A Nylon String Guitar Original Work Prelude This “classical guitar” work in the new acoustic style is by far my favorite of the ones I’ve written so far. Both its sound and constr…
Source: “Nylon Fantasy #2”
“Nylon Fantasy #2”
A Nylon String Guitar Original Work
Prelude
This “classical guitar” work in the new acoustic style is by far my favorite of the ones I’ve written 
so far. Both its sound and construction are exactly what I look for in instrumental guitar works. Like anything else that comes as a pleasant surprise, this was one of those sessions where everything came together. I must say however, that I never go into a session with a preconceived idea, well at least not one that is carved in stone. My brain doesn’t work that way even though I can be very conservative and by the book in other areas of performance and study.
Methodology
I go in to such sessions randomly trying not to get caught up in the guitarists mindset that can plague your endlessly. The thoughts and schemes such as what key? What scales or chords? Should I go int
o an altered tuning or not? Should I play fast or slow? That does nothing more than push your spirit into a one-dimensional force bent on being traditional. Traditional for the sake of tradition. Not to pay homage to it, but to be bound by it.
The Work
I don’t remember consciously doing this but it has a logical rhythmic flow to it. The piece starts out by stating the melody in between a very dense foundation 
of dark arpeggiated chords. I overdubbed some, but not all of the harmonics onto the work as a decorative effect. I, like many non-guitarists, tend to find them aurally attractive and very desirable especially on acoustic guitar.
Technique
The slurred sections were not easy but flowed surprisingly well considering that I had no plan for incorporating them. I’m very happy with how they turned out. It’s my climbing Mount Everest moment as that are fairly athletic. It will take quite a few minutes to pull them back under my fingers in that exact configuration. However, I must take the time to score out the work so as to codify it. In that way, it becomes “official”, solid, unbending. Unless, of course, I go back and change the score.
Angular Thinking
As musicians, we all have areas that are endemic to our playing. I love the angular in music, but to produce it well is not easy. This was one time that it happened without the usual struggle and gnashing of teeth. The fleeting moments of non-compliance with the voices in our heads that would doubt us.The total control one has sought from the beginning of the 
journey. However, I’m sure I’ll go back to the struggle until I can take control of angular and the unexpected in my playing.
Thank God for the guitar.
-Mark Jeffery Campayno
Hozier “Like Real People Do” from the Barn on the Farm Sessions – Guitar Tab
I have transcribed the great Hozier song, “Like Real People Do” .
Here is a Guitar Pro score in PDF form for you to aid you in learning this wondeful guitar part:
“Like Real People Do” PDF Guitar Pro.
I have used the version of “Like Real People Do” that comes from Hozier’s live Barn on the Farm Sessions. Check out the video here:
Hozier “Like Real People Do” Barn on the Farm Sessions
The ending is a little tricky. I’ll have the completed section scored out for you soon. It’s not overly difficult but is a little tricky~!
Here is Part 1 of my guitar tutorial of the song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6N9DxYCxBY&t=155s
“Don’t Let Me Down” – The Chain Smokers (Feat. Daya)
This is a tab for the electric guitar parts for “Don’t Bring Me Down”, the pop hit by The Chainsmokers. Daya, a singer/songwriter from Pittsburgh, PA is featured on vocals.
The guitar parts are fairly tame but when added to the mix of hip hop rhythms and a heavy bass foundation, they fit perfectly. Take your time with the fingering and articulation. There is a lot going on when the song kicks, especially during the drop breaks.
I left those parts out as the harmonies stay static on the G#minor harmony.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B7AH_jj2jg2-WkI2OTcwNE5Zb1U
Guitar tab/score: Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop This Feeling”.
This is a guitar transcription of Leroy Sanchez’s cover of the Timberlake release. It is an acoustic guitar/vocal performance.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B7AH_jj2jg2-NXN2aUgzOTFhOGc
Your First Recording Session: Are you Prepared?
A Short Primer On Your Band’s First Recording Session
So you and your band have worked hard. You’ve saved enough money to book time at a recording studio. All the merch sales, donations, and gigs have paid off. Well, almost. You are now entering a whole new level of band life and there is much riding on your time in front of live mics in an environment that may be brand new to you.
The capturing of the music in real time will be the ultimate barometer of your sound and furthermore, will define who you are as a unit. I’m not taking
away from the fun and learning that goes on during live recording sessions, however there is much to consider as you prepare for this experience.
In order to have the session go smoothly with few snags, here are some things to consider before your studio date arrives. Go into the session with an open mind. Be flexible and open to the advice of the sound engineer and to each other. The mere act of recording can expose parts of your music that could use tweaking. Riffs that worked during your “garage sessions” sometimes do not translate well on recordings leaving you with quick decisions to make.
To minimize such issues, ask yourself this question: Does the band have all parts worked out with no trouble spots? Does each member have a working knowledge of each other’s parts? In other words, do they know how all the pieces fit together? Is everyone capable of playing or singing what they are required to play or sing? Sometimes technical issues are masked during band rehearsals due to volume, less that idea sound in your space, and underdeveloped “hearing”.
Prior to the session it may be wise to rehearse the song parts one, two, or three at a time. Have the drummer and bass play. Then add keys or rhythm guitar. After that, add vocals and harmonies. Be prepared to start your songs from different sections. If anyone in the band cannot play from any section instantly then the music is NOT memorized and precious time will be wasted and the costs will increase.
Finally, the issue of equipment comes up. Does everyone have decent equipment to record with. More often than not, you will use what the engineer suggests. Don’t be offended if your 6 Line (lol) amps sound doesn’t cut it in the studio. Are your guitar players using too much gain and distortion during rehearsal? Have you thought about cutting it down to about 3/4 of what they are used to (at least for the rhythm parts)? It’s shocking how much that will clean up your sound.
Remember to provide your engineer with a detailed list of your songs and the structure. If not, the clock will tick as you try in vain to describe how each song goes. That is a gigantic time waster. Provide also each member’s role on the songs. Who sings harmonies, who plays tambourine, when does that elusive cowbell part come in?
A few hours spent on firming up all these details can save you hundreds of dollars and can clean up your session in a big way!
-Mark
“THE SKY IS NO LIMIT” – ORIGINAL SONG/COLLABORATION – YouTube
via “THE SKY IS NO LIMIT” – ORIGINAL SONG/COLLABORATION – YouTube.
Brand New Original Song/Collaboration🎼.
This is an instrumental song about soaring to heights you’ve only dreamt of. But after listening, you must prepare yourself to live like there are no limits to your potential. Maybe then you will find that there really aren’t any if you are of a mind to overcome your circumstances. -Mark
The track was written and produced by, Martin Carlberg.
The electric guitar melodic content was performed and produced by Mark Jeffery Campayno. Mark played his Paul Gilbert Model Guitar (PGM150) for this session.
Published on Mar 20, 2016
“The Sky Is No Limit” – Original Song/Collaboration
Track Composer: Martin Carlberg
Guitar Solo by Mark Jeffery Campayno
Produced, Performed, and Written by Mark Jeffery Campayno
Mark’s Guitar Recorded at Musicians-inc
Herndon, Virginia USA
Videography by Mark Jeffery Campayno
Recorded and edited at Blue Room Productions
Herndon, Virginia USA
https://www.blueroomproductions.com
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https://www.thecreativeguitar.com
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http://www.musicians-inc.com
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WEBSITE LINKS:
Martin Carlberg
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PGM 150 Paul Gilbert Electric Guitar (Ibanez)
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Zayn Proves His Musical Prowess With “Pillow Talk”
Where has Zayn been? Now we know!
When Zayn Malik left One Direction on March 25th of last year, there was the typical wailing and gnashing of teeth from their fans. Screams, shrieks, tears, and “Now whats?” reverberated through the One Direction community.
(Climb on board)
We’ll go slow and high-tempo
Light and dark
Hold me hard and mellow…
How could he? Why did he? How can they go on? How could Zayn in good conscience leave this money/hit machine? Well, if “Pillow Talk” is any indication of where Zayn is going I’d not judge him too harshly just yet. With the release of the first single, Zayn has sent a very clear message that he will go on quite nicely thank you.
Pillow talk
My enemy, my ally
Prisoners
Then we’re free, it’s a thriller
Musically and structurally, “Pillow Talk” is tight, full of powerful synths, guitars, and yes, great singing. Along with co-writers Anthony Hannides, Michael Hannides, and Levi Lennox, “Pillow Talk” is a powerhouse work that has the muscle to compete with anything else that’s out there. The song will be included on Zayn’s album Mind of Mine, due to be released on 25 March 2016. Produced by Levi Lennox and MYKL, Zayn has some big guns on his side and this will surely draw a clear line between himself and the boys he left behind. The grass can sometimes be much greener on the other side.
I’m seeing the pain (seeing the pleasure)
Nobody but you, ‘body but me, ‘body but us
Bodies together
If you need further proof that he has left his One Direction days behind, then read the lyrics. This song, is what most pop music is about: sex and relationships. Zayn hits hard with a brutally-honest description of love at it’s most bare and emotional. “It’s our paradise, it’s our war zone.” goes the mantra. Yeah, we’ve heard it all before, but not from a insanely handsome former boyband member who is out to prove his worth. Especially one who has the voice to take over the male pop crown from whoever has it now. Play your cards right Zayn and you will have it in spades.
Zayn’s Vevo Channel “Pillow Talk”.
What makes “Pillow Talk” so special is the way the harmonic structure plays with the overall tonality never quite settling into a steady tonic. The intro, with its droning E Major/F#Ma
jor drones eventually give way to the expected, that is, the tonic of B Major, but, only for a fleeting moment. From the opening it is clear that we are in for an interesting harmonic ride as Zayn and his crew have painted a picture with music of an unsettled, almost quarrelsome quality very much in line with the text.
So we’ll piss off the neighbours
In the place that feels the tears
The place to lose your fears
Yeah, reckless behavior
A place that is so pure, so dirty and raw
The choruses explode with powerful kicks and a power chord as big as England herself. As the chorus continues the intensity builds to, well, a climax. How could I forget the verses? Well, because the are actually quite short, which only makes “Pillow Talk” even more unique and effective. Why? Because the real star of this song is the pre-chorus with it’s tug-o-war battle against the tonic, much like the relationship Zayn describes.
War zone, war zone, war zone, war zone
Paradise, paradise, paradise, paradise
War zone, war zone, war zone, war zone
First of all, it is longer than most verses and it contains one of the most effective harmonic chordal shifts in popular music. The C# Minor to E Major to B Major changes the the second time to C# Minor/E Minor/B Major. This is place perfectly at the end of each of the two pre-choruses giving a kick to the chorus that sets the song aflame. Brilliant? No. Unusual, well no. But, it was this chordal twist of fate puts this song over the top separating Zayn not only lyrically but in the way he will deliver musical material. With this very first release, Zayn has left the sugar far behind him.
I’d love to hold you close, tonight and always
I’d love to wake up next to you
I’d love to hold you close, tonight and always
I’d love to wake up next to you…
If you are a Zayn fan, you should know that he had to do something big on this first release away from his former mates. Trite and trivial music would have ended his attempt at a solo career in an instant. This discussion then, is to show that his work can be lifted up proudly as he has shown (in a relatively short time) that he is real. Moreover, he has demonstrated that that he has musical substance, and that is more than most expected.
It’s our paradise and it’s our war zone…
It’s our paradise and it’s our war zone…
-Mark Jeffery Campayno
Charlie and Selena Don’t Talk Anymore?
The Acoustic Guitar Score for Charlie Puth’s new single, “We Don’t Talk Anymore” featuring Selena Gomez
Youtube Official Audio Version from Charlie’s Vevo Channel:
“We Don’t Talk Anymore” Official Audio
“We Don’t Talk Anymore” the new single by Charlie Puth, featuring Selena Gomez, contains a very exciting guitar part that will keep your concentration on high alert. Even though consists of only two separate but similar chord progressions, one little slip can cause a bit of a mess due to its fast tempo.
Progression 1 (4 measures)
A Major – B Major – C#minor – G#minor.
Progression 2 (4 measures)
A Major – B Major – C#minor – C#minor.
*For clarity’s sake let’s call these sections A and B, which is clearly marked on the score.
The entire song is played arpeggio style with a fast 1/16th-note texture and it never strays from these two sections.
The difficulty with playing “We Don’t Talk Anymore” will lie in the speed at which the parts are played. The tempo is a “brisk”
It will be easier to play this song using finger style technique on an acoustic guitar. Using a pick will require extreme accuracy for the entirety of the song (3:37). If you are up for it, God bless you!
Here is the structure of the song:
- The intro is: A B
- Charlie’s Verse is: A A
- Charlie’s Pre-Chorus is: A B
- The Chorus is: A A
- Selena’s Verse: A A
- Selena Pre-Chorus: A B
- The instrumental: A A
- The Outro (Charlie and Selena): A B
- The Outro Double Chorus: A A A A
-Mark
Guitar Score: “We Don’t Talk Anymore” PDF Guitar Pro File
Here is the Youtube link: Youtube Tutorial for “We Don’t Talk Anymore”
All the Shades of Darkened Light by Free Spirit
via All the Shades of Darkened Light by Free Spirit on iTunes.
-Review by Mark Jeffery Campayno
Just when you thought that technological innovations in music had eliminated the need, or even the will to look back at the past, a band from Seinäjoki, Finland, Free Spirit releases it’s sophomore effort, “All the Shades of Darkened Light”. This 11 song collection opens up with blazing guitar riffs that evoke everything that serious rock fans have been missing for decades.
Can it be that eighties melodic hard rock is still relevant? I must admit, even I had doubts. With clarity, precision, and eighties bravado, “All the Shades of Darkened Light” serves notice that high energy and good old hair metal swag can still rock hard.
Melodic Hard Rock is a tough taskmaster. With so many musical elements to produce not to mention the risk involved, it’s refreshing to see a band pull it off with such ease. The first track, “Through the Night” will have you fully engaged as the band has set the course. There’s no turning back now. With blazing anthems and refurbished vocal hooks filling each track from beginning to end there’s hardly a place to catch y
our breath. But, if you yearn for the days of big hair, perfectly processed guitars, and fist in the air rock bravado, prepare yourself to be transformed. Yes, the decade of decadence and excess lives on!
Guitar solos? Yes, and they are imaginative and impeccably played. Marko Haapamäki and Vesa Yli-Mäenpää churn out riffs that cut through the already-dense musical landscape with arpeggiated melodies and harmonized flights-of-fancy that strike to the soul of what guitar used to be. Used to be that is, before the Seattle revolution all but muted such perceived excess. Here excess is not on display. The solo sections are measured, balanced, and exquisite.
Vocalist, Sami Alho possesses all the nuance and flair of a hard rock leading man. Passionate, controlled, and soulful, he easily soars over the layered harmonies, guitar accents, and big drums. But of course that is part and partial of what the eighties were all about. The foundational blueprint of what Free Spirit is as a unit gives a bigness to this recording that is often missed when attempting to recreate the past. The band’s rhythm section is tough and ready with Sami Hämäläinen on bass, Pasi Koivumäki on drums, and Timo Alho on keyboards. They are on point with a groove that infuses the music with a harmonic pallet that is unique and tight.
Want proof? Try “Silence”, a heartbreaking tune reminiscent of the great hard rock ballads of the past. Using all their powers, the boys come through big on this one with a moving performance full of arpeggiated passages, gorgeous guitar breaks, and pleading vocals.
“Storyline” wraps up the release as the 11th track. This summation in hard rock gets to the heart of what Free Spirit is all about. A hint of Def Leppard appears in the main riff, the vocals harmonize perfectly, and everything is just perfect.
Thankfully, Free Spirit is no one trick pony. There’s plenty of variation in their material and one can easily make the necessary connection between the past and the present. Hmmm…guys? Why not an even twelve next time?
@MarkGTR 