Practice is the key to guitar playing growth and success. These recommended steps* can help you to make the most of your practice time:
1. Tune your guitar
2. Stretch/warm up
3. Play an easy, schmeasy song
4. Play songs/skills that are a little more challenging
5. Then play the most challenging songs/skills
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about maximizing your practice time, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 45!
It’s midnight, you’ve played Auld Lang Syne, now what? In keeping with the theme, here are 3 midnight/New Year’s inspired songs* to play:
After Midnight by Eric Clapton (chords/lyrics)
Happy New Year by ABBA (chords/lyrics)
This Will Be Our Year by The Zombies (chords/lyrics)
Play on…
Marlene
*To hear about these songs and a list of more midnight songs, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 44!
This traditional classic is the perfect way to musically ring in the new year. Here’s the link for Auld Lang Syne* both in chord form and tablature (tab) form. Give it a try, it’s a great way to say goodbye to 2020 and welcome 2021!
Play on…
Marlene
*To hear Auld Lang Syne, both with chords & tab, and the song origin info, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 43!
This time of year offers you a wonderful opportunity to reflect on your guitar playing improvements over the past 12 months and think about next year’s guitar playing hopes and dreams. Reflection and setting a guitar playing game plan* for 2021 can be the key to your success!
Play on…
Marlene
*To hear how to successfully set and keep your guitar playing goals, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 42!
Expand your holiday repertoire with these holiday favorites*, Feliz Navidad by Jose Feliciano and We Wish You a Merry Christmas a traditional 19th century English song. Also, try sharing your music (live or virtually) with family and friends ~ ‘Tis the season to make music, fa la la la la la la la la!’
Play on…
Marlene
*To hear the songs and get some rhythm pattern ideas for each, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 41!
Tablature* can add an interesting and fun skill to your playing abilities. And though it might seem complicated at first, once you learn the basics and try it out, it gets easier. Try this Jingle Bells tab (below) to prep for your holiday ‘gig’!
Play on…
Marlene
*To hear more about how to play tablature with the song Jingle Bells and to play along, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 40!
Brrr, fall is in here, winter is on it’s way! As the temperatures dip, the heat goes on, and the air gets dry. Our guitars need a static environment of 74-76ºF and 45-55% relative humidity. To maintain those conditions use a hygrometer, and then make temperature/humidity improvements as needed*.
Play on…
Marlene
*To hear more about how a hygrometer works and humidity systems listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 39!
Seasons and holidays are a great time to share your guitar music, so I thought you might like to try these songs:
Over the River and Through the Woods* (traditional)
Thanksgiving Prayer, Johnny Cash
Sweet Potato Pie, James Taylor
Thanksgiving Song, Mary Chapin Carpenter
Harvest Moon, Neil Young
The Thanksgiving Song, Adam Sandler (kind of a goofy song!)
Happy Thanksgiving!
Play on…
Marlene
*To hear how to play Over the River and Through the Woods 5 different ways listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 38!
Ever wonder what the difference is between nylon string and steel string guitars ~ besides the strings? Well don’t fret (ha, ha), I’ve got you covered, here’s a quick comparison*:
Nylon String Guitars
Strings are easier on your fingers, the headstock is slotted (cut out) for the strings, the neck has no truss rod and no guide markers, there are very little size and shape variations, the strings are looped or tied to the bridge, well suited for Classical or Flamenco music but all music can be played.
Steel String Guitars
The strings are harder on your fingers, the headstock string posts are attached from the top. the neck has a truss rod and guide markers, there are many shapes and sizes, a pin bridge is used to attach the strings, well suited for rock, country, jazz, blues, etc.
Play on…
Marlene
*To gain a better understanding about both nylon string and steel string guitars listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 37!
Playing a prospective guitar before making a purchase can be helpful. The in-store shopping experience is a little different right now, but still very accessible and fun! Here’s what you can expect*:
• Masks are required to be worn by both you and the store’s staff
• Stores take employee temperatures before their shifts
• Capacity limitations, so be patient if there’s a line to get in
• Hand sanitizer is available
• Instruments, equipment, etc., are wiped down after each use
• And more!
Play on…
Marlene
*To hear more about the COVID safety measures at Guitar Center stores and advice about shopping for a guitar listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 36!