acoustic guitar scottsdale – Scottsdale Music Academy https://guitarlessonsinscottsdale.com Learn The Music That Moves and Inspires YOU! Thu, 20 Oct 2022 16:25:31 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://guitarlessonsinscottsdale.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/SMA-111-150x150.jpg acoustic guitar scottsdale – Scottsdale Music Academy https://guitarlessonsinscottsdale.com 32 32 Ways to Amplify Your Acoustic Guitar https://guitarlessonsinscottsdale.com/ways-to-amplify-your-acoustic-guitar-2 Thu, 20 Oct 2022 16:24:32 +0000 https://guitarlessonsinscottsdale.com/?p=9457

If you have a pickup in your acoustic guitar, then you may be wondering what is the best way to put that pickup to use for live shows, practice or something similar. There are a variety of ways to amplify your acoustic guitar and some ways work better for different situations and musicians. Finding the right way to amplify your acoustic guitar can greatly affect your sound. Here are some ways to amplify your acoustic guitar.

PA SYSTEM:

: PA systems are one good choice for amplifying your guitar, although they are mainly found at live music venues. Usually consisting of a few inputs, monitor speakers, a mixing board and large outfacing speakers, PA systems allow you to plug in and play rather quickly. Another upside to playing through a PA system is the amount of volume that can be produced alongside very minimal feedback. One downside to playing through a PA system is there is not a lot of capability for customizing your sound.

AMPS:

Acoustic amps are a little less common than playing through a PA system, but they are also a very good option for amplifying your acoustic guitar. They are very portable and easy to use, while also offering the features to dial in and customize your sound as much as you want. They may not be as loud as PA systems, but most acoustic amps come with a DI output so they can be connected to external speakers.

MICROPHONES:

Lastly, microphones are another way to amplify your acoustic guitar, usually if you do not have a pickup. You may have seen this before with an artist that has a mic set up pointing right at the soundhole of their acoustic guitar. One great thing about using a microphone to amplify your acoustic guitar is that the natural sounds of your guitar can be captured in great detail.

Overall, finding the best option to amplify your acoustic guitar that works for you can really add to the kind of sounds you want to produce.

]]> How to Strip Down Songs for an Acoustic Set https://guitarlessonsinscottsdale.com/how-to-strip-down-songs-for-an-acoustic-set Mon, 22 Aug 2022 16:30:00 +0000 https://guitarlessonsinscottsdale.com/?p=9384

If you have complex songs either written or recorded, then you may at some point have wondered if it would be possible to simplify them for an acoustic set. There are a variety of reasons to strip down and rework songs that can range from just sitting at home practicing, or playing a more low-key show to showcase your songs. Regardless of the reason, it is always good to have a grasp on the steps to take when simplifying songs. Here is how to strip down songs for an acoustic set.

WHAT QUALIFIES A SONG FOR AN ACOUSTIC REWORK?:

With this question in mind, deciding which of your songs to strip down and rework for an acoustic set is one of the most important things in this process. This is because not all songs may work for an acoustic version. Take some time to look through your catalog and decide whether or not you have some songs that are able to be stripped down. This way, you will have a place to start. Additionally, try to have an end product in mind as you begin to simplify the songs you have chosen.

BEGIN RECONSTRUCTING:

Now that you have some songs that you think are able to be stripped down for an acoustic set, it is time to begin the process. A great place to start for this step is to grab an acoustic guitar, or piano for that matter, and play through the songs. This will allow you to see which parts of the songs need to be reworked in order to fit the bill for an acoustic set. You might have to change the timing of chord changes or the phrasing of different melodies, but you will know it when you hear it.

FINE-TUNE THE NEW VERSIONS OF YOUR SONGS:

Lastly, before you are able to play an acoustic set, it is critical to fine-tune all of the changes you have made to your songs. Does it feel rushed? Do your songs still convey their original meaning? These are all things to consider before taking the stage. After all, these are your songs and you should be proud to play them.

]]> Different Types of Acoustic Guitar Wood https://guitarlessonsinscottsdale.com/9363-2 Fri, 29 Jul 2022 00:15:58 +0000 https://guitarlessonsinscottsdale.com/?p=9363

When you are buying an acoustic guitar, one of the most important things to consider is the type of wood that is used in the construction of the guitar. The reason for this being is that the wood of an acoustic guitar is one of the main factors that affects tone. Having a better understanding of the wood of different acoustic guitars will greatly increase your knowledge of why certain guitars sound differently, which guitars are right for you and what guitars to purchase.

SPRUCE:

Spruce is one of the most popular types of wood that steel-string acoustic guitars are made of. One reason for this is that spruce is a good choice for all types of playing styles. In addition, spruce almost always delivers a dynamic sound that does a great job of cutting through any mix. This means that it is a great option for playing live and recording. Also, spruce is great for producing the high frequencies that emit from your acoustic guitar.

CEDAR:

Like spruce, cedar is another type of wood that is popular in acoustic guitars. However, one of the main differences between the two is that cedar tends to produce a much darker tone than that of spruce. While this may be a great choice for many players, one of the downsides is that cedar guitars usually lack in volume and projection. This type of wood is a go-to for players who usually prefer fingerpicking.

MAHOGANY:

Lastly, mahogany is a type of wood that is used in acoustic guitars, but it is not as popular as guitars built with spruce or cedar. There is nothing significantly good or bad about mahogany, as it is generally a decent choice. It produces a balanced tone with a really distinct mid-range. One thing to note about mahogany guitars is that the tops are usually left unpolished. While these are three of the most popular types of wood for acoustic guitars, your knowledge will grow as you continue to play and examine more and more acoustic guitars.

]]> Ways to Amplify Your Acoustic Guitar https://guitarlessonsinscottsdale.com/ways-to-amplify-your-acoustic-guitar Mon, 01 Aug 2022 16:30:00 +0000 https://guitarlessonsinscottsdale.com/?p=9377

If you have a pickup in your acoustic guitar, then you may be wondering what is the best way to put that pickup to use for live shows, practice or something similar. There are a variety of ways to amplify your acoustic guitar and some ways work better for different situations and musicians. Finding the right way to amplify your acoustic guitar can greatly affect your sound. Here are some ways to amplify your acoustic guitar.

PA SYSTEM:

PA systems are one good choice for amplifying your guitar, although they are mainly found at live music venues. Usually consisting of a few inputs, monitor speakers, a mixing board and large outfacing speakers, PA systems allow you to plug in and play rather quickly. Another upside to playing through a PA system is the amount of volume that can be produced alongside very minimal feedback. One downside to playing through a PA system is there is not a lot of capability for customizing your sound.

AMPS:

Acoustic amps are a little less common than playing through a PA system, but they are also a very good option for amplifying your acoustic guitar. They are very portable and easy to use, while also offering the features to dial in and customize your sound as much as you want. They may not be as loud as PA systems, but most acoustic amps come with a DI output so they can be connected to external speakers.

MICROPHONES:

Lastly, microphones are another way to amplify your acoustic guitar, usually if you do not have a pickup. You may have seen this before with an artist that has a mic set up pointing right at the soundhole of their acoustic guitar. One great thing about using a microphone to amplify your acoustic guitar is that the natural sounds of your guitar can be captured in great detail. Overall, finding the best option to amplify your acoustic guitar that works for you can really add to the kind of sounds you want to produce.

]]> A Guide to Acoustic Guitar Pickups https://guitarlessonsinscottsdale.com/a-guide-to-acoustic-guitar-pickups Tue, 07 Jun 2022 04:03:00 +0000 https://guitarlessonsinscottsdale.com/?p=9348

For acoustic guitar players who are starting to record music, playing gigs, or just want some more volume when practicing, getting a pickup in your acoustic guitar is a good option. Usually, this will give you a little bit more freedom to do what you want with your instrument. That being said, there are a wide variety of acoustic guitar pickups out there that suit different needs. Here is a guide to acoustic guitar pickups.

MAGNETIC PICKUPS:

If you have ever seen a device going across the soundhole of an acoustic guitar, then you have seen a magnetic acoustic pickup. These pickups work by picking up the vibration of the strings and transferring it into electrical energy. One great thing about magnetic pickups is that they are very resistant to feedback, so they allow players to play at much higher volumes than other pickups. In addition, they tend to produce a very warm, balanced tone.

UNDERSADDLE TRANSDUCERS:

Another kind of pickup that is sometimes used in acoustic guitars is an undersaddle transducer. This kind of pickup goes in a slot under the saddle of the guitar and is usually the most popular kind of pickup in an acoustic guitar. These pickups offer a great balance between feedback resistance, while also keeping a solid acoustic tone. One drawback of these pickups is that they are not able to be pushed as hard as magnetic pickups.

SOUNDBOARD TRANSDUCERS:

Last but not least, soundboard transducer pickups are another option when it comes to installing a pickup in your acoustic guitar. These can tend to be on the cheaper side of acoustic pickups, but they do produce a great tone. Soundboard transducers are also more prone to feedback than any other kind of pickup. As you can see, there are a few different types of pickups for your acoustic guitar. What matters most is finding the pickup that suits your needs and playing style.

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