Live music has so many benefits that can enhance and improve your playing abilities/styles. In fact, this Making Music Magazine article gives you 12 Reasons Live Music Will Make You A Better Musician. For me, numbers 1 and 8 really resonate!
Play on…
Marlene
Do you know how string thickness, tension, length and frequency affect the sound? Learn how a guitar works in this interesting and informative video How Instruments Work ~ Guitar*.
Got guitar vibes?!
Play on…
Marlene
*This video is the work of learning design and development firm ansrsource for the MIM (Musical Instrument Museum).
In honor of the 50th Anniversary of Woodstock I thought you might enjoy reading this Acoustic Guitar article, Cataloging the Acoustic Guitars at Woodstock. It describes the acoustic guitars used by Arlo Guthrie, Richie Havens, Joan Baez and more, including videos of their performances. Peace, Love & Acoustic Guitars!
Play on…
Marlene
Guitar noodling is freestyle playing, basically exploring random notes/chords and relying on trial and error. To noodle, start playing your guitar, randomly, with a ‘I wonder if this will work’ intention (as seen in this video) ~ that’s noodling!
Play on (and noodle on!)…
Marlene
P.S. Bonus, while noodling you may find sounds that you can try in some of your standard songs.
Here’s a fun and fairly easy song to try, Guitar Town by Steve Earle. I was inspired by the song title since I’ll be teaching my workshops this weekend at the Copper Mountain, Colorado Guitar Town event. And though the song is not about or related to the event, I just love a good theme! Rocking in the Rocky Mountains!
Play on…
Marlene
P.S. I recommend playing the song along with the video, it’s pretty fun to jam with Steve Earle!
Put the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, Arizona on your ‘must do’ list. You’ll see hundreds of instruments, of all kinds, from all over the world, and as old as 200 BC. On my recent visit I spent 4 hours (and it wasn’t enough time!) viewing this impressive collection, loving all the instruments, but of course focusing on the guitars. A couple of stand outs; a guitar from the 1400’s and a 25 string guitar (below) ~ imagine tuning all 25 strings!
Play on…
Marlene
Playing guitar with other guitarists is a wonderful way to share different musical tastes and styles. Here are 7 tips for hosting your own jam session:
Play on…
Marlene
July 4th’s Thursday Tip (below) included Woody Guthrie’s iconic song This Land is Your Land. His writing abilities are legendary and, interestingly, quite simple as described in this Acoustic Guitar magazine article Woody Guthrie’s Songwriting Wisdom. After reading the article perhaps you’ll be inspired to write a song!
Play on…
Marlene
Whew, the heat is on! Depending on your location the heat may bring on low humidity or excessive humidity and neither is good for your guitar. In order to maintain the integrity of the wood the ideal relative humidity level is 40-45% and this Humidipak demo shows an easy way to get the job done ~ so don’t sweat it!
Play on…
Marlene
P.S. Video bonus: I thought the idea for the ironing board was cool, I’m going to try it!
Here’s another song to play today ~ 4th of July ~ or just about anytime, Woody Gutherie’s iconic anthem This Land Is Your Land. You’ll use the same chords as in last week’s song, God Bless America; G, C, D, G7 & D7. Happy 4th of July!
Play on…
Marlene