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About Marlene Hutchinson

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So far Marlene Hutchinson has created 290 blog entries.

The Best Woods for Acoustic Guitars

Dark wood

Not just any wood will do when it comes to acoustic guitar sound and durability. Only a few species  ‘make the grade’ such as some of these more commonly used tonewoods*: Spruce, Cedar, Mahogany, Rosewood, Maple, Koa and Ebony.  It’s good, to learn about the wood!
Play on…
Marlene

*To learn more about tonewoods and why they’re used in acoustic guitar construction, listen to my newest podcast episode by clicking here!

To hear how various tonewood combinations sound watch this video demonstration. 

      

 

 

 

2021-10-12T08:26:03-07:00October 14th, 2021|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: |

Acoustic Guitar vs Electric Guitar

It’s good to understand various types of guitars, for example acoustic and electric guitars*. They have similarities and differences, 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, differences and comparisons, listen to my newest podcast episode by clicking here!

      

 

 

 

2021-10-05T11:21:20-07:00October 7th, 2021|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: |

Learn How to Play the D Scale

The D scale* is one of the next scales you should learn, after the C scale & G scales. The notes are, D, E, F#, G, A, B, C# & D, which is the major scale interval pattern W, W, H, W, W, W, H. Scaling the guitar neck will do you good! 
Play on…
Marlene

*To learn how to play the D scale on your guitar, listen to my newest podcast episode by clicking here!

      

 

 

 

2021-09-29T10:20:55-07:00September 30th, 2021|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: |

Learn Single Notes on Your Guitar

Learning single notes*, specifically where they are and what they’re called, can be very helpful in advancing your skills and knowledge. Today, I’ll focus on string 1, E. When you press on fret 1 and play only that string, you’re playing an F, fret 2 is F#, and so forth (see the chart below). 
Learning the notes, is a noteworthy!
Play on…
Marlene

*To learn more about the notes on your guitar neck & tips for remembering their locations, listen to my newest podcast episode by clicking here!

Fret     Note   
Open    E                 
1st        F                
2nd       F#        
3rd        G               
4th        G#           
5th        A   
6th        A#
7th         B
8th         C   
9th         C#
10th       D
11th        D#       

 

 

 

2021-09-15T09:48:35-07:00September 16th, 2021|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: |

Top 7 Funniest Reasons Not to Practice!

Here are the Top 7 Funniest Reasons Not to Practice*. Enjoy them ~ and then try to focus on reasons TO practice instead! 
1. My dog (cat, hamster) ate my music
2. I had to go to school (work) every day
3. I couldn’t remember what to practice
4. We got a new TV (puppy, computer) this week
5. My strings broke
6. I was out of tune
7. I couldn’t find my guitar
Play on…
Marlene

*To enjoy the top 7 and to learn tips, ideas & inspirations TO practice listen to my newest podcast episode by clicking here!

 

 

2021-09-09T08:04:52-07:00September 9th, 2021|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: |

Learn to Play By Ear

Playing by ear* is a great way to play music, no written music is required! And good news, it’s a skill that can be developed. Here’s 4 ideas to help you learn to play guitar by ear.
1. Listen to chords for the tone and pitch
2. Strum a chord and then hum it
3. Compare chords
4. Learn chord progressions
Play on…
Marlene

*To learn about how to develop your playing by ear skills listen to my newest podcast episode by clicking here!

 

 

2021-09-01T18:37:16-07:00September 2nd, 2021|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: |

Be Your Own Drummer, String Slapping 101!

There are some fun ways to slap, mute, or basically drum your strings while strumming, and it’s a fun way to add an interesting element to your songs. Here’s 3* to help you get started:
1. Drum/slap with the tops of your fingers
2. Drum/slap with a flat palm
3. Drum/slap with the side of your palm
The slap should be done on the 2nd & 4th counts of a basic strum
 1             2          3            4
Strum   Slap    Strum   Slap

You’ll have some slap happy music!
Play on…
Marlene

*To hear a detailed description and demonstration of these 3 techniques listen to my newest podcast episode by clicking here!

 

 

2021-08-25T08:58:46-07:00August 26th, 2021|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: |

Guitar & Cooking, A Recipe for the Senses!

Yes, I know, playing guitar AND cooking* might not be the first combo you think of, but give it a try, it’s surprisingly possible and fun!
Play on…
Marlene

*To hear the detailed directions for making my super easy Fettuccini Alfredo (ingredients below), with built-in guitar playing time listen to my newest podcast episode by clicking here!

Marlene’s Super Easy Fettuccini Alfredo (ingredients)
1 package fettuccini pasta
1 c. heavy cream
1 c. butter
1 c. grated parmesan cheese
4 cloves garlic, crushed
3 tbsp fresh chopped parsley (optional)
salt & pepper 

 

2021-08-18T11:27:58-07:00August 19th, 2021|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , |

How to Get Started Performing in Public

Performing in public is fun and now that locations & events are offering live music, why not give it a try? Here are a few tips to help you get started*:
1. Prep your music ~ create a set list & practice those songs in order
2. Equipment ~ mic, mic stand, portable amp, guitar stand & music stand
3. Set up ~ use a rolling cart for equipment transport, allow 30+ minutes to set up
4. Venue/location ~ think local/small; coffee house, art festival, museum, etc.

Play on…
Marlene

*To learn more about music prep, equipment, set up & venue search listen to my newest podcast episode by clicking here!

 

2021-08-12T10:15:31-07:00August 12th, 2021|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: |
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