Recently someone said, “…the times are changing…” and “…there should be a song about that…”. It got me thinking about Bob Dylan’s song, The Times They Are A-Changin’. Here’s the chords and lyrics, so you can give it a whirl. You’ll be in good company, it’s been covered by The Byrds, Simon & Garfunkel, The Beach Boys, Tracey Chapman & Brandi Carlile!
Play on…
Marlene
Why not use this time to get creative and think out of the box with your guitar playing? Watch this cool TedxMelbourne video of Tommy Emmanuel explaining what motivates him, his inspirations, and his creative, out of the box ideas that make his guitar playing just like a one man band!
Play on…
Marlene
Ever have neck, shoulder and/or back soreness after a playing session? Then try placing your music on a stand instead of a table. When your music is at eye level you’ll keep your head up, which improves your posture, ultimately relieving strain to those areas. Heads up ~ use a music stand!
Play on…
Marlene
Staying in/self quarantine doesn’t mean you can’t do something cool like ‘go’ to a guitar museum. Here’s a virtual tour of the Martin Guitar Museum with tour guide Chris Martin. It’s virtually fascinating!
Play on…
Marlene
Rainy day? Snowed in? Just hanging out at home? Here’s 5 guitar activities to do in your spare time:
1. Try a new skill like tablature, fingerpicking, a new strumming pattern, new chords ~ there are so many possibilities!
2. Clean and polish your guitar and then change out your strings. Spring those strings!
3. Play every song in your repertoire, even Row, Row, Row Your Boat ~ it’s exciting to see how far you’ve come!
4. Look on-line for new songs to play. It’s always fun to have a new song to work on!
5. Write your own song!
Play on…
Marlene
Faith and begorrah, it’s time to prep for St. Patty’s Day and I have just the song for you to try, Too Ra Loo Ra Loo Ral using G, C Am and D chords . If you’re not familiar with the song you can listen to/watch this video (left). Luck of the Irish!
Play on…
Marlene
P.S. For past Irish themed Thursday Tips click on Galway Girl, The Irish Rover and Irish Guitar Skills
In honor of Leap Year and the upcoming Leap Day (Saturday), take a skill leap. This beautiful song, Dream A Little Dream, featured in the movie Leap Year, contains bar chords. Though they can be a bit challenging, don’t shy away, jump right in and give it a try!
Play on…
Marlene
It’s that time again to give you’re guitar some TLC, it should be done about every 6 months +/-. Here’s my video showing you how to simply and quickly get the job done. Your guitar will feel the love!
Play on…
Marlene
Try this love song by John Legend, All of Me (play the YouTube video, left, to hear the song). It’s pretty simple to play, I think it’s best played with a basic strum, and you’ll use the Em, C, G, D & Am chords. Notice at the top: capo 1 (1st fret) is indicated. Guitar strings that pull at your heartstrings!
Play on…
Marlene
Prep for the season, learn to play Love Me Tender*. Remember if you don’t know a chord just hover over it to see the chart and try playing the song with both strumming and fingerpicking. It’s a lovingly tender musical gift for your significant other, child, or perhaps even your pet!
Play on…
Marlene
*Written and performed by Elvis Presley (co-writer: George Poulton). Covered by: Ricky Nelson, Linda Ronstadt, Andrea Bocelli, Norah Jones, and Barbra Streisand, to name a few!