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1500 questions
75
votes
5 answers
How do you draw a quarter rest with a pen/pencil?
It seems to me that the quarter rest we see everywhere was drawn with a calligraphy pen. I don't have one of those - I have a sharpened/mechanical pencil or a ball-point pen. So usually when I try to imitate the shape of a quarter rest, it looks a…
Ricket
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74
votes
7 answers
Why are there both sharps and flats?
If we can get away with just having sharps (aka black notes on a piano) then why complicate things and add flats as well?
For example, if I have a C# why call it Dflat? Why not just leave it as C# and make things simpler.
user34288
71
votes
21 answers
How often should I replace the strings on my guitar?
When and why should you replace your guitar strings?
gak
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70
votes
6 answers
What is the relationship between "do re mi" and note letter names?
When people sing the song, they use do, re, mi, fa, sol, la, ti, (si), etc, but sometimes I hear that the music people say A, B, C, D flat, etc.
Is there a relationship or are they two different things?
Ted Wong
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69
votes
24 answers
Best method to learn to play barre chords?
I've been trying to learn the F chord for a while now, and I am having a very hard time playing the barre chord. I've read that pulling back slightly with your finger and using the body of the guitar for leverage is a good way to play them. What…
Don
68
votes
22 answers
What is the difference between a mode and a scale?
I can't seem to find a straight definition for both.
crimson_sprite
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68
votes
21 answers
Changing the strings: one by one, or by taking all strings off at one time?
The title says it all. Should I change strings one by one, or take them all at once? Does this matter at all?
If I take all strings off, will it damage my neck in any way, because the pressure is released?
Silver Light
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67
votes
9 answers
How can a classical pianist learn jazz piano?
I'm a classically trained pianist. Took lessons all through my childhood. I've continued to play and read classical literature all my life. But I never learned anything about jazz piano. I also know a lot about music theory, am a good sight reader…
mfamous
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67
votes
22 answers
Ways to get out of a scalar rut?
I'm a well versed and experienced guitarist. I have a decent sense for rhythm and melody, but I have a VERY hard time with soloing. I know you've heard it all before I'm one of those guys that got stuck practicing scales too much and cant, for the…
InternalConspiracy
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67
votes
5 answers
What's the difference between a G♭ and an F#?
I've heard it said that, whilst on most instruments these notes are played with the same fingerings/technique/etc., there is a subtle difference.
This isn't specific to this particular note combination, but to all enharmonic equivalents.
What might…
8128
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66
votes
7 answers
Why is C the base note of standard notation and keys?
Why is it that notes "start" with C? In key signatures, for example, C Major is the basis and accidentals are added for all other key signatures. I know that the musical alphabet starts with A and goes to G, so why is C the base note of standard…
skystar
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64
votes
6 answers
What does a conductor actually do?
Looking for the roles of the conductor during a musical performance, I mainly came across answers as the following, taken from Wikipedia:
"The primary duties of the conductor are to unify performers, set the tempo, execute clear preparations and…
iddober
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64
votes
8 answers
Position of white dots in guitar fretboard
I was wondering why the white dots in the fretboard are usually placed in fret numbers 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 15, 17, 19, and 21.
I know that their general purpose is for counting, but what I wonder is: Why are they placed on precisely those frets, and not…
Abel Molina
63
votes
20 answers
Why Is Just Intonation Impractical?
I've read about the debate of "just intonation" vs 12-tone equal temperament. And nowhere it was clearly stated why just intonation is impractical. Here are my assumptions. Please let me know if I am correct.
Just intonation frequencies are based on…
Bozho
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63
votes
22 answers
How can I overcome the fear of performing in front of an audience?
I have been learning how to play Spanish guitar for more than two years and half.
Every time my friends ask me to play something, I get scared and my hands start to shake.
How to break this fear?
I know this is a subjective question as every one…
Chiron
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