There seems to be an idea that yodeling had little history in cowboy tradition. However, this sentiment does not line up with the observations of John Lomax.
Music
Top 10 Reader-Favorite Books
We love curating helpful reading material for country living enthusiasts! If you are looking for a variety of useful books on everything from starting a farming enterprise to planting crops to drawing horses, we highly recommend the Homestead Bookshelf as the place to find what you’re looking for. We have collected public domain classics, modern […]
Western Swing Guitar Style
Here’s a superb introduction to the unique chord progressions of this toe-tapping sound, geared toward the rhythm guitarist.
The Beginner’s Guide to Microphones
Are you a musician shopping for that first microphone to get your home studio off to a good start? Before you spend any money on a mic, spend just a couple of dollars on some great information—The Beginner’s Guide to Microphones by Brendan Krueger. This book is exactly what it claims to be. It is […]
Choosing a Flat Pick for Guitar or Mandolin
Getting into guitar or mandolin picking? One of the first things you will need (besides your instrument) is a good collection of picks. It’s never a bad idea to start out with an assortment—over time some picks will definitely come to the forefront as favorites. Furthermore, until you have a handle on basic flatpicking technique, […]
7 Guitar String Care Tips
If you play your guitar often, you will find that your strings wear out quickly. Is there a way to extend their life so that you don’t have to replace them quite so often? Yes! Allow us to share a few tips for keeping your strings clean and at their best for as long as […]
Choosing Studio Headphones
Whether your headphones are for recording or mixing, attention to quality, shape, and comfort are critical.
3 Guitar Exercises for Finger Independence
Playing the guitar requires flexible fingers. Fortunately, left-hand agility is a skill that can be acquired and improved with practice. These tried-and-true exercises will help you sharpen that skill. Note that you may not be as proficient in these exercises as you might like the first few times out. Always challenge yourself, but respect your […]
5 Tips for Left-Hand Guitar Technique
Brushing up on your guitar playing abilities? One area where you might want to put in some work is the left hand. While the left hand is less influential on tone than the right, good left-hand technique is a must for clarity and precision. The left hand is the source of buzzing and incorrect notes. […]
Top 10 Skill-Building Resources
Looking for a rainy-day project? How about learning music, making art, or building something for the farm? Try one of our readers’ favorites.