Nairon

Hi Everyone, Recently, I've been trying to record a backing track with my steel string acoustic guitar for a song that I wrote (finally trying to get that dream of writing my very own song off the ground). Anyway, just a little background, I'm using a zoom H1N recorder which doubles as my audio interface. The built in XY condenser microphones pick up well especially when I am playing individual notes. but when I strum chords, it gets really muffled even though I am adjusting the levels so it doesn't seem to clip. When I playback the recording on a headphone or another speaker, it definitely sounds different from what I hear when playing it live. I've tried different mic placements but honestly, it still doesn't sound clean, especially the bass notes. Of course, I'm still on my guitar learning journey so my technique is coming along but it's a work in progress so there's that. But it got me thinking whether I should just invest in an audio interface and a condenser mic or whether I should try some acoustic treatments first. I usually record in my living room which is about 20' x 12' x 8' dimensions. Would love some advice on this. Nairon

Thanks for the resources guys. I really appreciate it. I'll check it out. Nairon

Hi everyone, I'm at the session 11 on the LMG course and trying to memorize the pentatonic patterns and where the major and minor roots are etc which is slow but steady progress. But one thing I can't understand; if a major and minor pentatonic scales have the same notes (like C major and A minor), what is the purpose of having the two? How can they be used in practice? My music theory knowledge is very basic so I'm sure there is a lot that I'll be missing. P.S. I know it's February but this is my first post for the year I think so Happy New Year to everyone . Nairon

Hey, haven't posted progress for a little while. Anyway hope everyone is doing great. Recently I've been working on moon river. Trying it fingerstyle so hopefully I didnt miss the mark too far although I may have in parts of it... lol. Anyway hope you enjoy.

Thanks. Glad to get the encouragement. I'll check out the book. Hopefully, in a some weeks, I'll have the basic barre chords clean.

Hi Everyone, I've been working on this from the Song Hits. Just wondering how you successfully get the Eb9 chord (thrid line, second measure). More specifically, the two fingers to hold down the first three strings. Trying different things but its a little buzzy. In the video, I think Steve leaves it up to the student but I'm just searching for some ideas on what works. Nairon

Thanks for the encouragement. Another issue I found that really makes the strings buzz is when the strings are pressed by the joints of the index finger so even when I try to keep my finger straight and bring my wrist forward etc I still always have to reposition the finger till it stops buzzing. Hopefully that problem goes with time too.

I'm learning Moon River in the Hits and following the 5th string barre chord chapter in the learn and master course. Got to say its some rough going with the barre chords so far but improving really slowly. I could see myself spending a lot of time before moving on from barre chords. In this song I noticed that there are variations in the chords themselves which is also adding to the challenge. Either way, its such a beautiful song.

Thanks for the useful feedback.!!

So far for me this chapter is a big step up in difficulty from the previous one in the L&M course. I've been at it for over a month and can't seem to get rid of the buzz when changing from one barre chord to the next unless I really really slow it down. or that screech when I move up and down the fretboard. Slow and steady wins the race I guess. Hope everyone is enjoying the journey and progressing well.

Thanks for sharing your story and all the best to you as you resume the journey!

Thanks for the feedback Henk. Always good to hear from someone who has the experience using the product. I see from the link that there is a battery operated version which is kool. Do you think it could be used for playing in a small setting like a restaurant or something like that? Nairon

Hey everyone, I'm looking to buy my first amp for my acoustic guitar (and a looper pedal but that's another topic). Anyway, I saw that some people also use portable PA systems like the Bose S1 Pro. Does the acoustic guitar amp have an advantage over a PA system in terms of quality of sound? The use would be for playing at home and eventually small venues? Nairon

Yes this was fun. Honestly, its hard to play the chords to that song without hearing Elvis singing it in your head. I ended up checking out a lot of his videos online while learning it.

Thanks man. I'll definitely look to make some more lengthy tracks as I progress through the lessons.

Hey everyone, Seasons greetings. Not sure if this thread is still active but I just thought I'd share a short clip from Elvis' Heartbreak hotel I was learning recently from The Song Hits, songbook.

Very groovy!!

Thanks @Wim VD1 Enjoying the L&M journey so far. Long ways to go but loving the content of the course. I recently bought a new acoustic (Takamine GN51CE) so it's a got me extra motivated.

Hey everyone, Not sure if this "falls" (see what I did there) in with the Autumn theme but let me know what you think. Reached session 6 in L&M and I decided to do Scarborough Fair.

@Fretless, I finally got the new guitar. Where I'm from I couldn't find a store with many guitars that have solid tops to choose from so I ended up eventually taking a chance on an online purchase from Sweetwater. (Excellent service, btw. loads of patience explaining and answering questions from a rookie like me). Anyway, I bought the Takamine GN51CE, solid spruce top and walnut back and sides. To be honest I've never played a steel string apart from my Fender FA-100 so the difference in sound and playability was amazing. The last time I felt like this, I was a child at Christmas. lol. Nairon

@Fretless Thanks for taking the time to answer in so much detail. I was looking at the solid top guitars with electronics up to the 550USD mark. I'm still making my way through the L&M course and the Hits so learning different styles atm. Something versatile and good value for money. After combing through brands like Yamaha, Takamine, Guild, Breedlove, Alvarez and Ibanez (solid top Martins and Taylors were way out of range and I wasn't sure about the Martin high pressure laminate), I narrowed it down to three Takamine GN30CE, GF30CE FXC. GN51CE and one Ibanez AC340CE. Still on the lookout though.

Hi everyone, What type of finger board and bridge material is best for acoustic steel string guitar among Rosewood, Ovangkol and Laurel? I've been looking to purchase a new guitar for some time now and finally narrowed down to three or four models. Anyway, I've noticed these three materials being used and was wondering if it really makes a difference apart from how it looks. Let me know what you think. Nairon

Worked on Cold cold heart by Hank Williams from the Song Hits session 5 this month. Still working at the strumming accuracy but so far so fun.

@Wim VD1 the blues sound real mellow. Really like it.

@Eracer_Team-DougH This was a lot of fun to listen to man!