In case you’ve been wondering where I’ve been…. I created a new guitar blog, so I haven’t been posting here. Actually, it’s not really new, but I was having trouble logging into it a while back and that’s why this one got started.
Anyway, long story short, my original blog is working again, so I’ve decided to move back because this one has some limitations.
So I hope you will come visit me at my new blog because this will be my last post and then I plan on deleting it.
ABC Learn Guitar is my main website and you’ll find free guitar lessons, plus tips on buying a guitar, songwriting, recording and creating a music career. There’s lot of free guitar tab too.
Just want to let you know that I’m back from my vacation. We had fun, but it’s sure nice to be back home!
The Alex DeGrassi Workshop still has some open spots available for July 11-13 if you’re interested. It will be held in the Santa Cruz Mountains, at Laurel Hill Lodge, in California. This is a great opportunity to learn fingerstyle guitar from a true master musician! Topics covered include technique, arranging and performance. Home cooked meals are provided and various lodging accomodations, from cabins to camping, can be arranged. For more details visit:
It looks like I’ll be making some changes to my blog again soon. I’ll try to make it as smooth as possible, but if you don’t hear from be for awhile, don’t worry- I’ll be back!
Neil Young has long been one of my favorite artists. He even used to live near me, along with Crosby, Stills & Nash, Joni Mitchell and Jackson Brown, back in the late ’60s, early ’70s. My groupie friend and I would look for them whenever we were traveling through Topanga Canyon on our way to the beach. I was told that Neil Young used to play at a club there, but I never did get the chance to see him perform live.
OHIO – Music Video:
Some of the very first songs I learned to play on the guitar were written by Neil Young- Needle and the Damage Done, Southern Man, Down By the River, OLd Man, and many others. I liked his style, and playing his songs helped me learn some fingerpicking and flatpicking techniques. As I improved, I began to incorporate some of these techniques into my own songs.
One of the things I like the most about Neil Young though, is his tendency to “tell it like it is.” His music becomes the vehicle of expression when he feels strongly about something. You can hear evidence of this in songs like Southern Man, where he addresses the Civil Rights issue, and Ohio, where he sings about the massacre that occured at Kent State University during a Viet-Nam War protest.
Neil is still very active politically. In 2001 he wrote a tribute song for the victims of 9/11 after the attack on New York City called Let’s Roll. In 2006 Neil released the Living with War album, which is “full of protest songs” directed at George Bush and the war in Iraq. And his song Rockin In The Free World (another favorite of mine) was used at the end of the movie, Fahrenheit 9-11.
But the most interesting news is that now there is a Neil Young Spider! How funny is that?
A biologist by the name of Jason Bond discovered a new species of spider which he named “Myrmekiaphila neilyoungi” in honor of Neil Young! He said he did it because Neil Young is his favorite musician. Read more…
Guess that’s one way to be remembered, but I think his songs really say it all!
Have you ever wondered how to write a good song, or asked yourself why are some songs better than others? Does it take great lyrics, a beautiful voice, or the ability to play an instrument skillfully? What are the essential elements needed to create a musical work of art anyway?
I was thinking about these questions last week after seeing Glen Hansard in concert. He can sell a song to an audience all by himself using just his voice and a damaged guitar. No gimmicks, flashy lights, colorful props, or other special effects are needed. Now, why is that?
Glen Hansard Video – When Your Mind’s Made Up
Conviction. Plain and simple. Glen is believable because he sings with all his heart and soul. Take, for instance, my favorite song, When Your Mind’s Made Up. The lyrics are simple and somewhat abstract, so a casual reading without the music doesn’t do much for me. I love this song because of the way Glen sings it. That’s when I “get it” and the words suddenly become meaningful and personal to me.
Now, I’m not saying that the other elements of songwritngare unnecessary. All I’m saying is that you can have all the right stuff, but without conviction, your song simply won’t move your audience. This could be the missing ingredient for many of you who are wondering how to write a good song.
to learn how to write your own best selling SONGS on the guitar
If you’re looking for more ways to hone your craft, check out the following opportunities…
Summer Songwriting Events:
The Atlantis Music Conference and Festival is currently accepting applications for artists to perform at their event in Atlanta, GA September 17-20, 2008. Apply on-line or download an application; deadline is May 15, 2008.
BMI Showcases in New York, Nashville, Los Angeles and other cities across the country and throughout Europe offer new talent an exciting opportunity to perform in a professional environment. For details about showcases in your area, visit their website.
Christian Songwriters Conference August 25-28 at Mt. Hermon. Join world-renown songwriters and instructors for this completely unique, intimate retreat among the majestic California redwoods in the heart of the Santa Cruz mountains.
Durango Songwriter’s Expo, one of the nation’s premier singer/songwriter events, will take place in Asheville, NC, May 29-31 at the Crowne Plaza Resort. For more info and to download the registration form, visit the Durango website or call 970-259-9747.
