Guitar Capo
Capos: A Musician’s Best Friend
A guitar capo is a small, versatile devices that can be used to transpose the key of a song without having to learn new chord shapes. They are essential tools for any guitarist, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional. There are many different types of capos on the market, each with its own unique features and benefits. Here is a quick overview of some of the most popular types.
Adjustable Screw Capos
My personal favorite is the Shubb Capo-The Shubb capo is known for its exceptional quality and durability. They feature an over-center locking mechanism that provides secure clamping and prevents string buzz, ensuring your playing remains in perfect tune. Shubb capos are also known for their comfortable grip, making them a joy to use even during extended playing sessions.
Shubb Capo
Trigger Capos
Trigger capos-These capos are the most common type, and they are easy to use and affordable. They work by clamping onto the neck of the guitar at a specific fret, and they can be quickly and easily adjusted with the squeeze of a trigger.
A Kyser Trigger Capo-
Spring-loaded Guitar Capo
These capos use a spring-loaded mechanism to clamp onto the neck of the guitar. This makes them very easy to use, and they are also very secure. However, they can be more expensive than trigger capos.
Spring Capo
Guitar Capo Costs
The cost of a capo can vary depending on the brand, quality, and features. A basic capo will typically cost around $10-$20, while a more high-end capo can cost upwards of $50 or even $100.
Here are some factors that can affect the price of a capo:
- Brand: Some brands, such as Kyser, Shubb, and Dunlop, are more popular and well-respected than others. This can drive up the price of their capos.
- Quality: Capos made from higher-quality materials, such as steel or aluminum, will typically cost more than capos made from cheaper materials, such as plastic.
- Features: Some capos have additional features, such as built-in tuners or quick-release mechanisms. These features can add to the cost of the capo.
If you are a beginner guitarist, you may not need to spend a lot of money on a capo. A basic capo will do just fine for most purposes. However, if you are a more serious guitarist, you may want to invest in a more expensive capo that is made from higher-quality materials and has additional features.
Pros and Cons of Guitar Capos
- Trigger capos are an excellent choice for beginners and casual players who value ease of use and affordability. However, they may not be the best option for guitars with curved necks, as they can sometimes struggle to provide a consistent clamping force.
- Spring-loaded capos are very easy to use and secure. However, they can be more expensive than trigger capos.
- Shubb capos, on the other hand, excel in their precision and reliability. They are particularly well-suited for guitars with curved necks, providing even clamping and consistent tuning. However, their higher price point may deter some budget-conscious musicians.
Overall, the best type of capo for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are a beginner, I would recommend a trigger capo. If you are a more experienced guitarist, you may want to consider a Shubb capo.
No matter which type of capo you choose, make sure that it is made from high-quality materials and that it fits your guitar properly. A good capo will last for many years and will help you to make great music.
In addition to the types of capos mentioned above, there are also a number of specialized capos available. These capos can be used to achieve specific effects, such as capoing individual strings or creating a bottleneck sound.
I hope this blog has helped you to learn more about the different types of capos available. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment.
Thanks for reading!
30-Minute or 60-Minute Lessons?
30 Minutes or 60 Minutes? Choosing the Right Lesson Length
As a budding musician, you’ve probably pondered the age-old question: should I opt for 30-minute or 60-minute lessons? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, understanding the pros and cons of each duration can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your learning style and goals.
30-Minute Lessons: The Focused Approach
If you’re a beginner or have a busy schedule, 30-minute lessons can be a great way to fit music into your life without feeling overwhelmed. These shorter sessions allow you to focus on specific skills or techniques without getting bogged down in too much information. Additionally, 30 minutes may be more manageable for younger students who have shorter attention spans.
Benefits of 30-Minute Lessons:
- Concise and focused: Ideal for beginners or those with limited time
- Bite-Sized Learning: The shorter duration prevents information overload, allowing you to grasp concepts more effectively
- Structured and efficient: Allows you to cover specific topics without feeling overwhelmed
Tommy taking ukulele lessons
60-Minute Lessons: Deep Dive into Musicality
For more experienced students or those seeking a more comprehensive learning experience, 60-minute lessons offer a deeper dive into the musical world. With more time, you can explore various aspects of your instrument, practice new techniques, and receive more personalized feedback from your instructor.
Brae taking drum lessons
Benefits of 60-Minute Lessons:
- Comprehensive learning: Allows you to cover more material and delve deeper into techniques
- More personalized feedback: Instructor can provide more in-depth guidance and address specific challenges
- Opportunity to explore different musical concepts: Time for improvisation, theory, or repertoire exploration
- Room for Practice: Longer lessons provide more time for in-lesson practice, allowing you to apply new techniques and solidify your understanding
Cadie in studio taking guitar lessons
Considerations for Choosing the Right Lesson Length:
- Learning style: Do you prefer shorter, focused sessions or longer, more comprehensive lessons?
- Skill level: Beginners may benefit from shorter sessions, while experienced students may prefer longer ones.
- Schedule and availability: Consider your time commitments and the availability of your instructor.
Ultimately, the best lesson length for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Communicate with your instructor to find the duration that suits your learning style and helps you achieve your musical goals.
If you have any questions or comments about lessons, please contact me.
Music Studio in 10 Years
Where do I see my music studio in 10 years?
I read an article that inspired me to think about where my music studio may be in 10 years. I’m pretty excited about it.
I’ve been teaching music for over 20 years, and absolutely love it. The studio will always be a work in progress since there are new technologies and gadgets hitting the market all the time. But trying things out is a lot of fun! My goal has always been to put together a state-of-the-art facility where students of all ages and skill levels can come to learn and grow musically.
The Big Projects
First and foremost, it would be so nice to completely finish and soundproof the studio. Having a lower floor bathroom, drum riser, and a control room would really complete it nicely. I also want to make sure that the soundproofing is top-notch so the neighbors can finally get some sleep. It would be a lot of fun to eventually include workshops for songwriting and music theory.
Exploring new ways to use technology during the lessons is always inspiring. It would be incredible to try virtual reality to give students the experience of playing in different venues. That technology is still in the infant stages, so it may be a little while before that will happen. Most importantly, creating an environment where the students are inspired to learn and grow musically in.
The Studio Layout Today
This is the current layout today. It is so much easier to create a balanced and full sound for jam sessions with most everything going through the sound board. The computer screens were the most recent addition and made a big difference when reading tablature and music charts. This is so nice for anyone who has a tough time seeing the smaller musical notation. These lights are usually only on during the one on one lessons, but this is what it looks like at the jam sessions. Some students do request different lighting during their lessons so they can really get into the music.
Current Studio Layout
Behind the Drums
Monitor for the Students-Bottom Left
A Year Ago…
Adding rubber mats to the floor really helped both with comfort and sound. This was taken shortly after getting the new drum set and completely covering the floor in mats. Still needed some amplifier stands, stage monitors, and a fogger. This was probably the biggest improvement to the sound so far. The next step was video monitors for the students to use as a guide when at the jam sessions. Video monitors made things really easy when we did the blues jams. It allowed a ton of spontaneity if students wanted to try different keys or rhythms.
A year ago
A Few Years Ago…
The acoustic drums were always hard to keep at a low level and still create energy. Having added the acoustic panels helped tremendously. The next step after this was adding the electric drum set which made a huge difference. The sound can now be easily mixed, this really helped the beginner drummers out.
A few years ago
Several Years Ago…
I am almost embarrassed to say this, but initially I used beach towels in order to make it dark enough to get the lighting to work. We played on the concrete flooring surrounded by concrete walls. This was a nightmare since the sound bounced everywhere and was definitely hard to control. The students were awesome and did really well at the jam. But, it was a lot of sound in a small cement room.
Jazmin (12) on Drums-She is in college now but still taking guitar lessons!
The Future
I doubt I’ll ever truly retire, so it will be interesting to see what technology does to the studio. I don’t plan to ever abandon the traditional one on one lessons set up. But trying out new things that inspire students to make music their passion is what makes teaching so much fun. If you are interested in trying out a lesson or have some ideas you’d like to share, feel free to contact me.
Drums in the Studio
Using Drums in the Studio to Help Guitar and Bass Students
Using drums in the studio can be a great way to help guitar and bass students improve their skills. After becoming a drum teacher, I realized just how valuable the experience is for other musicians. Having my students either play along with the drums or sit at the kit and play a rhythm has made a huge difference. Even if they only tried it once, they still became more aware of how everything fit together.
Laying Down a Rhythm
Jamming with a drummer helps students learn groove and timing. Playing to favorite songs gives them real-time practice. This method teaches them to listen and lock into a groove. For bassists, this is invaluable. Being able to respond to the drummers cues can bring a bassist to a whole new level of playing.
Drum Set at the Greeley Studio
Learning Note Values by Hopping on the Drums
Playing the drums is a great way to learn note values in a hands-on way. Students can learn how different note values feel by playing them on the drums. For example, a quarter note is one beat long, so a student would play it by hitting the drum once. A half note is two beats long, so a student would play it by hitting the drum and holding it, and so on. This can help students to better understand note values and how they relate to rhythm. If they try a simple beat with the kick on 1 and snare on 3, they can then transfer that knowledge to guitar or bass and have a better understanding of time signatures.
Counting from a Whole New Perspective
Counting is an essential skill for all musicians, but it can sometimes get a bit challenging. Drummers are constantly counting, so getting behind the drum set sometime during the lesson can help students to develop their counting skills. They will learn how to count different time signatures and rhythms, and they will also learn how to count in different ways.
Using drums in the studio is a great way to help guitar and bass students improve their skills in a fun and engaging way. It is also a great way to build and develop a deeper understanding of music.
If you have any questions about drums in the studio or are interested in lessons, please contact me.
Technology: A Guitar Instructor’s Best Friend
Technology: A Guitar Instructor’s Best Friend
Technology has come a long way in recent years, and its impact on the music industry has been nothing short of revolutionary. Guitar instructors have been among the first to embrace new technologies, and they are now using them to teach in ways that were never before possible.
How technology is changing and continues to help guitar instructors
Technology is changing the way guitar instructors teach in a number of ways. For example, instructors can now use video conferencing software to give lessons to students who live far away or who are unable to travel to their studio. This has made guitar lessons more accessible than ever before.
In addition, technology is making it easier for guitar instructors to create and deliver engaging lesson materials. For example, instructors can use music notation software to create custom sheet music for their students. They can also use video editing software to create instructional videos that students can watch at their own pace.
Benefits for Private Music Lessons
Saving time and being more efficient
Teachers can use online lesson platforms to schedule and manage their lessons more easily. They can also use these platforms to send students lesson materials and to track their progress. There are a number of different online tools available for creating and sharing lesson materials, such as Google Docs, Dropbox, and Evernote. These tools allow instructors to create and store lesson materials in a central location, which makes it easy to access and share them with students.
Recording software
Recording software allows teachers to record their students’ playing. This is a great way for students to track their progress and identify areas where they need to improve. Guitar instructors can use recording software to help their students learn new songs and techniques. One excellent app is Audacity which is free. It is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Audacity is a good option for guitar teachers who are on a budget or who are new to recording software. This is wonderful software for preparing students for events such as a talent show. It allows teachers to mix song tracks for the students to play along with.
Making lessons more engaging
Technology can help teachers make their lessons more engaging for their students. For example, teachers can use interactive learning tools to help students practice their strumming patterns and timing on songs or even increase the speed of their solos. Technology can also be used to create backing tracks for students to practice with. This makes practicing really fun while developing their timing and rhythmic skills.
Tuning apps
Tuning apps have made it easier than ever for guitarists to tune their instruments. This is a huge benefit for both beginners and experienced players alike. Guitar instructors can use tuning apps to help their students quickly and easily get their guitars in tune, so they can focus on learning and playing.
Guitar Tuner
Final Thoughts
Overall, technology is having a positive impact on guitar instruction. It is making it easier for students to access guitar lessons, and it is helping guitar instructors to teach more effectively. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative ways to use technology in guitar instruction.
If you are interested in guitar, bass, ukulele, or drum lessons, please contact me. I will get back to you within 24 hours.
Drum Practice Pads
A Drummer’s Guide to the Best Practice Pads: Rubber, Mesh, and Gel
Drum practice pads are an essential tool for any drummer, regardless of their skill level. They allow you to hone your technique, develop new skills, and improve your overall playing. But with so many different types of practice pads on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you.
Let’s take a look at the three most popular types of practice pads: rubber, mesh, and gel. Then I’ll mention some of their pros and cons to help you choose the best pad for your needs.
Rubber Drum Practice Pads
Rubber practice pads are the most common type of practice pad. They’re affordable, durable, and easy to find. Rubber pads provide a good rebound and a consistent feel, making them ideal for practicing rudiments and other technical exercises.
My well used drum practice pad
Pros:
- Affordable
- Durable
- Easy to find
- Good rebound and more realistic feel
- Consistent feel
Cons:
- Can be noisy
- May not be as comfortable for playing for long periods of time
Mesh Pads
Mesh practice pads are becoming increasingly popular among drummers. They offer a more comfortably feel thanks to their synthetic drumhead surface. Mesh pads are also quieter than rubber pads, making them a good choice for practicing in apartments or other shared spaces.
Pros:
- More comfortably than rubber pads
- Quieter than rubber pads
- Can be used with electronic drum triggers
Cons:
- More expensive than rubber pads
- Can be damaged more easily
- May not be as durable as rubber pads
Gel Pads
Gel practice pads are a newer type of practice pad that offers a unique feel. They are made of a soft, squishy material that provides a very different rebound than rubber or mesh pads. These pads are often used by drummers who are looking for a workout and would like to practice their accents and doubles.
Pros:
- Soft, squishy rebound
- Can be used to practice different techniques, such as ghost notes and double strokes
- Builds endurance and wrist strength
Cons:
- More expensive than rubber or mesh pads
- Hard to practice on for long periods of time
- May not be as durable as rubber or mesh pads
- Not as realistic as mesh or rubber pads
What type of practice pad is right for you?
If you’re just starting out, or if you’re on a budget, a rubber practice pad is a good option. Rubber pads are affordable, durable, and easy to find.
If you’re looking for a more comfortable feel, or if you need a practice pad that is quiet enough to use in a shared space, a mesh practice pad is a good choice. Mesh pads are also a good option if you plan on using your practice pad with electronic drum triggers.
If you’re looking for a practice pad that provides a good workout, or if you want to practice different techniques, such as ghost notes and double strokes, a gel practice pad may be a good option for you.
Ultimately, the best way to choose the right practice pad for you is to try out a few different types and see what feels best. Most music stores have a selection of practice pads that you can try out before you buy.
Here are a few additional tips for choosing a practice pad:
- Consider the size of the pad. A smaller pad can be better for beginners since it requires the sticks to hit in a small and specific location. However, if you want to be able to practice different techniques, such as playing multiple drums at the same time, you may want to choose a larger pad.
- Think about the type of surface you’ll be playing on. If you’re going to be playing on a hard surface, such as a table or desk, you may want a pad with a good rebound.
- Consider your budget. Practice pads can range in price from around $10 to $100. Set a budget before you start shopping so that you don’t overspend.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about drum practice pads or would like to try drum lessons.
Why Drum Notation Varies
Drum Kits
There are a few reasons why drum notation varies so much. The main reason is that drum kits are diverse. There is no standard drum kit, and drummers can use a wide variety of drums and cymbals to create their sound. This makes it difficult to develop a single, standardized way to notate all the possible combinations of drums and cymbals that a drummer might use.
Pitch
Drums are non-pitched percussion instruments. Unlike pitched percussion instruments, such as the xylophone or timpani, drums do not have specific pitches. This means that there is no single way to represent the different sounds of drums on a musical staff.
Complex Rhythms
Drum notation is often used to communicate complex rhythms. Drums can be used to play a wide variety of rhythms, from simple beats to complex patterns. This can make it difficult to notate drum parts in a way that is both clear and concise.
Trying to Standardize Drum Notation
As a result of these factors, there is a wide variety of different ways to notate drum parts. Some common practices in method books and popular software use these for standard drum notation:
Drum Notation Guitar Pro
Here are some specific examples of how drum notation varies:
- Using different noteheads to represent different drums and cymbals. For example, a solid notehead might be used to represent a snare drum, while a cross notehead might be used to represent a cymbal.
- Using different staff positions to represent different drums and cymbals. For example, the snare drum might be notated on the third space of the staff, while the hi-hat might be notated on the top line or even above the staff itself.
- Using additional notation symbols to indicate different playing techniques. For example, a slash through a note might indicate a ghost note, while a dot on a note might indicate a half-power hit.
In addition to these common practices, there are also many different idiosyncratic ways to notate drum parts. Some drummers and composers develop their own personal notation systems to communicate their specific ideas to other drummers.
It is important to note that there is no single “correct” way to notate drums. The best way to notate a drum part will depend on the specific needs of the drummer and the composer.
Hopefully this helps clear up why drum notation can be so confusing. The best thing to do is to listen to the song and get a feel for what is happening. Then it is much easier to see how the composer transcribes the music onto paper. If you have any questions about drums, feel free to contact me.
