Elements Which Make a Great Acoustic Song

A lot of times there is more than just one element which makes a great acoustic song. The best acoustic songs have multiple things working for them which makes them great. Below are just a few of those elements that can turn a middle of the road acoustic song into one of those songs that potentially can live on forever.

Probably the most important element in any acoustic guitar song is how well the guitar is played. Now I do not mean how difficult and intricate the guitar is played, but is it played well. It does not matter how technically difficult a song is to play, if it is played poorly, the song as a whole is going to suffer. Some of the best acoustic songs are nothing more than strummed chord transitions. But the chords are played well enough and crisp enough that the simplicity is over shadowed by the skill.

Next, at least for me, is the lyrical content of a song. No matter how great the music is, if the lyrics are cliche or just plain bad, the song loses any ground it gained, even if the music is out of this world. Being a song writer is probably one of the most demanding forms of art. A song writer has to portray an emotion or a thought for an extended period of time and the words have to flow together perfectly. It is a daunting to task. But this is what separates decent acoustic songs from the best acoustic songs. Lyrics are an essential piece of the puzzle.

Melody ranks right up there with lyrics in my book. It is what draws the listener in and usually what they hum after hearing the song. The melody, and I am referring to the vocal melody here, has to flow effortlessly with what the acoustic guitar is doing. If one is good, but the other lacks, the song is doomed from the start. This combination is one of the most difficult parts of song writing and requires a good ear to be able to hear what works, and what doesn't. A great melody can make a song stand out against all the rest.

Well what I just gave is the basic break up of a song, all the elements, and how they work together. When these three elements combine, they summon a great acoustic song. But remember, when writing your own music, it is important to be overly critical. Never settle for second best. Because if you do, that is all you will ever be.

Benjamin J. Cloyd is a guitar instructor and has a website called best acoustic songs where you can find and print great songs for beginners to intermediate to advanced. He also has a humorous clothing line for musicians at Music Tshirts ETC.

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Synthetic or Real: Which Makes for a Better Djembe?

After catching a beat from a djembe drum one time, the urge to purchase one for oneself is hard to resist. Once the urge has matured into solid purpose, that is, it's time buy a drum, an important decision between synthetic djembes vs. wooden djembes needs to be made. This article aims to help with that choice.

Unsurprisingly, each drum material has its particular sets of strengths and weakens. The trick is for prospective djembe players is to decide what features are most important to them. For example, if durability is important, because, say, the drum will be played outdoors a lot, synthetic, fibreglass djembes may be the best bet. Synthetic djembes are also a little more user friendly than wood because they produce a solid drum tone easily, allowing far more wiggle room in regards to miss-hits.

For players more strictly concerned with sound, it's important to know that fibreglass djembes produce a bright, clear sound, whereas a wooden drum has a warmer, full-bodied tone. Players who play in small circles or with just a few other instruments, like acoustic guitars or banjos, may prefer the more organic, earthy warmth of the wooden drum, while a player in a large circle or ensemble will want to be heard, preferring the sound of synthetics. All of these choices depend on the purpose that a player has for the instrument - Is it going to be played in ensemble or solo? Indoors or out? Is the drum going to need to travel a lot? Answering these questions will aid in deciding whether fibreglass or wood is the better material for a djembe.

Drum heads can also be synthetic or natural. Natural heads are goatskins. Goatskins can produce a vast variety of tones and effects depending on the quality of the hide and the way it has been treated. A helpful hint for players heart-set on a goatskin drum head is "look for the stripe!" A stripe down the centre of the skin is normally an indicator of high quality and strength.

Synthetic drumheads were created to mimic the sounds of goatskin, while providing more sturdiness. Like with the fibreglass mentioned above, synthetic heads are also more beginner-friendly, producing solid tones even if hit goofily.

The base materials and drum heads can be mixed and matched. Some players prefer synthetic drum bodies and natural goatskin heads, others prefer to go all natural, or completely synthetic. The important thing to remember is that it's a matter of individual preference rather than objective superiority. With djembes, it's hard to go drastically wrong. Once the decision is made, then the real fun starts, with drum circles, collaborations and solo jams ready to be enjoyed.

Are you looking to purchase an African instrument, such as djembe drums, then visit the Djembe Drum Shop for a great selection.

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Bob Dylan Albums - Which Are The Best?

I was drinking at the local bar last week when someone asked me this question: "If you were to be isolated in a jungle and could only bring 3 Bob Dylan albums, which ones would you choose to bring?"

This had me thinking - I couldn't give an answer right away, and not just because I already had a good buzz from drinking 5 bottles of beer. I was perplexed because I am a big fan of Bob Dylan. Let me rephrase that, I REALLY LOVE BOB DYLAN!

If you are even remotely aware of American pop culture over the past 4 decades, then it would be really hard to miss the great impact of Bob Dylan's songs. He is considered as one of the greatest dynamic artist in modern American history music. Yes, I need more time to get back in touch with all things D-Y-L-A-N!

I had to admit, I spent an entire week revisiting all my Dylan's CDs to get a compilation of the Top 3 Bob Dylan's albums that I would like to have with me, should I be deserted in a jungle.

Here's my list:

1. Slow Train Coming - Bob Dylan's 19th album. Considered as his 1st attempt since he has become a born again Christian; with songs stressing the importance of Christian philosophy and teachings, and where he expressed his personal faith. Here, Dylan has done the unexpected. The single from this album "Gotta Serve Somebody" became his very first hit in 3 years. Most songs have a Christian theme to it, but you don't need to be a Christian to enjoy it. With the release of this album, a lot of Christians were drawn to his fan base.

2. Blood on the Tracks - This album marked Dylan's return to Columbia after 2 album detours with Asylum Records; considered as the greatest comeback collection of all time. Most of the lyrics in the album tells about anger, heartache and loneliness and is now seen as one of his greatest albums.

3. Blonde on Blonde - Dylan's 7th album released by Columbia records. This album is purely modern rock; and marked the end of the rocking/electronic period for Dylan. The songs have his brand of rock and blues with surreal lyrics and eclectic sound. This album earned the double-platinum.

With this list of Bob Dylan Albums I hope I have introduced the genius of Dylan, especially to those who haven't yet had the privilege of listening to his best work.

Jim A. Byrne is a musician and recording artist who has been writing songs for over 30 years. As well as writing songs for his own Folk and Country Blues albums he has written songs with other people including the pop star Marti Pellow of Wet Wet Wet and Jazz singer Carol Kidd MBE. Visit Jim's website for more tips and to download two of Jim's latest songs for free: http://www.songsbyjimbyrne.com/freemp3music/index.html

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Reel Big Fish Albums - Which Should You Listen To?

In the 90's, Reel Big Fish was without a doubt one of the most well known ska bands in the biz. Their high intensity shows and catchy music set the bar for most bands out there. They were turning out albums like every other struggling musician, but their big break came when they appeared in the movie Baseketball with Matt Stone and Trey Parker, where they performed "Take On Me."

I grew up listening to Reel Big Fish albums, and it was their music that turned me on to Ska. Being the geeky band kid playing the saxophone in high school was not my ideal social path, but this music allowed me to "rebel" against the stereotypical assumptions that come with playing a classical instrument, and put a somewhat cooler spin on my reputation.

Enough about me, though, when it comes to which Reel Big Fish albums you should listen to, here's a quick run down of my two personal favorites:

1. Everything Sucks (1995, re-released in 2000)

The bands first full length album and an essential for any ska-lover. Yes, the quality of some of the recordings are lack luster, but they make up for it with their intricate horn lines and (to say the least) aggressive lyrics. Even though it is not their best stuff and was written when the band was still maturing, it gives you insight into their personality and how f***ing crazy they were. A must listen to!

2. Why Do They Rock So Hard? (1998)

It is Reel Big Fish's second ska album and third full length. You can tell they grew not only in their musical talents, but they obviously had a good producer behind them. It is personally up there as my #1 because it is amazing how they stayed consistent with their image after all those years and kept my head banging the whole time. Favorite track: "I Want Your Girlfriend To Be My Girlfriend."

People often argue that there are much better ska bands out there, and maybe there are. But Reel Big Fish did it for me. They pretty much defined my high school years, and there's no denying that when "Beer" comes on the radio, or your iPod, or wherever...you still sing along too!

Whether you agree with my picks for the top Reel Big Fish albums or not, there is no disputing that they set the bar for the ska bands that came after them.

If you like Reel Big Fish then you might also check out Urkel & The Winslows. Their high energy music, along with their 3-part horn harmonies compare to the personality of RBF, while still creating an identity of their own. But who am I...check it out for yourself:

Click here to download a copy of their latest single for free.

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