Choosing Your Instrument

Once you've decided you want to be a musician, you've got to carefully choose the instrument of your choice. There are many factors that go into this decision. Here are a some tips to help you choose!

1. Expose yourself to many types of instruments and music styles. Go through each family of instruments such as strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion to see if any one instrument stands out to you.

2. Attend local concerts or performance to learn more about how instruments are handled and played, and what kinds of sounds they make.

3. Consider the genre or type of music that is most appealing to you and what kind of instruments are typically used in that genre of music.

4. Think about your physical capabilities. some instruments may be very large and difficult to carry or travel with. Some may require longer fingers, bigger lips or facial dexterity.

5. Visit a professional or a music instructor to analyze your potential. Your instructor will be able to assist you by considering your facial, physical and even personal characteristics.

6. Set a budget for your musical instrument. Some instruments can get very pricey so you'll want to start saving sooner than later if your particular instrument is expensive. And remember, this is an investment in your future, so you want to make sure you purchase a quality instrument that will last you a long time.

7. Experiment with a few different instruments. You may have your eye on one instrument and learn later than playing the instrument can be quite difficult and may not be the one for you. It's better to find out before you spend money on an instrument you may never touch.

8. Think about your lifestyle. If you move frequently or have very little space in your home, a piano may not be the instrument for you. Your instrument should fit seamlessly into your lifestyle without having to make many big changes, aside from practice time, of course!

9. Consider the social aspect of your instrument. Band and orchestral instruments can be played solo or with a large group of other musicians. You can get around easily with portable instruments and can meet up with fellow musicians to play. With a large instrument like a piano, you wouldn't have that luxury.

Remember, this is an investment in you and your skills. Choose the instrument that speaks to you the most and you're guaranteed to enjoy it!

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Source: About.com

Tuning A Guitar

One of the first steps in learning to play the guitar is to learn how to tune it. You should try to tune your guitar every time you pick is up, as guitars can tend to go out of tune quickly - whether it is used frequently or sits idly. Tuning your guitar can take several minutes, depending on how familiar you are with the process. Seasoned guitarists can tune a guitar in less than 30 seconds.

One way to tune a guitar is to do so with a piano. Find a low E on the piano and tune your lowest string to that note. Try to match the E on the piano as closely as possible with the octave of your lowest string.

Once you have your lowest string tuned, the rest of the strings should fall into place relatively easily.

Steps to Tuning Your Guitar

1. Make sure your sixth string is in tune.

2. Play the sixth string, fifth fret (A), then tune your open fifth string (A) until it they sound the same.

3. Play the fifth string, fifth fret (D), then tune your open fourth string (D) until they sound the same.

4. Play the fourth string, fifth fret (G), then tune your open third string (G) until they sound the same.

5. Play the third string, fourthfret (B), then tune your open second string (B) until they sound the same.

6. Play the second string, fifth fret (E), then tune your open first string (E) until they sound the same.

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Source: About.com

Recording Studio Tips!

Here are a few good things to know about recording your music in a studio!

• Make sure your guitars and basses are strung with fresh strings, and use a good tuner to make sure you're tuned and ready to go!
• With drums, you may consider putting fresh skins on your snare, toms and kick. If doing so, those will need some tuning as well.
• Singers beware! A number of factors can influence your performance in the studio, including nerves, energy level, alcohol consumption and smoking. Be sure to warm up before getting into the vocal booth and try some vocal exercises to get you started.
  
• Any band member who will be singing, lead or backup vocals, have a copy of your lyrics readily available just in case the words slip your mind.
• Be prepared to try out a few different mics so the studio engineer can find one that compliments your voices and instruments.
  
• Check with the studio engineer for placement of instruments and mics. They do these things all the time and will likely have valuable input.
  
• Most importantly, have fun!
  

The Beer Brothers Band always has a great time when recording in the studio and you will too!

Don't Forget Your Gear!

You've got your gig scheduled, but what gear are you supposed to bring? Be sure to check with every venue prior to your performances as some may provide a certain things, like the sound system, and some may not. You wouldn't want to show up expecting microphones and speakers, only to find out YOU were supposed to bring them!

Here is a short list of things you should definitely bring:

- Each guitarist should have his main guitar and a backup, including the bass plater.

-The drummer needs extra sets of drumsticks, as they can break or jump out of your hands during the show.

-Your sound gear.

-Batteries, just in case you need to tune your instruments with a battery operated tuner.

-Lighting equipment, if needed.

-Extra mics and cables.

-Extension cords.

-Duct tape.

Remember, none of this will do you any good if you don't remember to bring it, so make checklists for each band member and have them check items off as they gather them into one central location.

Once you're at the venue, you're set up and ready to go, all that is left is to rock house like The Beer Brothers Band!

So You've Scored Your First Gig...

You're excited, you're nervous, now what? Here are a few guidelines to follow to keep yourself calm and have a great show!

• It may sound funny, but make sure you know when to arrive. Arrive as early as your venue will allow. This will give you time to set up and maybe have a rehearsal.
  
• Find out if you can come in a day or two in advance to get your equipment set up. This will save you time and stress on the actual day of the event.
• If you are just one of many bands on the bill, remember that showing up late can easily get you removed from the schedule.
• In you are part of a bill of many bands, be sure to be early and waiting in the wings in case you need to go on early.
• Be sure to tell your loyal following when you'll be playing. The show may start at 7pm, but you may not be on until 8:45pm. That is an important detail to share with your fans!
• Prepare a set list! This will help your set(s) run smoothly and you'll always know what's next.
  
• Most importantly, have a good time! Once you're on stage playing, your nerves will calm down and you'll be able to enjoy every moment!

Thanks for checking out The Beer Brothers Band's blog! Stay tuned for more next week!

Source: Cyberfret