Anderson .Paak

Anderson .Paak is a drummer and rapper. Though I like his music, I don't love it. But =, he is a wicked talented guy and deserves recognition on this blog. So, be sure to check him out!

https://www.youtube.com/user/Breezylovejoy

Learn to Play the Ukulele (No Lessons!) Part 2 - The Beginner

Okay, so you've got your uke, you've learned the basic chords and a few songs, now what? This guide will help you take the next steps in what might seem like a point your stuck at. It's true, most people learning to play will experience a period where they feel like they are making no progress (I sure did). But, follow these steps and you'll notice a difference in no time!

Step One: Self Evaluation

Okay, so in order for you to use the rest of this guide, we need to make sure your up to par so far. At this point you should be able too...

Know the most common chords: A, Am, C, Cm, D, Dm, Em, F, G

Be able to play these chords: A7, C7, D7, E7, G7

Use this website if you need a little help: https://ukuchords.com/


Step Two: Challenge Yourself

Now it's time to get outside you comfort zone. Start to play songs with more difficult strum patterns and chord progressions. Often times, this is where beginners struggle, and I speak from experience. I only wanted to play songs with easy chords that I could learn fast, but this will limit what you can play and inhibit your progress. You will mess up, and these songs will take a bit more time to learn, but keep practicing! It's the only way you can get better!

Some songs to try (I also recommend you just play what you like)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5icqntzxOA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3qlaouFEAY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FANC-qvJFhQ&index=8&list=PLvcoWGhnkDmjlDo_n8XAuJwmJe_uFGDR9

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzRZep_uo2s&index=63&list=PLvcoWGhnkDmjlDo_n8XAuJwmJe_uFGDR9

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9YCL3f9GK4&index=19&list=PLvcoWGhnkDmgTRa9GFzuVVJFBrnRW38gy



Step Three: Learning New Skills

The next step in this process is to add some new skills to your repertoire, such as how to palm mute and finger pick. This will allow you to change up your basic strum patterns and give your songs a unique vibe. Below are some video to learn these skills. I've also included a link to learn to play "hallelujah", a song that is very good to practice finger picking.

How to pick: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0osv8Z2fbm8

How to palm mute and other skills: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FypFf8YjcM8

Hallelujah: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uz2uFpAuqiw


Step Four: Learning Music Theory and Tabs

Now it's time to grind out some memorization. Learning to read tabs will basically allow you to play any song without a tutorial. Learning music theory (scales and relative scales) will teach you to write your own songs. It will also teach you how to improvise, which is can lead to fun jam sessions with friends. This is definitely the most advanced part of this tutorial, and is really a learning process that never ends. I'm honestly still on this step, and I wish I had begin to memorize the scales sooner. Once you have picking down, playing the scales is easy, so start memorizing them before hand!

Learn to read tabs:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUp_2mIwM5Y

Learn all the major scales from this awesome app! (Links from video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiJby-D6RJk

QUICK LESSON ON IMPROVISING: Remember, the sixth note of the major scale is it's relative minor. For example, the scale of C major is "C D E F G A B". The sixth note is A, so the relative minor scale is A minor,  "A B C D E F G". However, you can use any of the minor scales for A. The former is the natural minor, but you could use melodic, harmonic, or my personal favorite, the pentatonic minor scales as well.

So, if my friend were to play the chords of Am, C, and Em (all chords in C major), I would finger pick notes from the A minor  pentatonic scale (A, C, D, E, G, A).




Alright! That concludes the second part to my guide on how to teach yourself the ukulele! There will be a far shorter part 3 coming soon so stay tuned!

Gnoosic

Looking for a great way to find new music? Look no further than Gnoosic! It may seem that a website for discovering new music might not work, but in my experience, it has. You enter in some of your favorite artists, and then Gnoosic will recommend new musicians to you. As you through, you can either "like" or "dislike" the artists is recommends. This will help to farther fine-tune the search! I would definitely give it a try the next time you need someone new to listen to!

http://www.gnoosic.com/

Team Backpack

One of the premier platforms for independent artists to showcase their music, Team Backpack has led me o discover many new artists, such as VI Seconds. You should definitely check them out anytime your looking for some new music to listen too!

https://www.youtube.com/user/That1Group/featured

The Human Condition - John Bellion

The Human Condition is the first album Jon Bellion has released in the U.S. The album is labeled as pop, through many of the songs reflective elements of alternative music as well. Overall, the album is very good. It features hits like All Time Low and other great songs like Fashion. Be sure to check it out!

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-human-condition/id1111702597

Great Home Studio for a Great Price

Independent artists are unsigned musicians, who often create their music from home studios.

I am not a rapper or a singer. I can barely call myself an audio engineer or producer. But, I do make music. And I record music for friends. And yes, I have a home studio. This post will explain you can create your own home studio for whatever you musical purposes are. This will apply strictly to those who are just beginning their first amateur home studio. Everything I recommend I have either personally used or know someone who has.

*WARNING* Please think twice before you go out and buy yourself a home studio. I feel too many people are far too impulsive when it come to things like this. If you have never produced, recorded, orchestrated, ect. a song before, you should not be buying this. I have compiled my studio over two years of creating music. Doing so allowed me to be sure this was something I really wanted to do before buying it. That said, if you are ready to begin or complete your home studio, lets get to it.

PACKAGES

Singer/Rapper/Band - A, B, C, (D is optional)
Wanna start recording your songs, whether your a rapper, a guitar player, or a full band? This package is right for you!

Beat Producer - A, B, E

Just wanna start creating rap instrumentals of trap music? This is what you need!

Producer - A,B,C,E (D is optional)

Want to create and produce your own music or music for a friend? Your gonna need the complete package!

A. Computer and Software

If you have a PC... I recommend Adobe Audition

If you have a Mac... Garageband is a great free tool, but Adobe Audition is still the better choice.

https://creative.adobe.com/plans?single_app=audition&promoid=KTKAY



B. Headphones, Speakers and Audio Interface

A great pair of speakers is crucial for mixing and mastering music. An audio interface will allow you to connect your speakers (as well as a microphone or guitar) to your laptop. Below are a few options for each.

Studio Headphones ($77)

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATH-M40x-Professional-Monitor-Headphones/dp/B00HVLUR54/ref=sr_1_3?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1483629823&sr=1-3&keywords=bose+headphones

Mackie Studio Speaker ($100)

https://www.amazon.com/Mackie-CR-CR3-Reference-Multimedia/dp/B00KVEIY4E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483628204&sr=8-1&keywords=studio+speakers/

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface ($150)

https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Audio-Interface-Tools/dp/B01E6T56EA/ref=sr_1_5?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1483628312&sr=1-5&keywords=audio+interface

Focusrite Scarlett Audio Interface ($100)

https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Audio-Interface-Tools/dp/B01E6T56CM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1483628420&sr=8-2&keywords=audio+interface+focusrite



C. Microphone and Sound-Proofing

This is the essentials (obviously) if your going to recording your voice. Below are options of either a standard or USB microphone, and options for soundproofing.

Blue Yeti USB Mic ($110)

https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Yeti-USB-Microphone-Blackout/dp/B00N1YPXW2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483628620&sr=8-1&keywords=yeti+mic

Floureon Condenser Mic ($110)

https://www.amazon.com/Floureon-BM-800-Condenser-Recording-Microphone/dp/B00Q4RGQHY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1483628673&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=microphone&psc=1

Acoustic Paneling (12 pack, 1x1, $18)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TP7C9YY/ref=sxr_pa_click_within_right_2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=2329824862&pf_rd_r=CSESS8KS583DRXYME5KY&pd_rd_wg=3Ljws&pf_rd_s=desktop-rhs-carousels&pf_rd_t=301&pd_rd_w=YSpRY&pf_rd_i=SOUND+PANELING&pd_rd_r=Y4P7YZ436RKGV895W8Q1&psc=1

Monoprice Mic Shield ($74)

https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-602650-Microphone-Isolation-Shield/dp/B00GR9W1MS/ref=sr_1_2?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1483628840&sr=1-2&keywords=mic+shield



D. Secondary Mic equipment

There are a few other things you may want for you mic, such as a shock mount or pop filter. The mount you buy will depend on which mic you choose, but below I've added a link for the best pop filter I've used.

Mudder Pop Filter ($14)

https://www.amazon.com/Mudder-Microphone-Filter-Windscreen-Recording/dp/B01JO5EMNM/ref=sr_1_13?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1483628994&sr=1-13&keywords=pop+filter

E. Beat producing

If you are making beats, a must-have is an MIDI controller. This will make producing your songs much easier. If you already have a keyboard, it could likely double as your MIDI controller as well.

Akai Mini Controller ($70-$200)

https://www.amazon.com/Akai-Professional-MPK-Mini-Controller/dp/B00IJ6QAO2/ref=sr_1_3?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1483629220&sr=1-3&keywords=midi+controller

My 5 Favorite Albums

This list will be the five albums I listen to the most. These albums all for one reason or another stand out to me as being exceptional. I find that I can always shuffle one of these albums anytime I'm not sure what to listen to. One rule however, one album per artist. Otherwise I'd probably have like three Watskky albums on here...

5. Livin Foul - Wax

This album has by far some of Wax's best songs. "This One's on Me" is my favorite song of his, and one of my favorites of all time. Accompanied by other hits such "Scumbag" and "The Meanest", This album is one of his best selling. The album also contain the epic 10 minute song "No Smoking in the House", in which Wax prominently displays his skill as a writer. Overall, I would have to say this album is my favorite by Wax, although his newest installment "The Cookout Chronicles" is an


4. X - Ed Sheeran

Where do I begin? This is my go-to album when I need to relax. I actually have this album as a CD, and that speaks volumes truthfully. This album is just  a nice change of pace from the typical hip-hop and rap music I enjoy. Sheeran's songs feature catchy chord progressions and his incredible singing voices.

3. Speak Now - Taylor Swift

I love Tswift, and this is definitely my favorite album of hers. There is not a song on this album I don't love. From the emotional songs like Back to December and Dear John to the upbeat Speak Now and Sparks Fly, this album has everything a Swift fan could want. This is by far the most "pop" album she had released before 1989. This album is always a crowd pleaser

honorable mention


2.  Blurryface - Twenty One Pilots

This album is possibly one of the greatest compilations of songs ever. Every song on this album reflects the unique style of the artist. Twenty One Pilots have always had very prominent lyricism in their songs, and tracks like Stressed Out and Lane Boy reflect that. Their style of alternative music makes them an entirely unique genre, so there really is nothing else like it. My favorite song off this album is The Judge .

1. x infinity - Watsky

I know this may be his newest album, but it has quickly earned it's spot as my favorite album of his. The album is packed with great songs, from relaxing tracks like Little Slice and Chemical Angels, to fast-raps like Brave New World, to lyrical masterpieces such as Love Letters and Don't be Nice, to ground-breaking new style songs like Tiny Glowing Screens Pt.3, and all wrapped up with the beautifully epic Lovely Things Suite (4 songs) and the massive cypher, Exquisite Corpse. This album is the absolute complete package. It ties years of Watsky's success together, and has rightfully earned it's spot as my favorite album.