Everything You Need to Know About Tracking

Today the music world has no rules.

Artists have the freedom to create and mix any form of music they can imagine. Music has reached the point where artists have the independence to create new categories of music by mixing rhythms and genres.

However, creating music still comes with its stages, dos and dont’s. In order to make good music that people will enjoy listening to, you still need to follow stages of music production that have been perfected over the years by professionals.

Like a chef in the kitchen, just because you have unlimited ingredients and tools to play with does not mean you should. There are some things when you mix and match that just don’t taste good.

On that note, check out Jony Studios’ mixing and mastering services that will help you elevate your sound and bring your song to life!

After arranging comes tracking:

WHAT IS TRACKING?

Tracking is referred to here as the instrument recording process. Since this process has many names, we’ll stick to calling it “tracking”.

A song is basically an idea flowing around until it is made tangible. And making a song tangible means recording it. You could play your song live but it wouldn’t be tangible since the song would disappear after it ends. The recording process is what captures the song in a format that lives on forever. This is what makes the song tangible and gives the listeners the ability to listen continuously without the song disappearing.

In simple terms, it is the process of recording various instruments used within a song. Multi-track recording, on the other hand, is the process where when you record a new track, you hear all the other tracks recorded as well. This multi-track recording process is used when the tracks are recorded one at a time.

HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM SONGWRITING?

Songwriting requires a different kind of focus. With writing, you want to experiment which is only possible when your mind is free of all new associations and connections. 

However, when it comes to performing a song, your focus needs to be on playing with the right feeling and in time. 

But remember: while recording you don’t have to get it perfect. There are many editing options that can fix mistakes and improve a song but there is a limit to what you can edit. Editing too much can make your song sound unnatural.

Need help with recording your music or editing your songs? Contact Jony Studios.

Combining the writing and performing/tracking stages of music production will greatly impact your song quality. In order to ensure the best possible outcome, focus on each individual step separately.

Conclusion

Tracking is an essential step in the music creation process. It allows you to record each instrument used in a full complete song. Without it you wouldn’t be able to record.

Still unsure of this step? 

Jony Studios’ offers music production services that will help you elevate your sound and bring your song to life!

Contact us here to get started.

- By Neha Agarwala

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Curious about the other stages of music production?

Check out these blogs to learn more:

Songwriting

Arranging

Editing

Mixing and Mastering

Techniques To Improve Your Guitar Solo

If you are a musician / guitarist, you must have likely come across the idea of scales. They seem to pop up everywhere (especially in some of the best solos of all time) and no great guitar player should ignore them. 

Whether you are composing solo or jamming with a band, knowing scales and how they interact will allow you to write better music, find great chords and improvise like you knew what you were doing the whole time! 

Scales

Scales are simply a grouping of notes known to sound good together. In the western sphere of music that usually means 7 unique notes repeated up and down until no more pitches are available. The first and most important is what’s called the root note, the start of a set of tones and what gives it a sense of home or resolve. On a guitar fretboard, these same notes are reflected all the way up and down, it can be quite daunting to try and memorize where each one is though, which is where patterns come in. 

Scale Patterns

Patterns are easy ways to remember scales due to the fact that related notes always form the same “shape” (If you are playing on a traditionally stringed guitar, more information about alternative tunings can be found here). By remembering a set of scale patterns you can use any scale wherever you are on the fretboard. 

Patterns can often stretch over 4 frets, therefore, it’s important to have strength in all fingers in order to play them effectively. By using all fingers, your hand can remain comfortable over the majority of notes for extremely easy access and even faster licks!

The Pentatonic Scale

You may be familiar with the traditional western scale consisting of 7 unique notes which are commonly found in almost all music made these days. Pentatonic scales are adaptations of these scales which scales (heh) it back to only 5 notes. The name comes from the Greek word “pente” which, you guessed it, means 5 and is also very commonly found in modern music especially blues, pop and rock. What’s great about this scale is its simplicity, it still has major and minor tonalities and works great over the chord progression and as an improvised solo. 

Pentatonic Guitar Patterns

Knowing any one of these patterns will get you right on your way to making your own custom guitar licks at frightening speed but to be really free you need to know all 5. Each adds its own special character despite being in the same key, which makes any melody you play all that more interesting. Be sure to remember at all times where the root note is, as that will likely be the start and end of a particular phrase, giving it a sense of accomplishment before you go on to tear it up for another bar. 

Each of these patterns is in the key of g minor but as I said, these patterns can be adapted for every key, all it takes is to move it (and the root note) slightly. If you learn all the patterns really well and move them to different keys you will notice a huge difference in every aspect of your guitar playing. 

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The first Minor Pentatonic Pattern starts with the root note on the 3rd fret sixth string. Each note on the 3rd fret should be played with your first finger, each on the fifth fret with your third finger and 6th fret with your fourth (pinky) finger.

Once you get all the way down to the last note (on the 1st string 6th fret), try playing it backwards and then strum a G minor chord. This pattern and that chord should go together perfectly. 

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The second position starts on the sixth fret and does not have the root note first, which may be confusing at first. Start with your second finger and play all notes on the 8th fret with your pinky because you’ll have to go down to the 5th fret with your first. 

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This third pattern presents an added level of difficulty. While starting with your second finger on the eighth frets, once you reach the second string you will have to shift your positioning up one fret and back when playing it in reverse. Fortunately, this is the only pattern that involves a shift of position. 

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The fourth pattern in the series of G minor pentatonic scales moves up to start on the 10th fret, it involves all fingers lined up to the 13th and does not require a position shift. This is one of my personal favourites.

The final and fifth pattern moves all the way up to start on the 12th fret with your second finger. This, and the first are the only patterns that contain 3 root notes and, in this case, the root on the last note makes a very pleasant finale or end to any melody you might play. 

How to adapt to different keys

Playing the minor pentatonic in g minor is a great way to get started, but it is very limited in terms of songwriting, therefore, as stated, it is very important to also know how to move these patterns to different keys. Lucky for us, all you have to do is remember where the root note is! Remember when I mentioned how important it was? In the case of the first pattern, this is especially easy since you are starting with it. For example, playing an A minor pentatonic with the first pattern only requires you to move and start the pattern on the fifth fret. 

As always, it is very important to be familiar with all 5 patterns but using this framework it shouldn’t be too hard to find them. For example, if the A minor pattern 1 starts on the 5th fret, where would pattern 2 start?  Don’t be discouraged if you have to count out the frets at first, once you get familiar with these patterns and the notes, it will be second nature to play a pentatonic in any key. 

Another cool practice tip is combining the patterns, try starting with the first pattern and working your way all the way up the fretboard by going through each one! 

Conclusion

To truly make this work in your songwriting and playing, these techniques require lots and lots of practice. Even if you know where the notes are, building muscle memory to complete these patterns subconsciously is another level that will greatly improve your guitar skills. 

Some preliminary, structured practice will be required to get the hang of it, but once you are more familiar, playing to a backing track or creating your own interesting licks and solos with the pentatonic scale can be extremely helpful not to mention great fun!

You’ll also find yourself quickly noticing when other guitarists use these techniques in their music, what are some of your favourite solos using a pentatonic scale? 

If you’re interested in guitar playing or getting your music recorded and out into the world, check out our services at Jony studios and keep up with our blogs for more great music tips and tricks!

Contact us here to get started.

Do you have any techniques you love? Let us know below!

- By Erik Steiner

How To Publish Your Audiobook On Audible

You have finished narrating your audiobook and are now looking to publish it online. The question then comes, where can you publish and how?

Whenever you need to buy something, what’s the first name that pops up in your head? 

Amazon

Just like with eBooks and Kindle by Amazon, Amazon has the biggest share of the audiobook market through Audible.

ACX

WHAT IS IT?

Amazon uses the platform ACX to distribute audiobooks to Amazon, Audible and iTunes.

According to the ACX website, “ACX is a marketplace where authors, literary agents, publishers, and other Rights Holders can connect with narrators, engineers, recording studios, and other Producers capable of producing a finished audiobook. The result: More audiobooks will be made.”

HOW TO USE IT?

ACX is a very straightforward platform to use. If you’ve ever posted a picture on FaceBook, you’ll know how to upload your audiobook on ACX.

After proof-listening your audiobook, all you have to do is upload each file to ACX and submit them for approval, making sure it follows the ACX Audio Submission Requirements. You can also upload a sample of your audiobook to attract the attention of potential buyers. This will help in increasing the number of downloads/sales of your audiobook. 

To learn more, check out Jony Studios blog Benefits And Tips For Recording An Audiobook For Your Novel. 

Before uploading your files, remember to name each audio with its corresponding chapter number to avoid confusion for both the publisher and listeners. Getting approval from ACX varies, however, according to the help center, it can take upto 30 business days to get an approval.

The ACX help center is a very useful and helpful resource, if you have any other questions, they can help you out.

ROYALTY SHARE

If you choose to publish exclusively with ACX, you will earn 40% of the retail sales on Audible, Amazon and iTunes.

If you choose to publish non-exclusively or retain distribution rights, you will earn 25% of the retail sales on Audible, Amazon and iTunes.

Wait!

Although Audible (ACX) is the most well known publishing site for audiobooks, it is worth noting that there are other websites for publishing and promoting your book as well. 

Websites such as Author’s Republic, Kobo and Publish Drive are quickly gaining popularity as well.

Author’s Republic

WHAT IS IT?

Author’s Republic is solely a distributor of Audiobooks. They do not provide any production services.

If you’re looking for audio production services, you can contact Jony Studios. We offer audio production services that will help you reach a wider audience and increase your book sales.

The great thing about Author’s Republic is that they have a very relaxed publisher agreement terms. You have the option of terminating your agreement any time.

ROYALTY SHARE

Author’s Republic has a 7:3 ratio of royalty share.

Meaning, you get 70% of the royalties received from the sale of the audiobook and Author’s Republic gets 30%.

If you are, however, distributing to Audible, Amazon or iTunes through Author’s Republic, Audible will pay Author’s Republic 25% non-exclusive royalty. You will then get 70% of the royalty and Author’s Republic will keep 30%.

For audiobook retailers, the royalty rates differ by partner. Some of them use the MSRP provided by you, some are library prices while others are rental prices. Author’s Republic generally receives 50% of the royalty from these partners. And the distribution rate between Author’s Republic and you will remain as 70% and 30%.

Kobo Writing Life

WHAT IS IT?

Kobo Writing Life is a platform dedicated to self-publishers.

You can use this platform to upload, promote and sell your ebooks and audiobooks. If you are interested in promoting your audiobook, you will be able to distribute to Kobo.com (Kobo Writing Life is an offshoot of Kobo), Walmart, Indigo and Bol. 

ROYALTY SHARE

You can publish your book for free on KWL if you choose to. This can be a powerful marketing tool for your upcoming books, the printed version of your book, etc. 

If however, you have a subscription purchase, your share would be 32%. If you choose to list your book for USD 2.99 or higher, your share would be 45%.

There are other pricing options as well. If the price of your audiobook is below the prices listed here, you will earn 35% of the royalties.

Publish Drive

WHAT IS IT?

This is a self-publishing platform that reaches more than 400 online stores and more than 240,000 libraries. You can publish all forms of your book on Publish Drive. From the printed version, ebook to audiobook.

With Publish Drive, you can reach markets in North America, Europe and China. They are partnered with giants such as Audible, Kobo and OverDrive.

Publish Drive also gives you the opportunity to promote your book with options like automatic price promotions, review tracking and Amazon Ads.

Publish Drive is a one stop platform for all your publishing needs.

ROYALTY SHARE

Publish Drive gives you 100% of the royalties. This is however, dependent on the pricing model you choose, which depends on the number of titles in your catalogue. 

Conclusion

There are many platforms available for self-publishing not only your audiobooks but also every other format of your book.

All these websites come with their own distribution agreements, pricing formats and royalty share agreements. Make sure to do your research before you publish your audiobook to ensure you choose the platform right for you.

Which website did you choose? Do you have any more suggestions for authors who are new to the industry? Let us know in the comments below!

- By Neha Agarwala

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If you need help turning your book into an audiobook, we offer audiobook production services that will help you reach a wider audience and increase your book sales. 

Learn more here and listen to some of our audiobook samples.