Victor Epand's Articles in Music

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Electric Guitar Effects And Sounds Electric guitars can be played in a variety of ways, and many genres involve the use of a range of effects. We hear a lot about these effects, but what actually are they, and how are they used? The Many Styles Of Playing Electric Bass Guitar The electric bass guitar can be played in a variety of ways, each creating a different sound or tone. In this article we look at a few of these styles and how they are achieved. Pitch Related Effects For Electric Guitar Another popular range of sound effects available to players of the electric guitar are those which relate to the pitch of the instrument, including the use of octaves, harmonies and bending. Electric Guitars And The World Of Harmonics The word harmonics is fairly commonly referred to in the world of electric guitars, but what exactly are harmonics, and why do they carry the reputation of being so challenging? Electric Bass Guitars & Amplifiers In this article we look at some of the choices and options available to guitarists when it comes to amplifier units for electric bass guitars. The Wah Pedal And The Talk Box There are many different gadgets which can be used to affect the sound or voice of an electric guitar, and in this article we look at two - one popular and fairly well known, and the other rather unusual and less heard of. Wah Pedals, Fuzz Boxes And Graphics Equalisers Electric guitars are instruments which, unlike most others, use a wide range of extra tools and features to manipulate and affect the sound created. In this article we look at some of these extra features. Time Based Sound Effects For Electric Guitar There are a number of time based effects which can be employed whilst playing electric guitar. In this article we look at three popular effects: slap, echo, and feedback. Modulation Effects For Electric Guitar Modulation is a strange work that seems to be somewhat mysterious to the uninitiated. In this article we look at one particular modulation effect and how it began, before digital manipulation. Electric Guitars And Early Electric Amplifiers Electric guitars must use an external amplification unit as they have no way of producing the sound themselves, unlike acoustic guitars. In this article we look at the early development of the amplifier and some of its earliest features. The Birth Of The Electric Bass Guitar Electric bass guitars are proving very popular with many players, including beginners. This article looks at their style and development, and how they grew from a fiddle rather than a guitar. The Secrets Of A Fretless Guitar Some electric bass guitars are produced without frets. This article looks at how this is possible, and the reasons for wanting to play a guitar that is missing such a vital component. Adding A Twist To The Electric Guitar Electric guitars have a reputation for being different, and having a striking appearance - but in this article we look at a couple of ways in which the electric guitar can be adapted to create quite different voices. The Voice Of An Electric Guitar Acoustic guitars and electric guitars have completely different voices. In this article we look at how those voices are created, and how an electric guitar can almost be said to have no specific voice. Considering The Neck Of A Guitar The neck of a guitar can often be ignored when looking at the instrument, and is seen as simply the long extra bit - but in fact, it is this part which makes a huge difference to the instrument. The Versatility Of An Electric Acoustic Guitar Though familiar with both acoustic and electric guitars, many people don't realise that a combination of these styles exists in the electric acoustic guitar - and in this article we have a look at what they provide. The Importance Of Design In The Popularity Of Bass Guitars Bass guitars were often the rather dowdy instruments hidden at the back of a stage, but with a little help from mother nature, these instruments have gained massive popularity - as a result from their visual appeal as much as their musical capabilities. The Development Of The Electric Bass Guitar Over the past fifty years the design and development of the electric bass guitar has brought the instrument from the shadows of the back of the stage right into the limelight at the front - and in this article we look at how it has achieved this. Solid Body Electric Guitars And Their Hollow Body Cousins Most people assume all electric guitars have solid bodies, but this isn't actually the case. In this article we look at the differences between the two types. The Many Forms Of The Slit Drum A description of what constitutes a slit drum and examples of the many forms the instrument takes around the world, both for music and communication. Tenor Drums In Marching Bands A description of the how tenor drums are used in marching bands, including the variety of sets in which they are usually played. Flattop Vs. Archtop Guitars: Sound Holes And Soundboards An explanation of how an archtop guitar differs from a flattop instrument. A brief history of the former instrument and a list of the modern models defining characteristics. The "Beating Guitar" Of Italy A description of the Italian battenge guitar, its various characteristics and how they vary from those of a classical guitar. The Portuguese Guitar: A Modern Cittern A brief history of the evolution of the Portuguese guitar, an explanation of the two varieties of the instrument and a summary of its importance in the musical genre of fado. Seven-String Guitars: A Niche Instrument An explanation of how the extra string on a seven-string guitar can be attached and a history of the instrument. Fingerpicking: A Technique For Many Genres An explanantion of how fingerpicking differs from the other methods of playing a guitar and an overview of some of the genres that use fingerpicking. Tenor Guitars: More Common Than You Realize A brief history of the tenor guitar, a description of its basic characteristics and how they differ from those of a standard six-string, and a summary of its modern popularity. Double Neck Guitars: A Two In One Scenario An explanation of the advantage of the double neck guitar, a description of some variations that can be found and a word about its place in modern music. The Acoustic Bass Guitar: A Relative Newcomer A brief history of the origins of the acoustic bass guitar, a description of how it differs from other guitars, and a discussion of a few of the commonly used Mexican versions. The Bodhran: The Unofficial Drum Of Ireland A brief history of the bodhran, including an explanation of its traditional use as a tool of war and of noisemaking. A description of its basic physical characteristics and playing technique. Fretless Guitars: An Issue Of Taste An explanation of how fretless guitars differ from fretted instruments and a summary of the advantages and disadvantes the difference creates. Synthesis Methods Of The Electronic Keyboard A summary of the five different types of synthesis used by electronic keyboards and a basic description of how each type works. The Advantages Of The Modern Ten-String Guitar An explanation of the defining characterists of ten-string guitars, both romantic and modern, and an overview of the advantages of the ten-string vs. the six-string. The Sound Effects Of The Electric Guitar A very basic summary and description of some of the most common sound effects used in conjunction with the electric guitar. Drum Kits: Not Just About The Drums A description of the different types of non-drum instruments that can be included in drum kits and basic explanations as to the natures of the most common. Pickups: Humbuckers, Piezos & Hexes A description of the purpose served by pickups in the makeups of electric guitars and an explanation the four basic types of pickups. The Features Of The Common Keyboard A description of some of the features commonly found on the average keyboard, some of which imitate the qualities of a piano and some of which go beyond such imitation. The Cultural Importance Of Ewe Drumming An explanation of traditonal drumming practices among the Ewe people and a description of the various places of importance it holds in Ewe culture. Drummers Of The Swing Jazz Era An explanation of the importance of drum music in swing jazz, list of some of the most influential drummers of that genre and brief biographies of each musician. Fingerboards: Where The String Meets The Fret A description of the role the fingerboard plays in the construction and music of the guitar and an explanation of the role of frets on a fingerboard. Harp Guitars: A Strange Breed An attempt at describing the harp guitar and a sampling of the wide variety of designs and characteristics available for the instrument. Guitar Inlay: Beautiful And Useful An explanation of how inlay is used on guitars, both as a method of labeling frets and as a decorative visual addition. The Many Faces Of Musical Score An explanation that "score" is one type of sheet music and a description of the various types of score and their attributes and uses. The Award For Most Improved-The Electronic Drum An explanation of how an electronic drum differs from an acoustic instrument and how the former acutally works, as well as a list of recent improvements and artists. The Many Sounds Of The Drum An explanation of the different construction and makeup factors that can affect a drum's sound and a few examples of what those effects might be. Luthiers: Creators Of Beautiful Music An explanation of what luthiers are and the parts they have played, and continue to play, in the development of the guitar. Guitar Frets: Not Always A Straight Shot A description of the purpose of the guitar fret and a list of the different variations on the standard guitar fret. The Drumhead: From Rawhide To Kevlar An explanation of how drumheads operate within the context of the drum as a whole and a description of the different types of materials used to make drumheads. Guitar Headstocks: It's All About The Style A description of the different purposes served by headstocks on guitars, and an explanation of how they are related to machine head layout. The Mellotron: A Child Of The 60s A basic description of what a mellotron is and a summary of its history, including its popularity and use in various music genres over the past four decades. Truss Rods: Good Posture For Guitars A description of what a truss rod is and the important part it plays in preventing the undesired warping of guitar necks. Pickguards: It's What's Outside That Counts An explanation of the purposes of the guitar pickguard, both as protection from damage and as decoration for an instrument. Guitar Amps: For The "Plugged" Performance An explanation of the part that guitar amplifiers play in electric guitar performances, a brief history of the devices, and an description of the different kinds that can be found today. Conga Drums: A Confusing But Moving Family An overview of the different types of conga drums, their basic construction and evolution and the methods used to play them. The Tambourine: The Unknown Drum A discussion of the fact that tambourines are really a kind of drum and an overview of the various countries they are used in and the different names they go by. The History Of Printed Sheet Music A summary of printed sheet music's evolution from the advent of the printing press, to the height of sheet music's importance, to its eventual fall from common use. Big Drums: Does Size Matter? A summary of the three largest types of drums used today, the bass drum, the timpani drum and taiko drumming's odaiko drum. How To Make The Body Of A Frame Drum A description of the different options available to someone looking to make the body of a frame drum and a step by step guide through the various options. The Guitar Solo And Rock And Roll An exposition of the guitar solo's place in rock and roll and a brief explanation of how it is usually incorporated into the songs of the genre. The Sound Pressure Level Meter And You A description of what a sound pressure level meter is and does, how it is used, and the reasons home theaters audio system owners should have one. Steel Drums: An Ongoing Legacy A summary of the history of the steel drum, its origins in African slavery in the Caribbean, its future, and the instrument's basic construction. Famous (And Infamous) Artists Of The Electric Guitar A review of four of the most famous and infamous electric guitarists in rock and roll, their personalities and their accomplishments. Drums Of The Native Peoples Of North America A summary and description of a few of the different types of frame drums used by the native tribal people of North America. The Therapy Of The Drum An explanation of what music therapy is, why drums are used in it and the various ways in which they are used, especially pertaining to drum circles. Drum Machines: More Prevalent Than You Think A brief history of the origins of the drum machine, its evolution over the past eighty years, and its current applications and challenges. The Goblet Drum Of The Middle East A brief overview of the origins of the goblet drum and a description of the two different kinds and how they may be played. Guitar And Lute Tab: The Apple And The Tree A brief description of the origina of modern guitar tab that can be found in lute tablature and the similarities and differences of the two in modern times. The Guitar Pick: A Little Goes A Long Way An overview of the variety of guitar picks available today, the uses to which they can be put, and the differences between standard picks and fingerpicks. Bongo Drums And Latin Culture An overview of the importance of bongo drums in Latin music and an explanation of the instruments' evolution from African roots. The Hand Drum: A Hands-On Experience An explanation of what constitutes a hand drum and definitions of the two most commonly found types of hand drum, the frame drum Korea Drums: The Instrument Of Modern Folk Music A description of the two most common types of drums used in traditional Korean music and an explanation of their origins in both folk and court music. Percussion Mallets: More Than Just Sticks An overview of the three different types of percussion mallets most commonly used (drumsticks, mallets and brushes) and the different uses for which they are intended. Drums In Traditional And Modern China An overview of the role drums have played over the course of Chinese history and the various social aspects that the instrument continues to influence. The Talking Drums Of West Africa A brief explanation of how drums have been used for long-distance communication throughout history with focus on the most famous kind, the talking drum. Upgrades Of Existing Home Theater Audio Systems A list of a few basic steps and upgrades owners can use to improve the sound quality of their home theater audio systems. Resonator Guitars: Biscuits, Spiders And Cones, Oh My! A brief description of the different types of resonator guitars and the evolution of the tricone, single inverted cone, and spider-less single cone designs. Types Of Musical Synthesizers: The Keyboard's Family Tree A basic description of the two types of keyboards available today, these being analog and digital. Also a brief description of how computers can be used as synthesizers. The Russian Guitar: An Instrument Of The People A summary of the history of the Russian guitar, how its story has been linked to the political upheaval of that country and the appeal it still holds for many Russians. The Evolution And Future Of Digital Sheet Music An explanation of the advantages of digital sheet and music, how it has changed the sheet music industry, and its future potential. Guitar Accessories: More Than Just Icing A summary of a few of the more common guitar accessories available and brief descriptions of what each item is designed to do. The Drum Solo And Rock And Roll A brief timeline of the drum solo's evolution, a description of what makes it different from the solos of other instruments, and how it can differ across genres. The Early History Of Sheet Music In Western Civilization A summary of sheet music's early history, from Greek civilization through the end of the Middle Ages, and the roots of our modern notation. Famous Acoustic Guitarists Of The 20th Century A brief list of some of the more famous acoustic guitar artists of the last century, their work and their accomplishments. Drums And Worship: The Rhythm Of Religion A summary of the use of drums in the religions of Shinto, Judaism, and Christianity, both historically and in modern times. The HTiB Options Of The Modern Home Theatre Market A brief overview of the different styles of home theatre audio systems available and the advantages and disadvantages of each. The Drum Line: The Bad Boys Of Halftime An explanation of the role played by drum lines in American culture and on the field, including a breakdown of the instruments used in the battery portion of the drum line. The Spanish Guitar: The Descendent Of The Middle Ages An explanation of the origins of the modern Spanish guitar and a brief overview of each of its commonly accepted predecessors. Guitar Tab: A Language Of Its Own A brief description of guitar tab, its advantages, its flaws, where it can be found, and its place in the musical world. Subwoofers: The Speaker With The Big Bark A brief history of the subwoofer's evolution, what it brings to music reproduction, and an overview of its applications today, both commercial and domestic. The Electronic Keyboard: And Endless Influence A brief history of the electronic keyboard, or synthesizer, its various applications, and an exploration of its wide influence in music. The Steel-Stringed Guitar: An Instrument Of "Tension" A basic breakdown of the differences between a steel-sting guitar and a classical instrument and a more detailed description of the former. The Flamenco Guitar: The Instrument Of A Genre An explanation of the importance of the flamenco guitar to the entire flamenco art form and how this instrument differs from other guitars, both physically and in style of playing. Reading Notes On Sheet Music If you are looking into becoming a music student but you are daunted by the task of learning to read sheet music, have no fear! It is much easier than you would realize. Is Sheet Music Necessary For Musicians? How many musicians have you ever noticed using sheet music? When seemingly so few of them use it sheet music can sometimes seem very unnecessary for them. Believe it or not, it can play a large role in a musician's career. Sheet Music Theory: Irregular Time Signatures And Grouping Irregular time signatures on sheet music can be rather easy to identify if you know what you are looking for. This article gives you the basics for this as well as how to group notes on a bar. Taiko: The Drums Of Ancient And Modern Times An overview of Japanese taiko drums, their place in traditional Japanese culture, modern Japan, modern America, and how the genre has evolved. Sheet Music Theory: Simple And Compound Time Signatures One important part of learning to read and play music is to be able to identify the different time signatures and understand what they mean. The first two types are simple and compound time. Sheet Music Theory: Time Signatures Beginning music students may feel somewhat daunted by learning how to read the time signature on a piece of sheet music. In truth it can be a rather simple process and this article will give you the basics that you need to get started. The Drum Set: An American Icon An overview of the place of the drum set in music and in American culture. Includes a summary of drum set components and possible accessories. The Acoustic Guitar: An Overview A brief history and summary of the types of acoustic guitar, including nylon vs. steel string, and the various subcategories.
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