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About Marlene Hutchinson

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So far Marlene Hutchinson has created 290 blog entries.

How to Hammer On

No hammer needed, just your finger!
To play a hammer on*, playing 2 notes with 1 string vibration, simply follow these 5 steps:
1. Play string 1, open, then quickly & strongly place your finger on fret 1
2. Practice this, be sure you’re only playing the string 1 time
3. Play this skill using neighboring frets
4. Check the volume of the string sound, it should be even and clear
5. Try this with chords, i.e. hammer on the 5th string of the G chord.
Play on…
Marlene

*To learn more about hammer ons, click here to listen to my newest podcast episode!

2022-10-06T09:02:13-07:00October 6th, 2022|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: |

What’s in Your Guitar Case?

Being prepared for your guitar necessities and those pesky guitar emergencies is vital. Here’s a list of the 6 items* I recommend you have in your case ~ just in case!
1. Set of Strings
2. Guitar tuner
3. Capo
4. Flat picks
5. Nail trimmers
6. Cleaning cloth
Play on…
Marlene

*To learn more about these 6 essential items and 3 bonus items, click here to listen to my newest podcast episode!

2022-09-26T16:36:23-07:00September 29th, 2022|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: |

Understanding Acoustic Guitar Body Shapes & Sizes

Guitars are not a ‘one size fits all’ instrument. There are various guitar shapes and sizes* from small (Mini) to large (Jumbo) and everything in between. Understanding the differences can help you find the best one for you and your playing style. Here’s a list so you can size things up!
Classical
Dreadnought
Concert
Grand Concert
Orchestra/Grand Auditorium
Jumbo
Mini & Travelers

Play on…
Marlene

*To learn more about these guitar shapes, sizes, plus their playing style applications click here to listen to my newest podcast!

 

 

2022-09-20T14:36:06-07:00September 22nd, 2022|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: |

Nylon string vs Steel String Acoustic Guitars

Ever wonder what the difference is between nylon string and steel string guitars ~ besides the strings? Well don’t fret (ha, ha), I’ve got you covered, here’s a quick comparison*:
Nylon String Guitars                                               
Strings are easier on your fingers, the headstock is slotted (cut out) for the strings, the neck has no truss rod and no guide markers, there are very little size and shape variations, the strings are looped or tied to the bridge, well suited for Classical or Flamenco music but all music can be played.  
Steel String Guitars
The strings are harder on your fingers, the headstock string posts are attached from the top. the neck has a truss rod and guide markers, there are many shapes and sizes, a pin bridge is used to attach the strings, well suited for rock, country, jazz, blues, etc., but all music can be played.    

Play on…
Marlene

*To gain a better understanding about both nylon string and steel string guitars Click here to listen to my newest podcast episode!

 

 

 

2022-09-15T10:05:55-07:00September 15th, 2022|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: |

How to Gain & Maintain Fingertip Calluses

For us guitar players, callused fingertips are normal and important. They can be a bit painful to acquire though, but worth it.
Here’s a few tips* to help toughen your skin and build up those precious calluses:
1. Play guitar regularly (everyday is ideal)
2. Play shorter, more frequent sessions (i.e. 5-10 minutes, 3x/day)
3. Use lighter gauged strings or nylon strings
4. Be patient, it takes time!
5. Check out these soreness relieving ideas to help you as you build your calluses
Play on…
Marlene

*To learn more, listen to my the newest episode by clicking here!

 

 

 

 

2022-09-08T08:06:29-07:00September 8th, 2022|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: |

Guitar Summer Song Playlist for the… Dog Days of Summer!

Summer is officially winding down, but that doesn’t mean we can’t keep playing cool summery songs on our guitar. Here’s 3 songs to keep your summer vibe alive!*
1. Soak Up The Sun by Sheryl Crow
2. Under The Boardwalk by The Drifters
3. Walking On Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves

Play on…
Marlene

*For my playing recommendations, listen to my newest podcast episode by clicking here!

      

 

 

 

2022-08-31T21:13:10-07:00September 1st, 2022|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: |

Acoustic Guitar vs Electric Guitar, The Differences & Similarities

It’s good to understand various types of guitars, for example acoustic and electric guitars*. They have similarities and differences, and here are a few:
Similarities                                 
Made of wood                            
Head, neck & body                    
6 strings                                      
Differences
Sound
Size/weight
Body shape

Play on…
Marlene

*To learn more about the similarities and differences, as well as a comparison, listen to my newest podcast episode by clicking here!

      

 

 

 

2022-08-25T07:47:41-07:00August 25th, 2022|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: |

7 Simple Steps to Easily Memorize a Song

Memorizing an entire song* can be useful and these are my 7 steps to making it happen!
1. Choose a song you like
2. Listen to the song
3. Find the music
4. Practice the song
5. Play along with the song
6. Play using the lyrics only
7. Play sans music
Play on…
Marlene

*To learn more about how to memorize an entire song using these 7 simple steps listen to my latest podcast episode!

 

 

 

 

2022-08-16T13:51:17-07:00August 18th, 2022|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: |

Understanding Rhythm and Tempo

A song has two parts, a musical sound and a beat. The latter includes rhythm, the count of a song, like 4/4 time, and tempo, how fast or slow you play a song. Understanding rhythm and tempo* can help you choose your song’s strumming or picking patterns and stylings ~ so you can rock your songs!
Play on…
Marlene

*To learn more about rhythm, time signatures and various tempo examples , click here to listen to this episode my podcast!

2022-08-09T16:17:50-07:00August 11th, 2022|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: |

7 Effective Skill Improvement Ideas!

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, click here to listen to this episode!

2022-08-01T09:38:44-07:00August 4th, 2022|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , |

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