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7 Must Know Tips To Play Jazz Better

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When thinking about things that are American, we think about Apple pie, hot dogs, the star-spangled banner, military heroes, and the statue of liberty. We think of GMC and Ford vehicles that proudly brandish the stamp of “made in America.” One often overlooked piece of America’s culture is Jazz music.

Jazz was created in New Orleans in the late 19th and early 20th century in the African-American communities. There is no denying now that Jazz has since become an integral part of the American music scene with people picking up a Jazz piano, saxophone, or brass instrument to learn the riveting chords all around the world. If you are interested in playing Jazz music, there are 7 tips you must know to become the best musician you can.

1. Chord Progressions

There are common chord progressions that are vital to being a Jazz piano player. Learn these chords and become a master at them. Once you learn the foundation of Jazz chord progressions, you can start getting creative with other chords. Check out the tips to playing progressions found here. Knowing the melody of any song will better help you understand and memorize the chord progressions in a piece.


2. Improv and Solo

Jazz music doesn’t have a lot of rules and the rules in place are meant to be broken. The heart of Jazz is about improvisation and feeling the emotion in every note. A great Jazz musician will be able to improvise, take a solo in the moment, and mold the music as they play. The blues scale is the most likely to help your improvs be excellent. In the key of C, the scale would be C, Eb, F, Gb, G, Bb and then C. This Blues Scale pattern repeats in all keys: G, D, A, E, B, F#, Db, Ab, Eb, Bb, and F. Practicing and mastering the blues scale in all keys is essential for other genres of music such as rock n roll also.

3. Keep it Simple

It’s not about the notes you play so much as the way you play them. The catchiest Jazz tunes often have the simplest chords, with added flourish! Use Melodic statements, blues statements, and other techniques to embellish your tunes. Spend time learning about the

4. Practice Scales for Speed

One of the best ways to practice getting your fingers moving across keys is to practice scales specifically looking to increase your speed. Going as fast as you can isn’t the goal, rather, playing the notes perfectly, getting the right finger positioning, and becoming more in tune with your instrument will greatly improve your playing ability. Practicing your scales for speed also builds your muscle memory which is talked about below.

5. Improve Your Memory

One of the most important tools in a Jazz musician’s bag is their memory. Ear, mind, and muscle memory are vital for any musician. You must become attuned to sounds, notes, and chords. You must be able to tune your own instrument and identify the individual instruments in a band. In your mind, you must be able to think measures ahead, be able to improvise in an instant, and understand the dynamics of the band and how all the members work together. Jazz musicians also rely on muscle memory, so their mind doesn’t have to think about the finger placement of their fingers as they progress through chords.


6. Practice with Others

One of the most fun activities a musician does is hang out and jam with other musicians. Playing with others is a great way to learn new tricks, practice different techniques, get feedback from peers, and hone your craft. Jazz musicians can never become great at improvisation if they aren’t constantly practicing with a group.

7. Learn Multiple Instruments

We all want to master one instrument, but to be the best Jazz musician, you should master at least two. Learning multiple instruments help players to understand the Jazz genre of music better. Mastering multiple instruments is also great for strengthening the mind and memory. Every Jazz musician should be able to play the piano. Most Jazz compositions are first created and transcribed at a piano. Other instruments to learn would be a brass or woodwind instrument, particularly the trumpet and saxophone. Bass guitar is the best string instrument to learn outside of the piano as the rhythm section of Jazz music is the one responsible for keeping the ensemble moving forward together.

Mastering these seven tips for playing the best Jazz music will not turn you into a Miles Davis or Duke Ellington overnight. The best Jazz musicians in the world practice their craft and hone their skills over many years, many picking up instruments for the first time as a young child. Each Jazz master the world has seen has been able to become the greatest because they have a deep, unwavering passion for the music.

Hi, my name is Erick Ycaza. I have a BA in Advertising & Graphic Design. This blog is to provide you with daily music news and share my personal style.

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How Many Decibels Is A Really Loud Speaker?

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Have you ever asked yourself what makes a speaker really loud? No matter if you are a music enthusiast or a home cinema fan, in order to have a great audio experience it is important to understand the science behind decibel levels.

In this article, we are going to explore the world of decibels and reveal the secrets of really loud speakers. We will also guide you through the factors you need to take into consideration before you buy your loudspeaker. So, let’s get started!

What Are Decibels?

Before we start talking about loudspeakers it is important to understand the measurement units used to express sound levels – decibels (dB). Decibels are units that measure the intensity of sound. There is one thing you should know – when you increase the sound by just 10dB the loudness of the perceived sound doubles. This is the reason why just minor changes in the decibel ratings can have a great impact on your listening experience.

What Decibel Range Is Considered Loud?

To make it easier to understand this we have made a short list of the common sound levels and then the number of decibels for each:
• Whisper: 30 dB
• Normal conversation: 60 dB
• Vacuum cleaner: 70 dB
• Lawnmower: 90 dB
• Live music concert: 100-120 dB
• Jet engine at takeoff: 140 dB

As you can see, the sound levels can vary significantly. A speaker producing 100 dB or more is typically considered loud, however, this can be different depending on the person listening.


What Is The Decibel Level For A Speaker To Be Considered Really Loud?

A really loud speaker typically produces sound at a level of around 100 decibels (dB) or higher. Decibels are a unit used to measure the intensity of sound. For reference, normal conversation is about 60 dB, while live rock concerts can reach 110-120 dB. Keep in mind that prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 dB can cause hearing damage.

How Do Loudspeakers Work?

Loudspeakers transform electrical signals into sound waves by using a diaphragm to vibrate and produce sound. In simple terms, the larger the diaphragm and the more powerful the amplifier driving the speaker, the sound output will be higher.

So an essential factor to determine the loudness a loudspeaker can produce is the decibel rating.

What to Look for in a Loud Speaker

Before you buy a loud speaker system it is important to take the following factors into consideration. This should help you get the right level of loudness.

loud speakers
Speaker Sensitivity

Measured in dB, speaker sensitivity indicates how effectively a speaker can convert power into volume. Speakers that have higher sensitivity will use less power to produce more volume. On average the sensitivity will be around 85-88 dB. However, a sensitivity of 90 dB or higher is considered excellent.

Amplifier Power

The speaker will be louder if you use a more powerful amplifier. Make sure that the wattage output of the amplifier is compatible with the power handling capacity of the speaker you want to buy.

Room Size

Another factor that plays an important toe in determining the appropriate loudness is the size of your listening space. You will need a more powerful speaker if you are going to use it in a large room. This will help effectively fill the space with sound.

Listener Preferences

Take your own listening habits and preferences into consideration. If you prefer to listen to music at higher volumes or you want an improved home cinema experience. You are going to need a speaker system that can produce higher decibel levels.

Understanding the Risks of Excessive Sound Levels

Although loud speakers can improve your listening experience it is important to understand the risks associated with extreme sound levels. Being exposed to sounds above 70 dB for a longer period of time can result in permanent hearing damage. Therefore, you need to practice safe listening habits all the time and use hearing protection when necessary.

Conclusion

In the end, we have to say that it is really important to understand the science behind decibel levels. This can help you improve your audio-listening experience. As for the decibels, the most important thing to know is that even minor changes in the decibel rating can significantly impact your listening experience.

If you plan to buy a loudspeaker make sure to take the following factors into consideration: speaker sensitivity, amplifier power, room size, and your own listening preferences. While loudspeakers can enhance your listening experience, you have to be aware of the negative effects of prolonged exposure to excessive sound levels. If necessary, consider using hearing protection or just start practicing safe listening habits. This should help you enjoy your music or home cinema audio with optimal loudness and safety.

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The Best DJ Controller Of 2023: Numark Mixstream Pro Go

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The Numark Mixstream Pro Go is the best DJ controller of 2023! It’s the first console ever that’s both all-in-one and battery-powered. And get this—it can connect to the Internet through Wi-Fi!

That means you can use up to six different streaming services if you’ve got subscriptions for them. I’m talking about Amazon Music, Beatport Link, Beatsource Link, Soundcloud, TIDAL, and Dropbox.

Numark Mixtream Pro
But wait, there’s more! With this awesome device, you can even analyze the music from those streaming services without needing any desktop apps. It does all the analyzing internally, so it’s super convenient. It’s like having a DJ studio right at your fingertips!

Best of all, the Numark Mixstream Pro Go is affordable and comes with two built-in speakers in its casing. It even has a cool 7-inch touchscreen that lets you easily browse through your playlists and load up songs.

Not only that, but you can also add some sick effects to your tracks like Echo, Flanger, Delay, and Phaser—all right there on the controller.

Finally, I think battery-powered controllers are particularly advantageous for outdoor performances, where access to power may be limited or non-existent. According to some reviews, the battery of this controller lasts approximately 4 hours, which is pretty awesome in my opinion.

battery powered DJ controller

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A String Of Differences: The Cello vs. The Double Bass

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When it comes to stringed instruments, the cello, and double bass may seem quite similar. After all, both are played with a bow and have a distinct deep sound. However, some key differences between the two instruments set them apart from each other. In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between the cello and double bass, including their size, sound, and technique. Whether you’re an aspiring musician or simply curious about the differences between these two instruments, read on to learn more!

What is the cello, and in what musical directions does it occur?

The cello is a string instrument from the violin family and is usually the highest-pitched string instrument in an orchestra or string quartet. It has a deep and sonorous tone and is often seen as the ‘soul’ of an ensemble. The cello produces sound by drawing a bow across four strings, tuned to the notes C2, G2, D3 and A3.

The cello can be found in almost all styles of music, from classical and orchestral pieces to pop and jazz. It is an extremely versatile instrument, being able to move easily between different genres and settings. Its sound can range from beautiful, haunting melodies to powerful and driving rhythms.

If you are interested in learning the cello, there are many avenues you can take. There are dedicated cello teachers who offer one-to-one tuition in the instrument and group cello classes that teach you the fundamentals of playing. Alternatively, if you prefer to learn on your own terms, plenty of online tutorials are available. Cello lessons are available for those looking to get a deeper understanding of the instrument, which will help develop your skills further.

No matter how you decide to learn, the cello is a rewarding instrument to master. With a little bit of practice, you, too, can be on your way to mastering its wide range of sounds!

Comparison of double bass and cello

The cello and the double bass are both bowed string instruments. The main difference between them is the size, as the cello is much smaller than the double bass. The cello is a four-stringed instrument with strings tuned to the same four pitches as the viola. It is usually played in the sitting position, with the cellist’s feet placed on a footstool. Meanwhile, the double bass is a much larger instrument with four or more strings, generally tuned to an octave below the cello. It is played standing up, typically using a strap over the shoulder for support.

In terms of sound, the cello has a more melodic tone, while the double bass tends to provide more of a rhythmic foundation in a musical ensemble. The cello also offers more soloistic possibilities due to its higher range and melodic capabilities.


In terms of playing technique, the cello uses fingering and shifting, which allows for faster playing. Meanwhile, the double bass has more of a rhythmic focus, so it often utilizes bowing and pizzicato techniques.

If you’re interested in playing either of these instruments, you can find a private teacher or take cello private lessons near me at your local music store. Private cello teachers will be able to guide you through learning the basics of playing the instrument and eventually teach you how to play all types of music, from classical to pop and jazz. You can even take cello music lessons online if you don’t have access to an instructor locally.

Why learning to play the cello is easier for beginners

For many musicians, the cello is seen as an easier instrument to learn than the double bass. While both instruments use strings and a bow to create music, some key differences make playing the cello a great choice for beginners.

Firstly, the cello is smaller and lighter than the double bass. This makes it easier for beginners to maneuver, particularly young students in beginner cello lessons for kids. As the cello is held upright, it is much easier to adjust the posture and find a comfortable playing position than with the larger and heavier double bass.

Secondly, the strings on the cello are thinner and lower in tension than those on the double bass. This means that beginners can produce a beautiful tone without putting too much effort into their bow stroke. This also enables them to learn techniques like vibrato and pizzicato more quickly.


Finally, the fingering patterns on the cello are much more logical and easier to remember than those on the double bass. The positions of the notes on the fingerboard remain consistent regardless of what key you are playing in. This helps to build muscle memory more quickly, enabling beginners to quickly progress through beginner cello lessons.
For these reasons, learning to play the cello is often considered easier for beginners than learning to play the double bass. Whether you are looking for beginner cello lessons for kids or adult classes, choosing the cello will give you a great foundation in music theory and performance.

In conclusion, it’s clear that the cello and double bass are two unique instruments. Each has its own range of tones and notes, as well as its own distinct style. Cello lessons Toronto offer cello classes for all ages, from kids cello lessons to cello lessons for adults, making it the perfect instrument for any musician. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, the cello is a great choice for mastering the art of string playing.

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