mhutchinson

About Marlene Hutchinson

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So far Marlene Hutchinson has created 290 blog entries.

3 Sacred Christmas Carols to Play on Your Guitar!

Christmas means many things, decorating a tree, gifts, and of course the birth of Jesus. Here are a few divine songs celebrating this blessed event that are beautiful to play on guitar. 
O Holy Night
The First Noel
Away In A Manger
Play on…
Marlene

*To learn my playing recommendations and info about each song listen to my newest podcast!

Your opinion matters – December Gator Giveaway!
Take 1 minute to complete this short, 3 question survey and you’ll be entered in the giveaway valued at over $350!

Picking patterns, note: numbers on the lines are your finger numbers. If you want to learn more about picking check out my Unlimited Lessons or consider coaching sessions with yours truly!

 

 

 

 

3 Cheerful Christmas Songs to Play on Your Guitar!

These 3 cheerful Christmas songs are really fun to play, and with their lively tempos and timeless lyrics, they’re sure to make your season bright!
Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
Jingle Bell Rock
Run Rudolph Run
Play on…
Marlene

*To learn more about these songs and my playing recommendations listen to my newest podcast!

 

 

 

 

10 Gift Ideas For Guitar Players!

Are you being asked about your gift preferences? If so, why not have a list ready to help your gift giver? Here’s a list of 10 guitar player gift ideas to share with your family and friends!
1. Strings
2. Key Winder
3. Tuner
4. Batteries
5. Cleaning Cloth
6. Guitar Polish
7. Gifts Cards 
8. Guitar Stand
9. Music Stand
10 Lessons
Play on…
Marlene

*To hear more about this list and hints to insure you receive the gifts you want listen to my newest podcast!

 

 

 

 

5 Ways to Play an Easy Thanksgiving Song!

Seasons and holidays are a great time to share your guitar music, so I thought you might like to try this traditional favorite with simple chords!
Over the River and Through the Wood* (traditional)
Happy Thanksgiving!
Play on…
Marlene

*To hear how to play Over the River and Through the Woods 5 different ways listen to my newest podcast!

More Thanksgiving songs to try:
Thanksgiving Prayer, Johnny Cash
Sweet Potato Pie, James Taylor 
Thanksgiving Song, Mary Chapin Carpenter
Harvest Moon, Neil Young
The Thanksgiving Song, Adam Sandler (kind of a goofy song!) 

 

 

 

Jump Start Your Holiday Songs!

You can never be too prepared when it comes to holiday music and now’s the time to get started. Here’s 3* easy seasonal songs to help you get a jump on your holiday repertoire!
1. Over the River and Through the Wood (tablature)
2. Hanukkah Oh Hanukkah (chords)
3. Jingle Bells (chords)
Play on…
Marlene

*To hear my playing recommendations and song info, click here to listen to the podcast episode!


  

Learn About Gator Cases & Accessories – PLUS, You Could Win a Guitar Case & Strap!

Learn about the construction of the Gator Icon Series Gig Bag, including this cool video, as well as other great guitar accessories to make your playing life even better!
Play on…
Marlene

*To hear Marlene’s interview with Crystal Morris, President & Founder of Gator Cases, along with Rob McCoy, click here to listen to the podcast episode!


  

Hard Case vs Gig Bag

There are 2 types of guitar cases, hard cases and gig bags. Both have advantages and disadvantages*, here are a few to consider:
Hard Cases are made of heavy duty material, are very resilient, and they offer great protection for your guitar, but they are heavier and more expensive than a gig bag. 
Gig Bags/Soft Cases are made of soft material or fabric, usually water resistant, and are lightweight. They are easier to carry and more affordable, but offer less protection.

Play on…
Marlene

*If you want to learn more about these 2 types of guitar cases, click here to listen to the podcast episode!
  

3 Halloween Songs to Play on Acoustic Guitar

Here’s 3 Halloween*-ish songs to help you get into the ‘spirit’ of things!
1. Dead Man’s Party by Oingo Boingo
2. Harvest Moon by Neil Young
3. Not Dead Yet by Lord Huron
Happy Halloween!
Play on…
Marlene

*To learn about these 3 songs and for my playing recommendations, click here to listen to the podcast episode!
  

What’s the Best Guitar Stand?

There are many guitar stand options each with their own features and benefits. Here are 6 guitar stand styles* to help you decide which one might best suit your needs. 
1. A-frame stand
2. Tubular/Tripod stand
3. Wall Mounted stand
4. Premium stand – Enter Here for a chance to win a Premium Stand and Guitar Strap!
5. Cabinet stand
6. Multi-guitar stand
Note: stands pictured below
Play on…
Marlene

*To learn more about the 6 different guitar stand styles, click here to listen to my newest podcast episode!

Guitar stand styles, top row 1 – 4, bottom row 5 & 6

 
  

How to Play Pull Offs

Pull offs* are the reverse of hammers ons, it’s another way to play 2 notes with one string vibration. Here’s how to play pull offs:
1. Place finger 1, on fret 1, of string 1, play the string, then immediately pull off fret 1
2. Check the volume of the string sound, it should be even and clear
3. Play this skill using neighboring frets
4. Try this on different neck locations and with chords
5. Combine hammer ons and pull offs for trills
Play on…
Marlene

*To learn more about pull offs, click here to listen to my newest podcast episode!

Pull off tab

Trill tab

 

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