I love a fun theme and Leap Day certainly fits the bill. Here’s 3 ‘leap’ themed songs* for you to jump in and play!
1. Leap of Faith by Bruce Springsteen chords
2. Jump by Van Halen chords tab
3. Quantum Leap Theme by Mike Post tab
Play on…
Marlene
*To hop to my playing recommendations, click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!
Practice excuses, what’s behind them? Here’s some of the most common excuses*, why we have them and how to overcome them:
1. I don’t have enough time to practice.
This is simply not true. You just don’t ‘make’ enough time to practice. Set a routine and stick to it.
2. I don’t feel like practicing.
This is due to a lack of inspiration. Stop and revisit why you like to play guitar, why you started playing to begin with.
3. I’m too tired to practice.
We all have demands on our time/energy, so this is about motivation. You’ll dig deep when you truly want to play.
Get to the root cause and you’ll be out of excuses!
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about these 3 common practice excuses, click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!
TLC, Tender Loving Care, is not just for people, it’s for your guitar too! Here’s how to show your guitar some love*:
1. Understand the climate conditions in your area by using a hygrometer.
2. Know the ideal conditions for your guitar, 74-76° F & 45-55% humidity
3. Use a humidity system in your case and your guitar room.
Guitar TLC = a long and healthy playing life!
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about climate conditions and how to care for your guitar, click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!
It’s a great time to add❤️songs into your repertoire. Here’s 3 easy-to-play songs to share with your loved ones!
Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley
Heaven by Bryan Adams
Lucky by Jason Mraz and Colbie Callait
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn the details about these songs and my playing recommendations, click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!
Here’s a few of the treasure trove of cool new innovative guitars & gadgets* I spotted at last week’s 2024 NAMM Show – check them out!
Gator Cases Someone Somewhere Collection
Martin Guitar Playable Art
Positive Grid Spark Link
Music Nomad Fret Care & Tune-it
Kyser Capos
G7th Capos
Play on…
Marlene
*To hear details about these products and more of my NAMM Show sightings, click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!
Joining in a jam session* is fun and can help you improve your skills. Don’t know where to find one? Don’t fret (ha, ha,), here’s some websites to help you find a jam near you!
1. MeetUp
2. Eventbrite
3. NextDoor
4. Patch
Play on…
Marlene
*To find the best local jam session for you, click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!
Time is precious, so when it comes to making the most of your guitar practice sessions* I suggest the following:
1. Tune your guitar (of course!)
2. Stretch your body/warm up
3. Play easy songs/skills first
4. Then move on to more difficult songs/skills
5. Next play the tough stuff
6. Lastly, at the end of your session cool down with easy songs/skills and stretching.
Optimize your session so you can take your practice to the max!
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about my practice session optimization ideas, click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!
Want to be a better player? Then practice – on a regular basis – and here’s how to set up do-able guitar practice routine*!
1. Decide on time and frequency
2. Be specific and realistic
3. Decide when you’ll begin
4. Map out a practice plan
5. Do this routine for 30 days
6. After 30 days assess
The repetition of playing will help to entrain your brain and muscles, ultimately making you a better player!
Play on…
Marlene
*To hear more about how to set up your practice routine, click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!
Now that you’ve (hopefully) set your guitar playing resolution, here’s how to set yourself up to reach your goal* – and the secret sauce is to keep it simple!
1. Set 1 goal, not 5
2. Be specific and realistic
3. Set a completion date that’s do-able
4. Create a reasonable plan of action
5. Re-assess halfway and make changes as necessary.
Before you know it your resolution will become a reality!
Play on…
Marlene
*To set yourself up for your guitar resolution success, click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!
It’s the perfect time to think about and set a 2024 guitar New Year’s Resolution. To that end, please listen to today’s podcast episode* where I talk about 15 ideas to help ignite your creative resolution thinking, plus 4 steps to help you reach that goal.
Happy New Year and cheers to a guitar filled 2024!
Play on…
Marlene
*To inspire your guitar resolution thinking, click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!