Category: Music

Moving on from my previous post I’ve looked at a new way of playing chords – Arpeggio.  Rather than all 3 chord fingers together each note is played separately, so instead of for the C Chord C+E+G it’s C – E – G.

Playing a the same chord progression as previously it’s  C-E-G-E-C then -E-G-E-A and continuing the same arpeggio chord twice before moving on to next chord (CAFG), also to complicate it for me I’m also using my left hand to play the initial chord note (should be held for the first bar, then release one the second chord stroke).  If it sounds like I’m talking cack I might be, I’m not used to all the musical stuff just yet.

Right, for those interested in my latest work – Piano 2 (BTW – Garageband records it loud, so lower your volume 🙂 )

Also as a bonus, cos I’ve found out I can do it – The musical score in PDF format – Score

(Apologies for those that like music in time)

So, a days rest and my loose finger seems to righted it’s self. Mostly not pushing down on keys. Maybe it’s a reflex training action? Anyway, had a play and recorded an audio bashing for you to ‘enjoy’

Piano

It’s not a great tune, just me hitting a bass note, then playing a chord to match (C, A, F, G). Timing is not great but what the hell. I couldn’t do anything 2 days ago.

Had a quick look at the piano lessons as well. I’m sort of tempted to have a go with that as well. A USB piano keyboard is available for around £50

Of course I spent the £50 and got the keyboard. Whilst it’s not a grand piano, it good enough to start with. Plugged in a started to plonk away.

So after a hour of so I can play a chord or two, O.k. it’s not great, but it’s my first attempt so I’m happy. Look out for more piano based threads! As per usual I flicked through the Garageband lessons to see what’s next, but I will return to lesson 1 until I can play a chord without finger 4 (ring, but on the right hand) pressing other keys.

(I’m not giving up on the AXE yet, will continue to play that as well.)

A shout must go out to the shop I bought the keyboard from. DV247.com I chose to visit the Birmingham store as I was in the area and didn’t want to wait or spend £5 on postage!.

After many a year of attempting the guitar I thought I’d try again. This time I’m helped by Garageband – part of the Apple iLife package. The current version has a different lessons to help you learn both the piano and guitar.

Only really done the first guitar lesson so far, but don’t want to rush as I need my fingers to get used to steel strings again. As before it sounds bad, but I’d like to think I could stick with it this time.

Had a quick look at the piano lessons as well. I’m sort of tempted to have a go with that as well. A USB piano keyboard is available for around £50 (or £80 from Apple!).

So do pardon me if I start talking about my AXE (maybe i’ll borrow Neils, cos it’s better than mine! – I’ve gone down the electric route at present as I can play it through headphones)