PRS Mira and Starla Guitars Releases New Metallic Finishes

Paul Reed Smith Guitars is once again teaming up with long-time partner DuPont and their Hot Hues™ palette of colors to present brilliant new metallic guitar offerings. “Twilight,” “Catalina Dream,” and “Sinful Cinnamon” make up the roster of new color options offered.

PRS Guitars has been using DuPont paints for more than ten years and has been using Hot Hues™ paint since its inception. Over the span of this partnership, the prominent guitar manufacturer has joined DuPont at two SEMA shows, providing guitars finished in Hot Hues™ colors for the DuPont booth display, and provided a custom guitar for The Jeff Gordon Foundation. This guitar, signed by Jeff Gordon, Chip Foose, and Carlos Santana, was finished in the same paint as the Hot Hues “Heat Wave and Flames” No. 24 DuPont racecar driven by Gordon. PRS also chose the Hot Hues™ line to reintroduce the CE Alder Bolt-on guitar in 2008 with exceptional results.

"We are very proud of our relationship with Paul Reed Smith Guitars and we're very pleased that they have chosen our Hot Hues Custom Finishes for their new line of guitars. DuPont is a company powered by Science and Innovation and that is a great fit with the innovative spirit of PRS Guitars," says Fred Wissemann, Brand Manager for DuPont Refinish and Hot Hues Custom Finishes.

The most recent application of the Hot Hues™ line will appear on some of PRS’ newest guitar models: the Mira and the Starla. Rick Hodgson of the PRS Sales Team said, “We are excited to offer these unique colors. They are brand new for us, and we think they will give these already retro-inspired guitars a customized, Hot Rod vibe.” These guitars began shipping to dealers in mid-April.

“DuPont Hot Hues products offer the most user friendly metallic paint system we have tried,” says Steve Sears, Topcoat Finish Manager of PRS Guitars. “The ease of application, quality of coverage and variety of colors make Hot Hues™ an astounding product line.”

Paul Reed Smith Guitars is a leading manufacturer of high-quality instruments in Stevensville, Maryland and has been providing some of the world’s most renowned guitarists with instruments since 1985. More than 240 highly skilled craftspeople produce more than 70 guitars each day for worldwide distribution. Carlos Santana, Rich Eckhardt of Toby Keith, Linkin Park, Chris Henderson of 3 Doors Down and Mark Tremonti of Alter Bridge are among the artists currently playing PRS guitars.

 

For more info go to http://www.prsguitars.com

 

Hot 100 50th Anniversary Songbook - Alfred Music Publishing

Commemorating the 50th anniversary of Billboard magazine’s globally influential Hot 100 chart, Alfred Music Publishing, a leading provider of high-quality music products since 1922, is thrilled to release the Billboard Magazine Hot 100 50th Anniversary Songbook. Boasting more than 250 pages of sheet music by hit makers from Chubby Checker, the Beatles, and Mariah Carey to Timbaland and OneRepublic, this massive songbook is a valuable collectible—a summation of 50 years of pop culture for music makers from every generation to enjoy, complete with fun and informative facts about each of the 50 all-time hits it contains. Billboard Magazine has tracked pop songs and ranked them for more than 50 years on their "Hot 100"—a weekly list that has the ability to make or break an artist’s career. To mark their 50th anniversary of the chart, Billboard produced the "All-Time Hot 100," a definitive list of the biggest songs ever spanning these five decades. The songbook contains a cross-section of songs and artists that exemplify the array of landmark musical styles that emerged during these exciting times. The piano/vocal/guitar edition is available for only $24.95. For novice pianists, an abridged “Easy Piano” edition is available for just $17.95, containing 20 simplified hits skillfully arranged by renowned piano educator Dan Coates to make the songs easier to play, yet still sound impressive. Pick up your copies at a local music retail store, or buy them today at www.alfred.com.

The Flex Drive Pedal From Rockett

Rockett Pedals has announced the release of their new Flex Drive Pedal.

According to their web site "The Flex Drive is our most versatile overdrive of the bunch. This was our attempt to achieve the Malcolm sound which is one of our favorite rhythm tones ever. However, the Flex Drive will get you all the way to VH-2 which happens to be one of our favorite lead tones ever. Luckily enough all of the tones in between can achieve amazing blues and country tones as well, that’s why we call it the Flex Drive. This is just an incredible tool for studio and live performances.

There is also a video demonstration on their site. I must say it sounds pretty darn good.

The pedal retails for $189.00

More info can be found at http://www.rockettpedals.com

Guitar Lick Challenge - Legato Madness

PROFESSOR JIM’S LICK CHALLENGE
www.rockhousemethod.com

There are 4 audio tracks available for download that go with this lesson. See full track listing at the end of the lesson.

This one is for all you shredder’s out there. This lick is a personal favorite of mine. I came up with this lick a few years back and use it as a warm everyday. This lick is a full on legato shred run. Legato is a technique where we use techniques such as; hammer-ons and pull-offs and tapping instead of the pick to create a smooth slur like quality to the notes. The notes are sounded without the use of picking but by the strength of your fingers. Using legato gives a somewhat of a violin quality to your lines.

The points of interest to note in the tab are where the picking is and is not as well as where the slides occur. Notices that the lick begins with a down pick (see symbol above fingering) then there are two hammer-ons before you use an up pick on the fifth string. Now watch at the end of the first stave, once you play the upstroke with your pick on the seventh fret on the first string, there is no more picking until the end of the lick until you hit the E5 power chord with a down stroke. The audio files may come in handy on this one!!!!
Keep Rockin’ N’ Rollin’!!

-Professor Jim

 
The Downloadable Audio Track Listing:

Download all these practice tracks for just $1.99. Yes I want the Practice Tracks

1. Guitar Tuning Notes
2. “Legato Madness” Guitar Lick Challenge
3. Legato Madness Example Track
4. Legato Madness Play Along Track

Click Here For A Complete Listing of all the Guitar Lesson Audio Downloads


©2009 Jim Rutkowski & 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

5 Music Terms For The Day

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

Tie - A curved line over or below two or more notes of the same pitch. The first pitch is sung or played and held for the duration of the notes affected by the tie. 

Allargando, allarg - Slowing of tempo, usually with increasing volume; most frequently occurs toward the end of a piece.  

Circle of fifths - The succession of keys or chords proceeding by fifths.

Dolce - Sweetly. 

Mi - In solmization, the third degree of the major scale.

All That Remains Live Tour Updates

Phil Labonte from All That Remains will be doing a live streaming video update from the road! Phil will sit down with fans over the web to let you know how the tour is going and to answer your questions. Catch him on Friday, May 29 at 3:30 PM eastern at http://www.stickam.com/allthatremainsonline

5 Music Terms For The Day

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

Do - The first degree of the major scale. 


Mezzo piano - Medium soft.

Piu - More. Used with other terms, e.g. piu mosso, more motion.

Ritenuto - Immediate reduction in tempo.

Serenade - A love song or piece, usually performed below someone's window in the evening. 

Roland U.S. Holds First Ever Atelier Organ Fest

In their continuing mission to promote the hobby of organ playing, Roland Corporation U.S. held their first ever Atelier® Organ Fest, which culminated in a final showcase of the country’s best organ talent in the National Finals on March 27, 2009, in Los Angeles, California.

Regional Roland Atelier Organ Fest events were held at select Roland organ dealers across the country in the fall of 2008. Dealers hosted these local events in their community, giving hobbyist players, students and professionals an opportunity to share their musical talents.

With the first round of Atelier Fests completed, many local winners jetted off to Orlando to compete in the National Semi-finals. Competitors participated in one of four different divisions: Professional, Advanced Hobbyist, Hobbyist, Youth 1 and Youth 2. The top winners in each category advanced to the National Finals in Los Angeles.

Finalists performed on Roland’s flagship AT-900 Atelier Organ for a live audience. They were then critiqued by a panel of expert judges, including organ virtuoso Hector Olivera, concert artist Rosemary Bailey, and expert clinician and performer Debbie Culbertson Skinner.

Winners included Jeff Buchholz from California in the Hobbyist division, Mark Cammuso from Florida in the Advanced Hobbyist division, Riley Dunn from Missouri in the Youth 1 division, Brent Evangelista from California in the Youth 2 division, and Stan Koyama from Florida in the Professional division.

“We are thrilled at the success of the first annual Atelier Organ Fest,” says Lynda Smith, Manager of Business Development. “This event gives organ enthusiasts a new outlet to express their love of organ music and to share their talents. Teachers are now more involved in coaching their students on repertoire and working together to create arrangements that highlight the wonderful sounds and styles of the Music Atelier.”

Roland is currently gearing up for the second annual Atelier Organ Fest, and will expand the scope of regional events. For more information on becoming a participating dealer in Roland Atelier Organ Fest 2009-10, please contact Lynda Smith at 323-890-3773.

For more information, visit http://www.RolandUS.com.

Gary Hoey Fender Clinics and Cruise

DEADLINE IS JUNE 10TH to book your cabin Onboard the Carnival Splendor November 8, 2009- November 15, 2009 Sailing out of Long Beach, CA Visiting Puerta Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas You must be booked through our group to be able to access the private events!! Gary will be performing for our private group, there will be a guitar clinic, meet & greet, parties, games and more... Prices sarting at $806 per person based on double occupancy... every cabin receives a $100 onboard credit. The prices posted include the port charges, taxes, fuel surcharge and gratuity. There are NO hidden fees!!   You must be booked by June 10, 2009!! Contact Dolores@BestMusicCruises.com www.BestMusicCruises.com www.GaryHoey.com Mon 06/01/09 Buckdancers Choice - Clinic Portland ME Tue 06/02/09 Strings & Things - Clinic Concord NH Wed 06/03/09 Hot Licks Guitar - Clinic Waldorf MD Thu 06/04/09 Melodee Music - Clinic Sterling VA Fri 06/05/09 Dave Phillips Music - Clinic Allentown PA Sat 06/06/09 Ken Stanton Music - Clinic Marietta GA Sat 06/27/09  Lakeview Lounge Dracut, MA Fri 09/24/09  Twin Rivers Casino  Lincoln RI

Gary Hoey Band PO Box 954 Pelham, New Hampshire 03076

5 Music Terms For The Day

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

Ritardando, rit - Gradually slower. Synonymous with rallentando.

Sequence - The repetition of a melodic pattern on a higher or lower pitch level. 

Ti - In solmization, the seventh degree of the major scale. Also called the leading tone.

Alla breve - Cut time; meter in which there are two beats in each measure and a half note receives one beat. 

Chromatic scale - A scale composed of 12 half steps.

Arpeggio Theory for Guitar

Considering the many tools available formusicians arpeggios are among the strongest, most creative, difficult, and the most fun to play. They are also one of the most misunderstood in purpose and application.

   Characteristics of Arpeggios

In general, arpeggios outline the scale-wisecomponents of a specific chord structure. This is true for simple triads, the1st - 3rd - 5th degrees of a major or minor scale and for the most complicatedchord forms. Adding additional scale tones (say the 6th degree) changes theoutline to a Major 6th or Minor 6th chord outline.

Techniques

To complicate matters, one of the most effective techniques associated with arpeggios is to play the arpeggio over alike but not exact chord structure. For example, playing a Dm7 arpeggio over a G7 chord is very effective. So, understanding the concepts of substitution is also a very important requirement to effective utilization of arpeggios.

Let’s take this train of thought a little bit further. Traditional techniques (such as Lower Neighbors) can effectively be utilized with arpeggios. Indeed, almost every accomplished musician utilizes this technique. Remember that we are discussing the theory of arpeggios. This theory is as valid for piano players, sax players, and what have you as it is for guitar and bass players. We all follow the same logic and theory. The material we are covering here is a form of music theory

Basic Logic and Construction of Arpeggios

Arpeggios are a sequential array ofscale-wise components that outline a given chord structure. Although arpeggios can, and do, start on any given note of the sequence they usually begin and endon the tonic (1st degree of the scale). What happens in-between the start andend can vary significantly, as you will see. 

Components of an Arpeggio

The diagram below illustrates a two octave C Major arpeggio. It is built on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th tones of the C Major scale (C, E, and G). Together they would produce a C Major chord. But arpeggios are played one note at a time

C	D	E	F	G	A	B	C	- Notes of a C Major scale
1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	6th	7th	8th	- Degrees of the scale

Notice that the notes (C E G) were selected sequentially from the C major scale. The first C Major arpeggio starts and ends with the note C. The second C Major arpeggio starts with the note G. G is the 5th degree of the C Major scale. Arpeggios seldom start with the 3rd degree of the scale. Both the root (C) and the 5th (G) tone provide a strong start to arpeggios.

 Introducing Variation

A basis two octave C Major arpeggio was illustrated on the previous page. The notes were all listed sequentially 

(C E G C E G C). The diagram below illustrates two variations on the basic C Major arpeggio

                              

Both examples only contain the notes (C E G). The arrangement of the notes however, is significantly different. In the first variation the notes do not go in the traditional sequence. In fact, the sequence rather involved.

Original C Major arpeggio:  Variation One:  Variation Two:

C  E  G  C  E  G  C E  C  G  E  C  G  E   C  G  E  C  G  C C  E  G  E  G  C  G   C  E  C  E  G  C

Both Variation One and Variation Two are standard substitutions for the basic Major arpeggio.

First we analyzed two variations of a C Major arpeggio. The first two-octave arpeggio started and ended with the root note "C". The other arpeggio started with the 5th degree of the C Major scale "G" and ended with the root note "C". Thus we were introduced to a small amount of variation in the construction of arpeggios. 

Then we reviewed two additional variations of the basic arpeggio. They were much more complex but utilized only the C E G framework for a C Major arpeggio. We can then conclude that a given arpeggio must contain a specific set of scale tones, but the sequence of playing these selective tones does not necessarily have to be consecutive. 

The specific tones for C Major are:  But they can be played:

C  E  G  C  E  G   C  E  G  C E  C  G  E  C  G   E  C  G  C

©2009  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