South African Music Magazine
Some of the most difficult to understand effects processors are dynamics processors such as compressors, expanders, noise gates and limiters. While we all know effects like distortion, equalisers and reverbs and what they sound like, dynamics processors are not usually detectable unless they are used heavily. What are “dynamics”? Dynamics are the differences in volume Read More »
Welcome to Play Better Guitar, and yes we are going to talk about the metronome although many people might say “what’s that?” I have been teaching guitar for many years as well as producing guitar in the studio and the one common flaw I find amongst guitarists is the weak rhythm playing and the inability Read More »
1. Write the lyrics for your Song Many musicians write their own melodies as well as the lyrics. If you already have lyrics, consider them when writing your melody. Some questions to ask yourself before composing the music are: What words do I want to focus on? Are there note lengths or timing that will Read More »
As bassists, it is essential that we learn to trust and openly communicate with our comrades on the drums. Bassists and drummers should have a healthy, honest and trusting relationship. Below, I have outlined several key points that you should consider when working and locking in with your drummer. Both the bass Player and the Read More »
Hi and welcome back to Play Better Guitar, I hope you have all had a great start to 2011. In this issue I have decided to look at some licks in different styles of playing, almost a fun lesson, and some extra licks for your lick bag. We will get back into the caged positions Read More »
This year I want to take Your Private Universe in a slightly different direction. Over the past 14 issues we have looked at con-ventional recording and processing techniques for a number of the usual instruments you are likely to record at home. I want to continue with recording and processing tricks in this coming year, Read More »
As musicians, some of the most powerful tools we have are delays. A well set delay can add excitement to the sound and can create a monstrous groove. Conversely, if your effect is set to the wrong time, it can completely destroy the feel of the music and mess up an otherwise tight composition. What Read More »
The effect you use on bass should add to, not detract from, your performance. So choosing the right effects takes some careful thought. Use of an effects pedal on bass, as I mentioned earlier on is nothing new. Paul McCartney used fuzz on his bass on Think for Yourself on The Beatles landmark 1966 LP Read More »
Okay so we are back and this lesson we are breaking down the Arpeggio in position 1 and we will take a brief look at position 2 and its associated triad chords. In the last issue we looked at the different chordal options we have as well as their uses within position 1 also known Read More »
I have found myself recording and mixing upright/double bass a number of times lately so in this months issue I will take a look at some EQ and compression tips for this tricky beast. Originally a classical instrument the upright bass has infiltrated into many other genres including Jazz and Blues and sometimes even rock. Read More »
