 |
|
|
|
WORKSHOP FOR GUITAR PLAYERS (PART1)
|
|
|
The first week of learning how to play the instrument.
When the first corns on the left hand fingers appear the beginner starts realizing that something is going definitely wrong…
On this very stage many people give up the whole thing. Let's analyze why it happens.
1. The choice of the instrument: As a rule, the instrument which one buys for the first time is of low quality. I will not give you examples of "masterpieces" of our industry. Mostly their condition when they come to the market
leaves a lot to be desired because the space between the strings and the neck may be up to 1cm on the 12th fret. As a result, the beginners cannot produce the normal sound because they cannot suppress the resistance of the strings.
The solution of the problem: you can adjust the neck to the optimal position to the strings with a special bolt or a truss rod ( it depends on your guitar).
The string height recommended for beginners is 2.5- 3mm Then the height can be increased which means that the optimal height allows you to produce the sound with no problem at all. About the neck: it's very important that you
pay attention to the saw cut of the neck. The "right" neck will have the "right" saw cut. Wood fibers should find their place along the neck not slantwise. It guarantees that the neck if the guitar is stored properly won't get out of
shape. Here we talk about the instrument with unpainted neck. The situation with the painted neck resembles the one with buying a lottery ticket.
2 When the optimal height of the strings is adjusted you may hear that the strings are buzzing at some frets. The problem appears when the neck is curved or if the strings are set too low. That's why when buying an instrument (acoustic or electric) you should test your guitar.
3. One should pay attention to the string gauge indicated on the package: 008.038, 009.042, 009.046 etc..
Small gauge strings help you at first to master the instrument with no problems at all.
This technical information is designed to make your first acquaintance with the guitar painless. Electric guitar. The choice of the electric guitar depends on the same parameters: the frets should be of the same height, the neck should be smooth and straight but slightly curved at the 12th fret. A few words about the curve: It is regulated with the help of the truss rod ( a piece of metal that goes through the guitar neck to prevent it from getting out of shape) which you can access either above the nut or at the other end of the neck. The string height is 1 mm. at the first fret and
3mm. at the 12th fret, On tuning the instrument you should make sure that all the notes can be picked. That is to say you have to " explore " the whole neck. If you hear that strings buzz at the frets it means you have to look for a better instrument (here we speak about the smoothness of the neck and the frets). There are the following classic types of electric guitars: 1. Gibson LesPaul.
2. Fender Stratocaster.
Let's concentrate on these 2 types of guitars and their characteristics.
Gibson LesPaul has a rich sound.
It can be used in the following styles: jazz, blues, rock'n roll, hard rock and heavy metal etc.
These instruments are made from mahogany and maple. Mahogany is responsible for lower and medium frequencies whereas the upper deck (maple) adds some higher frequencies which make the sound more distinct. Thick neck.
Mahogany and maple body and ebony or rosewood fingerboard make the sound "thick" and rich. Here we speak about the instruments produced in the U.S.. There are a lot of instruments whose appearance resembles the original
produced in Korea, China, Indonesia and other countries. It goes without saying that the quality of such instruments leaves a lot to be desired. Of course, they are much cheaper . The average price of such an instrument is 100-250$.
Just compare : the original Gibson LesPaul costs 1200 $.It's natural that the beginner prefer the easiest way thus involving himself into a lot of trouble such as the deformation of the neck, of the deck ( the imperfect technology of the drying of wood), deterioration of the frets ( the result of the imperfect tempering technology).
That's why I recommend that you buy nstruments made in Japan or in the U.S. They are much more expensive but helps you to avoid the trouble mentioned above.
Copyright © 2001 . All Rights Reserved.