Welcome To Guitar Hookup!

Playing in “No-Fail” Mode

My good friends Mollie and Dan are the proud owners of the game “Rock Band.” If you’re not familiar with this addictive, “oh-my-gosh-is-it-midnight-already” video toy, Wikipedia describes it as allowing “up to four players to virtually perform rock music songs on lead guitar, bass guitar, drums, and vocals using special controllers modeled after musical instruments.”

The game inexplicably calculates “points” for hitting your notes on the right beat. Since the foursome typically includes whatever new guests join the household that night, it’s easy for a first-timer to fumble the keys on their plastic pseudo-instrument and make some mistakes.

If they mess up enough, the system flashes “FAIL” on the screen and that person’s instrument goes uncomfortably silent. (This also happens if, after a few glasses of wine, you’ve selected a difficulty level other than “easy”–not that it’s ever happened to me. . . )

It’s incredibly sad when you “fail” and the others keep playing, working hard to reach a successful conclusion of the song. It’s even sadder when the entire band “fails,” and the music fades mid-stream, with the ragtag group of avatars who represent you on the video stage looking ashamed and embarrassed.

After a few weeks of playing, Mollie recognized there had to be a way to turn off this annoying “fail” mechanism. With the help of the 7th grader visiting at the time, she found it–the mecca, the bliss, the “no-fail” mode.

So we picked up our sticks, guitars, and mike again. And got through the entire song–sometimes good, sometimes bad, but always complete.

“What Would You Do If You Knew You Could Not Fail?”

Writer and pastor Robert Schuller is credited with the above quote, although most know it better from inspirational pewter paperweights in holiday catalogs or on card shop shelves. But that message sprung to life for us after we chose ”no-fail” mode.  . .

• We sang louder, unafraid of missing a word (which isn’t easy when it’s the French part in Talking Heads’ “Psycho Killer.”)
• We tried different instruments, breaking out of our comfort zone of our favorites.
• We increased our individual challenge levels–maybe not yet to “hard,” but took a chance on “medium”.
• We chose harder songs for the group as a whole – literally saying to each other, “hey, we can’t fail, so why not?”
• We just had more fun!

 

Okay, you’re smart, and at this point, you get the metaphor. You know I’m suggesting that we play in our own “no-fail” mode in all the other areas of our life. And while it’s not quite as simple as asking a 7th grader to help you find the right menu button, could it be as simple as just choosing something other than failure?

• Is a struggling business situation a failure–or a learning opportunity?
• Is leaving a dead-end job a failure–or a bold move to take your life back?
• Is being rejected for a promotion or new job a failure–or the stepping stone that frees you for what’s coming next? 

Failure is the ultimate “who says” game, primarily defined by our own judgment calls. In your work and life, the only thing that really matters is what you say. So why not choose “no-fail” mode? And if you’re not sure of the words, just open your mouth and sing anyway!

 

 

The Dark Knight Jokers Pencil Trick HQ!

FI-6240 High Performance Sheetfed Scanner $1,923.00 FI-6240 High Performance Sheetfed ScannerliImage Sensor: CCDliBit Depth: 24 bit Color / 8 bit Grayscale / 1 bit MonochromeliMaximum Scan Speed: 40ppm (Color) / 60ppm (Grayscale) / 60ppm (Monochrome)liMedia Type: Plain PaperliMedia Size: 8.50″ x 14″, 2″ x 3″, A4, LetterliPorts: Ultra SCSI SCSI, USB 2.0 USB liAutomatic Document Feeder: 50x Sheet …

Pyle Mic and Speaker Package – PWMA890UI 500 Watt Dual Channel Wireless Rechargeable Portable PA System With iPod/iPhone Dock, FM Radio Channels / USB Flash Drive Stick /SD and SDHC Memory Card, Handheld Microphone, and Lavalier Microphone – - PDMIC58 Professional Moving Coil Dynamic Handheld Microphone for Performances, Performers, Singers, dancers, Tours, Classrooms, Meetings, on Stage, in the Studio and Travel $249.99 The PWMA890UI is a portable PA/mobile entertainment system on wheels, and it’s packed with all the latest and greatest features. It’s equipped with an iPod dock connector that charges your iPod or iPhone and lets you play your favorite music over the powerful 500 watt speaker. It has four ¼” inputs on the front, each with its own volume control, for a total balance of sound. You can also connect …

Pyle Mic and Speaker Package – PWMA430U 300 Watt Wireless Rechargeable Portable PA System With FM Radio / USB Flash Drive Stick / SD and SDHC Memory Card and Handheld Microphone with 3.5mm hole to put on speaker stand – PDMIC58 Professional Moving Coil Dynamic Handheld Microphone for Performances, Performers, Singers, dancers, Tours, Classrooms, Meetings, on Stage, in the Studio and Travel $199.99 The PWMA430U is a portable PA from Pyle Pro that includes a wireless Lavalier microphone to broadcast your voice to a large audience. With its 8″ full-range speaker and 300 watts peak power, the full-range loudspeaker has enormous power and incredible sonic performance in a relatively light package. It includes four built-in ¼” input jacks: two wired mics, a guitar, and a digital music player lik…

Pyle Mic and Speaker Package – PWMA970 300 Watt Dual Channel Wireless Rechargeable Portable PA System With iPod/iPhone Dock, FM Radio Channels / USB Flash Drive Stick / SD, SDHC Memory Card and 2 Handheld Microphones – PMKSM20 Microphone and Tripod Stand With Extending Boom & Mic Cable Package for Performances, Performers, Singers, dancers, Tours, Classrooms, Meetings, on Stage, in the Studio and Travel $239.99 The PWMA970 is a portable PA/mobile entertainment system on wheels, and it’s packed with all the latest and greatest features. It’s equipped with an iPod dock connector that charges your iPod or iPhone and lets you play your favorite music over the powerful 300 watt speaker. It has four ¼” inputs on the front, each with its own volume control, for a total balance of sound. You can also connect an…

Fretboard Flashcards: 4 String Bass Edition: Sign Before Symbol Edition $17.95 …

Gitano Electric Guitar LP style Quilt top Mahogany Black Gloss blem $0.99

1998 Epiphone SG G-400 Set Neck Electric Guitar(Cherry Wood) Natural Relic $0.99

Palmer Acoustic/Electric Guitar W/Gigbag $74.95

Electric Acoustic Bass Guitar Black Solid Wood Construction With Equalizer New $0.99

NEW! 4-String Electric Bass Guitar (Black) $69.99

NEW Crescent BLUEBURST Electric Guitar+15w Amplifier+ WARRANTY COMBO $99.99

FENDER ELECTRIC GUITAR ROCK ON MUSIC INSTRUMENT PICTURE POSTER METAL AD SIGN $15.99

Fender Stratocaster Fender Telecaster SKB SKB-FS6 Molded Electric Guitar Case $129.00

Fender Road Worn Player Stratocaster Electric Guitar Olympic White Maple Neck $826.49

Gibson 2012 Les Paul Standard Electric Guitar Honey Burst $2,261.13

Fender Blacktop Jaguar B90 Electric Guitar 2 Color Sunburst Rosewood Fingerboard $478.49

anti-noisy Flush Mount Gold Brass Metal Output Jack For Electric Guitar Bass $0.99

Gold Mushroom Head strap button w Screw & Felt for electric acoustic bass guitar $0.99

3 UNIQUE Red Skull Head Crossbones Black Speed Control Knobs for Electric Guitar $0.99

2*Guitar Capo for Electric Guitar Capos guitar parts new free shipping $6.99

4pcs Black Speed Control Knob Dial for Electric Guitar $3.99

Gretsch Electromatic Corvette 125 Electric Guitar W/ Hard Shell Case $0.99

2011 Yamaha A1R Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar w SRT – Excellent! (7044) $499.95

Ibanez MDB1 Electric Bass Guitar Mike D’Antonio Signature Flat Black $2,299.99

2011 Epiphone B.B. King Lucille Electric Guitar, Gloss Black – Excellent! (7552) $619.95

Vintage 1980s vester II concert series electric stratocaster guitar $9.99

NEW NATUARAL BEAUTY CUTAWAY ACOUSTIC ELECTRIC GUITAR w ACTIVE EQ &BUILT IN TUNER $144.95

2011 Epiphone Dot Studio Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar, Worn – Excellent! (4919) $269.95

Jackson Flying V Electric Guitar $0.99

*make me an offer* sunburst Harmony acoustic electric guitar NEVER BEEN PLAYED $120.00

NEW JOHNSON ADRENALINE OPEN-PORE ASH ELECTRIC GUITAR $277.49

NEW 46″ BLACK ELECTRIC BASS GUITAR WITH GIG BAG CASE $79.95

Epiphone Left-Handed G-400 Electric Guitar Cherry $316.68

2 Pack D’Addario EXL125 Custom Light Electric Guitar Strings 9-46 $8.99

Vintage Old Electric Guitar Sold Body Wood PARTS-FIX-PROJECT-RESTORE $9.99

Multiple 7 Guitar Stand Rack Storage Electric Acoustic Guitar Organizer $42.95

New Guitar Capo for Acoustic Electric Capo String Tune $0.99

NEW Ship Black Strap LOCK KNOB for Electric Guitar Bass New $0.99

Chrome Plated Square Output Jack for Electric Guitar $0.99

Maestro by Gibson – Single Cutaway Electric Guitar & Amp, Includes Accessories $0.99

Taylor T5-C2 Koa Acoustic Electric Guitar Excellent Condition $49.69

Takamine EG544SC-4C Acoustic / Electric Guitar w/ TK40 pre-amp/tuner $289.99

Squier Vintage Modified Stratocaster Surf Electric Guitar $299.99

2012 Fender Standard Telecaster Electric Guitar, Black — Nearly New!! (7022) $469.95

New Crescent ZEBRA Electric Guitar+ACC FREE Digital Tuner $74.99

70 YEAR OLD PICK+ Gibson Epiphone Guild Ibanez Les Paul ES SG Electric Guitar Ad $9.99

Eleca Acoustic Electric Guitar EAG-3 Tobacco Burst NEW $184.95

Epiphone EJ160E EJ-160 E John Lennon Acoustic Electric Guitar OUT OF BOX $379.00

Muse: ST-12 Quartz, Automatic Chromatic Guitar Tuner, Electric & Accoustic, NEW $19.79

Durango DC-100 Acoustic-Electric Classical Mini Guitar With Case $120.00

Gitano Electric Guitar Solid Alder Flame Maple top Floyd Rose Bridge Amber $149.00

Highland Cool Fire HEG-1200-SRB Electric Guitar with Hardshell Case – New $379.99

Fender Squire Bullet Electric Guitar Kustom Amplifier TR 12 L $200.00

Folk Acoustic Electric Guitar Trigger Capo Key Clamp $1.00

2 Sets D’Addario EXL110 Electric Guitar Strings 10-46 Sets Nickle Wound Bright $8.99

NEW Eleca PRO FULL set Electric Guitar Strings (6) $0.99

Cleartone Micro-Thin coated electric guitar strings Light 10-46 LASTS 4X LONGER! $6.99

Ovation CC24-5 Celebrity Acoustic Electric Black Guitar Used 1 Hr Still Perfect $299.00

Gitano Electric Guitar SG style Solid Mahogany Natural finish Prosetup $249.00

Highland Coventry HEG-770-TBK Electric Guitar Trans Black- New $313.47

ELECTRIC BASS GUITAR BODY EPIPHONE LP RED FLAME PROJECT UFIX $75.00

Crescent NEW BLACK Electric Guitar+15w Amplifier+ACC+ Electric Digital Tuner $109.99

WATCH FOR FLYING GUITAR PICKS Metal Sign for electric and acoustic room and case $9.99

Boss RC-20 Looper Electric Guitar Effect Pedal Loop Station $100.00

Moog Mooger Fooger 12 Stage Phaser MF 103 Electric Guitar Pedal $200.00

CLIPON DIGITAL Chromatic Electric/Acoustic Guitar TUNER $9.95

NEW! 4-String Electric Bass Guitar (Black) $69.99

Brand new Monster Electric Guitar Gibson- epiphone limited edition $20.00

Cigar Box Guitar electric or accoustic $109.99

ELECTRIC GUITAR BODY FENDER TELE FOR PROJECT UFIX!!! $65.00

GIBSON LES PAUL TRADITIONAL Electric Guitar U.S.A. Made YR:2010 $999.00

70 Year OLD PICK+ Gibson Acoustic Electric Guitar Banjo Dobro Violin Mandolin Ad $9.99

NEW SET GHS FLAT GROUND WOUND 6 STRING ELECTRIC GUITAR 10-46 PACK FLATWOUND $18.50

Vintage 60’s Japan ES-335 ES-345 Style Electric Guitar w/Varitone & Case $99.95

Rare Vintage 60’s Kawai Japan Hollow Body Electric Guitar w/Vibrato & Gig Bag $99.95

Vintage ‘80 Gibson USA ES-335 ES335 TD Semi Hollow Electric Guitar w/OHSC $99.95

Vintage 60’s Bradford Japan 12 String Hollow Body Electric Guitar Project $99.95

Music Man Albert Lee HH Hardtail Electric Guitar Black Vntg WH Perloid Pickgaurd $1,589.49

B.C. Rich Mockingbird ST Electric Guitar Trans Red $608.99

80 GIBSON sonex electric vintage vibe guitar $399.99

Vintage 1960s Telestar Japanese Electric Guitar – Very Cool $75.00

1960′S TELESTAR TEISCO ELECTRIC GUITAR W/2 FOIL PICKUPS JUST PRO SERVICED!! $275.00

NEW Crescent BLUEBURST Electric Bass Guitar Combo+Strap+Gigbag+15w AMP! $134.99

VINTAGE VENTURA SEMI-HOLLOW BODY ELECTRIC GUITAR MADE IN JAPAN SUPER NICE!! $495.00

VINTAGE MID 70′S MEMPHIS ELECTRIC GUITAR. STRAT COPY/TREMOLO BAR $100.00

Taylor 810 Acoustic ELectric Guitar $1,800.00

THE GARY KRAMER VENOM ELECTRIC GUITAR AD 8X11 FRAMEABLE ADVERTISEMENT $4.00

GBL 3 Pack Electric Guitar Strings 10-46 GHS BOOMERS $9.99

Takamine EG463SC G-Series Auditorium Nex Acoustic-Electric Guitar $375.00

CIGAR BOX GUITAR – 3 STRING – SLIDE GUITAR – ACOUSTIC / ELECTRIC – HANDMADE CBG $115.00

NEW ADULT Crescent BLACK Electric Acoustic Guitar+Accessories $99.69

New Crescent SUNBURST Electric Guitar + Accessories & FREE Guitar Stand! $74.99

Silver Tone Electric Guitar Traditional Strap Button $3.28

ACOUSTIC ELECTRIC GUITAR SPRUCE TOP FISHMAN CLASSIC 4 ELECTRONICS BEAT UP PEAVEY $1.51

★★★★★ Brand new Electric Guitar Neck Mahogany wood + Rose wood #7 $32.00

★★★★★ Brand New electric guitar Neck Unfinished + Mahogany + rosewood #6L $49.00

1 pcs electric guitar Neck New Unfinished Solid wood JK 24 fret Left Hand $32.00

1 Pcs New Unfinished electric guitar neck Mahogany wood Rose wood LP $35.00

★★★★★ Brand New electric guitar Neck Unfinished + Mahogany + rosewood *1f $32.00

2011 Takamine EG536SHB Acoustic-Electric Dreadnought Guitar – Excellent!! (8984) $389.95

NEW LEFT HAND BLACK ELECTRIC BASS GUITAR $81.95

Ibanez AEG20E Flamed Sycamore Top Acoustic-Electric Guitar -Excellent!(7881) $269.95

Yamaha A3M A-Series Dreadnought Acoustic/Electric Guitar $575.00

La Bella 20PXL Extra Light 9-39 Flatwound Electric Guitar Strings $15.99

LA BELLA 60PM Round Wound Electric Guitar Strings Med $12.99