Albert Margolis and The Oreo Divas

Here's a clip from Albert Margolis' myspace site. He plays with a group of gals, or Divas if you will. For you keyboard fans out there Alberts shows his keyboard skills about 2:20 into the video. Watch the whole thing though the Oreo Divas have such awesome harmony and vocals.



Albert Margolis is a master keyboardist. He's a Rock House Instructor and involved in several bands including The Dennis Logan Band.

Post: Curt Moye

Sammy Hagar to hit studio with guitar hero Joe Satriani and ex-Van Halen bassist

Credit goes to Guitar MX Blog for this one.

Former Van Halen singer Sammy Hagar and guitarist Joe Satriani have formed a supergroup, along with Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith and former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony. The project is called “Chickenfoot”, and according to Hagar, it could rival Led Zeppelin.
When people hear the music, it’s Led Zeppelin. It’s as good as that. I know that’s a mighty bold statement… We could rival Zep.

Click HERE for the rest of the story.

HANDS of STEEL, WORKOUT ROUTINES FOR GUITARIST ROUTINE #3

This is routine #3 from The Hands of Steel DVD presented by John McCarthy co-owner, founder and master musician of The Rock House Method. Routine #3 is an exercise routine for one hand finger rolls.

Hands of Steel is the first program of its kind, this program contains three separate workout routines, each designed to develop hand strength and coordination for optimum playing ability. Each routine contains a series of exercises that will take the students guitar playing to the next level. In just a short time with consistent practice, students will see huge improvements in their playing.

Post: Curt Moye

12 THINGS YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW TO BECOME A BETTER PLAYER #11

11. CREATE A PRACTICE ROUTINE AND PLAY CONSISTENTLY…Soooo important, this may be the most important thing on this list, set a daily practice schedule with a well thought out practice routine. Have a well balanced diet of exercises, scales, techniques and challenging musical pieces. Some students think that they can miss four days of playing and practicing and practice 3 hours one day to make up, this is a misconception. Set up a daily practice schedule that you will be able to keep.

Repetition is the mother of skill and with daily practice you will become a great player

Author: John McCarthy
Post: Curt Moye

John McCarthy is the co-owner of The Rock House Method and a leading inovator in the field of video lessons for musical instruments such as guitar, bass, keyboards, drums and vocals.

Des Moines Arts Festival Announces Free Live Entertainment Line-up

The following is a Press Release for the Des Moines Arts Festival.

05/30/2008 DES MOINES, Iowa
An exciting and diverse line-up of non-stop FREE entertainment will be yet another highlight of the Des Moines Arts Festival on June 27-29, 2008, in downtown Des Moines’ Western Gateway Park. As it begins its second decade, Iowa’s award-winning three-day celebration of the arts entices guests with a variety of Cultural Sweets that includes free stage entertainment and live street theatre.

Stimulate your senses with a variety of performing arts including music, dance, theatre, magic and comedy showcased throughout the three-day weekend on the U.S. Cellular Stage, Meredith Corporation Stage and Performing Arts Stage. Headliners include local favorites and more like Public Property, Lady Blue, Swing Crew and The Josh Davis Band.

To kick things off, the Festival has teamed up with Iowa Public Radio to present LIVE! Load-In Thursday on June 26 from 7-8:30 p.m. at famed Blues on Grand featuring breakout blues guitarist Mike Zito. Iowa Public Radio will broadcast live on WOI 90.1 FM and KUNI 101.7 FM and admission is free.

On Friday, join Public Property as they take the U.S. Cellular Stage at 8 p.m. Started in 2003, Public Property seamlessly jumps from roots reggae to gospel reggae, ska to hip-hop infused funk, to rock and back to reggae. Headlining on the Meredith Corporation Stage on Friday night is Swing Crew. Their crazy antics and variety of country, swing, island beat, rockabilly, rock-and-roll and humorous collection of novelty tunes is a perfect recipe for fun.

Saturday features another 12 hours of non-stop entertainment. The day opens with the Des Moines Art Center’s Nurturing a Student’s Vision Awards Ceremony, sponsored by Hubbell Homes, on the Performing Arts Stage at 10:15 a.m. The day wraps up with Gumbohead, The Josh Davis Band, Matt Woods and the Thunderbolts, and Lady Blue.

The stages are not the only place to be entertained as Mercy Medical Center-Des Moines presents live street theatre. Performers roaming the streets of the Festival site include Bill Robison, Creations with a Twist, Janet Rayor’s Dancing Stilts, Mundus, Project Dynamite, Reggie Greenlaw, Roberto the Magnificent, Swing Crew and the Shakespeare Center.

For complete schedules and details on all Festival entertainment and more, visit www.desmoinesartsfestival.org or call (515) 286-4950.

The Des Moines Arts Festival is presented by The Des Moines Register, founded by the Des Moines Art Center and produced by Downtown Events Group. The Festival is sponsored by Prairie Meadows, Principal Financial Group, Bank of the West, GuideOne Insurance, Hy-Vee, Kemin Industries Inc., Meredith Corporation and U.S. Cellular.

A link for the complete line up is HERE

Rock House Names Its Latest Musicians to The Member of The Month Club! - Steve Belong

Joe Palombo announced on The Rock House Method web site today their newest Member of the Month Club addition is Steve Belong aka Steve Belong guitaristXtrm&dagger on the message boards. Steve is an advanced guitarist who spends a lot of time on The Rock House Method message boards contributing and working to help the newbie guitar players. He is passionate about his instrument and is an inspiration to people just starting out.

You can read more about Steve Belong on the Rock House Home Page HERE.

Freekbass - Grooveyard CD Released

The funkiest bass player in the land, FREEKBASE announced that his new CD "Grooveyard" has been released and is available at The Home Grown Music Network.

The Home Grown Music Network states, "Protege to funk-bass pioneer Bootsy Collins, fellow Cincinnati native Chris "Freekbass" Sherman and his band have inherited the Buckeye State's funk flag, while winning over many funk-favoring ears across the Midwest. Recorded live at the 20th Century Theatre in Cincinnatti, Grooveyard is just that - a wide-open space full of dance-inducing, hard-hitting and sweaty electronic funk that listeners can let their ears run wild and get lost in!"

You can preview the song tracks on the web site HERE.

Post: Curt Moye

ALEXI LAIHO FREE VIDEO LESSON #3-ONLY HERE

Here is an exclusive first time look at a newly released video lesson from The Rock House Method. This is yet a 3rd video lesson from Alexi Laiho's Learn Metal Guitar from Rock House. The only place you can view it right at this moment is here exclusively at The Rock House Blog!

In this lesson Alexi shows how to create a great metal rhythm beat from The Children of Bodoms song "Living Dead"

For more info click HERE

Post by: Curt Moye

50 Places to Find Free Music Lessons Online

I received this in the e mail a few days ago. I thought it was worth posting. There are several good links. Remember aside from this list you can find free lessons at Rock House Method under Professor Jim's section, Rock House You Tube and of course right here at The Rock House Blog.

There are site links for Piano, Guitar, Viola, General Music and Sheet Music.It's pretty long so I got the article started here. There is a link at the bottom to take you to the rest of the story.

Happy Surfing and thanks to Bootstrapper for the article.

Music to Your Wallet: 50 Places to Find Free Music Lessons Online

Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 6:28pm by admin

By Alisa Miller

Learning to play an instrument can be expensive. The instrument itself is likely going to put a dent in your budget. Luckily, you don’t have to spend tons of money to learn how to play that instrument. The Internet has many websites that offer free lessons for almost any instrument imaginable. For the sake of brevity, this list just focuses on the most popular music lessons available online.

Link for the rest of the post HERE

Post by: Curt Moye

How I Got Over Stage Fright by Accident

How I Got Over Stage Fright by Accident


Author: Curt Moye

I’ve played in front of small crowds of people for few years. I remember t the first time that I did. I was so nervous. My hands were shaking, I couldn’t think, shoot I couldn’t even remember the old 1-4-5.

I was on stage with Glenn Alexander and Mark Pender at an open jam during the Jazz and Blues Fest here in town. It’s funny I really had absolutely no intention of getting up in front of the 200 or so people packed into the building for the afternoon. We were raffling off a guitar and amp to raise money for music instruction in our community. I got up on the stage to talk to Bill Dye, who is an incredible guitarist for The Hatchlings. I asked if he would play the guitar and show it off in an effort to help sell some more tickets. Bill was more than happy to help out. When he was done Mark Pender told me to come up on stage to talk about the guitar. We started a conversation about it and as we were talking Bill puts the strap around my neck, looks at me and says, “I’m gonna take a break, you play for a while.” Then, he walks off the stage.

Standing there dumbfounded, I leaned over to Glenn Alexander and nervously asked what they were going to play. He asked what I knew. I said I should be able to do a 12 bar blues progression. “Cool” he said, then he looked at everyone else on stage and said the name of a song (that I don’t remember the name of) and everyone started playing. It took about half of the song before I started to get settled in. Man, my hands were shaking so bad I could even hardly move them between chords. But, before I knew it was over. As I came to my senses I noticed that the crowd there was clapping, hooting and hollering.

Relieved, I started taking the guitar off. A friend of mine Mike Hoover got on stage and wanted to know where I was going. I said with a smile “I’m done.” Mike persuaded me to stay and play another song. The second was much easier to play than the first. I don’t mean as far as chords but as far as standing in front of people and performing. We played a third song. At this point I knew the crowd was there but I wasn’t concerned about them anymore. They showed appreciation for what was being performed. I started looking at the crown and playing to them. Recognizing faces and friends and that were watching and having a blast.

Since that time I try and jam whenever I can. There are usually 12 – 15 musicians. Crowds vary in size but a crowd is a crowd. Playing to strangers is much easier today than it was a few years ago and the only advice I can give you when it comes to stage fright is to just get up on stage and do it. It does get easier the more you perform.

Intermediate Guitar Skills Overview

Intermediate Guitar Skills Overview

Author: John McCarthy
Post: Curt Moye

Ok congratulation you’re not a beginner anymore!

Now let’s see if you have what it takes to be called an “Intermediate Level Guitarist.” The following list I put together is a not genre specific and there may be a few things that should be added or taken out if you specialize in one specific style of music. I feel that an intermediate level guitarist should be playing for at least one year to be able to gain the knowledge and feel needed to be this level. If there are a few things you find you are lacking but you still consider yourself at the level I suggest that you work quickly to attain this knowledge.

Scales

Minor pentatonic scales – You should have these memorized and be able to play them across the neck in all keys

Major Scales – All seven scale positions in all keys

Scale Patterns – Be able to play these scales in patterns of 2’s, 3’s and 4’s forwards and backwards

Techniques

Bending – You should be comfortable bending whole, half and quarter step bends with all four fingers.

Hammer ons and pull offs – you should be proficient with these techniques and be able to use them within the scales listed above.

Basic Major and minor Arpeggios – you should know three major and three minor versions

Chords

Major, minor, and dominant seventh open form chords – small versions located within the first four frets of the guitar usually containing open strings, you should know five voicing of each

Major and minor bar chords – both 6th and 5th string roots, these should be memorized cold across all 12 frets.

Strum Patterns – By now you should be comfortable alternate strumming with varied syncopations. Your arm is relaxed and your motions are smooth.

Theory

Key signatures of all 15 keys – You should know the sharps and flats that are in every key this will give you the knowledge to start writing song and creating progressions.

Chord formulas for major, minor, major 7th and minor 7th chords – These formulas can be used on all the 15 keys to learn the notes that make these chords, now you will be able to create your own voicing and fingerings.

The Chromatic scale – The 12 notes that make up all music KNOW THEM COLD! Starting on any note.

Know the names of the notes on the neck – Be able to play any note on the neck and say its name instantly

Applications

Songs – you should know how to play at least 10 of your favorite songs, rhythm and leads

Lead Guitar – You should have backing tracks that you can use to play the scales listed above over and be able to create basic melodies of your own. I’m not saying you should be ripping it up yet but you should be able to create melodies.


As you progress and start working on the content of Jam Pages you will be on your way to being an “Advanced Level Guitarist!”

Now let’s hear some jamming!!!

About the Author:

John McCarthy is the co-owner of The Rock House Method and a leading inovator in the field of video lessons for musical instruments such as guitar, bass, keyboards, drums and vocals.

"Big" Dan Jacobs - The Gear He Uses

Have you ever wondered what kind of gear or what kind of rig some of the Rock House Instructors use? After crawling around the web and with a little help from Wikipedia, I was able to come up with a pretty good list of what “Big” Dan Jacobs of ATREYU uses.

I like the simplicity of what he uses and it’s a fantastic example that shows you don’t need to own 15 pedals to get the sound that you want.

Here’s the list I came up with, if there’s something you’ve noticed that I missed then post a comment on it to help complete the list.

Dan Jacobs guitar rig/gear:

• ESP LTD Dan Jacobs Signature Electric Guitar
• Various ESP Custom EX models
• Various ESP Custom M Models ESP George Lynch M-1
• Tiger Marshall JCM800 and Jubilee amplifier heads with matching Marshall 4x12 cabinets
• Boss Overdrive
• DigiTech Chorus
• DigiTech Delay
• Boss Noise Suppressor

Author: Curt Moye

New Song Posted by F5

Dave Ellefsons band F5 posted a new track "No Excuses" on their F5 MySpace web site. The song is from their new album "The Reckoning" which is due out August 19, 2008 on OarFin Distribution.

Author: Curt Moye
Source: http://www.davidellefson.com
F5 MySpace

Jimmy Rutkowski and Audio Vamp is moving full steam ahead

News from Jimmy Rutkowskis' MySpace blog:

Audio Vamp is heading to the studio to put the finishing touches on their debut album "Songs From Beachland" June 13th and 14th.

The albums line up is:
Sharon Zaubi: Vox & Bass
Jimmy Rutkowski; Guitars, Bass & Synth
Sal Grillo: Keys
Mark Manczuk: Drums & Percussion

Check back for more updates soon, and don't forget to visit Audio Vamp's myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/zaubihomepage

Author: Rock House Staff
Source: http://www.myspace.com/jimmyrutkowski

12 THINGS YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW TO BECOME A BETTER PLAYER #10

10. PLAY FOR OTHERS…

I know this is difficult for some but this is a very important part of getting to the next level. When you have a song or piece completed start with a person you are very comfortable with and perform it for them. Make sure to put the strap on and stand up while playing to get the whole vibe going. Next try to get a few others to jam out to.

This is where you start having fun and you WILL begin to love the attention, trust me.

Author: John McCarthy

John McCarthy is the co-owner of The Rock House Method and a leading inovator in the field of video lessons for musical instruments such as guitar, bass, keyboards, drums and vocals.

FREE Notation Paper

Maybe your plans this weekend incude composing some music. Well then Rock House Method has you covered. There's tons of all kinds of notation paper there you can download absolutely for free.

A link to the notation paper is is on the Rock House Home page HERE

Here's a list of what's available:

5 String Bass , 7 String Tab, Bass & Guitar Tab, Bass Clef w/ Bass Tab, Bass Neck Paper, Bass Cleff, Bass Tab, Chord Chart, Double Guitar Tab, G Clef Paper, G Clef w/Tab, Guitar Neck, Guitar Tab, Keyboard/Piano andUkuelele

The Weekend Plan

It’s Memorial Day weekend. Schools are getting out, vacations are starting, and people are camping and spending a lot of time with family and friends this weekend. But, there are many of us that have spouses working or worse yet! It’s supposed to rain all weekend! UHG….. That’s what the weather forecast is in my part of the world is supposed to be like this weekend. What’s a musician to do?



Well geez McCarthy, McCarvill, Rizzo and Arnold are always hounding us to play or practice as much as you can, so that’s just what I’m going to do.



So, while the wife’s away this boy is going to play and here’s my game plan:

• Hit the blog and learn the Daughtry song “Home” LINK


• Check out some of the lessons at Professor Jims spot on Rock House LINK


• Check out some cool lessons on Rock House You Tube LINK

Hit a few of my favorite blogs like ActoGuitar, IG blog, GuitarMX and Mark Weins blog



Yep it may be raining this weekend but the sun’s gonna be shining in my music room.



Author: Curt Moye a.k.a. sarge1875

Counterfeit ESP Guitars

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Counterfeit ESP Guitars

ESP customers,

Please be aware that it has just been brought to our attention that a China-based online company, paylessguitar (dot) com, is selling guitars with the logos of many guitar manufacturers, including ESP.

DO NOT PURCHASE ESP GUITARS FROM THIS SITE. THE GUITARS BEING SOLD ARE NOT MADE BY ESP. THEY ARE COUNTERFEITS.

The guitars being sold are not made by ESP, and paylessguitar (dot) com is in no way authorized by ESP as a manufacturer, distributor, or reseller of our products. In addition to the guitars themselves, the components being used in the guitars -- pickups, tuners, and more -- are also counterfeit. Legal action by ESP and other manufacturers is pending as a result.

The following admission is found on the companyʼs web site:

All the musical instruments are fabricated in our China factory, and all the guitar accessories, like pickups, etc., are imported from Korea.

The guitars being sold by this entity do not compare in build quality or performance capability to any authentic ESP model. Please note that there will be NO WARRANTY honored by ESP on any guitar purchased through paylessguitar (dot) com.

To ensure youʼre purchasing your ESP from an authorized seller (US dealer or international distributor), please visit our web site at espguitars.com and look in the “dealers” area. All authorized dealers and distributors are listed. Outside the United States, authorized dealers can be confirmed as legitimate by contacting your ESP distributor.

ESP takes pride in the highest-level quality in the design and build of each of our guitars, and itʼs important that our customers be aware of this type of fraudulent activity so that theyʼre protected from inadvertently purchasing a highly inferior copy.

Source: ESP Guitar Company

Acoustic Guitars - Laminated Wood Versus Solid Wood

By Ken Searcy


A lot has transpired through the years in the debate over acoustic guitars in the area of laminate versus solid wood construction. It is not a secret that the type of materials and craftsmanship affect the quality, durability, sound and price of acoustic guitars. However, there is probably no other discussion bigger than this.

The question that many players ask themselves is whether a solid body is worth the price? Despite the better sound, they require care and regular maintenance to prevent cracking. When using laminated you run the risk that it will separate over time. There is no clear answer to this question and as long as there is a discussion about acoustic guitars, it will always be at the forefront.

The Debate - Uncut

Laminated is several pieces of wood glued together and solid body is exactly that, one piece. There are pros and cons to both kinds. It is a fact that laminate is known to produce a ‘dead’ sound that does not sustain or project sound very well and the one-piece body is known for its richer tone. Laminate is more used because it is more durable and less sensitive to humidity and change in temperature. A body that is made from one-piece timber is very sensitive to humidity and climate change. The top is like a sponge that you can’t let dry out.

A Bit Of History

Years ago the debate was not about sound quality or durability, it was about price. The one piece timber body guitars were very expensive so many musicians did not have a choice but to buy one made of laminate. A one piece is coveted because of its rich and beautiful tone that only seems to become better over time. However, times have changed quite a bit in the world of laminate including the craftsmanship. Better quality laminate is being used and more detailed craftsmanship has been applied so they are sounding better and better everyday.
It is evident why this debate is becoming less spectacular, but the fact will always remain the same that a laminate will never be able to sound as good.

The Main Problem

When building a guitar you want the soundboard, better known as the top, to be as lightweight and strong as possible. Creating this ratio with laminate is often difficult because in order to make it strong it ends up too heavy. The wet glue used to secure the pieces of timber together can become to heavy when too much is used. Unfortunately, when too little of the glue is used, the timber pulls apart. Recently new adhesives have been introduced that have helped to solve this problem and ensure lightness. This is one of the ways that laminated construction is becoming more popular and competitive.

Necks, Sides & Backs

Acoustic laminate necks are very common and widely accepted. This has become a popular way to make the neck stronger. Hybrid guitars are also extremely common. Many models are made with one piece body tops and laminate sides and backs. The sound quality is 90% dependent on what the top is made of, so as long as the soundboard is one piece the rich sound will be present. This is also a great way to make solid body tops affordable.

How Do You Tell The Difference?

Depending on how dark the timber or stain is, telling the difference between them can be a difficult task. First, you need to look at the inside edge of the sound hole on the top of the body. If the edge has a natural finish it is a one piece body and if it has two or more layers it is made of laminate. To determine what the back and sides are constructed with you need to first look at the back of the guitar. Next, look inside the sound hole at the same spot on the back and see if the wood grains are the same. If they are the same it is a whole body. You can do this same technique with the sides.

It’s a Wrap

Everyone’s opinion is different. Many believe that there is no need to buy an acoustic made of laminated timber when solid bodies are so affordable now. Others believe that the sound quality of laminate bodies on their own and in a hybrid model is comparable. Each individual needs to evaluate the pros and cons of both, and decide what makes sense for them. For example if you travel often, perhaps it makes sense to purchase a laminate model for its durability. When buying there are always a lot of questions that need to be answered, this is just another one.

Ken Searcy is the host of http://www.the-guitar-guide.com where you will discover invaluable advice and tips on how-to choose and buy electric guitars, the perfect acoustic guitar, guitar lessons, guitar amps and guitar accessories.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ken_Searcy

Lick Challenge - Beginner - Harmonic Minor Three String Riff

Harmonic Minor Three String Riff

By: Anthony Lawrence

In this Lick challenge I am going to throw an “A” Harmonic minor riff at you to shred. Pay close attention to the fingering and pick stroke attacks. I added the Roman Numerals above the tab to help you with the position shifts and to aid in smoother finger transitions. Practice this riff slowly while you are trying to get it under your fingers. This riff is played with a triplet feel, so go slow with a metronome and in no time at all you will impress everyone you know with this riffarmonic Minor Three String Riff

Hotel Congress Hosts 2nd Annual Night For New Orleans To Benefit Music Rising

Free outdoor concert featuring Tucson only official crawfish boil

TUCSON, AZ, May14th, 2008 – On Saturday May 24h Hotel Congress hosts a Night For New Orleans, a benefit concert and crawfish boil to benefit Music Rising, a charity dedicated to rescuing the musical heritage of New Orleans co-founded by U2's the Edge, producer Bob Ezrin and Gibson Guitar Chairman and CEO Henry Juszkiewicz.

Buoyed by the success of last year’s inaugural Night for New Orleans, Hotel Congress has stepped it up this year with more food, more music and more “New Orleans”. The music will start early and go late and Cajun style cuisine will be served until it runs out. Highlighting the event are some of Tucson finest musicians and performers as well as Tucson only “official” Crawfish Boil - 300 lbs of live crawfish being flown in specifically for the event.

The event will also be the first of a summer of “green concerts” at Hotel Congress - all concert lighting and sound will be solar powered, as well all food served on “potato-ware”, 90 day bio-degradable flatware.

The live entertainment will include Mojo Gumbo, Tom Walbank, Black Leather Zydeco and the Bad News Blue Band. Cirque Du Sin will also perform a free Bourbon St themed fire performance, in conjunction with their Cabaret show running in the club that evening. An exclusive Epiphone Music Rising guitar will be autographed by all performers and auctioned off at the event with 100% proceeds going to Music Rising (http://www.musicrising.org/).

Besides the live Crawfish, The Cup Café will be providing several other Cajun and Creole offerings - but if history is any indication, we are recommending people get here early as the Crawfish is a popular and rare treat in these parts. New Orleans’ Abita beer will be featured on tap for the evening as well to compliment the regional fare.

For the second year in a row Music Rising will be the beneficiary of the night’s donations and food revenue. Music Rising a campaign that was launched to rescue the musical culture of the Central Gulf region of the United States from the destruction caused by the catastrophic hurricanes of the summer of 2005 by replacing the musical instruments lost or destroyed in the deluge. Music Rising has aided over 2,700 professional musicians and nearly 50,000 students and parishioners to date. Music Rising is administered by the Gibson Foundation (http://www.gibsonfoundation.org/).

For general inquiries about the event please contact David Slutes 520.622.8848 david@hotelcongress.com

For more information about the Crawfish Boil and the cajun food please contactSteve Dunn 520.622.8848 steven@hotelcongress.com

For more information about Music Rising please contact Caroline Galloway at 615-871-4500 carolinegalloway@gibson.com

For more information about the solar power please contact Katharine Kent at 520-322-5180 kent@solarstore.com or Scott Plummer Total Lighting Support 520-629-0295 scot@totallightingsupport.com

Sorce: http://www.gibson.com/

Rock House Instructor David Ellefson looking for rockers at fantasy camp

Rock House Instructor David Ellefson announced on his web site that he will be participating as a counselor on the upcoming Rock n Roll Fantasy Camp Summer Tour 2008.

Dave states he is looking for some real rockers to join him at each city so they can crank it up on the stage that night.

Dave says, "let’s make it happen!"

More information on the tour dates and fees is available below or at http://www.rockcamp.com/.

Hopefully you can join us in the fun. Pack your axe and let’s go….see you there!

Rock House Instructor Alexi Laiho and COB @ UK signing sessions

Rock House Insructor Alexi Laiho and The CoB are always trying to reach out to their fans in more ways other than performing on the big stage.

According to the bands web site thay have scheduled two signing sessions before their 2 UK headlining shows on Wednesday 11th June at 4:30pm at zavvi Dundrum in Dublin, Ireland and Thursday 12th June at 5:00pm at blank">zavvi Buchanan street in Glasgow, Scotland.

These events are wristband only. Wristbands are available on a first come first served basis to personal callers only from 9:00am on Saturday 7th June at zavvi Dundrum and 9:00am on Monday 9th June at zavvi Glasgow Buchanan. 1 wristband per person. http://www.zavvi.co.uk/events/event_childrenofbodom/s.jsf

12 THINGS YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW TO BECOME A BETTER PLAYER #8

USE YOUR BODY CLOCK…

Practice moving your body to the music as you play, whether you tap your foot, move your head, jump up and down, or sway back and forth. By getting your body to be the rhythm keeper you will vibe more as a player, it will show in your phrasing and creativity.

Feel the music throughout your whole body and you will make other feel it too!

Make My Guitar Squeal Like a Pig - Guitar Tip

A question from the 'Ask the Teacher" section at Rock House.

Luis Romero; Miami, FL Q: When listening to guitar solos I hear a sound that is like a whistle or a squeal made while the player is picking certain notes. It's a high pitched sound that I think is real cool and want to add this technique to my solos. Can you tell me what this is and how to play it?

A: It is called a "Pick Harmonic" and it was made popular in the 80's when there was an abundance of guitar solos in the music.

To play this technique you must hold the pick so that there is only a small section of the tip showing, as you pick the note in the same stroke you must touch the side of your thumb on the string but don't hold it there. Continue the stroke so your thumb only touches the string for a second.Where you pick the string has a big effect on the sound that comes out and every guitar has a different "Hot Spot" so you have to experiment a bit to find your guitar's best location.

It will take some time to learn this technique so don't get discouraged in the beginning just have some fun and your guitar will soon be squealing like a pig!

Hope this helps
Yours in Music
John McCarthy
Rock House

Fan Appreciation From UGLY

Rock House artist/instructor Kevin McCreery and his his band UGLY want to show their fans a little love and appreciation. They are giving away a free download of one of their "Classic UGLY songs Life of the Party." The band plans to put more of their classic UGLY songs on their MySpace site in the future for download.

In a note from UGLY they want to apologize to the for some of their tour being cut short due to the expenses of being on the road. They are planning on rocking it out at the upcoming Harleyfest June 14th in Detroit.

Hit 'em up on their MySpace site HERE and check out the free music download!

Do it for Dime - (Reposted by request)

Remember to request the song on your prefered radio station!please add and spread the word by placing in your top friends!!!!

SHADOWS FALL drummer Jason Bittner, former MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson, ex-JUDAS PRIEST/ICED EARTH and current Beyond Fear/Yngwie Malmsteen singer Tim "Ripper" Owens and DAITRIBE guitarist Tristan "1690" Grigsby have joined forces to record a song for the upcoming tribute album to late PANTERA/DAMAGEPLAN guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott.Entitled "Leave It Alone", the track features solos by special guests Nick Bowcott (ex-GRIM REAPER) and fan Brian Cashmore.It was recorded and mixed in Chicago at Farview Recording by Jason Walsh, with additional tracks recorded at Saltmine studios in Phoenix, Arizona & Galahad Studios in Cleveland Ohio.

David Ellefson states "Ironically, it led to a really cool metal jam we did for Rockhouse at WNAMM this past year, a gig which brought in our friend "Ripper" to really tear it up on vox."Leave It Alone" is not only a cool song but it was also the beginning of a great working relationship with me and Jason Bittner doing clinics, jams, and so forth.

"Leave It Alone" was released to radio and will be made available for download exclusively via iTunes on June 6th.All proceeds from the song will go to the Little Kids Rock school program.The complete song is now available at this location.

Little Kids Rock believes that all children in our public schools deserve music education as music education is a transforming force in children's lives.Dimebag had the same philosophy with always sharing his passion and love of music to the world inspiring kids to pick up a guitar.

Great Songs For Beginners

Author: John McCarthy
Author: Angelo Selino

As a teacher one the most asked questions from I received from beginner students was “What are some easy songs that I can learn to play that won’t be over my abilities?” So me and the boys from JamPages.com put our thinking caps on and compiled a list of easy to learn songs that will challenge you but not make you want to throw your guitar in the fireplace as firewood with discouragement! Keep in mind this is just a starting point and there are thousands of easy songs that you can learn. These are just some recommendations that we have seen results from. Hope you enjoy!

Rock, Pop and More...
Smoke On the Water; Deep Purple
Aint’ Talkin’ Bout’ Love; Van Halen
Basket Case; Green Day
Satin Doll; Duke Ellington
Come As You Are; Nirvana
Is This Love; Bob Marley
Santa Ria; Sublime
Tick Tick Boom; The Hives
Iron Man; Black Sabbath
All The Small Things; Blink 182
Wild Thing; The Troggs
Enter Sandman; Metallica
Margaritaville; Jimmy Buffet
Vampires; Godsmack
You Really Got Me; The Kinks
Nothing Else Matters; Metallica
Free Fallin’; Tom Petty
Good Riddance (Time of Your Life); Green Day
Uncle Johns Band; The Grateful Dead
Wish You Were Here; Pink Floyd

Blues...
Smokin Gun; Robert Cray
Thrill is Gone; BB King
Old Love; Eric Clapton
Johnny B Goode; Chuck Berry
Goin Down; Feddy King

Country...
Everywhere (3 Chords); Tim McGraw
Drive (3 Chords); Alan Jackson
Meet in the Middle (3 Chords); Diamond Rio
Complicated (3 Chords); Carolyn Dawn Johnson
Check Yes or No (4 Chords); George Strait
I Walk the Line (4 Chords); Johnny Cash
It Must Be Love (3 Chords); Don Williams
The Bottle Let Me Down (2 Chords); Merle Haggard
Mama Tried (4 Chords); Merle Haggard
Honky Tonkin' (2 Chords); Hank Williams

Tour and Clinic Dates Have Been Updated @ Rock House

It was a long weekend of copying, pasting, searching venue and ticket sites for upcoming concerts and clinics. The power of the mouse and keyboard are awesome, It'll probably be a days before I can hold a pick in my hand from using the right finger too much. No not that one, my index finger!

So here's what The Rock House Artists/Instructors have going on this summer so far. I usually get these updated a couple times a month but there were some pretty big tours that coming up that are hitting Europe, South America, North America and Japan.

Alexi Laiho and The Children of Bodom are going strong with The Blooddrunk Tour into the late summer.

Marc Rizzo & CAVALERA CONSPIRACY are literally all over the globe with the inflikTOUR.

FREEKBASS is about to take off for the JB Tribute Tour.

Rob Arnold and Chimaira has some off dates from the DETHKLOK TOUR.

Doug Wimbish is playing Europe promoting his new CD and performing with Tarja also. He also have some US dates later in the summer.

Bernie Worrell is WOOing everyone with a few dates.

Dan Jacobs and AYREYU are going strong til the end of August.

Ravi Bhadriraju & with Bobby Thompson of Job for a Cowboy ride into July.

Albert Margolis has some dates where he tickles the ivories. The date and time for the debut of his new band "The Dennis Logan Band" has been changed. I'll get that up as soon as I get the info.

Will Calhoun has a ton of clinics this summer too that I have to get posted yet.

That's it for now, it's really easy to get automatic notification when these guys are in your area. All you have to is go to The Rock House web site and either register or update you preferences on your account and we'll send you an email when one of the artist/instructors are in you area for a concert of clinic.

Marc Rizzo Flamenco Style

I remember last February listening to a podcast of Marc Rizzo at Rock House. Marc talked about what it takes to succeed at guitar playing, his gear, practice routines and his favorite tricks and techniques. Marc has a phenomenal command of the guitar and is a master musician with deep musical roots in metal, classical and flamenco.

Flamenco!

It was brought to my attention that our friends at Guitar MX Blog just happened to have a video of Marc doing his flamenco thing. He is so smooth.

You can read more about Marc Rizzo and download the podcast interview HERE

Pre-view, Freekbass Intermediate Funk Bass DVD

From The Rock House Method, "Funk Bass" DVD featuring FEEKBASS.

A funky lesson called the "G" Minor Hammer on Groove.

You can check out the DVD HERE

Doug Wimbish Hits The Road With New CD

Doug Wimbish is touring in support of his new cd CinemaSonics (Enja/Yellowbirds records). Doug will be performing double duty as OPENING ACT as well as headlining w/ Tarja Turunen.

Check out the schedule for dates and the cd HERE!

You can find all of Doug Wimbishs' world wide dates on the tour date page at Rock House.

Doug also has an instructional DVD at Rock House HERE

New Music From The Wizard Of Woo!

Rock House Artist Bernie Worrell a.k.a "The Wizard of Woo" has been busy in the studio. The living legend has released 14 new original compositions for our listening pleasure.

You can hear samples of the fresh tunes on Bernies MySpace site, where you can also down load the one's you like or download all of them.

Check it out and get you some! Bernies MySpace

Albert Margolis Debuts With New Band

Rock House Artist/Instructor Albert Margolis announced that his new band mates The Dennis Logan Band will debut on May 16th at Paladino’s Night Club in Tarzana, California.

Albert comments "This will be the the debut gig for the Dennis Logan Band. We just finished our promo video and a few demos in the studio. Great Americana rock. See you There!!!"

For more info you can check out The Rock House Method Tour Dates or Albert Margolis' MySpace Site.

Here a video that has been posted on The Dennis Logan MySpace site.

The Whole Things Going Down

A list of cool blogs to keep you busy

There's a ton of music blogs with information about guitars, bass, drums, keyboards and vocals out there. I've done some surfing and found a list of some of the top rated blogs for you. There's enough videos, information and lessons on these blogs to keep you busy for a long, long time.

The Rock House Blog
MarkWeinGuitarLessons.com Marks Guitar Blog Guitar Noize IG Blog Strat-O-Blogster Guitar MX Mad Stratter Guitarz Building the Ergonomic Guitar Guitritus Musician's Notebook GuitarToyBox IGUITARGOD Mr. Blues Guy markmcguigan.com Acoustic Guitar Player iFingers Guitar Experience Play Like a Girl Electric Guitar Review Guitar Novice Truth in Shredding Thumbrella Music Ramble The Soul of Rock and Roll Guitar Lifestyle GuitaroJam News Music Gadgets The Guitar Channel The Guitar Resource Guitar Stuff Axe Victim ATOMIC Guitarist

New Pick Ups From EMG

EMG-81TW

The EMG-81TW humbucking pickup takes an EMG classic to a new level. The dual-mode design allows for maximum flexibility, with the original 81 providing all the crunch and aggressiveness it's famous for and an all new single-coil that features a fatter tone with plenty of punch and clarity. Either mode is accessed through a push/pull pot for versatility. Dual internal preamps, one tuned for single-coil mode and the other for dual-coil mode, give the 81TW two distinct sounds while delivering EMG's well known noise cancelling technology in both modes.





EMG-707TW

If you're using a Low-B String there's no sense in even trying a passive pickup. The 707TW Active Pickup delivers the clearest, fattest low end you've ever felt from a guitar pickup. The 707 is Alnico Loaded and the coils are summed separately keeping the DC resistance down and doubling the low end frequency response. Translated...that means the low frequency response is more natural sounding. Full, but not muddy. In addition, the dual-coil section has a wide aperture for plenty of string sampling. The resonance frequency of the dual-coil mode is 2300 Hz. In the single-coil mode, the pickup resonance switches up to 3900 Hz and operates in a "stack" mode truly resembling a single coil pickup, not a "tapped" humbucker. Still loaded with Alnico, the single coil sound is as pure as it comes. Dual internal preamps (one tuned for single-coil mode and the other for dual-coil mode) give the 707TW two distinct sounds for two pickups in one, while delivering EMG's well-known low-noise performance in both modes. Only an active pickup can deliver the big tone you'd expect from your 7-string.

For more info http://www.emgpickups.com/

12 THINGS YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW TO BECOME A BETTER PLAYER # 7

BUILD SPEED IN SMALL INCREMENTS…Build your speed up gradually don’t try to shred through pieces or songs as fast as you can before you have clean technique. Everyone wants to have speed but with out technique you are just playing fast and sloppy. Try to play to a metronome or drum beat as much as possible this will give you an external rhythm to play to and will prepare you to play with other musicians in a band fashion.

Music is not a sport it is an art form and it won’t get judged by how many notes you play but by how much you can make a few notes have meaning.

By: John McCarthy

Freekbass- Triad Rhythm, Major

Rock House Method on You Tube released a preview bass lesson from the new FREEBASS Learn Funk Bass DVDs

For more info on the DVD series click HERE

GUITAR RIG 3 XE - STUDIO-QUALITY GUITAR AND BASS SOUNDS

This powerful and inspirational software is the direct route to your perfect custom tone. Equipped with the best amps and effects from the award-winning GUITAR RIG 3 software, GUITAR RIG 3 XE puts a world of studio-quality guitar and bass sounds at your fingertips.
















Tone Up
GUITAR RIG 3 XE gets you the tone you want fast. Simply connect your guitar to your computer and you are ready to go. The software gives you access to perfectly modeled classic amps, cabinets, mics and effects – all arranged in a super-simple drag-and-drop rack format. GUITAR RIG 3 XE is the perfect solution for any studio or live set-up.

Sonic States
GUITAR RIG 3 XE offers 5 amazing guitar and bass amps as well as 21 extraordinary effects, taken from the award-winning GUITAR RIG 3 and based on acclaimed Dynamic Tube Response Technology® for true studio quality. The new “Matched Cabinet” module provides perfectly harmonized speaker configurations per amp, providing instant tried-and-true classic tones.

Easy As 1, 2, 3
GUITAR RIG 3 XE sounds supreme and handles perfectly. The refined user interface with its convenient tone library makes GUITAR RIG 3 XE especially accessible, intuitive, and convenient. Specifically designed for stage use, the highly functional “Live View” mode presents all essential controls and parameters in an ultra-clear layout that gigging musicians will appreciate.

For more information, visit their web site at http://www.native-instruments.com/.

Fender Announces Fender University

Class will soon be in session for Fender enthusiasts worldwide, with one of the coolest curriculums a student could ever enroll in. Fender Musical Instruments Corporation will launch its exclusive new music education program for guitar and bass enthusiasts worldwide—Fender University—this summer.

Held in Fender’s historic Southern California homeland, the Aug. 21-24 inaugural session of Fender University will offer behind-the-scenes access to the company’s manufacturing headquarters and world-renowned Fender Custom Shop in Corona, Calif., to 35 guitar and bass scholars in all musical genres and skill levels age 21 and older from across the nation and around the world. The four-day program will include a series of music workshops, hands-on and one-on-one educational experiences from Fender staff and clinicians, performance opportunities, special guest artist appearances and firsthand insight into the magic of Fender.

Students will stay in a full-service “dorm”—the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside, Calif., as they work their way through the extensive and intensive curriculum and tour Fender facilities in the area. Upon graduating, each student will receive a VIP pass to a Fender University commencement party and a new American Standard Series guitar or bass. It’s all meant to add up to a musician’s experience of a lifetime, and it continues Fender’s half-century-old tradition of going straight to the people who play Fender instruments out there in the real world.

“The legacy of Fender is so much greater than any single artist, recording, person, place or thing,” said Richard McDonald, Fender senior vice president of global marketing and Fender University honorary dean. “When that undeniable power is harnessed into a hands-on experience that allows musicians to connect the rich history of Fender with all of the excitement of the present and future, amazing things will happen. We’re delighted to be able to open our doors to a few eager students who will be offered the rare ability to graduate to the highest levels of the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll.”

Exclusive registration and contact information, curriculum descriptions, an FAQ list, video and photographs, a “Letter From the Dean” and many more details can now be found at the new Fender University website.

Flyer - Connecticut Drum Expo - May 15th

David Ellefson's New Band IRON STEEL

Rock House Instructor David Ellefson has a new band to add to his list of triumphs. Iron Steel is about to start touring. Starting at the end of the month in Atlanta. They have a MySpace site up and going with a few tracks from their CD HERE.

Below is a comment from David on their MySpace site, their blog has a few enrties too.

The time is upon us for the metal universe to behold the majesty of IRON STEEL! A meeting of metallic minds that produced some of the most explosive rock and roll out there — the "Devil May Care" EP — IRON STEEL boasts an incredible membership roster with a work ethic to match their talents. The men of IRON STEEL — along with Homme De Mystere on guitar, and songwriter Zach Strine) have been slaving away in Tree Sound Studios / Light House Studios in Atlanta, GA, writing and recording five brand new tracks with mega-producer Johnny K. (DISTURBED, 3 DOORS DOWN, STAIND). The new classics — "Attack", "STD", "Pie Eater", "Hail Satan", and "Goth Girl" — will be mixed in early January by Shawn Grove (MATCHBOX 20, SEVENDUST).

IRON STEEL contributing musicians:

Fran Strine (Vocals/Guitar)
Tommy Redd (Guitar)
Morgan Rose (SEVENDUST) (Drums)
Jim LaMarca (CHIMAIRA) (Bass)
Rachel Bolan (SKID ROW) (Bass)
David Ellefson (ex-MEGADETH) (Bass)

Ellefson comments on his bandmates: "IRON STEEL is the modern day STORMTROOPERS OF DEATH. It's all badass players throwin' down on one sick disc of metal!" Fran bellows: "My brothers in metal — the men of IRON STEEL — share a lust for blood, spiked leather and screaming hot groupies.... This is why we play music that will kick you in the throat.. and if the music doesn't do it, I'll do it with my steel tipped boots... ahahahahahahaha!!!!!"

An Update From ATREYU

Below is an update from ATREYU on their MySpace blog.

hello all,

im writing from our dressing room in sydney australia. its been a long long time since we have made any sort of update so i felt the need to come on and let everyone know what we've been up to. a few weeks ago we finished up the taste of chaos tour with our good buddies avenged sevenfold and bullet for my valentine as well as our new friends in mucc. we, as a band, just wanted to say a big thank you to all the fans that came out to those shows. we felt an energy playing those shows,both in the states and canada, that we hadn't felt in a long time. the intensity and vibe was amazing every night so to all of you that where a part of that, thank you so much. you made it the best tour we have ever done. directly after taste of chaos we played a few radio shows which where equally amazing. we had a chance to catch up with our friends in story of the year and mcr and we got see some great bands play as well. i was siked to watch billy talent for 3 days straight. i love that band. we got to go home for a total of six days which was short but sweet. after a long almost 3 months we got to enjoy the greatness that is home and family. that brings us to this point in time.a few days ago we took a loooong 13 hour flight to great ol oz. were on the second night of tour with avenged and bullet again and its going amazing. the show in brisbane last night was massive. the crowd was louder that anything ive heard. it was a very lovely welcome for us. tonight were in sydney,like i said, getting ready to have another rockin show. this blog was meant as an update but also as a direct thank you to every single person that has supported atreyu in the past 6 months. its been the greatest time of this bands life and we have our amazing fans to thank for that. that being said, we hope to see all of you this summer on the projekt revolution tour with linkin park. until then...rock and roll

brandon saller

FREEKBASS News

Our friend and Instructor FREEKBASS has a couple items of intrest in his blog this week.

The first is a nice review of the Freekbass DVD A Sliver Of Shiver in the current/May issue.

Second is a brand new MAY '08 PodCast, Instant Funk with Freekbass is now posted .

Show the funkiest bass man in the biz some love and check 'em out.

TREAT YOUR BAND LIKE A BUSINESS FROM THE START

By: John McCarthy

Being in a band is no different than being part of a professional sports team; a group of individuals united in achieving a common goal—each person playing a unique and integral part in achieving a dream. The motto—at least in theory—being, “All for one and one for all.”

But unlike the professional sports world, where athletes must meet extremely high standards before getting into a draft and being picked by a team, young bands often form with little more consideration than just being friends or sharing similar musical tastes. Unfortunately this criteria is just not enough for a band to succeed. Personality differences as well as opposing views of how business matters should be handled eventually rear their ugly heads. The results: the band calls it quits, a member is unfairly kicked out, the group suffers setbacks due to member changes, or everyone gets entangled in an on-going legal battle between them. This fate can be avoided, however, if a band maps out a simple business plan from its inception, ensuring that every member has similar expectations and goals. Though playing music is supposed to be fun, being in a band is a business just like any other, and it should never be treated as anything less.

The Personality Test

Before getting down to the legalities of running your band, it’s important to consider the personalities and goals of the people with whom you’re about to get involved. When everyone is excited and eager to get things rolling, character flaws and differences of opinion are often overlooked—but when problems are left to be dealt with later, they always come back to bite you on the you know what. By asking each member a few honest questions up front, a band will know whether or not proceeding in business is even worthwhile. Questions may include:

• Are you ready to work your ass off and treat the band as a serious business?
• Could you relocate to another city and commit to staying there for a few years?
• Are you able to hit the road for extended periods of time for little or no pay?
• Can you deal with traveling across country in a small passenger van in the dead of winter?
• If you have a girlfriend, how serious are you about getting married and starting a family?

The questions are endless, but don’t look at them as an interrogation! Think of them as a screening process to ensure that your proposed business venture is a fruitful and long-lasting endeavor. No matter how good the musicianship is in a band, if there are too many opposing opinions regarding how the band should be run, problems will eventually occur. The last thing you want to do is fire someone, have someone quit or for the band to break-up after spending several months or years building up your band.

Getting Down To Legalities

Once you’ve got all of your members in place, you need to have a written agreement defining the terms of your business relationship. This document, called a “band membership agreement,” compels a band to deal with important business issues before they become problems. The terms of the agreement should include language stipulating:

• How the band will make decisions (for example, by unanimous or majority vote)
• How income, such as record royalties, music publishing, concert money, and merchandising will be divided
• What happens to a member’s share of assets acquired by the group (such as equipment) when he or she quits or is voted out of the band
• How disputes will be resolved (in a court of law or outside of the courts)
• Who owns or controls the rights to the band name and its continued use

Not all members of a band may have an equal level of control or an equal share of the profits. Sometimes the founder, the lead singer, or the main songwriter of a group are the only members who own the rights to the band name, or who control the vote and have the final word in making business decisions. In any case, the record company may consider these individuals to be the “key members” or those most important to the functioning of the band. If a key member decides to leave and start his own solo project, the record company may exercise their contractual right to drop the band.

DRAFT THAT AGREEMENT TODAY

A band membership agreement won't stop a band from running into conflicts or breaking up, but it will avert any misunderstandings or confusion regarding compensation and control. It is much easier to discuss business while a relationship is new and everyone is the best of friends. Though rock n' roll is supposed to be about having fun and being care-free, it’s also a business. Bill Wyman, reflecting back on his years with The Rolling Stones said it best, "It's only Rock n' Roll. Is it really?"

Alexi Laiho-Teaches the Lead to Living Dead Beat

Here's another preview of Rock House Method Instructor Alexi Laiho in his Instructional DVD. Here he teaches the lead to CoB's "Living Dead."

Check out Rock House on You Tube HERE

Find out more info on Alexis' Instructional DVDs HERE

GearHead; Boss Metal Distortion Pedal

Boss Metal Distortion Pedal

More often than not referred to a the MT-2 Metal zone distortion pedal-Boss’ website promises that this gear comes “equipped with a dual gain circuit, provides super long sustain to provide heavy mids and lows-like a stack of over driven amps. It also has a EQ, a wide range of distortion textures at your command.” Or in other words, this pedal is great for customizing tone and sound. The MT-2 has separate level and distortion knobs which accommodate to your personal sound. Boss has provided a world of heavy metal pedal paradise to the music industry since 1977.

Their introduction into the music world began with CE-1 chorus pedal-commonly noted at the “big gray box that started it all.“ The MT-2--a little metal miracle is battery powered with 9 volts of streaming electricity guaranteed to give the aspiring metal musician the distortion and overdrive that would make any metal head-maniac proud! Want to sound like your favorite 80’s hair band-loud and in your face or add a little of that old-school Metallica sound to your set...then this product is something well worth investing in.

Features:

• Super high quality sound
• Precision effect and EQ controls
  

Rythym and Blues Foundation - 2008 Pioneer Award Honorees Announcement

Join The Rhythm & Blues Foundation as we celebrate our 20th Anniversary during the 2008 Pioneer Awards at Philadelphia’s spectacular Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, September 9th!

This gala celebration will bring together the royalty of Rhythm & Blues, including past Pioneer Award Honorees along with a veritable “who’s who” of the entertainment industry. More importantly, the event provides an opportunity to support a compelling cause, as its proceeds will ensure the continuation of the Foundation’s community outreach, education programs and emergency grants to Rhythm & Blues artists during their time of need. You don’t want to miss this historic celebration!

This year’s honorees are:

Lifetime Achievement - CHAKA KHAN
Individual Artist Awards - TEENA MARIE, BILL WITHERS and SUGAR PIE DESANTO
Group Awards - KOOL & THE GANG and THE WHISPERS
Sidemen Award - THE FUNK BROTHERS
Legacy Award - DONNY HATHAWAY
Leadership Award - AL BELL of STAX RECORDS

For additional information visit The Rythym and Blues Foundation

Rock House Releases Two New Funk Bass DVDs Featuring Freekbass

Rock House Method, the leader in music instruction is announcing the release of two NEW instructional programs on DVD featuring FREEKBASS. Legendary bassist and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Bootsy Collins calls Freekbass "The new spiritual warrior for the Funk." The Learn Funk Bass program takes a two step approach with a level 1 & 2. They are designed to give players an inside look at the techniques that make-up Freekbass' unique style, help develop a solid foundation for playing Funk bass and an understanding on how to fuse funk playing with other styles of music.

"No question that Freekbass is an innovator, he carries the torch for all that old school funk that most of the over 35 crowd grew up with, yet his music relates to today's younger aspiring musician because he infuses techniques from all genres of music. Rock House's partnership with Freekbass further solidifies our position as the instructional company for the next generation of players." Said Joe Palombo of Rock House.

With Level 1 students learn left and right hand technique, the G major scale and quickly graduate to key funk elements like slap & pop, thump, pluck, groove and timing. They will learn octaves and how to put major & minor triads into full progressions. With Level 2 students learn to develop their own creativity, fuse funk and blues scales, techniques like hammer-on grooves and funky right hand variations, key elements like the Dorian thump mute groove, double thump, ghost note percussive technique and multiple position scales spanning the entire neck.

The DVDs will come with a FREE lesson booklet and membership to Rock House's lesson support website. This feature, exclusive to Rock House and its partners, offers students supplementary support for the lessons featured on the DVD. Once registered, students can interact with the community, utilize the additional learning tools and access the special features such as:

• "Ask the Teacher" questions
• Visit the "Message Boards" to share ideas with other students
• Download "Backing Tracks" to play along with
• "Take a Quiz" that will be graded to track progress
• Get "Tips and Techniques" about everything from practicing to performing
• Access "Sheet Music" from a constantly growing list of songs in easy-to-read tablature format
• Use "MP3s" to post original compositions
• Download FREE "Tuner" and "Metronome" software And explore tons of other content to help make their learning fun and complete
  

Rock House has developed an accelerated yet easy-to-use system of learning that utilizes the functionality of DVD and Print, integrated with the accessibility of the Internet. Aspiring musicians who have a product produced by Rock House receive free membership to rockhouse.com for 24-7 lesson support. Students use this fully interactive lesson site along with their product to enhance their learning experience, expand their knowledge, link them with instructors, and connect with a community of people around the world who are learning to play music using The Rock House Method®.

For more information, visit their web site at www.rockhousemethod.com.

Win Tickets to Children of Bodom (UK)

WIN Metal Hammer Golden Gods Tickets!!

This is it! A fantastic opportunity to win a pair of tickets to the hardest rocking awards show of the year!!

Spinefarm Records UK is offering 150 pairs of tickets to see Children Of Bodom perform in all their heavy metal glory at this year's Golden Gods Awards, to be held June 16th 2008 at London's O2. What's more, some especially lucky folk will also be selected to receive Spinefarm goody bags including all sorts of special Spinefarm bits and pieces!

Find the details HERE

FREEKBASS: LIVE CD GROOVEYARD

The new Freekbass live CD, grooveyard, is complete and will be released in May.

The CD (which was just recorded at the 20th Century Theatre in Cincinnati, OH) will contain a bonus studio track by Freekbass.

Also, the live CD (grooveyard) was filmed and will be up for viewing at the Live Music Video Site, Mind Ignition Channel .

Incredible video of Doug Wimbish

I was looking at some of the Rock House Artist/Instructor blogs on MySpace over the weekend. Doug Wimbish posted a new video of a rather energetic bass solo he did while performing in New Orleans at a recent music festival.

If the video don't inspire you bassist, I don't know what will. Doug's performance was 5 star from what I could see in the video.

To check out how to learn to play like Doug click HERE

Rock House Method Announces Special Presale of Dan Jacobs DVD

Rock House announced today a SPECIAL PRE-SALE on the new METAL GUITAR DVDs featuring Dan Jacobs of Atreyu. The DVDs titled METAL GUITAR, LEADS, RIFFS & RUNS. Also included in the pre-sale is the re-release of Atreyu's critically acclaimed CD LEAD ANCHOR PAPER SAILS. Members can save as much as $16.97 when buying the Level 1, 2 and CD Combo Pack and receive free ground shipping to anywhere in the continental U.S. The sale is only for products purchased on http://www.rockhousemethod.com/ and includes the select titles listed below.

METAL GUITAR, LEADS, RUNS & RHYTHMS Level 1 & 2 reveal Dan's most well kept secrets. Also included in the pre-sale is the new and highly acclaimed Atreyu CD Lead Anchor Paper Sails" Members can save as much as $16.97 when buying the Level 1, 2 and CD Combo Pack and receive free ground shipping to anywhere in the continental U.S.FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THESE EXCITING NEW ROCK HOUSE PRODUCTS!

Kevin Kyle - review of the new Rob Aronold Metal guitar songwriting DVD

Kevin Kyle posted this review of the new Rob Arnold DVDs in the Guitar forum at Rock House Method. Kevin is a widely respected instructor in the music industry.

I received the new DVD today popped it in and here is my review.

First off this is well done well presented and very easy to follow

All of the rushed feeling of the Rizzo DVDs are gone this feels relaxed and is very easy to understand and follow the format is perfect

The parts on construction and song writing are right on the money.

Joe you hit a home run with this i give it a 10 of 10

I am not a big fan of dropped c tuning but in today's metal its almost a necessity to know what to do and how to do it and Mr Arnold explains this so even the most guitar challenged person can understand.

I will review the chord book in a separate thread

Great job Rock House now i am waiting for my Alexi Laiho set to arrive and i will review those next

Rob Arnold of Chimaira Teaches One of His Favorite Riffs

Man, I've gotta get over to Rock House You Tube site more often. Here's a video of Rob Arnold teaching one of his riffs. He also shows you how he makes his famous artificial harmonic.

I noticed there were a few new videos up at Rock House on You Tube. I'll be posting some more over the next couple of weeks but you can check them out now HERE.

For more info Rob's DVD series click on the banner below.

12 THINGS YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW TO BECOME A BETTER PLAYER #6

6. HAVE PERCEPTION… when you are playing think about and imagine your next three or five notes or chords. By envisioning your future moves you will have total control of your playing.

Don’t chase your notes be ahead of them looking back. This kind of perception takes some practice but will give you total creative vision.

Weekend Lesson - 'Home' By: Daughtry

Let’s take a look at the American Idol rocker Daughtry’s song “Home” and see what makes it tick. This song has a familiar sound right from the first few chords it’s like “I heard this before” and with good reason it has a verse chord progression that has visited many hits a I – IV in the key of “G” Major. This is a silky smooth progression when played on the guitar because of the use of an add9 chord substitution for the IV chord making it G to Cadd9. The C add9 chord is played by just moving your 1st and 2nd fingers down one sting from an open G chord so it’s easy to play as well.

The dynamics between the verse and chorus are also classic where the verse is more acoustic with a clean tone and then they come in with the distorted electric guitars for the chorus, I almost see the fire around the stage when it hits! The progression and the strumming pattern used in the chorus are similar to the verse but he adds in the V chord or the D to the mix.

The B sections for the verse and chorus’ follow along song writing 101 to the T and use the key of G majors relative minor E for the progression . Every Major scale has a relative minor key that is built from the 6th degree that will work like a charm for a key change or b section.

The song structure is again of classic rock stature with a Verse Chorus Verse Chorus Bridge Solo Chorus pattern. This pattern has to be the most used in music history.

It seems as though Chris Daughtry really thought about creating the classic rock feel when he penned this one and it really works. You can’t go wrong when you use a proven song structure!

Let the surgery begin……

Tuning
Half step down, Eb – Ab – Db – Gb – Bb - Eb

Audio Track #1 can help you get the tuning right.

Key
G Major Ionian / E Minor Aeolian

Chord Progressions
Verse A; G Cadd9

I – IV

Chorus A; G D Cadd9 D

I – V – IV - V

Chorus A; G D Cadd9 D

I – V – IV - V

Chorus B; Em D C

vi – V - IV

Bridge; D D C C Em D C C

V IV vi V IV

Strum Pattern

Verse/Chorus

Now it's time to take the chord progressions we outlined above and get them to groove with the strum pattern highlighted below. Use Audio Track #2 to help you find the right rhythm and timing.

Song Structure

Verse – Verse b – Chorus – Chorus b – Verse – Verse b – Chorus – Chorus b - Bridge – Solo – Chorus – Chorus b

Practice Track

The rhythm I have created in Audio Track #3 has a similar sound to the song, use the scales above to create melodies over this chord progression.I also recommend is that you use these scales to play over the entire song pretending that you are another member of the band. This is a very powerful exercise that will help you to develop your own style while learning how to create leads and melodies

Main Riffs

This riff is included in the bridge section and works off the “D” and “C” chords, it arpeggiates the root, third and fourth tones from each chords key. It’s a great way to add color to a section and you can hear how it should sound in Audio Track #4

Audio Track #4

Techniques

The main technique used in this solo is a unison bend where you have your 1st finger fretting a note on the first string and your 2nd, 3rd, and 4th fingers bend up a note on the second string. Check out the following exercise on unison bends and use Audio track #5 to give you some help with tempo and sound.

Audio Track #5

I’m sure you are signing autographs now and getting ready for your next performance, save me a seat at your next performance Rock Star!