Playing fast is easier when you slow things down. As explained here by Acoustic Guitar’s Paul Mehling, your practice tempo, and the word ‘aluminum’, take on a new meaning. So play faster, slowly!
Play on…
Marlene
Ever wonder how to use a metronome when practicing? One way (see below) can help you increase your chord changing abilities.
1. You’ll need a metronome, like this one found online.
2. Start at 50 bpm (beats per minute) and strum down 1 time for each ‘click’.
3. Add in chord changes. Once you can transition cleanly between 2 chords, without a pause, then speed it up by 5 bpm each time until you reach 80 bpm.
Love the rhythm, feel the beat!
Play on…
Marlene
Learn how to change your own guitar strings. Changing the strings on your own guitar might seem a little intimidating, but it’s really pretty simple as seen here. So grab your strings and give it a go!
Play on…
Marlene
Learn how a truss rod works. The truss rod. a metal rod in the guitar neck, prevents the neck from bowing due to string tension and can be adjusted* as seen here. For a guitar ~ neck tension is good!
Play on…
Marlene
*Note: you might want a professional to make the adjustments to your guitar.
New in 2018, monthly themes. January ~ Guitar Maintenance.
Clean your guitar every 6 months. Kick off the new year with a squeaky clean guitar by implementing this simple cleaning routine using 2 clothes, lemon or baby oil and guitar polish!
Play on…
Marlene
New in 2018, monthly themes. January ~ Guitar Maintenance.
Learn ways to adjust the bridge saddle. The saddle helps to raise the strings, creating the action (string height above the fretboard). It may need adjusting, which can be a fairly simple fix as described in this article and video. ‘Saddle up’ your guitar’s action!
Play on…
Marlene
http://bit.ly/2qqjO64
5 tips to achieve your guitar playing New Year’s resolution.
1.Set clear, specific goals: rather than “get better at guitar”; try something more like ‘play your favorite song’, ‘play in front of people’, ‘write your own songs’…
2. Write it down,
3. Tell someone about it,
4. Focus on one skill at a time,
5. Be ready to start
Cheers to your goal and Happy New Year!
Play on…
Marlene
P.S. Learn to Play Guitar in a Day! will air on PBS SoCal on 12/30 at 4 pm & 12/31 at 8 am
Try playing instrumental (only) Holiday music. Playing the melody of a song on your guitar, sans singing, can be a beautiful experience, as heard here God Rest Ye Merry Gentle men by Jerry Garcia, et al, and here’s a simple tab to try. Merry Christmas!
Play on…
Marlene
Try these simple smartphone recording tips. As mentioned last week, recording yourself playing can help you improve faster and since you’ll likely use a smartphone take a look at these easy tips for clear recordings. You’ll have smart sounds!
Play on…
Marlene
Record yourself playing guitar. Seeing and hearing yourself play will likely help you to improve more quickly because you’ll be able to make adjustments based on what is really happening in your songs, rather than what you think is happening ~ to find out more go to ~ https://makingmusicmag.com/one-simple-tip-to-increase-you…/… .
It’s improvement in record(ed) time!
Play on…
Marlene