Lots of people have asked this question when taking lessons. As an professional musician/composer who also provides Los Angeles and Orange County piano lessons, guitar lessons, voice and music lessons I thought an article dedicated to answering this question was in order.

Music theory is somewhat of a mystery when it comes to learning an instrument at times. When it comes to teaching music, whether it is piano, guitar, drums, violin or voice, it is crucial to teach some theory but to what extent would be a better question posed.

I have studied classical music for more than 12 years and music theory has always been a subject that wasn’t clear to me. I was able read notes which was very helpful in playing the piano and my ability to read rhythm was quite good but that was the extent of the theory I really understood. When it came to the circle of fifths and fourths and also I, IV, V chord progressions it was a different story.

I mean if my teacher asked me to play a IV chord or to recite the circle of fifths I could do so but it all came from memorization and I really didn’t know the mechanics behind it. Most of you reading this probably have no idea what I’m talking about either but I know one thing: knowing this information DID NOT make me a better piano player.

10 years later after I started my music career and after I learned how to improvise and write music on my own I started appreciating music theory only after learning it over. Imagine, I could have used that time to do something else…play video games, play basketball, watch TV. If I only knew!

So to answer the question of the importance of theory, yes theory is important but unless you are aiming to do more than sight read and learn pieces, most of the theory doesn’t help much and could be just extra work.

The basics of theory such as note reading, rhythm, dynamics etc. that pertain to playing a piece should be focused on instead. These are my thoughts as a piano teacher, professional keyboardist music producer and composer. I’m sure not all teachers would agree me but I’m entitled to my own opinion

Click here for piano improvisation tips. Learn to improvise in a few short hours. We also provide in home privatepiano lessons, guitar lessons, voice lessons, bass lessons, drum lessons throughout Los Angeles and Orange County.

Tags: learn guitar, learning an instrument, learning bass, learning guitar, learning music, learning piano, music, Music Education, piano lessons, playing piano tips, tips for playing an instrument, tips for playing the guitar

Whether we admit it or not, music is part of our lives. Everyone enjoys some genre of music. Some people want more than just to enjoy the songs, they want to be able to play them just like their favorite artist. Playing a musical instrument has never been easier for those who are committed to it. It is hard work and it takes every day practice if you want to make a career out of it. That is not the case of the vast majority who only want to play for fun.

Buying your first guitar is not easy. There are some things you need to take into account when making that decision. The most important one concerns the genre of music you want to be able to play. If you want to follow in the footsteps of your favorite rock star, then you should do some research on electric guitars. You can even find on the internet what models he used in his career. For the start, a fender guitar may be appropriate.

There are many guitars out there and one of them is perfect for you. Finding it is not an easy task especially when you are a beginner. You should not buy the first guitar you see. Later on you might become unhappy with your choice and if you do not enjoy playing it you will abandon it very soon. Put a lot of thought into it.

Visit a music store that has a wide selection of instruments and make sure they allow public to play them. You want to know what you are buying. Go with a friend that knows how to play the guitar and listen to what he has to say. Do not hesitate to ask any questions you might have. Make sure to try as many guitars as you can. You have to find one that feels good and you have to make sure you enjoy its sound. Do not make any decisions on the first day. Come back another day and try the guitar you like again. You should buy it only if you feel the same way about it and only after you made sure you cannot buy the same model from another store at a better price.

The more you practice the better you get. Talent will only get you so far, you have to work hard if you want to play in a band that is good. The first songs you learn to play are very important. That is why you should choose something easy to play. If you start with something hard you will get frustrated and you could even give up playing.

Sounds Great Music tempts you with lots of guitar and the fender guitar might be perfect for you.

Tags: buy guitar, buying guitar, Fender guitar, guitar, guitar lessons, guitars, learn to play guitar, learning guitar, playing guitar

The more you use a musical instrument, the more you become fond of it; that’s why performers are very fond of their guitars. If you want to purchase a new guitar, you might want to take a look at our list of tips as they will help you make a good decision.

The most common types of guitars on the market are the acoustic and the electric ones. If you prefer classical music we recommend you to purchase an acoustic guitar, but, generally, the electric one is much more practical because it can be used with all sorts of genres. In addition, the electric devices that are connected to it will help you improve your skills.

If you want to be able to play wonderful themes with your instrument you have to verify whether the components work properly or not. It is important to concentrate your attention on the nylon strings, the adjustable truss rod and the wooden bridge, but every aspect of the guitar should be in perfect condition. If you notice anything wrong you should ask the shopkeeper to give you another model.

When it comes to purchasing a guitar, you must avoid compromises. That’s why it is important that you resort to reliable retailers and music stores as they provide qualitative products at very good rates. Thanks to them, you won’t have to worry that the sound of your guitar is not clear enough or that the instrument will get broken after a while. You may also find a wide variety of electric devices and guitar effects pedal for your guitar, so you should definitely check these stores first.

The bond between the performer and his/her guitar is furthermore strengthened by the design of the instrument; therefore, it is important that you select a model and a color that represents you. If you decide to customize your guitar, you should opt for a model that is less gaudy as you don’t want to get bored of it after a while.

Never purchase a guitar before testing it. The best way to do it is to cup your left hand around the guitar neck to see if you can freely move your fingers up and down the strings and to test whether you can pinch the strings with the right hand without making too much effort.

The best device to acquire with your new electric guitar is the guitar effects pedal. This device will enable you to alter the tone of your guitar and to create unique themes. These accessories are very common, so they may be bought from any music store at convenient prices.

Sounds Great Music is the favorite store of famous musicians because here they can find the electric devices and guitar effects they need for their music genre.

Tags: guitar lessons, learn guitar, learning guitar, learning music, music lessons, play guitar, playing guitar

There certainly are instances when you fantasized about being a rock star and leaving everybody speechless with your guitar talents! This dream can be doable when you begin to learn to play the guitar which is a bewitched instrument responsible for unbelievable and gripping sounds. You can gain knowledge of the fundamental steps in your own home, or embark on online lessons and other suggestion would be to rely on the expertise of a music teacher.

Music is enchanting and full of enjoyment and learning to play an instrument has a double aim: it is really curing and accentuates the active part inside of you if you catch the bug of this pleasurable endeavor. If your intention is to learn more about the mechanism of how the guitar works, a tip would be to stop your gaze on a bass guitar. You can select the fender bass guitars, Sounds Great Music being the site where this variety of guitars is the hippest all thanks to its values and distinction. Additionally the thickness of the strings guarantees a deep bass tone that is truly a sound that sticks in your mind.

There are prominent performers that played fender bass guitars successfully in the course of time. You can select a glossy design and a vibrant tinge like blue or brown and single out an up-to-the-minute shape. Attempt to pick a smaller guitar that can be easier to handle. There are a bundle of music genres that are envisioned with the help of the acoustic bass guitars, such as: jazz, soul or classical while electric bass guitars match faultlessly rock samples.

Nobody is confined to learn to play guitar starting at a given age. You must, though, exhibit a dose of artistic inclination, an excellent ear, a quantity of technical expertise and you have got all you need to start playing the guitar! Begin with facile scores in order to get to know better the strings and feel at ease during the process. This instrument contains musical possibilities and must be played with a touch of your ardent personality.

If you want to know more about how the fretboard and strings work, it is advisable to be persistent in your guitar rehearsal. Most likely a period comprising a daily two hour rehearsal is the necessary recipe that can guarantee a richer music comprehension. Pamper your hearing with a vast typology of music so that you can select whichever fits best your preference and skills. The used rhythm and the technique are important as well.

The guitar is that music object of precious value that favors a better display of feelings be them mild or more determinate; in each of the cases they can be transposed in a premium guitar tune. Subsequently, get comfortable for the ride in which you unleash the most elaborate sounds and picture the process of “disciplining” the astonishing guitar strings!

You must take a serious look at the fender bass guitars, Sounds Great Music being the spot where this category of guitars is the coolest on account of its features and superiority.

Tags: buy guitar, buying guitar, fender bass guitars, guitar, guitar lessons, guitars, learn to play guitar, learning guitar, playing guitar

We all have some songs that can inspire and influence us one way or another. So it is safe to say that they will live forever in our hearts and in our minds. The 80s has been a prolific period when it comes to songs that still rock and will remain hits forever in our hearts. So here are the best 5 songs that have influenced our lives and that we will love to listen to from time to time.

Europe – The Final Countdown – The original track created back in 1986 contained a synthesizer riff that makes the song be so original. It is not clear what the whole countdown is all about however, we all know the song and are able to hum at least the chorus. We could easily say that this is a motivational song that song so you will be able to listen to it when you are doing your exercises or when you are jogging.

Wanted (Dead or Alive) – Bon Jovi – The fact that the song was written by a blue collar steelworker living in New Jersey might surprise a few people but it is the truth. The reality is that Bon Jovi impressed us all with his honky hair and rugged appearance and when he sand Wanted (Dead or Alive) we actually believed every single word. You can listen to this song whenever you feel you need an energy boost.

Another one bites the dust – Queen – If it where for Sylvester Stallone this song would have been included in the soundtrack of Rocky. It seems though that Freddy Mercury was totally opposed to the idea and the deal fell through. Of course, Sly was offended by the move especially when Queen’s song, “One vision” was used after a while in a flops movie.

Love is a Battlefield – Pat Benatar – Comparing the love song with a battle field actually transformed the song into a hit of the 80′s. The reality behind the quick rise of the song is actually because it became an unofficial anthem for unappreciated women.

Holding out for a Hero – Bonnie Tyler – The song was surely a success, especially among the women back in the 1984s. Bonnie was actually searching for a strong gentleman to come into her life, just like all women want.

Sounds Great Music is a dedicated long time stockist of these fantastic PRS Guitars instruments, and always have large stocks of hand picked guitars available along with knowledgeable staff to help you choose the guitar of your dreams.

Tags: 80s, buy guitar, buying guitar, guitar, guitar lessons, guitars, learn to play guitar, learning guitar, playing guitar, Songs, tunes

No hobby can be put into practice without having the proper tools. This is also the case of guitar playing, which definitely requires for the performer to own his personal instrument. Only by doing so he can establish the right connection between the device and his body, making it easier to discover the kind of moves he needs to perform in order to give birth to great sounds. If you are a beginner in playing the guitar, you should be very careful when buying the necessary equipment.

Knowing what type of music you want to perform is a key factor in choosing the right guitar. Classical guitars are for hard rock and roll, the acoustic guitar is for home performance and the electrical one is suitable if you want to play with a band. Of course, there are other variations of these types that may be picked according to other needs. Searching information on the internet about each type is required. This way you can find out the characteristic of each instrument and the price they have.

Now it is time for you to go out and start looking for the guitar you want so much. Even if the price may seem attractive, never buy a musical instrument from the supermarket or unauthorized shops. Musical stores are strongly recommended because there you have the guarantee that the product you buy is an authentic one and not a good imitation of it. If you cannot decide upon what guitar is best for you, ask a specialist or a person with the necessary experience to guide you.

Investing in a good quality guitar means having enough funds at your disposal. Surely there are also cheap guitars in the musical store, but once you have decided to pursuit your dream, make it the right way. Those that are cheap will definitely deceive you in the end because you will realize that the sounds they make are not great. And this may easily lead to a renouncement from your behalf. Spend as much time as possible in the musical store and try as many guitars as you can before deciding upon the one you want to purchase. Make sure it makes you feel relaxed playing it.

The information you have about the guitar you want to buy and the information the salesman gives you regarding the same device should be similar. This way you can test him if he has a strong knowledge of what he sells and if you can trust his sayings. Whenever in doubt, ask questions. In case the guitar does not come in a case, buy a hard-shell one to keep it safe from damaging.

Great effects pedal can be purchased from Sounds Great Music in case you want your music to be of high quality.

Tags: Buying Guitars, guitar, guitar lessons, learning guitar, music

There are many guitar players in the world. But they are divided by the different ways in which they learn, practice and stick to their guitar playing in time. Some only see guitar playing as a hobby and sing only at their best friend’s wedding or at college parties. Others start to learn to play but give up at a certain moment, “forced” by specific reasons. There are only a few guitar players that are committed to their passion – the ones who learn something new daily and never give up.

Every beginner needs a helping hand and it’s no different for guitar players because even though you’ve accomplished so much in such little time, there may be some things missing. Whether you have a full time job which doesn’t leave you a lot of free time, a spouse who doesn’t encourage your guitar playing or you simply lack the money for guitar lessons, at one point there are some reasons which prevent you from being the guitar player you are meant to be.

Your guitar playing is not improving and you feel frustrated with your poor results. For those who find themselves in this situation, to correctly measure and enhance your guitar progress here are a few steps you should follow:

2. Regulate your practice. Sit down and write a precise schedule for your daily practice. Effective guitar learning means organizing your hours of playing and committing to a daily routine. Depending on your busy schedule you can arrange your guitar practice in the morning, before work or late at night when you’ve finished your working and household duties.

3. Think positive and keep your commitment and forget all the excuses you’ve made in the past. Things like “it’s too late”, “not today”, “maybe tomorrow” are the real reasons why your guitar playing is not as good as you thought it will be.

4. Record your playing sessions for evidence on your progress but also for observing your eventual mistakes. A large variety of home recording equipment is provided by Sounds Great music which not only stocks PRS Guitars but also a complete offer of microphones, interfaces, digital recorders, audio tools and computer based equipment.

5. Keep your focus and patience as nothing excellent can be learned in a short period of time. You will need to invest all your passion in your guitar playing in order to become a great guitarist.

Choosing to buy PRS Guitars from Sounds Great Music may make the most out of your guitar performance

Tags: guitar, guitar lessons, guitar music, guitar practice, learning guitar, PRS guitars

In order to keep your brains young and your intellects sharp, specialists from all over the world recommend that you learn new things on a regular basis. For instance, you could try concentrating on a foreign language or even taking up an instrument, such as the guitar. If you are interested in this latter option, read on for a guide as to how you should proceed.

The first thing you need to do is make up your mind on certain things. For instance, you should be able to tell if you want to play the guitar just for fun, or as a main occupation (professionally, if you wish). Then, you need to decide if you’d rather play the acoustic guitar or the electric type, depending, of course, on the genre of music that you prefer. These simple things will help you get on the right path, if only by getting you in the right state of mind.

Secondly, you should make sure you have all the appropriate equipment, such as a guitar of your liking and a tuner or a pitch fork. By having your own instruments, you will be able to practice as often as you like, without having to depend on anyone else to lend you theirs.

After having purchased all the necessary equipment, it’s time to get to know it. Play around with your guitar; learn how to hold it in the proper way and how your hands and fingers should be positioned, because this will have a great deal of importance later on. Also, find out how you should take care of the instrument, how to change its strings when needed and how you can tune it without someone else’s help.

As for the learning process itself, you should try to concentrate on the little things first, because they are absolutely vital for any good player. Don’t skip any steps; practice until you have mastered the basic notions and only then move on to the more complicated ones, so that you won’t miss out on anything. If you feel that it is necessary, hire a guitar teacher for some introductory lessons or to clarify some issues that you don’t quite understand. Otherwise, practice as much as you possibly can and keep your spirits high; with a little perseverance and a lot of hard work, you will surely become the musician that you want to be.

For the PRS Guitars of your dreams, go to Sounds Great Music.

Tags: guitar, guitar lessons, guitar music, guitar practice, learning guitar, PRS guitars

The Internet has replaced traditional methods of learning because online materials are much more attractive, easier and accessible than other types of lessons. Nevertheless, it is important to organize your online study according to several rules in order to make sure that you will obtain the best results in the shortest time possible.

Purchasing your musical instruments is the main step you need to make before you start your online lessons. The choice of the guitar is usually conditioned by the level of preparation of the student; however, a six chords guitar is perfect for all types of students, regardless of their preparation. The pick has a great influence on the quality of your music; therefore, you need to purchase one that is neither too big nor too little. The guitar effects pedal is just as important as the rest of the instruments because it is the one that can improve the quality of your sound.

If you decide to study guitar online, you need to make sure that the websites you consult are reliable; otherwise, you might be misled into learning things that are not correct. By taking a closer look at the layout of the website you can determine whether the site is trustful or not. For that, the website has to contain a certificate or recommendation that was issued by a renowned academic institution, such as, the University of Arts.

If you want to become a good guitarist, you need to combine written online materials with multimedia files. As a matter of fact, there are numerous videos on the Internet that you can use to learn how to position your hands and your fingers on the guitar chords. Beginners will most likely need an online tutorial containing images or movies in order to learn how to tune their guitar.

The online space abounds in guitar music sheets, but you need to know which ones are suited for you. If you are a beginner, you need to start with the easiest pieces and increase the level of difficulty with each new lesson. It is, however, recommended to download one of the special books for beginners because you can thus, find the guidance that you need to obtain the best results.

Arm yourself with tons of patience as it is the main request you need to fulfill in order to become a good guitar player. On top of this, you will not be able to improve your skills unless you are willing to persevere and to practice chords every day despite the mistakes that you may make in the beginning.

Sounds Great Music – the best provider of rock stars’ guitar effects pedals since 1977.

Tags: effects pedals, guitar, guitar effects pedals, guitar lessons, guitar music, learning guitar

Starting a band is a project that many people, usually the young ones, think about. On their way to accomplishing their dream, they are driven by the desire of transmitting certain messages to those who listen to their music or of offering them special moments to remember all their lives. However, there are certain steps to follow when starting a troupe, one of them being to decide on the music they will perform. Even if they are capable of playing more than one music genre, the recommendation is to try to perform only one type of music.

Selecting the members of the troop is one difficult task because it is hard to find the right people who have the same goals and views of life. The fact that each individual is unique and has his certain way of acting and thinking may take a band longer to be started. Be aware that they have to be able to understand each other and also to know how to play an instrument. A band usually requires a bassist, a guitarist, a drummer and a vocalist, but if you find more than one person to play well the same instrument, the more, the merrier. The sole condition is for them to sound great together, as a whole, because the public will be interested in the entire band and not only in a particular individual.

The next step consists of buying the right equipment. The type of music played has once more something to say because the instruments should have certain properties if a certain music genre is to be performed. Make sure you have all the information you need before assessing the equipment from Sounds Great Music and try not to think about money if you want to own a quality gear. Make some sacrifices if you have decided to go on with your dream.

After having decided upon the members, their roles and the equipment, it is time to start thinking about giving the troop a name. Let every individual speak his mind and come up with as many ideas as possible. Still, try to find something that characterizes the entire group and that is easy to remember. This is also a difficult mission because once chosen, you cannot change it if you want people to not get confused.

The publicity is another responsibility you should take care of. For this, it is important to be present at every festival or school reunion there is. The media plays an important role too, so every local radio, TV station and newspaper has to mention the great performance the band gives. A website is another essential tool in letting everyone know about your troupe.

Sounds Great Music offers you great PRS Guitar instruments you will be need when starting a band.

Tags: band, effects pedals, guitar, guitar effects pedals, guitar music, learning guitar, music band