NICOLE ALBERTSON
Life Editor
Nothing is more fabulous than the life of a rock star, who typically lives the life of luxury with fame and glory. If thoughts of this lifestyle have ever seemed appealing, now is the chance to become the next Hendrix, Clapton, Zeppelin or any other idol. Put down Guitar Hero and strap on one with real strings, no matter how scary it may seem. This semester is a chance to either keep a new year’s resolution, fulfill a life goal or start on the path to a rockin’ career.
Prepare for a journey of learning about the guitar, cords, rifts, progressions and some simple songs that we can all enjoy – well, once you practice. There is no better way to learn how to be a rock star and from a rock star himself. Whitestarr bassist Damon Webb is providing easy ways to begin rocking down the guitar path.
First thing’s first. In order to begin it is important to understand the parts of the guitar. The guitar is broken up into three basic parts – the head, the neck and the body. The head contains the tuning knobs at the top. The six strings run down the neck on the fretboard and the body is the largest part and has the soundhole, which is where you strum along. On the neck there are uprooted grooves that go horizontally across the fretboard called frets. There are six strings that run down the fretboard. The first and thickest sting is note “E.” Then moving across the strings from left to right, the notes follow “E,” “A,” “D,” “G,” “B” and “E.” Got it?
Once you are listing off the parts like a pro, you want to make sure the guitar sounds good before you start. Tuning will guarantee that you will sound at least 20 percent better than you would have if missing this step. Turn the guitar to the side and place it in front of you as if you are about to rock out an awesome tune. There are a series of dots on the side of the fretboard that guide the tuning process.
The first dot right before the fifth fret is the guide for tuning the strings. Place your finger on the top string directly underneath the first dot. Strike the first cord and it will create the “E” note. Place you finger on the second “A” string directly below the first dot, and it should sound like the first “E” string. Adjust the tuning knobs until they sound the same. Do this with the rest of the strings by comparing them to the string directly above it. So, the third “D” string should sound like the second ”A” string with your finger placed on the fifth fret.
There is always an exception to the rule because it would otherwise be just too easy. When tuning the fifth “B” string, instead of placing your finger on the fifth fret of the fourth “G” string, move your finger one fret closer to the head on the fourth fret. Then tune the fifth “B” string. Apparently this is just the way that guitars work.
Now that the hard work is over, it is time to get started. So break out your bandana, tear up your jeans and start pounding your power-fist in the air because the first place to start is with the almighty power cord.
The power cord is the harmony of any simple cord. For the first time, wrap your left hand around the neck and place your index finger on the first “E” string directly to the left of the fifth fret. Then put your middle finger on the second “A” string directly to the left of the sixth fret and just strum away. This is a power cord.
The best part of the power cord, aside from its stellar name, is that it works at any place on the guitar. Move your hand up and down the neck of the guitar in the same configuration – the middle finger one string down and one fret down from the index finger. The power cord is the basis for a lot of rock songs so getting used to this configuration will come in handy and train your hand to slide up and down the neck.
For the rest of the week, pick out your stage name – something that would look good tattooed – and move your hand around the guitar and get used to placing your fingers on different parts of the neck. But remember to take it slow. You never want to rush the learning process.
01-17-2008
