Guitar Set-Ups and Intonation Explained
A correctly adjusted guitar is an important key to successful guitar playing. More often than not, however, one comes across instruments which have never been matched to the gauge or type of string, let alone the playing style of the owner.
It would be safe to assume that many players really don’t know what they are missing. In adjusting the guitar, the two main areas of concern are the correct action and correct scale accuracy (intonation).
The playing style of the guitarist is the deciding factor regarding all other adjustments to the guitar. The player who plays hard will have to content himself with a high action in order to play clearly without the strings buzzing on the frets.
In addition, the use of flat picks (in acoustical guitars) usually requires a higher action than finger picks or fingers alone. Finger Picking, on the other hand and flamenco playing require low action. Most of electric players can get away with very low action. A guitarist who plays several styles must compromise on his action or use several instruments.
Guitar Maintenance
Though all guitars with nylon strings are sometimes classified as classical guitars, other musical and technical considerations clearly define the modern classical guitar and it’s variant, the flamenco guitar. Materials and method of construction do vary, depending on the country of origin and intended price range, but as quality and craftsmanship increase, differences diminish and the best classical guitars from makers all over the world are quite similar in choice of materials and to a lesser extent, in overall dimensions.
Dimensions of the modern day classical guitar will generally fall within these ranges:
1) Scale length 25 ½ to 26 ¼ inches
2) Body length 19 ¼ to 19 ½ inches
3) Width of fingerboard at nut, 2 to 2 3/16 inches, at 10th fret, 2 ½ inches to 2 9/16 inches.
4) Width of body at upper bout, 11 ½ inches; waist, 9 ¾ inches; lower bout 14 ½ inches (approximate);
5) Depth of body 3 5/8 to 3 7/8 inches (approximate).
Source: Complete Guitar Repair, Hideo Kamimoto
Saxophone and Clarinet Reed Care
Remove saxophone and clarinet reeds after performing and return them to their carrying case. This will prolong the life of the reed and prevent warping and mold.
Chromatic scales and practicing Bass
You have probable already heard about the chromatic scale being good for warm ups on bass or guitar. It seems that some players that I have talked with will use it for building speed. As a Bass player you might approach the use of the chromatic scale for endurance. A good way to do that is to start with a metronome at 60 to 80 Beats per minute and play only quarter notes, being sure to give the note its whole value. Not only will this build hand strength, but it also help develop good tone and teaches you to play through the note, instead of cutting it short.
Darren Sherley is the bassist in charlie freak and has been playing music for 30 years. He specializes in slap bass and is the resident bass expert at OrCoast Music! Stop in and say hello and ask your bass questions!
Percussions and Winds by Greg
To strengthen your non-dominate hand, practice 2x as much with it compared to your dominant hand. And try squeezing a racquetball while reading, watching tv, or driving. This will lead to excellent drumming skills.
Oh and since cold and flu season is near, it is a good time to remind to always sanitize your mouthpieces!
Guitar Maintenance
Check your guitars monthly, especially electric guitars. Carefully tighten screws and nuts, and take notice of your input jack and tighten if necessary.
How do I avoid wrist-fatigue while playing slap bass?
A common complaint among bass playing is wrist fatigue. The best way to combat this annoyance is to build up that muscle. Grab a oversize drumstick from your band mate, or from our store, grip it like a handle-bar and wave it back and forth using the slap motion. This will bring your muscles up to speed and ready for those extended sessions!
Darrin Sherley is the bassist in charlie freak and has been playing music for 30 years. He specializes in slap bass and is the resident bass expert at OrCoast Music! Stop in and say hello and ask your bass questions!
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