Articles

What's a Capo, Anyway?

  By Ben BlakesleyGeorges Music     You've seen them on the shelves in the stores. They even peer back at you from the guitar headstock of your friend who's been playing for years. But what IS a capo? What does it do? Who would want on...

Bring It! - Guitar Sounds to Go and Getting Self-Contained

By Jon Chappell Last month we talked about getting a clean country sound: bright, tight, and spanky. This time, Ill detail just what can happen to your soundor any soundwhen its set up in isolation and brought out into the real world and offer caveat...

Compressors Demystified

By Craig Anderton It's one of the most used, and most misunderstood, signal processors. While people use it to make a recording "punchier," it often ends up dulling the sound instead because the controls aren't set optimally. And it was supposed to g...

Stop Feedback Before It Stops You

By Ben BlakesleyGeorge's MusicOh, no. There it is.That dreaded squeal.The audience cringes and turns to look at the sound engineer as if to say "What are you doing?!" Feedback: Every Musician's Nightmare Here's how to stop it dead in its tracks. Firs...

How To Use A Microphone

Author: bsmcgeeSinging lessons are all about tone and pitch and how to breathe with the diaphragm, but there are some other very important skills that you need to master if you want to bridge from the lessons to actual performances. For those who wan...

Write Song Lyrics That Grab People By The Ears

by Merryl LentzWant to write the songs that make the whole world sing? Well, Barry Manilow may have beaten you to that, but you can still create lyrics that are strong, imaginative and memorable. Here are tips about turning your emotions and observat...

The Songwriting Habits

Author: Mahmoud Ibrahim Some songwriters just wait for inspiration, those are not likely to succeed. Inspiration comes as a result of work; to get inspired you have to work hard and practice. So, how can you practice songwriting?! The habit of sittin...

Teach an Old Stand New Tricks

Tips for getting your mic stand to help out in the studio By Jon ChappellTrying to get a clean recording in many home studios can be about as easy as losing weight on a diet of Boston cream pies. Even if your gear is in pristine condition and your si...

Record Pro-Level Vocals in a Budget Studio

These Dozen Tips Can Give You Better Vocals - Regardless of Your Budget By Craig AndertonVocals are often the most important element of any song, as they're what make the connection with the listener. But do you ever get the feeling your vocals aren'...