Musical Instruments Showcase

Basic Guitar Drills

May 19, 2007 Guitars
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I was given my first acoustic guitar when I was seventeen a few days before my eighteenth birthday, with the intention of one day learning how to play it. This was a short-lived venture as now eight years later it is still living in its grey leather case possibly gathering dust in the back of my room. Guitar experts will be shocked by the notion of any acoustic guitars being treated in this fashion, however, if one is to buy one they need to be prepared to spend lots of time practising and drilling each day to get better at playing it.

The historical value of acoustic guitars is far greater than what is perceived. In fact, this is one of the oldest instruments to have ever been used, much older than the piano or the violin. Guitars available today come in various elaborate styles, functionality and produce interesting sounds. Some synthesized guitars have a certain affect compared to what they did in the past.

History

Before the heavy metal rock stars, before the indie/alternative music scene and before all the folk acoustic guitars that hit the charts, the guitar was a musical instrument appreciated way back as far as 2000BC. The guitar itself derived from the Ancient Indian Sitara, an instrument that is in use even today within the Hindustani culture. Its’ features are similar to that of a guitar, however, very basic in appearance and with a hollowed round gourd.

The term ‘guitar’ was coined by the English from the Spanish word ‘guitarra’, which in turn was derived from the Latin ‘cithara’ and prior to this from the Greek ‘kithara’. Thus coming back to the Persian word of ’sihtar’, which is associated to the word sitar in India. The Romans introduced the modern guitar (known as cithara), as we know it around 40AD to Hispania. This was adapted and followed by the oud, which was a four-string instrument, brought by the Moors, in the 8th century.

The six-string guitar was popularised by the Scandinavians and across through Eastern Europe. This was commonly associated with the Viking excursions across the continent. The Spanish ‘Vihuela’ in the 16th century appeared to depict the modern guitar and a step away from the renaissance instrument. It looked like it had a lute-style tuning with a guitar like body.

It was not until in Italy of the mid 18th century that saw Gaetano Vinaccia produce his guitar label, with the distinct appearance of a mandolin. This had six strings and did not show signs of a modification from a double-course guitar, as it was common for fake guitar labels to be created.

The co-founder of now famous Richenbacher, George Beauchamp, patented the first electric guitar in 1936. This was the turning point of guitar music and the birth of a new innovative sound. It was Danelectro that produced the first electric guitar for the public, giving a chance for new talented musicians to be as creative as possible. Nowadays people are more familiar with both electric and acoustic guitars, with many famous bands (particularly, rock, metal, indie and jazz bands) use this to produce modern music.

This is no longer a privileged instrument used only by jesters and servants, for the rich and wealthy, but is also available for people to use freely from the comfort of their own homes.

About the Author:

Anna Stenning loves to listen to acoustic guitars played by musicians, and is currently learning how to play the bass. For more on guitars and electric violins visit http://www.moondogguitars.com/

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – The Guitar Evolution, From Ancient India To American Rock Stars

eMedia Guitar Basics V4 $17.99 eMedia Guitar Basics CD-ROM makes learning quick and easySoftware’s songs and exercises are accompanied by full-motion videos, live recorded audio and variable-speed MIDI tracksInstructional guide has easy-to-follow lessons

Basic Instructor Guitar (Paperback) $10.46 Now in its third edition, Jerry SnyderB`s newly revised first book in the popular Basic Instructor Guitar method features additional songs, exercises, photos, and recordings to inspire a new generation of guitarists. As before, the book is divided into…

30-Day Guitar Workout (DVD) $18.95 Compiling a variety of guitar drills and exercises, this instructional music program covers both basic and more advanced theories and techniques of scales, arpeggios, modes, and alternate picking.

Bebop Guitar (PACKAGE) $18.73 This book/CD pack shows guitarists how to transform basic jazz improv techniques into bebop figures in Bird`s famous “with strings” style by making chromatic and rhythmic alterations. Includes many musical examples, most in the user-friendly key of G m…

Basic Pieces for Guitar Volume 1 (Mel Bay Version) $12.95 This is the first in a two-volume collection of easy, short tunes and exercises for the young classical guitarist.

Basic Instructor Guitar (PACKAGE) $12.69 Now in its third edition, Jerry SnyderB`s newly revised first book in the popular Basic Instructor Guitar method features additional songs, exercises, photos, and recordings to inspire a new generation of guitarists. As before, the book is divided into…

COMPLETE ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS GUITAR CO $19.07 Aimed at novices, this instructional lesson teaches basic guitar skills–including chords and major and minor scales–while offering effective practice tools such as diagrams.

Introduction to Harmony for Guitar with Tab $13.54 The “Introduction to Basic Harmony for Guitar with TAB” includes both standard notation and TAB for each of the examples and exercises

Learn Rock Guitar, Beginner $18.04 This program is designed for someone with little or no experience. It begins at the roots with an easy to follow look at basic rock chords, scales, lead patterns and exercises. Learn key components of lead guitar, the basics of blues and the foundation…

Guitar Basics $12.09 This pack gives essential instruction on open chords, barre chords, power chords, strumming; scales, rhythm playing, the blues, and moveable chord shapes. It includes inversions, `color` chords, practice tips, chord charts, songs, and progressions.

Learn Rock Guitar Beginner – 2nd Edition (DVD) $18.99 A comprehensive instructional program for beginning guitar students. ROCK GUITAR BEGINNER teaches basics with expert instructors showing easy-to-follow chords, scales. lead patterns, and exercises.

Chords and Progressions for Jazz and Popular Guitar $14.67 This book teaches guitar players of all levels how to construct and use chords for accompaniement and soloing. Practical examples and exercises take you from basic theory and simple accompaniment patterns to advanced chord soloing and comping. A c…

The John Mills Classical Guitar Tutor $14.78 A complete guide to classical guitar, from choosing an instrument to practicing, reading music and basic harmony. Includes many exercises and pieces.

Fender® Monogrammed Guitar Strap $12.95 These Fender Monogrammed Guitar Straps are a favorite of true Fender aficionados. These guitar straps are 2 inches wide and have been updated with extra padding for added comfort. Buy a few and strap a different one on for each gig!

Takamine G124 Classical Guitar $179 The Takamine G124 Classical Guitar is an excellent value with quality features like a spruce top and mahogany back and sides. The gloss natural finish, rosewood fingerboard, classical style soundboard rosette, and gold and pearl tuners add a nice touch to this very affordable 6-string classical guitar. The G124, from the acclaimed Takamine G-Series, offers impressive performance at a very affordable price. Perfect for the beginner or student guitar player. Hard-shell case sold separately (model GC1118G).

Fender® Starcaster® Guitar Pack $199 This Fender Starcaster Pack deliver a great-sounding, sleek-looking black Starcaster electric guitar paired with a compact but still-mighty guitar amplifier and a host of essential accessories.This Pack includes a Starcaster guitar, strings, picks, a strap, 10-watt amp with distortion, a cable, a tuner, a gig bag, guitar stand, and an instructional DVD. The highly versatile Starcaster guitar offers legendary Fender tone combined with classic styling, and it’s suited for all styles of music. It features a 22-fret maple fingerboard with dot position inlays, three single-coil pickups with 5-way switching for Fender’s trademark tonal variety, sealed die-cast tuners for consistent tuning stability, chrome hardware and a three-ply white pickguard. The synchronous tremolo bridge can be used for subtle shimmery manipulation of chords or hard-core whammy-bar excursions.You’ll also get a wide range of tones from the single volume and dual tone controls. No need to shop for the accessories as they’re all included. The package includes an extra set of strings, some guitar picks, a strap, and an instrument cable. And of course you’ll need a stand for setting down your instrument securely, and a gig bag for hauling it around.

Dean Playmate Avalanche Electric Guitar $129.99 The Dean Playmate Avalanche Electric Guitar is the perfect guitar starter for the beginning guitar player. Bolt-on Construction, Chrome Hardware, Die Cast Tuners, Single Coil Pickup, Vintage Tremolo, Basswood Body, Maple Neck, Rosewood Fingerboard, Dot Inlays, 22 Frets.

Takamine G501S Acoustic Guitar $399 The Takamine G501S Acoustic Guitar features an OM body which produces strong lower mid-ranges and versatile dynamics. The OM (Orchestra Model) body has a smaller length, depth and waist as compared to a dreadnought, making it popular for acoustic and finger-style players.The G501S 6-string acoustic guitar from Takamine includes impressive features such as a solid Spruce top and Bolivian Rosewood back and sides for excellent projection and tone, Rosewood fingerboard and bridge, and Abalone rosette. This beautiful guitar comes with a Gloss Natural finish. Hard-shell case sold separately (model GC1120G).

Takamine G340SC Acoustic Guitar $299 The Takamine G340SC is a 6-string acoustic from the acclaimed Takamine G-Series with the traditional look and big sound of a dreadnought guitar and terrific tone and projection from a solid Spruce top and Mahogany back and sides.Excellent playability from its Rosewood fingerboard and cutaway body style for greater access to the higher registers of the fretboard. Added aesthetic touches include gold tuners, abalone fingerboard inlays, and a beautiful gloss natural finish.The Takamine G340SC provides beauty, quality, and value in an acoustic guitar. This is an excellent acoustic guitar for beginner or student players.Hard-shell case sold separately (model GC1128G).

Takamine G128S Classical Guitar $299 The Takamine G128S Classical Guitar is an excellent value with traditional styling and materials and quality features like a solid spruce top and rosewood back and sides. Other features include a classical style soundboard rosette, gold and pearl tuners, and a rosewood fingerboard.The G128S from the acclaimed Takamine G-Series – traditional Spanish design, impressive performance, and a very affordable price. Perfect for the beginner or student guitar player. Hard-shell case sold separately (model GC1118G).

Takamine G260C Acoustic Guitar $249 The Takamine G260C Acoustic Guitar features a unique FXC/Artist body style – a smaller body offering great playing comfort for smaller performers – plus a high-fret cutaway for easy access to those hard to reach notes. Other features of this unique 6-string guitar include a Spruce top and Nato sides and back. Available in 4 finishes – Gloss Black G260C-BL, Brown Sunburst G260C-BSB, Wine Red G260C-WR, and Natural G260C.Hard-shell case sold separately (model GC1118G).

Gibraltar Basic V Rack $249.99 The Gibraltar Basic V-Rack has lots of convenient features, like a 45-degree bend in the pipe, allowing toms to be closer together and providing more flexibility for mounting accessories. The front bar has over 40 inches of mounting area. Includes fixed T-legs, boom arm mounts, multiclamps, memory locks, and hinged memory locks with key lock adjustment.1 pc V-Rack front bar with over 40-inches of mounting area2 pcs Standard fixed T-legs2 pcs RBA Rack boom arm mounts2 pcs GRSMC Multi clamps2 pcs GPRML Memory locks at vertical post height adjustment2 pcs GRSHKML hinged memory locks with key lock adjustment

Dean MLX Electric Guitar $229.99 The Dean MLX Electric Guitar features a Basswood Body, 24-3/4″ Scale & 1-11/16″ Nut, Grover Tuners, Chrome Hardware, Zebra Pickups, Tune-O-Matic Bridge, Bolt-on Construction, Maple Neck, Dot Inlays, 22 Frets.The ML was designed by Dean Zelinsky in 1977 to be the guitar with the ultimate sustain and tone. The ML was created with the Dean concept of spreading the mass of the body over a large area, but the ML has something more. Radical string angles is a concept we believe adds to resonance that help a guitar become more alive. The distinctive headstock creates extra long string length, giving the ML a sound like no other! Played by many of rock’s elite over the past two decades, the ML has appeared in award winning videos, on stage and album covers and more importantly on some of rocks finest recordings. Dean has made the ML available to other manufacturers with exclusive licensing arrangements.

Dean Playmate EVO Electric Guitar $129.99 The Dean Playmate is the perfect guitar starter for the beginning guitar player.Bolt-on Construction, Chrome Hardware, Die Cast Tuners, 2 Humbucker Pickups, Tune-O-Matic Bridge, Basswood Body, Maple Neck, Rosewood Fingerboard, Dot Inlays, 22 Frets.

Fender® Patchworks Cotton Guitar Strap $12.95 Express yourself with these creative, tough and comfortable Fender guitar straps. These cotton webbing straps are 2 inches wide and feature strong suede leather ends. Choose one of these simple, customizable straps to fit your style. Fender cotton guitar strap.

Fender® Vintage Tweed Guitar Strap $12.95 This Fender Vintage Tweed Guitar Strap is 2 inches wide and 60 inches long. It employs material like that on the Fender Tweed amps and guitar cases, softened for comfort. Features stylish, brown leather ends for that old-school, authentic Fender look and feel.

Fender® Running Logo Guitar Strap $12.95 The Fender Running Logo Guitar Strap is 2 inches wide, black with a white logo and trim. It features leather ends and the trademark “Running” Fender logo.

Dean EVO Dragster Electric Guitar $349 The EVO Dragster Electric Guitar from Dean provides incredible sustain and astonishing tones from a design that blends vintage, old-world craftsmanship with modern guitar making technology. The Dean EVO represents the evolution of guitar design, with a deep dished, carved, ultra thick flame maple top on a body made of select Honduras mahogany. The Dean EVO Dragster features a neck joined at the body with Dean’s exclusive angular neck joint, specially designed for optimum playability and resonance.

Takamine GS330S Acoustic Guitar $299 The Takamine GS330S Acoustic Guitar offers genuine Takamine tone from an expansive dreadnought body. Enjoy the silky-sweet sound of a genuine solid Cedar top without breaking the bank. With the GS330S Takamine has built a beautiful instrument with truly high-end tone at an incredibly affordable price.Dreadnought; 6-string; Solid Cedar Top; Mahogany Back & Sides; Satin Natural Finish; Rosewood Fingerboard.Hard-shell case sold separately (model GC1128G).

Takamine G440C Acoustic Guitar $279.95 The Takamine G440C Acoustic Guitar, from the Auditorium NEXC line, offers affordability, playability, and a big sound. NEX Cutaway; 6-string; Spruce Top; Mahogany Back & Sides; Gloss Natural Finish; Rosewood Fingerboard.The G Series offers more sizes, colors, woods than in any other Takamine family of models. Made to strict specifications, G Series instruments represent an exceptionally good value.Hard-shell case sold separately (model GC1128G).

Dean EVO XM Electric Guitar $119 The Dean EVO XM Electric Guitar is a great guitar for guitar players of all levels and it’s affordable price makes it perfect for beginning guitarists. The Dean EVO XM is also a very stylish member of the lightweight basswood body family. With a blend of vintage design and modern guitar technology, it provides amazing sustain and tone for its price point. A set of Dean high-output humbuckers deliver the sonic goods, while the adjustable TOM-style bridge keeps you in tune for the length of the gig. A patented angular neck joint makes it very easy to play. The fast and solid bolt-on maple neck has a rosewood fingerboard. The Dean EVO XM also includes black hardware, 22 frets, and sealed machine heads. Case not included.

Fender® Impact Series Guitar Straps $12.95 Fender Impact Series Guitar Straps are for players looking to make a visual impact. It’s made of poly webbing for ultimate comfort and features custom, 3-D rubber ends with suede backing and a color-matched Fender logo label. It measures 2 inches wide by 75 inches long, making it an excellent choice for tall players or those who like to play their guitar down low.

Dean Playmate Student Acoustic Guitar $69 The Dean Playmate J Acoustic Guitar is the perfect 7/8 size acoustic starter guitar for students and beginners. It has a smooth set mahogany neck small enough for little hands and the neck has a rosewood fretboard with 18 frets with a large cutaway for playing leads. This Dean Playmate also features quality chrome tuners, distinctive bridge design, Blueburst finish, and a Dean gig bag.

Dean Vendetta XM Electric Guitar $134.99 The Dean Vendetta XM Electric Guitar has a fantastic looking lightweight string-thru Paulownia body with incredible resonance. Rosewood fretboard on a maple neck with 24-fret access is sweet and fleet. Dual naked humbuckers provide that dark sound while pumping out huge chunk and searing sustain. Other features include: a bolt-on maple neck, tune-o-matic bridge, vintage tremolo, and open-coil humbuckers. This guitar rocks! Case not included.

Dean Playmate EVO Electric Guitar Package $174.99 The Dean Playmate is the perfect guitar starter for the beginning guitar player. Package includes Dean Playmate EVO Electric Guitar, M-10 Amplifier, Gig Bag, Tuner, Strap, Cord, Picks.The Dean Playmate EVO Electric Guitar features Bolt-on Construction, Chrome Hardware, Die Cast Tuners, 2 Humbucker Pickups, Tune-O-Matic Bridge, Basswood Body, Maple Neck, Rosewood Fingerboard, Dot Inlays, 22 Frets.

Takamine EG340C Acoustic-Electric Guitar $379 The Takamine EG340C Acoustic-Electric Guitar has a beautiful dreadnought design with a cutaway. This 6-string a/e features a Spruce top, Mahogany back and sides, Rosewood fingerboard, and gloss natural finish. The preamp is a TP4T model so you can easily plug-in. Hard-shell case sold separately (model GC1128G).

Dean Baby ML Electric Guitar $199.99 The Dean Baby ML Electric Guitar features 3/4 Body Size, Contoured Top, Basswood Body, 24-3/4″ Scale & 1-5/8″ Nut, Die Cast Tuners, Black Hardware, Dean Pickups, Tune-O-Matic Bridge, Bolt-on Construction, Maple Neck, Rosewood Fingerboard, Abalone Dot Inlays, 22 Frets.

Dean Baby V Electric Guitar $199.99 The Dean Baby V Electric Guitar features 3/4 Body Size, Contoured Top, Basswood Body, 24-3/4″ Scale & 1-5/8″ Nut, Die Cast Tuners, Black Hardware, Dean Pickups, Tune-O-Matic Bridge, Bolt-on Construction, Maple Neck, Rosewood Fingerboard, Abalone Dot Inlays, 22 Frets.

Dean Baby Z Electric Guitar $199.99 The Dean Baby Z Electric Guitar features 3/4 Body Size, Contoured Top, Basswood Body, 24-3/4″ Scale & 1-5/8″ Nut, Die Cast Tuners, Black Hardware, Dean Pickups, Tune-O-Matic Bridge, Bolt-on Construction, Maple Neck, Rosewood Fingerboard, Abalone Dot Inlays, 22 Frets.

Takamine EG340SC Acoustic-Electric Guitar $449 The Takamine EG340SC features traditional styling with modern features like an easy-to-use on-board preamp with 3-band graphic EQ and a built-in tuner. This 6-string acoustic-electric from Takamine has the traditional look and big sound of a dreadnought guitar with terrific tone and projection from its solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides.Excellent playability from its rosewood fretboard and cutaway body style for greater fretboard access. Added aesthetic touches include gold tuners, abalone fingerboard inlays, and a gloss natural finish.The Takamine EG340SC provides beauty, quality, and value in an acoustic guitar with amplification.Hard-shell case sold separately (model GC1128G).

Dean Vendetta 1.0 Electric Guitar $219 A great choice for a first rock guitar, the Dean Vendetta 1.0 Electric Guitar produces that dark, double humbucker sound from a light, 25 1/2″ scale, solid-body design with a string-through body offering excellent sustain. The Vendetta 1 has a solid Mahogany body, Maple neck, Rosewood fingerboard, 24 frets, 1 volume control, 1 tone control, and a 3-way pickup selector switch. Also features solid bolt-on construction, Tune-O-Matic bridge, and Classical Dean V Ferrule Pattern.

Takamine EG360SC Acoustic-Electric Guitar $599 The Takamine EG360SC 6-string dreadnought guitar offers impressive sound and quality with a traditional look, plus modern features like an on-board TP4T 3-band graphic EQ with a built-in tuner. Other features include a rosewood fretboard, solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides, and a cutaway body style for greater fretboard access.Additional aesthetics include gold and pearl tuners, abalone snowflake fingerboard inlays, and a beautiful gloss natural finish. The Takamine EG360SC provides beauty, quality, and value in an acoustic guitar with amplification.Hard-shell case sold separately (model GC1128G).

Takamine EG361SC Acoustic-Electric Guitar $599 The Takamine EG361SC 6-string dreadnought guitar offers impressive sound and quality with a traditional look, plus modern features like an on-board TP4T 3-band graphic EQ with a built-in tuner. Other features include a rosewood fretboard, solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides, and a cutaway body style for greater fretboard access.Additional aesthetics include gold and pearl tuners, abalone snowflake fingerboard inlays, and a beautiful gloss black finish. The Takamine EG361SC provides beauty, quality, and value in an acoustic guitar with amplification.Hard-shell case sold separately (model GC1128G).

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