3,401 Reply by mekidsmom

(22 replies, posted in Acoustic)

WOW!  Ok... Jeff... those people are sooo far ahead of me, I'm curious to know if I could ever sound that good!  LOL!  THAT was AWESOME!  I do like the hint about hitting the thumb pick on the string tho... maybe I could do this with my pick while strumming (and maybe a little picking out of the notes... hmmmmm... that's a lot at once, but something to think about).

Wayne... I heard that one... I was thinking more like this:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0iCy_9HE-o  --- which it seems she's palm muting (it took me all day yesterday and half of today to figure this out!  LOL!  I am soooo new still!)

I love the little ditty you made up for me tho... I was laughing so hard!

I'm thinking more of just a strum... not actually picking.  I tend to start a new song with a basic down strum... then move on to something that sounds like a correct strum... then picking... then back to strumming and paying more attention to my chord changes... but this time, I thought this different sound would be better than trying to pick this one out.  I like how it sounds "recorded" ... but not so much "live" ... so I'm feelin a bit stuck.  But I will try with my pick and just tap my pick... and I'll try actually picking it out a little bit too (why not if I've already got the pick on my thumb!  LOL) ... hmmm... so many possibilities!!

... Fluid in my playing style... ahhh... I wish I could figure out WHAT my playing style is.  Sometimes I just want to strum... but then I end up wanting MORE... sometimes I just want to pick, but then that feels lacking too... I think I need to find a way to do both at once... but then I also have to switch chords at the same time smile  ha ha ha... I am a VERY impatient person sometimes.  I think that every song I have played, I have done it about 20 different ways.  I still diddle around with the song I wrote, playing different strum patterns and picking it out and all that.  I'm never overly thrilled w/ what I'm doing. 

On a happier note... my brother was over at Christmas, and after everyone went to bed I got the guitar out... he was still up... before you knew it we were singing away along with MY strumming.  It felt REALLY GOOD to have someone singing along to my playing with me.  What was I doing?  Just strumming.

Anyhow... I'll let you all know what I figure out... this will probably be the next one on youtube... it's a song that's very near and dear to my heart.  THANKS!!!  smile

Go to forum: Acoustic

3,402 Topic by mekidsmom

(22 replies, posted in Acoustic)

Ok... so I've been trying to play "Killing Me Softly" and I've heard a few different strums with this that include some form of slap in the strum.  I have no clue what it's called, but seems to use the word slap.  Anyhow, I've seen some mute the strings with their strumming palm and strum down... I've seen some basically tap the body, or thump it, and I've seen suggestions of actually slapping the bass strings with your thumb. 

So the one I'm trying kinda goes like this (with the thumb slap):  Down slap Up Up slap

Keep in mind I have a classical guitar, so my strings are much more loose than a steel string.  I find that the slap, if done with a little force, makes the strings actually hit the highest frets making a snare like sound.  This is pretty cool... but I kind of like the "thump" sound better (not executing it well tho).  I'm also finding that I don't quite strum hard enough to make the strings ring out when I'm playing with my bare fingers.  So now, here I am really strumming good and hard, slapping the guitar strings... and now my song sounds all... well... kinda "mean". 

Any suggestions?  Does anyone do the slap thing and how?  I might try my thumb pick and try to "tap" on the body although I think that will be a rather unflattering beat sound... also my up strums are not the best with my bare fingers, can I do this all with just my thumb and thumb pick or is using my fingers for an upstrum going to be the best bet?

Go to forum: Acoustic

3,403 Reply by mekidsmom

(3 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

How about the end of the story?  Were you able to teach him, and how well did he play by strumming with the stub portion of his left hand?  How did things go?  You've intrigued me and then left me hanging!  smile

BTW... welcome to the forum!

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3,404 Reply by mekidsmom

(6 replies, posted in Guitars and accessories)

Yeah, I'm mostly curious to know if the audio is excellent, if the video is like that of say... a still camera taking video ... shall be interesting to find out!

Go to forum: Guitars and accessories

3,405 Reply by mekidsmom

(6 replies, posted in Guitars and accessories)

That looks pretty neat... all this technology and I'm just starting to get caught up.  I feel like I've been in a bubble for a while, when I used to consider myself a bit of a techie.  I finally got a droid, just subscribed to netflix, ordered a unit to send my audio/video from the computer to the tv, and also finally ordered a unit to get wireless internet in the house. 

I look forward to your review Wayne!  I couldn't help but notice (and giggle a little) how the windscreen looks like a baseball helmet, and there were little league players in the background picture.  I'm curious to know how the video quality is with this, as it's clearly more of an audio unit.

Go to forum: Guitars and accessories

3,406 Reply by mekidsmom

(20 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

These stories are great!  I've never met anyone famous... if I had, I probably wouldn't know it anyhow.  I tend to be more of a "listener" than a "watcher"... I honestly don't think I could tell you what Jimmy Buffett looks like off the top of my head, but I know his songs.  If I saw a pic and you said, that's him... I'd likely recognize him then.  Very cool stories!  Keep em coming!

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3,407 Reply by mekidsmom

(13 replies, posted in Acoustic)

OH YES... I want to see the pic too!  Can you imagine leeshay, if you found out that guitar that you have loved and thought of all these years as a reminder of your grandfather could turn out to be a goldmine in disguise?  What a TRUE gift your grandfather has given you!  The love of music... and????  That's such a heartwarming story!!

Go to forum: Acoustic

3,408 Reply by mekidsmom

(10 replies, posted in Recording)

Russell_Harding wrote:

a critic lol thanks for taking a peek smile

hee hee... what's funny, is that is EXACTLY how I felt... like I was peeking in on you while you were having a lovely private moment with your guitar... now don't take that the wrong way, I just mean... you know... a moment where you're just sitting there playing with your heart, whilst no one else is listening, one with the guitar ...  it was very nice, truly it was and I very much appreciate you sharing Russell!  It's the narration that had me giggling!  smile

Go to forum: Recording

3,409 Reply by mekidsmom

(4 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

Welcome to Chordie!  This probably should have been asked in the acoustic or electric section (depending??)... you'd get more answers there.  Otherwise, if you haven't checked out justinguitar.com yet it's a good place to go for tons of free lessons on just about everything you could imagine.  Chances are some of the other folks here can give you some suggestions as well... I'm way more new than you to the guitar!  LOL!  smile  Also check of course on youtube for picking exercises ... you'll probably find a lot.  It's also likely walbaye and some of the other guys on here have something to suit your needs.  Hopefully they'll find this and respond.  Otherwise, I suggest posting in one of the other sections and titling your new thread "help with picking exercises" to get more responses! 

Again... Welcome to Chordie!!

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3,410 Reply by mekidsmom

(6 replies, posted in Song requests)

Welcome to Chordie antauk and kay burns!  Good to know you both rec'd the answers you were looking for!  Also happy to see some positive attitudes and good humor!  You'll find things on the site you like... and you'll find good people here.  Always great to have some more joining us!

Go to forum: Song requests

3,411 Reply by mekidsmom

(10 replies, posted in Recording)

hmmm... again, my poor speakers have hurt your recording... actually I could hear the Dobro well and it sounded so lazy and wonderful, the narration didn't come thru very loud however (but from what I did hear, I think it's better that way ha ha ha!!).  Very nice Russell, thank you!!

Go to forum: Recording

3,412 Reply by mekidsmom

(28 replies, posted in Acoustic)

leeshay wrote:

christopaul thats my take on it as well to get myself a nice 6 string as well, but i think i will need your help on that one...

could u persuade the wife that thats the way to go??!!?

PLEASE

ha ha!  Somewhere on here is a thread just for that purpose... everyone commenting on how to get spousal approval for their purchases... it ain't easy!  smile

Go to forum: Acoustic

3,413 Reply by mekidsmom

(13 replies, posted in Acoustic)

I'm still "getting started" and I feel like I'll probably be saying that for a long time, because like Craig said, the more you learn, you find the more there is to learn!  My dad always played while I was growing up.  His guitar was at just about every evening campfire I remember.  As I was learning to read, I was learning when to turn the pages for him as well.  It was just this summer that I realized that Dad couldn't play much anymore due to issues with his back.  My brother got Dad's guitar out at the campfire and handed it to him in front of everyone including some of his friends that didn't know he could play and sing (yeah, cuz it's been a while since the guitar came out at the campfires).  He played a few songs and was done.  It sparked my interest to FINALLY learn (yes he tried to encourage each of us kids to learn over the years, but it never went anywhere, except that each of us learned the love of music and singing). 

How am I learning?  Chordie and my good friends here, www.justinguitar.com, youtube, and some books that were already in the house... because both my husband and son tried to learn before I did.  Now that I'm learning, the two of them have been encouraged to try harder as well.  My dad has even mentioned getting his guitar set up differently so that it's possible for him to play it a little longer.  The guitar is infectious smile I couldn't ask for more than what the guitar has brought me!  Friends here at Chordie, a love in common with the men in my life, and a way to express myself musically (even if it's only when I'm alone smile)

First song... Leaving on a Jet Plane using A, D, and E open chords.

Go to forum: Acoustic

3,414 Reply by mekidsmom

(28 replies, posted in Acoustic)

leeshay, welcome to the forum!  Having only been playing a few months, a 12 string sounds like a huge undertaking.  I'd say stick with a 6 string for now... but... maybe the guys that have been doing this a while have other thoughts!  Good luck!

Go to forum: Acoustic

3,415 Reply by mekidsmom

(8 replies, posted in Guitars and accessories)

Thanks for sharing the pic zguitar.  It's quite pretty, the blue.  Interesting about the rosette... and ingenious idea for the static material!

Go to forum: Guitars and accessories

3,416 Reply by mekidsmom

(13 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

Guitarpix wrote:
Old Doll wrote:

Good song,

WEED ? Is there anyone here on chordie willing to tell me how  smoking weed enhances them ?
I personally never touched it. But I've been around people who have .  They either laughed non stop  it seemed at nothing! Which always irritated me. Or were completely paranoid!
I still prefer to get  high on life . sometimes with a drink or 2 !

Old Doll.

The giddiness and paranoia go away once you become accustomed to it with regular use. Then it's just a nice calming mellow buzz. A good stress reliever without the hangover or risk of addiction. Once you're used to it, it doesn't really impair you at all. Creativity can be boosted but depends on the user...

Yea, I support legalization smile

It amazes me that weed is still illegal with things like salvia available at almost any store here... It (salvia) really messes you up!! Like a 10 minute acid trip! I've got a vid uploaded on youtube with my drummer hitting it before a jam session. Pretty funny stuff lol

Never heard of Salvia... that sounds scary!  LOL!  But then, I'm a highly anxiety prone person so anything that might resemble acid (including of course acid) has always been a big NO for me!

Old Doll and Pix, On occasion I have enjoyed the relaxation benefits of the stuff... I don't believe it's the best of choices for a "party", but I think it has valuable uses.  I personally think it should be used more widely than say, prozac (which I have also used in the past per a doc's orders).  When life is too confusing and stress it at it's max and you need help stopping and sorting things out, it is helpful to chill out and put thoughts into perspective one at a time.  I think that this is a drug that has great potential on the prescription pad of a therapist.  I believe the opposite is true of Alcohol.  Alcohol is great for forgetting your problems and dealing with them later... therefore, excellent for the "party".

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3,417 Reply by mekidsmom

(37 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

JEFF!  I nearly spit my coffee all over my computer at that! ha ha ha!

Interesting how the words "slow" are on the road rather than there being signs all over the road side.  Here in NY anyway, that would never work... you can't see the roads half the winter with all the snow on them!

Old Doll... funny... "Don't Shovel the sidewalks!"  ... ha ha... yeah, our towns have laws about that.  If you have a sidewalk in front of your house you are LEGALLY responsible to keep it cleared.

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3,418 Reply by mekidsmom

(13 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

Willie on Reggae, wouldn't have believed it, yet... it IS GOOD!  GO WILLIE!  Interesting, I just watched an interview from the 80's and there was a part on there about how he "tried to get started"... in a suit and tie, shaved, short hair on TV!  Hmmm... again, never would have guessed.

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3,419 Reply by mekidsmom

(6 replies, posted in Poems)

hhmmmm... very DEEP especially if it is more of your disability how it comes to life in a very intimate way.  Nice

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3,420 Reply by mekidsmom

(11 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

Both very nice listens.  Thanks

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3,421 Reply by mekidsmom

(13 replies, posted in Songwriting)

Nicely done Wayne, simple and to the point... but when you add that harmonica it just changes everything up a little!  I like it!  smile

Go to forum: Songwriting

3,422 Reply by mekidsmom

(12 replies, posted in Poems)

Beautiful as always, very heartfelt and makes one think.  I can imagine standing there myself thinking as you were.

Go to forum: Poems

3,423 Reply by mekidsmom

(19 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

gitaardocphil wrote:

What's the difference between an opera singer and a pit bull?
A: Lipstick.

What's the difference between a woman PMSing and a Pit Bull?
A:  Lipstick

One man walks into a bar
the next man ducks

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3,424 Reply by mekidsmom

(17 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

Thank you for the Belated B.day wishes gag, dino, gse, old doll, and kap!

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3,425 Reply by mekidsmom

(17 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

Old Doll wrote:

Souvlaki,

Is this the sweet pastry one ? I buy one here at the farmers market with pistachio ! Im sure the guy calls it that.

Old Doll.

Souvlaki... is a dinner meal (or lunch).  Often times a mixture of lamb and pork, lamb and beef, or even chicken is used.  I made it using sirloin steaks.  The meat is traditionally marinated and skewered with onions and peppers and grilled (I just cooked everything in the broiler... that's my "winter grilling" method).  The marinade can be a simple olive oil and balsamic vinegarette with the juice of 1/2 a lemon (the lemon is the trick to Greek cooking).  On your plate, a piece of pita bread, lettuce, tomato, the skewers, feta cheese, Greek olives, and drizzle a little of the saved marinade on top (of course you saved this and it doesn't have raw meat juices in it smile)

It's delicious!  I think you're thinking of Bakalava Old Doll... that is SUPER SWEET with filo dough, a nut filling, and covered and soaked with a honey mixture.  Pistacios would be EXCELLENT in there!  I don't like walnuts too much... and didn't have any other's laying around, so I made it once with coconut and chocolate instead!  It was out of this world!  I wish I'd have written down what I did that day, because I'm not sure if I could recreate it again...LOL!

Kenny... I got on my Dad's Wii Fit Plus yesterday... and it said my body's age is only 28 so I think I might stick with that!  LOL!

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