For Calm, Creative Guitar Playing...Breathe - New Yo-Guitar Video Just Released! ➡️ Start Your Free Trial Here! ⬅️
FacebookXYouTubeEmail

mhutchinson

About Marlene Hutchinson

This author has not yet filled in any details.
So far Marlene Hutchinson has created 290 blog entries.

7 ‘No-Slip’ Guitar Pick Tricks!

If your pick is going rogue on you, try these 7 no-slip guitar pick tricks*:
1. Glue a tiny piece of light gauge sandpaper on the pick grip area
2. Hole punch a hole in the pick grip area
3. Scratch the grip surface with a knife
4. Place medical tape on the pick grip area
5. Use double stick tape on the pick grip area
6. Use a non-slip guitar pick
7. Use a moisture triggered grip type of pick
These ideas might just help you to ~ get a grip!
Play on…
Marlene

*To learn more about these no-slip pick tricks and bonus tricks, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 25!

2020-08-20T08:08:24-07:00August 20th, 2020|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , , , , , , |

How to Use a Capo

A capo* (kay-po) is a device that clamps onto the guitar neck covering the strings to change the key of a song. To use a capo you simply place it over the strings on a fret and clamp it down. When using a capo, the fret bar in front of the capo becomes the ‘nut’, so the first fret is the fret forward of the capo and so forth. You can play any chords, but the sound will be a different key which might fit your voice better. It’s the key to change!
Play on…
Marlene

*To learn more about How to Use a Capo, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 24!

2020-08-12T08:39:39-07:00August 13th, 2020|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , , , , , |

Road Trip During COVID 19? Take Your Guitar!

Travel during 2020 has changed and many people are taking to the road ~ so take your guitar too! If you follow my recommended guitar travel tips* your instrument will be in good shape and ready to be played when you reach your destination. In the words of Willie Nelson, ‘On The Road Again‘!
Play on…
Marlene

*To learn about my 8 guitar travel tips, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 23!

2020-08-05T10:59:51-07:00August 6th, 2020|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , , , , , |

What’s Your Musical Style?

We all have a musical style* and knowing your style can help you zone in on the song choices and skill improvements that motivate and inspire you. Consider these categories:
Basic Guitar Descriptions
1. Rhythm Guitarist
2. Lead Guitarist
3. Finger Style Guitarist
Guitar Playing Characteristics
1. The Performer
2. A Reflective Player
3. Sing-Along Musician
4. Rock/Blues/Jazz (Vibe) Player
5. Classical
And of course, consider your song influences…like what’s on your playlist?
Play on…
Marlene

*To learn more about the music style descriptions and characteristics, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 22!

2020-07-29T09:41:53-07:00July 30th, 2020|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: |

The Next 5 Chords You Should Know

After you’ve learned to play A, E, D, C & G, the next 5 chords I recommend that you learn are Am, Em, A7, E7 & G7*. They’re fairly easy to play and you’ll likely find them in quite a few songs ~ like Jolene by Dolly Parton. Learning more chords is ‘A minor’ detail!
Play on…
Marlene

*To learn more about these chords and to hear how they sound, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 21!

2020-07-23T13:50:56-07:00July 23rd, 2020|Categories: Thursday Tip|

How Temperature & Humidity Can Affect a Guitar

74-76°F and 45-55% humidity is ideal for a guitar. To achieve the ideal environment* for your guitar, use a humidifier (in the case or room).  You might also want to use a humidity/temperature gauge, and it’s useful to know the weather conditions in your location.  Help your guitar to weather the weather!
Play on…
Marlene

*To learn more about the ideal environment and easy solutions to protect your guitar, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 20!

2020-07-14T08:09:25-07:00July 16th, 2020|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , , , , , |

Guitar Preparedness ~ What’s in Your Guitar Case?

Being prepared for your guitar necessities and those pesky guitar emergencies is vital. During our current stay-at-home downtime, it’s the perfect time to assess your preparedness. Here’s a list of the 6 items* I recommend you have in your case ~ just in case!
1. Set of Strings
2. Guitar tuner
3. Capo
4. Flat picks
5. Nail trimmers
6. Cleaning cloth
Play on…
Marlene

*To learn more about these 6 essential items and 3 bonus items, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 19!

2020-07-08T12:27:18-07:00July 9th, 2020|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , , , , |

Understanding Rhythm and Tempo

A song has two parts, a musical sound and a beat. The latter includes rhythm, the count of a song, like 4/4 time, and tempo, how fast or slow you play a song. Understanding rhythm and tempo* can help you choose your song’s strumming or picking patterns and stylings ~ so you can keep the beat!
Play on…
Marlene

*To learn more about rhythm, time signatures and various tempo examples , listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 18!

2020-07-02T09:00:39-07:00July 2nd, 2020|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , , , , , |

Relieve Stress & Boost Brain Power by Playing Guitar!

Would you like to feel less stressed and boost your brain power at the same time? Well good news, you can. Scientists have proven* that playing an instrument is like a ‘full body workout for the brain’. So for less stress and stronger gray matter ~ play guitar as often as possible! 
Play on…
Marlene

*To learn more about the science behind how playing guitar affects the brain, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 17!

2020-06-24T16:44:18-07:00June 25th, 2020|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , , , , |

Learn, Play & Master Chord Progressions

Chord progressions are used to build songs, and there are many chord progression patterns, but learning a few basic ones will help you to understand songs AND your playing abilities will improve. Here are a few common chord progressions* to learn, play and master!
3 Chords:
A D E – C F G – D G A – G C D
4 Chords:
A D E D – C F G C – D G A D – E A B E
Play on…
Marlene

*To learn more about chord progressions and to play them with me, listen to my podcast ~ episode 16!

2020-06-18T08:43:33-07:00June 18th, 2020|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , , , , , , |
Go to Top