English Corpus

Barre chords are the scourge of the beginning guitarist. Like a bum knee, a prison record, the inability of matter to exceed the speed of light; barre chords hold us back. The next time an F minor chord messes with you, mess back with this:

• Check your thumb placement. Your thumb should be pressing against the back of the neck, on the fattest part, behind the area where the 2nd finger’s hanging out.
• Check your first finger placement. It should be parallel with the fret wire, so close it’s just barely touching the side. Roll your finger a bit toward the nut, so that the bony side of the finger is digging into the strings instead of the strings digging into what my student Casey calls the “chub.”
• Stop pressing so hard. That first finger’s only responsible for fretting some of the strings, so don’t try to press down on each string with equal force. For example, when playing a standard barred F chord, press hard with the tip of your finger on the 6th string, and dig your knuckle into the 1st and 2nd strings, but let the finger rest lightly over the other strings.
• Take heart. Often you can transpose a song to avoid barre chords. Also, some great guitarists never play barre chords–BB King, for example, played his way to greatness pretty much one note at a time. As he said in the U2 documentary “Rattle and Hum,” “I don’t do chords.”

Rob Hampton teaches private and group guitar lessons in Seattle, Washington. His website features guitar chords and tabs written by him for his students–they’re some of the most accurate free guitar music you can find on the web. He also has a lively guitar teaching blog.

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Not long after I added the hobby of four part a capella singing to my repertoire of interests, my younger sister, Diane, mentioned that she liked singing in the church choir. Being an amateur singer myself, I was impressed. I asked her to give me a sample and she eagerly complied.

“Amazing Grace” was the song she chose, and she sang it with confidence and power. At its completion, I politely clapped as she waited for my comments. Thinking of myself as a beginning expert, I proceeded to explain that although she sang it well, I thought her voice was too breathy and her vibrato too pronounced. She asked me to explain and I went on for some time, adding that I didn’t think she’d make it as a professional singer, but would be fine for the chorus. All very uppity and know-it-all. She took the criticism quietly and promised to hear our quartet the next time she was in our area.

Five years later I got a postcard from Diane from the decks of a large cruise ship as it passed through the Panama Canal. She had been chosen to be the featured singer on the ship and even had the floating nightclub named after her. In love with her keyboard player, they later married and settled in Florida. I was flabbergasted! My little sister who I thought couldn’t sing a note - famous?

I found out why when three months later I received a tape recording of Diane singing to the accompaniment of a small trio. Her voice spoke to my mind, projecting the words with emotion and like Peggy Lee sounded as if she were singing just to you. A southern drawl enhanced the pure melodic tones as she performed nine of the favorite pop songs of the day. She had quite a good range and phrased the words like a female Frank Sinatra. Her arrangements were striking and individual, far better than even the original hits. My wife, Marianne, who is quite particular about who she likes, stated that Diane sang better than any of the pop singers on the radio. We, of course, wrote Diane of our amazement and wished her success in her new trade. So much for my “professional” advice.

I am the baritone in a barbershop quartet called “The Bell Tones”

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In the beginning, you see, there were only the stars. There were the music hall stars, then there were the radio stars, then you had the movie stars, and after came pop and rock stars. Eventually a whole industry grew up around them to tell us all about them, about their likes and their dislikes, their lives and their loves, and to document, wherever possible, their every waking moment.

It got to be so that, eventually, there was more media to comment upon them than there were of stars themselves - just not enough to go round - so the media industry turned towards the environment that nurtured the stars, see if it couldn’t catch them on the way up, as it were, help’em along a little, maybe. And tell us all about howe things were going with them in the meantime.

Let’s talk about how this affected rock and roll, for example. I can personally remember when just about every rock writer, in an effort to get famous by being the writer who discovered the Next Big Thing, would be writing enthusiastically about supposedly fantastic groups that no one else on the planet had ever heard of. The more obscure they were, the better. If they hadn’t made an album, that was good. If they hadn’t actually gigged yet, that was better. This would typically last for roughly one week per band, which meant that readers were regaled on a weekly basis with enthusiastic and detailed overviews of bands we’d never heard of and, after that one week, would never hear of again.

Which didn’t hurt us any. We just stopped reading the music press. But the implications for up-and-coming bands, the genuine ones, the ones that could of made it if they’d just been left alone, was a whole lot more serious.

It got to be, you see, that in paying such close attention to the environment that nurtured stars, the press destroyed that environment, and so stopped any new stars from coming into being.

The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle says that, roughly speaking, if you shine a light on a sub-atomic particle, reason being you want to know where it is at some particular time, due to its extreme tinyness it gets affected by the beam of light you’re shining at it, and that beam of light shoves it over a bit from where it was before you shone the beam of light at it. If you want to know where it was before you shone that beam of light at it, you’re kind of screwed, because you have no way of looking at it without shining that light at it, which means in turn that….etc.etc.
Similarly, in paying such close attention to the environment that stars were created in, namely, obscurity, the media so altered that environment that it couldn’t produce stars anymore, which meant in turn that…etc.etc.

So, we now had a situation in which not only were there not enough stars to go round for the media to feature, we now had a situation in which it was impossible for stars to be able to mature and develop their potential and thus come into being. In the same way that the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle suggests that by observing the behaviour of sub-atomic particles we alter it, in trying too hard to spot nascent stars we stop them from ever forming. Stardom needs obscurity to find its feet in, you need to develop out of the spotlight if you’re ever going to be good enough to be in it.

This left the media in a total spot. They needed stars to write about and feature so they could pay for food for the table, the roofs over their heads etc. so, in the absence of any real stars, or any up-and-coming stars, stars had to be invented.

Hence Reality TV shows. Hence Pop Idol. Hence Big Brother, and most of all, hence Chantelle.

She didn’t exist as a celebrity, so the media had to invent her.

Oh look; - they did!

“Big” Bill Kruse probably watches far too much tv. Also, he operates Posters & Art Prints, Crystal & Glass Gifts and SEO Services sites.

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Eliminate the tension from your move by phoning Man and Van. There’s no hidden tolls with the service. For moves across the M25 we only bill you once we arrive at your place till as we leave. If you are wanting to move to another town such as Evesham, Brandon, Hailsham, or Lancaster give us a ring and you’ll get a quote specific to your requirements.

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Are you a seasoned poker player, but have never tried a virtual game? Maybe it’s because you are intimidated by not being able to see the other players at the table. Maybe it is simply a case of being worried about security issues. No matter the reason, it is time you tried your hand at internet poker and to help you along, here are some online poker room reviews to help you choose which site to play at.

Party Poker is among the top rated virtual poker rooms on the internet. Their efforts to get their name out there have certainly been rewarded by all of the players they have brought to their tables. Although they do have quite a large amount of customers, their customer service is nothing to brag about, which is something to think about if money will be involved. Party Poker is presented by the same people that gave us CardPlayer Cruises, so they do know what they are doing. Every year Party Poker hosts a rather large tournament, Party Poker Million; this is a huge draw for many internet poker players.

Poker Stars is known for never having a time when there is not a large tournament going on that anyone can enter. Popular with most of the free roll players, the site offers some entertaining aspects to the programming. Although the interface may look rather chaotic due to the extensive choices that players have for their icon choices, it is still one of the best online poker rooms on the net.

Ultimate Bet may not have the financial status to back it up, but it certainly has a number of well-known players to play against, such as Russ Hamilton, Phil Hellmuth and Annie Duke. One great aspect about this room is that it includes a helpful feature where players can minimize the playing table on the computer screen, allowing them to play multiple tables easier.

Most of the time, Ladbrokes has encounters worth watching, and for added reliability they are linked with the Hilton Group. Sponsoring a substantial European tournament, where they don’t take US players, is an annual competition known as the Ladbrokes Poker Tournament. Although their poker room is not extra ordinary, it can still provide one with hours of poker entertainment.

These are only a sampling of the online poker rooms that are on the internet and available for play every hour of every day. Playing poker online, affords you the opportunity to play against a caliber of poker player that may be hard to find where you live.

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There are a number of things you’ll require to obtain when you begin cycling. The first and most understandable is a good mountain bike that suits you! While that may perhaps appear like a no-brainer, loads of people begin out on bikes that are either too little, or constructed with poor quality parts, simply because they are less expensive. The correct fit & a well constructed bicycle can make your journey a lot smoother however, don’t be coaxed to bargain shop for your bicycle. However, it will be better in the long run to 1 one that will survive you a very long time. As soon as you have a bicycle that’s correct for you, it is time to acquire the other cycling items that will support you in becoming an enthusiastic cyclist.

Lights: The minimum needed by United Kingdom law for your bike is a couple reflectors. However, a headlight and tail light are great even throughout the day. When it is dark & rainy, they can make a large difference in your visibility to cars.

Tools: Just like driving a motor vehicle, accidents do happen while you are on your bike. Therefore, it is important that you keep a small tool kit with you at all times to take care of flat tyres, uncooperative chains, loose bolts and other problems. Visit Sportswear-Equipment.com today for great cycling equipment sales.

Helmet: Whilst it is legal in the majority of places to go without a cycling helmet, in numerous others, one is required. If you are aiming to bike regularly, it’s smart to have one even in areas where no helmet law exists.

Clothes: While special cycling clothing is without doubt optional, it’s sensible to pay attention to what you’re wearing. Loose garments ought to be avoided, or tucked up so they do not get jammed in the chain.

Locks: Unless you’re lucky enough to live in a place where you are able store your bicycle inside all the time, a lock is vital. Even in the countryside, there are people who will happily take and resell your bicycle.

Related topics of interest include: F1 2009 & Toy Deals.

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I sometimes don’t like to admit it, but I am nostalgic. I like 80s music, old type computer games (Street Fighter, Defender..come on!) and classic techno making machines.

Why?

I think they forged through and made todays music what it is. Machines like the TB303, TR909, JD800 and the famous Moog- what an effect they have made on dance and techno music! The rise in popularity of techno, i.e, with the makers and in the audience, was down to the cool sounds and the general compatability (sound wise) between the machines were the key.

In some cases limited numbers were made and the increase in popularity only meant two things. 1) An increase in the same old songs, rehashed versions that sounded similar in everyway, and 2) The price went into overdrive. Machines like the TB303 were selling for silly money. This trend is still being seen today. You can buy one of these machines for between $600-$1000.

And why?

The old favourite answers are “because you can see the lights moving”, “Its just great twisting those dials”- and so on. This is where to me nostalgia stops, especially when you want to make techno. Sure they were great sounding machines, sure if you didn’t have their sounds in your music you were classed as old fashoined…but for $1000!

This isn’t ravings from a person who never had one at all. I have a Roland MC202. I love the little box of tricks. The little rubber keyboard is novel and the sliders are cool. However, once all the fiddling is out of the way. Once you have gone oooOOhhh…there isn’t really anything left. Thats the problem for me.

Once the coolness has worn off, you have to go through extra work to hook it up into your set-up. Do you sample the loops off the machine? Do you buy a synch box? Do you MIDIfy it (costing extra cash)? I don’t mean to be all doom and gloom, and if you do have one, keep it- they are cool to work with. But if you don’t…well, look at the other options.

There are two great alternatives out there in Internet land that can help us out.

1) Sample sites. Nowadays they house great sample loops, and single hit sounds from the various machines. Housed in sample packs, you will notice that the sounds sound similar to each other because the sampler has twisted the dial a little and then sampled the sound. Now you have loads of sounds altered slightly. These are pretty cool. The only problem is that you get the samplers idea of a good sample. Also you don’t get all the dials being twisted together- too restricted. However as a free source of nostalgic sounds they can’t be beat.

So we have identified one sound source (for free), however we have also noticed some problems- a lack of freedom, and because we are a creative bunch, we have to find another way.

2) VSTs. Wow, what a revolution to the music world. A fantastic resource that should help musicians who are looking to make music with little, or no cash. VSTs are either effects (like distortion) or they are some sort of music sounding device (like synths (called softsynths), drum machines etc). Some are stand alone programs, or some need a host program. The most well known softsynth has got to be Rebirth, the TB303 and TR909 emulator. It is really cool, emulating the machines really well, however, the best thing about this softsynth is that it is free. Now there are plenty of VSTs out there that are free, offering great synth sounds or great effects.

The possibility of sound creation using VSTs has now become infinite. The actual sound of the sounds has become endless, so now there should be unique sounding musics out there. Are there any disadvantages? Well not really. Some sound the same, and some of the pay for ones are expensive, they are cool, but too expensive.

So what you can do, is add VSTs together, add an effect plug-in over a synth VST. The cool thing is. Nostalgic sounds can be processed through these plug-ins to bring them more up-to-date, and to add a flavour of your desire.

So, going back to our original question do we need a $1000 techno machine. Well as every diplomat states, yes and no. If I had a TR909 I would keep it, sample it, and then add VST effects to give the sounds more spice, because they are good, no doubt, but music moves on and you have to follow. If I didn’t have a TR909 I wouldn’t be upset, I would search out the samples from the various sample sites, add again the VST effects and get the sound that I want…for free.

If you have a low budget (or no budget), there are now no obsicles to stop you recreating those sounds that make your music sound like it was made with a $1000+ set-up.

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Indietunes is a platform that enables independent and unsigned artists to give away and sell their downloadable music. IndieTunes empowers indie artists of all genres by offering the highest payback anywhere in the world. Indietunes literally pay 100% of the profit from each sale back to the artist. Indietunes offer a very modest subscription fee to artists who want to sell their music through indieTunes.

As an indieTunes customer, you can feel safe knowing that you are purchasing music on a secure encrypted server, and indieTunes never shares your information with anyone ever! Find your favorite artist, and discover new emerging talent worldwide. Audition songs before you buy, and download your purchases immediately along with album artwork!

Look around, make yourself at home and welcome to indieTunes.

Source: Indietunes Blog

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Great music like great works of art will last forever. Great music satisfies the artist as much as the audience. Great music is in the ear of the creator as much as the hearer. Why is it then that some great artists become wealthy some do not? Why do some great artists have regular jobs and careers that have little or nothing to do with music? Is it perhaps that music has very little to do business and much more to do with art?

If you’re an educator or a student of the arts, you might consider this comment trivial. There’s a community of artists and patrons of the arts the world over who know the music industry has very little to do with music and much more to do with culture and political reform. Yet, the music industry itself - and their fans in majority - do not know that. Society has always found it easy to squander energy on distractions that keep them from doing what they could achieve with focused effort. Giving ourselves to a lifetime of performing, song writing and producing music is a worthwhile pursuit whether or not it’s profitable.

Fame and fortune is ultimately not a worthwhile ambition. Fame passes quickly as a candles flame. Fortune is unforgiving. It owes no one loyalty. What lasts is enduring faith in the people you love, the expression of true artistic gifts and the creation of the artistic work that is produced from the heart. It’s a dark night for music when the media and technology conspire to promote image above technique and creativity.

I don’t like much of what I hear on the radio these days. It plays to balance sheets more than to the heart in a deliberate, desperate act designed to keep great music off the charts. A century ago, European modernist painters - growing weary of the status quo - embraced African art for its lack of pretension. Parisians had a romantic attachment to the American Negro. Swept away by jazz and the exotic Josephine Baker, the French seemed to regard blackness as something of value, an attitude absent in the United States. Going against the arts establishment, artists gave themselves permission to take new risks, to envision art in a new kind of way.

The avant-garde movement of Cubism was influenced by African tribal art. The circle of inspiration remained unbroken. Thirty years later, the avant-garde movement in Europe returned the favor in turn helped usher in the “Harlem Renaissance” and the days of Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway at the Cotton Club, flappers in beads and scarves and Bessie Smith singing the blues. During the 1920s, during the Harlem Renaissance - inspired by jazz and Euro-Modernism - there was more material published by African Americans than any time in American history. The Harlem Renaissance affected American political culture well into the sixties. It was one of the first instances white elites and social reformers collaborated with black intellectuals, social activists and artists. The Harlem Renaissance attacked the superstructure of White supremacy and the practice of racism. Black became beautiful. Jazz became the language of freedom.

Dennis Walsh progressofmusic@hotmail.com

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