MELON KING-Sayembara Kuasa

Melon King ialah sebuah kumpulan muzik dari Malaysia yang ditubuhkan pada akhir 1990-an.  Pada asalnya dikenali sebagai Watermelon, nama mereka diubah kepada Melon King dengan semangat humor dan ironi.  

Menurut Aman, salah seorang ahli kumpulan, "Banyak sangat band kat Malaysia ni yang pakai nama gempak-gempak tapi main lawak, lebih baik kita pakai nama lawak tapi main gempak"  .

Kumpulan ini terdiri daripada:

Badang – vokal, gitar, keyboard

Aman – gitar

Eddie – gitar

Jepp – bass

Amie – dram 

Mereka mula dikenali selepas menyertai dan memenangi pertandingan Juara Rock Powerhouse di Matahari Café, Yow Chuan Plaza, di mana Aman dipilih sebagai pemain gitar terbaik. 

Kejayaan ini membawa mereka ke pertandingan lain di Bukit Jalil, di mana mereka berjaya ke peringkat akhir dan menduduki tempat ketiga  .

Album Sayembara Kuasa (2000)

Album debut mereka, Sayembara Kuasa, dilancarkan pada tahun 2000 di bawah label Tri Castle Entertainment.  Album ini menggabungkan elemen power metal dan neo-klasikal, dengan pengaruh dari artis seperti Yngwie Malmsteen dan Joe Satriani. 

Senarai lagu:

1. Hina

2. Darah Debu

3. Tulus Nurani / Pentas Dunia

4. Firasat Si Pendita

5. Infinity #3474 (instrumental)

6. Sayembara Kuasa

                       SAYEMBARA KUASA

7. Pancaindera Warisan

8. Langit Ke Tujuh

9. Wira Sanubari

10. Pelangi (instrumental) 

Album ini berdurasi sekitar 45 minit dan menampilkan gabungan lagu-lagu dengan lirik puitis serta instrumental yang kompleks  .

Sayembara Kuasa mendapat sambutan positif dalam kalangan peminat muzik metal tempatan dan dianggap sebagai salah satu album penting dalam genre power metal Malaysia.  

Gaya muzik mereka yang unik dan persembahan yang bertenaga menjadikan Melon King sebagai kumpulan yang berpengaruh dalam scene muzik metal tempatan. 

Untuk mendengar album penuh Sayembara Kuasa, anda boleh menontonnya di YouTube:

Perkembangan Terkini

Menurut maklumat terkini, Melon King telah menukar nama mereka kepada Symphonia Melonia pada tahun 1999 dan seterusnya dikenali sebagai Symphonia sejak tahun 2004.  

Kumpulan ini masih aktif sehingga kini, mengekalkan genre asal mereka iaitu power metal, speed metal, dan neoklasikal.  Walaupun tiada maklumat terperinci mengenai aktiviti terkini mereka, perubahan nama ini menunjukkan evolusi dalam identiti muzik mereka  .

Warisan dan Pengaruh

GRAB NOW AT SHOPPE

Album Sayembara Kuasa tetap menjadi rujukan penting dalam sejarah metal Malaysia, dikenali kerana gabungan elemen neoklasikal dan lirik puitis.  

Walaupun kumpulan ini telah melalui perubahan nama, warisan muzik mereka melalui Melon King masih dihargai oleh peminat genre ini. 

MASTERING COUNTRY GUITAR IN 30 DAYS

Mastering country guitar in 30 days is a tall order—but with focused, structured daily practice, you can make significant progress and develop a solid foundation. 

COUNTRY ROADS TAKE ME HOME....

Here's a 30-day plan to help you build key country techniques, vocabulary, and style fluency.

---

🎯 Main Goals by Day 30:

Solid hybrid picking and fingerpicking technique

Know and use key country scales (major, pentatonic, Mixolydian)

                          MIXOLYDIAN SCALE 

Play signature country licks and fills

Master "chicken pickin'," double stops, bends, and pedal steel licks

CHICKEN PICKING GUITAR STYLE

CREDIT VIDEO: tt gregkochofficial

Learn common chord progressions and song structures

Start improvising and writing your own country solos

📅 Daily Practice Structure (1.5–2 hours/day):

Warm-up (10 min): Finger exercises, alternate/hybrid picking

Technique focus (20–30 min)

Licks & vocabulary (20 min)

Songs & application (30 min)

Improvisation/writing (10–20 min)

🗓️ 30-Day Plan Overview

🔹 Week 1 – Foundations & Mechanics

Day 1–2:

Review open chords and basic country rhythms

Intro to hybrid picking (pick + fingers)

Practice major pentatonic in open position

Day 3–4:

Learn alternating bass lines & "boom-chick" rhythm

Basic Travis picking patterns

Country shuffle grooves

Day 5–7:

First country licks (based on G, C, D major pentatonic)

Learn 1-2 simple songs (e.g., “Folsom Prison Blues”)

Practice double stops (3rds and 6ths)

---

🔹 Week 2 – Classic Country Licks & Techniques

GREAT COUNTRY SOLO

CREDIT VIDEO: tt countryguitarguy

Day 8–9:

Chicken pickin’ exercises (staccato hybrid-picking licks)

Add palm muting and string slap techniques

Learn CAGED system major pentatonic positions

Day 10–11:

Pedal steel-style bends (using 2 strings)

Learn 1 solo from a classic country song

Practice licks in different keys (G, A, D)

Day 12–14:

Integrate licks into rhythm playing (fills between chords)

Transcribe a short solo by ear

Learn the Nashville Number System basics

NASHVILLE NUMBER SYSTEM BY timavenmusic

---

🔹 Week 3 – Intermediate Soloing & Song Work

Day 15–16:

Mixolydian scale intro (use in dominant 7th chords)

Practice soloing over 12-bar country blues

Learn “Country Boy” (Albert Lee) or “Working Man Blues”

                COUNTRY BOY-ALAN JACKSON

Day 17–18:

Learn solo from Brent Mason or Brad Paisley (simplified)

BRENT MASON - HOT 🔥🔥WIRED

Use backing tracks to jam over I–IV–V & ii–V–I progressions

Create your own 4-bar solo using country licks

Check out FENDER VINTERA II 70S TELECASTER DELUXE ELECTRIC GUITAR W/TREMOLO, MAPLE FB (SURF GREEN) for RM7,108.00. 

Get it on Shopee now! https://s.shopee.com.my/50MrfVsp3a?share_channel_code=2.

Day 19–21:

Focus on phrasing & dynamics (bends, slides, hammer-ons)

Record yourself over backing tracks

Learn a modern country song (e.g., “Wagon Wheel”)

---

🔹 Week 4 – Improvisation, Composition & Polish

Day 22–23:

Practice improvising over jam tracks

Try modulating licks to different keys

Experiment with call-and-response phrasing

THE BEST COUNTRY SONG

Day 24–25:

Write your own 12-bar solo

Learn one full instrumental (e.g., “Jerry’s Breakdown”)

"Jerry's Breakdown" is an iconic instrumental guitar duet by Jerry Reed and Chet Atkins, two of the most influential fingerstyle and country guitarists of all time. 

The piece was first released in 1979 on their Grammy-winning collaborative album "Me and Jerry."

"Jerry's Breakdown" is a fast-paced country guitar instrumental that showcases the distinctive "claw-style" hybrid picking technique pioneered by Jerry Reed and masterfully complemented by Chet Atkins.

Style: Country, Fingerstyle, with bluegrass and jazz influences

Tuning: Standard EADGBE

Tempo: Fast (around 160–180 BPM)

Key: Typically in A Major

Technique Highlights:

Chicken picking

String skipping

Hybrid picking (pick + fingers)

Syncopated rhythmic patterns

Harmonized licks between the two guitars

---

🔥 Why is it Legendary?

Showcases Reed’s explosive technique: Jerry’s part features aggressive syncopation, fast licks, and a swinging Southern groove.

Chet’s signature smoothness: He balances Jerry's fiery lines with buttery-smooth phrasing and melodic counterpoints.

Interplay: The back-and-forth "duel" between Reed and Atkins is full of musical wit and telepathic timing.

---

🎧 Notable Performances

Studio version from "Me and Jerry" (1979)

Live performances on The Porter Wagoner Show and Nashville Now

Covered by modern players like Tommy Emmanuel, Brent Mason, and Guthrie Trapp

---

🛠️ For Guitarists

If you're learning or covering this piece:

-A Telecaster or vintage-style Gretsch is ideal for nailing the tone.

+Use a clean tone with slapback delay for authenticity.

-Tab and notation are available on Ultimate Guitar, Soundslice, and through country guitar transcription books.

Day 26–27:

-Record a cover of a full song with lead fills

-Transcribe a solo from a live country performance

Day 28–30:

1. Final polish: Create your own short country guitar piece

2. Record and share (optional)

Recording with REAPER V7.33 LATEST FULL VERSION 2025

3. Review and reinforce weakest areas

📚 Recommended Resources

GRAB NOW!

Guitarists: 

Brent Mason, Albert Lee, Brad Paisley, Vince Gill

YouTube Channels:

Marty Music

Justin Guitar (Country module)

Ben Eller

Lessons from Robert Baker, GuitarLessons365

Backing Tracks: Search “country jam track in G/D/A” on YouTube

Books/Courses:

Country Guitar for Beginners (Guitar Zoom)

Hot Country Guitar (by Dale Turner)

GRAB NOW AT SHOPPE

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un “Truly, to Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.” (Qur’an 2:156)

It is with deep sorrow that we extend our sincerest condolences to the bereaved family and loved ones of Filipino music icon Freddie Aguilar, who passed away last night, May 27, 2025, at the age of 72.

Many may not know that Freddie Aguilar embraced Islam later in life and adopted the name Fareed. In accordance with his faith, he will be laid to rest following Islamic rites.

Freddie Aguilar (1953–2025) was a renowned Filipino folk musician and singer-songwriter, celebrated for his profound contributions to Original Pilipino Music (OPM).  Born Ferdinand Pascual Aguilar on February 5, 1953, in Santo Tomas, Isabela, Philippines, he rose to prominence with his heartfelt ballads that resonated deeply with audiences both locally and internationally. 

Musical Legacy

Aguilar's most iconic song, "Anak" (1978), is a poignant reflection on parental love and regret.  The song achieved unprecedented success, becoming the best-selling Philippine music record of all time with over 33 million copies sold worldwide.  It was translated into 51 languages, underscoring its universal appeal.  

Another significant work, his rendition of "Bayan Ko," became an anthem for the opposition during the 1986 People Power Revolution against the Marcos regime, cementing his role not just as a musician but also as a voice for political change.  

Career and Influence

Aguilar began his musical journey at the age of 14 and became a professional performer by 20.  Influenced by artists like Cat Stevens and James Taylor, he infused Western folk-rock elements into his music while emphasizing Filipino heritage and nationalism.  Throughout his career, he released numerous albums, including "Magdalena" (1983) and "EDSA" (1987), and remained an active performer until his passing.  

Personal Life

In 1978, Aguilar married Josephine Queipo, with whom he had four children: Maegan, Jonan, Isabella, and Jeriko.  In 2013, he married Jovie Gatdula Albao after converting to Islam, adopting the Muslim name Abdul Fareed.  Jovie was 16 at the time of their marriage, and they remained together until his death.

Freddie Aguilar—Fareed—was not only a celebrated artist known for timeless songs like “Anak” and “Bayan Ko,” but also a man who stood for the rights and dignity of the common Filipino. His legacy goes beyond music; it lives on in the hearts of those he inspired.

We pray that Allah ﷻ, the Most Merciful, grant him forgiveness, mercy, and Jannah (Paradise), and comfort his family in this time of grief.

Let us remember him in our prayers.

Fareed (Freddie Aguilar), you will not be forgotten.

#LlifeisTemporary

#ReturnToIslam

#InnaLillahiWaInnaIlayhiRajiun

🎸 John Petrucci: The Relentless Architect of Sound

 DREAM THEATER-BEST OF TIME

In the world of progressive metal, few names command as much respect and admiration as John Petrucci—not just for his mind-blowing technical prowess, but for his vision, discipline, and undying dedication to his craft.

Born on July 12, 1967, in Kings Park, New York, John picked up the guitar at the age of 12, inspired by legends like Yngwie Malmsteen, Steve Vai, and Randy Rhoads. But Petrucci wasn’t just content with emulating others—he was driven to innovate. He later enrolled at the Berklee College of Music, where he met John Myung and Mike Portnoy, forming what would become Dream Theater.

Petrucci's biggest achievement is not just founding Dream Theater, but building it into one of the most respected progressive metal bands in history. Albums like Images and Words, Scenes from a Memory, and Octavarium have become landmarks in modern progressive music. 

Under Petrucci’s direction, Dream Theater crafted complex compositions filled with shifting time signatures, intricate guitar solos, and emotionally resonant lyrics—forever altering the landscape of metal and progressive rock.

One of his most iconic moments came with the 1999 release of Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory—a concept album hailed as a masterpiece by fans and critics alike. Petrucci not only wrote and played some of the most technically demanding guitar parts of his career, but he also helped craft the album’s narrative, demonstrating his skill not just as a guitarist, but as a musical storyteller.

Outside of Dream Theater, Petrucci’s solo work—especially Terminal Velocity (2020)—further solidified his position as a top-tier guitarist. He has also been a long-standing part of the G3 Tour, sharing the stage with other guitar giants like Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, and Eric Johnson.

In 2021, he accomplished a long-awaited dream: reuniting with former Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy on his solo album. Fans across the world were thrilled to hear them collaborate again after more than a decade apart.

Petrucci is also known for his rigorous practice routines, meticulous tone crafting, and relentless pursuit of excellence. He developed signature gear with Ernie Ball Music Man (including his iconic Majesty guitar) and Mesa/Boogie, helping shape the tone of modern progressive metal.

Ernie Ball Music Man's 10th Anniversary Majesty is a tribute to the enduring partnership between John Petrucci and the Ernie Ball Music Man family. Built to John Petrucci's exact specifications, the Majesty is the result of John's ongoing and unwavering demand for performance, playability, and tone.

---

🔥 Legacy in Motion

More than a shredder, John Petrucci is an architect of sonic worlds—balancing soul, speed, precision, and imagination. His legacy is not just defined by awards or record sales, but by the countless guitarists he’s inspired, and the musical boundaries he continues to push with every project.

To many, he is not just a guitarist.
He is a mentor, a visionary, and a force of nature in modern music.

🎸 Top Guitar Skills & Techniques of John Petrucci

1. Alternate Picking Mastery

• Definition: Picking each note in strict down-up motion.

• Why it’s special: Petrucci's alternate picking is insanely clean and fast. He uses it to play rapid scalar runs and arpeggios with machine-like precision—yet never loses musicality.

• Example Song: “Glass Prison” (especially the intro solo)

              2 NOTES PER STRING SHRED

---

2. Speed and Precision

• Petrucci is famous for playing at high tempos while staying extremely accurate.

• Whether it’s a sixteenth-note run or a complex rhythm passage, he never sounds sloppy.

• Practice Insight: He emphasizes slow practice with a metronome to build muscle memory and timing.

---

3. 7-String Guitar & Extended Range Mastery

• He popularized the use of 7-string guitars in prog metal, giving Dream Theater its heavy, deep sound.

• Tone Control: Even with downtuned riffs, he keeps clarity and articulation intact.

---

4. Sweeping and Economy Picking

• Used for fast arpeggios that sound fluid and seamless.

• He combines sweep picking with tapping for ultra-modern solo phrases.

• Example Song: “The Dance of Eternity” – arpeggios in odd time signatures.

---

      DREAM THEATER-NEW MILLENIUM                LIVE AT BUDOKAN

5. Hybrid Picking & Legato

• Blends pick and fingers (hybrid picking) for complex phrasing.

• Uses legato (hammer-ons and pull-offs) for smooth melodic lines, especially in solos.

JOHN PETRUCCI MESA BOOGIE JP 2C MOROCCO

---

6. Rhythmic Complexity & Odd Time Signatures

• Petrucci often writes and performs riffs in 7/8, 5/4, 13/16, etc.

• His sense of groove in complex time is legendary.

• Example Song: “Fatal Tragedy” or “The Count of Tuscany”

---

PLAY LIKE JOHN PETRUCCI

7. Chugging and Syncopated Riffs

• Known for tight, palm-muted, syncopated riffs that are both heavy and intricate.

• Influenced generations of metal and djent players.

---

8. Vibrato and Bending Control

• Even in high-speed solos, Petrucci’s vibrato is expressive and controlled.

• His bends are perfectly intonated and often land with emotional weight.

---

9. Sound Design & Tone Crafting

• Collaborated with Mesa/Boogie and Music Man to create his signature tone.

• Focuses on tight low-end, creamy mids, and articulate highs—great for both rhythm and lead.

---

10. Discipline and Practice Routine

• Petrucci’s greatest “secret weapon” is his dedication. He practices with intense focus on:

  • Timing

  • Finger strength

  • Consistency

• He treats the guitar like a sport—always training.

---

🏆 Signature Petrucci Moves:

Technique	Track Example
Alternate Picking	“Under a           Glass Moon”
Sweeping Arpeggios	“The Glass Prison”
Legato Soloing	“Another Day”
Polyrhythmic Riffs	“Dance of        Eternity”
Emotional Bends	“The Spirit Carries On”

---

                                                    ANOTHER DAY GUITAR SOLO

🎯 John Petrucci’s Guitar Pick: The Key to His Precision

🛠️ Primary Pick: Dunlop John Petrucci Signature Jazz III

MADE IN USA

John Petrucci collaborated with Jim Dunlop to create his signature picks, designed specifically for speed, control, and tone clarity.

🔹 Most Popular Models:

---

1. Dunlop John Petrucci Jazz III Pick (Black or Red)

• 

  GRAB NOW AT SHOPPE

  
  
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• Material: Ultex or Nylon

• Shape: Jazz III (small, sharp tip)

• Gauge: 1.5mm

• Features:

  • Sharper tip than a standard Jazz III for ultra-precise attack

  • Textured grip with John’s JP shield logo for control

  • Slightly larger than a regular Jazz III to suit his hand size

• Tone: Bright and articulate—perfect for high-gain and fast solos

---

2. Dunlop John Petrucci Trinity Pick

• Material: Ultex

• Gauge: 1.4mm

• Shape: A hybrid of Jazz III and classic pick—3 pointed edges (Trinity shape)

• Features:

  • More surface area than a Jazz III, but same sharp tip

  • Slightly smoother feel, good for alternate and sweep picking

• Tone: Still sharp and defined, but slightly warmer than the standard Jazz III

---

3. Dunlop Flow JP Pick (More recent release)

• Material: Ultex

• Gauge: 2.0mm

• Shape: Flow pick shape (broader than Jazz III)

• Features:

  • Wider body for fuller grip

  • Beveled edges for effortless string release

  • Combines speed and comfort with excellent tone shaping

• Tone: Fat and warm, yet precise—great for both rhythm and lead

---

🎸 Why It Matters:

Petrucci’s pick is a huge part of why his tone is:

• Tight

• Clear

• Controlled, even at blistering speeds

Because of the sharp point and stiff material, he can dig into the strings and still glide cleanly through fast passages—ideal for his alternate picking and hybrid runs.

     TOSIN ABASI AMAZING SKILLS

🔥 In Summary:

John Petrucci’s best skills are a combination of technical mastery, discipline, and musical storytelling. He doesn’t just play fast—he plays with purpose. 

His solos and riffs are both a test of skill and an expression of emotion.