10 replies to this topic

[scarysteve]

Hi. New to the site. Been trying to teach myself back into guitar playing for a number of years now. Had an accident when I was seven and that's when I was just really getting into but never. You never do at that age - too many distractions. So, many, many years on I'm back giving it another go. I prefer electro acoustic (best of both worlds I think) and I like home recording with the computer using various software packages. Haven't quite found the right one yet but nearly there. All within a budget though.

I own a Ovation Idea guitar. Not used it to its full capacity yet but a nice guitar but not the best to handle when sitting. It has a larger bowl back than most round backs I've tried. I like the idea of being mobile so having a laptop and a couple of small recording gizmos allows me to 'get up and go'. I'm looking at the Yamaha APX series. They seem to be smaller. More questions on that area later maybe.

First thing though is, I am a novice on the guitar. I found that I am not a natural so it is going to be hard work. I make a lot stuff up. I don't go for covers (too disappointing) so I write my own stuff. I diddn't realise it is quite as rewarding to write and record/edit your own stuff. Not started on lyrics yet. The whole microphone thing will have to wait.

One question if you have got this far is, the sound the strings make when you change chords, is there an actual name for that and how do you cut it down?

That's enough for the intro's. Hope to chat to you all at some point.
STeve

[mattz196]

Howdy Steve welcome, not sure if there is a name for the sound when you change chords , you could try sort ease off lifting your fingers so you dont get a "pull off' sort of thing happening when you change combined with a bit of right hand muting.

[OldG]

+1 on the 'pull off'... just what I was thinking when I read the OP.... practice making your chords 'gently on and gently off', eventually it will become slick and controlled - build speed from there...

[OldG]

As for recording software, look no further - uncrippled,unexpiring and free to try for 30 days demo here... http://www.cockos.co...er/download.php

[scarysteve]

Thanks guys. So a 'pull off' it is and gently gently. I've used Acoustica Mixcraft which seems to be PC version of Garageband which I have used before but the interface is familar although haven't got into yet. Just writing down those chord sequences so I don't forget just now for the moment. Hopefully soon though.
Steve

[mset3]

Steve,

With practice a good portion of the string noise will go away. Welcome to the forum.

Mike

[KurtSimon]

Hi, Steve. For years, I've heard the name of the sound you're talking about as "finger squeak" and sometimes "string squeak." In any case, I agree with the others above on how to reduce it. Also, I get a lot less of it if my hands are softer, like if I've just done the dishes and then immediately play; all that warm water makes a difference. Not always practical, I know, and certainly a short-lived fix at best; but if you need to make a recording, for instance, washing your mitts in really warm water may buy you the time you need.

~Kurt

[starsailor]

Hi Steve, Welcome to the forum, I use Mixcraft 5 for recording, always found Mixcraft user friendly and a good intro to DAWs, Reaper is also very good. Thought I'd post this up, just a video of a Yamaha APX 500 being put through it's paces.

[scarysteve]

Ok so some ideas there on pull offs and finger squeaks. I'm sure there is a full forum worth on that alone. I've spent years hardening the finger tips and now I have to wash my hands to soften them - oh hum!

Nice video upload by the way. I have a Oviation Idea and considering swapping for a Yamaha APX or maybe just buying one and seeing what happens.
Thanks guys for all the ideas.

Next up is - audio/guitar interfaces. What's best?

[eddiez152]

Welcome to the forum !

[petruccii]

Welcome!