Thursday Tip
There are only a select few tree species*, such as Rosewood, Mahogany and Spruce, that make the grade when it comes to building quality acoustic guitars. So celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day by getting into (learning about) these unique acoustic guitar tonewoods!
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn about the specific tree species that make great acoustic guitars, click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!
It boils down to electricity! Acoustic guitars don’t need it to produce sound, electric guitars do*. They have a few other differences, but being in the ‘family of guitars’ they have quite a few similarities too. So, take a little time to learn all you can about both instruments because they both rock!
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn about both types of guitars, click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!
It’s International Guitar Month so I thought you might enjoy learning about the captivating journey of acoustic guitars*. Here’s a quick timeline, but you’ll learn more by listening to the podcast!
3500 BC: Evidence of a guitar-like instrument
1500 BC: Egyptian tambor
700 BC: Greek instrument kithara, root of the word guitar
40 AD: Romans brought the guitar to Spain
1500+ AD: Renaissance period, guitars took shape
1700’s AD: First 6 string guitar introduced
1850’s AD: Antonio Torres develops Fan Bracing, Martin Guitar develops X Bracing
2020 AD: Taylor Guitars develops V Bracing
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn how guitars evolved from a stick in a gourd to our modern-day instruments, click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!
Celebrate Easter Sunday (March 31st) by adding your musical touch to the festivities! These two songs* are beautiful on guitar and easy to play too!
Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee (The Hymn of Joy)
Morning Has Broken
So, hop to it to be ready for your Sunday celebrations!
Happy Easter!
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn how to play these songs, click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!
Spring has sprung in the Northern Hemisphere and it’s the perfect time to give your guitar some extra attention and care. Here’s a breakdown of my 8 step* guitar cleaning guide:
1 Remove the strings
2 Clean the fretboard
3 Oil the fretboard
4 Clean the body
5 Polish the body
6 Inspect the tuners
7 Check the bridge & nut
8 Check the electronics
Follow these steps to give your guitar a thorough spring cleaning and keep it in top condition for playing all year round!
Play on…
Marlene
*For more details on these steps, click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!
Get ready to play some traditional Irish folk songs* on March 17th! Here’s a couple of popular ones that are easy to play!
1. Molly Malone
2. Whiskey in a Jar
Play on…
Marlene
*To hear the stories behind these songs and my playing recommendations, click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!
Balance Movements* can stimulate the brain to release natural learning and focus chemicals. So, try one of these balance ideas, always keep safety in mind, and do it for a minute or two before your next playing session – BTW…it worked for me!
1. Balance on one foot and lean to the side
2. On the floor on your hands & knees, extend 1 leg backwards.
3. While seated roll your head around and at the same time roll your eyes.
4. There are more ideas in this week’s podcast episode!
Play on…
Marlene
*To hear about the science behind this fascinating topic, more balance movements and my own experience, click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!
I love a fun theme and Leap Day certainly fits the bill. Here’s 3 ‘leap’ themed songs* for you to jump in and play!
1. Leap of Faith by Bruce Springsteen chords
2. Jump by Van Halen chords tab
3. Quantum Leap Theme by Mike Post tab
Play on…
Marlene
*To hop to my playing recommendations, click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!
Practice excuses, what’s behind them? Here’s some of the most common excuses*, why we have them and how to overcome them:
1. I don’t have enough time to practice.
This is simply not true. You just don’t ‘make’ enough time to practice. Set a routine and stick to it.
2. I don’t feel like practicing.
This is due to a lack of inspiration. Stop and revisit why you like to play guitar, why you started playing to begin with.
3. I’m too tired to practice.
We all have demands on our time/energy, so this is about motivation. You’ll dig deep when you truly want to play.
Get to the root cause and you’ll be out of excuses!
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about these 3 common practice excuses, click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!
TLC, Tender Loving Care, is not just for people, it’s for your guitar too! Here’s how to show your guitar some love*:
1. Understand the climate conditions in your area by using a hygrometer.
2. Know the ideal conditions for your guitar, 74-76° F & 45-55% humidity
3. Use a humidity system in your case and your guitar room.
Guitar TLC = a long and healthy playing life!
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about climate conditions and how to care for your guitar, click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!