Author's articles

Creative Guitar soloing - Part 1
By Mike Hayes · 17 years ago
For simplicity's sake, we have restricted ourselves to modes that use the notes in C major scale. remember, there are 11 other major keys, and each is the "parent" to seven related modes. Sooner or ...
The Value Of Scales
By Mike Hayes · 17 years ago
Musicians in all walks of life seem to give far too much, or far too little time and attention to the playing of musical scales. Scales are NOT music,but a means for making music. They ...
The Three Second Guitarist
By Mike Hayes · 17 years ago
You have exactly three seconds or less to capture your listener's attention or you have lost them forever! Think about that for a moment, let's imagine you are in a CD store listening to a ...
The Theory Of Music Theory
By Mike Hayes · 17 years ago
As anyone who has ever studied music in school knows, music theory is a pivotal study - you find it as part of your course load, no matter what area of music you plan to ...
Accelerate Your Guitar Playing
By Mike Hayes · 17 years ago
First, define your objectives and determine your approach. These objectives may change as you progress, but a goal is important before starting to play the guitar. Begin by forming good study habits. Part of your ...
Attitude - It Can Be Your Key To Success! (part two)
By Mike Hayes · 17 years ago
In the pursuit of music, most students have to struggle against the fear of copying. I have noticed this particularly among composers of original music, arrangers, and those trying to develop a personal style. Although ...
Attitude - It Can Be Your Key To Success!
By Mike Hayes · 17 years ago
Most guitar students sincerely desire to learn their instrument. Countless persons, however, inhibit their own progress with useless fears and thought patterns which manifest themselves in a quick decline in both practice and confidence. Usually ...
Origins Of "Non-Classical" Guitar
By Mike Hayes · 17 years ago
In 1865 a number of Portuguese arrived to work the mighty Pioneer Sugar Plantations and through them, the island musicians were exposed to the first "non-classical" guitar styles - some 50 - 60 years before ...
History Of The Spanish and Classical Guitar
By Mike Hayes · 17 years ago
The Spanish Guitar Emerges: With the coming of the Renaissance, inspired in part by Moslem learning brought home by returning Crusaders, the lute become the favorite instrument of Western Europe. In Spain however, the lute ...
The History And Background Of The Guitar
By Mike Hayes · 17 years ago
Compared to some musical instruments, the guitar is a relative newcomer dating from the Middle Ages. It's origins, go back to long before the beginnings of recorded history. The first instrument was probably nothing more ...
When I Grow Up I Want To Play Guitar
By Mike Hayes · 18 years ago
The secret to becoming a really good guitar player is, start playing and never stop. It really IS that simple! Many people say "Gee you know, I've always wanted to play guitar, or I'd like ...
How To Tune Your Guitar By Ear
By Mike Hayes · 18 years ago
1. The very first thing you need to know is that learning to tune your guitar takes time. Some things on guitar can be learned in minutes, some in days, and others in weeks, but ...
Everything You Wanted To Know about Guitar Strings
By Mike Hayes · 18 years ago
"How often should you change your guitar strings?" Many guitar players leave the strings on their guitar until they break, but that really isn't recommended. The strings are really the very life of the guitar! ...