The Rock House Blog: 2009/11

11.30.2009

All That Remains - New “Forever In Your Hands (album version)” Video

Noise Creep is premiering The new ATL video for “Forever In Your Hands”. ATL launched the original video a couple weeks ago and it ended up being the radio edit. They wanted to get another edit of the original version that's on the album. After convincing their label they are happy to present the album version of 'Forever In Your Hands.

ROLAND SHIPS SP-404SX LINEAR WAVE SAMPLER

Roland Corporation U.S. is pleased to announce general availability of the SP-404SX Portable Sampler (http://www.RolandUS.com/products/SP-404SX). This update to the popular SP-404 offers 44.1kHz/16-Bit sound quality, improved DSP effects, a more versatile pattern sequencer, and easier data management.

The SP-404SX includes 29 DSP effects — including filter, delay, unique voice effects, subsonic, and looper — that switch seamlessly for a smooth performance. Twelve trigger pads, three control knobs, and a Sub Pad for rapid triggering allow DJs, musicians, and sound engineers to trigger samples and jingles and apply effects on the fly at the club, gig, or theater.

The built-in microphone, simple user interface, and optional battery operation enable recording with the SP-404SX anywhere inspiration strikes. It is also easy to import samples and utilize the high quality effects onboard for sound design or unique live performance purposes. The more versatile pattern sequencer now includes an improved quantize mode with new shuffle feel for creating the latest in hip hop, R&B, and reggaeton grooves.

“Roland’s SP-Series samplers are popular worldwide among DJs, musicians, and sound engineers alike,” says Vince LaDuca, Product Marketing Manager. “This year Roland celebrates over 3,000,000 SP samplers sold across the world and we are excited to add the SP-404SX to this legacy.”

The SP-404SX is now available with an MSRP of $465.50.

David Ellefson - Rock Shop #24 "The Spirt of Music in Lebanon"

In this episode of David Ellefson's "Rock Shop", the Rock House Instructor talks about the spirit of music and culture. David talks with some local friends he made while in Lebanon. They discuss the culture and how music really is a grand unifier of cultures.

More of David Ellefson at http://www.myspace.com/davidellefsonofficial, http://davidellefson.com/home.aspx and http://www.youtube.com/davidellefson

Hail! New Video From Lebanon - Territory (Sepultura Cover)

Hail! just posted a brand new video from their recent concert in Beirut Lebanon last week Friday, November 20.

The concert was filmed in it’s entirety in high definition, with a six camera video crew to document the concert and behind the scenes events during this historical first-ever international Heavy Metal concert in Lebanon.

More info on HAIL! at http://www.myspace.com/hail

11.29.2009

Gibson Guitar Releases Angus Young Model

Nashville, TN (November 27, 2009) -- Gibson has released another new artist model to their USA line: the USA Angus Young SG. The company has also released a Custom Shop version of the Angus Young SG.

Gibson USA Angus Young SG
The Gibson USA Angus Young SG features a mahogany body with a high-gloss Ebony finish and one-piece, quarter-sawn mahogany neck. The neck is carved to Angus’s own requirements and models the super-slim, yet extremely comfortable profile of his own original ’68 SG Standard. It measures 0.775” thick at the 1st fret, and 0.850” thick at the 12th. The fretboard is ebony with 22 jumbo frets and acrylic "lightning bolt" inlays.

The guitar is equipped with a Gibson 57 Classic humbucking pickup in the neck (rhythm) position and a Gibson Angus Young model humbucker in the bridge (lead) position. Each pickup has a separate tone and volume control, plus a three-way switch. It features a Tune-o-Matic bridge, stop tailpiece and vintage-style tuners. MSRP $3617

Gibson Custom Angus Young SG Standard
The Gibson Custom Angus Young SG Standard is limited to 250 guitars and features a solid mahogany body with custom VOS "Angus Cherry" finish. 50 of the run will be hand-aged in house and signed by Angus himself. The neck is three-piece quartersawn maple, and is also modeled after Angus' '68 SG Standard. The fretboard is ebony with 22 jumbo frets and pearl "lightning bolt" inlays. The guitar features a bone nut and is PLEK'd.

The Custom Angus Young SG Standard has a pair of Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates, with individual tone and volume controls and a three-way toggle. It features chromed Schaller tuners, an ABR-1 Tune-o-Matic bridge and stop tailpiece. MSRP $6115 (VOS) or $9409 (hand-aged, signed)

More info at www.gibson.com

TC-Helicon Introduces VoiceTone Harmony-G XT

TC-Helicon is renowned for delivering the best tools for enhancing vocal performances and VoiceTone Harmony-G XT is no exception. With improved harmony technology and reverb taken from its big brother VoiceLive 2, Harmony-G XT improves vocal tone and provides pro effects and vocal harmony controlled by naturally playing guitar.

Specifically designed for the singing guitarist, VoiceTone Harmony-G XT marries the simplicity of the original Harmony-G with state of the art processing right from VoiceLive 2. Whether creating vocal harmonies that automatically follow guitar input, smoothing vocal performance with the live engineer effects or applying one of the 18 combinations of specifically tailored combinations of effects, Harmony-G XT can transform any vocal performance into a fully produced masterpiece. VoiceTone Harmony-G XT will be available at dealers in early December 2009 at a US retail price of $345 MSRP.

New Features in VoiceTone Harmony-G XT

A wealth of new features make Harmony-G XT a better-sounding and easier-to-use vocal effect foot-pedal:

• Improved NaturalPlay guitar-controlled harmony algorithm

• Front-of-house quality reverb algorithm and selection of styles from VoiceLive 2

• Selection of four overdub-style doubling effects with two more doubling voices available

• Reworked FX presets offer even more utility across music styles

• USB connection for easy software updates, tips, and preset backup using the included VoiceSupport applet

• Adaptive harmony gate added to Tone for a cleaner mix

• Easy manual selection of Scale & Key for singers without an instrument or horn players

Standard Features

Some of the features that made the original Harmony-G such a success

• Listens to guitar and voice to create correct harmony parts automatically

• Tone switch smoothes vocals with adaptive Live Engineer Effects

• 18 combinations of reverb, delay and µmod shared by vocal and guitar input

• 10 presets available, each with A/B options

• Harmony interval selection includes 3rds and 5ths above and below, octave up and down, and the unique Bass interval

• Stereo or mono configurable output

• Clean, studio-quality mic preamp with phantom power and XLR input

• Guitar signal can be mixed in and share reverb or passed through to separate amplifier

• Fast, accurate guitar tuner

Source http://www.tc-helicon.com

PRS Guitars First All Korina SE

The new SE Singlecut Korina is a versatile, light weight guitar with a musical tone, and is the first solid Korina SE model offered by PRS Guitars.

PRS SE Business Unit Manger Doug Shive said, “Musicians looking for all Korina guitars now have a new option within the PRS family that is unmatched in the market in terms of price, aesthetics and quality.”

The SE Singlecut Korina features include a solid Korina body, 3-piece Korina neck with 22 fret Rosewood fretboard, 25” scale length and moon inlays. Other appointments include two-humbuckers, a master volume and tone and a 3-way toggle. Vintage Amber is currently the SE Singlecut Korina’s exclusive color offering.

Click here for more on the SE Singlecut Korina

Source http://www.prsguitars.com

11.28.2009

Rock House Member Steve Belong - "Rock House Blues Jam" Video

Rock House Member Steve Belong jamming over a backing track from www.RockHouseMethod.com.

11.27.2009

The Weekend Read November 22nd - 27th ; Guitar Lessons, Articles and More

The Rock House Blog Weekend Read is published every Friday or Saturday and is filled with links to the best articles from around the web. Articles include guitar lessons, guitar bass guitar news, guitar playing tips and tricks and just some plain old good reading.

Dolphinstreet Guitar Gear Blog - A comparison (or maybe just a demo) of the Dunlop Crybaby, EVH Crybaby, Fulltone Clyde Wah, and EX-7 with 2 wah models (Crybaby and Vox McCoy). Using a Marshall JVM 410H. Guitars were my Suhr Classic and my Michael Kell ...Wah pedals test

Freekbass' Blog - Instant Funk From Freekbass PODCAST - November 25, 2009

Fretbase - Dave Matthews Switches From Martin Guitars to Taylor Guitars

Guitar Noize - The 1957 Fender Stratocaster is one of the most sought after guitar collector items fetching astronomical prices, I saw one recently advertised for US $35,000 and in Australia you would be looking at closer to AUD $100,000. So thank goodness Fender had the good sense to release the American Vintage series... Review: Fender American Vintage '57 Stratocaster

Guitarz - As we all know, the Stratocaster is the most copied guitar ever. These days many of these plagiarists like to tweak the design to put their own spin on it, but I've never before seen anything quite as odd looking as this...An unusual twist on the Strat design

I Heart Guitar - The basic TL60 model takes the general Telecaster philosophy of well-distributed mass, through-body stringing and clear, cutting tone, and adds a few upmarket features like neck-through construction, a graphite-reinforced 12” radius, 24-fret neck and Sperzel locking tuners...REVIEW: Carvin TL60

Marks Guitar Blog - This weeks lesson is what I call a "Goodie Bag" lesson. I have a batch of licks or ideas that are loosely connected, but each can stand on their own...Blog Rewind - Hybrid Picking, Walking Basslines and Double Stops

Not Playing Guitar - Bar chords are a sticking point for a lot of guitar learners. Most of us find them hard to learn and we usually pass a long stage wondering if we will ever master them...Bar Chords: Do You Have to Learn Them?

Share My Guitar - Metal has long been hailed for it’s deep and dark sound and no other single genre has explored the depths of tuning down like Metal has. During the days of Metals inception, standard A440 (E, A, D, G, B.E) was beefed up with heavy overdrive and increased low end equalization to achieve that low heavy sound but as time passed and music evolved, a desire for a deeper and more rich bottom end guitar sound was building...The Art of Drop Tunings

The Classical Guitar Blog - We all make mistakes in performance (except John Williams). It just happens. It’s part of the game. The really hard part is recovery: those milliseconds after the mistake...The Fine Art of Screwing Up

Truth in Shreading

Have a Rockin' Weekend

Sarge

New Guitar Tabs From Guitar Edge Magazine January Issue

The January issue of Guitar Edge Magazine is out. The free online edition of the magazine has published 10 new guitar tabs for you to print off and play your ass off to.

11.25.2009

DBZ Guitars Contest - Why You Deserve to Win This Guitar

DBZ Guitars has launched www.DarkSideofDean.com, and unveils an interactive new contest to kick-start the “Dark Side of Dean” in 2010. DZB wants to be Impressed with a video of your hot playing, pure flattery, or hard luck story and show them why you deserve to win this guitar!

For Official Contest Rules & Details visit:

http://www.darksideofdean.com

John McCarthy - Who Are The Top 100 Metal Guitar Players?

The Creator of The Rock House Method, John McCarthy, is reaching out to the Rock House Community as well as all metal guitar fans in a quest to compile the newest and best list of the 100 best metal guitarist.

In a message post in the Rock House Forums John asked the members to help him with the list.

"OK guys I'm going to ask you for some help here. I recently went searching the web for lists of the top metal guitarist and got so frustrated with some of the guitarists they included and most importantly the ones they didn't include! So I had this idea who better to choose the best metal guitar players then the people who listen to metal music all day and make it a part of their life "The Rock House Family" not some wannabe who thinks they know everything about music!

So here is what I am asking you, if everyone can put the word out to tell people to pick 20 of your favorite metal guitarists post them here and also email them directly to me at jm@rockhousemethod.com I will personally construct a real list with all your picks. Who knows with our partnership with some of the top Guitar magazines maybe we can ask if they would post it in a future issue (no promises on this but you know Joe P and I we can be real persistent)

So come on guys send me some metal players that melt your ipod players!!!"

John McCarthy JMAC

You can also post your list in the comment section here on the blog and I'll make sure your list gets to Jmac.

Rob Balducci - Lick of The Week "SleeStack"

Rob Balducci has a new Lick of The Week.

This weeks Lick is track 13 "Sleestack" from his new CD Violet Horizon.

The Rock House Instructor and Favored Nations artist said on his web site, "This track is one of the 7 string guitar tracks on the new CD. The inspiration behind this track comes from this old TV series called The Land Of The Lost. There were these alien/monsters called Sleestaks. I changed the name to stack at the end... to symbolize an amp stack!!! I am using my LAC shop Ibanez 7 string. As usual Ibanez makes the best guitars and this one is special. It is the only one of its kind, It is a Mahogany body with a curly maple top. It has Dimarzio Blaze pick-ups in it and has a rose wood fingerboard. It has a three position toggle on it, the middle postion is the two inner coils of the pick-ups. I had the pleasure of having Guthrie Govan do a guest solo spot on this track. He just kills on the whole outtro at the end of the tune. Thanks and please show your support by picking up the CD or downloading it if you like it at www.robbalducci.com/store"

Rob also wants to say thank you so much for all the nice emails regarding the new CD. It seems like I am not the only one excited about this CD.

11.24.2009

Avoiding Tired Hands When Playing Guitar

A common problem with guitarists is stiffness that is often a result of holding the guitar improperly. Angle the neck of the guitar up, to a thirty-degree angle. Hold the fretting hand out in front, palm facing up, and curl the fingers toward you. Bring the hand back to the guitar, with the thumb behind the neck. Let this be a natural pose, without a bend in the wrist. A straight wrist will make it easier to maneuver around the neck.

Here's few more ideas that may help: Play while standing. This will force you to hold the guitar correctly. As the feel becomes more comfortable, attempt to sit and play. Hands and arms should be very loose and relaxed. Try not to tense the shoulder or bicep of the picking hand.

With light pressure, hold the pick between your thumb and first finger.

BREATHE…when trying out new or complex music. May seem simple, but breathing is important for maintaining relaxed muscles.

Hope this helps

Yours in Music
John McCarthy

Treat Your Band Like A Business From The Start

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.

Gus G's new Rock House Commercial

11.23.2009

Oli Herbert 's Rock House DVD Nominated for the Prestigeous Music & Sound Retailer Award

For the third year in a row a Rock House Method product has been nominated for a Music & Sound Retailer Award. In 2008 Learn Rock Guitar Beginner with John McCarthy was nominated but came in a close second, in 2009 Rock House took the coveted Award for Alexi Laiho's Melodic Speed, Shred & Heavy Riffs. Once again in the print media catagory of Rock House gets the Go ahead nod for Oli Herbert's program Heavy Rhythms, Leads & Harmonies 1 & 2.

"When you consider that thousands of products in this catagory are released each year coupled with the fact that only four are nominated each year, I think this really says a lot about the quality of instruction Rock House is producing" Said Joe P. of Executive Director of Rock House.

Check Out A Sample of Oli's Product Click Here

Soulfly, Omen Studio Report - Part 1

Soulfly sent MetalInjection.net an exclusive studio report from their current sessions for their upcoming released, tentatively titled Omen (still a working title). Check out the studio, some early names to tracks and more. More updates in the coming weeks...

HAIL! VIP Party Beirut Lebanon

Win A Fender Guitar On Christmas Day From Gary Hoey

Tis the season for giving and Gary Hoey is no exception this holiday season. The Rock House Method Instructor will be giving away a Fender Strat Guitar to a lucky fan on Christmas day. All you have to do is join The Gary Hoey E-List. Click the link to get started. If you are already on Garys list, you will be automatically entered. The winner will be announced by New Years Day. Good luck and happy holidays to all.

Chamaira Interview On Bunch TV

Chamaira front man Mark Hunter sat down for an interview with Bunch TV. In the interview he talks about losing rhythm guitarist Matt Devries, being out on the road and how they were inspired to write their latest songs. In part 2 Mark talks about their unique approach to making their latest video and Chamairas reactions to their critics as well as how technology is affecting the music business today and what the future holds.

Source: http://www.chimaira.com and http://bunch.tv/

Upcoming Shows For Freekbass

Freekbass has a few upcoming shows in November, December and January. The Rock House Instructor has one cool date left on Wednesday, November 25 - Thanksgiving Eve at:

20TH Century Theatre
3021 Madison Rd
Cincinnati, OH 45209
513-731-8000
*with special guests: Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band from Asheville,NC.
Doors: 8pm
*All Ages.
$10 Advance / $12 Day of show
Ticketmaster or available at 20TH Century Box Office.

then shows in:

DECEMBER
Friday, December 4 : The Intersection / Grand Rapids, MI
Thursday, December 31: V Club (NYE) / Huntington, WV

JANUARY
Saturday, January 9 : Mousetrap / Indianapolis, IN
Friday, January 15 : 4620 Reinvented / Knoxville, TN
Saturday, January 16 : Cosmic Charlie's / Lexington, KY

Keep up with Freekbass at www.freekbass.com

11.21.2009

Rusty Cooley, Rock House Behind the Scenes of Arpeggio Madness Shoot

Here is a video clip of John and Jimmy working through a section w/ guitar player Rusty Cooley. Rusty is in town this week working on his new Rock House instructional DVD Arpeggio Madness.

The Weekend Read November 14th - 21st ; Guitar Lessons, Articles and More

The Classical Guitar Blog - When I wrote Fun with p i m, it was something I was experimenting with...A Right Hand Routine

Strat-O-Blogster - eBay seller giantguitars

is the maker of Mojo Picks, produced from pre-1964 US silver coins, as well as few PESO picks. After 1964, American silver coins switched from 90% silver to nickle clad copper. So basically, all Mojo Picks are at least 90% silver...Silver Coin Guitar Picks and Holders

Shred This Way - If you are a Eric johnson fan and by some chance also happen to be a Dunlop jazz iii pick fan.. this is a big treat for you...Eric Johnson Dunlop Jazz 3 pick review III

Share My Guitar - G.A.S. – Guitar Acquisition Syndrome. Like the intestinal discomfort those far more childish than myself (ahem) may associate with this term, many of us suffer from its condition...I DON’T HAVE GAS!

Play Guitar Like a Girl - I sincerely hate shameless self-promotion as much as anyone (really, I do!). But because the kind interviewers below took precious time out of their one lives to talk to yours truly, it would seem ungrateful of me not to pass on links to their work...Shameless self promotion - recent interviews with LL

Not Playing Guitar - Does your guitar practice feel like a tiresome series of drills, exercises and long repetition of mistakes? If so then finding ways to inject some fun into your practice will benefit you...7 Ways to Make Guitar Practice Fun

Marks Guitar Blog - This weeks lesson is what I call a "Goodie Bag" lesson. I have a batch of licks or ideas that are loosely connected, but each can stand on their own...do all or part of the lesson!...Blog Rewind - Hybrid Picking, Walking Basslines and Double Stops

John Horn - Guitarist - I’m proud to have the opportunity to work with the music therapy students and faculty at Ohio University. The following is from Ohio University’s newspaper, The Post...Music Therapy Relieves O’Bleness Patients

Jason Shadrick - Guitarist - Truefire.com contacted me recently and asked if I would be interested in reviewing one of their products. They sent me 50 Jazz Licks You Must Know by guitarist Frank Vignola. I have seen some of Truefire’s earlier material and thought they were cool, so I agreed to check the new stuff out...Review: 50 Jazz Guitar Licks You Must Know

I Heart Guitar - I’ve reviewed a few excellent Cole Clark acoustics and electrics over the years (like this Guardian, for instance), but when I opened up the case for this baby I was pretty gobsmacked...REVIEW: Cole Clark Culprit 3

Guitarz - Orfeus Hebros Bass from Bulgaria

Guitarkadia - Back in May I spent two afternoons with NY-based singer/songwriter Craig Greenberg. This session came out of our second meeting where Craig talked about playing guitar, writing, and performed two songs. Interview from day one will be up Monday...Craig Greenberg Session

Guitar Player Zen - For a while I had been just giving guitar lessons, playing some gigs, and working part time advising a mid sized marketing/firm here in Dallas. It was a lot of fun and even though I wasn’t making much money, my expenses were low, and I was really enjoying everything...When You Don’t Know Where to Go, Just Move Forward

Guitar Noize - Quick disclaimer, I am an authorised dealer for Mad Professor effects for Australia and New Zealand so my views could be considered biased. With that in mind I will just list factual information about this pedal below and let the demo above do the talking... Demo: Mad Professor Mighty Red Distortion

Guitar Answers - Read this article by Steve Albini and you just may not want that record deal.In fact,just take a look at breakdown of the expense sheet and....you would be stupid to sign that contract.This is the cold truth about some and most record deals....Want A Record Deal

Freekbass' Blog - DJ Logic, keyboardist Steve Molitz (Particle, Phil Lesh & Friends), and Freekbass are putting together a project to tour late winter/early spring 2010...Molitz, Freekbass & Logic Form New Band, You Can Name It! (JamBase.com)

Electric Guitar Trends - Here are current values for some vintage Fender amplifiers. These prices are for amplifiers in excellent condition...Vintage Fender Amplifier Prices

Double Bass Blog - I’m pleased to announce that the first annual Chicago Bass Festival will be taking place on Sunday, February 7, 2010 at Ravinia’s Bennett-Gordon Hall in Highland Park, Illinois from 9 am – 5 pm....Chicago Bass Festival to debut 2/7/10

Dolphinstreet Guitar Gear Blog - I sometimes end up in discussions with guitar players about playing and learning how to play, and I have noticed that some players who have been playing for a while often frown on learning guitar licks or copying other players ideas (often referred to as transcribing, especially when the notes are written down)...Is learning guitar licks bad?

Have a rockin' weekend
Sarge

Go Hawks!

11.19.2009

Gus G's ESP Custom Shop Guitars

Check out Gus G's new Japanese Custom Shop ESP's that he has been playing live in 09'

You can check out the specs at http://www.espguitars.co.jp/artist/gus_g/index.html

11.18.2009

Buckethead Signature Les Paul

From his prolific solo work, to his prominent memberships in the supergroup Praxis and rock legends Guns N’ Roses, Buckethead has displayed one of the most fiery creative personas of our times, and has continually affirmed his stance in the upper echelon of contemporary shredders. Equally attention-grabbing as his incendiary chops, Buckethead’s stage show and visual presence remain unique among the rock field, and his Gibson guitars—a white Les Paul in particular—have always been a big part of that. As Gibson continues to roll out the Rocktober action, the Buckethead Signature Les Paul celebrates this unparalleled artist’s achievements. With an oversized, chambered Les Paul body, a marker-less ebony fingerboard, and Buckethead’s choice of Gibson’s contemporary ceramic humbucking pickups—complete with modified electronics and “arcade” style kill switches—this is a Les Paul like none to have come before. It’s primed to get you noticed, and designed for utmost performance for the contemporary rock, metal, and shred performer.

Check out the specs at http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/Les-Paul/Gibson-USA/Buckethead-Signature-Les-Paul.aspx

David Ellefson - Rock Shop #23 "Taking It On The Road"

Taking yourself or your band on the road is a critical part of the music business, David discusses some basics of the business after taking The Rock Shop on the road these past few week. David hashes over subjects such as your equipment, learning how to critic your performance and how to stay on top of things going on while on the road.

Catch up on the whole series of "Rock Shop" with David Ellefson at http://www.youtube.com/davidellefson

David's other sites are:
http://www.davidellefson.com/home.aspx
http://www.hailthemasses.com/home.aspx
http://www.myspace.com/davidellefsonofficial

11.17.2009

Are You an Intermediate Guitar Player Yet?

Guitar Intermediate Skills Overview
Are You an Intermediate Player Yet?
(For Electric or Acoustic Guitar)
By John McCarthy

Let’s see if you have what it takes to be called an “Intermediate Level Guitarist.” I put the following list together to help you assess where you are as a guitarist. It's more general and is not genre specific so 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 bassist should be playing for at least one year to be able to gain the knowledge and feel needed to attain 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.

If this sounds like you, then you're on the way to becoming an advanced player.

Now let’s hear some jamming!!!

Rob Balducci - Lick of The Week "Shine"

Rob Balducci's newest "LIck of The Week" is the track Shine From his new CD Violet Horizon. This is a cool track and has a positive vibe to it.

The Rock House Instructor and favored Nations Artist says "The inspiration behind this tune is, we all have people throughout our lives that have an effect on us. I have people who I have met from childhood to now who have a positive effect on me. All of us have special people in our lives. This song is about how there spirit and soul Shine's on you and stays with you throughout your life".

See all of Rob's LOTW at his you tube site www.youtube.com/robbalducci

Chimaira News - New pictures and Resident Evil Trailer

Chimaira is now featured in the latest trailer for Machinim The video company used their song Impending Doom for their new Resident Evil Trailer. Check it below.

There are also some new pictures of the band performing on their “Into The Mouth of Hell We Tour” at

http://www.prophecy21.com/bands/chimaira.html and http://www.metaluniverse.net/compterendu/categories.php?cat_id=2841

News source: http://www.chimaira.com/

Name Freekbass' new project

Freekbass and his new band mates DJ Logic, keyboardist Steve Molitz (Particle, Phil Lesh & Friends) are asking people to "Name the new DJ Logic, Steve Molitz, Freekbass groove project. All ya have to do is Tweet them using the hashtag #logicmolitzfreek or hit DJ Logic and Freekbass directly at twitter.com/projectlogic and/or twitter.com/freekbass. The person whose name is chosen will be on the Lifetime - Guest List to this "yet to be named band's" shows.

11.13.2009

The Weekend Read November 7th - 13st ; Guitar Lessons, Articles and More

The Rock House Blog Weekend Read.

Bring you the best articles from around the web. Articles include guitar lessons, guitar bass guitar news, guitar playing tips and tricks and just some plain old good reading.

Dolphinstreet Guitar Gear Blog - Ok, I admit it, I am lazy. So lazy, that I haven't ever changed strings on my SX acoustic yet... Changing guitar strings

Double Bass Blog - Jason’s wife, Courtney, here. Though I’m not a bassist, I do play alarge instrument (the harp, whose lowest note is the same C as a bass’with a C extension), and as such I feel an affinity for my bass-playing bretheren and hope you’ll indulge me in a guest post...You want me to play…. with those?

Freekbass' Blog - Combining three capsules and four different pattern settings, the Yeti is the ultimate tool for creating amazing recordings, directly to your computer...Yeti USB Mic Is "The World's First THX Certified Microphone"

Fretbase - Have you heard of the classic song Old Black Joe?...Old Black Joe on Martin OM-21 Special (Video)

Guitar Answers - The members at JazzGuitarist.be site have voted and turned in their list of the Top 100 Jazz albums and Top 1o Jazz guitarist.It is interesting to see "who" is popular at the "moment"...Top 100 Jazz Albums and Top 10 Jazz Guitarist List Now At JazzGuitar.be

Guitar Licks - talk about one hell of a hot keyboardist! This is something that you would be exposed to when you witness my old keyboardist friends Tony F or Rick M while sitting on the side of the stage!...Great Balls of Fire

Guitar Noize - Gibson are about to unleash their latest technologically advanced guitar,.. Gibson about to launch Dusk Tiger

Guitarz - Uh-oh! You know you're in for trouble when you see a Tennessee-brand guitar. They are often very wacky instruments, but don't be fooled as the workmanship is shoddy and the instruments themselves are reported to be virtually unplayable...Pointless triple-neck

I Heart Guitar - Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine is going to auction off some of his personal guitars. If anyone wants to show their appreciate for I Heart Guitar by buying me one of these, I won’t be offended, hehe...NEWS: Buy one of Dave Mustaine's personal guitars!

Marks Guitar Blog - One thing that has been progressing is my right hand technique, though. I think it all started when Robert Renman from Dolphinstreet.com came by my studio to visit last December and while playing my guitars sounded totally different than me...How I'm doing at the moment in my own battles and my discovery of "Sarod" picking

Share My Guitar - How does one begin to learn the entire fretboard? This is one of the most common questions posed by students learning the guitar and also one of the first things a good guitar instructor will tell you...Relative Modes: Using the Modes to Learn the Entire Fretboard, Part 1

Strat-O-Blogster - It's that time again! And remember, every year Fender generously provides us with 16 months, so for 4 months you can display two current Custom Shop calendars with different features! Tricky!...2010 Fender Custom Shop Calendar

The Classical Guitar Blog - p i m, Giuliani RH study no. 2. One of the most basic arpeggios, and easy to master...Fun with p i m

The Guitar Buzz - OK… this post is bound to bend the E-Strings of a few guitarists, but for the life of me, I don’t understand the attraction to “relic” guitars...Relic Guitars? What’s The Appeal?

Truth in Shreading - Do you know how a guitar pickup work (I mean, really knows how it works)?...

Magnus Olsson: vibrato the heart of guitar playing?

Epiphone Releases A Limited Roy Orbison 12–String Acoustic Guitar

News Release from www.epiphone.com

Epiphone Guitar announced today the release of the Limited Edition Roy Orbison 12-String Signature Acoustic model. Produced in cooperation with the legendary singer/songwriter Roy Orbison estate, the model is based upon Roy’s own 1962 Epiphone “Bard” 12-string acoustic guitar. Orbison used his original Epiphone acoustic to write and perform many of his most well-known songs including perhaps his biggest hit, “Oh, Pretty Woman.”

“As a young, brilliant guitar player growing up in West Texas, Roy would have never dreamt that he would one day have his own Epiphone signature guitar named after him. Roy wrote ‘Oh Pretty Woman’ on his Epiphone 12-string acoustic which has remained iconic to this day. I hope the next generation of artists will feel inspired to write another great rock-n-roll song thanks to this amazing limited edition tribute to Roy,” said Barbara Orbison, Roy’s wife.

The Epiphone Roy Orbison 12-string is a faithful reproduction of the 1962 Bard with a solid spruce top and hand scalloped bracing. It also features a solid mahogany back, a rosewood 12-string bridge and vintage tuners. As an added touch of authenticity, Epiphone has added the replica of the original blue rectangular sound hole label used during the famous Kalamazoo, MI years. For this limited edition release, the back of the guitar’s headstock includes a replica of Roy Orbison’s signature and the notation for the first measure of the famous song’s introduction riff. Also included is a hard case with Roy’s signature and “sunglass” icon on it, a certificate of authenticity hand signed by Barbara Orbison and Roy’s son Roy Orbison Jr., a black and white photo of Roy with his original Epiphone Bard 12-string, a sunglass lapel pin and a copy of the “Oh Pretty Woman” sheet music. The certificate and photo come in a leatherette presentation binder. The offering of this Limited Edition model gives fans of Epiphone and Roy Orbison an unprecedented opportunity to own a classic, vintage vibe 12 string and a piece of one of the most famous and iconic American singer/songwriters of our time.

In celebration of the launch of the Epiphone Limited Edition Roy Orbison 12-String Acoustic, the guitar maker will be launching worldwide promotions throughout the month of November including the search for the ultimate “Pretty Woman,” and giveaways of Roy Orbison’s signature sunglasses in-store and in-market tied to media promotions and special musical star appearances. From New York to Nashville and from Mumbai to Singapore, Orbison fans will have a chance to celebrate and be part of the famous “Oh Pretty Woman” hit during the month long promotional campaign. For more information on all of the promotional programs go to www.gibson.com or www.epiphone.com. Check your local dealers for a chance to take part in a special one-day Roy Orbison event in-store where fans will have a chance to demonstrate their musical talents on the Roy Orbison model and have a chance to win special prizes.

11.12.2009

Video Guitar Lesson - The 7 Modes, From Modes Demystified DVD

In this lesson with John McCarthy, creator of The Rock House Method system of learning he shows you how all 7 modes live within the C Major Scale. This lesson comes from his 2 DVD set Modes Demystified. To get it, go to the Rock House Method Store.

11.11.2009

Rob Balducci - Ibanez Tube Screamer Demo

Rob Balducci has been a long time Ibanez endorser. He recently demoed and put the Ibanez TS808 and TS808HW to the test. Listening to the demo I can certainly see where this pedal could play an important part in helping you find the sound you are looking for whether you are looking for a nice boost in your blues sound or whether you want to chase Rob's sound.

David Ellefson - The Importance of Networking as A Musician

Pick a job, any job and one of the things you find yourself doing either consciously or unconsciously is networking. In the music industry it more important than many realize. In episode of David Ellefson's "Rock Shop", the Rock House Instructor talks about the importance of networking in the music business. It is probably one of the most important videos on advice that David has produced. It's not long but his advice goes a long way.

11.10.2009

Win Mick Thomsons Signature Seymore Duncan Blackout™ Pickups

Enter to Win Mick's Rig

Santa Barbara, CA –Seymour Duncan announces the release of the latest addition to our popular Blackouts Humbucker series; the Blackouts AHB-3 Thomson EMTY. Mick Thomson from Slipknot asked for tighter bottom, and more searing top end cut, and Seymour Duncan delivered with the EMTY, a pulverizing new edition to our Blackouts line. Mick depends on EMTY to execute his completely psychosocial tone that defines the Slipknot sound; because to play extreme metal, you need extreme tone.

To celebrate this new release, Seymour Duncan is giving fans the chance to win Mick Thomson’s signature Ibanez© MTM1 with Mick’s new signature Seymour Duncan Blackouts EMTY installed. Ten second place winners will receive signed sets of EMTY pickups and a host of third place winners get Slipknot or Seymour Duncan swag. To win, contestants need to go to: www.seymourduncan.com/mickblackouts and enter into the drawing. The contest runs to midnight January 31, 2010.

Mick stayed involved every step of the way from the precise wiring configuration to the logo and printing on the pickup including his renowned number seven imprinted right on the side of the casing. Seymour Duncan blackouts EMTY come in both neck and bridge and are available in black plastic or black nickel covers. Pickups come with all necessary mounting hardware, including pots, jack, and a battery clip.

News Release from www.seymourduncan.com

11.09.2009

Taylor Guitars - Rock Out with Taylor on Your Taylor Sweepstakes

In cooperation with Band Hero®, Taylor Guitars is awarding one lucky winner a special prize pack featuring two of the holidays’ hottest products: a Band Hero® Wii® band kit featuring Taylor Swift and the Taylor Swift Baby Taylor guitar.

Contestants can enter to win by visiting www.taylorguitars.com before December 4. The prize package includes one Taylor Swift Baby Taylor guitar, one Band Hero Wii band kit, one Band Hero DS bundle, and one Band Hero t-shirt.

For a complete list of rules and regulations, please visit: http://www.taylorguitars.com/taylorswiftbabytaylorpromo/

Rusty Cooley - News for November

Rusty Cooley just posted his newsletter for November on his website www.rustycooley.com. The biggest news is that the Rock House Instructor is still auditioning guitar and bass players for his new band. You must live in the Houston/Woodlands, TX area. Send all info to rusty@rustycooley.com to get in on this incredible opportunity.

Rusty has already found his new singer, Eric Lauer. You can check out his pipes at www.myspace.com/ericlauermusic.

The new Austrian Death Machine CD Double Brutal is now out. Rusty has three guest solo's on the song "Let off Some Steam Bennett" you can check it out at http://www.myspace.com/austriandeathmachine.

Rusty has a new official You Tube site www.youtube.com/mrrustycooley and don't forget to stop by and see him on the official Rusty Cooley Forum http://forum.rustycooley.com/

If you want to learn from Rusty Cooley you can still do that too. He is still teaching guitar at Pro Music Instruction in The Woodlands, Texas www.pmiwoodlands.com or www.myspace.com/promusicinstruction

11.06.2009

Gary Hoey Ho Ho Hoey Rockin' Holiday Tour 09 Dates

It's that time of year again. Time for Gary Hoeys' Ho Ho Hoey Rockin' Holiday Tour 09. From some of the reviews I've read about in the past this one show you should probably get out to see if you get the chance.

I plan on hittin' the show in Des Moines.

Ho Ho Hoey Rockin' Rockin' Holiday Tour 09

11/20/09     Blondie's Detroit, MI
11/21/09     City Limits Schaumburg, IL
11/22/09     Vnuk's Lounge Cudahy, WI
11/27/09     Prairie Meadows Casino Des Moines, IA
                         Free Show!
11/29/09     Knuckleheads Saloon Kansas City, MO
12/2/09        Whiskey Roadhouse @ Horseshoe Casino Council Bluffs, IA
12/3/09        VooDoo @ Harrah's Casino Maryland Heights, MO
12/5/09        Jillians Greg and The Morning Buzz Rock 101 Xmas Show    Manchester, NH
12/8/09        Sellersville Theater Sellersville, PA
12/11/09     Arcadia Blues ClubArcadia, CA
12/12/09     Voodoo Lounge @ Wildwest Guitars Riverside, CA
12/14/09     Rockline Los Angeles, CA
12/15/09     Orange Blossom Junction Exceter, CA
12/16/09     Belly Up Solana Beach, CA
12/17/09     Fishlips Bakersfield, CA
12/18/09 A    ngel's Roadhouse 2 Apple Valley, CA
12/19/09     The Coachhouse San Juan Capistrano, CA

For more info on Gary go to http://garyhoey.com/

Freekbass Featured In Relix Magazine For Music

Rock House Instructor and Artist Freekbass is featured in the November Issue of Relix- The Magazine for Music. He listed as the #1 artist on the verge that you should know about. One hell of an honor I would say.

The article that was written by John Patrick Gatta for the magazine says:

Freekbass isn’t just another funk artist who regurgitates traditions. Despite growing up in the same Cincinnati/Dayton funk hotbed that gave birth to James Brown’s pioneering King Records catalog and Bootsy Collins and the Ohio Players, he’s produced a 21st century style over the course of six releases that meshes traditional elements of funk with decidedly more modern soundscapes. “As much as I listen to Sly Stone, Stevie Wonder,OutKast or George Clinton, I also listen to groove and feel groups such as Radiohead, Daft Punk, STS9 and DJ Shadow,” says Freekbass, whose current album, Junkyard Waltz, features guests like Mike Gordon, Buckethead, Bernie Worrell, Jen Durkin and Gary “Mudbone” Cooper. “So, just like when P-Funk started and were influenced by groups like Zappa, Bowie and The MC5, these groups of our era are what crawled into my funk.” Determined not to become a one-act show, he also plans to explore new dimensions of live electronica as a duo with turntablist Tobotius, contribute to the next Bootsy Collins record, release a third instructional DVD and develop a pilot for a children’s show.

That's a pretty cool 2 cents worth for a magazine that I found to be a very interesting read. They have some pretty cool articles that are a litle different from the regular zines your used to reading plus podcats and videos. Check 'em at http://www.relix.com/

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