6 Must Read
  • Features

    • Featured

      Award-Winning Indie Artist Talks Songwriting, How to Make Great Videos

      Alto Key, an independent London-based artist who makes indie/alt-pop music, is a musician whose work has the power to uplift your spirits, punch you in the gut, and squeeze a tear from your heart. He is also delightfully and hilariously funny on his various social media channels, and boasts over 6.7 million likes and 375,000 […]

      • A Bit About Bagpipes with J. Avery Head
      • Sandra Wong: The Wonder of the Nyckelharpa
      • Diving Down the Rabbit Hole of Guitar Effects Pedals
      • Fingerstyle Acoustic Guitar with Joe Rathburn
  • How To

    • How To

      Junkyard Jam Band: DIY Musical Instruments and Noisemakers

      How to Play the Accordion

      How to Read Music for Any Instrument

      How to Sell a Guitar – and Make Money

      DADGAD Tuning Explained

      Want to be a better guitarist? Check out Steve Vai’s Guitar Workout

      The Best Ways to Record Bass: Tracking All the Way to Mixing

      Musical Theory: Give It a Rest! 

      laptop recording

      Friday Flashback: Tips to Start Laptop Recording

      How To Create A Recording Studio For Just $100

      Recording Acoustic Guitar in Stereo for Beginners

      How to Set Up an Online Concert and Ticket It

      Previous Next
  • Video
    • Newest Video

      • Video

        Award-Winning Indie Artist Talks Songwriting, How to Make Great Videos

        A Bit About Bagpipes with J. Avery Head

        Sandra Wong: The Wonder of the Nyckelharpa

        Fingerstyle Acoustic Guitar with Joe Rathburn

        Cait Devin: Young Guitarist Taking the Lead and Playing It

        Guitar Technology with Randy Tennant

        Skanson & Hansen: The Harmonious Collision of Two Guitar Worlds

        Steph Johnson — Spiraling Upward To Bright, Musical Horizons

        Good Deeds and Playing Guitar with Jason Mraz

        Mind Over Matter — The Science of Shred with Michael Head

        Simeon Flick Is Boundless with a Guitar

        Charlotte Adams on Limitless Guitar Learning

        Previous Next
    • Product Spotlight

      • Product Spotlight

        NAMM Show 2021: Yamaha Announces New DGX-670 Digital Piano

        NAMM Show 2021: Product Spotlight on the Yamaha YDS-150 Digital Saxophone

        Making Music Product Spotlight: The Mute Caddy with Jeff Stockham

        akg lyra

        Making Music Product Spotlight: AKG LYRA Ultra-HD Multimode USB Microphone

        Making Music Product Spotlight: Balu Musik horn mutes and mellophone

    • Community Videos

      Musical performances submitted by readers.

      • Community Videos

        Award-Winning Indie Artist Talks Songwriting, How to Make Great Videos

        Pick the Winter 2021 Community Video Contest Winner!

        Community Video: Porsia Camille — Can’t Say the Same

        Community Video: The Wilderness — If I Have to Die

        Community Video: altre di B — Salgado

        Community Video: J.C. Andersen — I Go Out

        Community Video: Galand — Storyline

        Community Video: Hitha — We Will Last

        Community Video: Alto Key — Burning Up

        Community Video: Kendra Erika – Avalanche

        Community Video: The Moon City Masters – Over Now

        People’s Choice Winner TemperMental — A New Generation of LA Rockers Rising Up

        Previous Next
    • Travel

      • Travel Video

        Mile of Music

        Wisconsin’s Fox Cities: More than a Mile of Music

        Alabama Gulf Coast Feeds a Musician’s Heart

        Inside Cash’s Boyhood Home

        crooked road

        The Crooked Road: A Journey Steeped in Music Traditions

        moab concert

        Moab Music Festival

        America Meets the Beatles! at Bethel Woods

        Discovering Music Destinations South of Nashville

        Cumbia: The Sound of Colombia

        Previous Next
    • How To Videos

      • How-To Videos

        Recording Acoustic Guitar in Stereo for Beginners

        Carmine Miranda: The Joy of Life as a Cellist

        clean a trumpet

        How to Clean A Trumpet

        Bass Guitar Lesson with Dan Hawkins – Using Scales To Create Killer Grooves

        restringing your guitar

        A Guide to Restringing Your Guitar for Beginners

        f major

        How to Play Clarinet Scales: F Major

        g minor

        How to Play Clarinet Scales: G Minor

        The No. 1 Thing Songwriting Guitarists Don’t Think About

        Teaching Jazz and Musical Creativity to the Classical Piano Student – Part 2

        Teaching Jazz and Musical Creativity to the Classical Piano Student – Part 1

        c minor

        How to Play Clarinet Scales: C Minor

        The Problem All Pianists Need to Overcome (But Many Don’t Even Know About!)

        Previous Next
    • Instrument Video

      • Instrument Video

        Sandra Wong: The Wonder of the Nyckelharpa

        Fingerstyle Acoustic Guitar with Joe Rathburn

        Cait Devin: Young Guitarist Taking the Lead and Playing It

        Guitar Technology with Randy Tennant

        Skanson & Hansen: The Harmonious Collision of Two Guitar Worlds

        Steph Johnson — Spiraling Upward To Bright, Musical Horizons

        Good Deeds and Playing Guitar with Jason Mraz

        Mind Over Matter — The Science of Shred with Michael Head

        Simeon Flick Is Boundless with a Guitar

        Charlotte Adams on Limitless Guitar Learning

        Guitar and the Passion of Larry Mitchell

        Peter Sprague on Jazz Guitar, Surf, & Breaking Even

        Previous Next
  • Health

    • Health

      Playing Well with Dr. Kertz — Returning to Play After an Injury

      In his newest video, Dr. Randy Kertz discusses how to return to playing your instrument after an injury. If you want to get back to playing without risking re-injury, this month’s column is for you. Dr. Kertz’s monthly column addresses how musicians can avoid injury, how they can identify things they may do to cause […]

      • The Bassist’s Guide to Injury Management, Prevention and Better Health
      • Playing Well with Dr. Kertz — Health Tips for Vocalists
      • Playing Well with Dr. Kertz — Posture Review for 2021
      • Things Vocalists Should and Shouldn’t Eat (Before Performing)
  • Instruments
    • Woodwinds/Brass

      • Wind

        NAMM Show 2021: Product Spotlight on the Yamaha YDS-150 Digital Saxophone

        Yamaha recently introduced the YDS-150 Digital Saxophone, a first-of-its-kind instrument that allows saxophonists of all levels and those new to playing a wind instrument to create great sounding music from the very start. The YDS-150 effectively emulates an authentic saxophone experience digitally—from the sound and key layout to feedback from the instrument—while maintaining the sense […]

        • Buffet Crampon’s New GALA Clarinet
        • Jeff Stockham’s Past, Present & Future As a Horn Player
        • Saxophonist Prateek Thakur Triumphs Through Music
        • Peruvian Saxophonist Lucia Sarmiento Follows Jazz and Finds America
    • Bass

      • Bass

        World’s Smallest Guitar/Bass Multi-Tool

        GrooveTech Tools has released its newest guitar and bass multi-tool, the Mini-Multi. Based on the premise that some players don’t adjust truss rods using a multi-tool, GrooveTech concentrated on action, tremolo systems, intonation, pickup height, and most other adjustments on guitars and basses. The Mini-Multi consolidates 14 tools into a body that’s less than three […]

        • Jeff Stockham’s Past, Present & Future As a Horn Player
        • French Horn Basics with Michael Manley
        • Jazz, Trumpet & Nick Fields
        • Six Lessons for Playing Funk Bass – with Dan Hawkins
    • Guitar

      • Guitar

        Diving Down the Rabbit Hole of Guitar Effects Pedals

        Danish electronic musician and author talks with Making Music about creating his ninth book, Pedal Crush How do you write a guitar effects encyclopedia that is exhaustive but not exhausting? You dive down the rabbit hole of guitar stompbox pedals and see where it takes you, said Kim Bjorn, Danish electronic musician and co-author of […]

        • Fingerstyle Acoustic Guitar with Joe Rathburn
        • Libba Lives On: The Enduring Influence of Humble Folk Guitarist Elizabeth Cotten
        • Cait Devin: Young Guitarist Taking the Lead and Playing It
        • How to Sell a Guitar – and Make Money
    • Drums

      • Drums

        Gideon Waxman’s Ultimate Guide to Buying Cymbals

        Cymbals play an integral part of a drummer’s set up, and they are a significant investment. With a cymbal purchase, you will have to be completely confident that sound is right for you and your music. They cannot be altered or tuned in the way that drums can. So it’s imperative to invest in cymbals that will compliment the styles of music you play! In this guide I aim to provide as much information as I can about cymbals to help educate you on how to choose the perfect cymbals that are right for you, and what you need to consider when looking to invest in new cymbals.

        • Taiko Drumming: Healthy Exercise for Music Makers
        • 12 Ways to Improve Your Drumming
        • Exploring the History of Playing Timpani (Kettle Drums)
        • Money Beats with Rich Redmond
    • Strings

      • Strings

        Sandra Wong: The Wonder of the Nyckelharpa

        As an enterprising force in the world of indigenous and exotic instruments, Sandra further engages in collaborations with a many musicians working with diverse genres of music. Sandra goes on to create and personally facilitate musical study trips to different countries — leading people into the heart of individual folk cultures through the music and dance of each country. She strives to nurture a deep love of music and the arts in both children and adults.

        • Tracy Silverman: Defying Dogma with Electric Violin (Interview part 2)
        • Jeremy Cohen’s Historic Prized Violin
        • Serious About Fiddling Around with Sara Watkins
        • Writing Well for the Modern Harp
    • Keyboards

      • Keyboard

        NAMM Show 2021: Yamaha Announces New DGX-670 Digital Piano

        During the 2021 NAMM Show, Yamaha unveiled the DGX-670, a new digital piano featuring a modern, attractive aesthetic and a simplified user interface. The new “Portable Grand” ensemble instrument is a full, 88-note weighted action keyboard with exceptional playability, superb sound and visual appeal, making it ideal for beginners and accomplished pianists alike. It replaces […]

        • The Workings of the Piano: For the Up-and-Coming Pianist
        • Yamaha Announces New Portable Keyboards
        • Adjustable Padded Piano Bench
        • On-Stage LED Piano Lamp
    • Vocal

      • Voice

        Steph Johnson — Spiraling Upward To Bright, Musical Horizons

        Voices of Our City is an inspirational musical ensemble that has garnered plenty of headlines. The choir has been the focus of a documentary “The Homeless Chorus Speaks” that aired nationally on PBS stations. The group has performed with the San Diego Symphony, and opened a benefit concert at the historic Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles on a bill that featured Jason Mraz and founding members of the Doors.

        • Good Deeds and Playing Guitar with Jason Mraz
        • Christopher Dale Singing the Praises of Songwriting
        • New Commissioning Program “Just Songs” Amplifies Voices of Emerging Songwriters
        • Playing Well with Dr. Kertz — Health Tips for Vocalists
    • Other Instruments

      • Other Instruments

        Harp Mandolin

        The harp mandolin appeared in the early 1900s. This modern replica exploits the sympathetic vibrations gained with the four additional harp strings to give the mandolin sound a built-in echo chamber reverb effect. The harp strings can be plucked along with the mandolin, extending the range of the instrument. Tuned diatonically starting below the G […]

        • A Musical Interface of Light and Sound
        • JDR Kalimba Thumb Piano
        • Harmonica Primer Book for Beginners with Video Access
        • Hohner’s Marine Band 1896 Harmonica
  • Products
    • All Products

      • Products

        Harp Mandolin

        The harp mandolin appeared in the early 1900s. This modern replica exploits the sympathetic vibrations gained with the four additional harp strings to give the mandolin sound a built-in echo chamber reverb effect. The harp strings can be plucked along with the mandolin, extending the range of the instrument. Tuned diatonically starting below the G […]

        A Musical Interface of Light and Sound

        The Tenori-On is a musical interface of light and sound. In testing an interface based on the tactility and lighting of a 16×16 grid of switches, Yamaha Designers sought to make playing a musical instrument an enjoyable experience for all. The 256 switches that make up the Interface are not reserved solely to output sound, […]

        Yamaha YRS-312B Soprano Recorder

        Recorders are a fun and accessible first instrument that’s easy to learn and play, and millions of schoolchildren around the world learn the instrument every year. The Yamaha YRS-312B soprano recorder is a Baroque system in the key of C, with double holes: C-C#, D-D#; simulated rosewood finish; and three-piece construction.    

        “Forest Whisper” 12 Hole Ocarina

        The Forest Whisper 12 hole Ocarina was tuned to ensure that each tone reaches the standard before firing. The smoked Ocarina is burned in a high-temperature kiln with natural straw, so it will have a smoky smell, which is natural. In addition, straw fire craft can make the sound of the flute more gentle and […]

        JDR Kalimba Thumb Piano

        This 17-key kalimba thumb piano is made from handcrafted mahogany and ore steel bars. The keys are engraved with letters and notes, and the instrument comes with a professional kalimba study manual and video tutorial. Suitable for adult beginners, kids, and professionals. Also includes an EVA case and cloth bag, and tuning hammer.

    • Audio Recording

      • Audio Recording

        Paul Abbott’s Zen Approach to Mastering – Part 3

        Paul Abbott is an audio mastering engineer, musician, and owner of ZenMastering (located in San Diego, CA). Paul established ZenMastering in the late 1990s — at a time when there were very few high-end independent mastering studios. Since then, Paul has mastered over 1,000 projects for clients throughout the United States and around the world, ranging from up-and-coming indie bands to award-winning artists and labels.

        • Korg SoundLink MW-2408/ MW-1608 hybrid analog/digital mixer
        • Music Production: Learn How to Record, Mix, and Master Music
        • D’Addario Loknob — Lock in Your Sound
        • Mastering Process Explained with Alan Silverman – Part 1
    • Live Sound

      • Live Sound

        Distortion Packs a Punch! Amps Explained with Christopher Ames; Part 2

        Making Music Mag visited with Christopher Ames at Guitar Center where he shares practical insights about distortion with the help of and Orange amplifier,  a Marshall amplifier and a Les Paul.

        • Radial Engineering Hotshot 48V Condenser Microphone Switcher
        • Zen and the Art of Acoustic Guitar Amplification, part 2
        • That Clean Sound! Amps Explained with Christopher Ames: Part 1
        • Zen and the Art of Acoustic Guitar Amplification, part 1
    • Books/Sheet Music

      • Books and Sheet Music

        Junkyard Jam Band: DIY Musical Instruments and Noisemakers

        Making music doesn’t have to be about dropping big bucks in the guitar shop or endlessly fiddling with expensive software. You can make good noise out of bits of wood and wire, plastic and steel. When you build your own instruments, creating your own sound comes naturally. Junkyard Jam Band is a step-by-step guide to […]

        How to Play the Accordion

        How To Play the Accordion, published by Santorella Publications, is an easy-to-follow guide which contains clear, logical lessons for beginners with helpful diagrams and photos. Designed for the adult beginner, Santorella’’s easy method includes explicit instructions with diagrams and sketches that details basic music theory and a fundamental understanding of the accordion.

        How to Read Music for Any Instrument

        Even if you beginner or are a more seasoned musician looking to brush up on your musical knowledge, this guide covers every notational aspect of music on the page needed to understand music for any instrument. It is designed to be easily understandable, with everything laid out in an easy-to-digest and step-by-step manner. This guide […]

        How to Play Ocarina in Easy Way

        Ocarina is a wind musical instrument that has been around for thousands of years and is easy to learn. This guide will show you: What to keep in mind when choosing your ocarina The different parts of ocarina How to properly hold ocarina and maintain your posture and grip How to blow ocarina correctly Practice […]

        Harmonica Primer Book for Beginners with Video Access

        Harmonica Primer Book for Beginners by Tom Wolf is designed for the beginning harmonica player. This course starts by teaching proper hand positions, mouth positions, blowing, and drawing. You’ll quickly learn more advanced concepts like scales, chords, double stops, vibrato, trills, cross harp, and bends. After covering techniques, you will learn how to play over […]

        Let’s Play the Melodica! 28 Songs with Letter Notation for the Beginner

        This sheet music book, Let’s Play the Melodica, was written to help the beginner, be they child or adult, learn to play music on the melodica in a simple and easy way that requires no previous knowledge of music. There are 3 levels in this book: Level 1 and 2 are for beginners and use […]

  • Music Theory
    • Music Theory

      • Music Theory

        Dave Sanborn, Legendary Saxophonist, Presents the First Season of His New Show “Sanborn Sessions”

        Dave Sanborn, the veteran saxophonist, and six-time Grammy Award winner, has announced he will soon present the first episode of his new music show, Sanborn Sessions. The new series is hosted by Sanborn and features a diverse roster of accomplished artists from a variety of genres and generations. In its initial season, Sanborn welcomes Kandace Springs, […]

        • The No. 1 Thing Songwriting Guitarists Don’t Think About
        • The Importance of Chord Knowledge for Pianists
        • How Musicians Incorporate Artificial Intelligence into Their Songs
        • Transcription Errands – Chord Charts and the Nashville Number System
    • Clip N’ Save

      • Clip N’ Save

        Tying It Together: Defining the Difference Between Ties and Slurs

        The difference between tied notes and slurred notes in music can cause confusion—which is not surprising, since they are both noted the exact same way! Both slurs and ties are indicated with arc-shaped lines placed either above a grouping of notes (if the notes’ stems are pointing down) or below a grouping of notes (if the stems are pointing up).

        Musical Theory: Give It a Rest! 

        Just like notes, rests have precise rhythms; every type of note value has a corresponding rest with the same time value. And although there is no sound, in order to play with rhythmic accuracy, rests must be carefully counted.

        The following chart breaks down the types of rests you are most likely to find in music…

        Clip ‘n Save: Stepping Up and Stepping Down: Augmented and Diminished Intervals

        n our “Intro to Intervals,” we learned how to recognize major, minor, and perfect intervals—first, recognizing the distance between the two notes on the staff and then counting the precise number of steps between the two pitches. In addition to major, minor, and perfect, there are two other interval qualities that can come into play: augmented and diminished…

        Going the Distance: Intro to Intervals

        Clip N’ Save: Understanding Enharmonics

        Previous Next
  • History

    • History

      Libba Lives On: The Enduring Influence of Humble Folk Guitarist Elizabeth Cotten

      Elizabeth “Libba” Cotten had humble beginnings in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, but she would go on to launch a storied musical career that spanned four decades, gaining national renown and the title of oldest woman to ever win a Grammy.

      • A complete history of Tom Petty in Los Angeles
      • The Winter Solstice in Song: A Short List for the Longest Night
      • The Harp: A Global Story of Music, Man, and Medicine
      • What Are Strings Made Of? The Basics of Orchestral String Construction
  • The Center for Arts Education and Social Emotional Learning (ArtsEdSEL) Launched to Facilitate Arts Education Enriched by SEL
  • Jason Mraz Foundation to Award Grants to 25 US Non-Profits
  • Nancy Wilson, The Go-Go’s, and More to be Honored at 2021 She Rocks Awards
  • Worldful of Pianos to Gather Global Pianists for NAMM’s Believe in Music Week
  • New Partnership Helps Struggling Musicians
  • Ford Musician Impact Fund to Announces Grant Program
  • D’Addario Receives State Grant to Continue Manufacturing PPE Face Shields 
  • Sweet Relief Raises More Than $9,000 for Musicians  

Award-Winning Indie Artist Talks Songwriting, How to Make Great Videos

A Bit About Bagpipes with J. Avery Head

Sandra Wong: The Wonder of the Nyckelharpa

Diving Down the Rabbit Hole of Guitar Effects Pedals

  1. Award-Winning Indie Artist Talks Songwriting, How to Make Great Videos
  2. A Bit About Bagpipes with J. Avery Head
  3. Sandra Wong: The Wonder of the Nyckelharpa
  4. Diving Down the Rabbit Hole of Guitar Effects Pedals
  • Popular Posts
  • Community Videos
  • Books / Sheet Music
  • Teacher Resources
  • Travel

Popular Posts

Harp Mandolin

The harp mandolin appeared in the early 1900s. This modern replica exploits the sympathetic vibrations gained with the four additional harp strings to give the mandolin sound a built-in echo chamber reverb effect. The harp strings can be plucked along with the mandolin, extending the range of the instrument. Tuned diatonically starting below the G […]

Junkyard Jam Band: DIY Musical Instruments and Noisemakers

Making music doesn’t have to be about dropping big bucks in the guitar shop or endlessly fiddling with expensive software. You can make good noise out of bits of wood and wire, plastic and steel. When you build your own instruments, creating your own sound comes naturally. Junkyard Jam Band is a step-by-step guide to […]

A Musical Interface of Light and Sound

The Tenori-On is a musical interface of light and sound. In testing an interface based on the tactility and lighting of a 16×16 grid of switches, Yamaha Designers sought to make playing a musical instrument an enjoyable experience for all. The 256 switches that make up the Interface are not reserved solely to output sound, […]

How to Play the Accordion

Yamaha YRS-312B Soprano Recorder

Community Videos

Award-Winning Indie Artist Talks Songwriting, How to Make Great Videos

Alto Key, an independent London-based artist who makes indie/alt-pop music, is a musician whose work has the power to uplift your spirits, punch you in the gut, and squeeze a tear from your heart. He is also delightfully and hilariously funny on his various social media channels, and boasts over 6.7 million likes and 375,000 […]

Pick the Winter 2021 Community Video Contest Winner!

We’ve chosen our favorites, now it’s your turn. Pick your favorite artist or group from our Winter 2021 Community Video Contest winners and decide who will get a special feature story and video interview on Making Music! Vote now through February 19. Scroll to the bottom of this post for the voting link. The artists […]

Community Video: Porsia Camille — Can’t Say the Same

Porsia Camille is a passionate singer and songwriter who started singing before speaking. She grew up in her dad’s home studio, where she was introduced to the writing and recording life. She spent years practicing her craft in school choir, as well as honor choirs as her favorite practice, singing classical and musical theatre. Her […]

Community Video: The Wilderness — If I Have to Die

Community Video: altre di B — Salgado

Books / Sheet Music

Junkyard Jam Band: DIY Musical Instruments and Noisemakers

Making music doesn’t have to be about dropping big bucks in the guitar shop or endlessly fiddling with expensive software. You can make good noise out of bits of wood and wire, plastic and steel. When you build your own instruments, creating your own sound comes naturally. Junkyard Jam Band is a step-by-step guide to […]

How to Play the Accordion

How To Play the Accordion, published by Santorella Publications, is an easy-to-follow guide which contains clear, logical lessons for beginners with helpful diagrams and photos. Designed for the adult beginner, Santorella’’s easy method includes explicit instructions with diagrams and sketches that details basic music theory and a fundamental understanding of the accordion.

How to Read Music for Any Instrument

Even if you beginner or are a more seasoned musician looking to brush up on your musical knowledge, this guide covers every notational aspect of music on the page needed to understand music for any instrument. It is designed to be easily understandable, with everything laid out in an easy-to-digest and step-by-step manner. This guide […]

How to Play Ocarina in Easy Way

Ocarina is a wind musical instrument that has been around for thousands of years and is easy to learn. This guide will show you: What to keep in mind when choosing your ocarina The different parts of ocarina How to properly hold ocarina and maintain your posture and grip How to blow ocarina correctly Practice […]

Harmonica Primer Book for Beginners with Video Access

Harmonica Primer Book for Beginners by Tom Wolf is designed for the beginning harmonica player. This course starts by teaching proper hand positions, mouth positions, blowing, and drawing. You’ll quickly learn more advanced concepts like scales, chords, double stops, vibrato, trills, cross harp, and bends. After covering techniques, you will learn how to play over […]

Let’s Play the Melodica! 28 Songs with Letter Notation for the Beginner

This sheet music book, Let’s Play the Melodica, was written to help the beginner, be they child or adult, learn to play music on the melodica in a simple and easy way that requires no previous knowledge of music. There are 3 levels in this book: Level 1 and 2 are for beginners and use […]

How to Play the Washboard

The washboard, as a musical instrument, is more popular than ever before. It’s inexpensive and pretty easy to play. How to Play the Washboard will show you what you need to know to reach for washboard stardom—even if you’re not an experienced musician. In this book, you’ll find information about buying a washboard, choosing an […]

Diving Down the Rabbit Hole of Guitar Effects Pedals

Danish electronic musician and author talks with Making Music about creating his ninth book, Pedal Crush How do you write a guitar effects encyclopedia that is exhaustive but not exhausting? You dive down the rabbit hole of guitar stompbox pedals and see where it takes you, said Kim Bjorn, Danish electronic musician and co-author of […]

Hal Leonard Pocket Guitar Chord Dictionary

The Hal Leonard Pocket Guitar Chord Dictionary is a compact reference guide that includes: over 2,700 guitar chord diagrams in all 12 keys; 58 chord qualities and four voicings for each chord; instructions on reading chord diagrams; and music theory to aid in chord construction. Measuring just 4 by 6 inches, this info-packed volume is […]

Introduction to Guitar Tone & Effects, 2nd Edition

A Manual for Getting the Best Sounds from Electric Guitars, Amplifiers, Effects Pedals, and Processors An essential manual for getting the best sounds from electric guitars, amplifiers, effect pedals and digital processors, Introduction to Guitar Tone and Effects with online audio features easy-to-follow instructions with more than 75 photos to teach the basics of guitar […]

Teach Yourself to Play Guitar

Teach Yourself to Play Guitar has been created specifically for the student with no music-reading background. With lesson examples presented in today’s most popular tab format, which also incorporates simple beat notation for accurate rhythm execution, Teach Yourself to Play Guitar offers the beginning guitarist not only a comprehensive introduction to essential guitar-playing fundamentals, but […]

Country Guitar Styles (2nd Edition)

Learn the various types of country music, from classic to current from Western Swing to bluegrass and everywhere between in Country Guitar Styles by Mike Ihde. Get beyond the cowboy chords to more complex arrangements, signature opening licks, and solos that characterize today’s country hits. Online audio tracks illustrate these licks and concepts in context, […]

Pedal Crush: For the guitarist or stompbox afficionado

Pedal Crush is a 376-page trip into the expansive, eclectic, and mesmerizing world of effects pedals. These addictive little boxes have long since transcended their modest beginnings, maturing into truly creative tools in their own right. Whether you are a guitarist or another kind of sonic alchemist, this 376-page book is sure to delight with […]

Modern Jazz Guitar Concepts

Master cutting edge modern jazz guitar techniques with Jens Larsen Modern Jazz Guitar Concepts provides an in-depth insight into the modern jazz guitar techniques you’ll hear in the music of Kurt Rosenwinkel, Adam Rogers, Jonathan Kriesberg, Gilad Hekselman, Lage Lund and others. In this book you’ll learn the essential building blocks of modern jazz guitar with […]

Hal Leonard Bluegrass Guitar Method

The Hal Leonard Bluegrass Guitar Method is your complete guide to learning bluegrass guitar. This book uses popular bluegrass songs to teach you the basics of rhythm and lead playing in the styles of Doc Watson, Tony Rice, Maybelle Carter, Lester Flatt, and many others. Lessons include Carter strumming, alternating bass, waltz strums, using the […]

Pentatonic Scale Fluency

Learn How To Play the Minor Pentatonic Scale Anywhere on the Fretboard Flying up and down the guitar neck is easy when you know how. You just have to know how to join the dots. If you can play the common chords and you’ve already messed around with the pentatonic Box 1 pattern then you’ve […]

How to Write Songs on Guitar

You want to write songs, and you want to write them on guitar. This updated 20th-anniversary third edition of the bestselling songwriting handbook How to Write Songs on Guitar, by Rikki Rooksby, shows you how. Learn the techniques and tricks used in two thousand great songs by everyone from the Beatles, Bob Dylan, and David […]

The Complete Guitar Technique Speed Strategies Collection

A Three-In-One Compilation of Sweep Picking, Speed Picking & Legato Methods For Guitar The Complete Guitar Technique Speed Strategies Collection brings together three bestselling books by rock guitar virtuoso Chris Brooks. This compilation will help you master the right- and left-hand techniques essential to shred guitar mastery, including sweep picking, legato and picking mechanics. Includes […]

The Guitarist’s Chord Book

Over 900 Guitar Chord Diagrams with Photos The Guitarist’s Chord Book by Peter Vogl is a 144-page book that contains over 900 chords with photos to clearly illustrate each chord and each note of the chord is labeled. It also contains a special moveable chords section with the most widely used shapes for each class […]

Music Theory for Guitarists

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask In Music Theory for Guitarists, guitarists of all levels will find a wealth of practical music knowledge in this special book with online audio access. Veteran guitarist and author Tom Kolb dispels the mysteries of music theory using plain and simple terms and diagrams. […]

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Teacher Resources

Tying It Together: Defining the Difference Between Ties and Slurs

The difference between tied notes and slurred notes in music can cause confusion—which is not surprising, since they are both noted the exact same way! Both slurs and ties are indicated with arc-shaped lines placed either above a grouping of notes (if the notes’ stems are pointing down) or below a grouping of notes (if the stems are pointing up).

9 tips to avoid a hoarse voice

9 Tips to Avoid A Hoarse Voice During the Holidays

The holiday season is a time for numerous music events, late nights, and celebrations. Here are 9 tips to avoid a hoarse voice during the holidays:

Music Sudoku for Kids

This 100% reproducible collection of Music Soduko for Kids has 64 Sudoku puzzles (18 four-square, 20 easy six-square and 28 medium six-square) and offers students a fun gateway into music learning. The symbols and characters used are drawn from a variety of music subject areas such as notes and dynamics, to letters representing instruments, composers […]

How to Read Music

The Process Einstein Used to Stimulate Creativity and Why it Worked

Multi-Purpose Beginning Band Tool

Travel

Take a Virtual Tour of the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum

Due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum has been closed to the public for over a month.  In an effort to continue reaching bluegrass fans all over the world, the Hall of Fame has produced a virtual tour led by Executive Director Chris Joslin. Within the Hall of […]

NAMM Show 2020

The NAMM Show 2020 Adventures

The NAMM Show 2020 was held January 16-19, 2020 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA. Here are some photos from our time at the show.

It’s Almost Time for The NAMM Show 2020…

It’s January, which means that it’s time to prepare for the annual NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Show—the world’s most comprehensive gathering of musical instruments, gear, and experts. The NAMM Show, held each January in Southern California, unites over 115,000 registrants from 130 countries. This is a conference where almost every music instrument or […]

Make Music Winter Returns Nationwide on December 21

Free Participatory Musical Parades Showcasing a Wide Variety of Genres and Styles to Kick Off Winter in Over 30 U.S. Cities Make Music Winter, a free, outdoor music-making celebration on the winter solstice, returns this year on Saturday, Dec. 21, with participatory musical parades and performances and events in more than 30 U.S. cities. The […]

earth celebration

Earth Celebration: 3 Days of Drumming

Earth Celebration is a huge drum festival hosted by the globetrotting drum group Kodo. This year’s festival will be held August 16-18 on Sado Island.

Books and Sheet Music

Junkyard Jam Band: DIY Musical Instruments and Noisemakers

April 16, 2021

Making music doesn’t have to be about dropping big bucks in the guitar shop or endlessly fiddling with expensive software. You can make good noise out of bits of wood and wire, plastic and steel. When you build your own instruments, creating your own sound comes naturally. Junkyard Jam Band is a step-by-step guide to […]

  • How to Play the Accordion
  • How to Read Music for Any Instrument
  • How to Play Ocarina in Easy Way
  • Harmonica Primer Book for Beginners with Video Access
  • Let’s Play the Melodica! 28 Songs with Letter Notation for the Beginner

How To

Junkyard Jam Band: DIY Musical Instruments and Noisemakers

April 16, 2021

Making music doesn’t have to be about dropping big bucks in the guitar shop or endlessly fiddling with expensive software. You can make good noise out of bits of wood and wire, plastic and steel. When you build your own instruments, creating your own sound comes naturally. Junkyard Jam Band is a step-by-step guide to […]

  • How to Play the Accordion
  • How to Read Music for Any Instrument
  • How to Sell a Guitar – and Make Money
  • DADGAD Tuning Explained
  • Want to be a better guitarist? Check out Steve Vai’s Guitar Workout

Gear

Harp Mandolin

April 17, 2021

The harp mandolin appeared in the early 1900s. This modern replica exploits the sympathetic vibrations gained with the four additional harp strings to give the mandolin sound a built-in echo chamber reverb effect. The harp strings can be plucked along with the mandolin, extending the range of the instrument. Tuned diatonically starting below the G […]

A Musical Interface of Light and Sound

April 15, 2021

The Tenori-On is a musical interface of light and sound. In testing an interface based on the tactility and lighting of a 16×16 grid of switches, Yamaha Designers sought to make playing a musical instrument an enjoyable experience for all. The 256 switches that make up the Interface are not reserved solely to output sound, […]

Yamaha YRS-312B Soprano Recorder

April 13, 2021

Recorders are a fun and accessible first instrument that’s easy to learn and play, and millions of schoolchildren around the world learn the instrument every year. The Yamaha YRS-312B soprano recorder is a Baroque system in the key of C, with double holes: C-C#, D-D#; simulated rosewood finish; and three-piece construction.    

Instruments

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  • Bass
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  • Guitar
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  • Ukulele
  • Vocal
  • Woodwinds/Brass

Sandra Wong: The Wonder of the Nyckelharpa

April 1, 2021

As an enterprising force in the world of indigenous and exotic instruments, Sandra further engages in collaborations with a many musicians working with diverse genres of music. Sandra goes on to create and personally facilitate musical study trips to different countries — leading people into the heart of individual folk cultures through the music and dance of each country. She strives to nurture a deep love of music and the arts in both children and adults.

  • Diving Down the Rabbit Hole of Guitar Effects Pedals
  • Fingerstyle Acoustic Guitar with Joe Rathburn
  • Libba Lives On: The Enduring Influence of Humble Folk Guitarist Elizabeth Cotten
  • Cait Devin: Young Guitarist Taking the Lead and Playing It
  • How to Sell a Guitar – and Make Money

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Recent Videos

Award-Winning Indie Artist Talks Songwriting, How to Make Great Videos

A Bit About Bagpipes with J. Avery Head

Sandra Wong: The Wonder of the Nyckelharpa

Fingerstyle Acoustic Guitar with Joe Rathburn

Cait Devin: Young Guitarist Taking the Lead and Playing It

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