10.30.2013

Rockin’ the 12 Bar Blues by John McCarthy - Begginer Blues Guitar Lesson



The 12 bar blues is a progression based on the I - IV - V chords that is 12 measures long. Most blues music is made up of 12 bar blues progressions; 12 measures of music that repeat throughout the song. This progression originated with the blues and has been adapted and used in all styles of music since. This particular example combines barre chords and single notes, and is in the key of A. The single notes at the end of each measure are played with the first and third fingers in the same position as each chord. Play along with the included backing tracks to get the shuffle feel. You can solo over the backing tracks using the A major or minor pentatonic scales; try experimenting with both.

Check the sound and backing track at the bottom to help you with the sound and rhythm.

For more info on the blues guitar learning set check out the web store Go Make Music


10.29.2013

Gibson Guitars Unveils the 1961 Les Paul Tribute

Gibson Unveils the 1961 Les Paul Tribute

Eric Clapton, Robby Krieger, Angus Young, Derek Trucks—each has made some of rock’s greatest music using a Gibson SG.

Now, harking back to the SG’s iconic beginning, Gibson is proud to announce the 1961 Les Paul Tribute—a guitar that captures the glorious vibe of the original 1961 Les Paul/SG, but with enhancements befitting the 21st century.

The SG’s history is well-known. In 1961, Gibson unveiled a radical new configuration of the traditional single-cutaway Les Paul, utilizing a sleek double-cutaway design. Since 1962, the instrument has been known simply as the SG Standard.

An undeniable classic, the original Les Paul/SG Standard nonetheless featured a Deluxe Vibrato unit (commonly known as the “Sideways Vibrato”) that never functioned quite as well as intended. In an exciting move, for the 1961 Les Paul Tribute, Gibson USA has remedied this imperfection by re-engineering the Sideways Vibrato in such a manner that it provides smooth, efficient action with perfect pitch return. Other features include a body and neck crafted from lightweight Grade-A mahogany; a dark, Grade-A rosewood fingerboard with traditional look and feel; two PAF-style ’57 Classic humbucking pickups; vintage-correct hardware and historically accurate plastics.
The 1961 Les Paul Tribute also comes protected in a Gibson hardshell case and includes an owner’s manual, adjustment literature and a truss-rod wrench. For a more detailed look at this remarkable instrument, click here.

Taylor Guitars Releases Fresh Inspiration for Fall 2013



By: chalise.zolezzi
 
Taylor Guitars has released its popular Fall Limited Editions for 2013, delivering a fresh wave of sonic inspiration. This year's collection features rare, figured mahogany paired with European spruce, rosewood/cedar 400 Series models, and a stage-friendly upgrade to the 200 Series that gigging players will love.

Curly-figured sets of mahogany, an anomaly among the normally straight-grained trees, bring unique visual appeal to Taylor's 500 Series Limited Editions. Sourced from Central America, the wood was paired with a European spruce top braced with Adirondack spruce, which produces clear sonic headroom with extra warmth and tonal flavor, according to Taylor master builder Andy Powers. Because of the fundamental emphasis of mahogany, Powers says, players can expect a dynamic voice that's both powerful and sophisticated.

Wood--rich appointments include Indian rosewood binding along the body, soundhole and fretboard, with figured mahogany top trim. Special to this series is a rosette design featuring mahogany and boxwood, which gives the top an organic, modern feel. Boxwood was also used in the new "Avian" fretboard inlay, an abstract design featuring progressive winged forms. Two non-cutaway models, the Grand Auditorium 514e-FLTD and Grand Symphony 516e-FLTD, are available. Each guitar includes a bone nut and Micarta saddle, a full-gloss finish, and new Taylor Expression System® acoustic electronics.

Two 400 Series Limiteds, the Grand Auditorium 414ce-FLTD and Grand Symphony 416ce-FLTD, treat players to the warm sonic pairing of Indian rosewood and Western Red cedar. The blend of rosewood's broad frequency range with cedar's rich overtones yields a complex voice that responds well to a light touch. One other inclusion in the series is the 12-string Grand Symphony456ce-FLTD, which substitutes a Sitka spruce top to produce a better tonal response with the additional string tension. The 400 Series Limiteds feature mother-of-pearl dot fretboard inlays, white binding, and a gloss-finish top. 

Taylor's third unique offering this fall is a pair of 200 Series models, the Dreadnought 210ce-FLTD and Grand Auditorium 214ce-FLTD, which feature several performance-friendly upgrades. The pairing of rosewood laminate back and sides with a solid Sitka top is enhanced by an all-gloss finish, Taylor Expression System acoustic electronics, and a hardshell case. Players at every skill level will benefit from a professional-grade performance package that will elevate their stage presence to another level.

The Fall Limiteds are currently available at Authorized Taylor Dealers. To locate a dealer near you, please visit www.taylorguitars.com/dealers

For additional news from Taylor Guitars, please visit:
www.taylorguitars.com/news
www.twitter.com/TaylorGuitars

10.28.2013

New Book "My Life with Deth" by David Ellefson Due Out Soon

Long time Rock House Artist/Instructor David Ellefson of Megadeth has a new book titled "My Life With Deth" and it is due out in a few days. Below is the press release for the book.

My Life with Deth
Discovering Meaning in a Life of Rock and Roll
By David Ellefson and Joel McIver
Foreword by: Alice Cooper

FAITH, HOPE, AND HEAVY METAL

In My Life with Deth, cofounder and bassist of Mega­deth David Ellefson reveals the behind-the-scenes details of life in one of the world’s most popular heavy metal bands. If you’re looking for revelations, they’re here, including the drug habits that brought the band members to their knees. You’ll learn of David’s unsuc­cessful attempts at rehab and the period when he was strung out on methadone, cocaine, and heroin—all at the same time.

But My Life with Deth is far more than just another memoir of debauchery. Ellefson also shares the story of his faith journey, which began when he decided his only choice for survival was to get free from his addic­tion. In his recovery, he returned to his childhood roots in the Lutheran church and embraced his Christianity that continues to inform his life and work today.

In the pages of this book, you’ll find insightful comments from some of the biggest names in heavy metal, along with life lessons for every reader. Whether religious or not, you’ll be enthralled, informed, and inspired by this tell-all book on discovering meaning in a life of rock and roll.

Click this link to learn more about owning this book http://www.davidellefson.com/merchandise.php

Rob Balducci's 10-10-13 Lick Of The Week – Rehearsal of “The Crimson King” .

Rock House Artist/Instructor Rob Balducci is sharing some footage with everyone for his "Lick of The Week" segment. The footage is from a rehearsal he had recently. Kenji Tajima – Drums and Andrew Golba – Bass

Rob states he is "excited to get this tune back in the set. The song is Called “The Crimson King” and it is from my CD Mantra."

If you are in tri state NY area get out and see their first show together Nov 9th at BlackThorn 51 in Queens New York!!

Check out more of Rob Balducci at http://robbalducci.com/


UNEARTH Main Support For SEPULTURA; November 2013 Tour

Rock House Artist/Instructor Buz McGrath and his band UNEARTH are off and touring with SEPULTURA in November.



All That Remains - What If I Was Nothing Video Released

All That Remains just released the latest video for their song "What If I Was Nothing"

We at Rock House Just wanted to say congrats to Rock House Artist/Instructor Oli Herbert and his band members on the release.

MEGADETH 'SUPER COLLIDER U.S. TOUR' Starts in less that 30 days!

MEGADETH has added a couple more dates and cities to it's "SUPER COLLIDER" Tour

TOUR DATES
11/23 St. Paul, MN / Myth Live
11/24 Madison, WI / Orpheum Theatre
11/26 Grand Rapids, MI / Orbit Room
11/27 Detroit, MI / The Fillmore
11/29 Montclair, NJ / The Wellmont Theater
11/30 Bethlehem, PA / Sands Bethlehem Event Center
12/01 Boston, MA / House of Blues Boston
12/03 Huntington, NY / The Paramount
12/04 Silver Spring, MD / The Fillmore Silver Spring
12/05 Charlotte, NC / The Fillmore Charlotte
12/07 N. Myrtle Beach, SC / House of Blues Myrtle Beach
12/08 Saint Petersburg, FL / Jannus Live
12/09 Lake Buena Vista, FL / House of Blues Orlando
12/11 Austin, TX / Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater
12/12 Houston, TX / Bayou Music Center
12/14 Socorro, TX / Socorro Entertainment Center
12/18 San Francisco, CA / Warfield Theatre
12/19 Reno, NV / Grand Sierra Resort

VIP PACKAGES DETAILS:
Ultimate Guitar Meet & Greet Package
- One FRONT ROW Reserved floor ticket or First Priority GA ticket (distributed day of show)
- One signed Dave Mustaine Peace Sells VMNT Dean Guitar (details below)
- Photo Op and Meet & Greet with Megadeth
- One entry to Official Megadeth Preshow VIP Party, which includes,
Priority VIP check-in
Preshow refreshments (Including beer & wine)
Preshow prizes & giveaways
Private crowd free merchandise shopping
Preshow party music playing your favorite Megadeth selections
- Exclusive Megadeth VIP Merchandise, which includes:
One physical copy of "Super Collider"
One signed "Super Collider" booklet
One specially designed Megadeth ring
One commemorative Megadeth VIP laminate & lanyard
One commemorative Megadeth VIP ticket
- Dedicated On-Site VIP Hosts

Dave Mustaine Peace Sells VMNT Dean Guitar
Mahogany Body
25-1/2" Scale
1-11/16" Nut
Dave Mustaine Spec. Set Mahogany
"D-Shaped" Neck
Rosewood Fingerboard
Pearl Dot Inlays
Mini Grover Tuners
Black Hardware
Tune-O-Matic Bridge
DMT Design Active Pickups
"Peace Sells" Graphic

Kingmaker Meet & Greet Package
- One Reserved Floor Ticket within first 10 rows, or Priority GA ticket (distributed day of show)
- Photo Op and Meet & Greet with Megadeth
- One entry to Official Megadeth Preshow VIP Party, which includes,
Priority VIP check-in
Preshow refreshments (Including beer & wine)
Preshow prizes & giveaways
Private crowd free merchandise shopping
Preshow party music playing your favorite Megadeth selections
- Exclusive Megadeth VIP Merchandise, which includes:
One physical copy of "Super Collider"
One signed "Super Collider" booklet
One specially designed Megadeth ring
One commemorative Megadeth VIP laminate & lanyard
One commemorative Megadeth VIP ticket
Dedicated On-Site VIP Hosts

For VIP-related questions & updates, follow @OTLPresents on Twitter & Facebook.com/OnTheListPresents

FREEKBASS November 2013 Tour Dates



Rock House Method Artist/Instructor FREEKBASS has a few concert dates in November 2013. Get yourself out and see the one of a kind Bassist shed his funk/techno style and get it on with some smooth rock licks with The Kelly Richey Band if you get the chance. Guaranteed  entertainment.



-Saturday, November 2: Woodlands/ Columbus, OH
*The Kelly Richey Band (Kelly Richey, Freekbass, & Bamn)


-Friday, November 8: 411 Club/ Kalamazoo, MI *The Kelly Richey Band (Kelly Richey, Freekbass, & Bamn)

-Saturday, November 9: Callahan’s/ Auburn Hills, MI *The Kelly Richey Band (Kelly Richey, Freekbass, & Bamn)

-Sunday, November 10: Black Swamp Blues Society Event/ Toledo, OH *The Kelly Richey Band (Kelly Richey, Freekbass, & Bamn) 

-Saturday, November 16: Bear Creek Music Festival/Live Oak, FL *Freekbass will be an ‘Artist-At-Large’

-Sunday, November 17: Bear Creek Music Festival/Live Oak, FL *Freekbass will be an ‘Artist-At-Large’

10.22.2013

Acoustic Jazz Guitar Technique by John McCarthy






Let’s incorporate some acoustic techniques together. This is a jazz progression using the four major seventh and minor seventh chords shown in the frames. Follow the finger-picking symbols below the staff (p-i-m-a) and slap the muted (X’d) notes with your thumb where indicated. There are also some melodic bass notes in between the chords to make the progression swing. The timing of this particular exercise is in 6/8, counted in threes (one-two-three-one-two-three).

Click the Rock House Banner at the top for more ways to learn how to play your guitar.

Click the sound cloud at the bottom for the audio lesson.
 










©2009 - 2013 The Rock House Method, All Rights Reserved. This article can not be used without permission from the Author. To Contact the Author email jm@RockHouseMethod.com

10.21.2013

Peavey Electronics® Announces Stan Lee Autographed Guitar Giveaway

Peavey Electronics® is pleased to announce an exclusive guitar giveaway. Between now and December 31st, 2013, participants may enter for a chance to win a Peavey Iron Man™ guitar signed by Marvel® Comics super hero creator Stan Lee. Interested guitar and comic lovers may enter at Peavey’s Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/PeaveyElectronics).

Stan Lee is the co-creator of such Marvel Comic icons as Spider-Man™, Iron Man™, The Incredible Hulk™ and more, and is a living legend in the world of comics. Peavey and Lee previously partnered for the Stan Lee POW!er Concerts, a series of musical events which entertain servicemen and women at military bases nationwide while benefitting the Wounded Warrior program.

The Iron Man Rockmaster is part of Peavey’s line of officially licensed Marvel Universe instruments. Available only from Peavey, the products feature Captain America™, Thor™, Wolverine™, X-Men™, Spider-Man™, Iron Man™ and The Incredible Hulk™ immortalized in highly detailed artwork on guitars, percussion instruments and accessories. Learn more about these products at www.peavey.com/products/marvel/.

Enter for a chance to win at http://www.peavey.com/contests/ironmanguitar/contest.cfm. Full terms and conditions may be viewed at http://www.peavey.com/contests/ironmanguitar/.

5 Questions To Ask Before You Take Guitar Lessons


I’m asked quite often what to look for in a guitar teacher. Most instructors are pretty good at what they do but, I always recommend having a good old sit down visit with them before you sign up for their program.

I would start by asking a lot of questions about what the teacher can do for you, such as, can he teach you the style of music that you want to learn. Keep in mind that there are building blocks that are common for all styles of music but they should be able to help you reach the goal of understanding and learning about the style of music you want to learn.

  • Ask for a free lesson preview or at least find out what material they will be using for instruction. Watch and listen to see if the instructor can present the learning material in an organized manner. The instructors’ explanation of the material should be easy to understand.
  • When the instructor is explaining things are they patient, courteous, understanding and helpful? If the teacher seams frustrated about all the questions you ask, you will probably become frustrated with learning.
  • Ask how their program works. The instructor should be able to tell you what you will need to do to be successful. They should be able to set you up with clear, concise program of practice and goals to achieve.
  • Do they understand your strengths and limitations, and can they work together with you patiently toward consolidation and improvement
  • At the end of your visit you should have a feeling of enthusiasm about learning from the instructor.
There are a lot of other questions I'm sure you can think of but these are the main ones that are important to me. I would love to hear some comments on some of the question you guys think would be important to ask a music teacher.