Musical Instruments, Guitar, and Acoustic.

Guitars, bass guitars, and drums are standard aspects of modern day music-making. Hawksmusic.com is here to provide a wide range of information related to musical instruments, their use, care, history, and accessories.

Our goal is to keep our visitors both informed and inspired. Whether you are just getting started with music or already consider yourself a professional, we aim to have something valuable to offer.

When it comes to making full use of any instrument, it is often very helpful to be aware of its known potentials and variations. For that reason, the following paragraphs will delve into a basic explanation of the different topics covered within our site. For more information on any particular instrument or concept, please visit that unique section within our learning center.

The guitar is one of the most ubiquitous instruments in modern popular music. From its humble beginnings in the 1930’s and 40’s, it has grown to become one of the most popular instruments recent history.

Using steel strings instead of nylon, the acoustic guitar is variation on the classic Spanish guitar. The instrument became popular because the steel strings and larger dimensions gave it more volume than the old world guitars.
Guitar strings can be bought in a wide variety of designs. Steel strings are generally used on electric and acoustic guitars. Classical guitars use nylon or gut strings.

 If you want to be a rock god, you have to play the guitar!

Of course, the cradle of any good band is the bass guitar. This instrument became popular during the 1950’s because of its compact nature when compared to the standard double bass. Because it was amplified, it was also capable of being heard in “electrified” performances.

The modern electric guitar still operates much the same as it did when it was first introduced. Guitar amps are the means by which the electric guitar can be heard. These devices can range from small practice amps to multi-speakered, high-output concert “stacks”. Most amplifiers have their own unique sound and abilities, and most guitar players have their own opinions about which ones are the best.

To create a signature sound, most guitar players will have a large array of guitar accessories ranging from strings to electronic effects processors.

Drum sets are collections of various percussion instruments that are arranged so that they can be played by a single person. These kits, as they are sometimes called, can be as large or as small as the drummer prefers; but most sets include a bass drum, snare drum, hi-hats, and a few toms and cymbals. Nearly every genre of popular music requires the use of a drum set.

Many contemporary musicians make use of a drum machine. These devices are very convenient because they are compact and don’t require a trained musician. Many modern genres such as hip-hop and electronica are actually centered on these machines.

The snare drum is the heart of the drum kit. The term “snare” comes from the wires, or straps, that are stretched across the bottom head of the drum. As the drum is struck, these wires vibrate against the head give the drum its signature sound.

Electronic drums are played much like their acoustic counterparts, but they require an outside amplification source in order to be heard. These instruments are made from electronic touch pads that can be programmed to produce different sounds when struck. Because they are quiet unless amplified, many regular drummers will use these instruments for practicing.

Drums are not the only digital instrument. Digital pianos are increasing in popularity. They are lighter, and less expensive than their original counterparts. Check out your local piano store, or online for exceptional deals.

The steel drum originated in the Caribbean. This instrument is commonly heard in many of the genres from this region including calypso and reggae. They are usually made from varying sizes of steel drums, from which they take their name.

Please feel free to browse any of the links of this page for more information. We try to keep our site as updated as possible, so be sure to check back frequently.

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