{"appState":{"pageLoadApiCallsStatus":true},"categoryState":{"relatedCategories":{"headers":{"timestamp":"2022-05-27T12:31:26+00:00"},"categoryId":33730,"data":{"title":"Music","slug":"music","image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Music","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33730"},"slug":"music","categoryId":33730}],"parentCategory":{"categoryId":33662,"title":"Academics & The Arts","slug":"academics-the-arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"}},"childCategories":[{"categoryId":33731,"title":"Instruments","slug":"instruments","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33731"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-2.fabfbd5c.png","width":0,"height":0}},{"categoryId":33742,"title":"Music Composition","slug":"music-composition","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33742"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-1.daf74cf0.png","width":0,"height":0}},{"categoryId":33743,"title":"Music Theory","slug":"music-theory","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33743"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-2.fabfbd5c.png","width":0,"height":0}},{"categoryId":33744,"title":"Recording","slug":"recording","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33744"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-1.daf74cf0.png","width":0,"height":0}},{"categoryId":33745,"title":"Voice","slug":"voice","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33745"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-2.fabfbd5c.png","width":0,"height":0}},{"categoryId":33746,"title":"General (Music)","slug":"general-music","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33746"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-1.daf74cf0.png","width":0,"height":0}}],"description":"Let's make beautiful music together. 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He's the author of several instructional books on guitar. 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He owns and operates one of the most popular guitar theory sites on the web, guitar-music-theory.com.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9209,"name":"Desi Serna","slug":"desi-serna","description":"Desi Serna is a guitarist, a guitar teacher, and as called out by Rolling Stone, an expert in music theory. He's the author of several instructional books on guitar. Learn more at guitarmusictheory.com.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9209"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;music&quot;,&quot;instruments&quot;,&quot;guitar&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781118646779&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-626984e40be73\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;music&quot;,&quot;instruments&quot;,&quot;guitar&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781118646779&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-626984e40c7ae\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":162886,"title":"Getting to Know the Notes on a Guitar Fretboard","slug":"getting-to-know-the-notes-on-a-guitar-fretboard","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/162886"}},{"articleId":162865,"title":"Sample Major Scale Patterns in Guitar Theory","slug":"sample-major-scale-patterns-in-guitar-theory","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/162865"}},{"articleId":162885,"title":"Guitar Theory: Roman Numerals and the Major Scale Chord Sequence","slug":"guitar-theory-roman-numerals-and-the-major-scale-chord-sequence","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/162885"}},{"articleId":162887,"title":"Guitar Theory: Modes of the Major Scale","slug":"guitar-theory-modes-of-the-major-scale","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/162887"}}],"content":[{"title":"Getting to know the notes on a guitar fretboard","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Guitar players must know the notes on the fretboard to keep track of the specific scale patterns and chords they play all over the neck. But rather than memorize every single note in every fret on every string, guitarists do better to just know the natural notes along the 6th and 5th strings. After all, most scale patterns and chord shapes are rooted on these strings. Octave shapes can be used to track other notes in other positions.</p>\n<p>The following fretboard diagram shows you the notes along the 6th and 5th strings.</p>\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 535px;\"><div class=\"figure-container\"><figure class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"width: 545px\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/389496.image0.jpg\" alt=\"[Credit: Illustration courtesy of Desi Serna]\" width=\"535\" height=\"129\" /><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Illustration courtesy of Desi Serna</figcaption></figure></div><div class=\"clearfix\"></div></div>\n"},{"title":"Sample major scale patterns in guitar theory","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>As you explore guitar theory, you&#8217;ll learn that the major scale is a series of notes played in an ascending and descending fashion. Guitarists use the major scale to play melodies, riffs, solos, and bass lines. Additionally, it&#8217;s used to play intervals, build chords, and chart progressions.</p>\n<p>The following sample patterns show you how to play the G major scale in four positions on the fretboard:</p>\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 535px;\"><div class=\"figure-container\"><figure class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"width: 545px\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/389498.image0.jpg\" alt=\"[Credit: Illustration courtesy of Desi Serna]\" width=\"535\" height=\"193\" /><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Illustration courtesy of Desi Serna</figcaption></figure></div><div class=\"clearfix\"></div></div>\n"},{"title":"Roman numerals and the major scale chord sequence","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Guitar theory reveals that the major scale is stacked in thirds to make triads and chords. Each scale degree of the major scale produces a triad and major or minor chord. Starting with the first degree of the major scale, the chord qualities go as follows:</p>\n<blockquote><p>major-minor-minor-major-major-minor-minorb5 (also called a diminished triad)</p></blockquote>\n<p class=\"Remember\">This seven-chord sequence is one of the most important patterns in music. When it comes to playing chord progressions, musicians refer to this pattern by using uppercase Roman numerals to represent major chords and lowercase Roman numerals to represent minor chords.</p>\n<p>The following chart will help you keep track of the system:</p>\n<blockquote><p><b>Upper</b><b>case Roman numerals</b><b>:</b> I-II-III-IV-V-VI-VII</p></blockquote>\n<blockquote><p><b>Lower</b><b>case Roman numerals</b><b>:</b> i-ii-iii-iv-v-vi-vii</p></blockquote>\n<p>Here&#8217;s what this naming system looks like in action when you apply it to the major scale chord sequence and the key of G, specifically:</p>\n<blockquote><p><b>Major Scale</b></p></blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>I-ii-iii-IV-V-vi-viib5</p></blockquote>\n<blockquote><p><b>G Major Scale</b></p></blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>G-Am-Bm-C-D-Em-F#mb5</p></blockquote>\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 535px;\"><div class=\"figure-container\"><figure class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"width: 545px\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/389500.image0.jpg\" alt=\"[Credit: Illustration courtesy of Desi Serna]\" width=\"535\" height=\"469\" /><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Illustration courtesy of Desi Serna</figcaption></figure></div><div class=\"clearfix\"></div></div>\n"},{"title":"Modes of the major scale","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>As you study guitar theory, you&#8217;ll hear terms like mode, tonic, and scale. The most common scale in music is the major scale. It includes seven degrees, or pitches, and involves seven steps or intervals. When you play the major scale beginning on its 1st degree, you create the familiar &#8220;Do, Re, Mi . . .&#8221; sound. But the starting position of the major scale isn&#8217;t always the 1st degree.</p>\n<h2>What is a mode?</h2>\n<p>Music often centers on other degrees in the major scale besides the 1st one. For example, start a major scale on the 6th degree and you create what is known as the minor scale (also known as the <em>relative minor</em> or <em>natural minor</em>). The 1st and 6th degrees of the major scale produce the major and minor scale. In music, you say that the scale has these two different <em>modes</em><em>.</em></p>\n<p>The major scale has more modes than just the 1st and 6th degrees. The truth is, any scale degree can be used as the starting point. However, the major and minor modes are the most commonly used scales in music. In fact, they&#8217;re so common that they&#8217;re not usually thought of as modes. Instead, they&#8217;re thought of as plain or natural scales. It&#8217;s only when music centers on one of the other degrees in the major scale that the music is considered modal.</p>\n<h2>Of modes and tonics in the major scale</h2>\n<p>There are seven degrees in the major scale, and each one can function as the tonal center, or first tone <em>(tonic)</em> of the scale. Long ago, the Greeks named each one of these modes. The names are as follows:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>I. Ionian:</strong> More commonly known as the plain major scale.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>ii. Dorian:</strong> A type of minor scale with a major 6th. Fairly common. &#8220;Oye Como Va&#8221; by Santana is an example of a song that centers on the 2nd degree of the G major scale using the chord progression Am7-D9. You say that it&#8217;s in A Dorian mode.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>iii. Phrygian:</strong> A type of minor scale with a flattened 2nd. It has a Spanish flavor to it, but it&#8217;s not used much. One example is &#8220;The Sails Of Charon&#8221; by Scorpions, which centers on the 3rd degree of the G major scale, producing B Phrygian mode.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>IV. Lydian:</strong> A type of major scale with a sharpened 4th. Occasionally used temporarily in a song before the music settles on a more stable tonic, such as I. Listen to &#8220;Man on the Moon&#8221; by R.E.M for an example of C Lydian, the 4th mode in the G major scale.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>V. Mixolydian:</strong> A type of major scale with a flattened 7th. Very common, almost as much so as the plain major scale. You should recognize this mode anytime you start on a major chord and then move down a whole step to another major chord. A change like that is almost always V-IV. &#8220;Seven Bridges Road&#8221; by the Eagles centers on the 5th degree of the G major scale, producing D Mixolydian mode.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>vi. Aeolian:</strong> More commonly known as the natural or relative minor scale.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>vii. Locrian:</strong> Not used. The 7th triad has a flattened (or diminished) 5th making the chord too unstable to function as a usable tonic.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-01-18T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":207857},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:53:12+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-04-14T21:27:47+00:00","timestamp":"2022-04-15T00:01:10+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Music","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33730"},"slug":"music","categoryId":33730},{"name":"Music Theory","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33743"},"slug":"music-theory","categoryId":33743}],"title":"Music Theory For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"music theory for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"music-theory-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn the basics of music theory. This Cheat Sheet covers the names of the notes, time signatures, intervals, and chord progressions.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"If you're trying to learn how to play music, read music, or brush up on improvising and performing with other musicians, music theory is important. However, you don't need to know every last tidbit that the many theorists around the world have written down. You just need to become familiar with some of the basics. You need to know the names of the <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/art-center/music/guitar/how-musical-notes-are-constructed/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">musical notes</a>, and you must understand time signatures, music intervals, and chord progressions.","description":"If you're trying to learn how to play music, read music, or brush up on improvising and performing with other musicians, music theory is important. However, you don't need to know every last tidbit that the many theorists around the world have written down. You just need to become familiar with some of the basics. You need to know the names of the <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/art-center/music/guitar/how-musical-notes-are-constructed/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">musical notes</a>, and you must understand time signatures, music intervals, and chord progressions.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9255,"name":"Michael Pilhofer","slug":"michael-pilhofer","description":"Michael Pilhofer has worked as a professional musician for more than 20 years and teaches music theory. He is the coauthor of all editions of Music Theory For Dummies and Music Composition For Dummies.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9255"}},{"authorId":9256,"name":"Holly Day","slug":"holly-day","description":"Holly Day is the coauthor of Music Theory For Dummies and Music Composition For Dummies. Her articles have appeared in publications across the globe. ","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9256"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33743,"title":"Music Theory","slug":"music-theory","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33743"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":265008,"title":"Music Theory: Popular Genres and Forms","slug":"music-theory-popular-genres-and-forms","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","music-theory"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/265008"}},{"articleId":264997,"title":"Music Theory: Staff, Clefs, and Notes","slug":"music-theory-staff-clefs-and-notes","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","music-theory"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/264997"}},{"articleId":264983,"title":"Music Theory: Counting with Simple Time Signatures","slug":"music-theory-counting-with-simple-time-signatures","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","music-theory"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/264983"}},{"articleId":264945,"title":"10 Musical Movements that Changed History","slug":"10-musical-movements-that-changed-history","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","music-theory"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/264945"}},{"articleId":197988,"title":"What Is Music Theory?","slug":"what-is-music-theory","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","music-theory"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/197988"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":265008,"title":"Music Theory: Popular Genres and Forms","slug":"music-theory-popular-genres-and-forms","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","music-theory"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/265008"}},{"articleId":264997,"title":"Music Theory: Staff, Clefs, and Notes","slug":"music-theory-staff-clefs-and-notes","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","music-theory"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/264997"}},{"articleId":264983,"title":"Music Theory: Counting with Simple Time Signatures","slug":"music-theory-counting-with-simple-time-signatures","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","music-theory"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/264983"}},{"articleId":264945,"title":"10 Musical Movements that Changed History","slug":"10-musical-movements-that-changed-history","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","music-theory"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/264945"}},{"articleId":201561,"title":"The Circle of Fifths: A Brief History","slug":"the-circle-of-fifths-a-brief-history","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","music-theory"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201561"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282411,"slug":"music-theory-for-dummies-4th-edition","isbn":"9781119575528","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","music-theory"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119575524/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119575524/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119575524-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119575524/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119575524/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/music-theory-for-dummies-4th-edition-cover-9781119575528-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Music Theory For Dummies, 4th Edition","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"\n <p><b data-author-id=\"9255\">Michael Pilhofer, MM,</b> holds a Master's in Music Education with a Jazz Emphasis from the Eastman School of Music, and a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Performance from the University of Miami.</p> <p><b data-author-id=\"9256\">Holly Day's</b> work has appeared in <i>Guitar One Magazine, Music Alive!, culturefront Magazine,</i> and Brutarian Magazine.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9255,"name":"Michael Pilhofer","slug":"michael-pilhofer","description":"Michael Pilhofer has worked as a professional musician for more than 20 years and teaches music theory. He is the coauthor of all editions of Music Theory For Dummies and Music Composition For Dummies.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9255"}},{"authorId":9256,"name":"Holly Day","slug":"holly-day","description":"Holly Day is the coauthor of Music Theory For Dummies and Music Composition For Dummies. Her articles have appeared in publications across the globe. ","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9256"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;music&quot;,&quot;music-theory&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119575528&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6258b5c688652\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;music&quot;,&quot;music-theory&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119575528&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6258b5c688b97\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":186226,"title":"Note Names in the U.S. and U.K.","slug":"note-names-in-the-u-s-and-u-k","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","music-theory"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/186226"}},{"articleId":186227,"title":"Extending Notes with Dots and Ties","slug":"extending-notes-with-dots-and-ties","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","music-theory"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/186227"}},{"articleId":186253,"title":"Understanding Simple and Compound Time Signatures","slug":"understanding-simple-and-compound-time-signatures","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","music-theory"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/186253"}},{"articleId":186306,"title":"Measuring the Distance between Pitches with Intervals","slug":"measuring-the-distance-between-pitches-with-intervals","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","music-theory"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/186306"}},{"articleId":186274,"title":"Creating Music with Chord Progressions","slug":"creating-music-with-chord-progressions","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","music-theory"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/186274"}}],"content":[{"title":"Note names in the U.S. and U.K.","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>In the world of music, you may encounter different names for the many notes used.</p>\n<p>The U.S. and U.K. standard terms differ, but the US names — which were originally translated from the German names for the notes because so many German composers immigrated to the United States in the 19th century — are more universally standard. The U.K. names are also used in medieval music and in some classical circles.</p>\n<p>The following table shows the common notes and their U.S. and U.K. names.</p>\n<table border=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th>U.S. Note Name</th>\n<th>Note</th>\n<th>U.K. Note Name</th>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Double whole</td>\n<td><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/285472.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"18\" height=\"47\" /></td>\n<td>Breve</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Whole</td>\n<td><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/285473.image1.jpg\" alt=\"image1.jpg\" width=\"13\" height=\"47\" /></td>\n<td>Semibreve</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Half</td>\n<td><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/285474.image2.jpg\" alt=\"image2.jpg\" width=\"10\" height=\"56\" /></td>\n<td>Minim</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Quarter</td>\n<td><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/285475.image3.jpg\" alt=\"image3.jpg\" width=\"10\" height=\"57\" /></td>\n<td>Crotchet</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Eighth</td>\n<td><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/285476.image4.jpg\" alt=\"image4.jpg\" width=\"19\" height=\"65\" /></td>\n<td>Quaver</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Sixteenth</td>\n<td><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/285477.image5.jpg\" alt=\"image5.jpg\" width=\"18\" height=\"67\" /></td>\n<td>Semiquaver</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Thirty-second</td>\n<td><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/285478.image6.jpg\" alt=\"image6.jpg\" width=\"19\" height=\"77\" /></td>\n<td>Demisemiquaver</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n"},{"title":"Extending notes with dots and ties","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>All notes have a certain value, indicated by the size and shape of the note, that determines how long a pitch should be held by the voice or an instrument. Sometimes, however, you want to add to the value of a note to create syncopation or other interest in your musical piece.</p>\n<p>You can extend a note&#8217;s value in written music using <i>dots</i> and <i>ties.</i> Here&#8217;s the lowdown on each:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Augmentation dot:</b> This dot indicates that a note&#8217;s value is increased by one half of its original value. The most common use of the dotted note is when a half note is made to last three quarter-note beats instead of two, as shown in the figure. Less common is the dotted whole note. This dotted note means the whole note&#8217;s value is increased from four beats to six beats.</p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/285480.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"385\" height=\"263\" /></li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Tie:</b> Ties connect notes of the same pitch to create one sustained note instead of two separate ones. When you see a tie, simply add the notes together. For example, a quarter note tied to another quarter note equals one note held for two beats, as shown in the figure.</p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/285481.image1.jpg\" alt=\"image1.jpg\" width=\"237\" height=\"260\" /></li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Understanding simple and compound time signatures","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Written music always contains a <i>time signature,</i> which looks like a fraction and is found at the beginning of a piece of music. In the time signature, the upper number represents the number of beats per measure, and the lower one represents the time value of each beat. You&#8217;ll encounter the two following main types of time signatures:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Simple:</b> With <i>simple time signatures,</i> the beat of a piece of music can be broken down into two-part rhythms. Simple time signatures are the easiest to count, because a one-two pulse in a piece of music feels the most natural to a listener and a performer. Common examples of simple time signatures are 4/4, 3/4, 2/4, 3/8, and 2/2.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Compound:</b> In <i>compound time signatures,</i> the beat is broken down into three-part rhythms. The top number is evenly divisible by 3, with the exception of time signatures where the top number is 3. Also, each beat is divided into three components, creating a one-two-three pulse. Common examples of compound time signatures are 6/8, 12/8, and 9/4.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Measuring the difference between pitches with intervals","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>The distance between two musical pitches is called an <i>interval</i><i>.</i> Intervals are important to music because they build scales and chords. In other words, music gets its richness from intervals. Composers and musicians use two types of intervals: harmonic and melodic intervals.</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">You get a <i>harmonic</i><i> interval</i> when you play two notes at the same time.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">You get a <i>melodic</i><i> interval</i> when you play two notes separately in time, one after the other.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p>The <i>identity</i> of both harmonic and melodic intervals is determined by two things:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Quantity:</b> You determine an interval&#8217;s <i>quantity</i> by simply adding the lines and spaces included in the interval on the music staff. <i>Accidentals</i> (sharps and flats), which raise or lower a pitch by a half step, don&#8217;t matter when counting interval quantity. Interval quantity may be</p>\n<ul class=\"level-two\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Unison (or prime)</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Second</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Third</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Fourth</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Fifth</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Sixth</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Seventh</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Octave</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Quality:</b> Interval <i>quality</i> is based on the number of half steps from one note to another. Unlike in interval quantity, accidentals do matter in interval quality. The terms used to describe quality, and their abbreviations, are as follows:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-two\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Major (M):</b> Contains two half steps between notes</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Minor (m):</b> Contains a half step less than a major interval, or one half step between notes</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Perfect (P):</b> Refers to the harmonic quality of primes, octaves, fourths, and fifths</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Diminished (dim):</b> Contains a half step less than a minor or perfect interval</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Augmented (aug):</b> Contains a half step more than a major or perfect interval</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Creating music with chord progressions","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>A <i>chord progression</i> is a group of chords that you use to create music. Some chord progressions just sound better than others, so it pays to experiment.</p>\n<p>The following table, which shows commonly used major-key chords and the other chords they often lead to, can help you in deciding which chords will come next in your compositions.</p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th>Chord</th>\n<th>Leads To</th>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>I</td>\n<td>Can appear anywhere and lead anywhere</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>ii</td>\n<td>I, V, or vii° chords</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>iii</td>\n<td>I, IV, or vi chords</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>IV</td>\n<td>I, ii, V, or vii° chords</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>V</td>\n<td>I, vi chords</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>vi</td>\n<td>I, ii, iii, IV, or V chords</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>vii°</td>\n<td>I chord</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-01-20T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":208498},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:55:01+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-04-13T18:56:25+00:00","timestamp":"2022-04-14T00:01:04+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Music","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33730"},"slug":"music","categoryId":33730},{"name":"Instruments","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33731"},"slug":"instruments","categoryId":33731},{"name":"Trumpet","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33739"},"slug":"trumpet","categoryId":33739}],"title":"Trumpet For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"trumpet for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"trumpet-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"This Cheat Sheet helps new trumpet players get quickly up to speed on choosing an instrument, caring for it, and basic fingerings.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"When you first start thinking about taking up the trumpet, finding an instrument that’s right for you is at the top of your to-do list. You need a mouthpiece as well — one that’s a good size and design for your needs.\r\n\r\nOf course, when you have a trumpet and mouthpiece, you need to know how to take care of them so that they last a long time and stay in good working order. Finally, you need a map for your journey, so a fingering chart is essential information, telling you which of those three valves you need to push down for the notes you want to play.","description":"When you first start thinking about taking up the trumpet, finding an instrument that’s right for you is at the top of your to-do list. You need a mouthpiece as well — one that’s a good size and design for your needs.\r\n\r\nOf course, when you have a trumpet and mouthpiece, you need to know how to take care of them so that they last a long time and stay in good working order. Finally, you need a map for your journey, so a fingering chart is essential information, telling you which of those three valves you need to push down for the notes you want to play.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":10259,"name":"Jeffrey Reynolds","slug":"jeffrey-reynolds","description":"Jeffrey Reynolds is an accomplished trumpet teacher, conductor, and performer. He is the coordinator of the Performance Division at the Faculty of Music, University of Toronto, where he also conducts the Wind Symphony. Reynolds has worked with the Victoria Symphony and the Stratford Festival, and toured throughout Canada and the US as principal trumpet with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. Reynolds has taught at all levels and has written articles about trumpet playing, conducting, and teaching music in Canadian Winds and The Recorder, among other journals. ","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10259"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33739,"title":"Trumpet","slug":"trumpet","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33739"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":190232,"title":"Taking Care of Your Trumpet","slug":"taking-care-of-your-trumpet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","trumpet"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/190232"}},{"articleId":190233,"title":"The Road Map for Trumpet Playing: Your Fingering Chart","slug":"the-road-map-for-trumpet-playing-your-fingering-chart","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","trumpet"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/190233"}},{"articleId":190234,"title":"Getting a Trumpet and Mouthpiece","slug":"getting-a-trumpet-and-mouthpiece","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","trumpet"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/190234"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":190232,"title":"Taking Care of Your Trumpet","slug":"taking-care-of-your-trumpet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","trumpet"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/190232"}},{"articleId":190233,"title":"The Road Map for Trumpet Playing: Your Fingering Chart","slug":"the-road-map-for-trumpet-playing-your-fingering-chart","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","trumpet"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/190233"}},{"articleId":190234,"title":"Getting a Trumpet and Mouthpiece","slug":"getting-a-trumpet-and-mouthpiece","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","trumpet"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/190234"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282642,"slug":"trumpet-for-dummies","isbn":"9780470679371","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","trumpet"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0470679379/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0470679379/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/0470679379-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0470679379/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/0470679379/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/trumpet-for-dummies-cover-9780470679371-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Trumpet For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"\n <p><b data-author-id=\"10259\">Jeffrey Reynolds, PhD,</b> is a lecturer in music at the University of Toronto. A trumpet player with almost 50 years' experience, he has performed all manner of engagements, from funerals to weddings, from jazz gigs and dances to orchestra concerts. </p>","authors":[{"authorId":10259,"name":"Jeffrey Reynolds","slug":"jeffrey-reynolds","description":"Jeffrey Reynolds is an accomplished trumpet teacher, conductor, and performer. He is the coordinator of the Performance Division at the Faculty of Music, University of Toronto, where he also conducts the Wind Symphony. Reynolds has worked with the Victoria Symphony and the Stratford Festival, and toured throughout Canada and the US as principal trumpet with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. Reynolds has taught at all levels and has written articles about trumpet playing, conducting, and teaching music in Canadian Winds and The Recorder, among other journals. ","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10259"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;music&quot;,&quot;instruments&quot;,&quot;trumpet&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780470679371&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6257644076a5d\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;music&quot;,&quot;instruments&quot;,&quot;trumpet&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780470679371&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6257644076f6e\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":190234,"title":"Getting a Trumpet and Mouthpiece","slug":"getting-a-trumpet-and-mouthpiece","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","trumpet"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/190234"}},{"articleId":190232,"title":"Taking Care of Your Trumpet","slug":"taking-care-of-your-trumpet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","trumpet"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/190232"}},{"articleId":190233,"title":"The Road Map for Trumpet Playing: Your Fingering Chart","slug":"the-road-map-for-trumpet-playing-your-fingering-chart","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","trumpet"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/190233"}}],"content":[{"title":"Getting a trumpet and mouthpiece","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>First, the basics: Many kinds of trumpets, and cousins of trumpets, are on the market, but you’re looking for a B♭ (B-flat) trumpet. In North America, you want piston valves (many European players use rotary valves).</p>\n<p>If you’re shopping for a first trumpet for a young child, you may want to consider a cornet; the tubing of a cornet is wrapped more tightly so that the weight is distributed differently and the balance is more comfortable for small hands.</p>\n<p>Even though you know what kind of trumpet you want, your choices aren’t over. When you walk into a music store to buy a trumpet and mouthpiece, you have to make several decisions:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>New or used?</b> The decision whether to buy new or used is often a matter of budget. A new trumpet is a safer bet, if you can afford one. But don’t discount used trumpets or feel discouraged if you can’t afford to buy new. A used trumpet can be a real bargain — the trick is to find one that’s in good condition. You improve your odds by buying from a music store or from someone you know and trust.</p>\n<p class=\"child-para\">If you’ve found a used trumpet you’re considering, bring a trusted teacher or advisor with you to examine and play the instrument, if you can. If that’s not possible, at least make sure that the valves go up and down smoothly and that there are no obvious dents or actual holes in the metal.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Student model or professional model? </b>Start with a student model and upgrade to a professional one down the road, after you’ve decided to continue playing the trumpet. In the student lines, Yamaha YTR 2335, Bach TR 300, and Getzen 390/490 are all excellent makes. If you’re buying used, an older trumpet called the Olds Ambassador is another great option.</p>\n<p class=\"child-para\">If you’re shopping for a professional model, both Yamaha and Vincent Bach Stradivarius are good choices. You’ll see so-called “intermediate” trumpets on the market; they cost more than student models but aren’t as good as professional ones; you’re better off going either with the student or the professional, and skipping the intermediate model altogether.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>What finish? </b>Most student trumpets have lacquer finishes, which is no coincidence: Lacquer is the least expensive finish. Silver plate is popular with advanced players and professionals, but it adds up to $200 to the price. Gold plating is even <i>more</i> expensive and uncommon, even among professionals.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>What type of mouthpiece? </b>If you buy a new trumpet, the mouthpiece will come with the trumpet. If you buy used, you’ll need to buy a mouthpiece separately. Make sure you get a medium-size mouthpiece, meaning that the diameter of the inner rim and the depth of the cup are in the middle of the range of choices. A Bach 7C is the standard make and size for a beginning trumpet student. The equivalent in Yamaha is an 11C4-7C.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Taking care of your trumpet","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Trumpets are pretty easy to look after, and mouthpieces even more so. All you need are oil, slide grease, and a lint-free cloth to care for your musical equipment.</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Oiling the valves: </b>A new trumpet has a breaking-in period of about a month during which you should oil the valves and give the valves an oil change more frequently. During the first month, you should oil the valves every day. To do this, apply just two drops of good-quality valve oil (Hetman Synthetic Classic Piston Lubricant, Al Cass Fast Valve Oil, or Holton Valve Oil) on the silver section of the valve.</p>\n<p class=\"child-para\">In addition, once a week, do a full oil change: Carefully remove the valves and wipe them clean with a lint-free cloth; apply no more than three drops of valve oil on the silver section of the valve, and insert the valve into the casing, tightening the retaining cap without too much force. Work on one valve at a time.</p>\n<p class=\"child-para\">After the first month or so, oil your valves two or three times a week; if you’re playing several hours a day, you might want to oil them daily. Every couple of months, give your valves an oil change.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Greasing the slides: </b>Lubricate the main tuning slide with slide grease. (Hetman and Yamaha are two excellent manufacturers.) Don’t apply too much lubricant, and only do this maintenance once a month. The goal is for the slide to move smoothly, but not too freely. The third-valve slide <i>does</i> need to move easily, so a different, lighter lubricant (called key and rotor oil) is needed.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Cleaning the mouthpiece: </b>Mouthpieces are simple. Swab the inner diameter with a mouthpiece brush whenever you think of it.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Your trumpet fingering chart","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Here are the fingerings for the notes you’ll be playing on your trumpet for at least the first few months. The first valve is the one closest to you, the second valve is the middle one, and the third valve is — you guessed it — the one farthest from you. The notation “0” means no valves at all.</p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/228825.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"535\" height=\"214\" /></p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-04-13T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":208794},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:53:27+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-04-05T17:47:44+00:00","timestamp":"2022-04-05T18:01:06+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Music","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33730"},"slug":"music","categoryId":33730},{"name":"Instruments","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33731"},"slug":"instruments","categoryId":33731},{"name":"Saxophone","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34388"},"slug":"saxophone","categoryId":34388}],"title":"Saxophone For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"saxophone for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"saxophone-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"This handy Cheat Sheet explains the parts of a saxophone and has tips on buying vs. leasing, practicing, and approaching new songs.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"The saxophone has influenced many styles of music. Saxophonists have left their indelible mark on music, whether it’s in the big bands of Count Basie and Duke Ellington, Bill Haley’s legendary rock ’n’ roll band, or the funk master James Brown. And in the bossa nova song “The Girl from Ipanema,” the breathy sax is the icing on the cake.\r\n\r\nThis Cheat Sheet provides some basic information to help you start playing the saxophone: buying or leasing a sax, sax parts and their functions, practicing with your sax, and playing a new sax song.","description":"The saxophone has influenced many styles of music. Saxophonists have left their indelible mark on music, whether it’s in the big bands of Count Basie and Duke Ellington, Bill Haley’s legendary rock ’n’ roll band, or the funk master James Brown. And in the bossa nova song “The Girl from Ipanema,” the breathy sax is the icing on the cake.\r\n\r\nThis Cheat Sheet provides some basic information to help you start playing the saxophone: buying or leasing a sax, sax parts and their functions, practicing with your sax, and playing a new sax song.","blurb":"","authors":[],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34388,"title":"Saxophone","slug":"saxophone","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34388"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;music&quot;,&quot;instruments&quot;,&quot;saxophone&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-624c83e2a10e6\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;music&quot;,&quot;instruments&quot;,&quot;saxophone&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-624c83e2a165e\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":187054,"title":"Leasing or Buying a Saxophone","slug":"leasing-or-buying-a-saxophone","categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/187054"}},{"articleId":187052,"title":"Saxophone Parts and Their Functions","slug":"saxophone-parts-and-their-functions","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/187052"}},{"articleId":187056,"title":"Saxophone Practice","slug":"saxophone-practice","categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/187056"}},{"articleId":187053,"title":"Playing a New Saxophone Song","slug":"playing-a-new-saxophone-song","categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/187053"}}],"content":[{"title":"Leasing or buying a saxophone","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Whether you choose the soprano, alto, tenor, or baritone saxophone, another decision remains: Should you buy a saxophone or lease one? (Don’t worry, you’re not alone on this — your wallet has something to say here.) Each option has its pros and cons. The following sections help you choose the option that’s right for you.</p>\n<h2>Leasing a saxophone</h2>\n<p>Are you still dabbling in dreams of being a saxophonist? If you’re unsure about whether the saxophone suits you, and you’re not ready to spend a lot of money, leasing is a good idea. Many music stores and dealers offer this option. You can get a decent instrument and pay for it month to month.</p>\n<p>If, later, you decide to buy the saxophone you&#8217;re leasing, some retailers will credit what you’ve already paid toward the purchase price. And if you decide that the saxophone isn’t your musical match, simply return it.</p>\n<h2>Buying a saxophone: New or used?</h2>\n<p>If the saxophone is the instrument you were meant to play, and you’re ready to make the commitment, you’re likely prepared to buy.</p>\n<p class=\"Tip\">When buying a saxophone — or any important accessories — consider asking an expert, such as your future saxophone teacher or an experienced saxophonist, to be your personal sales consultant. Getting an expert opinion is worth the peace of mind, and it almost guarantees that you’ll find the right saxophone for you.</p>\n<p class=\"Warning\">Many people choose to buy new instruments, but some used saxophones are available in good or very good condition and are ready to play. Perhaps the previous owner didn’t play much, or the instrument was recently reconditioned.</p>\n<p class=\"Warning\">Some vintage horns are real classics. For example, most pros would only sell their old Selmer Mark VI over their dead bodies. These old instruments can sound beautiful and their value often doubles in price compared to a new one.</p>\n<p class=\"Remember\">A well-maintained saxophone can last a long time. For example, the pads (the leather on the underside of the keys) can remain intact for six to ten years, depending on the quality of the pads, maintenance, and usage.</p>\n<p>With a used saxophone, pay special attention to the condition of the instrument:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">What condition are the pads in? Is the leather still smooth, dark, and hard, or is it cracked and moldy?</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Do the pads still cover the tone holes perfectly?</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Do the mechanics run clean? Can you press down on all of the keys comfortably and simultaneously?</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p>If you answer no to any of these questions, the sax in question might need a general overhaul. And if it’s in really bad shape, repairs could cost more than the instrument is worth! Get advice from an expert if you’re concerned.</p>\n"},{"title":"Saxophone parts and their functions","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>The saxophone is a woodwind, not a brass, instrument. This fact can be hard to believe, because the saxophone is, after all, made mostly of brass. The saxophone is considered a woodwind instrument because the part that creates the actual sound, called the <i>reed</i>, is made out of wood, or more specifically, cane (similar to bamboo).</p>\n<p>This section familiarizes you with the important components of the saxophone, by describing how they fit together and how the whole system works.</p>\n<p>The saxophone is made up of the following parts:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Reed:</b> The sound generator, which has the same function as human vocal chords. It’s fixed onto the mouthpiece by a ligature.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Mouthpiece:</b> When you blow into the mouthpiece, the reed vibrates. Without the aid of the other parts of the saxophone, it produces a high, shrill sound.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Neck:</b> The mouthpiece is attached to the neck, which is the joint between the mouthpiece and the body. The sound generated by the vibrating reed enters the body through the neck. If you compare the saxophone’s neck with your own, and with your voice, the saxophone’s neck works the same way.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Body:</b> This is the most important resonance chamber of the saxophone. The sound vibrates within the body and is amplified. By holding down the keys, which are located on the body, you change the length of the air column to create a different pitch or note. The longer the air column, the lower the corresponding note; the shorter the column, the higher the note.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Neck strap:</b> More of an accessory, this is a strap that is looped through an eyelet on the back side of the horn and worn around the player’s neck. The neck strap lets the player carry the saxophone and supports the instrument so the fingers can move freely over the keys.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Thumb hook:</b> The right thumb sits in the thumb hook, which is a hooked-shaped piece of metal or plastic, to balance the saxophone’s weight.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Thumb rest:</b> The left thumb sits on the thumb rest (located below the octave key) to balance the saxophone.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Saxophone practice","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Practicing with your saxophone brings you closer to your musical goals. Your saxophone should perform the way you want it to. Good technique, knowledge, and experience will help with this, and that means you have to practice, practice, practice.</p>\n<h2>Practice with your saxophone regularly</h2>\n<p>As in sports and many other activities, you improve by practicing regularly a little bit at a time, rather than practicing a lot every now and then. Five 15-minute practice sessions per week are much better than a single marathon session of two or five hours right before your next saxophone lesson. The regularity helps you memorize and internalize what you’re practicing. You can get accustomed to your saxophone step by step. Even three sessions of five minutes per day is productive.</p>\n<h2>Structure your saxophone practice</h2>\n<p>Try devising a practice schedule or a practice routine. Such a routine can look like this:</p>\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">First, warm up.</p>\n<p class=\"child-para\">Start in the middle range and play soft, long tones.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b></b>Second, turn to different combinations of notes to work on your finger technique.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b></b>Next, start phrasing and articulation exercises.</p>\n<p class=\"child-para\">These help the coordination of your tongue and fingers.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b></b>Now, practice a scale, preferably from memory.</p>\n<p class=\"child-para\">This trains your fluency and speed.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b></b>Last, select a piece and play it.</p>\n</li>\n</ol>\n<p class=\"Remember\">If you’re interested in improvisation, play typical jazz phrases or use the vocabulary of a different musical style, possibly in one or more keys. If you need more to practice, you can work on rhythmic exercises. And listen to exemplary solos from your favorite recordings and transcribe them, or focus on training your ear.</p>\n<p>You can always find something to practice or improve on. Not everything has to go by the schedule, even if you set out to do so.</p>\n"},{"title":"Playing a new saxophone song","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>You want to learn a new song to play on your saxophone, and this section tells you how to do so effectively. You can learn new saxophone pieces and even master difficult songs this way. The idea is that you approach the song from different angles. Put appropriate emphasis on note material, rhythm, and dynamics. Follow this approach:</p>\n<h2>Examine the key and scale</h2>\n<p>Your first glance should be toward the notation on the upper left. What is the key signature? Does it contain sharps or flats? For instance, one sharp in the key signature indicates G major, and one flat indicates F major.</p>\n<p class=\"Tip\">When working on a new piece, you learn the key by playing the corresponding scale. This is a good approach for preparing to play the song.</p>\n<h2>Practice the notes and fingerings</h2>\n<p>Practice the notes and their fingerings independently of the rhythm. As soon as you recognize the notes instantly, finger and blow all the notes of the song in sequence. You can handle difficult note combinations best if you repeat them often, that is, if you “loop” them.</p>\n<h2>Work on the rhythm</h2>\n<p>At this stage, work on just the rhythm, meaning figure out the note and rest lengths without considering their pitch. Go through individual bars of the song. Clap the rhythm. In the case of rhythmically complex measures, get an overview by penciling the main beats (1, 2, 3, 4) with a vertical line above the notes. Clearly structure each measure. Filter out difficult rhythms and clap them several times — just like the note combinations — and “loop” them.</p>\n<h2>Pair the notes with the rhythm</h2>\n<p>When the notes and rhythm are second nature to you, combine the two. Approach this measure by measure and increase the tempo gradually.</p>\n<h2>Pay attention to breath marks and song sequences</h2>\n<p>When you can play the entire song, go into more detail. Pay attention to the notated breath marks and try only to breathe where indicated. If no breath marks are given, try to find spots at which it makes sense to inhale, and mark them with your pencil. You should inhale only after slurs, and during rests in such a way that you always have enough air for playing.</p>\n<p>Also try to notice a few other things: Musical symbols, such as repeat signs, that could be marked with first and second endings. In addition, look for <i>Da capo</i> (<i>D.C</i>.), <i>Dal segno</i> (<i>D.S.</i>), and <i>Coda</i> symbols.</p>\n<h2>Focus on articulation and dynamics</h2>\n<p>Musical notation also includes articulation symbols that give instruction on how you should use your tongue and air. Emphasize the accented notes (&gt;) accordingly, or play notes with the <i>staccato</i> symbol (snappy and short) as indicated.</p>\n<p>Next pay attention to dynamics:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i>p</i> (<i>piano</i> = soft)</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i>mp</i> (<i>mezzo piano</i> = half as soft as piano)</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i>mf </i>(<i>mezzo forte</i> = half as loud as forte)</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i>f</i> (<i>forte</i> = loud)</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p><i>Crescendo</i> and <i>decrescendo</i> also indicate volume, which you should consider.</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-04-05T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":208543},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:47:25+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-03-15T14:34:03+00:00","timestamp":"2022-03-15T18:01:08+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Music","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33730"},"slug":"music","categoryId":33730},{"name":"Instruments","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33731"},"slug":"instruments","categoryId":33731},{"name":"Guitar","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33735"},"slug":"guitar","categoryId":33735}],"title":"Guitar Rhythm & Technique For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"guitar rhythm & technique for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"guitar-rhythm-technique-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"This Cheat Sheet has some handy tips that you can keep in your practice area for quick reference.\r\n\r\nUse these techniques to review your basic rhythms and warm up your hands at the beginning of a playing session. Before you begin, trim and file the nails on your fretting hand so that nothing comes between your fingertips and the strings.\r\n\r\nAlso, you may need a warm up before your warm up. Make sure your shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers are loose and warm. Stretch and massage yourself to get the blood flowing if need be.","description":"This Cheat Sheet has some handy tips that you can keep in your practice area for quick reference.\r\n\r\nUse these techniques to review your basic rhythms and warm up your hands at the beginning of a playing session. Before you begin, trim and file the nails on your fretting hand so that nothing comes between your fingertips and the strings.\r\n\r\nAlso, you may need a warm up before your warm up. Make sure your shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers are loose and warm. Stretch and massage yourself to get the blood flowing if need be.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9209,"name":"Desi Serna","slug":"desi-serna","description":"Desi Serna is a guitarist, a guitar teacher, and as called out by Rolling Stone, an expert in music theory. He's the author of several instructional books on guitar. Learn more at guitarmusictheory.com.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9209"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33735,"title":"Guitar","slug":"guitar","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33735"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":144868,"title":"10 Steps to Singing and Playing Guitar at the Same Time","slug":"10-steps-to-singing-and-playing-guitar-at-the-same-time","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/144868"}},{"articleId":144867,"title":"Following a Lead Sheet","slug":"following-a-lead-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/144867"}},{"articleId":144864,"title":"Using Half and Double Time When Playing Guitar","slug":"using-half-and-double-time-when-playing-guitar","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/144864"}},{"articleId":144865,"title":"Using a Capo on Your Guitar","slug":"using-a-capo-on-your-guitar","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/144865"}},{"articleId":144866,"title":"Looking at The Edge’s Guitar-Pick Sound","slug":"looking-at-the-edges-guitar-pick-sound","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/144866"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":210308,"title":"How to String A Steel-String Acoustic Guitar","slug":"how-to-string-a-steel-string-acoustic-guitar","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210308"}},{"articleId":210307,"title":"How to Vary Guitar Articulation with Pull-Offs","slug":"how-to-vary-guitar-articulation-with-pull-offs","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210307"}},{"articleId":210306,"title":"How to Vary Guitar Articulation by Using Hammer-Ons","slug":"how-to-vary-guitar-articulation-by-using-hammer-ons","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210306"}},{"articleId":210305,"title":"How to Use a Capo","slug":"how-to-use-a-capo","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210305"}},{"articleId":210304,"title":"How to String a Nylon-String Guitar","slug":"how-to-string-a-nylon-string-guitar","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210304"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282261,"slug":"guitar-rhythm-and-techniques-for-dummies-book-online-video-and-audio-instruction","isbn":"9781119022879","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119022878/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119022878/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119022878-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119022878/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119022878/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/guitar-rhythm-and-techniques-for-dummies-cover-9781119022879-193x255.jpg","width":193,"height":255},"title":"Guitar Rhythm and Techniques For Dummies, Book + Online Video and Audio Instruction","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"\n <p><b data-author-id=\"9209\">Desi Serna</b> has built a substantial online platform as an engaging and approachable guitar guru-a guitar player and teacher with more than 10,000 hours of experience providing private guitar lessons and classes. Serna is hailed as a \"music-theory expert\" by <i>Rolling Stone</i> magazine. </p>","authors":[{"authorId":9209,"name":"Desi Serna","slug":"desi-serna","description":"Desi Serna is a guitarist, a guitar teacher, and as called out by Rolling Stone, an expert in music theory. He's the author of several instructional books on guitar. Learn more at guitarmusictheory.com.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9209"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;music&quot;,&quot;instruments&quot;,&quot;guitar&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119022879&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6230d4648a464\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;music&quot;,&quot;instruments&quot;,&quot;guitar&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119022879&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6230d4648ab7b\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":144855,"title":"Playing a Rhythm Pyramid","slug":"playing-a-rhythm-pyramid","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/144855"}},{"articleId":144854,"title":"Warming Up with Alternate Picking","slug":"warming-up-with-alternate-picking","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/144854"}},{"articleId":144853,"title":"Warming Up with Fingerpicking","slug":"warming-up-with-fingerpicking","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/144853"}},{"articleId":144850,"title":"The Spanish Fingering System","slug":"the-spanish-fingering-system","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/144850"}},{"articleId":144851,"title":"Playing a Chromatic-Scale Pattern","slug":"playing-a-chromatic-scale-pattern","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/144851"}}],"content":[{"title":"Playing a rhythm pyramid","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>A <i>rhythm pyramid, </i>like the one below, is the most basic way in which a measure of music is subdivided. For practice, you can strum the different note values on open strings, chord shapes, or muted strings.</p>\n<p>Set your metronome to 80 beats per minute, give or take, and spend a few minutes alternating between quarter, eighth, and sixteenth notes.</p>\n<p>It’s a good idea to count out loud, like this: “1 2 3 4, 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and, 1-e-and-a, 2-e-and-a, 3-e-and-a, 4-e-and-a,” and so on.</p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/467895.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"334\" height=\"135\" /></p>\n<p>The following figure shows you the rest equivalents to the notes in the previous figure. As you practice strumming rhythms, place rests into your playing as well.</p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/467896.image1.jpg\" alt=\"image1.jpg\" width=\"299\" height=\"80\" /></p>\n"},{"title":"Warming up with alternate picking","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>The following figure is good for working on alternate guitar picking and getting to know the placement of the strings under your picking hand.</p>\n<p>Set your metronome to a comfortable tempo and rehearse the figure for a minute or two. Aside from moving across the strings in the two directions shown, you can use random movement and skip strings.</p>\n<p class=\"Tip\">To sound more musical, hold down a chord shape with your fretting hand. For more of a challenge, the same exercise can be played using sixteenth notes.</p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/467898.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"336\" height=\"169\" /></p>\n"},{"title":"Warming up with fingerpicking","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>The following figure gets the blood flowing in your fretting-hand fingers. You can practice the fingerpicking pattern by playing at various tempos and over different types of chord progressions.</p>\n<p class=\"Tip\">Try changing the pattern by reversing the order of your fingers. Reversing your fingers, but still starting with the thumb is another option.</p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/467900.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"336\" height=\"98\" /></p>\n"},{"title":"The Spanish fingering system","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>In traditional guitar notation, the letters <i>p</i><i>,</i> <i>i</i><i>,</i> <i>m</i><i>,</i> and <i>a</i> are used to refer to the fingers on the picking hand. Taken from the Spanish language, here’s what the letters represent:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i>p</i> = <i>pulgar</i> (thumb)</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i>i</i> = <i>indice</i> (index or first finger)</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i>m</i> = <i>medio</i> (middle or second finger)</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i>a</i> = <i>anular</i> (ring or third finger)</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Below is a visual example of this Spanish fingering system. Occasionally, you come across <i>pimac,</i> where the letter <i>c</i> stands for <i>chico,</i> the pinky finger.</p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/467902.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"100\" height=\"118\" /></p>\n"},{"title":"Playing a chromatic-scale pattern","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Playing a chromatic-scale pattern is great way to exercise all four fingers on your fretting hand. In the following figure, you see two examples. The numbers indicate which fingers to use. Use alternate picking as you play up and down each chromatic pattern in order to improve the synchronization of both hands.</p>\n<p class=\"Tip\">To challenge your fretting hand more, use hammer-ons as you ascend the pattern and pull-offs as you descend, picking only the first note on each string.</p>\n<p class=\"Tip\">You can practice at your own pace, or confine your playing to eighth or sixteenth notes while following a metronome. These chromatic patterns can be moved around the neck and started at any fret.</p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/467893.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"304\" height=\"498\" /></p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-03-15T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":207551},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:58:24+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-03-14T18:30:54+00:00","timestamp":"2022-03-15T00:01:11+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Music","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33730"},"slug":"music","categoryId":33730},{"name":"Instruments","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33731"},"slug":"instruments","categoryId":33731},{"name":"Guitar","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33735"},"slug":"guitar","categoryId":33735}],"title":"Classical Guitar For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"classical guitar for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"classical-guitar-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Get started mastering the classical guitar with this handy guide covering note range, the circle of fifths and free versus rest strokes.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Playing classical guitar starts with figuring out the notes, noting major and minor keys on the circle of 5ths, and knowing what situations in classical guitar call for playing the free stroke or the rest stroke.","description":"Playing classical guitar starts with figuring out the notes, noting major and minor keys on the circle of 5ths, and knowing what situations in classical guitar call for playing the free stroke or the rest stroke.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9006,"name":"Jon Chappell","slug":"jon-chappell","description":"Jon Chappell is a guitarist, arranger, and former editor-in-chief of Guitar magazine.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9006"}},{"authorId":9005,"name":"Mark Phillips","slug":"mark-phillips","description":"Mark Phillips is a former director of music at Cherry Lane Music, where he edited or arranged the songbooks of such artists as John Denver, Van Halen, Guns N' Roses, and Metallica.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9005"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33735,"title":"Guitar","slug":"guitar","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33735"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":210308,"title":"How to String A Steel-String Acoustic Guitar","slug":"how-to-string-a-steel-string-acoustic-guitar","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210308"}},{"articleId":210307,"title":"How to Vary Guitar Articulation with Pull-Offs","slug":"how-to-vary-guitar-articulation-with-pull-offs","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210307"}},{"articleId":210306,"title":"How to Vary Guitar Articulation by Using Hammer-Ons","slug":"how-to-vary-guitar-articulation-by-using-hammer-ons","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210306"}},{"articleId":210305,"title":"How to Use a Capo","slug":"how-to-use-a-capo","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210305"}},{"articleId":210304,"title":"How to String a Nylon-String Guitar","slug":"how-to-string-a-nylon-string-guitar","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210304"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":290253,"slug":"classical-guitar-for-dummies-2nd-edition","isbn":"9781119873020","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119873029/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119873029/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119873029-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119873029/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119873029/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/9781119873020-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Classical Guitar For Dummies, 2nd Edition","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"\n <p><b data-author-id=\"9006\">Jon Chappell</b> is a guitarist, arranger, and former editor-in-chief of Guitar magazine. <b data-author-id=\"9005\">Mark Phillips</b> is a former director of music at Cherry Lane Music, where he edited or arranged the songbooks of such artists as John Denver, Van Halen, Guns N' Roses, and Metallica.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9006,"name":"Jon Chappell","slug":"jon-chappell","description":"Jon Chappell is a guitarist, arranger, and former editor-in-chief of Guitar magazine.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9006"}},{"authorId":9005,"name":"Mark Phillips","slug":"mark-phillips","description":"Mark Phillips is a former director of music at Cherry Lane Music, where he edited or arranged the songbooks of such artists as John Denver, Van Halen, Guns N' Roses, and Metallica.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9005"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;music&quot;,&quot;instruments&quot;,&quot;guitar&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119873020&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-622fd7479a07d\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;music&quot;,&quot;instruments&quot;,&quot;guitar&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119873020&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-622fd7479a7ab\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":195761,"title":"Classical Guitar Notes","slug":"classical-guitar-notes","categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/195761"}},{"articleId":195760,"title":"The Circle of 5ths in Classical Guitar","slug":"the-circle-of-5ths-in-classical-guitar","categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/195760"}},{"articleId":195759,"title":"Playing Classical Guitar in Free Stroke versus Rest Stroke","slug":"playing-classical-guitar-in-free-stroke-versus-rest-stroke","categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/195759"}}],"content":[{"title":"Classical guitar notes","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>This diagram illustrates the guitar’s entire range of notes, including sharps and flats, on the treble clef, using ledger lines below and above the staff. Each of the six string’s 12 frets is shown allowing you to see some pitches that are played on multiple strings in classical guitar.</p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/139783.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"535\" height=\"771\" /></p>\n"},{"title":"The circle of 5ths in classical guitar","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>The circle of 5ths (an interval encompassing five notes) is a helpful tool in classical guitar for viewing the 12 major and minor keys by the order of sharps and flats in their key signatures. The key of C (no sharps or flats) is at the top, or 12 o’clock position. Moving clockwise from C you progress, by ascending 5ths, through all 12 keys beginning with sharps.</p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/139785.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" /></p>\n"},{"title":"Playing classical guitar in free stroke vs. rest stroke","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>How do you know when to use the free stroke or the rest stroke when playing classical guitar? This table notes when you should choose to use the free stroke and when your better option is the rest stroke for your guitar playing.</p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th>Use the Free Stroke When You Play</th>\n<th>Use the Rest Stroke When You Play</th>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Arpeggios</td>\n<td>Slower, more expressive melodies</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Chords</td>\n<td>Scales, scale sequences, and single-note passages</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Light-sounding melodies, or filler notes between melody and<br />\nbass parts</td>\n<td>Loud notes, or notes requiring maximum volume or feeling of<br />\nintensity</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Melodies or passages where the rest stroke can’t be<br />\napplied because of tempo considerations, string conflicts, or<br />\nawkwardness and impracticalities in the right-hand fingering</td>\n<td>Passages that must be drawn out from their surroundings (either<br />\nother notes from the guitar or in an ensemble setting), assuming no<br />\nconflict with other strings</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-01-12T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":209436},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:57:40+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-03-10T20:41:48+00:00","timestamp":"2022-03-11T00:01:06+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Music","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33730"},"slug":"music","categoryId":33730},{"name":"Instruments","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33731"},"slug":"instruments","categoryId":33731},{"name":"Guitar","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33735"},"slug":"guitar","categoryId":33735}],"title":"Guitar All-In-One For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"guitar all-in-one for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"guitar-all-in-one-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"This handy cheat sheet for learning guitar has fingerboard diagrams, tablature, notes on the neck, and a chords chart.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Learning to play the guitar is a lot fun. Use this cheat sheet to help you get started with your guitar finger placement and guitar chords. If you need help with finger placement on your guitar, use tablature (tab) and fingerboard diagrams.\r\n\r\nPractice playing the most common <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/art-center/music/guitar/playing-guitar-common-open-position-chords/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">open-position chords</a> on your guitar to get that “jangly” sound, and make sure you know the notes on the neck of your guitar to change starting notes in <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/art-center/music/guitar/basics-of-scales-for-the-guitar/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">scales</a>, chords, and arpeggios.","description":"Learning to play the guitar is a lot fun. Use this cheat sheet to help you get started with your guitar finger placement and guitar chords. If you need help with finger placement on your guitar, use tablature (tab) and fingerboard diagrams.\r\n\r\nPractice playing the most common <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/art-center/music/guitar/playing-guitar-common-open-position-chords/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">open-position chords</a> on your guitar to get that “jangly” sound, and make sure you know the notes on the neck of your guitar to change starting notes in <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/art-center/music/guitar/basics-of-scales-for-the-guitar/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">scales</a>, chords, and arpeggios.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9007,"name":"Hal Leonard Corporation","slug":"hal-leonard-corporation","description":"Hal Leonard Corporation is a United States music publishing and distribution company currently headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It is the largest sheet music publisher in the world.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9007"}},{"authorId":9006,"name":"Jon Chappell","slug":"jon-chappell","description":"Jon Chappell is a guitarist, arranger, and former editor-in-chief of Guitar magazine.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9006"}},{"authorId":9005,"name":"Mark Phillips","slug":"mark-phillips","description":"Mark Phillips is a former director of music at Cherry Lane Music, where he edited or arranged the songbooks of such artists as John Denver, Van Halen, Guns N' Roses, and Metallica.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9005"}},{"authorId":9209,"name":"Desi Serna","slug":"desi-serna","description":"Desi Serna is a guitarist, a guitar teacher, and as called out by Rolling Stone, an expert in music theory. He's the author of several instructional books on guitar. Learn more at guitarmusictheory.com.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9209"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33735,"title":"Guitar","slug":"guitar","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33735"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":194544,"title":"Applying Fingerboard Diagrams and Tablature to a Real Guitar","slug":"applying-fingerboard-diagrams-and-tablature-to-a-real-guitar","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194544"}},{"articleId":194524,"title":"Notes on the Guitar Neck","slug":"notes-on-the-guitar-neck","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194524"}},{"articleId":194521,"title":"Open Position Guitar Chords Chart","slug":"24-common-open-position-guitar-chords","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194521"}},{"articleId":150857,"title":"11 Must-Have Blues Guitar Albums","slug":"11-must-have-blues-guitar-albums","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/150857"}},{"articleId":150855,"title":"10 Ways to Maximize Guitar Practice","slug":"10-ways-to-maximize-guitar-practice","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/150855"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":210308,"title":"How to String A Steel-String Acoustic Guitar","slug":"how-to-string-a-steel-string-acoustic-guitar","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210308"}},{"articleId":210307,"title":"How to Vary Guitar Articulation with Pull-Offs","slug":"how-to-vary-guitar-articulation-with-pull-offs","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210307"}},{"articleId":210306,"title":"How to Vary Guitar Articulation by Using Hammer-Ons","slug":"how-to-vary-guitar-articulation-by-using-hammer-ons","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210306"}},{"articleId":210305,"title":"How to Use a Capo","slug":"how-to-use-a-capo","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210305"}},{"articleId":210304,"title":"How to String a Nylon-String Guitar","slug":"how-to-string-a-nylon-string-guitar","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210304"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282257,"slug":"guitar-all-in-one-for-dummies-book-online-video-and-audio-instruction-2nd-edition","isbn":"9781119731412","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119731410/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119731410/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119731410-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119731410/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119731410/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/guitar-aio-for-dummies-2nd-edition-cover-9781119731412-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Guitar All-in-One For Dummies: Book + Online Video and Audio Instruction, 2nd Edition","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"\n <p><b data-author-id=\"9007\">Hal Leonard Corporation</b> is a United States music publishing and distribution company currently headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It is the largest sheet music publisher in the world. <b data-author-id=\"9005\">Mark Phillips</b> is a former director of music at Cherry Lane Music, where he edited or arranged the songbooks of such artists as John Denver, Van Halen, Guns N' Roses, and Metallica. <b data-author-id=\"9006\">Jon Chappell</b> is a guitarist, arranger, and former editor-in-chief of Guitar magazine. <b data-author-id=\"9209\">Desi Serna</b> is a guitarist, a guitar teacher, and as called out by Rolling Stone, an expert in music theory. He's the author of several instructional books on guitar. Learn more at guitarmusictheory.com.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9007,"name":"Hal Leonard Corporation","slug":"hal-leonard-corporation","description":"Hal Leonard Corporation is a United States music publishing and distribution company currently headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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Learn more at guitarmusictheory.com.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9209"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;music&quot;,&quot;instruments&quot;,&quot;guitar&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119731412&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-622a9142b1ddb\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;music&quot;,&quot;instruments&quot;,&quot;guitar&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119731412&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-622a9142b2746\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":194544,"title":"Applying Fingerboard Diagrams and Tablature to a Real Guitar","slug":"applying-fingerboard-diagrams-and-tablature-to-a-real-guitar","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194544"}},{"articleId":194521,"title":"Open Position Guitar Chords Chart","slug":"24-common-open-position-guitar-chords","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194521"}},{"articleId":194524,"title":"Notes on the Guitar Neck","slug":"notes-on-the-guitar-neck","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194524"}}],"content":[{"title":"Applying fingerboard diagrams and tablature to a real guitar","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>You don’t need experience reading music to use tablature (tab) and fingerboard diagrams to play your guitar. Check out these diagrams to help with finger placement on your guitar:</p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/162747.image0.jpg\" alt=\"Fingerboard diagram and tablature to help with finger placement on your guitar\" width=\"535\" height=\"648\" /></p>\n"},{"title":"Open position guitar chords chart","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Open position guitar chords sound <i>twangy</i><i> </i>because they<i> </i>include unfretted strings that are permitted to ring open. This chart represents 24 of the most useful open chords you use to play guitar:</p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/162743.image0.jpg\" alt=\"guitar open chord chart\" width=\"535\" height=\"602\" /></p>\n"},{"title":"Notes on the guitar neck","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>This figure of the nine-fret guitar neck has the notes in letter names for all six strings’ frets up to and including the 9th fret. Use this diagram to help you move any scale, arpeggio, or chord to a different starting note.</p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/162745.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"535\" height=\"123\" /></p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-01-18T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":209310},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:47:54+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-03-10T18:01:58+00:00","timestamp":"2022-03-11T00:01:04+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Music","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33730"},"slug":"music","categoryId":33730},{"name":"Instruments","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33731"},"slug":"instruments","categoryId":33731},{"name":"Guitar","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33735"},"slug":"guitar","categoryId":33735}],"title":"Guitar Amps and Effects For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"guitar amps and effects for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"guitar-amps-effects-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn how the various components of a guitar amp work to produce the sound you hear, and check out these tips for creating different sounds.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Every guitarist seeks to produce an expressive and distinctive tone, but trying to figure out what kind of gear you need to create your sound can be baffling.\r\n\r\nThis Cheat Sheet explains the three main equipment categories that comprise your music-making rig: your electric guitar, guitar amps, and effects pedals and units. These components all work together to create your sound. And because you can swap out equipment and change settings, the creative possibilities are virtually limitless.","description":"Every guitarist seeks to produce an expressive and distinctive tone, but trying to figure out what kind of gear you need to create your sound can be baffling.\r\n\r\nThis Cheat Sheet explains the three main equipment categories that comprise your music-making rig: your electric guitar, guitar amps, and effects pedals and units. These components all work together to create your sound. And because you can swap out equipment and change settings, the creative possibilities are virtually limitless.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9374,"name":"Dave Hunter","slug":"dave-hunter","description":"Dave Hunter is a writer and musician. He's the author of more than a dozen books on guitars and amps. Hunter also fronts the band A Different Engine, called a cross between Johnny Cash and The Clash.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9374"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33735,"title":"Guitar","slug":"guitar","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33735"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":203539,"title":"The Building Blocks of the Guitar Signal Chain","slug":"the-building-blocks-of-the-guitar-signal-chain","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/203539"}},{"articleId":203538,"title":"Classic Guitar Tones from 4 Classic Body Woods","slug":"classic-guitar-tones-from-4-classic-body-woods","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/203538"}},{"articleId":203537,"title":"Guitar Neck and Fingerboard Woods","slug":"guitar-neck-and-fingerboard-woods","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/203537"}},{"articleId":203536,"title":"5 Newer and Alternative Guitar Tonewoods","slug":"5-newer-and-alternative-guitar-tonewoods","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/203536"}},{"articleId":203535,"title":"Standard Guitar Control Layouts","slug":"standard-guitar-control-layouts","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/203535"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":210308,"title":"How to String A Steel-String Acoustic Guitar","slug":"how-to-string-a-steel-string-acoustic-guitar","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210308"}},{"articleId":210307,"title":"How to Vary Guitar Articulation with Pull-Offs","slug":"how-to-vary-guitar-articulation-with-pull-offs","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210307"}},{"articleId":210306,"title":"How to Vary Guitar Articulation by Using Hammer-Ons","slug":"how-to-vary-guitar-articulation-by-using-hammer-ons","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210306"}},{"articleId":210305,"title":"How to Use a Capo","slug":"how-to-use-a-capo","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210305"}},{"articleId":210304,"title":"How to String a Nylon-String Guitar","slug":"how-to-string-a-nylon-string-guitar","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210304"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282258,"slug":"guitar-amps-effects-for-dummies","isbn":"9781118899991","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1118899997/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1118899997/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1118899997-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1118899997/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1118899997/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/guitar-amps-and-effects-for-dummies-cover-9781118899991-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Guitar Amps & Effects For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"\n <p><b data-author-id=\"9374\">Dave Hunter</b> has made a career out of explaining the relationships between guitars and amp tone, and the technology that creates it. He has authored or coauthored dozens of books on guitar topics, columns in <i>Guitar Player</i> and <i>Vintage Guitar</i> magazines, and is considered a top authority on amps and effects.</p> ","authors":[{"authorId":9374,"name":"Dave Hunter","slug":"dave-hunter","description":"Dave Hunter is a writer and musician. He's the author of more than a dozen books on guitars and amps. Hunter also fronts the band A Different Engine, called a cross between Johnny Cash and The Clash.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9374"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;music&quot;,&quot;instruments&quot;,&quot;guitar&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781118899991&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-622a9140f0ff1\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;music&quot;,&quot;instruments&quot;,&quot;guitar&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781118899991&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-622a9140f21ea\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":149608,"title":"Understanding Guitar Amps","slug":"understanding-guitar-amps","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/149608"}},{"articleId":149609,"title":"Quick and Easy Ways to Change Your Guitar Tone","slug":"quick-and-easy-ways-to-change-your-guitar-tone","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","guitar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/149609"}}],"content":[{"title":"Understanding guitar amps","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Your amp is where everything gets louder. In effect, the amp takes the signal from your guitar and translates it back into sound waves in the air that your listener can hear. But even at this seemingly final stage, plenty more happens to your sound than just the &#8220;gets louder&#8221; part of the equation.</p>\n<p>The circuitry within most guitar amps contains several stages that shape your guitar signal in a variety of ways, one after the other. This allows you to alter and enrich your guitar tone, above and beyond merely amplifying it. After your signal goes in through the input in the front of the amp, it hits:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>A <i>preamp</i> stage:</b> This stage increases its strength and also, in some cases, adds some slight distortion that enhances its texture, the way an overdrive pedal does. Many amps have multiple preamp stages.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>A <i>tone</i> stage:</b> This stage alters the signal&#8217;s frequency content somewhat, according to how you set this stage&#8217;s controls.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>An <i>output</i> stage:</b> Here, the signal is ramped up even further, ready to be pumped through an output transformer that blasts it through the speaker, but where additional body and texture is also added.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>A <i>speaker</i><i>:</i></b> The speaker pumps the signal back into the air for you to hear, and it also adds some of its own sonic character to everything that has come before.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Quick and easy ways to change your guitar tone","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Have you grown bored with the way your guitar sounds? You don&#8217;t have to buy a new guitar, amp, or effects pedal to craft a fresh sound as long as your existing equipment is serviceable and of a decent quality.</p>\n<p>Try these simple ways of mixing things up a little:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">If you&#8217;re in the habit of playing on one pickup all the time, switch to a different one, adjusting your amps to suit, if necessary.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">If you keep your guitar&#8217;s volume and tone controls full up, maybe dial them down a little to see what happens.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Turn all your amp&#8217;s controls to 0, take a few minutes to forget your usual settings, and dial in something completely different.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Check out some guitar forums and chat rooms to discover what settings players with the same gear as yours are using to achieve different sounds.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Listen closely to some music you like that&#8217;s made using a completely different rig from yours, and then try your best to replicate the sound with what you&#8217;ve got.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Ultimately, be aware that the key to sounding the way you want lies in your hands and your head more than anywhere else. The way a player attacks the strings — the nuance, dynamics, and subtleties of the playing technique — usually has a bigger influence on how he or she sounds than any other single ingredient in the rig.</p>\n<p>Try to play mindfully, being keenly aware of the variations in sound produced when you simply play the guitar differently, and you will quickly develop an original voice.</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-03-10T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":207650},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:47:44+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-03-10T15:38:29+00:00","timestamp":"2022-03-10T18:01:08+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Music","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33730"},"slug":"music","categoryId":33730},{"name":"Instruments","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33731"},"slug":"instruments","categoryId":33731},{"name":"Violin & Fiddle","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33741"},"slug":"violin-fiddle","categoryId":33741}],"title":"Fiddle For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"fiddle for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"fiddle-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"You can't hoedown if you don't practice up! Check out these tips for left- and right-hand techniques and good bow movement on the fiddle.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"They say that practice makes perfect, and playing the fiddle is no different from other disciplines. Your fiddle playing will improve if you work on various drills and techniques during your practice sessions, including setting up your instrument and preparing to play, maintaining proper posture, positioning your fingers correctly, practicing left- and right-hand techniques, and establishing good bow movement.","description":"They say that practice makes perfect, and playing the fiddle is no different from other disciplines. Your fiddle playing will improve if you work on various drills and techniques during your practice sessions, including setting up your instrument and preparing to play, maintaining proper posture, positioning your fingers correctly, practicing left- and right-hand techniques, and establishing good bow movement.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9320,"name":"Michael John Sanchez","slug":"michael-john-sanchez","description":"Michael Sanchez has played fiddle in many country music bands, as well as playing fiddle for the Medora Musical, a well-known and popular show held each year in North Dakota. He is the creator of the Violin Tutor Pro channel on YouTube and is CEO of Superior Violins.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9320"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33741,"title":"Violin & Fiddle","slug":"violin-fiddle","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33741"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":147613,"title":"Putting It All Together: The Fiddle Checklist","slug":"putting-it-all-together-the-fiddle-checklist","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","violin-fiddle"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/147613"}},{"articleId":147593,"title":"10 Encouraging Tips to Get Out of a Practice Slump","slug":"10-encouraging-tips-to-get-out-of-a-practice-slump","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","violin-fiddle"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/147593"}},{"articleId":147591,"title":"How to Read a Few Musical Road Signs","slug":"how-to-read-a-few-musical-road-signs","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","violin-fiddle"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/147591"}},{"articleId":147592,"title":"Finding Notes to Play during a Guitar Chord","slug":"finding-notes-to-play-during-a-guitar-chord","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","violin-fiddle"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/147592"}},{"articleId":147594,"title":"Tips to Improve Your Sound with Various Fiddle Techniques","slug":"tips-to-improve-your-sound-with-various-fiddle-techniques","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","violin-fiddle"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/147594"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":208398,"title":"Violin For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"violin-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","violin-fiddle"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/208398"}},{"articleId":180226,"title":"Protecting Your Violin from Damage","slug":"protecting-your-violin-from-damage","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","violin-fiddle"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/180226"}},{"articleId":180227,"title":"How to Take Your Violin Out of Its Case","slug":"how-to-take-your-violin-out-of-its-case","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","violin-fiddle"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/180227"}},{"articleId":180228,"title":"Examining the Parts of Your Violin","slug":"examining-the-parts-of-your-violin","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","violin-fiddle"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/180228"}},{"articleId":147613,"title":"Putting It All Together: The Fiddle Checklist","slug":"putting-it-all-together-the-fiddle-checklist","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","violin-fiddle"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/147613"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282196,"slug":"fiddle-for-dummies-book-online-video-and-audio-instruction","isbn":"9781118930229","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","violin-fiddle"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1118930223/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1118930223/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1118930223-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1118930223/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1118930223/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/fiddle-for-dummies-cover-9781118930229-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Fiddle For Dummies: Book + Online Video and Audio Instruction","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"\n <p><b data-author-id=\"9320\">Michael Sanchez</b> has played fiddle in many country music bands, as well as playing fiddle for the Medora Musical, a well-known and popular show held each year in North Dakota. He is CEO and creator of Violin Tutor Pro (www.violintutorpro.com) and is CEO of Superior Violins (www.superiorviolins.com).</p> ","authors":[{"authorId":9320,"name":"Michael John Sanchez","slug":"michael-john-sanchez","description":"Michael Sanchez has played fiddle in many country music bands, as well as playing fiddle for the Medora Musical, a well-known and popular show held each year in North Dakota. He is the creator of the Violin Tutor Pro channel on YouTube and is CEO of Superior Violins.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9320"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;music&quot;,&quot;instruments&quot;,&quot;violin-fiddle&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781118930229&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-622a3ce4c2298\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;music&quot;,&quot;instruments&quot;,&quot;violin-fiddle&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781118930229&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-622a3ce4c2bfc\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":147613,"title":"Putting It All Together: The Fiddle Checklist","slug":"putting-it-all-together-the-fiddle-checklist","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","violin-fiddle"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/147613"}},{"articleId":147589,"title":"Developing Great Practice Habits","slug":"developing-great-practice-habits","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","instruments","violin-fiddle"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/147589"}}],"content":[{"title":"Putting it all together: the fiddle checklist","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>With so many things to think about when playing the fiddle, how do you know whether you&#8217;re practicing everything the right way? The following checklist will put you on the right path. It&#8217;s split into six sections and includes the purpose of each technique.</p>\n<p class=\"Tip\">There are 30 techniques here, so it&#8217;s important for you to focus on only one section at a time. Take a simple piece (like &#8220;Mary Had a Little Lamb&#8221;) and work on these points.</p>\n<h2>Good posture leads to good technique</h2>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">A straight back promotes a straighter bow.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Using a shoulder rest leads to good holding habits.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">A proper fiddle level promotes better tone and bow straightness.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Holding the fiddle at a 45-degree angle (more in front) helps you get to the tip of the bow.<i><u></u></i></p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<h2>Good instrument setup leads to great tone</h2>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Having your fiddle in tune helps achieve good intonation.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">A properly tightened bow helps you get the best tone and avoid bow bounce.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Having enough rosin on the bow helps avoid bow wispiness.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<h2>Good left-hand technique leads to great melodies</h2>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Keeping your knuckles up helps intonation and your ability to play fast.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Keeping your finger angles back helps you find notes efficiently.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Using your fingertips leads to good finger contact and solid note tones.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Keeping your hand still and only moving your fingers promotes finger speed/efficiency.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Keeping your fingers curved and close to the fingerboard helps you find notes quickly.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Hitting half steps/whole steps helps you play more in tune.<i><u></u></i></p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<h2>Good right-hand technique leads to a clean sound</h2>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Having your thumb curved in the groove helps restrict tension up against the bow.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Having your pinkie curved on the button helps restrict tension up against the bow.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Keeping your bow hand fingers on an angle helps you apply proper index finger pressure.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">A loose grip helps restrict tension up against the bow.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Having your index finger over the stick helps you produce a clean sound.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Keeping your knuckles on top of the stick helps to keep your hand relaxed.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Using your index finger helps to phrase passages cleanly and musically.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<h2>Good right-arm technique allows your index finger to speak</h2>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">A relaxed shoulder helps prevent bow bounce.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">An extended arm allows your smaller muscles to transition the bow.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Adjusting your wrist and keeping it level helps prevent bow squeaks.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Minimal arm movement allows you to get a cleaner sound when playing fast.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Pivoting your elbow to the E, A, D, or G location helps keep the bow straight across the strings.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<h2>Good bow technique allows your index finger to speak</h2>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">A consistent bow speed helps prevent bow squeaks and improper tone.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Lightly using your index finger when changing bow directions allows you to get a clean and smooth sound.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Getting to the tip helps you get a full and clean sound on the fiddle.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Keeping bow hairs evenly on the strings helps you get the best tone out of your fiddle.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Keeping your bow grip relaxed while going toward the tip helps you get a better transition sound.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p class=\"Remember\">Don&#8217;t get overwhelmed by everything on this checklist. As you progress, you&#8217;ll find that this checklist will continue to help you, even when you have more experience. As songs get harder, you&#8217;ll notice that some of these things are harder to do, even if you&#8217;ve mastered them with simple songs such as &#8220;Mary Had a Little Lamb.&#8221;</p>\n<p>Try to become comfortable with at least 75 percent of these techniques (with one song) and then move on. Don&#8217;t feel like you have to get everything perfect; moving forward and learning new material is just as important as dwelling on one thing. If you practice &#8220;Mary Had a Little Lamb&#8221; forever, you won&#8217;t be good at anything other than that one song.</p>\n"},{"title":"Developing great practice habits","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Practicing isn&#8217;t always easy, especially if you don&#8217;t have the right mind-set in place. If you follow the steps outlined here, you&#8217;ll improve both your technical ability and your musical ability.</p>\n<h2>What to do to prepare for your practice session</h2>\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Make sure your fiddle is in tune.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Find a place that&#8217;s quiet, with no distractions.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Set an amount of time that you&#8217;re going to practice and stick to it.</p>\n</li>\n</ol>\n<h2>What to do in the first third of your practice session</h2>\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Choose at least two drills to work on.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Work on drills for five minutes, focusing on repetition.</p>\n<p class=\"child-para\">Focus on doing the drills properly.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Choose a song that you&#8217;d consider to be easy, and try to focus on technique.</p>\n<p class=\"child-para\">For example, if you&#8217;re doing the wrist drill, try to focus on bending your wrist in the easy song.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Pick another song and work on your finger placement.</p>\n<p class=\"child-para\">You can do this by using a tuner, which will tell you whether you&#8217;re placing specific notes in the right spots.</p>\n</li>\n</ol>\n<h2>What to do in the second third of your practice session</h2>\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Choose a harder song to work on.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Focus less on your technique, but anytime you hear an unwanted sound, try to think about why it may have happened.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Identify one or two problem spots in the song and practice these spots over and over until you get them right.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Play the song all the way through to the end.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">If you have time, do this process with another song.</p>\n</li>\n</ol>\n<h2>What to do in the final third of your practice session</h2>\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Get into a more musical mind-set.</p>\n<p class=\"child-para\">This is the time to think less about technique and more about just playing.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Choose a medium to difficult song.</p>\n<p class=\"child-para\">Focus on the rhythm of the music and the ornamentation. Try not to focus on how you sound but more on whether you&#8217;re following the music properly.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Once a week, record yourself playing a song.</p>\n<p class=\"child-para\">Keep this recording in an archive that you can listen to later. Listen to the recording in three months&#8217; time. Do you see how you&#8217;re improving?</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Because this area of practice is about musicality, make a goal of playing for at least one other person.</p>\n<p class=\"child-para\">It doesn&#8217;t have to be each day or even each week, but once in a while, playing for someone else will really help improve your playing ability.</p>\n</li>\n</ol>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-03-10T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":207611},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:56:01+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-03-09T21:54:22+00:00","timestamp":"2022-03-10T00:01:06+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Music","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33730"},"slug":"music","categoryId":33730},{"name":"Music Composition","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33742"},"slug":"music-composition","categoryId":33742}],"title":"Songwriting For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"songwriting for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"songwriting-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Use this Cheat Sheet to help inspire and movitivate you to keep writing music, and as a reference for websites that can help.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Songwriting is fun, and also full of challenges. One of the biggest challenges is getting over any shyness you may have about writing songs. Other challenges include finding inspiration, collaborating, jotting down your ideas, and sharing your songs. Luckily, the internet is filled with numerous sources to help you along the way.","description":"Songwriting is fun, and also full of challenges. One of the biggest challenges is getting over any shyness you may have about writing songs. Other challenges include finding inspiration, collaborating, jotting down your ideas, and sharing your songs. Luckily, the internet is filled with numerous sources to help you along the way.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":10331,"name":"Dave Austin","slug":"dave-austin","description":"Dave Austin is a National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Presidential Award recipient.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10331"}},{"authorId":10332,"name":"Jim Peterik","slug":"jim-peterik","description":"Jim Peterik, a Grammy-winning songwriter, has written many Billboard Top 10 hits, including the legendary #1 hit \"Eye of the Tiger.”","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10332"}},{"authorId":10333,"name":"Cathy Lynn Austin","slug":"cathy-lynn-austin","description":"Cathy Lynn is a screenwriter and nonfiction writer.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10333"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33742,"title":"Music Composition","slug":"music-composition","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33742"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":192175,"title":"Online Sources to Help You with Your Songwriting","slug":"online-sources-to-help-you-with-your-songwriting","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","music-composition"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/192175"}},{"articleId":192172,"title":"Good Reasons to Not Be Shy about Writing Songs","slug":"good-reasons-to-not-be-shy-about-writing-songs","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","music-composition"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/192172"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":282834,"title":"Music Composition: Building Melodies Using Motifs and Phrases","slug":"music-composition-building-melodies-using-motifs-and-phrases","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","music-composition"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/282834"}},{"articleId":282823,"title":"Music Composition for Drums","slug":"music-composition-for-drums","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","music-composition"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/282823"}},{"articleId":282812,"title":"How to Compose Music with Guitar Tablature","slug":"how-to-compose-music-with-guitar-tablature","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","music-composition"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/282812"}},{"articleId":282806,"title":"10 Career Opportunities for Music Composers","slug":"10-career-opportunities-for-music-composers","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","music-composition"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/282806"}},{"articleId":282803,"title":"10 Recommended Books for Music Composers","slug":"10-recommended-books-for-music-composers","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","music-composition"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/282803"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282590,"slug":"songwriting-for-dummies-2nd-edition","isbn":"9781119675655","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","music-composition"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119675650/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119675650/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119675650-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119675650/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119675650/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/songwriting-for-dummies-2nd-edition-cover-9781119675655-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Songwriting For Dummies, 2nd Edition","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"\n <p><b data-author-id=\"10332\">Jim Peterik</b>, a Grammy-winning songwriter, has written many Billboard Top 10 hits, including the legendary #1 hit \"Eye of the Tiger.” <b data-author-id=\"10331\">Dave Austin</b> is a National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Presidential Award recipient. Cathy Lynn is a screenwriter and nonfiction writer.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":10332,"name":"Jim Peterik","slug":"jim-peterik","description":"Jim Peterik, a Grammy-winning songwriter, has written many Billboard Top 10 hits, including the legendary #1 hit \"Eye of the Tiger.”","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10332"}},{"authorId":10331,"name":"Dave Austin","slug":"dave-austin","description":"Dave Austin is a National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Presidential Award recipient.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10331"}},{"authorId":10333,"name":"Cathy Lynn Austin","slug":"cathy-lynn-austin","description":"Cathy Lynn is a screenwriter and nonfiction writer.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10333"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;music&quot;,&quot;music-composition&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119675655&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-62293fc280f89\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;music&quot;,&quot;music-composition&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119675655&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-62293fc281bcf\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":192172,"title":"Good Reasons to Not Be Shy about Writing Songs","slug":"good-reasons-to-not-be-shy-about-writing-songs","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","music-composition"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/192172"}},{"articleId":192175,"title":"Online Sources to Help You with Your Songwriting","slug":"online-sources-to-help-you-with-your-songwriting","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","music","music-composition"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/192175"}}],"content":[{"title":"Good reasons not to be shy about writing songs","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Music and expression through a creative means is nothing new and can be traced back to ancient times.</p>\n<p>You may not know the language or understand exactly what a person who created a song is saying, but you can most certainly experience what’s being communicated through its feel and emotion. That is the beauty of music, and it’s a very good reason why you shouldn’t allow yourself to shy away from writing a song if you have the urge or desire to do so.</p>\n<p>There are probably as many reasons for writing songs as there are people who write them. The bottom line is that songwriting is perfect for people who have a hard time verbalizing their feelings.</p>\n<p>Sometimes, putting your feelings to music or lyrics helps you say what you really feel. It doesn’t have to be a perfect song or a certified chart topper. The important thing is, songwriting helps you express yourself. It’s very therapeutic that way!</p>\n<p>So, don’t feel shy about writing a song, especially if you want to do any of the following:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Express your true self or innermost feelings.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Release the music inside of you that’s just waiting to get out.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Give back to others some of the joy and inspiration they have given you.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Develop fully the gift of expression you have been born with.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Gain acceptance and make new friends (and perhaps make an income).</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Exorcise your inner demons.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Connect with others through the message of your song.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Create something of value that others will enjoy for many years.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Online sources to help you with songwriting","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>There are multitudes of music and songwriting sites that are geared toward making others aware of your talent — not to mention a means to finding inspiration and even potential collaborators and contacts.</p>\n<p>You can cross-pollinate musical information between your site and other people’s sites, and also post your music for others to listen to and download. A very clever example is OK Go’s YouTube music video “This Too Shall Pass,” which within a short time had over 10 million views worldwide — heck, they even got a sponsor to pay for their production costs!</p>\n<p>Just make sure you have filed the copyright papers for your songs before you share them with the world. Remember, also, that not only is the internet a great way for others to hear your songs, it’s a good way for you to check out what other songwriters are up to and what’s new on the scene.</p>\n<p>Below are some recommended sources. Some will already be familiar to you; others, not so much.</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b><a href=\"https://music.amazon.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Amazon Music</a>:</b> An online music retail source and streaming service.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b><a href=\"https://cdbaby.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CDBaby</a>:</b> Touted as the world’s largest online distributor of indie music, and a company run <i>by</i> musicians, <i>for</i> musicians.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b><a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Facebook</a>:</b> You can customize your own site for you or your band, post music for listening purposes, add friends, and create a fan base of gigantic proportions..</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b><a href=\"https://groovesharks.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Grooveshark</a>:</b> A place where you can listen to practically any song you want for free, and where you can promote your own music, create ads, and share your songs for more exposure.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b><a href=\"https://music.apple.com/us/browse\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Apple Music</a>:</b> An online music retailer and streaming service.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b><a href=\"https://live365.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Live365</a>:</b> An internet radio network where members can create their own station or listen to other Live365 broadcasters’ online stations.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b><a href=\"https://us.napster.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Napster</a>:</b> Online music service with both a subscription service and a pay-per-track purchasing option.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b><a href=\"https://ourstage.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">OurStage</a>:</b> A social networking community made up of undiscovered artists, music lovers, and industry professionals who want to collaborate with others who share the same interests.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b><a href=\"https://www.pandora.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pandora</a>: </b>Personalized Internet radio service that helps you find new music based on your favorite songs or artists and creates a customized playlist; also has a very popular iPhone app.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b><a href=\"https://www.reverbnation.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ReverbNation</a>:</b> A social networking site for musicians, bands, producers, and venues to collaborate and communicate.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b><a href=\"https://www.songcastmusic.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SongCast</a>:</b> A music distribution network where you can get your songs sold on iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, Napster, and so on</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b><a href=\"https://www.sonicbids.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sonicbids</a>:</b> A place where bands from any genre anywhere in the world can find and connect with industry professionals such as music promoters, licensors, or broadcasters — not to mention a great place to find songwriting competitions and book gigs.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b><a href=\"https://www.tunecore.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TuneCore</a>:</b> A digital music and video distribution platform that delivers your songs to the top digital stores (iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, and others) without taking a percentage of the sales.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b><a href=\"https://twitter.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Twitter</a>:</b> A social networking and microblogging service that lets users send and read messages otherwise known as “tweets.”</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b><a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">YouTube</a>:</b> A place to post your songs and music videos for massive exposure potential.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-03-09T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":208965}],"_links":{"self":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33730/categoryArticles?sortField=time&sortOrder=1&size=10&offset=0"},"next":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33730/categoryArticles?sortField=time&sortOrder=1&size=10&offset=10"},"last":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33730/categoryArticles?sortField=time&sortOrder=1&size=10&offset=1639"}}},"objectTitle":"","status":"success","pageType":"article-category","objectId":"33730","page":1,"sortField":"time","sortOrder":1,"categoriesIds":[],"articleTypes":[],"filterData":{"categoriesFilter":[{"itemId":0,"itemName":"All Categories","count":1648},{"itemId":33746,"itemName":"General (Music)","count":114},{"itemId":33731,"itemName":"Instruments","count":1208},{"itemId":33730,"itemName":"Music","count":1},{"itemId":33742,"itemName":"Music Composition","count":27},{"itemId":33743,"itemName":"Music Theory","count":57},{"itemId":33745,"itemName":"Voice","count":241}],"articleTypeFilter":[{"articleType":"All Types","count":1648},{"articleType":"Articles","count":1525},{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","count":38},{"articleType":"Step by Step","count":45},{"articleType":"Videos","count":40}]},"filterDataLoadedStatus":"success","pageSize":10},"adsState":{"pageScripts":{"headers":{"timestamp":"2022-05-27T12:59:08+00:00"},"adsId":0,"data":{"scripts":[{"pages":["all"],"location":"header","script":"<!--Optimizely Script-->\r\n<script src=\"https://cdn.optimizely.com/js/10563184655.js\"></script>","enabled":false},{"pages":["all"],"location":"header","script":"<!-- comScore Tag -->\r\n<script>var _comscore = _comscore || [];_comscore.push({ c1: \"2\", c2: \"15097263\" });(function() {var s = document.createElement(\"script\"), el = document.getElementsByTagName(\"script\")[0]; 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1,649 results
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Guitar Guitar Theory For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 04-27-2022

Guitar theory is an area of study that explains how you can play, improvise, and compose popular music on the guitar fretboard — and why certain elements of music go together the way they do. Dive into guitar theory by exploring a fretboard diagram showing notes along the 6th and 5th strings; some major scale patterns; Roman numerals and the major/minor chord sequence; and mode names.

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Music Theory Music Theory For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 04-14-2022

If you're trying to learn how to play music, read music, or brush up on improvising and performing with other musicians, music theory is important. However, you don't need to know every last tidbit that the many theorists around the world have written down. You just need to become familiar with some of the basics. You need to know the names of the musical notes, and you must understand time signatures, music intervals, and chord progressions.

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Trumpet Trumpet For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 04-13-2022

When you first start thinking about taking up the trumpet, finding an instrument that’s right for you is at the top of your to-do list. You need a mouthpiece as well — one that’s a good size and design for your needs. Of course, when you have a trumpet and mouthpiece, you need to know how to take care of them so that they last a long time and stay in good working order. Finally, you need a map for your journey, so a fingering chart is essential information, telling you which of those three valves you need to push down for the notes you want to play.

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Saxophone Saxophone For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 04-05-2022

The saxophone has influenced many styles of music. Saxophonists have left their indelible mark on music, whether it’s in the big bands of Count Basie and Duke Ellington, Bill Haley’s legendary rock ’n’ roll band, or the funk master James Brown. And in the bossa nova song “The Girl from Ipanema,” the breathy sax is the icing on the cake. This Cheat Sheet provides some basic information to help you start playing the saxophone: buying or leasing a sax, sax parts and their functions, practicing with your sax, and playing a new sax song.

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Guitar Guitar Rhythm & Technique For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-15-2022

This Cheat Sheet has some handy tips that you can keep in your practice area for quick reference. Use these techniques to review your basic rhythms and warm up your hands at the beginning of a playing session. Before you begin, trim and file the nails on your fretting hand so that nothing comes between your fingertips and the strings. Also, you may need a warm up before your warm up. Make sure your shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers are loose and warm. Stretch and massage yourself to get the blood flowing if need be.

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Guitar Classical Guitar For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-14-2022

Playing classical guitar starts with figuring out the notes, noting major and minor keys on the circle of 5ths, and knowing what situations in classical guitar call for playing the free stroke or the rest stroke.

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Guitar Guitar All-In-One For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-10-2022

Learning to play the guitar is a lot fun. Use this cheat sheet to help you get started with your guitar finger placement and guitar chords. If you need help with finger placement on your guitar, use tablature (tab) and fingerboard diagrams. Practice playing the most common open-position chords on your guitar to get that “jangly” sound, and make sure you know the notes on the neck of your guitar to change starting notes in scales, chords, and arpeggios.

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Guitar Guitar Amps and Effects For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-10-2022

Every guitarist seeks to produce an expressive and distinctive tone, but trying to figure out what kind of gear you need to create your sound can be baffling. This Cheat Sheet explains the three main equipment categories that comprise your music-making rig: your electric guitar, guitar amps, and effects pedals and units. These components all work together to create your sound. And because you can swap out equipment and change settings, the creative possibilities are virtually limitless.

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Violin & Fiddle Fiddle For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-10-2022

They say that practice makes perfect, and playing the fiddle is no different from other disciplines. Your fiddle playing will improve if you work on various drills and techniques during your practice sessions, including setting up your instrument and preparing to play, maintaining proper posture, positioning your fingers correctly, practicing left- and right-hand techniques, and establishing good bow movement.

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Music Composition Songwriting For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-09-2022

Songwriting is fun, and also full of challenges. One of the biggest challenges is getting over any shyness you may have about writing songs. Other challenges include finding inspiration, collaborating, jotting down your ideas, and sharing your songs. Luckily, the internet is filled with numerous sources to help you along the way.

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