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A little shameless promotion for myself and Rock House.

Follow Rock House on face book here;

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Rock-House-Method/64592358368

Follow your beloved Rock House Blogger here;

Curt Rockhouseblog Moye

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©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

John McCarthy and Gary Hoey Jammin' Video

I was going through some old stuff on the Rock House You Tube site and ran across this old video of John McCarthy and Gary Hoey doing a nice blues jam during NAMM out in Cali. It was just plain ol' good stuff.





©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

How To Change Your Bass Guitar Strings

Old bass strings may lose their tone and become harder to keep in tune. You might feel comfortable at first having a teacher or someone at a music store change your strings for you, but eventually you will need to know how to do it yourself. Changing the strings on a bass is not as difficult as it may seem and the best way to learn how to do this is by practicing. New bass strings cost a little more than guitar strings; the first few times you change the strings yourself, buy a cheaper set to get used to it. How often you change your strings depends entirely on how much you play, but if the same strings have been on it for months, it’s probably time for a new set.

 Most strings attach at the headstock in the same way, but on some basses (like traditional Fenders) all of the machine heads will be on the top of the headstock.. Other basses may have either one or two of the machine heads on the bottom of the headstock. Before removing the old strings from the bass, examine the way they’re attached and try to duplicate that with the new string. The strings should always wind around and come away from the posts towards the middle of the head-stock.

Follow the series of photos below for a basic description of how to change a string. Before trying it yourself, read through the quick tips for beginners on the following page.

Turn the machine head to loosen the string.

Remove the old string from the tuning post.

Pull the old string through the bridge and remove it from the bass.

Thread the new string through the hole in the bridge and pull it through to the headstock. Make sure the string is taught and resting in the correct groove in the nut, then measure between 4 and 5 inches past the machine head the string is being attached to and cut the excess off with a wire cutter.

Insert the freshly cut end of the string directly into the hole inside the tuning post and bend the string downward into the groove on the post.

Tighten the string until the slack is all taken up and the string sounds like a note. Check to make sure the string is sitting in the correct space on the nut; at the bridge, make sure the string is resting on the saddle properly. At the tuning posts, each string should coil down under itself and should come away from the post toward the middle of the head-stock.

You can cut the old string off the bass, but you may want to unwind it instead and save it as a spare in case you break a string later. You can temporarily bring old bass strings back from the dead for a short time by putting them in a pot of boiling water for ten minutes. 

 Check to make sure you have the correct string in your hand before putting it on the bass, it’s easy to mix them up if you don’t check and double check.. Bass strings come in different gauges, from light to medium to heavy. Lights are better for beginners, but the heavier, thicker strings get a meatier tone. Bass strings also come in round wound (standard) and flat wound styles. Flat wound strings are smooth and tend to have a warmer mellower tone. Flat wounds are recommended for fretless bass; the rough texture of round wound strings can chew up a fretless neck pretty quickly. 

Be sure to wind the string around the tuning post in the proper direction (see photos), and leave enough slack to wind the string around the post several times. The string should wind around the post underneath itself to form a nice, neat coil. If you’re unsure of how much string to cut off the end, overcompensate and give yourself more string to wind on the post. Be careful not to cut too much off the end. 

Once the extra slack is taken up and the string is taught, tune it very gradually to pitch, being careful not to over tighten the new string. 

Check the ends of the string to make sure it is sitting correctly on the proper saddle and space on the nut. 

New strings (especially bass strings) will go out of tune very quickly until they are broken in. You can massage the new string with your thumbs and fingers once it’s on the bass, working along the entire length of the bass, slightly stretching the string out and helping to break it in. Then retune the string and repeat this process a few times for each string.

For more guitar care tips join us at Rock House

Scott Healy Sample Lesson, Learn to Play Piano

©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

Gary Hoey's Annual Autograph Guitar Giveaway

Gary Hoey is continuing his tradition of spreading Christmas cheer this year. The surf/blues rocker will be giving away an autograghed Fender Squier Strat on Christmas day this year. It's an easy contest to enter, fill out a form and click submit. Enter here ----------->  http://garyhoey.fanbridge.com/

The winner will be announced by New Years Day.

Don't for get Gary's sensational instructional DVD "THE NEED FOR LEAD" for your rocker this Christmas.

Kiko Loureiro "Enfermo" @Jason Becker`s Not Dead Yet

Rob Balducci's LOTW - LIQUID SOUL Performed For XOTIC Reality Web Series

Favored Nations Artist and Rock House Instructor Rob Balducci has posted his latest Lick of The Week.This LOTW was taken at the Xotic Pedals Reality Web Series Balducci did for Xotic Pedals and Prosound Communications.  

Rob stated on his web site (http://robbalducci.com) "It was the first take and I really like the vibe on this one and the tone is awesome. I am using the xotic EP Booster along with a BB Preamp (Andy Timmons version).  I am using my Ibanez RGA Guitar with a Dimarzio Pro track in the neck and and Steve Special in the bridge.

David Ellefson And Chris Broderick Megadeth Clinic At The Music Zoo 2011

Megadeth bassist David Ellefson and guitarist Chris Broderick were at The Music Zoo recently. They were armed with their signature Jackson guitars and in their own personable way show the fans their love for the business they are in. There are many fans on hand to witness what makes them some of the meanest shredders in the business.

Wanna shred bass guitar like David Ellefson, check it out here. David Ellefson: Metal Bass - Speed, Thrash and Old School

Michael ‘Padge’ Paget TonePrints for Vortex Flanger and Flashback Delay

Michael ‘Padge’ Paget, lead guitarist of metal sensation Bullet for My Valentine and Rock House Instructor, creates personal ‘Sunny Day’ and ‘Tears’ TonePrints.

At first Michael set out to make an extreme tone for TC’s Vortex Flanger pedal, but once the creative process started, inspiration pointed him in a different direction. Rather than going to extremes, Michael ended up creating a subtle and slow-ocean-breeze-on-a-sunny-day kind of tone. As always TC lets the TonePrint artists name their own TonePrints, and I this case, Michael found it natural to simply call it ‘Sunny Day’. 

For the Flashback Delay pedal, Michael decided to go for a nice analog delay with a bit of chorus on the repeated notes – a beautiful and evocative tone he decided to name ‘Tears’.

Michael ‘Padge’ Paget is the lead guitarist of the Welsh heavy metal band Bullet for my Valentine that has sold more than 2,5 million albums worldwide. When touring the world with Bullet for My Valentine, Michael also uses a TC G-System for effects and control of his live rig, and to him it simply eliminates the hassle of constantly having to do the stomp-box-tap-dancing on the stage.

Michael’s Sunny Day TonePrint for Vortex Flanger is now available as a free download on TC Electronic’s website or as part of the free TonePrint App for iPhone.

David Ellefson of Megadeth - Advice on Playing YOUR Music

Many people often ask how I developed my style, my answer is usually “this is just how I play, not necessarily how YOU should play!” By that, I mean that we can all listen to, be fans of, and learn from most anyone if our minds are open. However, we are all gifted in unique ways and if we let our personalities and tastes be the driving force for our music (not the other way around!) then our music will be honest, and the listener will feel a genuine connection when they hear or see us play. That is why our music usually changes as we grow and mature because as a person we are changing, too.

I say this because I meet many people who are great fans of certain types of music, which can be a great indicator of a musical path they will follow, but sometimes their talents lie in a different genre. Then, they get frustrated if they can’t execute the music they like to listen to. This is not something to be ashamed of but rather something to embrace. I meet professionals all the time who love Metal music but play professionally in Pop, Country, Christian and other styles 180 degrees away from most things heavy and rocking. To me, they are going with the flow and letting the music guide them (and the people calling them to play!) rather than sitting on the sidelines insisting they must have it “their way or the highway”. In other words, they are in the game and enjoying the craft of making music.

So, keep those ears, eyes and minds open especially if you have opportunities to play with a multitude of different musicians in varied applications. Those opportunities can be vital to our growth and give us the nudge to get out of our comfort zone and play in any setting with true confidence.

To learn how to play Bass Guitar from a true Rock Bassist check out David's instructional DVD from Rock House "Metal Bass - Speed, Thrash and Old School"

Rob Balducci's Interview With Guitar-Muse Part 2

Part 2 of Rob Balducci's Interview with Guitar-Muse is now on-line. Rob talks about the lessons on the dvd, music business and what’s on the horizon for the future in the second half of our interview. Please check it out….

CLICK HERE FOR PART 2 OF ROB BALDUCCI INTERVIEW

©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

Video's of Gus G's Clinic in Japan

Gus G of Firewind, Ozzy Osbourne and Rock House was recently in Japan. Gus loves taking the opportunity to do clinics when he can and meeting people. Here's some cool footage of Gus doing just that. Showing his skills, playing with fans and basically giving them what they want.

©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

Marc Rizzo of Soulfly on EMG TV

Mark Rizzo recently did a stint on EMG TV Showing off some nice riff's and sweet leads. Makes us proud to have Marc associated with Rock House

Alex Skolnick Reviews Loutallica - Metallica's Latest Artistic Adventure

Rock House Instructor and Testement guitarist Alex Skolnick has never been shy about reviewing anyone's music. Metallica's latest collaboration with the legendary Lou Reed is no exception. In the review Alex is pretty damn straight forward and honest.

I’ve finally checked out Lou Lou, Loutallica, or whatever you want to call it (actual title: ‘Lulu’)- the ’stranger than fiction’ collaboration between Metallica and Lou Reed. I’ve been hearing what everyone’s been saying about the album- they don’t like it.

Myself? With the exception of a few parts (the riff on track 2, ‘The View,’ for example) I don’t really like it either. But I confess to being fascinated by it.

Read the entire review at  Skolnotes Alex's blog.

©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

Ozzy Osbourne Launches his Own SiriusXM Channel

The "Prince of Darkness" to present classic hard rock and heavy metal channel

Ozzy's Boneyard, channel 38, will feature classic hard rock and metal music from artists like Black Sabbath, Metallica, AC/DC, Jimi Hendrix, Pantera and Van Halen. The 24/7 music channel is expected to launch later this year.

SiriusXM listeners will hear Ozzy present music as well as share personal stories about his career as a solo artist and as front-man for Black Sabbath. The channel will also air shows and specials hosted by Ozzy family members, Sharon, Jack and Kelly.

"After everything I've been through in my career I never imagined I'd end up with my own radio channel on SiriusXM. This is f*****g amazing! Does this mean I can play whatever I want?" said Ozzy Osbourne.

"No one represents the evolution of hard rock and heavy metal more than Ozzy Osbourne," said Scott Greenstein, President and Chief Content Officer, SiriusXM. "We know Ozzy's Boneyard will be alive and kicking."

Ozzy Osbourne recently announced that Black Sabbath has reunited to record their first new studio album in 33 years and that the band will launch a world tour in 2012.

Ozzy's Boneyard joins SiriusXM's roster of channels created in partnership with legendary musicians, including Bruce Springsteen's E Street Radio, Pearl Jam Radio,  Eminem's Shade 45, Willie Nelson's Willie's Roadhouse, B.B. King's Bluesville, Elvis Radio, Jimmy Buffett's Radio Margaritaville and Siriusly Sinatra.

For more information on SiriusXM, please visit www.siriusxm.com. 

Guitar Frenzy Friday - Creating Harmonized Leads & Melodies

By Jimmy Rutkowski

In this lesson I am going to teach you how to use your scales to write harmonized leads and melodies. We will discuss the basic degrees of the Major Scale, how to determine the Harmony notes, and lastly I will give you a few examples of this material in a practical application. This lesson will give you first hand knowledge and insight into the technique Iron Maiden uses in this issues song surgery “The Trooper.”

First, let’s look at the notes that make up the “C” Major scale the notes are C D E F G A & B. What we need to do with the scale is number the note degrees with numbers one through seven as in example #1;

Example 1

Laying out your notes this way tells you all you need to know in order to figure out your harmony notes. To create a harmony using diatonic thirds from any scale just go up three notes in the scale you are harmonizing from the note you wish to harmonize. This will create a third harmony from your root note. If you want to harmonize the C Major scale in diatonic thirds you would harmonize the scale by placing the “E” note above the “C” note then finish writing the scale this way. See example 2.

Example 2

Once you have completed this step you can see how the diatonic scale degrees line up in thirds. The C is harmonized by the E, the D is harmonized with the F, the G with the E etc. This will give you the notes to match together. See example 3 to see how this looks on the guitar.

Example 5

If you want to harmonize the A minor scale in diatonic thirds you would start with the notes A B C D E F G for the A minor scale and use your harmony notes starting from the third tone in the scale “C.” See example 4.

Example 4

You can apply this principle for any harmony you wish. For harmonies of a fifth for the “C” Major and “A” minor scales, use the fifth degree as your starting pitch for the harmony. See Example 5.

Example 5

Here a few examples of this technique in action. Example 6 is an excerpt from Motley Crue’s “Shout at the Devil” album. This is a great example of the harmony in thirds in action for the key of “A” minor.

Example 6

Example 7 is in the style of Metallica. This double harmony technique is a great way to really push a riff to extremes. This is another example of harmonizing in thirds but this time in the key of “G” Major.

Example 7

Some further listening of this technique can be heard on:

God Bless the Children of the Beast: Motley Crue

Battery: Metallica

Boys are back in Town: Thin Lizzy

For more damn good lessons from Jimmy Rutkowski check his lesson area at Rock House


©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

John McCarthy on Being An Intermediate Bass Guitarist

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

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

Major & minor Scales – All seven scale positions in all keys and a clear understanding of the relative Major and minor Scale relationship.

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

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

Major, minor and Dominant Seventh Chord Arpeggios – you should know three major, three minor and three Dominant Seventh versions.

Slapping and Popping – You do not need to be Freekbass or Flea at this point, but you should have a firm grasp of this technique and be able to execute on all of your strings.

Rhythm
Rhythm Patterns – By now you should be comfortable with eighth note, sixteenth note, Swing eighths and triplet syncopations. Your hand is relaxed and your motions are smooth and articulate.

Theory
Key signatures of all 15 keys – You should know the sharps and flats in every key. This will give you the knowledge to start writing songs 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.

As you progress and start working on the content on The Rock House website you will be on your way to being an “Advanced Level Bassist!”

Now let’s hear some jamming!!!

LOTW From Rob Balducci - Featuring His Rock House DVD

Rob Balducci has a new lick of the week as well as a new Rock House Method Instructional DVD where you can learn Rob's secrets to playing the guitar. What a perfect partnership for Rob's LOTW. The DVD, "Innovative Guitar" has been available for instant download at Rock House OnDemand and now you can get a hard copy of it here in The Rock House Store.

Rob is pretty stoked about his latest work and proud of the content he has put on it. Rob says, "it is for all levels of Musicians."

There is also a review already written on the DVD at Guitar-muse.com They reviewed the On Demand version but on the DVD there is more performance footage as well.

CLICK HERE TO READ GUITAR-MUSE REVIEW

Rob Arnold and Matt DeVries Parting From CHIMAIRA

Long time Rock House Guitar Instructor Rob Arnold and Guitarist Matt DeVries are parting ways with their band CHIMAIRA.

According to CHIMAIRA's official web site, "Early in July we were informed that Rob Arnold and Matt DeVries would be leaving Chimaira at the end of 2011. Of course this was a huge blow, but there were no hard feelings. We understand that life invades art, everything runs its course, and we have to take different paths."

The want's to stress that everyone is cool with the decisions of Arnold and DeVries. In fact so cool they are planning on making CHIMAIRA Christmas 12 the best show ever.

Neither guitarist has announced any future plans as of now. Rob Arnold is still on board with Rock House and we look forward to future projects with him. We wish Rob and Matt the best in their future artistic adventures.

©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

Children of Bodom - 15th Anniversary North American Tour

CHILDREN OF BODOM have announced a North American headlining tour in celebration of the band’s 15th Anniversary. Presented by ESP in association with Full Metal Jackie, the quindecennial trek will kick off on January 30, 2012 in Rochester, NY and run through March 4, hitting 26 cities over the course of the five week jaunt. Support on the CHILDREN OF BODOM anniversary tour will come from Swiss folk metal band Eluveitie, Boston extreme metal band Revocation and Canada’s Threat Signal.

ESP Guitars presents CHILDREN OF BODOM
With Eluveitie, Revocation and Threat Signal
In association with Full Metal Jackie
Brought to you by Spinefarm Records, Good Fight Entertainment,
Nuclear Blast Records, Relapse Records & ACTION! PR

January 30 - Water Street Music Hall, Rochester, NY
January 31 - Harpo's, Detroit, MI
February 2 - Intersection, Grand Rapids, MI
February 3 - The Rave, Milwaukee, WI
February 4 - Pop's, Sauget, IL
February 6 - Granada Theatre, Lawrence, KS
February 7 - Gothic Theatre, Englewood, CO
February 9 - House of Blues, Las Vegas, NV
February 10 - The Complex, Salt Lake city, UT
February 11 - Knitting Factory, Boise, ID
February 13 - Yost Theatre, Santa Ana, CA
February 14 - House of Blues, San Diego, CA
February 15 - Marquee Theatre, Phoenix, AZ
February 17 - Sunshine Theatre, Albuquerque, NM
February 18 - Tricky Falls, El Paso, TX
February 19 - The Pavilion, Lubbock, TX
February 21 - Emo's East, Austin, TX
February 22 - Warehouse Live, Houston, TX
February 24 - Expo Five, Louisville, KY
February 25 - Peabody's, Cleveland, OH
February 26 - Sound Academy, Toronto, ON
February 27 - Metropolis, Montreal, QC
February 29 - Imperial, Quebec City, QC
March 1 - Webster Theatre, Hartford, CT
March 2 - The Paramount Theater, Huntington, NY
March 3 - Starland Ballroom, Sayerville, NJ
March 4 - Ram's Head Live, Baltimore, MD

Find tickets on Here!

Guitar Frenzy Friday - Guitar Lesson From Gary Hoey on Mixolydian Riffs with Tab

In his first ever instructional program, Gary Hoey reveals the secrets that have helped him amass 16 albums, five top 20 Billboard hits and a spot on the list of top 100 greatest guitar players of all time. In this guitar lesson from his Rock House DVD "The Need For Lead", Gary teaches us how to use the myxolydian scale and apply riff's from the scale to a lead.

The full DVD is 120 Minutes long on 2 DVDs, has more than 40 lessons, a 36 page interactive tab book that you can print right from the DVD, behind the scenes photos & video, an interview with Gary, live performances, Ipod Ready Video on the DVD, FREE Web Membership for 24/7 online lesson support.

You can get it instantly from Rock House OnDemand at this LINK.

©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

Rock House on Conan O'Brien

©2009 - 2011 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

Guitar Lesson - Fingerpicking 101

by Jimmy Ruthkowski

Today I am going to be tackling the basics of fingerpicking. This is an essential technique for acoustic guitar players; however it is just as important to electric guitar players regardless of style. First off let’s look at the chords we are going to use in this lesson.

Next we need to look at the labeling of our left hand. Example 1 shows the standard naming system is; p for the thumb, i for the index finger, m for the middle finger, and a for the ring finger.

Example 1

Example 2 is a basic fingerpicking pattern. Hold the E minor chord down through out so that the notes sustain you will use a p – i – m – a (thumb, index, middle, pinky) picking pattern. The thumb ascends from the sixth to the fourth string then descends backwards to the fifth string. Try using this fingerpicking pattern with all of the bar chord forms and open chords you know.

Example 2

Example 3 is almost the same as example two. You are still holding the E minor chord through out however the picking pattern is now p - a - m – i (thumb, ring, middle, index). Again, try using this fingerpicking pattern with all of the bar chords and open chords you know.

Example 3

Example 4 is a straight ahead I – vi – ii – V7 progression in the key of G Major. In the first three measures the picking pattern is P – i – m – a (thumb, index, middle, pinky) from example 1. Beat four of the first three measures is p – a – m – i (thumb, ring, middle, index) from example 2. In measure four you will have to change from the D7sus chord to the D7 chord at beat 3. The picking pattern in measure four is a continuous is P – a – m – i (thumb, ring, middle, and index) from example 2.

Example 4

Suggesting Listening

Some great examples of fingerpicking technique I would suggest the following recordings.

• Dust in the Wind from Kansas
• Tears in Heaven from Eric Clapton
• The Wind from Cat Stevens
• More than Words from Extreme
• Going to California from Led Zeppelin
• Blackbird from The Beatles
• Bron Y Aur from Led Zeppelin

More lessons at http://www.rockhousemethod.com/

Unearth - Chimaira Official Tour Dates Nov.-Dec. 2011

Nov 13, 2011	Toronto, ON (CA) @ The Opera House
Nov 14, 2011	Montreal, QC (CA) @ Club Soda
Nov 16, 2011	Hartford, CT (US) @ The Webster Theatre / Webster Underground
Nov 17, 2011	Poughkeepsie, NY (US) @ The Chance Theater
Nov 18, 2011	Sayreville, NJ (US) @ Starland Ballroom
Nov 19, 2011	Hampton, NH (US) @ Wally's Pub
Nov 20, 2011	West Springfield, VA (US) @ Jaxx
Nov 21, 2011	Asheville, NC (US) @ The Orange Peel
Nov 22, 2011	Raleigh, NC (US) @ Lincoln Theatre
Nov 23, 2011	Myrtle Beach, SC (US) @ House of Blues Myrtle Beach
Nov 25, 2011	Fort Lauderdale, FL (US) @ Revolution
Nov 26, 2011	Saint Petersburg, FL (US) @ The State Theatre
Nov 27, 2011	Jacksonville Beach, FL (US) @ Freebird Live
Nov 29, 2011	Austin, TX (US) @ Emo's East
Nov 30, 2011	Oklahoma City, OK (US) @ Diamond Ballroom
Dec 1, 2011	Albuquerque, NM (US) @ Sunshine Theater
Dec 2, 2011	Grand Junction, CO (US) @ Mesa Theater & Club
Dec 3, 2011	Colorado Springs, CO (US) @ The Black Sheep
Dec 4, 2011	Farmington, NM (US) @ Top Deck
Dec 5, 2011	Phoenix, AZ (US) @ Marquee Theatre
Dec 7, 2011	Pomona, CA (US) @ The Glass House
Dec 8, 2011	Reno, NV (US) @ Knitting Factory
Dec 9, 2011	Boise, ID (US) @ Knitting Factory Concert House
Dec 10, 2011	Spokane, WA (US) @ Knitting Factory Concert House
Dec 11, 2011	Calgary, AB (CA) @ The Republik
Dec 12, 2011	Edmonton, AB (CA) @ The Starlite Room
Dec 14, 2011	Winnipeg, MB (CA) @ Pyramid Cabaret
Dec 16, 2011	Cedar Falls, IA (US) @ The Wheelhouse
Dec 17, 2011	Madison, WI (US) @ Barrymore Theatre
Dec 18, 2011	Grand Rapids, MI (US) @ The Intersection

Rob Balducci Interview at Guitar-Muse

guitar-muse.com interviewed with Rob Balducci. Part 1 is up now at guitar-muse.com. Rob goes into detail about his teaching methods and about his Rock House Method release Innovative Guitar, Rock Beyond The Boudaries. Please check it out….. Click Link below

interview-with-rob-balducci-part-one-3521

Children Of Bodom Booked For 70,000 Tons of Metal

40 Bands and 70 tons of fun. Children Of Bodom will perform at 70000 Tons of Metal, The World's Biggest Floating Heavy Metal Festival that takes 40 bands and 2000 fans for a 5-day Caribbean cruise in January.

Imagine starting the year in style. In January 2012, 40 Heavy Metal bands and 2,000 fans from all over the World will go once again to the Caribbean to take over the luxury cruise ship "Majesty of the Seas" for a 5 day and 4 night trip of a lifetime.

Make no mistake, this is not one of the cruises where you share the ship with regular cruise guests... You can enjoy tons of onboard live shows on several in and outdoor stages, open mic nights, bars that never close, a fun-and-sun-filled day on the beautiful island of Grand Cayman and an opportunity to mingle side-by-side with the artists in this incredibly fan-friendly scenario that has no comparison. It's like everyone has a backstage pass!

For more info go to  70000 Tons of Metal website

Rusty Cooley News for November 2011 - Skype Lessons Available

7 and 8 string guitar dominater Rusty Cooley recentley announced that he is taking on new students for skype lessons and in person lessons at Pro Music Instruction in The Woodlands. For delails Email Rusty at rusty@rustycooley.com. Rusty was ranked the 7th fastest guitarist in a recent Guitar World Magazine readers poll. It's a nice oppotunity for anyone to get personal one on one instruction from a true living legend in the music world. Don't want to do the skype lessons? Then go to Rock House OnDemand and get Rusty's Rock House Instructional Series "Arpeggio Madness". The 3 disc dvd set is is NOT for the weak at heart but he takes you through his method of madness one step at a time and makes sure you understand the theory behind his sick arpeggios.

Be Sure to check out the full page advertisement for Rusty's Dean signature 7 and 8 string guitars in the December issue of Guitar World magazine.The metal mad man is endorsing 2 new products, Xzavier clothing and Specraflex cables.

Rusty just did a couple interviews one with Target Audience magazine www.targetaudiencemagazine.com The other with Underworld magazine www.underworldmusicmagazine.com. Check 'em out and learn a little more about the man himself.

Guitar Frenzy Friday - Basic Sweep Picking Guitar Lesson by John McCarthy

Ok you learned a few arpeggios in last weeks lesson Guitar Lesson - Arpeggio Basics, by John McCarthy and it’s time to start slipping these awesome little attention getters into your leads. You can play them with standard alternate picking and they will sound great or you can kick it up a notch and throw in some jaw dropping SWEEP PICKING! In this lesson I’m going to get you started with this technique and give you some of my personal examples and exercises.

First of all let me clarify what sweep picking is by definition;

Sweep Picking

Sweep picking is a technique used on the guitar in which a 'sweeping' motion of the pick is combined with a matching fret hand technique in order to produce a specific series of notes which are fast and fluid in sound. Despite being commonly known as sweep picking, both hands essentially perform an integral motion in unison to achieve the desired effect.

Now I’m going to give you an arpeggio to use and I have a few tips that can really help you get this technique rocking. This is a basic “A” Major arpeggio. I played this arpeggio over and over so many times when I was first learning how to sweep I literally drove everyone in my house crazy, my sisters would whip shoes at me and scream STOP! And the reality of pissing them off I think gave me even more incentive to continue.

The Examples

Try example 1 below using these tips;

·         Holds the pick very loosely, don’t tighten up your hand, wrist or arm.

·         Don’t peck your pick at each note hold your hand in one position and drag it across the strings almost like you were brushing a finger across a metal rake.

Now I’m going to share with you an exercise that helped me out a lot when I was mastering this technique. Play the exercise in example 2 below moving it up the neck one fret at a time.

Now you should be sweeping away I’m going to go one step further and give you some of my favorite sweep patterns. All these are movable and can be played in any key, the first note of each will be the root note or key. 

Example 3 is an “A” minor arpeggio in the same position as the “A” Major arpeggio we first used and will have the same all down all up picking sequence.

Example 4 is my favorite “A” minor arpeggio because it is full sounding and can be played quickly and easily. I sometimes add a right hand tap on the first string 17^th fret (the “A” note) to embellish the root note. To get the consistent sweep picking motion you must start with an up pick, this is because there are two notes played on this string and by starting with an up stroke you can come down on the second note and continue the sweep across the rest of the strings.  One trick here is to roll your finger across the two 14^th fret notes, by placing your 3^rd finger flat across the 4^th and 5^th strings then rolling it up or down depending on if you are going forward or backwards to make a smooth seamless sound.

Example 5 is a sixth string root position “A” minor arpeggio that will also start with an up pick using the same picking variation as Example 4.

Remember all these arpeggios are movable so try to play them in other spots around the neck in all keys.  Now what are you waiting for…..get sweeping.

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

©2009 - 2011 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

World Premiere of Megadeth's New Video for 'Public Enemy No. 1'

World Premiere of Megadeth's New Video for 'Public Enemy No. 1'

Jeff Loomis New Schecter Signature Model Sneak Peek

7 string guitar maniac Jaff Loomis of Nevermore is getting a new axe from Schecter Guitars. In the video the Rock House Instructor talks about his new bad ass guitar and gives a short demo. The guitar has a nice sound and fits well with Jeff's style.

Steve Belong Is Rock House Member Of The Month

Rock House Method has had a long tradition of naming members of the month. The transition to a new web site has not had an effect on this tradion. The Member of the month for October, 2011 is none other than long time member Steve Belong of Liverpool, A small fishing village in Nova Scotia, Canada.

We wanted to take a minute to recognize Steve on his musical accomplishments and congradulate him on being The Rock House Member of The Month. More affectionatley know on the message boards as MOM.

There is a nomination form on the web site. You can help us pick the November member of the month!
Check out Steve's bio and his thoughts on playing, practicing and Rock House here MEMBER OF THE MONTH


©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

Guitar Lesson - Arpeggio Basics, by John McCarthy

 

By John McCarthy

Arpeggio Basics

What is an arpeggio? It sounds hard….seems like a lot of work…These are some of the responses I get from students when I say let’s learn to play arpeggios today.

What I am going to do is make it as painless as possible to get started on the arpeggio express and give you all the information needed to start playing them today. You’ll see that it isn’t as hard as you thought.

Let’s start with the origin of the word, arpeggio stems from the Italian word, arpeggiare, to play the harp, and from arpa, harp, of German origin.Arpeggios were commonly used in classical music throughout history. By definition “arpeggio” means “The sounding of the tones of a chord in rapid succession rather than simultaneously”. Now let’s get into the fun stuff and play some music!

Fret the “A” Minor bar chord in Figure 1 by just fretting the black notes.  Now go to Figure 2 and play the notes of the pattern one at a time, remembering not to hold down any notes. Good news…you just played an “A” Minor ARPEGGIO! Pretty simple, isn’t it? Now don’t get me wrong, there are many ways to play “arps” that may take months to master, but we’ll save those for later.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Most guitarists think of Arpeggios as a 80s technique that was found ripping through almost every guitar solo.  Contrary to popular conception, Arpeggios have a much broader spectrum of use.

First I’ll go through exactly what an Arpeggio is, and then Iet’s explore the many Arpeggio uses. I’m sure you’ll be spicing up your playing with a little dose of Arpeggio in no time.

Definition:  An Arpeggio is the notes of a chord picked out separately.  So let’s say you have a “D” Major chord.  The notes that make that chord are D-F#-A (don’t be confused if you didn’t know that.  I will go through how to find the names of the notes for chords in a future lesson).  So, if I play the notes D-F#-A separately in succession it would be a “D” Major Arpeggio.

Now for this lesson I’m going to show you three Major and minor Arpeggios and the chords that they are formed from.  Remember in the chord charts the black dots are the chord while the white dots are the notes we add to make a complete Arpeggio. These are probably the most common Arpeggios used.  First, I’ll show you the chord, then the Arpeggio that is created from it.

 

Make sure to memorize these arpeggios and practice them with alternate because in part 2 we’ll delve deeper into creating your own Arpeggios, but for now sink your teeth into these. 

Bon appetite!

For More Guitar, Bass, Keyboard, Drum and vocal lessons visit us at www.RockHouseMethod.com

©2009 - 2011 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