A vacation is a great place to have guitar playing fun, so whether you’re traveling near or far, take your guitar along for the ride!
In this week’s podcast* I share my own traveling-with-your-guitar experiences* (and tips!) to help you and your musical companion prepare for your journey!
Play on…
Marlene
*To hear my traveling-with-my-guitar stories, tips and anecdotes, click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!
Want to give the perfect Mother’s Day present? Give the gift of your music! Here’s 3 easy* (and beautiful) Mother’s Day themed songs to play on your guitar:
The Best Day by Taylor Swift chords
Mom by Meghan Trainor chords
Mother by Sugarland chords
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn how to play these 3 songs, click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!
Hispanic music for Cinco de Mayo, May 5th, is a great way to celebrate Mexico’s victory in the Battle of Puebla – and the song Tequila a good one! Here’s 2 ways to play this crowd pleasing song:
Tequila chords
Tequila tabs
Feliz Cinco de Mayo!
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn how to play both versions of Tequila, click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!
All good guitar relationships have strings* attached! But which ones are best for you? Here’s a little information to help you decide:
Nylon strings
Easier on your fingers, best for classical and folk music, have a softer sound, can also be placed on steel string guitars
Steel strings
Harder on your fingers, best for rock, country, jazz and folk music, have a tin-like sound, can not be placed on nylon string guitars
And there’s more to learn about both string types in this week’s podcast episode!
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn about both types of guitars, click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!
There are only a select few tree species*, such as Rosewood, Mahogany and Spruce, that make the grade when it comes to building quality acoustic guitars. So celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day by getting into (learning about) these unique acoustic guitar tonewoods!
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn about the specific tree species that make great acoustic guitars, click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!
It boils down to electricity! Acoustic guitars don’t need it to produce sound, electric guitars do*. They have a few other differences, but being in the ‘family of guitars’ they have quite a few similarities too. So, take a little time to learn all you can about both instruments because they both rock!
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn about both types of guitars, click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!
It’s International Guitar Month so I thought you might enjoy learning about the captivating journey of acoustic guitars*. Here’s a quick timeline, but you’ll learn more by listening to the podcast!
3500 BC: Evidence of a guitar-like instrument
1500 BC: Egyptian tambor
700 BC: Greek instrument kithara, root of the word guitar
40 AD: Romans brought the guitar to Spain
1500+ AD: Renaissance period, guitars took shape
1700’s AD: First 6 string guitar introduced
1850’s AD: Antonio Torres develops Fan Bracing, Martin Guitar develops X Bracing
2020 AD: Taylor Guitars develops V Bracing
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn how guitars evolved from a stick in a gourd to our modern-day instruments, click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!
Celebrate Easter Sunday (March 31st) by adding your musical touch to the festivities! These two songs* are beautiful on guitar and easy to play too!
Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee (The Hymn of Joy)
Morning Has Broken
So, hop to it to be ready for your Sunday celebrations!
Happy Easter!
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn how to play these songs, click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!
Spring has sprung in the Northern Hemisphere and it’s the perfect time to give your guitar some extra attention and care. Here’s a breakdown of my 8 step* guitar cleaning guide:
1 Remove the strings
2 Clean the fretboard
3 Oil the fretboard
4 Clean the body
5 Polish the body
6 Inspect the tuners
7 Check the bridge & nut
8 Check the electronics
Follow these steps to give your guitar a thorough spring cleaning and keep it in top condition for playing all year round!
Play on…
Marlene
*For more details on these steps, click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!
Get ready to play some traditional Irish folk songs* on March 17th! Here’s a couple of popular ones that are easy to play!
1. Molly Malone
2. Whiskey in a Jar
Play on…
Marlene
*To hear the stories behind these songs and my playing recommendations, click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!