The online webcam guitar, bass and ukulele lesson flyer will offer a free lesson to anyone interested.  I don’t mind doing this because many times there are technical issues that I can help the student with.  For example, making sure they have the latest version of Skype, selecting the best resolution for their webcam, making sure they are getting the proper speed from their internet service provider etc…most people who are really looking for lessons end up very happy by learing guitar, bass and ukulele on Skype.  I also teach online lessons using ooVoo and Yahoo Messenger but Skype is by far the most popular.

So, one of my best friends from high school Joel Lonky (Far Left) is Live Sound Tech on the road with Rob Zombie. Joel is amazing and responsible for the what the audience hears coming off the main speakers. He must be good because he is in high demand and tours with P. Diddy, Maroon5, Rage Against The Machine, Ozzy…blah, blah…etc. So, I get invited to hang for soundcheck and meet John5. We talked about Western Swing, Les Paul, Jimmy Bryant & Speedy West and to my surprise Flamenco?! John said he is working on his flamenco playing and has it in mind for a new project. I was quizzing him on his Rasgueado’s and other techniques that are used in flamenco guitar playing. I was really impressed with John! He is a cool dude and really wish we had time to play. Maybe soon?… +_*

So, we worked on Tangos, Bulerias, Solea, Alegrias and technique. He was impressed with how quick I was to follow him. He said, “Tu…Tu Muy Rapido! Boom, Boom!” It was a challenge to keep up with him!

The lesson confirmed some suspicions I had about his playing. He has a firm understanding of Jazz and incorporates it into Flamenco very well. Also, I was convinced I heard him ascend in one scale form and then descend in another…yes he does with a seemingly infinite variety of scale choices and chromatics. His chord playing and knowledge of Harmony is phenomenal.

I have prepared a study sheet and corresponding video showing some interesting things Antonio does. You can find it in my Lesson Archive titled “Antonio Rey Lesson”. I wrote it in Standard Notation. If your reading needs some help check out the “Natural Notes Guitar” “16th Note Divisions” and “Triplets & Tuplets” lessons in my archives.

I wish there was a resident Flamenco guitarist in Seattle who was even half the Musician/Guitarist Antonio is. Oh well, all the more reason to look forward to Spain.

Webcam guitar, bass and ukulele Lessons are becoming very poplular and has allowed me to reach students around the world.  Webcam lessons online allow scheduling freedom, no travel time or traffic hassles to and from lessons, students are more relaxed and ready to learn by being in the comfort of their home or office. I prepare the written part of your lesson ahead of time so the complete lesson is spent playing through the material and learning.  I feel the amount of hands on time the student gets is one of main reasons online guitar lessons, online bass lessons and online ukulele lessons are working for so many students.

I am not a computer expert in any way but have learned alot of technical things that will help you get your Software, Webcam and Computer ready to go for a test lesson with me.

Software:

All of the software programs I use to teach with are free and available for PC or Mac. They require download & set up on your computer and will cause no damage or virus. Here is a list of proven programs that allow us to see and hear each other. Once you have downloaded the program to your computer you will set up a account with a ID and be able to test your webcam video and audio settings. You can learn alot about the programs features just by testing and exploring the options. It is best to be comfortable with basic functions before setting up a test lesson. I am familar with all of the programs so when you find one you like I can offer some additional help.

Skype: www.skype.com

Oovoo: www.oovoo.com

Yahoo Messenger: www.messenger.yahoo.com

Windows Live: explore.live.com

Webcam:

I am using the Logitech 9000 for my webcam. It is awesome! The microphone is built into the camera and I just set it on top of my monitor. It has the option to run HD settings if your computer can support it. Students can see and hear me perfectly. I have students who are using the Logitech C310 model and it is fine. It has the HD option and is only $49.99 The most important thing to ask about when purchasing a webcam is the resolution settings. If the camera has a very limited field of view I will not be able to see the complete guitar or bass. 320×240 is the minimum. I have my camera set to 1280×720 HD.

Computer:

Any computer purchased within the last 4 years should be good. I have students who are using both Mac & PC desktop or laptop computers for lessons. One thing I have found on laptops is to make sure you are running off the power cable. If the battery runs low the video and audio quality is not good. Macs have amazing cameras in them! I have found the built in cameras on most PC’s don’t allow a wide enough view. This makes it a struggle for me to see and monitor what both hands of the student are doing. Your internet connection is also very important. If you have a wireless net work please disconnect all other computers and dedicate the connection to our lesson. Video lessons will not work if you are on dial-up or satellite connection. Cable or DSL is best. Make sure your Modem is current and you are getting the speed you are paying for! I have had many students call their Internet Service Provider (ISP) and run a “Speed Test” to find that they are not getting the Upload and Download speeds they are paying for. Please run a speed test with your ISP and let them know you want to be ready for “Video Conferencing”.

Good News! www.idealnetwork.com is offering my lessons through their site.

This site runs deals just like all the other deal sites but allows me to choose a charity or cause in my local community to donate proceeds from the offer. I hope there is alot of response to my offer and I can continue a relationship with ideal.

The lessons are offered at $12.50 per half hour! Students will get to choose from my archive of pre-existing lessons and schedule a webcam review of the notation with me. Contact me for if you have any computer, webcam or software questions. I have a good article here on the blog titled: Webcam Guitar Bass & Ukulele Lesson “Tech Tips” that should be helpful.

So, Lights! Camera! Action! I hope you enjoy watching! I am very proud of my students around the world and thank them for allowing me to help them with their musical goals.

Sweet Ballad that works well on the Ukulele. I have the Chord Voicings, Guitar Intro, Guitar Lick Verse, Chord Strum Verse and the Chorus with Finger Picking and Strum details. Also two E Major Scale patterns for Improvistation.

Related Lessons: “Natural Notes” Ukulele “16th Note Subdivisions” Ukulele “The Girl From Ipanema” Jobim Ukulele

Nice Hip-Hop-J-Pop track! Lessons includes the main bass line, all 5 D Major, B Minor, B Blues pentatonic patterns & chord arpeggios. Right & Left hand details explained slowly.

Related Lessons: “16th Note Subdivisions” Bass “Triplets & Tuplets” Bass “Fire” Ohio Players Bass

Country Pop track by Taylor Intro, Verse, Electric Guitar Melody, Pre Chorus and the Chorus all played slowly with strum direction, practice tips, proper chord voicings & fills.

Related Lessons: “16th Note Subdivisions” Guitar “Triplets & Tuplets” Guitar “Heartless” The Fray Guitar