How to Compose Your Own Music Using 8-bar Phrases

How to Compose Your Own Music Using 8-bar Phrases

Now you may be thinking, it looks logical but how does it transfer into actual music? Ah, this is where you get your feet wet and actually try composing a piece. We start from simple means and learn the principles of repetition and contrast first. We start with an 8-bar phrase for the A section.

A musical phrase can be 2-bars long. It can be from 4 to 8-bars long as well. It is a unit of music that composers use, along with repetition and contrast to create ENTIRE SECTIONS OF MUSIC. There is no secret here people. It’s like building up a structure. That’s why music is often referred to as frozen architecture. It is built up. The building up creates FORM. A structure such as ABA form can be composed of the A section (8-measures) B section (4 or more measures) then back to the A section.

This may be hard to understand by just reading about it. You have to do it in order to really understand.

Now it’s just a matter of transferring this raw improvisational material into the 8-bars. Most likely, you will be jotting down your chord changes. I explain this in a lot more detail in my online class. It’s a quick sketch method. You have the raw uncensored germ coming from your improvisations – you then write down what chords you are playing and perhaps the first 2-bars of melody so you remember what the initial impulse was.

The reason I use the 8-bar phrase is that it is a nice unit of time to work with. I don’t try and reinvent the wheel here. It’s been used for centuries and can be used in New Age music as well. Once you have this 8-bar phrase you can repeat it and add in another section (B) to add contrast.

Some people think composing is this miraculous thing that only genius’s do. What a myth! It’s a skill that can be learned. What can’t be learned is the intuition that guides the creative force. What can be learned is the technique. And the most important part of composing technique has to do with THINKING IN PHRASES.

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Best Guitar Scale For Rock Music

E|—|—|-X-|—|—|-X-|—|

D|—|-X-|—|—|-X-|—|—|

5th Shape:

B|—|—|-X-|—|-X-|—|—|

B|—|—|-X-|—|—|-X-|—|

When practicing the different Pentatonic shapes, or any other scales for that matter, make sure to use alternate picking and a metronome. You will want to get comfortable with alternate picking because once it becomes second nature to you, it will allow you to play faster while still sounding smooth and clear.

E|—|—|-X-|—|-X-|—|—|

E|—|—|-X-|—|—|-X-|—|

G|—|—|-X-|—|-X-|—|—|

Using a metronome is something that you should always be using when you practice. Not only will you improve your timing but you will also learn your scales and songs faster if you practice by starting off at a slow speed.

G|—|-X-|—|—|-X-|—|—|

Best Guitar Scale For Rock Music

A|—|—|-X-|—|-X-|—|—|

E|—|—|-X-|—|-X-|—|—|

Also, try at first to use one finger per fret but if you switch out of position occasionally, that’s ok. Do whatever you feel most comfortable doing.

The Pentatonic scale has 5 notes that create 5 patterns that connect across the entire fretboard. These 5 patterns get their names from the notes that are in the scale… Root, 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 6th. Also, just by adding a few notes, you can create all of your other scales just by using this one pattern. You start off by using the Pentatonic to visualize your scales and then you add a note or two and you can play over top of any chords.

D|—|-X-|—|—|-X-|—|—|

D|—|—|-X-|—|-X-|—|—|

So give the Pentatonic guitar scale 6th shape a go first and memorize it. Don’t forget to start off slow and gradually work your way up. Make sure all your notes ring out clear and then try playing it at the next bpm faster. Once you are satisfied with your speed, go on to the next shape and memorize that one. If you spend a little bit of your practice time each day practicing, you will be able to play all of these shapes anywhere on the neck of your guitar. And also once you have all of these shapes memorized, it will be much easier to tackle any other scales you want to learn. Rock and Roll!

Root Shape:

A|—|—|-X-|—|—|-X-|—|

E|—|—|-X-|—|-X-|—|—|

B|—|—|-X-|—|—|-X-|—|

E|—|—|-X-|—|-X-|—|—|

E|—|—|-X-|—|—|-X-|—|

A|—|-X-|—|—|-X-|—|—|

G|—|-X-|—|—|-X-|—|—|

3rd Shape:

A|—|—|-X-|—|-X-|—|—|

2nd Shape:

E|—|—|-X-|—|—|-X-|—|

B|—|—|—|-X-|—|-X-|—|

There are also 4 other patterns that belong to the Pentatonic scale that are important for connecting the entire fretboard. Here are the others…

D|—|—|-X-|—|-X-|—|—|

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E|—|—|-X-|—|-X-|—|—|

Here is the Pentatonic scale 6th shape that you will want to memorize first:

B|—|—|-X-|—|-X-|—|—|

G|—|-X-|—|-X-|—|—|—|

G|—|—|-X-|—|-X-|—|—|

D|—|—|-X-|—|-X-|—|—|

A|—|—|-X-|—|-X-|—|—|

Using a metronome can also help you sound better. Start off at a real slow bpm (beats per minute) and listen to each note you play very closely. Do you hear them ringing clear or do they sound muted. Identify which strings are being muted and adjust your fingers and then play that note again. Keep doing this until all strings are ringing clear. Once you can play all the notes clearly at that speed, then set your metronome at the next speed faster. Then go through the same steps as before until all the notes sound perfect.

E|—|—|-X-|—|-X-|—|—|

Because this scale is so important to the guitar player, it is usually the first scale and pattern that everyone is taught.

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Learn How to Play Beginner Acoustic Guitar Chords

Acoustic guitar chords are expressed in print as chord diagrams. Chord diagrams for acoustic guitars look like guitar tabs for electric guitars but while guitar tabs are printed side-to-side (horizontally), acoustic guitar chord diagrams are vertical (top to bottom). The chord diagram appears as a series of crossed lines with vertical lines to mark each string, horizontal lines to mark each fret and dots to mark the spot where the string should be held down.

The acoustic guitar chord E-minor is much easier to learn how to finger. Your index finger goes on the second fret of the fifth string, while your middle finger rests on the second fret of the fourth string when playing this chord. There should be enough room for both fingers to rest on the fret without having them touch. After trying the notes, adjust your fingers until the sound you hear is the right note. Then, strum both strings to play the E-minor chord. You will notice a darker sound from this minor chord.

At first you will need to position your fingers one at a time to get the acoustic guitar chords to sound right, but with practice, the fingering will become natural and you will be able to position your fingers in the correct places quickly without having to think about it.

Learn How to Play Beginner Acoustic Guitar Chords

An acoustic guitar chord consists of several notes played simultaneously. There are several different acoustic guitar chords but one needs only to learn a few basic chords in order to play hundreds, if not thousands, of different songs. A basic fact to commit to memory before you begin is that major chords should sound bright while minor chords sound dark.

Acoustic guitar chords that comprise the basic ones to practice include C-major, D-major, A-minor, and A-major. Practice moving your fingers from one chord to another until it feels comfortable and familiar.

One acoustic guitar chord you will use frequently is G major. This chord uses three fingers of your left hand: the middle finger on the third fret of the sixth string, the index finger on the second fret of the fifth string, and the ring finger on the third fret of the first string. Leave the other three strings open. Then play all six strings, one at a time. You should be able to hear the chord clearly. If you hear buzzing or rattling, adjust your fingers on the frets. Move your finger down the string or try pressing the strings down harder on the fingerboard if the tone sounds off. Check to see that your fingers aren’t touching each other or any of the other strings. Then when all the notes sound in tune, give them a strum all at once. You’ve just played a G-major acoustic guitar chord.

Vintage Guitar Values – How Much Is Your Guitar Worth?

In order for you or anyone else to determine the value of your guitar, you must have certain information available. Ideally, you would know the brand, model, and serial number. The brand and model, however, can often be determined through the serial number. Then you must determine the condition of your guitar–prices differ greatly according to condition. Here are some guidelines: (these guidelines are from the “Blue Book of Acoustic and Electric Guitars”)

Excellent - this Excellent condition range is represented by both High Excellent and Low Excellent condition. High Excellent refers to an instrument that is very clean, looks almost new (perhaps a few light scratches/dings only), and has hardly been used. Low Excellent refers to a guitar that has been played/used, and has accumulated some minor wear in the form of light scratches, dings, small chips, etc. The older an instrument, the less likely it will be in High Excellent condition Even Low Excellent is seldom encountered on instruments over 50 years old, since most acoustic instruments were originally purchased to be played

How Do I Determine the Value of My Guitar?

100% – New - New with all factory materials, including warranty card, owner’s manual, case, and other items that were originally included by the manufacturer. On currently manufactured instruments, the 100% price refers to an instrument not previously sold at retail. Even if a new instrument has been played only twice and traded in a week later, it no longer qualifies at 100%.

Vintage Guitar Values – How Much Is Your Guitar Worth?

Many of the visitors to my website ask about vintage guitar values. Do you have a guitar about which you would like to have information? Do you have a question about Fender guitar value, Gibson guitar value, or maybe the value of a Martin guitar? Even if you don’t know what kind of guitar you have, a little research will help you to find the value of your guitar.

Average – The Average guitar condition factor indicates an acoustic guitar that has been in a player’s hands and has worn due to player use (hopefully, no abuse). High Average condition instruments have normal dents, small chips, and light dings on the body, and/or scratches on the top and back. However, there should be no problems unless indicated separately. Low Average condition instruments may reflect major finish problems, replacement parts, previous repairs (especially on older instruments), alterations, and neck/fret wear is typically visible.

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What makes a guitar valuable?

Several factors figure into the value of a guitar. In general, the guitar must be one which is sought after by collectors and musicians. The demand for a guitar is determined in general by quality, beauty, and playability. This demand must outweigh the available supply.Age is an important factor in the value of a guitar, but a guitar is not necessarily more valuable just because it is older. It must have been made with a high standard of quality in the first place. An old mediocre quality guitar is just that–an old mediocre guitar! The actual year that a guitar was made may not be as important as the PERIOD in which it was made.

For example, electric guitars which are most valuable today include Fender Telecasters made before 1954, Fender Stratocasters made between 1954 and 1959, and Gibson Les Pauls made between 1958 and 1960. Acoustic guitars of the greatest value include Pre-World War II Martins and Gibsons.This is not to say that other guitars are not valuable. Many vintage guitars will bring a good price. The trick is to know approximately how much YOUR guitar is worth.

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Musicians – Building a Fan Base

Building a fan base is an important step for any band interested in elevating their recording and performing career. With attention and planning, even a modest following can become a powerful tool to support an artist’s work and expand their popularity.

People are attracted to bands on musical, cultural, social, sensory and spiritual levels. While fitting in to current trends may result in a rush of flavor-of-the-month fans, the artists who pursue and stay true to their own musical vision appear to have a greater chance at creating a broad, dedicated fan base. Rolling Stone contributed Kentucky-based band My Morning Jacket’s broad success to their unique musical vision, noting “The band’s ecstatic, spacey records and improv-heavy live shows are as popular with Bonnaroo hippies as they are with New York hipsters.” Frontman Jim James told the magazine, “We love that…Looking in the audience and seeing frat boys, indie rockers and maybe some sixty-year-old women.”

Musicians – Building a Fan Base

At the end of the day, it’s vital for bands to take their relationships with fans as seriously as their music. The acts who consistently provide people with appealing music, quality live performances and a steady stream of positive interaction will undoubtedly increase their chances of long-term loyalty.

Once a band has earned a few fans by playing shows and giving away music, it’s important to retain their interest and encourage networking by keeping them up to date with current songs, concerts and a steady flow of appealing merchandise. The digital age presents a number of ways to accomplish this, with maintaining a web site, posting profiles on social music sites like Echoboost.com, email, internet radio, podcasts and social video sites. Performing Songwriter suggests networking through cell phones using fan club text messaging services like Broadtexter, which “enables North America-based musicians to create free Mobile Fan Clubs which easily allow them to use regionalized text messaging to stay connected with fans.”

How to Buy Your First Bass Guitar

Make sure you have a budget in mind before making a purchase, as a brand new bass guitar can cost you anywhere from $200 to $5000 depending on the brand, quality, and wood finish. Used basses tend to range from $100 to $1500 and are often just as good, although pricing and selection will vary from one locale to another. Consider buying a used bass. Most used bass guitars drop in price over the years and can offer much better quality and sound as a new bass would.

When you think you might have found a bass you like, do a search for that model on the internet to see if any reviews have been written from people who have already purchased that same model. Bass players are usually pretty straight forward on the bass guitars they have played and purchased.

How to Buy Your First Bass Guitar

Some great starter brands include Rogue, Squier and Epiphone. These brands of basses both look good and play great for the price. Fretless , acoustic and five-string basses each have their own type of sounds and pluses, but it is easiest to learn on a four string electric bass. Most beginner tutorials are written with the four-string bass in mind. Other brands of popular basses include: Fender, Gibson, Washburn, Ibanez, Rickenbacker and Yamaha to name a few.

There are great places to buy bass guitars online. eBay and Musicians Friend are great starting points to begin your search for that special first bass and you can usually purchase cheap bass guitars there as well.

Dave Cherry is an avid bass guitar player.

How to Buy Your First Bass Guitar

Make sure you have a budget in mind before making a purchase, as a brand new bass guitar can cost you anywhere from $200 to $5000 depending on the brand, quality, and wood finish. Used basses tend to range from $100 to $1500 and are often just as good, although pricing and selection will vary from one locale to another. Consider buying a used bass. Most used bass guitars drop in price over the years and can offer much better quality and sound as a new bass would.

When you think you might have found a bass you like, do a search for that model on the internet to see if any reviews have been written from people who have already purchased that same model. Bass players are usually pretty straight forward on the bass guitars they have played and purchased.

How to Buy Your First Bass Guitar

Some great starter brands include Rogue, Squier and Epiphone. These brands of basses both look good and play great for the price. Fretless , acoustic and five-string basses each have their own type of sounds and pluses, but it is easiest to learn on a four string electric bass. Most beginner tutorials are written with the four-string bass in mind. Other brands of popular basses include: Fender, Gibson, Washburn, Ibanez, Rickenbacker and Yamaha to name a few.

There are great places to buy bass guitars online. eBay and Musicians Friend are great starting points to begin your search for that special first bass and you can usually purchase cheap bass guitars there as well.

Dave Cherry is an avid bass guitar player.

Guitar Playing – What About Performing

The joy you feel when you practice will probably be present when you perform the piece of music in front of public and will also reach your audience.

When you practice and memorize your guitar pieces or songs remember to always play your music at the same artistic level as when you perform.

This is also an excellent time to record your performance for later evaluation.

There are many occasions when you can perform and play your music in the home and maybe you will also encourage others in your family or among your friends to play on their instruments in such a setting.

If you want to help your imagination a bit you can put empty chairs in front of you representing the audience. One step further is to put your children’s teddies on the chairs.

The act of recording is like having a critic in the public.

Don’t make this recording thing to complicated. In these days with cell phones and mp3 players it’s an easy task to accomplish.

A way to create momentum to practise your guitar repertoire is to set up an informal concert with a couple of pieces in the setting of your own home.

The members of your own family could be the public.

But if you don’t like to perform?

Guitar Playing – What About Performing

Of course you have to plan ahead in order to suggest a performance and in order to prepare yourself.

One great way to create motivation to practice on your guitar is to perform in front of other people in different ways. Do you like to perform in front of others? Let’s see how to enjoy performing and also give other people enjoyment!

Performing really doesn’t need to be so formal!

On such an occasion you have to exercise self discipline and play those pieces in your actual program from beginning to end. If you would make a mistake in front of a public, what would you do?

As you memorize your music you will also memorize your attitude, posture and your tension level.

You can actually practice the art of performing on your guitar without people present. One way is to use your imagination and pretend that you perform in front of others.

Listening to other artists recordings will also be of great benefit.

You have to look upwards in order to climb to a higher level in your guitar playing and this will be accomplished by listening to guitar players on a higher artistic level than yourself.

Probably you would want to minimize the effect of this mistake and just play on. This is what you have to practice even in this relaxed setting.

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Acoustic Electric Guitar Information

When choosing a guitar, the acoustic electrics are really nice because they can be used two different ways. This double way of playing this guitar is really nice but can also be bad. Electric guitars don’t make nearly any sound when not amplified and thus can be used as silent instruments to practice with at night when others are sleeping. An acoustic electrical guitar, however, will be loud plugged in or not.

Acoustic Electric Guitar Information

Now, there are also lots of different types of guitars. The acoustic guitar is basically an acoustic instrument that naturally makes sound without any electronics. It is hollow inside with a hole on the face that lets the music out. Electric acoustic guitars are different. They are usually made of wood and have six strings. Because of the electric part of the instrument, acoustic electrics can be much louder and sound somewhat different. Another difference is that electric acoustics can be played like acoustics without any electricity as well. Electric guitars cannot do this and always need to be amplified to be heard loud enough.

Of all the instruments out there (there’s a lot!) the guitar is probably the most popular one as of modern times. The guitar is played in nearly all music whether it’s rock and roll, country, poppy, or even classic. The reason is simple. It’s an easy to play instrument and many people love the way it sounds.

Guitar Playing Has A Huge Impact On Your Social Life

2. You will become serious about your guitar playing and try to make it as a rock star. You will probably never go to college and instead wash dishes for living while waiting to sign a record label contract.

That kind of attention motivated me to practice even more, so I formed a band, learned to play some songs, made some of or own. Do you know what happened after our first gig? You guessed it right! I, as a band leader, was almost worshiped by girls, and my mates were becoming envious of course.

My guitar playing was far from good, and yet I received an instant local rock star status!

What can you expect to become of you after a couple of years?

If you love music, start playing today, music will be the greatest companion in your life.

Guitar Playing Has A Huge Impact On Your Social Life

3. You will be playing for the rest of your life for fun. You will use music to express your positive or negative emotions, you’ll use it as a best psychotherapy there is!

Did you ever hear about someone who wants to “Be a rock star so he can pick up all the chicks“? That’s sometimes the reason for someone to pick up a guitar and start playing. Then there’s Iron Maiden guitarist Dave Murray who admitted that he started playing because he liked to look at himself in the mirror while playing. And there are of course people that just want to play songs that their favorite bands are playing, so they’re trying to become more like them.

“That was great man!”

“How long did it take to learn that!?!”

“Wow, I didn’t know you could play that well!”

1. You will continue to play at parties, be a regular party entertainer at your college parties and not much more.

Most often people pick up the guitar in their teens. That’s where the real social of life individual begins. A need to be cool, be accepted by society. I can’t really tell what is the fact that makes people who are not playing any instrument to go “WOW” on those who do, but it happens all the time. I remember well the first time I played my first song in front of audience of ten or so. It was a regular day at the beach, the guitar was lying down so I picked it up and played. The minute I started playing everybody turned my way and listened
amazed.