A Ministry of Music

Chuck Berry

Dec 30, 2009 music cassettes

Chuck Berry

Electric Guitar Styles

A guide to the essential styles of guitar playing, from the '50s to the present

By its very nature, the guitar is a rhythm instrument. Sure, it can be used to create vocal-like, single-note melodies and sizzling lead breaks, but more often it's found at the heart of the rhythm section, driving the progressions of your favorite rock and pop tunes. So, what does it take to be a good rhythm player? Well, the most obvious answer is to know a lot of chords. But while a knowledge of chords and chord construction is vital, it is not sufficient by itself. To be a truly proficient rhythm guitarist, a player must be familiar with a variety of styles and how the guitar typically functions in each. For instance, does the guitar play a busy part with double stops and triads, or take the opposite approach with fully-voiced, sustained chords? Is the guitar just one component of a tightly-structured rhythm section, or does it have considerable freedom to create its own part? What's the underlying rhythm the guitar plays-straight eigh ths, shuffle eighths, 16th-note funk-and how is that rhythm played?

In this article, we'll answer these questions by taking a look at a broad survey of styles, from the '50s to the '90s, with an emphasis on the most famous players in each genre.

'50s Rock 'n' Roll

When '50s rock 'n' roll is mentioned today, one can't help but think of Chuck Berry, the founding father of early rock 'n' roll guitar. Berry popularized the driving, muted eighth-note figure referred to by many as the "Chuck Berry rhythm." Notice how both voicings use only two chord tones: root/5th, and root/6th. This makes the riff easily applicable for major and dominant 7th type chords. Heard in such Berry classics as "Johnny B. Goode" and "Roll Over Beethoven," it is still used to this day as the basic rhythm for many songs. For example, Bachman Turner Overdrive added some eighth-note syncopation to it and came up with the opening riff to their huge 1974 hit "Takin' Care of Business".

Also in the '50s, artists like Carl Perkins ("Blue Suede Shoes") and a young Elvis Presley ("That's Alright Mama," "Hound Dog") were burning up the record charts with an infectious blend of country, blues, and jazz that came to be known as "rockabilly." Thanks to guitarist Brian Setzer (Stray Cats, Brian Setzer Orchestra), rockabilly enjoyed a revival in the '80s and is now firmly ensconced in the current swing revival. This style is based upon the shuffle eighth-note rhythm, and guitarists tend to use "jazzier" sounding 6th-, 9th-, and 13th-type chord voicings to flesh out their parts

'60s Rock and Folk

The guitar's popularity exploded in the early '60s: The Ventures were inventing guitar instrumental rock, the Beach Boys were singing about the surfing craze and drag racing, and waiting in the wings were the Beatles. Rhythm guitar was "cool," and every kid wanted to learn the opening chords to the Ventures' mega-hit, "Walk Don't Run". The movable shape of the barre chord opened up a world of possibilities and was in large part responsible for the adventurous progressions found in the music of the Beatles, psychedelic, and modern rock. Keep in mind that the barre chord's full sound makes it a perfect choice for voicings in a two-guitar band or trio situations, but it should be used with care in conjunction with a keyboard, as the sound can get too dense.

Sharing the airwaves in the early and mid '60s was folk music. The popularity of Peter, Paul & Mary, the Kingston Trio, and Bob Dylan brought the music to the fore, drastically boosting sales of acoustic guitars along the way. This folk style of strumming can now be heard in songs by a range of artists, from the Beatles, Creedence Clearwater Revival, the Eagles, and Tom Petty to R.E.M., Counting Crows, Oasis, and Matchbox 20. Open position chords are where it's at for this timeless style, which is based upon simple eighth-note strumming patterns. Third Eye Blind's "Semi-Charmed Life" offers a revved-up version of a time-honored folk progression.

Another highly useful "folkism" is the classical-inspired, fingerpicked arpeggiated pattern made famous by Jimmy Page in Led Zeppelin's folk/hard rock ballad, "Babe, I'm Gonna Leave You."

Rhythm & Blues

R&B, a unique mixture of blues, gospel, and soul, finally began getting the attention it deserved in the mid '60s. The man who virtually wrote the book on R&B guitar is Steve Cropper. That's him on "Green Onions" (Booker T. & the MGs), "Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay" (Otis Redding), and "Soul Man" (both Sam & Dave and Blues Brothers versions). Cropper often eschewed fully-voiced chords, opting instead for stripped-down parts involving the use of 3rds, 4ths, and 6ths. For example, on the intro to "Soul Man," instead of playing fully-voiced chords, he plays only the 5th and 3rd of each voicing, all on the same strings This style of "hook" rhythm playing can create magic in a song.

Hendrix

Although widely remembered for his baffling soloing techniques, sound effects, and wild stage antics, the multi-faceted Jimi Hendrix laid down some of the smoothest and most soulful R&B rhythms ever. On ballads like "The Wind Cries Mary" and "Little Wing," you'll hear his trademark hammer-on 3rds and sliding 4ths along with his groundbreaking chord/scale rhythm technique. Hendrix tended to play his chord/scale rhythm fills by superimposing scale patterns over basic barre chord shapes. If you know your scale patterns and follow a simple rule (major chord/major scale, minor chord/minor scale), you'll find a wealth of notes to choose from. Left-hand muting is a key factor in keeping the surrounding strings from ringing. Keep in mind that in this style, it's easy to go overboard and play too many notes, sounding more like a soloist than a rhythm guitarist. A good rule of thumb is to play simple rhythms, while waiting for spaces in the phrasing of the vocalist to employ your fills.

About the Author

This author likes playing music with his trusty guitar and Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier preamp. He just likes tubes. Transistors, not so much.

Would a wood chuck , chuck norris, or berry, chuck berry, or will this be chucked out?

Chuckle, chuckle.

Oh you naughty whipper snapper! You made my head all fuzzy.

Chuck Berry - Johnny B. Goode (Live 1958)

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Alice Chains Cassette

Dec 30, 2009 music cassettes

Alice Chains Cassette

Survey: What is the last cassette (audio) you purchased?

And how long ago?

For me, it was "jar of flies" by Alice in chains, way back in 1997. An eternity ago...

Omg what the heck is casette? Lol... I honestly can't remember!

We Die Young by Alice in Chains ~ Rockband 2 DLC Week 01/12, Expert Bass/Drums 100/99 SR

Frank Sinatra

Dec 30, 2009 music cassettes

Frank Sinatra

Autographs From The Rat Pack

Autographs from the Rat Pack are among the most desirable of Hollywood stars. 

The Rat Pack is most commonly known as a group of entertainers that included Joe Bishop, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, and Frank Sinatra.  The name "Rat Pack" is attributed to Lauren Bacall who named the group after seeing them following a night of heavy partying. 

The Rat Pack was an entertainment phenomenon.  In the 1950s and 1960s their shows packed audiences in Las Vegas with unprecedented popularity as a group and as individual performers.  However, it was not uncommon for Rat Pack members to appear unexpectedly at a Las Vegas show featuring another member of the group.  Their performance headquarters was the Sands Hotel that has since been destroyed to make room for the Venetian. 

The members of the Rat Pack led full and exciting lives.  Frank Sinatra enjoyed great success in music and film.  Sammy Davis Jr. was associated with the famous Will Mastin Jr.  Davis was married several times and was once involved with Las Vegas legend Lola Falana.  Peter Lawford acted in eighty-eight movies.  Dean Martin had tremendous success in music, film and television.  Martin also gained fame as a comedian partner of Jerry Lewis.  Joey Bishop was a popular stand-up comedian who became well-known for his late-night television show. 

Autographs from the Rat Pack members continue to be collected by their legion of fans.  Many items containing all of their signatures on a single piece such as a program, menu, or receipt, originate from their combined appearances at Las Vegas shows.  Autographs of the individual members of the Rat Pack can be obtained on album pages and photographs.  Many collectors assemble reprint autographed checks of the Rat Pack into impressive displays. 

Autographs of the Rat Pack are a reminder of a time when a group of talented individuals ruled the world of entertainment in Las Vegas.

About the Author

Visit Famous-Celebrity-Autographs.com to view stock autographs of famous celebrities, and for loads of valuable information about autographs, autograph collecting, autograph buying-selling, and much more. Copyright © FamousChecks

Quick Question. Is Frank Sinatra on piano good msic to play for a wedding reception?

I play piano as a hobby and i recently got interested in playing for wedding receptions and make a lil bit of cash. Would Frank Sinatra be good music to play for wedding receptions?

It depends on when you are playing/performing. Usually playing standards like Sinatra, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett etc and easy listening stuff is great to play during a cocktail hour and dinner. If you are actually entertaining or have a singer, the more upbeat music could be played after dinner.

Frank Sinatra My Way

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Jacket Required Collins

Dec 30, 2009 music cassettes

Jacket Required Collins

Cloze test

Task design

Words may be deleted from the text in question either mechanically (every nth word) or selectively, depending on exactly what aspect it is intended to test for. The methodology is the subject of an extensive academic literature ; nonetheless, teachers commonly devise ad hoc tests.

Example

A language teacher may give the following passage to students:

Today, I went to the ________ and bought some milk and eggs. I knew it was going to rain, but I forgot to take my ________, and ended up getting wet on the way ________.

Students would then be required to fill in the blanks with words that would best complete the passage. Context in language and content terms is essential in most, if not all, cloze tests. The first blank is preceded by "the"; therefore, a noun, an adjective or an adverb must follow. However, a conjunction follows the blank; the sentence would not be grammatically correct if anything other than a noun were in the blank. The words "milk and eggs" are important for deciding which noun to put in the blank; "supermarket" is a possible answer; depending on the student, however, the first blank could either be store, supermarket, shop or market while umbrella or raincoat fit the second.

Assessment

The definition of success in a given cloze test varies, depending on the broader goals behind the exercise. Assessment may depend on whether the exercise is objective (i.e. students are given a list of words to use in a cloze) or subjective (i.e. students are to fill in a cloze with words that would make a given sentence grammatically correct).

I saw a man lay his jacket on a puddle for a woman crossing the street. I thought that was very ______.

Given the above passage, students' answers may then vary depending on their vocabulary skills and their personal opinions. However, the placement of the blank at the end of the sentence restricts the possible words that may complete the sentence; following an adverb and finishing the sentence, the word is most likely an adjective. Romantic, chivalrous or gallant may, for example, occupy the blank, as well as foolish or cheesy. Using those answers, a teacher may ask students to reflect on the opinions drawn from the given cloze.

Mad Libs

Main article: Mad Libs

The word game Mad Libs is based on cloze tests. Mad Libs consist of short stories or articles with essential words replaced by blanks. The appropriate part of speech is indicated underneath each blank. One person completes the story by asking the rest of the group for words to fit each blank. In this way the group fills in the blanks with no knowledge of their context. The resulting story, when read out loud, is therefore comical or nonsensical.

See also

Language learning

English language learning and teaching

Communicative competence

Form letter

References

^ Collins English Dictionary

^ Taylor, W.L. (1953). "Cloze procedure: A new tool for measuring readability." Journalism Quarterly, 30, 415-433.

^ J. Sachs, P. Tung, R. Lam, "How to Construct a Cloze Test: Lessons from Testing Measurement Theory Models" Perspectives (City University of Hong Kong) Vol. 9 (1997 Spring)

External links

The Fifth Dimension: The Cloze Test

EnglishLearner.com reading test

VLC: Cloze Tests

Categories: English language | Language education | Tests
About the Author

I am International Trade Community writer, reports some information about large fiberglass planters , fiberglass garden fountains.

What's Phil Collins best album?

When Phil during the eighties wrote and made Face Value, Hello I Must be Going, and No Jacket Required with ...But Seriously which was his best?

No Jacket Required by Phil Collins, released in January 1985.

It was his third solo album and to date remains his most commercially successful.

& I think that was the best too

Phil Collins - Sussudio (No Ticket Required) Live!

Tags: album, good, graphicdesign, musicindex, no jacket required collins, philcollins

Back Attack

Dec 28, 2009 music cassettes

Back Attack

You really have no clue when a panic attack may hit. The symptoms in panic attacks vary from one person to another, but they are very easy to be identified. If you have experienced panic attacks you must know how terrifying anxiety panic attacks are!

This article has one single purpose: To educate anxiety and panic disorder patients and their families to make the difference between a panic attack and a heart attack. The symptoms are very similar, however they are totally different issues. -- Therefore there's nothing really to be frightened of.

Here's A Typical Panic Attack and Its symptoms:

You suddenly feel your heart beat racing not really knowing or realizing what's happening you in that very moment. Instantly you start shaking and desperately gasping open for air while sweat might blur your vision. Nausea, hot flashes and dizziness follows whilst terrifying and fearful thoughts are spinning in your head. You have headaches and you aren't capable to help yourself in any way. Your condition is getting worse.. It's a panic attack!

Suddenly, you have a feeling of unreal, the world around you is different, everything seems strange, you're still shaking and thinking of death. You're maybe trying to calm down but you can't and that is the moment your fear gets worse. Ok.. I've tried my best to relate a typical panic attack, at least this is how I felt a while back when suffering from general anxiety disorder and panic. The symptoms of panic attacks may differ from one to another, it depends on several factors as well as the panic attack's intensity. Sometimes it may hit harder than others, however panic and anxiety can be treated!

Can you stand having another panic attack with similar symptoms?

There's one thing to remember and keep in mind (Speaking of my experience of well over half a decade suffering from panic): Anxiety Panic Attacks may only scare you, shock you, terrify you.. but they will never mean any harm!

Panic disorder is currently affecting millions of people in the US alone. (a more accurate number given by the US National Institute of Mental Health (Nimh) last year was showing that 17 million people suffer from anxiety in the US).

Some tips to reduce the symptoms in panic attacks

You can have them any time or when you are exposed to certain situations that will trigger panic. Always avoid stressful situations, crowded places, accept your condition and try to find the root cause of your anxiety. These are the first steps to your recovery.

Several online anxiety programs are available to aid you in your way to complete recovery. You have the chance to treat yourself from the comfort of your home and Live Free from Panic!

Alex is a former anxiety and panic disorder sufferer and the founder of Relief Anxiety.

You can treat panic attacks using a new, revolutionary and unique technique that has been used to cure thousands of people worldwide from panic attacks. Don't wait a moment longer and read our latest review of the leading anxiety program online!

Visit : The Anxiety Release Method

How can a man who has been a workoholic and had a heart attack a few months back all of a sudden start living?

a healhty life as well as stress free ???
He is a business man.

He has to change his exercise levels and his diet. However it is difficult to confirm that work itself is cardiotoxic.

Dokken - Back For The Attack

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