats. Don't both waiting in some sweltering line, hoping to get the tickets you need. Instead, fire up your Internet connection and start clicking. - 18758

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Seven Paul McCartney Written Piano Based Classic Songs With The Beatles

By Jason R. Bohener

Before The Beatles, most rock bands pretty much stuck to a simple guitar, bass, and drums arrangement for their songs. The Beatles on the other hand began to try out different types of instrumentation. This article is focused on 7 of The Beatles greatest tunes which feature a piano.

"Hey Jude" is definitely a classic. It was a huge hit single all around the world in 1968 and now in 2009 it remains one of The Beatles best known and loved songs. It's length (over 7 minutes) was groundbreaking at the time and for many years it was the longest #1 single of all time in both the UK & US.

"Let It Be" is one of The Beatles most timeless songs and like all seven of The Beatles piano based songs in this article it was sung and written by Paul McCartney (who also played the piano on all of these songs.) It was title track to the last album The Beatles released, although it was actually recorded before Abbey Road. It was a hit single in countries around the world and is still among their most popular songs today.

"The Long & Winding Road" is a pretty ballad that was overblown by Phil Spector's over the top production on the version released in 1970. The more stripped back version heard on Let It Be... Naked allows you to hear McCartney's true intention for this song (and lets you hear the piano that's pretty much drowned out in the Spector version.) I really like the little organ solo on the stripped down version.

"For No One" is a very beautiful ballad from Revolver. Along with the piano, it also features a french horn and a harpsichord. The Beatles were always looking for new sounds to try on their recordings. This song is less well known than it should be. Those of you who only have The Beatles "greatest hits" compilations are really missing out on some of their greatest work. Buy the albums!

"The Fool on the Hill" is such a great song. I think part of what makes it so great is that it's hard to pinpoint exactly what kind of song it is. Plus there's the flutes. You can't go wrong with flutes like that.

"Lady Madonna" this an upbeat song whose melody so catchy that it became a hit again in the 1990s when Sublime used it for their song "What I Got." Along with that catchy melody and the piano, the song also features a saxophone and a suitably awesome bass line by Paul McCartney. And here's a tip: If you haven't, start paying attention to The Beatles bass lines. They're awesome.

"Penny Lane" is so stuffed to the gills with awesome sounds and interesting instrumentation that it's easy to overlook the piano. - 18758

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