Creating A Smooth Rhodes Sound

For many musicians creating a smooth rhodes sound is not as easy as people think. Just recently a product was launched by a good friend Jamal Hartwell called the Neo Soul Suitcase and let me tell you that it sounds sweet. The plugin only works with the Kontact 4. I know it sucks because many of you have the free plugin or don't have the availible funds. Jamal is working on creating a free version for the plugin. However, this will help you to create a sweet rhodes sound.

For those who own a motif/mox/korg or any other high quality brand if you are looking to create that smooth rhodes sound for free. Take a look at these tips:

1) Look at the different rhodes patches

For the motif the different sounds that we have are: Neo Soul, Vintage 74, Early 70's (these are just a few examples) what I would usually do is combine the sounds and layer them over top of each other. Again, this is based upon personal preference.

2) Look at the velocity curve

Generally, the velocity curve is usually hard, soft, medium. You would want it to be hard because it gives it more of a touch and feel sound and you hear the lift when you touch the note.

3) Look at vibrato

I love the vibrato because it adjusts the sound and the quality of this. I would always have this on because it gives it more power and sensitivity in the notes that you are playing.

Note: One thing to remember is that your personality will come through your playing. You want to get the feel that you want in your playing. So creating the smooth rhodes sound is very easy. These are just three areas where you can really influence the sound. I also invite you to check out the Neo Soul Suitcase I would highly recommend it if you are looking to get a better rhodes sound.

What's The Job of A Second Keyboard Player?

Greetings, everyone

One question or challenge that every musician goes through when working with someone is what is their role in enhancing the music. Today, I am here to provide some insight into what the job of a second keyboard player is.

In my experience, the job of the second keyboard is to backup and pad with the main keyboard player. This maybe through playing horns, synth, strings, flute etc.. The second keyboard player is to fill in the gaps left by the main keyboardist. Somethings to remember are that you and the rest of the band need to be locked together. (What I mean is that you need to communicate). If they are not locked together then what you play may be just noise. One other things that musicians have a challenge with is that thew main keyboardist may play chords that may clash with what you are are playing. If that does become an issue I would suggest that you speak to the keyboardist. Just remember that as a second keyboardist you are considered equal and that you are brought in to enhance the music, the dynamics and the flow and to ultimately work together with the band to succeed.

I just want to know what are your thoughts on the job of a second keyboardist and what experiences have you had? Tell us in the comments section below.

How To Modulate and Transpose To Other Keys

I'm sure that you have had the experience in your playing when someone asks you to play a song in a different key than the original song on the CD. Or when a singer starts to sing in the key that you are playing in and all of a sudden they start singing in a next key. (I know that has happened to me alot) This lesson focuses on piano however transposition and modulation can apply to bass and organ as well.

As a piano/organ/keyboard/bass player it's your job to know how to modulate to a different key quickly and as smooth as possible. Just to break it down modulation is just a way of getting to a new key from an old key. A good example is let's say I'm playing in the key of Ab and I want to get to B. That is an example of modulation. This idea goes hand in hand with transposition.

When I say transposition I am not refering to pressing that magical button on your keyboard that allows you to change the key. (That's a big no...no!) As a musician, you need to be able to change the key smoothly. If you don't do that it can easily ruin the flow of the music.


There are 2 ways to transpose:

1a)by intervals such as P3, M3

1b)by scale degrees (we here in the west call it the number system)


1a. Intervals: In the previous example I mentioned that we are moving from Ab to B which is a minor third. To put it easily you are going to raise all the notes in that scale a minor 3rd. Intervals can be a little more complex such as a Perfect 4th but we will keep it simple for now.

Here's the breakdown

"Eb" in the key of Ab would become "Gb (F#)" in the key of B. "C" in the key of aB would become "Eb" in the new key of B. "F" would become "Ab" and so forth. All chords would move a minor 3rd.

1b. Scale degrees: I am not big person on scale degrees because it sounds complex however for me personally I just like to refer it as the number system. Instead of refer to letters as notes. I refer to notes as numbers. Here's a short example:


In the key of C the number system are: C=1, D=2, E=3, F=4, G=5, A=6, B=7, C=8

It's the same thing as a scale degree. So the chords that you call out such as a C major chord can be referred to as C-E-G or 1-3-5 in the key of C. This system is transferable across all 12 keys. The concept can be use for instruments such as bass, keyboard, organ, piano, guitar.

You can also use the scale degrees in progressions as well such as 7-3-6 or 2-5-1 as well for example.

To put it simply, modulation means to get to a different key and one of the methods that I use that is effective is using the 5 of the 4 method. That's for a follow up lesson.

It was not easy to explain this but I hope that it was explained well enough to you. This will give you a better idea of how to transpose and modulate to other keys If you want to learn more about transposition you can see all about it through this course by clicking down below:



*Credit for image goes to author

The Best Keyboard in the World

Greetings,

In the most recent post you saw me playing the Yamaha MOX8. (For those who havent seen it click here ).

It's been a hot topic around and people have wants us to talk about it what is the best keyboard in the world. My thoughts on this are that there is no best keyboard in the world because it all subjective and depends on what we ask the person. However, down below are the top brands in the keyboard world. We want you to decide which do you think is suitable? These are in no particular order.

1)Technics
2)Kurzweil
3)M-AUDIO
4)Roland
5)Korg
6)Suzuki
7)Kawai
8)Casio
9)Yamaha

These include all their sub brands and other products that they have developed as well. Again, this is just one of the few discussions that we will be having on the forum as well. Let us know what you think? If your not a keyboardist, we want to hear from the other people who play bass, drums as well.

P.S. I haven't forgotten about the drummers and bassists as well.

Exciting News: Musician's Breakthrough

We here at the Business and Musicians Forum can't contain ourselves because this is an event that we feel we should pass on to our members.

I just got word about the biggest, most anticipated event of 2010 for gospel musicians...and after visiting the page, I'm pretty excited about what I've seen so far.

They are featuring 7 world-class, professional "West Coast" musicians in a pretty unique format.

Each musician is covering what they call the
"5 Dimensions of the Church Service."

-Praise
-Worship
-Shouting
-Transitional
-Traditional

If you do the math, that's 35 segments... and I'm
told over 16 hours in total.

If you rush over to the page, you'll find video clips
of each musician playing one of these styles. There
are examples from all 5 categories. You will be blown away at the different styles these musicians have.

Musician's Breakthrough

We here at the Business and Musicians Forum have already been put on the priority list because we want to be first to get our copy. By the way because of our relationship with the founder Jermaine Griggs I will keep you up to date. We recommend that you do the same. Musicians Breakthrough will be in the history books for the greatest feat.

Ultimate Tool For Musician's

P.S. You can win an Apple Ipad just by making a post on the page. I hope that y'all go and do the same. Just maybe one of you will be the lucky winner.

Musician Transformation Collection

As you all know here at the Business and Musicians Forum. Our inboxes get flooded from time to time and we love to support are fellow gospel musicians. Today, while I was sitting at my desk a message popped up from Jermaine Griggs. He had some great stuff to offer and take advantage of. He just recently offered the music transformation package. We just want to recommend this product to all the other musicians that are out there.

The Musicians Transformation Package 44 pg Guide
Click Here To Download The 44 pg Guide

This guide will change your playing for the better it is filled with the most advanced techniques and strategies that will improve your confidence and your playing. This report covers note names, major and minor scales, the number system, major-minor scales and chords.

The 29 pg Guide and Free Videos
These are free addtional bonuses that will advance your playing and they are availiable to you.


Gospel Music Training Center
Learn weekly song pattern lessons to downloadable resources and live training events, this will be your "go-to" hub for anything. No more having to pay for ridiculously expensive lessons that never get you far. This is a great tool for any musician to have in their tool belt.

Click Here to Learn More About the GMTC

Right now Jermaine Griggs is having a sale with free shipping on the 300 pg. course book (that I have been talking about. You know, the theory book) and giving away for free Gospel Keys 101 (great Dvd for harmonizing the melody). You pay $52.00
Click here for more info about this limited time sale!

Introducing the best FREE video I have ever given (and MORE)...

As we all know that the back to school season is upon us. Every student is getting ready with the tools and resources to help them get them through another year. What about musicians who want to learn how to play music by ear.

If you play or are learning any of these instruments this video is for you!!
-Guitar
-Horns
-Bass Guitar
-Piano
-Organ

Are you a struggling musician who is having trouble on learning how to play by ear?
Are having problems when a singer comes up to sing and you can't pick out the key?
Are you having issues with you learning your scales and the number system?
Are having trouble listening to a piece of music and trying to pick out the chord progressions?

If you answered yes to any of the statements above I would highly suggest that you take a look at this FREE video?

VIDEO LESSON #1 – “The KEY to getting to the next stage in your ear training”

This lesson reveals very important SECRETS that you MUST have as an ear-musician.

If you read sheet music, this isn't the most important principle that is discussed however when it comes to playing by ear, “NUMBERS” make a BIG difference!

If you know your numbers “inside” and “out” will reflect how far and quickly you can get there!

If you have no idea what I’m saying or talking about, check out the lesson below!



(The Gospel Music Training Center is very helpful)

Here are some recommended resources that will improve your skills as an ear musician

Training For Musicians

Finding the Key to Any Song

Learn How to Play Piano By Ear

This Weeks Music School: Ditones on Steroids

Good Morning/Afternoon

Happy Long Weekend to All!!! We just want to thank everyone over the summer for visiting the blog. We are currently working on some new projects for the site and we look forward to seeing what's in store for the fall. It's been a while since I have posted a Music School Update. We have been getting a lot of response from hungry musicians wanting more tips and tricks.

Here's just a quick lesson on Ditones

The Ditone is the little brother to the Tri-tone. You can use the ditone in many different ways. Di meaning two whole tones. For example C to E is two whole tones and that would be your bass and the chord on the right hand is a suspended.

Here are the two most popular ways to use the Ditone

1. As a passing chord
2. As a one chord (i.e a starting chord)


Here is the formula for the ditones a one chord

L.H/R.H
1-3/6-2-5

For example in the Key of Db

As a passing chord you can use the ditone on these chords. These just happen to be the most popular because of the fact that you can use these in any scenario.

1. As a passing chord on the 7
2. As a passing chord to the 3
3. As a passing chord to the 6
4. As a one chord


Breakdown

1.As a passing chord going from the 1 to the 7

L.H/R.H (7 chord)

C-E/Bb-Eb-Ab

2.As a passing chord on the 3 leading to the 4 chord

L.H/R.H (3 chord)

F-A/Eb-Ab-Db

3.As a passing chord leading to the 6. You would play this chord leading to the 6.

L.H/R.H

A-C/G-C-F

4. Now you can also use the Ditone as a regular one chord.

L.H./R.H

Db-Ab/Bb-Eb-Ab


Note: To learn more about the Ditone and the Tritone go to:

The Secrets to The Ditone and Tritone

P.S. If you want to submit a question and have it answered on our website go to:

www.helpingadvice.blogspot.com/askbizmoderator

This Weeks Music School: Phat Chords on Steroids II

Announcement: Subscribe to our newsletter for more chords and more updates.

Welcome Fellow Musicians and Upcoming Musicians,

If you have recently read the blog you have noticed some of the changes to the blog. We have gotten tons of requests from musicians who would like songs to be broken down. This will be coming up next week. We will keep you posted. Also, in terms of business we have gotten many different websites and we are still taking submissions for your website, blog.


Back to business!! Here is what it will sound like. Note: Please turn your speakers up and leave comments on what you think.



This time we will be in the Key of C# (Db)

L.H/R.H

L.H- Eb-Bb
R.H- Gb-Bb-Db-F

L.H- Db-Ab
R.H- F-Bb-C-Eb

L.H- C-G
R.H- Bb-D-F

L.H- F-C
R.H- F-A-Db-F

L.H- Bb-F
R.H- Ab-C-Db-F


I hope that these chords will improve your playing and help you to continue to advancing your skills.

If you want to learn how to play phat, urban and contemporary chords
Learn to Play Urban and Contemporary Chords


P.S. If you want to submit a question and have it answered on our website go to:

www.helpingadvice.blogspot.com/askbizmoderator


-BizModerator

This Weeks Music School: Phat Chords on Steroids

Good Morning/Afternoon Fellow Musicians


Today we are starting something new on The Business and Musicians Forum. Weekly updates. We are going to let you know of any updates to the site or any changes in general. This week is our Phat Chords Section

We are going to be focusing on the 7-3-6-2-5-1 in our favorite key of Ab


Here it is:



Here it is: 7-3-6-2-5-1-4 In the Key of Ab


L.H G/D
R.H F-A-Bb-d

C chord
L.H. C/E
R.H. Bb-Db-Gb (Raise the Gb to G to give it some flavour)

F minor chord
L.H F/C
R.H Ab-C-Eb-G

Bb Minor chord
L.H Bb/F
R.H Ab-C-Db-F

Eb chord
L.H. Eb/B
R.H A-C-Db-F

Ab major
L.H Ab/Db
R.H Ab-Db-Eb-Ab (resolve on moving the Db to C)

Db major
L.H Db/Gb
R.H C-Eb-F-Ab

If your serious about taking your playing to the next level check out my recommendations:

Learning How to Play Phat Chords

Here is a quote from B.B. King

"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King

P.S. If you want to submit a question and have it answered on our website go to:

www.helpingadvice.blogspot.com/askbizmoderator

For Upcoming Musicians

Recently, I got an email message and they asked that they would like as post on music so here is the message for them.


Musicians have a tough time doing what they love. They are to help enhance the mood of the night. The email that I got said that they are a struggling musician that they would like some help with some chords. Here is my advice to them.

Keep trying and never give up.
They asked that they wanted some special keyboard chords and here they are:

Key of Bb

Bb, F, C--Left Hand
C#, F, Ab, C--Right Hand

Bb, F--Left Hand
C, C#, F, Ab-- Right Hand

Bb, F --Left Hand
Ab, C, C#, F -- Right Hand


Enjoy
-BizModerator

P.S. If you want to submit a question and have it answered on our website go to:

www.helpingadvice.blogspot.com/askbizmoderator