What's on your holiday wishlist? If you're wishing for some cool effects and a wider variety of tones, Behringer's V-AMP2 might be just the thing. The V-AMP2 is "virtual amplification," AKA an amp modeler.

This powerful little blue gadget offers 32 amp models, plus 15 speaker simulations and about 16 effects/effects combinations. It also has a built-in tuner (handy), and headphone input for private practice sessions at Granny's house or in a motel room.

To get the complete technical lowdown and write-up, and some more detailed pics, look here.

A V-AMP2 can be had for about a hundred bucks (USD) and comes with a nice padded carry case, footswitch, cord, AC adapter, and shoulder strap for the bag. And it's compact--a neat little thing at about 11 inches long and 7 inches wide.

I really enjoy and appreciate my V-AMP2, but truthfully, I have no clue how to take full advantage of everything it can do. I have resolved multiple times to wrestle my way through the manual so I could make more intelligent use of the unit. Sadly, after several tries, I have accepted that the manual is incomprehensible to me.

So, I just push buttons and have found a few fave settings. For my money, the V-AMP2 is just the ticket to give me some tonal options.

Happy Holidays!

Recently, there's been some really good guitar-playing at my house. Sadly, it's not come from my fingers, but I have enjoyed it nonetheless. Calvin, a friend of my daughter's, is quite a good guitarist, with quite a repertoire of some great rock music.

Calvin agreed to share a little about his guitaring as an inspiration for us beginners:

Q: How old are you, Calvin, and how many years have you been playing guitar?

C: I am 15 and I have been playing for about a year-and-a-half.

Q: Did you start out on acoustic first, or right away on electric?

C: My first guitar was a beat up old acoustic. Starting with acoustic was probably smart for learning the basics because they are harder to play than electrics, so if you learn the basics well on an acoustic then switch to electric it would make your life easier.

Q: Did you take lessons, or just learn on your own?

C: I started on my own, and learn a lot of stuff on my own still, but I highly recommend lessons because without them you will probably end up playing everything with bad technique. So for me, I learn songs by myself, and technique and theory with my teacher.

Q: How much time do you spend a week playing guitar?

C: I try to play half an hour a day. I normally play more than that though, so about 5 - 6 hours a week, I would say.

Q: Do you play any other musical instruments?

C: Yes, I play the trombone and the bass. The bass I just picked up because it is very similar to the guitar and I have played the trombone since sixth grade in school.

Q: Do you read music, or play from tablature, or strictly by ear? Do you think it is important for guitarists to be able to read standard music notation?

C: I normally play from tablature, but I really should learn how to read music. I have slowly learned how to read music but it is a challenge because you can play the same note several places on the guitar, so you have to figure out where to play it. I have been learning how to pick up songs by ear as well. It isn't completely necessary but I think it would be a helpful skill. I don't think it is super-important for a guitarist to learn standard music notation but it would be very helpful.

Q: What kind of guitar(s) do you have?

C: My first guitar is an Applause acoustic/electric. I now have an Epiphone SG 310, an Epiphone Les Paul Special II, and an Epiphone Goth Explorer. They are all great guitars but if I had to pick a favorite I would have to say my Explorer.

Q: Who are some of your favorite bands/artists?

C: Metallica, Pink Floyd, AC/DC, Guns & Roses, Led Zeppelin, System of a Down, Queens of the Stoneage, Eagles of Deathmetal, Malmsteen, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, White Stripes, OK GO, and lots, lots more.

Q: Are you currently in a band, or have any plans to form one?

C: I wish I was. I know a few people who have bands, but they either are full or just say they're a band but don't do anything.

Q: Do you have any advice for the person who is just starting to learn to play guitar?

C: LEARN YOUR BASICS!!!!! They are really boring after a while but it is worth it! If you are having problems with things just break them down, go slow and work on them a lot, then speed it up and put it together.

Seems there is a big blip in the number of middle-aged beginner guitarists over the past few years. More and more 30-, 40- and 50-somethings are picking up the instrument for the first time. Count me among them.

What do you suppose might be behind this trend?

I'm thinking it may be because this generation is the first wave of folks to have grown up with rock music, with the guitar as its icon. We cut our teeth on the Rolling Stones and Led Zep, and were imprinted with the likes of Boston, Journey, and Joe Walsh.

And this generation, more so than our parents', may have more discretionary dollars in middle age to spend on hobbies and personal interests--bare necessities such as guitars and amps and special effects. (Of course, we will be retiring to cardboard boxes under the bridge, but who's worried?)

By middle age our careers may be getting comfy and our kids may be fleeing the nest, leaving perhaps a little more free time for musical pursuits, as well.

Or.....maybe we are all just going through a mid-life crisis together, trying to reclaim our misspent youth.....

Oh well. No matter. Whatever got you here, just, "Pick up [your] guitar and play, just like yesterday...."

Happy Thanksgiving!

(Photo credit: fiskfisk, via Flickr.com)

Anybody who's awake has noticed the proliferation of large chain music stores, and the decline in the number of smaller, locally-owned music stores.

One of the United States' largest guitar retailers, Guitar Center (GC), opened new stores at the rate of one to two per month in the late 1990s. Between 1999 and 2003, GC nearly tripled in size, opening over 70 new retail stores.

GC currently has over 160 stores in 42 states and also sells online. GC also owns catalog and internet mega-seller Musician's Friend (MF), garnering another $350 million in annual sales. Additional sister companies include LMI, Giardinelli, Musician.com, Private Reserve Guitars, Harmony Central, Woodwind Brasswind, and Music 123. Gobble, gobble.

I have not been able to find statistics on the number of small music stores that have, evidently quietly, closed their doors in recent years. However, it is obvious that it is happening across the nation, and this trend has been a topic of some discussion on guitar forums and elsewhere.

Obviously, the current market supports the big-box retailers of guitars and gear. The chain stores have the advantage of nationwide marketing and advertising campaigns. They also have volume buying power and can offer deep discounts on selected items. Online retailers have the advantage of not having to charge sales tax for customers in most states. Though shipping costs may offset some of the tax savings, breaks are often given on shipping, clinching the sale.

To stay in business against tough competition, a smaller mom-and-pop store has to flex and adapt. They may focus on offering more personalized service, or specialize in high-end or collector's instruments, or be more accommodating on special orders or payment options. They may offer additional services such as music lessons or build on a reputation for having a quality repair department.

Stacy Mitchell is chair of the American Independent Business Alliance, and author of Big-Box Swindle: The True Cost of Mega-Retailers and the Fight for America's Independent Businesses. Mitchell's book asserts that (quoted from Amazon.com):

"Deep-pocketed chains like Home Depot flood the market to drive out competition....then advertise some products at or below cost, while most other products may offer no better value than at independent stores. Meanwhile....independent businesses not only return profits to local communities and remain more civic-minded and accountable, but offer resiliency rooted in diversity, in contrast to the big-box "monocrop." "

One reason I prefer my "local" guitar shop (30 miles from home) is that it offers a more relaxing, less gymnasium-like shopping experience. I admit that I have ordered items from MF, and it has been very convenient to have them delivered to my door. (Several times they were items that my favorite store did not carry.) My experience with MF's customer service has been good. But two trips into the nearest GC retail store were more than enough for me.

As put by the Grinch, "OH, the noise, noise, noise, noise, NOISE!" The GC salesman I dealt with was zooming around exerting high-pressure tactics in an obvious substance-induced- dilated-pupils-state. I was overwhelmed with the level of chaotic activity in the place (made me wonder if maybe, god-forbid, I am getting OLD!) and resolved not to return in other than dire circumstances. I drove directly to the locally-owned place, breathed a sigh of relief upon entering its pleasant atmosphere, and did my part to help them survive to see another day.

(Photo credit: AlphaTangoBravo/Adam Baker, via Flickr.com)

Got a computer? Got a guitar?

Put them together and see what fun you can have!

If you’ve never heard of plugging your guitar into your computer, it might seem like a weird idea at first. But you can do all kinds of cool stuff once you get it going.

You can play along with downloaded backing tracks or songs ripped from CD’s and listen to both inputs (backing track or song and your guitar) through a set of headphones or your computer speakers instead of listening to them from separate sources. A feature in Windows Media Player allows you to slow down the backing track or song if needed.

Plugging your guitar into your computer also allows you to record yourself without a lot of fancy studio equipment. Listening to your playback can be a great tool for identifying what you need to work on.

What’s really great is, once you can record yourself, you can collaborate musically with others via the miracle of the internet!

So to get started playing your guitar through your computer…

This explanation is for electric or acoustic-electric guitars into a PC. Acoustic guitars require an external microphone, which we won’t address here today.

Obviously, you’ll need your guitar and your computer. You’ll also need your practice amp or a device such as the Behringer V-AMP2, and the appropriate cords/connectors, which we will talk about.

I’ll describe this connection through the V-AMP2, which is what I use most often. The V-AMP2 is an inexpensive modeling unit that allows you to produce many different tones and effects without investing in a lot of pedals. It also serves as a pre-amp to boost your guitar’s signal going in to the computer.

1. Connect the guitar into the V-AMP2’s Input socket using a regular guitar cable.

2. Connect the V-AMP2’s Line-Out to the computer’s Line-In. This requires a special "Y-cable" that has ¼ inch male stereo plugs (left and right) on one end, and a 1/8 inch male plug on the other. After quite some searching, I finally found this Y-cable online.

The Line-In socket is on the back of my computer and requires crawling under the desk with a flashlight. Fortunately, it is okay to leave it connected all the time.

3. Make sure your volume is turned low, and turn on your power source. You should be able to hear your guitar through your computer’s speakers, or you can plug in a set of headphones for private practice.

If you use your practice amp in place of the V-AMP2, the main difference is the cable used from the amp to the computer. Instead of the Y-cable, you’ll need a cable with a ¼ inch male plug on one end and a 1/8 inch male plug on the other. You can also accomplish this with an adapter (¼ inch female to 1/8 inch male) on one end of a regular guitar cable. This adapter should be readily available at most electronic and discount department stores. I found it at both K-Mart and Radio Shack.

Once you can play through your computer, it’s time to download a free recording program such as Audacity or Kristal. But that’s a story for another day.

Hey, Listen to This!

You undoubtedly have some favorite guitarists – maybe some who inspired you to want to play.

Here are a few guitarists I enjoy listening to. Not a “top ten” or “greatest of all time” list. Just my list for today. Ask me tomorrow, it will look a little different.

Let’s warm up with Kenny Wayne Shepherd's Deja Voodoo. If you watch only one video out of all mentioned in this article, please watch Deja Voodoo. And here is KWS’s Shotgun Blues. Check out the solo beginning around 1:50.

Think KSW takes inspiration from Stevie Ray Vaughan at all? Speaking of the late great SRV, (who I am sorry to admit I did not discover until after his death) listen to this fabuloso rendition of Little Wing. See how many other guitar greats you can identify in that vid. Some cool footage from inside the Fender factory, too.

Sometimes we get discouraged and think, “I’ll never be able to play decently, let alone like these guys.” When you get to thinking that way, pull up this vid and reassess your personal challenges to playing guitar.

This six-year-old is incredibly cute, and plays a mean Twist and Shout.

Not all guitar gods play to packed arena crowds. Check out this guy’s home brew.

You simply must hear Andy McKee’s percussive-acoustic style. Try Drifting for starters. Check out his other vids, as well. Some beautiful music and unusual-looking instruments.

The poignant More Than Words brings us Nuno Bettencourt and Extreme. Picking the tempo up, just for fun let’s Get the Funk Out.

Ready for a tasty dessert? No, really, I lied before--if you watch only one video, it has to be this one. :-) Here is BB King, joined by Gary Moore, on the classic blues tune The Thrill Is Gone. Good stuff, Maynard.

Granted, the audio quality of YouTube vids is not always that great. But it’s fun and motivational to watch as well as hear some great musicians. Dig around a bit and you’ll find some gems among the rubble.

Think I’ll go practice now.

Standard Notation vs. Tablature – Do I really need both?

Music for guitar is usually written in one of two ways—standard notation (SN hereafter, for the sake of brevity), or tablature (tab, for short). A never-ending controversy regarding SN and tab is, “Can you be a real guitarist if you only know tab?”

Some beginners may not be familiar with either SN or tab, so let’s cover some background before we dive into the discussion:

What is Tablature?

Guitar tab consists of a staff of six horizontal, parallel lines, one to represent each string, with the high e on the top and low E on the bottom. (A lower case “e” is commonly used to denote the high e string, and capital “E” denotes the low E string.) A number placed on a line indicates which fret to press on that particular string. So a number 7 on the third line from the top would mean to press the 7th fret on the G string. Here is an example of guitar tab.

What is Standard Notation?

SN uses a five-line staff, and round-headed notes are placed on the lines and in the spaces between the lines. Various note stems are used to indicate the duration of the note, and other symbols are used to indicate rests (pauses), etc. Here is a sample of SN. Ha! Just kidding. Here is a real sample of SN for guitar. (Don't be intimidated by what you see--it's not a beginner's piece.)

Pros and Cons of Tab

Tab has the advantage of being very easy to learn, giving a quick start to those who don’t know SN. Another advantage of tab has to do with specific placement of a note on the fretboard. On a guitar, the same note (pitch) can be played multiple places on the fretboard. For example, play the 9th fret of the D string, then play the 4th fret of the G string, then play the open B string. You have just played the same B note in each of three positions. Tab tells you exactly which place to play the note.

The most obvious disadvantage of tab is that it gives no information about rhythm, or length of time to hold each note. Unless the song is familiar and you know how it is supposed to sound, you must have a recording or someone to play it for you, in order to emulate the rhythm and learn it.

The Myth

A number of well-known professional guitarists know only tab and don’t read SN. So the myth persists that knowing tab alone is enough, and that there is no compelling reason to go to the trouble of learning SN. The thing is, the previously-mentioned highly-successful guitarists also usually have years of experience and a very well-developed ear, and can play along without any written page in front of them once they know the key and the style of music. Most beginning guitarists do not yet have this skill of “playing by ear.”

Pros and Cons of Standard Notation

SN also has pros and cons. On the plus side, SN helps a guitarist develop an understanding of theory, including melody, harmony, keys, etc. SN has the advantage in illustrating the relationships between notes, such as the intervals (e.g. thirds, fifths, octaves), and in showing how chords are built. SN provides detailed information about rhythm, rests, dynamics, and duration of each note, which tab does not.

A guitarist who knows SN can take a piece of music written for another instrument (e.g., piano or voice) and play along with it. Not true for the tab-only reader. It is virtually a requirement that all studio, or session, musicians read SN.

The main disadvantage of SN is actually seen by some (usually more experienced guitarists) as an advantage, and that is this: SN does not provide any advice about where on the fretboard to play a given note. That leaves it up to the discretion of (and requires some knowledge on the part of) the guitarist.

Reciting vs. Speaking the Language

Banjo player and educator “Dr. Banjo” Peter Wernick equates learning how to play from tablature alone (without SN) with the difference of learning to “recite,” when one should be learning how to “speak” the language. He says he’s also seen this with ESL adults learning to read English. Sometimes they are “fluent,” though they don’t actually know how to put together a sentence on their own.

The Best of Both Worlds

While a guitarist can learn to play well using tab alone, making the extra effort to learn SN will result in improved skills and musicianship in the long run. It is doubtful that many have ever regretted learning SN once they understood what it can do. Knowing how to read and use both tab and SN is the best of both worlds.

Due to years of playing the piano I already knew how to read SN before picking up the guitar. I have come to the point where I will only purchase guitar books that have both SN and tab, so I can use the best of both. I can read the tab faster than I can read SN, but I need the SN especially to learn the rhythm initially. Also, I can take the SN to my piano and play it through, so I have an idea what an unfamiliar song is supposed to sound like.

If you’re ready to start learning SN, here is an excellent lesson on standard notation by Tom Serb, professional musician, composer, guitar teacher, and author of Music Theory for Guitarists. Knock yourself out!

Recreational Music Making for Stress Relief

How do you relieve stress? Watch tv? Chew your nails? Eat? Perhaps when you are feeling stressed, you should reach for your guitar instead. One study suggests that recreational music making can be significant in stress-reduction, even for those who don’t consider themselves to be musically inclined.

Dr. Barry Bittman of the Mind-Body Wellness Center, and researchers from Loma Linda University School of Medicine and Applied Biosystems, published the results of their scientific research study in the February 2005 issue of the Medical Science Monitor.

The study took 32 adults who did not consider themselves to be musical, and had them engage in a stress-inducing activity for an hour. Then the group was divided into three smaller groups. For the next hour, each participant either continued the stress-producing activity, relaxed and read periodicals of their choice, or participated in a group recreational music (piano) keyboard program.

Blood samples taken before and after each activity were analyzed for 45 specific biological responses to stress.

The researchers found that stress-reduction was three times greater for those who participated in the recreational music making than for those who read for the hour following the stressful activity.

What is a Set-Up and Do I Need One?

You may have heard the term “set-up” kicked around in relation to guitars. What is a set-up and do you need to have one done?

A set-up refers to adjustments made to a guitar to make it more playable and to optimize the guitar’s tuning. Basically, a set-up is to a guitar as a tune-up is to a car.

Get a piece of the action...

During a set-up, the technician will adjust the guitar’s “action,” or height of the strings from the fretboard. Action that is too high makes it difficult to depress the strings easily. Most new guitars come from the factory with the action set on the high side, to allow adjustment downward according to individual tastes, as lowering the action is easier and less costly than raising it.

Intonation…

Also, the guitar’s “intonation” is checked and adjusted. Intonation refers to each string being in tune all the way up the scale, no matter where the string is fretted. When you tune your guitar to play, you tune the open (unfretted) string. However, this does not guarantee that the string will play in perfect pitch all the way up the fretboard. (See guitar diagram.) Getting the optimal intonation is a matter of some fine and picky adjustments that can involve the truss rod, the nut, the saddle, etc. You may eventually learn to do your own set-ups, but for a beginner these adjustments are probably better left to someone more experienced.

When to set up a set-up?

When should a set-up be done? If you purchase an instrument (new or used) from a shop, you can usually negotiate the cost of a professional set-up into the price. If you purchase a used instrument from a private party, you may want to take it to a shop for a set-up. If you change to a different string gauge, your instrument may need a new set-up. Or if the guitar’s environment (humidity levels, in particular) changes radically, say in a move from a desert climate to tropical, it may need a new set-up.

How much?

A set-up may cost anywhere from $25 to $75, depending on where you have it done (shop vs. private party), the local market and economy, and whether a new set of strings are included in the price. Whether the cost of strings is included in the set-up fee or if you have to purchase the strings separately, installing fresh strings should be done during a set-up. The cost of a set-up may be a flat fee, or based on the amount of time the technician spends on your particular instrument.

The payoff…

A good set-up can significantly alter the sound and playability of your guitar, greatly increasing your motivation to practice and your enjoyment in playing. For this reason alone, a set-up can be an investment worth making.

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Guitar Beginnings: Picking your first guitar...

So you've decided to learn to play guitar! Maybe you already play another instrument and want something more portable to take your music to the patio or the park. Or maybe you've never played an instrument at all. Either way, the guitar is a seemingly simple (after all, it's only six strings, right?) yet utterly challenging instrument of great versatility.

With this blog I hope to share a few things I have learned so far, maybe helping shorten the learning curve for you, the older youth or adult beginner guitarist. I am not a guitar expert; rather, I am a struggling guitar student myself, perhaps considered an intermediate beginner if I flatter myself.

However, since I have been where you are -- at the very beginning -- not so long ago, I have a perspective on a beginner's problems and questions that some more advanced guitarists may have lost touch with over time.

So, now that you've got the bug, you can hardly wait to start strumming, but you need a guitar to do that so let's get shopping!

Acoustic, electric or acoustic-electric?

One of the first decisions will be whether to go acoustic or electric, or even acoustic-electric. The type of music you want to play (classical, folk, blues, funk), and the settings in which you want to play (campfire, coffeehouse, rock-n-roll stage), may give you a good idea which way to go.

More to consider:

An acoustic guitar generally requires no amplification, but can be miked externally for projection or recording purposes. An acoustic-electric is an acoustic guitar with built-in electronics, allowing it to be connected to an amplification system (sans microphone), similar to an electric guitar.

An electric guitar is designed to be played through amplification. A small practice amp will suffice (some models can operate on batteries, if portability is important), or you can plug into your computer, playing through its speakers or into headphones. (We'll talk about hooking up to the computer and even recording onto it another day.)

Acoustic options...

Acoustic guitars generally fall into two basic categories: nylon string (classical) or steel string (folk). Neck width and string spacing differs, with the classical guitar having a slightly wider neck and more space between the strings. The folk guitar tends to have a brighter, more jangly sound than the classical.

Nylon strings may feel gentler on the fingertips of the beginner's fretting hand, but if you get a steel string guitar, you will soon build up protective calluses. My first guitar was a classical, but I soon switched over to a folk guitar because I found I liked the sound better and had developed some calluses -- I no longer feared the pain of fretting steel strings. From there, I expanded into the electric side, and I play electrics almost exclusively now.

Electric options...

Electric guitars can be broadly grouped into two categories, as well: those with single coil pickups, and those with two single coil pickups side by side, or humbuckers, as they are called. Some guitars mix pickup types--for example, an HSS Stratocaster has one humbucker (H) and two single coils (SS).

Each type (single coil vs. humbucker) has its own characteristic sound. The single coil is sometimes said to have a more cutting, twangy tone, and the humbucker might be described as having a warmer, thicker tone. Guitar tones vary widely based on many factors, and can be changed radically by applying various effects. (We'll look at ways to add a veritable feast of tones to your arsenal down the road a piece.)

Try this on for size...

If there is a particular artist whose sound you gravitate toward, do a little research and find out what equipment they use. You may not settle on that model, but there's no harm in checking out a Gibson SG if you're an Angus-wannabe. You may as well get used to the idea that if you stick with guitar, you will eventually own multiple guitars. My house is now populated with four electrics, three acoustics, and two basses. (Hey, nobody said you had to be good at guitar to have some fun with it.) Right now you are just picking out your "first" guitar. Psssst-- your spouse or S.O. needn't be privy to this fact just yet. :-)

Audition many guitars. Go to several shops...pick a guitar, any guitar...see how it feels in your hands...put a strap on and see if its weight balances naturally, hands-free, while you are sitting and while you are standing... strum and pick around a while... see if it feels comfortable or if there are issues such as continually bumping a pickup or selector switch. Rinse and repeat.

Phone a friend...

Take a more experienced guitarist shopping with you. He/she can play some tunes and help identify advantages and disadvantages of various models. Perhaps you know a guitar teacher who would help make a wise selection. Have a salesperson demonstrate instruments for you--many of them play and they surely love to play while on the clock. Strike up conversations with other guitar shop customers. Typically, they are browsing at leisure, love to talk guitars and some even like to show off their chops.

Research guitar models online--you'll find reviews by real folks in addition to the glowing descriptions written by the manufacturers. Though one negative review shouldn't dampen your enthusiasm for the newfound love-of-your-guitar-life, if four out of five reviewers say that the knobs on Model XYZ tend to fall off, you can at the very least check out the knobs on the one you plan to take home.

Money matters...

Pull up a chair and spend some time in the guitar shops before you plunk down your Benjamins. If you're looking at electrics, plug into an amp. If you are reluctant for other customers to hear your strumming, ask for a set of headphones. You are considering an important investment--give it your full attention.

How much should you spend on your first guitar? Obviously, your personal finances are going to dictate that, but you needn't spend a fortune on your first guitar. Once you get a few licks under your belt, you may find you want something entirely different. In my case, I went from classical to folk to electric in not much more than a year.

On the other hand, don't buy a poor quality instrument that is difficult to play, doesn't stay in tune, has little resale value, or that you find particularly unsightly. As a gross generalization, you should be able to find something suitable for $100 to $500. There are decent starter packs that include guitar, amp (with electrics), strap, cord, case and tuner. Negotiate for a professional set-up to be included with the purchase. (Look for more details about set-ups next time.)

Pre-driven models...

You may be able to afford better quality by going with a used instrument. Some shops have trade-ins, and http://www.craigslist.org/ has instruments for sale by private parties (organized by geographic region), or you may find your perfect partner in the local classifieds. In my opinion, for your first guitar especially, it's a good idea to try out the instrument in person before buying. Since used instruments don't often carry a warranty, check them out carefully for playability, damage or defects.

The send-off...

Think about your guitar goals, seek input from those in-the-know, and try out a baker's dozen before you choose your guitar. Above all, leave behind any inhibitions or anxieties and enjoy the first leg on this journey. After all, you're taking up the guitar for fun, and every guitarist was a beginner once. Finding a good fit with your first guitar can make all the difference in your motivation to practice, and therefore, your ultimate success.