Point of Note: I know that the last part of the intro is not in time with the backing track in this video. I am working on getting that up to full speed and that is why it goes ahead of the backing track in this video. A consequence of not using the metronome whilst recording this video.
HALLELUJAH !!!, Finally somebody showing beginners how to learn using the Spark Amp. I've watched countless videos of people showing how great this amp is but all of them can play the guitar. They don't freaking need to learn how to play because they already know music theory and can already play. I don't know cords or how to chain effects yet. I love guitars and amps but I cannot play them. Your video has been the best video I've found yet showing how a beginner can learn some songs and start to play guitar. THANK YOU!
I couldn't find out anywhere how to use this looping section, so an Enormous thank you for taking the time and humility to show us how it's done. You've put a huge amount of effort into this video complete with time indexes etc, and it's Appreciated. Keep plugging away Sypher and your 6 string journey Will bear fruit Sir... Sincerely Yours!
Hi David, Thank you for your visit and for taking the time to comment on the video. It is much appreciated and I am pleased that you found the video useful. Happy looping!!
Video is all about the function of the amp and a real how to use. Loads of shredders showing how good they sound but not many giving the detail. I couldn’t work out how to access the loop feature. Thanks for a great post 👍👍
Thank you. I am trying to keep my channel real from a beginners perspective and when I review things I try to give an honest and informative view, rather than showing off my wonderful guitar skills (which are non existent anyway). Glad that you found this video useful though and thanks for stopping by and commenting. It is much appreciated.
Another really useful video Sypher. You are getting better at hitting all of the important points and explain things really clearly. Thanks for releasing this video.
I've had my Spark 40 for a couple of years now and could never work out how to use that loop function properly. Actually screamed when you explained it. It's simple when you know how! 😆 You sir are a star!
I bought one of these last weekend, after recently trying one in a shop where the owner generously let me use his personal Spark amp. I feel like I'm only scratchimg the surface but love it so far. I have played since I was 19 and I'm 41 now, don't worry about your playing, we all sound the same as beginners and face the same difficulties, push through those and as others have said it is unbelievably rewarding. Keep up the good work!
Cracking video, I've had the amp and feel it's and excellent learning tool, but I've been playing for around 20 years on and off but lockdown last year made me fall back in love with learning new songs and playing the guitar more and more it's an amazing hobby and keep up the good work, for a beginner the alternate picking was impressive...keep learning best thing you'll ever do.
Thank you for taking the time to put this together. I’ve had a spark for a while and didn’t think I was getting the most out of it - but your video has been super helpful to me!
Great deno. You mentioned that the Spark doesn't let you learn the solo rather you learn the chords and rhythm. You then demonstrated that you actually can learn a solo using the Spark App and those wonderful things called ears. Great job and good to see a demonstration of Spark Amp and App from the beginner's perspective. Thanks for this and stay awesome matey!
Thanks for this video. I just got my Spark amp a couple days ago and was planning to use it to learn songs as well. Was having trouble figuring out how to loop more than one measure at a time and you video really helped. Thanks again.
You getting better fast. Good job. I spent most the video looking out for more pink Floyd hints, the book is cool, and saw u had some downloads lol 👍 I saw Floyd at Main Road, 8-8-88 my fist time
Thanks, I am not sure about fast, but I feel that I am making reasonably decent progress at the moment. I would have loved to have seen PF live, alas it never happened. At the moment I am reading Pink Floyd Their Mortal Remains, which is a companion book for the Victoria and Albert Museum display a few years ago. That'll be on the shelf soon ;)
Sypher - My Six String Guitar Journey I also seen them at Earls Court, and watched Waters here in Toronto twice. When an opportunity to see these guys comes up, I advise you go. It’s an event that is hard to beat. Waters was supposed to tour again, he is great live !
I would love to see them playing live but now that Rick has gone and Gilmour and Waters will never likely play together again, I feel that the boat ha gone. I did see Brit Floyd live and they were absolutely ace and we have a great local tribute band that I have seen. Nothing like the real thing with all the guys together though. For now, I'll have to make do with dvd's and videos 😢.
My spark arrived yesterday yipeee!!! Had a quick play around but can’t wait to get stuck in with it. When I switched from clean to metal well let’s just say the cats and wife got a bit of a fright lol.
Great news. No hum I hope. I also got the fright of my life when I switched to the upper tones. You soon get used to adjusting the volume accordingly. Enjoy.
Thanks for the video, very useful. Quick question to understand your setup. What is the purpose of what you call Blackstar? Why not simply plug your guitar in the Spark? As you can see, I’m just starting my journey as well…
Hi Martin, thank you for your visit and for your comment. It is a while since I released this video but I think that I am referring to the Blackstar Fly 3 that I often use when practicing, purely because it is batter powered and easy to move around the house. My daughter is using my practice room for work whilst working from home owing to the current Covid situation. I'll have to check out your channel sometime. Are you planning on posting any of our guitar playing progress?
I had to update my I pad mainly to run my Boss Waza headphones and also the Spark amp. Although I do use an I pad for lots of things. Don't waste your money on a brand new overpriced I pad especially if its mainly for the Spark. Do some research specs etc I picked up a boxed reconditioned I pad off ebay immaculate 32 gb for just over £250. 2019 model easiy runs modern apps
Thanks, that is great advice. I have been looking, but they are all too expensive for me at the moment. I'll only really be using it for the Spark App, so your advice is bang on and I will heed it.
Hey Sypher - Thanks for video, I am a new Spark owner as of today. I am just a bit confused starting at 13 minutes. You say that you plug your headphones into your phone's headphone, plug but then you say something about plugging your headphone into the spark amp, so you can hear both the song and the spark amp effects. Could you clarify what is being plugged into what. Thanx,
OK - I had to check because I could not remember what I was talking about at that point and it was addressing a question that I have had from people without the Spark amp but who wanted to use the app for the jam track looping feature, which is really nice in the app. In my example, I am talking about when I am practicing at night with my Blackstar and the Spark App. Because the app will not connect to my Blackstar, I plug my in ear iPhone headphones into my phone and my over ear headphones into the Blackstar's headphone outlet. If you were just using the Spark amp and the app to jam along to, you would just have your normal headphones into the Spark amp and you'd get the tone and backing track. Sorry for any confusion.
Hi Sypher. I'm really enjoying following your journey, keep up the good work. I just purchased a spark amp. I am testing it and liking it so far. Have you tried recording to a PC? I have the Studio 1 software installed but all that records is the guitar and I cant get the backing track music to record.
I have only tried recording a couple of times and that was using Reaper. I recorded the guitar to one track and then imported the backing track into another track and then mixed the two in Reaper. I 'think' that is the way that it needs to be done, but I am happy to be corrected, this is not my field of expertise. You might find this video useful - ua-cam.com/video/B910fCGb7EI/v-deo.html.
I am afraid that I have not touched my guitar in over a year and I would not know the answer to this question. I would suggest maybe finding a Spark forum on Reddit and someone on there will most likely be able to help you.
At the moment I am playing note based riffs and for that reason I am picking out the notes by ear and the system is only providing me with the ability to loop and slow down sections. As you say, there are plenty of other solutions out there that can do that. Further down the line, I hope to analyse songs and have the system prompt me with chords to play. That is where a lot of people are finding it more useful. As a beginner, I find that the chords the system suggests are too difficult for me at the moment.
@@SypherLXVII-MySixStringJourney Cool. I have used it in the same way though I find it difficult to patiently pick out the notes by ear. I have read that this is one of the best ways to improve your playing though. Good luck with your learning and thank you for sharing your experience.
If you'd like some constructive advice, I suggest you start tapping your foot in time with the drum beat and this should help keep you in time and tighten up your playing.
And what about easily getting back to my last search results? For example, do a search in c major backing tracks to display a list ... but you have to go back and search again every time you want to get back to the list.
I can see your point and it is not the easiest app to use. I tend to use the recently played group mostly and then I have set up playlists in the Spotify section to enable me to more quickly find things that I have been working on previously. It works, but it could be better.
I know that I am not bending the strings enough (so the pitch is wrong) and I also need to check the intonation on both of my guitars. The guitar in this video was tuned before the session though.
What a horrible looping function. I quite often want to loop an entire song, not just part of it. So this is pretty useless. Besides, it is difficult to move the loop handles and distance quickly.
Point of Note: I know that the last part of the intro is not in time with the backing track in this video. I am working on getting that up to full speed and that is why it goes ahead of the backing track in this video. A consequence of not using the metronome whilst recording this video.
instablaster
HALLELUJAH !!!, Finally somebody showing beginners how to learn using the Spark Amp. I've watched countless videos of people showing how great this amp is but all of them can play the guitar. They don't freaking need to learn how to play because they already know music theory and can already play. I don't know cords or how to chain effects yet. I love guitars and amps but I cannot play them. Your video has been the best video I've found yet showing how a beginner can learn some songs and start to play guitar. THANK YOU!
I couldn't find out anywhere how to use this looping section, so an Enormous thank you for taking the time and humility to show us how it's done. You've put a huge amount of effort into this video complete with time indexes etc, and it's Appreciated. Keep plugging away Sypher and your 6 string journey Will bear fruit Sir... Sincerely Yours!
Hi David, Thank you for your visit and for taking the time to comment on the video. It is much appreciated and I am pleased that you found the video useful. Happy looping!!
Video is all about the function of the amp and a real how to use. Loads of shredders showing how good they sound but not many giving the detail. I couldn’t work out how to access the loop feature. Thanks for a great post 👍👍
Thank you. I am trying to keep my channel real from a beginners perspective and when I review things I try to give an honest and informative view, rather than showing off my wonderful guitar skills (which are non existent anyway). Glad that you found this video useful though and thanks for stopping by and commenting. It is much appreciated.
Thank you so much...I have had the Spark for about 6 weeks and had no idea it could do this...bless you and keep up the great work. Blessings always.
Glad it helped
Another really useful video Sypher. You are getting better at hitting all of the important points and explain things really clearly. Thanks for releasing this video.
Thanks John. They take quite a while to record and process but it is all worthwhile if they help people.😀
Nice to see a beginner talking about this amp. Great video.
Thank you. As a beginner, I worry about doing these videos but this one was specifically asked for and I felt that I ought to produce it.
I've had my Spark 40 for a couple of years now and could never work out how to use that loop function properly. Actually screamed when you explained it. It's simple when you know how! 😆 You sir are a star!
I bought one of these last weekend, after recently trying one in a shop where the owner generously let me use his personal Spark amp. I feel like I'm only scratchimg the surface but love it so far. I have played since I was 19 and I'm 41 now, don't worry about your playing, we all sound the same as beginners and face the same difficulties, push through those and as others have said it is unbelievably rewarding. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for your visit. It is a lovely amp.
Cracking video, I've had the amp and feel it's and excellent learning tool, but I've been playing for around 20 years on and off but lockdown last year made me fall back in love with learning new songs and playing the guitar more and more it's an amazing hobby and keep up the good work, for a beginner the alternate picking was impressive...keep learning best thing you'll ever do.
As another beginner looking into the amp, I really appreciate this video! Great job
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for taking the time to put this together. I’ve had a spark for a while and didn’t think I was getting the most out of it - but your video has been super helpful to me!
Excellent real-world demo! Great to see a fellow 'average joe' as opposed to a shredder soloing over a track. Many thanks :)
Glad you liked it!
Hi Sypher - I like the approach you took on for this post. Very useful to me. Well done!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great deno. You mentioned that the Spark doesn't let you learn the solo rather you learn the chords and rhythm. You then demonstrated that you actually can learn a solo using the Spark App and those wonderful things called ears. Great job and good to see a demonstration of Spark Amp and App from the beginner's perspective. Thanks for this and stay awesome matey!
Good point!
Thank you. Great job explaining things simply!
Glad it was helpful!
I've been looking for a video like this cheers...
Thanks for this video. I just got my Spark amp a couple days ago and was planning to use it to learn songs as well. Was having trouble figuring out how to loop more than one measure at a time and you video really helped. Thanks again.
Glad I could help!
Looks like the perfect tool for beginners!
Thanks Jeff. I am actually finding it really rather useful. I wish that I had played with the app even before I got the amp.
Nice going friend.. Keep learning. Have fun!
Thank you, I will
Another great video Sypher. Keep em coming.
Thanks, will do!
Thx man, I'm a new owner and this helped!!!
Great UA-cam video nice to see how this works for a beginner. Keep up the good work .......thanks.
Thanks, will do!
Keep up the good work ...you seem to be well organized...good luck nice channel
Thank you!
Very well done showing the technology!
Very many thanks.
Thanks for your honesty, really useful as I have just order a spark amp and want to play rhythm along to songs l like and don't have to sing.
Glad I could help!
Where did you order from?
Thanks sypher, enjoyed your vid. I am going to get a spark amp to go with my silvertone guitar and join with you on the journey...😀
As always great video 👍
Very many thanks.
Great video thank you for taking the time to make it
Thanks for watching!
good videos and good approach ... nice to see a learner ... good stuff
Many thanks Mark.
You getting better fast. Good job. I spent most the video looking out for more pink Floyd hints, the book is cool, and saw u had some downloads lol 👍 I saw Floyd at Main Road, 8-8-88 my fist time
Thanks, I am not sure about fast, but I feel that I am making reasonably decent progress at the moment. I would have loved to have seen PF live, alas it never happened. At the moment I am reading Pink Floyd Their Mortal Remains, which is a companion book for the Victoria and Albert Museum display a few years ago. That'll be on the shelf soon ;)
Sypher - My Six String Guitar Journey I also seen them at Earls Court, and watched Waters here in Toronto twice. When an opportunity to see these guys comes up, I advise you go. It’s an event that is hard to beat. Waters was supposed to tour again, he is great live !
I would love to see them playing live but now that Rick has gone and Gilmour and Waters will never likely play together again, I feel that the boat ha gone. I did see Brit Floyd live and they were absolutely ace and we have a great local tribute band that I have seen. Nothing like the real thing with all the guys together though. For now, I'll have to make do with dvd's and videos 😢.
Sypher - My Six String Guitar Journey Brit, Australia and Canada Floyd all good 😌 I also seen them and loved every minute
Great video thanks!
Glad you liked it!
My spark arrived yesterday yipeee!!! Had a quick play around but can’t wait to get stuck in with it. When I switched from clean to metal well let’s just say the cats and wife got a bit of a fright lol.
Great news. No hum I hope. I also got the fright of my life when I switched to the upper tones. You soon get used to adjusting the volume accordingly. Enjoy.
No hum no which is great, very happy with it.
Thanks for the video, very useful. Quick question to understand your setup. What is the purpose of what you call Blackstar? Why not simply plug your guitar in the Spark? As you can see, I’m just starting my journey as well…
Hi Martin, thank you for your visit and for your comment. It is a while since I released this video but I think that I am referring to the Blackstar Fly 3 that I often use when practicing, purely because it is batter powered and easy to move around the house. My daughter is using my practice room for work whilst working from home owing to the current Covid situation.
I'll have to check out your channel sometime. Are you planning on posting any of our guitar playing progress?
I thought of buying one of these you've put me right off
Sorry.
Really? Why? I love mine.
I had to update my I pad mainly to run my Boss Waza headphones and also the Spark amp. Although I do use an I pad for lots of things. Don't waste your money on a brand new overpriced I pad especially if its mainly for the Spark. Do some research specs etc I picked up a boxed reconditioned I pad off ebay immaculate 32 gb for just over £250. 2019 model easiy runs modern apps
Thanks, that is great advice. I have been looking, but they are all too expensive for me at the moment. I'll only really be using it for the Spark App, so your advice is bang on and I will heed it.
Hey Sypher - Thanks for video, I am a new Spark owner as of today. I am just a bit confused starting at 13 minutes. You say that you plug your headphones into your phone's headphone, plug but then you say something about plugging your headphone into the spark amp, so you can hear both the song and the spark amp effects. Could you clarify what is being plugged into what. Thanx,
OK - I had to check because I could not remember what I was talking about at that point and it was addressing a question that I have had from people without the Spark amp but who wanted to use the app for the jam track looping feature, which is really nice in the app. In my example, I am talking about when I am practicing at night with my Blackstar and the Spark App. Because the app will not connect to my Blackstar, I plug my in ear iPhone headphones into my phone and my over ear headphones into the Blackstar's headphone outlet.
If you were just using the Spark amp and the app to jam along to, you would just have your normal headphones into the Spark amp and you'd get the tone and backing track.
Sorry for any confusion.
@@SypherLXVII-MySixStringJourney Thanx for speedy reply
Hi Sypher. I'm really enjoying following your journey, keep up the good work. I just purchased a spark amp. I am testing it and liking it so far. Have you tried recording to a PC? I have the Studio 1 software installed but all that records is the guitar and I cant get the backing track music to record.
I have only tried recording a couple of times and that was using Reaper. I recorded the guitar to one track and then imported the backing track into another track and then mixed the two in Reaper. I 'think' that is the way that it needs to be done, but I am happy to be corrected, this is not my field of expertise. You might find this video useful - ua-cam.com/video/B910fCGb7EI/v-deo.html.
@@SypherLXVII-MySixStringJourney Thanks Sypher, that helped.
Great news JB. It is always nice to hear when one of the videos helps someone. Makes it all worthwhile. 😀.
Can the Spark connect to other music apps such as pandora?
I am afraid that I have not touched my guitar in over a year and I would not know the answer to this question. I would suggest maybe finding a Spark forum on Reddit and someone on there will most likely be able to help you.
so are you picking out the notes by ear? if so, what help is the app? there are many looping/slow down apps out there.
At the moment I am playing note based riffs and for that reason I am picking out the notes by ear and the system is only providing me with the ability to loop and slow down sections. As you say, there are plenty of other solutions out there that can do that. Further down the line, I hope to analyse songs and have the system prompt me with chords to play. That is where a lot of people are finding it more useful. As a beginner, I find that the chords the system suggests are too difficult for me at the moment.
@@SypherLXVII-MySixStringJourney Cool. I have used it in the same way though I find it difficult to patiently pick out the notes by ear. I have read that this is one of the best ways to improve your playing though. Good luck with your learning and thank you for sharing your experience.
If you'd like some constructive advice, I suggest you start tapping your foot in time with the drum beat and this should help keep you in time and tighten up your playing.
Thank you for the advice. This is something that I was trying with my teacher, but things changed and I have not played in a year :(
And what about easily getting back to my last search results? For example, do a search in c major backing tracks to display a list ... but you have to go back and search again every time you want to get back to the list.
I can see your point and it is not the easiest app to use. I tend to use the recently played group mostly and then I have set up playlists in the Spotify section to enable me to more quickly find things that I have been working on previously. It works, but it could be better.
jump to 9:56 for how to loop
Your demo sounds more like a little out of tune rather than bad playing. Or maybe the speed change of the song is slightly affecting the pitch
I know that I am not bending the strings enough (so the pitch is wrong) and I also need to check the intonation on both of my guitars. The guitar in this video was tuned before the session though.
You were correct. I checked the tuning and two strings were out :(. I’ll need to be more careful in future. On was the bended string.
No worries! These things happens a lot, but just make sure you know it
Im a beginner...ty
Your guitar is not in tune with the recording.
What a horrible looping function. I quite often want to loop an entire song, not just part of it. So this is pretty useless. Besides, it is difficult to move the loop handles and distance quickly.
You are right about having to fumble with the slider all of the time and remember the parts that you wish to loop. What looping program do you use?