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About Marlene Hutchinson

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So far Marlene Hutchinson has created 290 blog entries.

Guitar Friends Interview, Tips From Tim Godwin

I recently chatted with my friend Tim Godwin*, Director of Artist & Entertainment Relations at Taylor Guitars. He started playing guitar when he was 9 years old, he’s been a touring musician and is now helping musicians get their start. Here’s 3 (of the many) take-away’s from our interview:
If you want to be a performer…
1. You have to get out there and perform
2. Network, network, network!
3. Use social media to share your music
Thank you Tim!
Play on…
Marlene

*To hear the entire interview, Tim’s cool stories, and his sage advice listen to my newest podcast episode by clicking here!

 

 

2021-08-03T11:52:27-07:00August 5th, 2021|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , |

What’s Guitar Action?

The action, or set up, on a guitar is basically the height of the strings over the fretboard. It’s a key component to the ease and playability of your guitar, and it can change over time. It’s helpful to learn about guitar action (high and low), how it can change, and which is best for your playing style. 
Play on…
Marlene

*To gain a better understanding of guitar action and it’s affects on playing listen to my newest podcast episode by clicking here!

Acoustic Steel String Guitar
Typical Action Chart
low action         medium action    high action
low E  high E    low E   high E      low E   high E
0.11″   0.08″      0.125″  0.095″    0.155″  0.125″
Luthier Information Website

 

2021-07-29T07:46:47-07:00July 29th, 2021|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: |

Olympics Themed Songs!

The 2021 Summer Olympics begin this Friday, July 23rd in Tokyo, Japan, so I thought it would be the perfect time for you to ‘go for the gold’ with your music by playing these ‘thrill of victory’ themed songs*!
1. One Moment in Time
2. Bugler’s Dream
Play on…
Marlene

*To learn about the inspiration, history and playing recommendations for these songs listen to my newest podcast episode by clicking here!

 

 

 

 

2021-07-22T07:36:26-07:00July 22nd, 2021|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , |

10 Tips to Help Alleviate Performance Anxiety

Have you ever felt uneasy or anxious about performing? These 10 tips can help you overcome those feelings and enjoy your performance!
1. Be prepared
2. Limit caffeine/sugar
3. Focus on the fun
4. Visualize your success
5. Avoid negative thoughts
6. Connect with your audience
7. Be yourself
8. Dress/look your best
9. Walk, jump, shake out your muscles
10. Practice deep breathing, meditation, yoga
Play on…
Marlene

*To learn more details about these 10 tips and other tricks of the trade, listen to my newest podcast episode by clicking here!

 

 

 

 

2021-07-15T09:29:38-07:00July 15th, 2021|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: |

Got Calluses? How to Build & Maintain Fingertip Calluses

For us guitar players, callused fingertips are normal and important. They can be a bit painful to acquire though, but worth it. Here’s a few tips* to help toughen your skin and build up those precious calluses:
1. Play guitar regularly (everyday is ideal)
2. Play shorter, more frequent sessions (i.e. 5-10 minutes, 3x/day)
3. Use lighter gauged strings or nylon strings
4. Be patient, it takes time!
5. Check out these soreness relieving ideas to help you as you build your calluses
Play on…
Marlene

*To learn more details about building calluses, as well callus maintenance, listen to my the newest episode by clicking here!

 

 

 

 

2021-07-06T16:07:21-07:00July 8th, 2021|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: |

3 Festive Songs to Play on 4th of July!

There are so many great patriotic songs that you can play on July 4th, or any other time for that matter. Here are 3 songs* that are festive and fun!
America the Beautiful  chords
You’re a Grand Old Flag  chords
Living in America  chords 
Play on…
Marlene
P.S. If you’re looking for more patriotic songs to play, check out past tips for  July 2018   July 2019   July 2020

*To learn more about each song’s history and inspiration, as well as playing suggestions, listen to my the newest episode by clicking here!

 

 

 

 

2021-06-29T15:17:20-07:00July 1st, 2021|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , |

Songwriting Tips & More From Laura B. Whitmore!

Laura, a music industry pro and accomplished singer/songwriter, shares her music inspirations, performing experiences and singer/songwriter advice in this week’s podcast*, such as:
Go to open mics
Network
Continuously learn
Play on…
Marlene

*To hear more of Laura’s tips and advice, listen to my Guitar Friends Interview with Laura Whitmore!

 

 

 

 

2021-06-23T12:35:29-07:00June 24th, 2021|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , |

Songs to Play on Father’s Day!

As you know by now, I love to run with a good theme! Here are some songs* to play on Sunday for, or in honor of, your father: 
1. My Old Man by Zac Brown Band  video   chords
2. Song For Dad by Keith Urban   video   chords
3. Cat’s in the Cradle by Harry Chapin   video   chords
Happy Fathers Day!
Play on…
Marlene

*To hear about the writers’ inspirations and playing/rhythm suggestions for each song, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 68!

 

 

 

 

2021-06-15T14:31:23-07:00June 17th, 2021|Categories: Thursday Tip, Uncategorized|Tags: |

How to Easily Record Your Guitar Playing

Recording your guitar playing can be a useful tool for skill improvement (and to share your music), plus it’s super easy to do with your cell phone, tablet or computer*. Here’s some tips for recording: 
1. Set up your recording location, preferably indoors (less auxiliary sounds)
For video, be sure you have good lighting too
2. Needs: Your device with a built-in microphone and camera
3. Do a sound check
4. Record
It’s a great way, to hear (and see) how you play!
Play on…
Marlene

*To hear more specifics about recording on your device, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 67!

 

 

 

 

2021-06-10T09:27:17-07:00June 10th, 2021|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , , |

5 Simple Steps to Songwriting

Do you have a song idea? Then these 5 simple steps* can help you to begin creating and developing an idea and turning it into a song.
1. Start with a concept, idea or theme
2. Develop the idea into lyrics and a tune using a basic song structure.
3. Write everything down, record it too!
4. Enhance and embellish your song
5. Get feedback from others & refine if needed
Then before you know it, you’ll have a song!
Play on…
Marlene

*To hear detailed descriptions of each step, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 66!

 

 

 

 

2021-06-02T08:56:10-07:00June 3rd, 2021|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: |
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