Stupidly Easy Guitar Lessons

By Johnny Torzoni

Beginning to play a musical instrument and especially guitar is one of the most rewarding things one can do. Music is one of the few mediums that can totally cross language and cultural barriers. I love the power ripping through the amp when you strum out a bar chord on an electric. Or singing out songs over your acoustic for family and friends. Actually being able to play songs and even compose your own is an indescribable feeling. So here are some easy guitar lessons to get you going.

One more thing to the newbies before we start. Do not give up and have patience. I will never forget grabbing my first guitar for the first time knowing I would be jamming to my favorite CDs immediately. Boy was I wrong. I couldn't even get a single note to sound out clearly and definitely couldn't hold multiple fingers to form a chord. I didn't give up, I adjusted my goals and stuck to it.

For most people, playing the guitar for the first time is not simple, your fingers most likely will not go where you want them to. So you need to do drills to get them better. No secrets here to playing guitar, just training and repetition. I'm not the first person in your life to tell you this, practice makes perfect. This first stage of guitar is about getting your fingers strong and bendable. It can become tedious sometimes so I would work in front of the TV until I improved.

So you have two hands that need to be on the same page with each other so you will have to do drills that help both of them out. At first your fingers tips will hurt, play through that pain for as long as you can, don't just take a break right away . Before long you will get calluses on your finger tips and the throbbing will subside. The most horrible part of starting out with the guitar is this just beginning phase. Please just stick with it and battle through it, the rewards will be infinite.

Here are some pointers for your strumming hand. This is your rhythm hand and our plucking or picking hand. Slow and steady is vital here. Practice with your pick, alternating between down strokes and up strokes. Start slow and play along as you tap your foot to keep in time. Down stroke, up stroke, down stroke, etc. Slow and steady while you alternate. Increase speed as you go. Play this on 1 string then move on to 2 strings, then 3 strings and so on as if you were practicing chords. When starting out or practicing in front of the Tube you can mute the strings with your other hand to really pay attention to the rhythm.

Ok how about that fretting hand. Your fretting hand picks the notes that you want your strumming hand to play. This also tends to be the hand that is really perplexed starting out where your fingers don't want to work. Be patient, take your time, and go slow and steady. It is key here to get all four fingers relaxed and in sync with each other. Just because the little finger seems the hardest does not mean you should ignore him. When playing guitar if you find something difficult then you need to practice it more.

So here is my favorite exercise to help you play like grease. On your top string, the thick string, your E string, press your index finger on fret 1. While still pressing use your middle finger on fret two. While holding both down press your ring finger on fret three. Last but not least press your pinkie on fret four. As you are doing this you should be picking, always alternating, down and up, down and up. Now you reverse lifting the little finger, then ring, then middle, etc. Fret one, two, three, four and then back down 4, 3, 2, 1 all while you are alternating your picking down, up, down, up.

This exercise should be practiced until you can't stand it anymore, slow and accurate. Then as it gets simpler build up your speed. Practice this on all strings, all over the fretboard. This will unlock your fingers and really get them going. Start slow and build up. Guitar is my obsession and hopefully this can help you on your way. It honestly is an amazing instrument. Videos and photos will really help burn these concepts in your brain. Check out these easy guitar lessons. - 18418

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Click here for crazy easy guitar lessons with streaming video

A Brief History of Green Screen Hollywood

By Phillip Guye

Green screen Hollywood technology, a. K. A chroma key is a system employed by filmmakers to mix two separate photographs together. This works by making the background ( a solid color which is mostly green or blue ) clear in order to show another image which is the particular background that'll be shown on film. This technique of filming is often referred to as color keying, blue screen, and color separation overlay ( CSO ). It was essentially used for weather reports. Forecasters were shot in front of chroma key screens and the background was replaced by actual maps that indicate weather forecasts . The chroma key technique is also used by filmmakers and photographers alike.

The green screen first made its appearance in the 1930's at RKO Radio pictures. The background used back then was blue. This technique of film making was developed to create special effects for the film "The thief of Bagdad." apart from the chroma key technique, filmmakers depended on an awfully boring and laborious process called "travelling matte." This made transition such as "wipes" possible.

Larry servant is thought to be in charge of pioneering the blue screen system. In fact, he even took home an Academy Award for visible effects for his work in "The burglar of Bagdad." After his success in the 30's, butler was the first individual to use chroma key technology in Technicolor, paving the way for modern green screen Hollywood technology.

The first films to take advantage of Chroma Key technology was the flick adaptation of Ernest Hemingway famous short story, "The Old Man and the Sea," starring Spencer Tracy. After the "Old Man and the Sea," more films used the chroma key methodology. Some famous film that employ chroma key technology are The Empire Strikes Back, Lord of the Rings, Titanic, Star Trek, and even three hundred. Films that make use of CGI or computer generated pictures are also made with aid from green screen technology. This is how having out of this world settings and amazing creatures are able to be shown on film.

Today, green screen Hollywood technology isn't just confined to big budget studios. It is also used in photography. From the initial blue screen, green was employed later on because filmmakers discovered that a green background doesn't need boring lighting. Cameras are most delicate to this color, so the outcome of films shot on green screens are more easy to work with and manipulate. With that said, chroma key technology is now known to photographers and filmmakers' best friend. - 18418

About the Author:

There are a lot of other websites offering different forms of advice on how to use green screen but most of them are not very detailed or concise. Before following these, be sure to check my own articles and reviews on Green Screen Studio and Green Screen Hollywood, You can also reach me at 1-323-851-3825 or phillipguy@hotmail.com

Opera Glasses, A Excellent Way To See All The Action On Stage From Far Away

By Jeff Bridges

You may not want to bring binoculars to catch all the action of a performance on stage so Opera Glasses would be the next best thing. Opera houses built many years ago have balconies that are very far from the stage with cheaper seats. Often times they were such a distance that you could only see figures moving across the stage and forget about seeing faces that is part of the acting processes. Opera glasses would enable those people in the gallery to see much better almost to the point of seeing the facial expressions of the performers. Opera Glasses are not a new item on the market because they have been available since the 50's.

Opera glasses are not the same as binoculars because they are much smaller and are usually nicely stylish. There are some brands that look like a flat case that fit into a woman's evening bag or in a jacket pocket that pop up like an accordion. There are also those that fold in on themselves and can be carried unnoticed. Some are held up with a single rod called a lorgnette enabling a person to hold with only one hand instead of using both hands. The rod also folds up to hide it well when not in use.

Opera glasses can be found for purchase today. There are inexpensive ones that cost about $50 to $100 but there are others that can be more expensive. These kind are equipped with better optics and larger magnifications and may be unique in the way they look. You can also get vintage opera glasses that may cost much more merely because they are antique. Always try them out to make sure they are still in working order.

Often times theaters and opera houses will rent opera glasses for a nominal price. If you go often you may want to consider purchasing your own, but if your visits are infrequent plan on renting. Before purchasing it is a good idea to try out different styles to see what suits you best. There are those people who don't mind holding them with both hands and some that would prefer using the one hand hold with the rod at the side. You may even find you don't want to use them as they interfere with the performance or you find it hard to hold them in place.

Binoculars differ from opera glasses in magnification. The system used in opera glasses is a simple system whereas that used in binoculars is quite extensive. The system used in opera glasses is based on the simple system invented by Galileo called the Galilean optical system. The images will not be as sharp with opera glasses but you can still see most of what you need to on the stage

Most opera glasses today are made in China. Most of them have a magnification to 3 X which is adequate for a large auditorium or concert hall. Exceptions to the rule go to 5 X but they are quite expensive. Some will have a center focus and some don't have one at all. Usually the non focus glasses have a small red LED light that appears between the eye barrels. This will enable you to read the program in dim light without disturbing your neighbor. If you have good vision these will be the ones for you however, if you have a problem with vision and wish to use the opera glasses without your corrective lenses it is better to go with the ones that can be focused. Since there is a central focusing mechanism there is no room for the light so focused opera glasses will not have one.

Opera Glasses usually are accompanied by a case and especially look for this in the vintage ones. Some are soft sided and others hare hard and can be lined with velvet. Some antique glasses are made of ivory or enamel with cloisonne and they may be bejewelled or framed in gold or silver. Old ones were very beautiful and elegant. Either vintage or modern glasses make a great gift for those who love the ballet, opera or theater. - 18418

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Before you attend any performance make sure that you have a good pair of opera glasses. Here you can check out Opera Glasses with handle, flashlight, chain and more!

Opera Glasses and Shear Madness: a Comedic Review

By Jeff Bridges

If you are planning on seeing the comedy play Shear Madness make sure you bring your Opera Glasses. In reviewing this wonderful performance I must first make sure that you are prepared for aching cheeks, and stomach muscles that will be sore for a week. I loved Shear Madness, Never have I laughed so hard in my life!

The stage is set to take place at a unisex hair salon. The usual gossip takes place. As in real life, for some reason, people seem to think they need to share their utmost secrets with their hairdresser. So many funny lines take place as well as an intriguing storyline. The people acting are extremely believable characters. You have the snapping gum pretty hairdresser with a gorgeous figure who is an airhead, the brightly colored clothing character played by the homosexual hairdresser (fabulously played by John McGivern in Milwaukee, Wisconsin when I attended), a high class society woman, policemen and the different clientele that comes in. Of course, one man is a hunk which makes John McGivern's character giggle with glee.

Shear Madness is truly an evolutionary play; this is because it is always changing! What I mean by this, is that many of the words that are spoken in the play are not actually in the script but rather are given as improvisations by gifted comedians, in fact, much of the things talked about in the play focuses on current local and world news, you will never know what to expect. One of the things I found most amusing about this performance, is that many times, actors are caught off guard by the other actor's improvised lines, and you see them trying to contain their own laughter. For this you will surely want to bring your opera glasses as not to miss a beat!

Shear Madness is very much an interactive play. As you attend, you will find that performers will periodically ask the audience for their opinions about the developing story. Many in attendance will shout out their answers which often vary wildly. This aspect alone will make this play unforgettable in your mind. If find that your seat is in the first few rows, be prepared, as you may find yourself as centerpiece of a joke. Remember, that all jokes are just in good fun.

Aside from the typical chit chat you find in a beauty parlor, Shear Madness' plot turns to a murder mystery. The person who is killed is always the same; it is the owner of the parlor. The owner lived above the parlor prior to being murdered, and you will see that any of the characters potentially could have been the murderer. You will be working and trying to figure out who the murderer is; your opera glasses will help you to not miss any subtle hints.

What makes this comedy play different than any other play is that the guilty murderer is different each time. The characters in the play will talk to the audience and ask them questions. The audience actually votes and chooses who the murderer is. As odd as this may sound, it is really a very clever concept. Some people even see this play more than once and usually see a different ending.

Shear Madness is one of the longest running plays that are not musical. Popular critics such as the New York Times, Newsweek, Chicago Sun-Times, The Wall Street Journal and more have given Shear Madness rave reviews.

Remember when you attend, as always; bring your opera glasses, so as to not miss one single moment! Opera glasses will help you to make sure that you don't miss one moment or a laugh. - 18418

About the Author:

Jeff Bridges has always loved the theater and opera, he currently helps run an opera glasses retail site where they sell opera glasses. Including Opera Glasses with handle, flashlight, chain and more!

Opera Glasses " High Fashion, Spyware Or Optical Instrument?

By Jeff Bridges

If it wasn't for the Dutch optician Hans Lipperhey, we might not have had either binoculars or opera glasses today. He first started manufacturing simple binoculars in 1608. These were not much more than two telescopes connected by a central bridge, but they led to many further modifications and improvements. His early binoculars had a magnification capability of x3. Within less than a year the Italian mathematician and inventor Galileo Galilee made another drastic stride forward by increasing the magnification ability of telescopes to x30.

Initially binoculars had one major drawback: Although they allowed for a much wider field of view, they used two convex lenses, which inverted the image! It took more than 100 years for the next major step forward: in 1617 Anton Schyrle constructed binoculars with an additional lens that re-inverted the image. More than--0 years later a certain John Dollond of England started manufacturing achromatic (color-free) lenses and with that solve another problem bugging binoculars - that of color distortion.

The next step forward was made when an Italian gunnery officer by the name of Ignazio Porro developed prismatic binoculars during the '50s. These offered an even wider field of vision than earlier binoculars and also a drastically improved magnification ability.

We don't find any mention of opera glasses in the printed media before the 1730 - in London. These rather primitive opera glasses were not binoculars - they were mini-sized Galilean telescopes. People used them for decorative purposes as much as to watch opera. The bodies were mostly highly decorated with numerous gems, enamel, mother of pearl and ivory.

It wasn't until 23 in Vienna that we first find mention of binocular-type opera glasses. These were in fact simply two small telescopes with a bridge connecting them. The telescopes had to be focused individually by extending the tubes.

They proved to be very popular, however, and quickly became items of high fashion. The designs were so elaborate that one often would find both a painter and a goldsmith working on the end product. They were used as much to impress people as to watch opera - not to mention scrutinizing other opera goers to see if their opera glasses were perhaps more fashionable than yours!

The design soon improved to allow for the simultaneous adjustment of both lenses. This was another major step forward and only served to increase the popularity of this type of glasses. They also became highly valued gifts - as one can see from the inscriptions found on many opera glasses of the time.

Nowadays there is a wide array of opera glasses available. You can get them in virtually any color you want. They come in many different styles and materials. Strangely enough, monoculars are still popular, as are opera glasses with handles or reading lights. You even get them fitted with a jealousy glass - so you can watch another person in the audience without being seen! - 18418

About the Author:

Jeff B. has always loved the theater and opera, he currently helps run an opera glasses retail site where they sell opera glasses. Including Opera Glasses with handle, flashlight, chain and more!