12.29.2010

Rob Balducci - Lick Of The Week "Choke" Live at Rehearsal

Rob Balducci just put up a new "Lick of The Week" on You Tube.

The Favored Nations Artist and Rock House Instructor said on his site, "This song Choke is from my newest CD titled Violet Horizon. This is a cool tune for us to play live. This version is a little raw but thats what rehearsal is for lol. I like playing this tune live because a lot of the parts to this song is a mixture of riffage as well as lead parts. It is different then a lot of my other tunes. On the CD I played this song with a 7 sring part on the left and a six string on the right. It sounds nice and huge. The cool thing that I like to do is work the songs as a trio first. This way playing live the song still sounds good to me. I am from the school of; the studio is a separate thing from live. I don't want to sound like the CD live etc. My opinion is who wants to go see a band that sounds like a CD is playing. Live should be a different experience. My favorite bands like Led Zeppelin had tons of parts in the studio but live it was a trio. The same with Jimi Hendrix!!"

Check out Rob's official site at http://www.robbalducci.com/

Bullet For My Valentine - The Making of "Bittersweet Memories" Video

Bullet For My Valentine featuring Rock House Artist/Instructor Michael Paget posted the making of their "Bittersweet Memories" video. Check it out to see the guys shooting their video in a derelict mall, and in the freezing rain.

12.24.2010

NEW FROM Carvin! TLB60 bolt-neck vintage guitar

From The Carvin BBS http://www.carvinguitars.com/bbs

New from Carvin: the TLB60 bolt-neck guitar! You asked for it, and now it's here. This guitar has similar features as the popular Bolt, in the classic shape of the TL60 neck-through guitar. But there's new stuff, too - notable, the new Vintage tremolo, which really enhances the vintage vibe of this instrument. The Vintage trem has stainless steel saddles, a steel sustain block and hardened steel knife edges, and best of all, it can be locked down to make a hardtail bridge. No more trem blocking required!

Plus all new pickups! The new S60A sealed alnico single coil pickups produce open, clean notes with just the right amount of vintage twang and jangle, and are available in black or white. Standard configuration is 3 pickups, and you can also add a bridge humbucker, or swap all three S60A pickups with AP11 pickups. Our twinblade pickups can also be added.

Also new, and from the "you asked for it" department, the standard headstock on the TLB60 is an SB-style version for 6-string guitar, based on the SB4000 bass headstock. Also standard are Sperzel locking tuners, chrome hardware, an alder body, tung-oiled maple neck, and ebony fingerboard. And, of course, you can choose from all of Carvin's Custom Shop options.

12.23.2010

Gibson Announces Tak Matsumoto DC Standard Goldtop

Just like several legendary Gibson and Epiphone electrics of the past half century, the Tak Matsumoto DC Standard Goldtop starts with a solid mahogany body for a broad, rich, ringing tone with outstanding harmonic content and an extremely well-balanced frequency range. A mahogany neck with deep-set neck tenon further enhances resonance and sustain, for a heady tonal brew that is ready to rock your amp via a pair of Gibson USA's most popular humbucking pickups, both with open "zebra" coils.

The BurstBuckers are among the most accurate renditions of the hallowed vintage "PAF" humbuckers of the late '50s that are available today, and are made with similar turns of the same 42 AWG wire, unpolished Alnico 2 magnets, and unbalanced coils — one of the secrets to the great edge and detail that gives original PAFs their snappy single-coil-like response. A BurstBucker 2 in the neck position is wounded toward the middle of the range of original PAFs for a warm, thick vocal tone, while a BurstBucker 3, emulating the hotter PAFs, gives you more wail and crunch from the bridge position. Unlike original PAFs though, these BurstBuckers are vacuum potted to combat microphonic squeal at high volumes—and youwill want to play your Tak Matsumoto DC Standard Goldtop at high volumes! The pickups are routed through Tak's own preference for an independent volume control for each pickup and a master tone control, with a three-way toggle switch on the upper body horn.

Epiphone's LockTone™ rendition of the hallowed Tune-o-matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece combines precise adjustment for intonation and action with rock-solid resonance, with a design that holds tight to the posts for hassle-free string changes and unparalleled sustain. Playability is outstanding, thanks to the super-comfortable rounded-D neck profile and a 14-inch radius that yields choke-free bending all up and down the fingerboards 22 medium-jumbo frets. And to top it all off, the Tak Matsumoto DC Standard Goldtop looks stunning in the high-gloss, hand-applied Goldtop finish that helps to give this gorgeous guitar its name.

Check out the Epiphone Tak Matsumoto DC Standard Goldtop today, and prepare to rock the world.

  • Product Features
  • Non-chambered Mahogany with high-gloss Gold top
  • Comfortable 1950's Rounded "D" profile
  • Gibson 4-wire Burstbucker-2 in the neck and Gibson 4-wire Burstbucker-3 in the bridge
  • LockTone™ Tune-o-matic and stopbar tailpiece
  • Vintage-style tulip-button tuners
More info at Gibson Guitars

Reverend Guitar's New Rick Vito Signature Electric Guitar

Known for his tasteful and versatile chops, Rick is a former member of Fleetwood Mac and has worked with Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, Todd Rundgren, John Fogerty, Bob Seger (that's Rick on the "Like A Rock" slide solo), Roger McGuinn, John Mayall, Hank Williams Jr., The Mick Fleetwood Blues Band, and many others.

Special features:
• Dual-Pro bridge pickup
• Ebony fretboard
• Pickup pan knob
• Locking "Stairstep" tuners
• Two-tone tapered case

This art deco masterpiece sounds as good as it looks! The korina construction is warm and resonant, the ebony fretboard adds clarity and a slick feel. The neck P90 has been moved slightly closer to the bridge for extra bite.

But the big news is the Reverend Dual-Pro bridge pickup. Based on a mid 1960's Supro™ pickup, it's a hot single coil with a second blade polepiece in addition to the standard screw polepieces. The blade is essential to the unique sound: imagine a P90 meets Tele with humbucker output... fat, raw and clear. And we managed to fit it all into a standard size humbucker cover, a first in the industry.

Available in Oceanside Green and Black

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

12.21.2010

Guild new Standard Series acoustic guitars.


The name Guild has been known for many years as one of the best playing and best sounding acoustics guitars that can be owned. The only problem was that to get one you had to spend a small fortune. Well that is changing now with the new Guild Standard Series acoustic guitars.

While I have not yet had a chance to play any of the new Standard Series guitars the reviews all speak very well of this new and much less expensive guitar. Here is a quote I received in an email about the new line of guitars. “Last month, we proudly unveiled our new Standard Series acoustic guitars. These Small Body, Dreadnought, Orchestra, and Jumbo models offer innovative, consumer-requested features plus legendary Guild playability and tone, all at an affordable price. And so far, the reception has been outstanding — the F-30R just picked up Guitar Player magazine's "Editors' Pick" award.”

You can visit the website and learn more about the new Standard series acoustics by clicking the title above.

Terry White

©2009 - 2010 Terry White & Fred Russell Publishing, All Rights Reserved. This article can not be used without permission from the Author. To Contact the Author email curt@RockHouseMethod.com

Schecter Guitar Research 2011 website


Schecter Guitar Research rolls out their 2011 website with tons of new and exciting designs.

Far too many models to list here, but you can visit the 2011 website by clicking the title above.

Everything from the Diamond series off the rack guitars that most of us have seen and played, to a full U.S.A. custom where pretty much the sky is the limit.

It's worth a look.

Terry


©2009 - 2010 Fred Russell & Terry White Publishing, All Rights Reserved. This article can not be used without permission from the Author. To Contact the Author email curt@RockHouseMethod.com

Oli Herbert of All That Remains Rock Out to "Hold On" on Rock Band

Rob Balducci - Lick Of The Week Happy Holidays - The Queen Of Cups

Rob Balducci's "Lick of the Week" is his song The Queen Of Cups which is from his third CD titled The Color Of Light. 

The Rock House Instructor and Favored Nations Artist said on his you tube site, "It was written and inspired by my Mom, her birthday is Christmas Eve Dec 24th. I like this time of year and I feel a good vibe in the air. I think this is true no matter where you live. Use this time and write a song yourself that is inspired by something or someone in your life!"

Make sure to email robbalducci@robbalducci.com and suggest what you want for the next lick of the week!

MEGADETH Presented With Double Platinum Awards In Sydney

Megadeth was presented with Double-Platinum awards in Sydney, Australia on December 18th for the "Big Four: Live In Sofia, Bulgaria" DVD which sold over 30,000 copies in Australia. 

Long time Rock House bass guitar instructor David Ellefson commented: "Last night was an awesome show in Sydney on the "No Sleep Til" tour and just before the show we were bestowed with a double platinum award for the "Big Four: Live In Sophia, Bulgaria" DVD. What a great way to celebrate with our Australian fans who have been so loyal to us all these years." Watch a video clip of the awards presentation below.

Rock House Announces Huge Event at the Hal Leonard Booth for NAMM 2011

Biggest Gathering of Talent in One Place at One Time

Rock House, the leader in music instruction, announced today thatthey are planning a very special event at Winter NAMM 2011. On Saturday January 15, 2011 there will be a gathering of Rock House artist at the Hal Leonard booth # 4618 Hall C from 5pm to 6pm.

This will be the biggest gathering of talent in one place at one time at the Winter NAMM show. Committed to appear are Rock House artist Alex Skolnick, Rusty Cooley, Gary Hoey, David Ellefson, Marc Rizzo, Vernon Reid, Rob Balducci, John McCarthy, Dan Jacobs, Kiko Loureiro and Jeff Loomis. As we move closer to NAMM 2011 more Rock House artist will be added.

This is a great opportunity to meet some world’s best musicians and the artist who are teaching a whole new generation of young aspiring musicians to play music. We would like to extend an invitation to all the retailers who are committed to the Rock House Method. For those retailers who are not on board just yet, come by and see what all buzz is about and how Rock House is changing the face of music instruction.

Rusty Cooley's Lick of the Week from Guitar Asylum TV

Rusty Cooley just posted a new Lick of the Week on his Guitar Asylum TV Blog. In this weeks video learn some sweep picking techniques from the fastest fingers in the south.



Check out Rusty"s Rock House DVD "Fretboard Autopsy" at Rock House Method

12.20.2010

Rock House Blog 10 Most Viewed Guitar Lessons For 2010

Another year has come and almost gone. I'd like to say thanks to all the Rock House members, fans and  readers that stop by our corner of the world and check out what's going on in the guitar lesson world....you guys simply rock our world. There's plenty to come in 2011, lots of things in the works that will blow you guitar maniacs away so stay tuned here and at the mother site www.rockhousemethod.com

For now though I thought I would take a look back on 2010 and post for you the 10 most viewed Rock House guitar lessons that were posted on the blog.

Enjoy!
Sarge

1. Jimmy Rutkowski's Multi Position Pentatonic Lead Patterns - Guitar Lesson

2. Guitar Lesson - Sweeping Arpeggios and Gallop Progression with Michael “Padge” Paget of “Bullet for My Valentine”

3. Guitar Lesson - Kiko Loureiro's Signature Arpeggio Scale Patterns

4. Michael Padget of BFMV Guitar Video Lesson on Melodic Shredding

5. Video Guitar Lesson - Alexi Laiho: Complete lead to “Next In Line” With Tab

6. Rhythm Guitar Lesson with Backing Tracks from John McCarthy

7. Improve Your Guitar Skills in Just One Weekend with John McCarthy

8. Guitar Lesson- Circle of Fourths Chord Progressions

9. Dissecting Oli Herbert of All That Remains - "Become The Catalyst" - Guitar Lesson

10.Video Guitar Lesson - Rusty Cooley on 12 Note Split Patterns w/tabs

If your looking for Rock House Products go to www.rockhousemethod.com for info and direct downloads.

©2009 - 2010 Fred Russell Publishing, All Rights Reserved. This article can not be used without permission from the Author. To Contact the Author email curt@RockHouseMethod.com

12.15.2010

Hohner expands Essential Series Acoustic Guitars

Hohner, Inc. unveils two new families of Essential Series acoustic guitars.

"The Essential Roots' SO and SOO body shapes are reminiscent of the smaller bodied guitars that contemporized the music of the early 20th century" said product manager Drew Lewis. "Combining a sunburst finish and classic body style with the building techniques and features of the current Essential Series, Hohner has created instruments that perform beyond today's standards." Additionally Hohner unveils two new Essential A/E models that include a Parlor cutaway and Dreadnought cutaway. All Essential A/E series guitars are equipped with black tuners, a black nut, black bridge and Fishman Isys+ preamps.

"The response to Hohner's Essential series has been overwhelmingly positive. The Essential series guitars have been nominated as the best new acoustic guitar of 2010 by Music Sound & Retailer magazine and shipments have consistently sold out throughout 2010. We're confident that the new Essential Roots and Essential A/E series will be received in a similar fashion", commented Scott Emmerman, Director of Marketing and Sales.

All Essential Series guitars are built utilizing a revolutionary technique Hohner calls "frequency matching." Hohner's technicians utilize a form of tap tuning to determine the resonant frequencies of the wood and then match the solid spruce tops with similarly resonant mahogany backs and sides. The result is a guitar that is unusually resonant, producing a rich, singing, tone that makes even the small bodied Parlor and SO guitars sound huge. "These guitars feature a micro-thin finish and the pick guards were left off in order to encourage the vibration of the tops" commented product manager Drew Lewis.

Hohner has equipped each Essential model guitar with NVI (No Variance Intonation) Technology. This special nut and bridge assures that these guitars play with perfect intonation, up and down the length of the neck. Each Essential guitar goes through a 12- point inspection at Hohner's US facility in VA to insure that every guitar is set up to sound great.

Price points on the Essential Roots start at $279 MAP for the Roots SO and SOO models and $349 SOOCE, Parlor A/E and Dreadnought A/E

For more information go to http://www.hohnerusa.com/essentialseries.html or contact your Hohner sales representative.

9 Soundware Releases Chimera R Redrum Patches

Chimera R is a set of patches for the Redrum drum sampler within Propellerhead Reason.

The theme of the sound set is hybridism. Its origins are in five previously released 9 Soundware titles. The drum kits are based on samples from the Heartbeat and Concussion EXS24 sound sets, as well as patches from the Fire Juggler, Vortex, and Ax releases for the Thor, Malström, and Subtractor synthesizers, respectively.

The 50 Redrum patches in the sound set are divided into four categories.

Human Heartbeats (based on samples from Heartbeat) Human/synthesis hybrid. The idea behind this category is the transformation of recordings of the human heart and other internal organs with signal processing. These Redrum kits are based on 100 samples. They are based on audio which was captured using an electronic stethoscope, which is more sensitive and capable of capturing quieter sounds compared to acoustic stethoscopes. This category consists of 10 Redrum kits. 199 samples from the multisample instruments of Heartbeat that have not been mapped in these patches are also included.

Found Objects (based on samples from Concussion) Found object collisions. This category is based on acoustic impact sounds created entirely with found objects. These Redrum kits were constructed from samples of objects being struck, thrown, dropped, and manipulated in a variety of other ways. Among the items used in the recordings are sheet metal, furniture, auto parts, a flyswatter, chains, mousetraps, pipes, and a cardboard box. Examples include the sounds of a large piece of sheet metal being struck with a metal rod, furniture being slammed against the studio wall, a small chain being dropped onto a paint roller tray, and air produced from flinging a stick. This category consists of 10 Redrum kits. 94 samples from the Concussion multisample instrument that have not been mapped in these patches are also included.

Synthetic (based on resampled patches from Fire Juggler, Vortex, and Ax) The Synthetic category consists of Redrum kits that feature resampled drum patches from the Fire Juggler, Vortex, and Ax sound sets (for Thor, Malström, and Subtractor, respectively). The sub categories of drum kit components emulated by the patches include Bass Drum, Snare Drum, Hi-Hat (Closed, Open, and Pedal), Tom, Crash Cymbal, Ride Cymbal, Side Stick, and Hand Clap. With the exception of the Tom patches, which were recorded at four separate pitches, one note was resampled for each patch. This category consists of 20 Redrum kits. All100 synthesizer patches (40 .thor, 30 .xwv, and 30 .zyp files) are also included.

Chimera The Chimera Redrum kits combine samples from the Human Heartbeats, Found Objects, and Synthetic categories. These patches also feature sample playback manipulation. This category consists of 10 Redrum kits.

The 50 Redrum kits of Chimera R are based on 309 samples. Included are 293 samples from the Heartbeat and Concussion sound sets that have not been mapped in these patches.

The 87 MB download includes 50 .drp files, 602 WAV files (24-bit/44.1kHz), 40 .thor files, 30 .xwv files, and 30 .zyp files.

Chimera R is available now for $49.99 at www.9soundware.com.

Redrum and Reason are trademarks of Propellerhead Software AB. All other trademarks property of their respective holders.

Yamaha Rolls Introduces Gigmaker Drum Kits

Pro Features on an Entry Level Drum Set

Yamaha Drums introduces a new series of GigMaker drum sets at Summer NAMM 2010. Though geared toward first-time players, the kits feature Yamaha hardware with hex tom ball joints for precise positioning along with five new eye-catching glitter wrap finishes.

"With professional features at an affordable price, GigMaker is the go-to drum set for beginner and intermediate players alike who need an entry-level set but don't want to skimp on quality, tone and playability," said Dave Jewell, marketing manager, Yamaha Drums.

In addition to the matching wood snare drum and Yamaha's double-braced hardware, the GigMaker drum sets include matching wood bass drum hoops for superior tone and durability, and come in 20" and 22" configurations. The new kits, constructed with basswood and poplar shells, are available as shell packs, complete configurations with hardware, or packaged complete with Paiste 101 cymbals.

For more information on the new GigMaker drum sets, visit Yamaha at Winter NAMM 2011 at the Anaheim Marriott, Marquis Ballroom; write Yamaha Corporation of America, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com

Native Instruments Introduces ABBEY ROAD MODERN DRUMS

Native Instruments today introduced ABBEY ROAD MODERN DRUMS, a new instrument developed together with the iconic British recording studios. Providing two high-end drum kits for use in the free KONTAKT PLAYER and the KONTAKT 4 sampler, ABBEY ROAD MODERN DRUMS gives musicians and producers access to expertly engineered drum sounds for contemporary music production of any genre, with the highest possible level of fidelity and authenticity.

ABBEY ROAD MODERN DRUMS complements the previous 60s, 70s and 80s installments, and is based on two renowned drum kits that are a staple of modern studio productions – a Drum Workshop Collector’s Series “White Kit” and a Pearl Reference “Sparkle Kit”. Further expanded with various distinctive cymbals from Sabian and Zildjian as well as three snare drum options each, both kits were recorded with painstaking precision in Abbey Road’s Studio Two and Studio Three, taking full advantage of the acoustic properties of these famous recording rooms.

ABBEY ROAD MODERN DRUMS utilizes both contemporary and vintage high-end recording equipment to achieve ultimate sound quality across all individual instruments of the kits. This includes selected Brauner and Neumann microphones from the studios’ famed mic collection as well as exclusive SSL, REDD and EMI TG preamps. Classic and modern compression techniques were used on the basis of the legendary Fairchild 660 compressor and the acclaimed Empirical Labs Distressor. Additional specialities include a range of “splash on snare” sounds as well as bass drum samples recorded through a rewired monitor speaker for additional punch, further increasing the sonic versatility of the kits.

Up to 27 velocity layers per instrument with over 40,000 overall samples guarantee ultimate authenticity both for rhythm programming and for real-time MIDI-controlled playing, with a selection of different MIDI mappings accommodating the established layouts of various popular electronic drum kits and third-party drum libraries. The highly functional user interface offers convenient control over all articulation, sound shaping, mixing and routing functions. Advanced randomization can even add subtle nuances to the tone and timing to make it virtually indistinguishable from a studio-recorded drum performance.

Additional information on ABBEY ROAD MODERN DRUMS is available at www.native-instruments.com/moderndrums

TASCAM Brings Portastudio To Apple's iPAD


TASCAM has introduced its PORTASTUDIOapplication for the Apple iPad™, bringing 30 years of easy-to-use home recording to the popular device. PORTASTUDIO is based on – and nearly the same dimensions as – the TASCAM Porta One four-track cassette recorder that revolutionized recording in 1984. The PORTASTUDIO app records four tracks, one at a time, with VU meters and a cassette transport contributing a vintage vibe. When a production is complete, the app can mix your recording to a stereo track that appears in iTunes.

A four-position selector switch assigns which track PORTASTUDIO records to, and input trim and limiting are applied to the input before recording. Audio can be recorded form the iPad's built-in microphone or a microphone plugged into the headset jack. The iPad will record from the built-in microphone if standard headphones are plugged into the jack. Pan, level, high and low EQ are available for mixing, and mixes are saved as CD-quality WAV files inside iTunes. 

PORTASTUDIO by TASCAM is available now on the iTunes App Store for $9.99.

Cakewalk® Announces SONAR™ X1 - DAW 2.0 Has Arrived

Cakewalk, the world's leading developer of powerful and easy to use products for music creation and recording, announces the most highly anticipated and exciting SONAR release of the decade is now available. SONAR X1 is now shipping and available the world over from Roland distribution partners and via the cloud at Cakewalk.com.

Precisely suited for today's music production SONAR X1's unparalleled user interface design speeds up workflow and provides a clean and modern creation environment. At the heart of the new SONAR is Skylight, introducing a next generation workspace that ushers in a new level of simplicity, by providing an intelligent interface that moves beyond contemporary, single-window design and layout clutter.

Skylight
  • Takes full advantage of today's high-resolution displays and multi-monitor setups.
  • Hide, dock, collapse or expand any of SONAR X1's views instantly.
  • Dock any view top, bottom, left or right.
  • Dock any or all views into the powerful MultiDock.
  • Float any view and maximize to multiple monitors - even the MultiDock itself.
  • See through stacked windows and work directly on underlying objects with X-Ray.
  • Access all tool functions instantly and ergonomically with the floating tool HUD.
  • Recall any window configuration instantly - just the way you left it.
The four main components of the Skylight interface:

I. Control Bar - Where you access crucial functions quickly and clearly with a new modular design.
  • Vital controls front and center.
  • Fully collapsible, expandable, dockable and floatable.
  • Modules logically group related functions.
  • Arrange the layout of modules to suit your desire - just drag and drop.
  • Sensible layout lets you concentrate more on your music and less on finding things.
  • Screensets one of the Control Bar modules, remembers every window position, size, and state. Screensets are user definable and ready-to-go for just about any production scenario imaginable.
II. Browser - Where all content is organized in one, easily managed place with full drag and drop functionality. Fully resizable, collapsible, dockable, and floatable with user-definable preset locations. Finding just the right musical element has never been faster or easier.
Quickly view, organize and audition:
  • VST and DX plug-in effects
  • VST and DX virtual instruments
  • MFX MIDI effects
  • Custom plug-in layouts
  • Rewire devices
  • Video files
  • FX Chains allow you to create combinations of multiple effects, including DSP-based fx that reside in one container and can be manipulated as a single effect; drag and drop from the Browser, drag and drop between tracks, and even drag to individual clips. FX Chains can even be mixed with other individual effects, preserving all the flexibility of SONAR's signal routing.
III. Inspector - Where you can view all vital track and clip information in one logical and quickly accessible location.
  • All clip, track, and channel data - centralized and at your fingertips.
  • A wealth of data in a small footprint.
  • Shows full channel strip and related bus for ergonomic track view mixing.
  • One-click display of entire ProChannel.
  • Fully collapsible, expandable, dockable, and floatable.
  • Simple control over track and clip properties including track notes, color, position, timing, automation, and advanced MIDI functions (Arpeggiator and Input Quantize).
IV. MultiDock - Where you can dock and instantly access any number of SONAR's views in one combined area. The Console View, Step Sequencer, Piano Roll - even instruments and effects can all be contained within one consolidated area. For ultimate flexibility, the MultiDock itself can be quickly collapsed or expanded and, can even be placed on an entirely separate monitor. Ideal for making the most of your workspace whether you are using a single, high-resolution display or a multiple monitor setup.

Additional SONAR X1 highlights
Smart Tools - SONAR's tools have been completely revamped in X1. Most functions are now performed with a single implement that switches automatically based on context. This dramatically speeds up editing and arranging by reducing the need to constantly switch tools. However, sometimes you need a very specific tool for a particular task and SONAR X1's intuitive Smart Tool coupled with the new track Edit Filter really delivers. A floating, pop-up tool HUD accessed via the middle mouse button makes finding and switching tools a breeze, and getting back to the previous tool is just a simple key press away.

Further reducing the need to manually switch tools, SONAR X1's tools work across all edit views. Whether you're working on arranging in the Track View or editing MIDI data in the Piano Roll View, the same tool will work smoothly and consistently with no interruption to your creative flow.

Edit Filter - on every track in SONAR X1 allows you to see and work on only the data you want, and none of the data you don't. The Edit Filter works in conjunction with the Smart Tool to make editing less of a chore and more of an art.

Key Clusters - are intuitive keyboard shortcuts that make accessing SONAR's various functions simple and logical. Key Clusters intelligently organize all key commands around a single "alpha" key for simple access. For example, "B" for Browser, "Q" launches the Quantize menu. All related functions are a "shift" or "Ctrl" modifier such as Shift + "Q" launches input quantize settings and "Ctrl" + "Q" Enable/Disables input quantize.

Redesigned Menus - SONAR's menus have been redesigned making access to various functions far more ergonomic.

Preferences Dialog
- Get up and running faster with SONAR X1's unified preferences view. Every option and setting is now neatly arranged allowing you to apply changes as you go.

Fresh Content - Setting up projects and getting to work is fast and easy due to SONAR X1's included content consisting of new Track Templates, patterns, and 1.2 GBs of new loops (64-bit Rex) and one shots (.wav) and more. Over 12 GBs of content included.

ProChannel The ProChannel is a SONAR X1 Producer exclusive that expands SONAR's already impressive console with big, pro-studio sound built right in to every channel. ProChannel provides one button access to bigger and punchier mixes - without ever needing to leave your mix view or launch and manage separate plug-ins. Each channel has a highly musical EQ, a choice of two compressors, two types of tube saturation, flexible drag & drop routing to order the processing, and the entire ProChannel can be pre or post FX bin.

Ultimate Console EQ
The ProChannel's Gloss EQ is carefully designed to sound clear and musical on virtually any source material. Utilizing the latest techniques, Gloss EQ injects the smooth beauty of an analog EQ directly into SONAR's mixing console.
  • Pure, Vintage and Modern modes.
  • 6 bands, 2 shelf/bells, 4 bell/notches.
  • 2 fully parametric filters (high and low-pass).
  • Gloss mode for one-button shine.
Legendary compression
The Pro Channel's integrated channel and bus compression is designed to offer the big, punchy sound of classic studio hardware with no need to manage plug-ins.
  • The PC76 U-Type channel compressor employs classic FET design with fast attack and analog-style warmth.
  • The PC4K S-Type bus compressor "glues" a mix bus together, imparting the radio-ready sound made famous by classic, large-format consoles.
** Unique in this design both compressors include a wet/dry knob for easy instant parallel compression setup.
Additional SONAR X1 Producer exclusives:
  • Session Drummer 3, Dimension Pro, and True Pianos Amber.
  • Mastering Effects (LP-64 Linear Phase EQ & LP-64 Linear Phase Multiband Compressor).
  • Channel Strips (VC-64 Vintage Channel, PX-64 Multi-stage percussion strip, VX-64 Multi-stage vocal processor).
For more information on the SONAR X1 family including a comprehensive list of what is included in each version please visit http://www.cakewalk.com/Products/SONAR


Pricing and Availability
SONAR X1 Producer has a street price of $399.00, SONAR X1 Studio $199.00, and SONAR X1 Essential $99.00 and are available at select music and sound retailers. Registered SONAR 8.5 Producer and SONAR 8.5 Studio customers can download the respective SONAR X1 upgrade for $99.00 and SONAR Home Studio customers can download the SONAR X1 Essential upgrade for $59.00 directly from Cakewalk.com.

12.12.2010

Basic Tapping Using the A minor Pentatonic Scale

Basic Tapping Using the A minor Pentatonic Scale
By: Professor Jim Rutkowski

There are 8 audio tracks available for download that go with this lesson. See full track listing
at the end of the lesson.

In this lesson I am going to show you how to perform bi-dextral hammer-ons and pull-offs, this technique is commonly known as tapping. Tapping is essentially just performing hammer-ons and pull-offs with the left and right hands at the same time. The biggest question I get from my guitar students is; “How do I know what notes to tap?” The answer is simple; the notes of the scale you are using. For example, if you are going to create a solo in the key of A minor, the A minor Pentatonic scale would be a great choice.

To begin let us look at two forms of the A minor Pentatonic scale.

First Position A minor Pentatonic Scale


















Second Position A minor Pentatonic Scale















Now let us combine these two scale forms in order to make a scale pattern that is applicable to tapping. The white notes are going to be our “tapped” notes. The Black notes are the first position A minor pentatonic scale form.





Now we will begin the tapping!!

The technique of tapping is simple. Hold down the fifth fret of the sixth string (fattest string) with your first finger of your left hand. Now, take the first finger of your right hand and hammer down the tenth fret of the sixth string
sounding the tenth fret. Now remove your first finger off of the tenth fret almost in a downward brushing motion this will make the fifth fret you are holding down ring. Now, while the fifth fret is ringing, with the pinky of your left hand hammer down the eighth fret of the sixth string sounding the eight fret.

That’s it!! The example I just mentioned is the first three notes of the exercise. I have recorded in the audio files this basic concept as well as the  examples below.

Have fun, practice slow and as always keep Rockin’ N’ Rollin!!

*** Note the fingering numbers under the tab staves. The “+” represents the tapped note with the index finger of your right hand.












The Download Audio Track Listing

Download all these practice tracks for just $1.99. Yes 

I want the practice tracks.

1. Guitar Tuning Notes
2. Basic Tapping First Position A Minor Pentatonic Scale
3. Basic Tapping Second Position A Minor Pentatonic Scale
4. Basic Tapping Tapping 10-5-8
5. Basic Tapping Complete Slow
6. Basic Tapping Complete Fast
7. Basic Tapping Complete Against Backing Track
8. Basic Tapping Backing Track

12.08.2010

Carvin Rolls Out Their SB4000 4-String Bolt-Neck Jazz Bass

Carvin is excited to debut their newest Custom Shop bass, the SB4000. Designed in conjunction with noted bassist Sekou Bunch, the SB4000 represents a significant departure from our other bolt-neck basses. The SB4000 has a "vintage vibe", which is accomplished with features such as your choice of red tortoiseshell, white pearl, black or white pickguards, and an optional metal neck pickup cover finished to match your choice of chrome, gold or black hardware. The SB4000 also features a new neck heel design, allowing for easy access to the upper frets. The SB4000 is made in the USA, not overseas as most similar models by other manufacturers are. The SB4000 is loaded with features generally only found in boutique instruments, but because they sell direct to you, you don't have to pay a boutique price. There are hundreds of options available on the SB4000, including finishes, woods, fingerboards, and inlays, allowing you to build your SB4000 exactly the way you want it, and be the proud owner of an instrument that will last you a lifetime.











More info at http://www.carvinguitars.com

12.07.2010

Rob Balducci's Lick Of The Week - "Fear" from Mantra

From Rob Balducci's You Tube site a new "Lick of The Week"

Welcome to the new LOTW- Fear from my second CD Mantra. My band and I are working on some older tunes to work in the set. This tune Fear and was on my second CD Mantra, I have not played it out in years. In this video I am using my Ibanez LAC RG Libra guitar. It is a basswood body with a maple top. I have Dimarzios in it, a Steve Special in the bridge and an Air Norton in the neck. If you guys dig the tune you can get copy of Mantra at my webstore, www.robbalducci.com/store or it is available on iTunes and other download sites.

Thanks so much for the support and the emails. Please spread the word about the LOTW!
Make sure to email robbalducci@robbalducci.com and suggest what you want for the next lick of the week.

Please show your support and pick up a copy of my newest CD Violet Horizon and also check out the back catalog at www.robbalducci.com and also on iTunes.

Rock!
RB

MEGADETH'S "SUDDEN DEATH" NOMINATED FOR GRAMMY AWARD

Sudden Death," the 2010 single written for the "Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock" video game, has been nominated for a Grammy in the Best Metal Performance category for the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards. Megadeth is nominated along with Iron Maiden, Korn, Lamb Of God and fellow "Big Four" act Slayer. This is Megadeth's 9th Grammy nomination. The awards will be broadcast on February 13, 2011 on CBS. For more information, visit www.Grammy.com.

MEGADETH CHRISTMAS CARD CONTEST 2010

Enter this year’s Megadeth Christmas Card Contest and win big! Send us your designs and you could win first prize of a phone call from Dave Mustaine on Christmas morning, two meet 'n greet passes to meet Megadeth on tour, and Megadeth's "Rust In Peace Live" Blu-ray autographed by Dave, Chris, David and Shawn! Prizes will also be awarded for 2nd to 10th places! Winners will be picked by Dave Mustaine. Contest closes midnight PST Sunday, December 12.

First prize: A phone call from Dave Mustaine to you on Christmas Day, two meet 'n greet passes to meet Megadeth on tour, and Megadeth's "Rust In Peace Live" Blu-ray autographed by Dave, Chris, David and Shawn.

Second prize: Two meet 'n greet passes to meet Megadeth on tour and Megadeth's "Rust In Peace Live" DVD autographed by Dave, Chris, David and Shawn.

Third prize: Rust In Peace 20th Anniversary collectable VIP laminate pass and Megadeth's "Rust In Peace Live" CD autographed by Dave, Chris, David and Shawn.

Fourth to Tenth place winners: Megadeth's "Rust In Peace Live" CD autographed by Dave, Chris, David and Shawn.

Your card design should be 8" X 5" (20cm X 12cm), portrait or landscape, and be in any medium you choose; hand drawn, photoshop, etc. You must have a copy saved or scanned at 300DPI resolution to send in if you are chosen the winner. Send all cards in at a smaller, low res versions when entering. You may enter as many times as you like.

If you need high res Megadeth logo, art, or band pics to work with, you can download at www.megadeth.com/downloads.php

All Megadeth fans are welcome to submit entries.

Contest is open now and closes midnight Pacific Time, Sunday December 12.

E-mail your entries with "CHRISTMAS CARD CONTEST 2010" in the subject line to webmaster@megadeth.com.

ATR to Support Buckcherry on 2011 Jagermeister Music Tour

Jägermeister, the brand known for decades of involvement with rock bands, continues to own the concert circuit with the 2011 Jägermeister Music Tour featuring Buckcherry. 

The Jägermeister Music Tour kicks off January 19th in San Diego, California and plays 26 shows across the nation in celebration of Buckcherry’s new single “It’s a Party” on their recently released album “All Night Long”. Buckcherry will rock the 2011 Jägermeister Music Tour through February with HELLYEAH as direct support as well as ALL THAT REMAINS and The Damned Things. Each concert will also feature a local Jäger Band. Mr. Dee Jay, Brian Barr, known for delivering a great vibe and unique flavor, will spin during set changes to keep the party
going.

Jagermeistermusictour.com will feature a free download of Buckcherry’s “It’s a Party” as well as exclusive band video footage from Buckcherry, HELLYEAH, ALL THAT REMAINS and The Damned Things.

“For the brand’s 19thmusic tour, Jägermeister is bringing Buckcherry’s raw rock together with the blazing metal style of HELL YEAH and ALL THAT REMAINS. Add some Jägermeister to the mix and you are looking at one of the top shows of the year,” says Bill Henderson, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Advertising at Sidney Frank Importing Company, Inc. “Additionally, instead of booking big arenas, Jägermeister continues to do things differently and is bringing this tour to theatres and ballrooms.”
Buckcherry front man Josh Todd says, “Every night we’re on stage we LOVE to host a party. We can’t think of a better partner to do it with than Jägermeister.” Guitarist Keith Nelson adds, “This is the first time we’re really going to be able to celebrate the theme of our album, All Night Long, on the road. It’s going to be loud and sweaty, just the way we like it.”

“Hello all fellow Hellions!!! I am so pumped for our upcoming tour of the USA! That’s right; every night is gonna be a Friday night with Buckcherry, HELLYEAH, ALL THAT REMAINS and The Damned Things. The Jägermeister will be flowing, the jams will be kicking and the good times will be back in rock and roll!!! It’s time to let it all hang out!!! See y’all there,” says HELLYEAH Drummer Vinnie Paul. 

The 2011 Jägermeister Music Tour will feature Jägermeister custom tour prizes from Schecter Guitars and Peavey Electronics. In addition, Jägermeister will be hosting nightly text-to-win giveaways including tap machines, tee shirts, hats and other branded POS. Giveaways are subject to state and local laws and participants must be of legal drinking age or older.

Jägermeister will market and promote the Jägermeister Music Tour through social media channels facebook and twitter, local print outlets, Sirius XM Satellite Radio and terrestrial radio along with band video footage through YouTube and the music tour website. Visit www.jagermeistermusictour.com for various contests, promotions, tour dates and additional tour information.

2011 JÄGERMEISTER MUSIC TOUR SCHEDULE
Wed
19 Jan
San Diego
CA
4th
and B
Fri
21 Jan
Anaheim
CA
The
Grove of Anaheim
Sat
22 Jan
Las Vegas
NV
The
Joint
Sun
23 Jan
Reno
NV
Grand
Sierra Resort
Tue
25 Jan
Salt Lake City
UT
The
Great Salt Air
Thu
27 Jan
Denver
CO
Fillmore
Fri
28 Jan
Kansas City
MO
Midland
Theatre
Sat
29 Jan
Des Moines
IA
Seven
Flags Center
Mon
31 Jan
Peoria
IL
East Peoria
Civic Center
Tue
01 Feb
Chicago
IL
Congress
Theatre
Wed
02 Feb
Waterloo
IA
McElroy
Auditorium
Fri
04 Feb
St Louis
MO
Pop’s
Sat
05 Feb
Minneapolis
MN
1st
Avenue
Tue
08 Feb
Youngstown
OH
Covelli
Center
Wed
09 Feb
Louisville
KY
Expo
5
Fri
11 Feb
Myrtle Beach
SC
House
of Blues
Sat
12 Feb
Baltimore
MD
Rams
Head Live
Sun
13 Feb
Sayerville
NJ
Starland
Ballroom
Tue
15 Feb
New York
NY
Best
Buy Theatre
Wed
16 Feb
Uncasville
CT
Mohegan
Sun Arena
Fri
18 Feb
Albany
NY
Northern
Lights
Sat
19 Feb
Philadelphia
PA
Electric
Factory
Sun
20 Feb
Manchester
NH
Verizon
Wireless Arena
Tue
22 Feb
Charlotte
NC
Fillmore
Wed
23 Feb
Orlando
FL
Hard Rock
Live
Thu
24 Feb
Atlanta
GA
Tabernacle
NOTE: All That Remains only performs on dates from Jan 19 – Feb 20.

12.03.2010

Bass Guitar Licks - “Slides, Barres and More” From Chris McCarvill

By Chris McCarvill

This little pattern here goes though quite a few techniques in a short amount of time. There’s a lot going on, so break this into pieces and work on the parts that you struggle with more than the easy parts until this thing sounds nice, even and uniform. Here’s a brief lowdown on how this type of thing came about.

Over the years I’ve paid a lot of attention to the comments I get after a show or when someone listens to a recording of mine. More than once people have thought I play fretless bass. I do, and I can, but most of the time I don’t. I’ve found that I get the most positive and enthusiastic feedback from something that to me seemed obvious from the beginning. Music should imitate vocals. I tend to create bass lines, parts and melodies that tend to mimic the way a singer would approach it.

Now, I realize if you’re new to bass this seems a little unorthodox, but check it out. Singers tend not to jump from note to note in a jerky, awkward way (unless they’re using the ol’ pitch corrector contraption). They tend to execute their notes smoothly in a flowing kind of way. I adopted that attitude to bass very early on because I sang quite a bit as a little kid.

Ok Kids, back to the lesson. Let’s break it down. The beginning starts with a slide up to the 7th fret of the E string. If you need help with the slidey parts, go check out the Beginner Lick Challenge. It covers slides in more detail. So, we slide up to the 7th fret of the E string using our pinky. Then we play the 5th fret of the A string (easy because your hand will be in position to do that). Now, back to your pinky for the 7th fret of the E string, but now we’re at a tricky section. The next note in this rapid-fire deal is a 7th fret on the A string. How do we get there and back to the 7th fret of the E string quickly and efficiently?






Audio (Intermediate Lick Challenge)

It’s called Barring Ladies and Gentlemen. Hold that note on the 7th fret of your E string. Now while you’re still holding your pinky down, straighten out your pinky a little so that you can push down on the 7th fret of the A string somewhere on or near your first knuckle on that same pinky. Cool, huh? It can hurt a lot if you push it too hard though. Get enough pressure on it to fret the note cleanly and quickly, then transfer pressure back to your pinkytip. I think I made a new word there. Whatever. Just put pressure back on the tip of your pinky so you can play that note on the 7th fret of your E string again.

Now that you can barr a note, try it in other places on the neck. It’s cool, and it should work for all of your fingers.

Moving on, the riff does almost the exact same thing only now we’re up on the A and D strings. Remember to take your time and only play this as fast as you can play it PERFECTLY.

The riff then does a useful little minor pentatonic thing where you slide up from the 7th fret of the D string to the 9th fret, smack that little note on the 7th fret of the G string using your first finger, then pluck the note on the 9th fret of the D string and slide your whole hand back down over the 5-7 fret area.

Here we have a fast hammer-on/off. Pluck the note on the 5th fret of the D string. Quickly hammer on the note with your left hand only using either your 3rd or 4th finger (or both), quickly get them off of there and the note should still be ringing out back on your 1st finger on the 5th fret. Got it? Excellent. Try this all over the place too. It’s a fun little firecracker kind of thing.

This riff ends with a simple played series of notes and we’re finished. The tricky part is getting this smooth and even. It’s a great way to practice several techniques, Sliding, Barring, Hammering and more all in one exercise. Have fun with it!

12.02.2010

D’ADDARIO & PLANET WAVES PARTNER WITH THE ROCK HOUSE METHOD


An Organization Dedicated to Educating Through the Use of Visual Arrangements 

FARMINGDALE, NY, November 19, 2010 – D’Addario & Planet Waves are excited to announce its newest partnership with The Rock House Method, one of the industry’s leading instructional video and lesson specialists. This partnership will include ongoing content development, cooperative marketing initiatives, various promotional opportunities, as well as shared roster for artist focused marketing. 

The Rock House Method develops and manufactures user friendly products that serve as fun and effective learning tools. Through the use of instructional DVDs, printed and web based materials, The Rock House Method has built an online music community where people support, encourage and work together to develop the necessary skills in order to help reach their musical goals. 

The Rock House Method company originated in 1985 at the dawn of the VHS era in founder John McCarthy’s parents’ living room. After creating four successful instructional programs in conjunction with various guitar magazine advertisements, The Rock House Method started to receive a fair amount of acclaim. Over 20 years later, The Rock House Method has developed a series of instructional DVDs that coincide with printed tablature and other content featured on the company’s website. 

One aspect of the partnership between D’Addario and The Rock House Method includes a shared artist roster. This means that all of the talented artists and endorsees featured by D’Addario and The Rock House Method will have access to all of the fantastic benefits that both companies have to offer. Some artists that have been featured on The Rock House Method DVDs include David Ellefson of Megadeth, Alex Skolnick of Testament, Gus G. of Ozzy Osbourne, Jeff Loomis of Nevermore, and many more. 

“This is an exciting partnership for The Rock House Method,” states Joe Palombo, co-owner of The Rock House Method. “As a leader, D’Addario is a brand name that many companies aspire to. This new partnership will open up a lot of opportunity for ambitious players and will also offer retailers a unique value to their current customers.” 

“We are thrilled to be named the official string and cable for The Rock House Method,” states Frank Aresti, Artist Relations Manager at D’Addario & Co, Inc. “The Rock House Method’s standards of excellence in producing instructional products for DVD, print and the web, as well as their top-notch artist roster, reflect the quality and integrity that the D’Addario company shares in everything we make – from strings to cable, and everything in between.” 

For more information on D’Addario and its products, please visit www.daddario.com.
For more information on Planet Waves and its products, please visit www.planetwaves.com.
For more information on The Rock House Method, please visit www.rockhousemethod.com

D’Addario & Company, Inc. designs, manufactures, and markets complete lines of strings for fretted and bowed musical instruments, drumheads, drum practice pads, and guitar and woodwind accessories under the proprietary brand names D’Addario, Evans Drumheads, Planet Waves, Rico, HQ Percussion and PureSound Percussion. The company also runs theLessonroom.com and Guitar.com. D’Addario products are marketed in approximately 120 countries. 

Media Contact: Angela Magliocca
angela.magliocca@daddario.com