Geoff's Guitar Chords

"Don't Be So Dreary With All Of That Transposition Theory"

Jordan Warford here, Editorial Manager for Guitar Tips.

Thanks for taking the time to tune in to this week's edition of our Guitar Tips Newsletter. We hope that you get the most out of it.

In this edition:

Remember those days of torture in band class where you never truly understood how to transpose music into something that you liked the sound of? In this edition we're going to polish off the second article on the foundation of transposition.

I must reiterate that this is a foundation article, hardly scratching the surface on what you can really do with transposition. We're going to show you some awesome sites that do the work for you in addition to some theory tips for those of you who have a music background.

Here at Guitar Tips we want everyone to be able to get something out of our lessons, which is why it would be unfair to spend all of the time immersed in deep music theory. We will be taking the time to review some great software that is available to you and is easy enough for anyone to use, no matter what musical background you have.

Check out our feedback booth and see what's on your fellow subscriber's minds. Also, get a personal update on our new Guitar Forum. Check out the latest site we have to review and see what you think of it.

To top off this mountain of information, our regular installment of our Guitar Tips Feature Band is back and in action.

Let's get right to it!

You Don't Need A Music Degree.

What every guitarist should hear.

How many times have we doubted our abilities as guitarists and never tried a piece of music because we thought we couldn't play it? Then, one day you get that urge to see just how hard it really is only to find that that particular piece of music wasn't as challenging as we once thought.

The same concept applies to transposition. Sure, there's a lot to it and I'm not going to say that there isn't; however, every guitarist needs to know that transposition doesn't have to seem like an impossible feat to master.

If you want to transpose real music notes, and you read music for guitar, we'll guide you through some steps to get you on the right track. For the majority of guitarists who don't have a background in music theory, we're going to show you some alternatives that you probably never would have thought of.

It's one of those tools that's nice to have in your tool box when you are playing with a band or are looking to get a professional edge.

The computer is a guitarist's best friend.

Lets face it, we're surrounded by technology in an ever growing economy that seems to make our world smaller and smaller. That equates to an awesome learning experience for guitarists who prefer not to learn music theory.

There are plenty of websites available that do the hard work for you. This is great for preparing for a band practice or a jam session with friends but remember that unless you have wireless internet in your venue or practice area, the transposition websites that do all of this work won't be available to you.

If you have a laptop and like to do things on the run without the use of internet, there's plenty of software designed for that purpose as well. Let's start off with the websites that are quick and easy for basic key changes.

If you read our newsletter on composition and have just started writing your own material, or perhaps you have been writing music for a while, I have the one and only piece of software that you will need for your musical needs.

Before I even decided to write this article, I was continually on the search for a piece of software that would allow me to insert my music, whether it be tab or traditional notation, onto my staff and simply press a button and let it do the work for me (yes, even I get tired of music theory.) The problem was, I found plenty of programs that would allow me to transpose traditional notation but never tab... That is until I discovered Final Notepad 2005.

It's the little brother to the famous Final Print Music series that has become one of the most used pieces of musical notation software in the industry. However, here's the most killer part of the deal: It's 100% free!

What attracted me to this software initially was the ability to transpose long saxophone compositions into different keys with the click of a button. If you're a sax player, you know how frustrating and time consuming that is. Then when I discovered that this program was made with the guitarist in mind, I nearly flipped out with excitement.

You can input any piece of tablature you want using the numbers on your keyboard and get professional quality tabs. Then, with a click of a button you can transpose it to a different key and it will place your notation to where it needs to go! For example, it will take this example in C below:

...And transpose it to this composition in D!

No longer do you have to sweat it out by trial and error. Sure, the above example was a giveaway considering I was just playing with the end of a scale, but when using tab, transposing solos just became a lot more complicated.

Come to your practices prepared and ready to go. If your band wants you to do your best solo in another key, just put it through this baby and you're all set. Click here to download it and get more information.

The second site I recommend is called www.transposer.com. They charge a small fee for access to software that helps you to transpose and learn how to transpose. Quite simply put, follow the first few basic instructions and whalah, you have yourself a two second transposition chart. I think it's an amazing tool for anyone who plays with non c-based instruments such as a trumpet or sax.

You can even make one yourself. This is not a new concept. Some of my instructors used to do that all the time to teach us how to transpose. Cut out a few wheels and insert the various information that can be found throughout the net. It's worth the research!

So you're a theory nut eh?

Ok, hold on to your seatbelts... We're going all the way on the accelerator here! Yes, I know that was a lame excuse to try and get you all pumped up for transposition the traditional way but it's really not that hard, it's so easy in fact, that I actually get excited about teaching it.

There's some things you must already know but I'm not going to go through them all in this lesson. You should know your key signatures (circle of fifths), your basics notes and what accidentals are all about. This all leads up to knowing how to decide what key any song is in. This is essential to knowing how to transpose(more on this in a moment). This is just the background to help you out and only takes an hour or so to learn about and weeks of practice to know.

Transposing from a minor to a minor key should create no new problems, just ensure that both keys are indeed minor.

Practice does make perfect, as corny as that is to hear. It takes time and patience. Don't beat yourself up over it, just enjoy it and you'll see new changes everyday you try it out. Practicing your alphabet from A to G and going back and forth in your head also is a great thing to know and is what always helped me out.

There are many other forms of transposition that we'll save for another day... Or perhaps another site. For instance, there become new rules when dealing with an orchestral score, although it's along the same lines as what's shown above. The same can be said for switching from a major key to a minor, although it's not technically a transposition because it's a mode change. Anyhow, a lot left to learn but these tools should get you off the ground and on your way.

It's all you need right now for parts involving c-based instruments (like your guitar, the piano, the flute or other various instruments.)

Putting It All Together

So now that you have the tools, how about you see what they look like in action? Here is a before and after shot of a riff I've made especially for you. Notice what happens with accidentals. If you follow the steps listed above, you should get something looking like this:

Riff in the key of A:

Transpose UP to the key of G.

Riff in the key of G:

Guitar Tips Feature Band

Buck69

You've probably noticed by now that this editor has a thing for blues... Not just any blues but soulful blues. That's why I flipped out when Tommy sent me an email responding to my cry for new bands to be featured in our newsletters. Not only is Buck69 talented, well put together and ready for the big stage but they also have a tone that keeps you coming back for more.

The use of lead and rhythm guitar is done to a classic drum beat and vocals that rock the house. This band is there for the music and it's that transparency that makes them uniquely refreshing. If you like to dance, sing and shout, I have a feeling that Buck69 is for you. As I danced around my office when I was checking this band out, I could hardly imagine how much fun it would be to see them live.

Coming straight from Toledo, Ohio, here's what Tommy had to say about the history of the band:

"In 2002 after a 20 year hiatus to concentrate on wife, kids & career, Tom Clawson formerly of "T.C. Rogers & The Blue's Hamilton Band" 1970's Warren, OH. (Singer-Songwriter) along with his oldest son Alex formerly of "The Society" 1990's Toledo, OH (Singer-Songwriter-Guitar) Decided to start playing out as an acoustic duo. Playing originals and covers in and around the local Toledo area.

In June of 2004, persuaded by his son, the decision was made to go with a full band. We recorded our 1st demo in September 2004 in our drummer's garage, but have been pleased with the home recordings. Four of the five songs can be found on our web site.

Three of the songs are ranked in the top ten on the blues charts at www.numberonemusic.com. In July of 2005 the band was picked up by "Bitchin Entertainment" (a national booking agency) and added to their unsigned band section. We are currently in the studio laying down our 1st full length CD, which we hope to release in early 2006.

The title of the new CD is "When She Whispers Your Name" it will feature eight songs written by Tom and Alex and four songs by published writers. Lyrics to some of the new songs can be found on our web site in the blog section.

For the guitar players out there, I play a 1975 Gibson L6-S thru a 1975 Fender Quad Reverb amp with a Hot British Tone Bone Pedal. The lead guitar work you hear with that great tone is played by my son Alex. He plays a 2004 Paul Reed Smith Guitar thru a Randall amp with a Blues distortion pedal.

We are influenced by who, what, where, when and how our everyday lives start and end! Music is our way to express our inner feelings. To cement in history the people, places and things that affect our lives. Be it happy or sad, life or death. We write about what carries us down life's highway. Always in search of that one song! Because: "Great singers, writers and musicians will come and go, but a great song lives forever". TC

I highly recommend this band to anyone who enjoys rock or blues. Very impressive licks mixed in with a great drum beat that makes a groove you can't help but listen to. If you want to listen to their tracks for yourself, click here to see the sample they have hosted.

I have very high expectations for this group and have no doubts that they will continue to improve as they walk up the ladder to a major record deal and national attention. Best of luck from everyone here at Guitar Tips!

Site Review

Guitar Backing Tracks

Last week we reviewed one of our newest sites, the Guitar Forum. This week we're going to take a look at one of the more innovative sites we have developed called Backing Tracks. This site has been designed specifically for guitarists who like to practice to a beat and get the full band experience from the comforts of their own home.

Based on feedback from questionnaires and the shear volume of enquiries via email, we decided it was time to take the plunge and make a new site tailored to jamming. There is a virtually limitless array of possibilities when you get into the member's area.

It's simple yet effective. All you do is point and click. Create original backing tracks that are personally tailored to fit your needs. If you're a new guitarist and are intimidated with the thought of a full practice with a band, this would be the perfect route to take. Get the full experience of playing along with drums, bass, and keys.

Experienced musicians can have a tonne of fun messing around and composing original material, or perhaps fine tuning some of their own. I personally recommend a good set of speakers on your computer, or hook your computer up to your sound system.

I find that without that added subwoofer and upper range, the tracks seem tinny and fake. This isn't the case when plugged through a half decent sound system. Nonetheless, it's worth checking out and if you're not happy with it, we'll give you a refund within 30 days after the purchase. I don't think you'll be taking that option once you get a taste of this site.

My only warning is to those who aren't into creating their own licks or changing the existing ones they have. This site was really designed for the guitarists out there who prefer to use that creative idea in a different application or for those who need experience playing with a band.

Best of luck and let us know of your success stories when you put that track together that hits number one on the charts!

Click here to check it out

Feedback Booth

It's always a pleasure to hear back from our subscribers and we love to get emails with success stories, ideas and new tricks and tips. However, we usually get thousands of emails with everything from questions to technical issues, which can make it hard to get back to you in a few hours. In the last few weeks, a new option has popped up to help you get the resources you need at lightning fast speed.

The new installment of our Guitar Forum allows you to not only connect with us, but also your fellow subscribers. We don't pretend to know every solution or method known to man and it's always cool to get fresh ideas. This is why I encourage you to go to our site and become a member and get involved. It's free and a lot of fun!

We now have a thread that's designed specifically for GT Messenger problems. If you have any problems whatsoever with any of our newsletter software, please post the problem there instead of emailing us. The reason for this is because we want to build up a database of solutions and you can continually come back and find the solution instead of losing it by accidentally deleting an email.

Just go to www.guitarforum.com.au and see what it's all about. Things have been slow as of late and we want you to get plugged in so don't be shy! As a bit of an incentive to get some areas of the forum going, this is what I'm going to do:

I will be doing random searches of members and picking different posts to feature in our feedback booth. I will also be looking for your original compositions and recordings to possibly feature in a new section of our newsletter but we need some posts to work with before any of that can be made possible.

Now, onto some of the most recent feedback. I encourage you to continue to email us with your thoughts and your likes/dislikes. We can't improve on what you like and don't like if you don't tell us first!

Stephen Renaud from Canada writes to us with this:

"Hello from Canada! I am currently subscribed to your free newsletter, and am contemplating actually subscribing. The newsletter focusing on strumming did it for me. Strumming and rhythm are really what I am concerned with improving, as a fairly mediocre player who would just like to stop the twanging and generally sound a bit more polished when strumming and singing. My question is this: Will I be impressed with the quantity of material focusing on this subject (I'm already impressed with the general quality)? That is, is there much more info and guidance on rhythm playing than you've laid out in the free newsletter? If so, I'm in. Thanks for your time. Stephen Renaud, Canada"

This is one of our most popular questions and our answer is a very big yes! We have tonnes of great material developed by professional musicians on this inside of all our member's areas. The information is presented via video, image and sound, just like our in depth newsletters. The newsletter on rhythm is a perfect example of things that you can look forward to in our member's area.

If you are a more advanced player, please hold off and wait for our new Guitar Leads website.... It will rock your socks off! It's for advanced players and it will challenge you to soar to new heights. Stay tuned for more information in upcomming newsletters.

Jim has this suggestion that he thought he should share:

"Jordan, I got to start all over with this guitar practice, so much going on right now. At least I do appreciate the ability to log on when ever I can. The newsletter I receive does have the link address but isn't ever highlighted to make an easy connection. Is there a way to fix that for us here I would really appreciate it."

Great stuff and my apologies for my mistake. You will have a link to click on in your inbox next time around!

Babu Immanuel writes with these encouraging words:

"Thank you for sending me this newsletter. I am delighted for this opportunity to be able to learn more about guitar, the first instrument I ever got to touch when I was say 10 years old. Since then I have wondered about the various sounds that one can make out of these six strings. Please keep sending me all your knowledge so that I can learn a bit more. Thanks again Babu"

Rob had this response after receiving our once off email from tell a friend:

"Hello, Thanks for the once off e-mail. I frequently received tips from my friend who's really pushing me to play. So, please add me to your mailing list, what I've seen so far it's a terrific site. Keep up the good work. With friendly regards, Rob Spek, Curaçao, N.A. "

Conclusion

We've come to the end of this edition of our Guitar Tips Newsletter. If there's one thing that I believe guitarists in general need to realize is that the horizon of your playing potential is literally endless. Far too often we shoot ourselves down from achieving success because we feel that we can't do something.

Transposition, as mentioned many times over the last two articles, has long been linked with musical excellence and a lot of theory. Hopefully, the past two articles have broken down some of those barriers and revealed something that can make your life a lot easier. Sure, there's a lot more about transposition to learn but just getting the basics down is the first step.

We have been contemplating the involvement of music theory in our newsletters but we want to know if you would like that or not. Email us with your thoughts and suggestions as we think some new ideas through.

Join us next week as we dive into alternate tunings. This is the newsletter you've been waiting for. Not only does it have some really cool tricks, riffs and images, but it will also be packed with audio and video so you can join in. I promised you a new newsletter with plenty of video and you're going to get one with our next newsletter. You won't want to miss it!

Until next time, keep on rocking!