Archive for the ‘string instruments’ Category
How many people do you know at the age of 68 can still do the things that they did when they were in their 20′s, and do them well? Well playing bass guitar and or acoustic and electric guitar is one of those things that if you keep at it you seem to get better at it the older you get.
When you look at some of the professional artists and their bands the electric guitars sound like they did way back when but some of the voices have faded away. The Who with Roger Daltrey comes to mind, the music has stayed the same while the voice just isn’t the same, which brings me to Paul McCartney. At 68 years old the show he still puts on is sensational. Playing his famed Hofner bass guitar he’s seen playing a mandolin, 12 string and 6 string acoustic guitar, and also his LP electric guitar. His voice can still reach the high notes when needed, not bad for an old guy.
Electric Light Orchestra better known as ELO was a band formed in the early 1970′s from the UK with a sound far different than any other rock group at the time. Their brand of rock had classical overtones to it, perhaps that was due to the violins and cellos that played along with either the electric guitar or acoustic guitar of Roy Wood and Jeff Lynn, they were known as (“the English guys with the big fiddles”).
From 1972 to 1986 they had 27 of 40 hits singles in the United States and the UK. They also hold a record for having the most billboard hits with out having a number one hit. Besides the groups many successful albums Jeff Lynne also wrote the soundtrack for the musical Xanadu which was performed by Olivia Newton-John. Although the movie didn’t do well the music did, going double platinum it produced songs such as “Magic” and “Suddenly” sung by Olivia Newton-John and Cliff Richard.
When you talk about or even think about rock and roll you immediately think electric guitars, bass guitars, and drums. Through the years the use of other instruments not associated with rock have been used.
Going back to late 50′s Buddy Holly and the Crickets used a “Celesta” in the song “Everyday”. If you have never seen a celesta it looks just like an upright piano. It is also related to the “glockenspiel”, although with a softer tone. The celesta was used on Tchaikovsky’s “Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy”, that’s how rare it was to rock and roll at the time Holly used it.
During the 70′s there was a band called Starbucks, the name of the song was “Moonlight Feels Right”, this song made use of a xylophone. Also in the 70′s and 80′s ELO who in the year 2000 started up again made use of violins and cellos, as they were known as a symphonic rock group.
These are only a few of the non traditional instruments that have been used along side the electric guitars of rock and roll.
Once you’ve learned to play a few songs on guitar and perhaps even done some improvising, it’s time to consider the way you want your instrument to sound. Guitar tone can vary from jagged and abrasive to smooth and twangy. The mood of the music you wish to play might dictate your string selection, or you might find that your preexisting strings lend themselves to a certain sound.
Generally speaking, lighter strings bring out a lighter, “happier” tone suitable for an upbeat country song. A heavier string will likely bring out a deeper, plodding tone. If you and your band are searching for a darker, more menacing sound typical of a Gibson guitar, look for a similar discount electric guitar online. Guitars in the Fender tradition typically emit a cheerier tone.