How To Record A Song

Well a few months ago I got a request on Facebook asking for a video on how I record songs. I decided instead of making a video with people judging me about the way I record I decided to make this post instead. Also sorry for the wait on this lesson, it's just been something I've been holding off for a while.

1. Equipment

The equipment I use is very simple, and even though it may not be the best, it still can give anyone a good quality recording for a song. If you have anything different that you use feel free to use that instead. Please don't go out and buy the exact stuff I use because in most cases the stuff you are using may not be much different. The equipment I use is still recommended though if you are just starting and have nothing else to use.

Samson G Track Microphone 

This is the microphone I have been using for years now. It is not only a microphone but it also has a spot to plug in instruments like keyboards or guitars. You can also record an instrument and a vocal at the same time making quick demos very easy to do.

This microphone costs about $120 online depending on where you look. It comes with all of the chords you will need and it also comes with software that I will talk about later. Overall this is a good microphone and it may not be the top most studio quality but I have still used it to make really good recordings so I recommend it.

How to Play Chords Part 2

This is the next video on how to play chords. These chords are common but a little more difficult to play.

Tips

1. Every chord can be played in different variations (as long as the three notes that make up the chords are played). 

2.  Try to play the chords together in a way that makes it easy to switch between the chords, without moving too much on the piano.

Buying The Right Keyboard

Hey, when I first took an interest in playing piano I of course had to buy a keyboard. Now there are many types out there, but getting a good one to start with can be somewhat of a challenge.

The main challenge is getting one that you can keep playing even when you get better. It may be cheap to buy a $50 dollar keyboard, but as you get better you may realize that you will want something better. Now there are two types of keyboards out there. There are the lower end 61-key keyboards (don't get me wrong these are lower end but they still work very well) and the higher end 88-key keyboards (these have as many keys as a regular piano.)

First I am going to talk about 61-key keyboards. These keyboards can be found for much cheaper and I recommend starting with them. The only thing you are losing out on with a 61-key keyboard is that they don't have weighted keys, these simulate the feel of a piano and you will be losing out on that feature. It's still fine if you are playing contemporary songs on the piano. If you are going in to more classical piano, and you don't have a grand piano, I would recommend spending a little bit more for a weighted key 88-key keyboard.

How To Play Chords

This is the second lesson on playing the piano. The video below focuses on some beginner chords.

Tips

1. Every chord shown in this video has three notes that are all separated by one note. 

2. Every chord can be played in different variations (as long as the three notes that make up the chords are played). 

3.  Try to play the chords together in a way that makes it easy to switch between the chords, without moving too much on the piano.

How to Play Notes

Here is the first lesson on how to play the piano. The first video below is for 88-key keyboards or pianos.

 

The second video is for 61-key keyboards.

TIPS

1. Say the names of the notes aloud while you play them. (this will help you remember the names of the notes and where they are.)

2. Remember that the notes go in a pattern that repeats. 

3. Once you can find all the notes - anywhere on the piano - you will be ready to move on.