There are effective ways to improve your playing skills*, like these 7 suggestions:
1. Play new material
2. Revisit older songs
3. Play in front of a mirror
4. Record yourself playing
5. Memorize 1 entire song
6. Play outdoors
7. Play for someone else
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about these 7 ideas for improving your skills, listen to my podcast ~ episode 15!
There are 5 basic chords you should know how to play; A, E, D, C & G. These chords are commonly found in many songs and in combinations like A, D & E and G, C & D. Once you have the basics down you can expand your chord repertoire with 7ths, minors, etc. The basic 5, helps you to thrive!
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about playing these 5 basic chords, listen to my podcast ~ episode 14!
Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced guitarist, adding the lyrics and tune to a new song can be a challenge. Try these 5 steps to help you successfully sing along!
1. Listen to the song when not playing your guitar (i.e. while cooking, driving, etc.)
2. Gain your song playing skills. Play just the music (no singing) frequently.
3. Hum the tune while playing the song, and even picture the lyrics as you’re humming.
4. Add in the lyrics, try 1 line at a time (note: if this step is a little wonky, go to step 5)
5. ‘Jam’ along with the original artist, let them do the singing, then repeat step 4.
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about singing along with your songs, listen to my podcast ~ episode 13!
You should change your strings about every 6-8 months and with the extra time you have on your hands, why not change them now? It’s pretty easy to do* and you’ll become more acquainted with your guitar. DIY, spring those old strings!
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn how to change your strings, listen to my podcast ~ episode 12!
Play your guitar rhythm using a flat pick to experience the difference between finger style playing and using a pick. Start out by playing strum patterns and then songs with strumming. You’ll definitely hear a bigger sound volume and a tinnier sound*. It’s a great way to ‘pick’ your rhythm preferences!
Play on…
Marlene
* If you want to hear more details about How To Play Using A Flat Pick, listen to my podcast ~ episode 11!
Social distancing makes playing face-to-face pretty much impossible, but there’s good news ~ it IS possible to perform using technology* and it’s pretty easy to do!
1. Sign up for a meeting platform, i.e. Zoom, Facebook Meeting Room, or use FaceTime (iphone).
2. Set up a date/time with your listener and share the link.
3. Perform live for your ‘audience’ and enjoy your virtual gig!
Play on…
Marlene
*Note: If you want to hear more about performing virtually, listen to my podcast ~ episode 10!
During this quarantine you might find it challenging to squeeze practice time into the mix. If so, then combine your guitar playing with other activities like playing guitar as background music during a virtual visit or play for your children during bath time*. Who knows you might create a new normal that’s pretty cool!
Play on…
Marlene
*For more quarantine practice ideas listen here to podcast episode 9 and subscribe so you can hear the latest tips as soon as they hit the airwaves!
Being able to change, move, transition from chord to chord is one of the most challenging skills. Here are 3 ways to practice changing your chords more quickly:
1. Play the chords repetitively, slowly at first and then faster.
2. Do #1 with a metronome, it makes you move faster!
3. When changing your chords in a song, keep the rhythm going, it makes the chord hand move more quickly.
Play on…
Marlene
Note: If you want to hear me playing quick chord changing examples, listen to episode 6 of my podcast listen here
Photo: Acoustic Guitar
Learn about Bob Dylan’s guitars and you’ll learn about his musical journey. This Acoustic Guitar article, Bob Dylan’s Acoustic Guitars, How To Emulate His Sound details his favored guitar models, styles of playing and inspirations. Take a trip down Bob’s guitar memory lane!
Play on…
Marlene
Stevie Wonder’s song, I Just Called To Say I Love You, is quite timely. Here’s the chords and lyrics and if you play along with the attached recording use capo 1. BTW…if you share this song with someone using modern technology, perhaps change the lyrics to, ‘…I just Zoomed/Skyped/Facetimed to say I love you…’!
Play on…
Marlene
P.S. If there are chords you’re not familiar with, don’t fret, you can hover your curser over the chord to get a chart. Note: I prefer the Bb and Bm versions below, and for the the D#m look at version 3 on the site.
![Bm Guitar Chord [Easy] - 3 Versions by Tomas Michaud of Real ...](https://i0.wp.com/i.pinimg.com/originals/c9/e5/62/c9e562ecfd84dabfb1c7be0b64f4974f.jpg?resize=70%2C106&ssl=1)