Thursday Tip
Luck of the Irish! Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, here’s a couple of easy Irish songs for you to play.
God Save Ireland
The Irish Rover
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn about both songs and how to play them, click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!
In honor of Women’s History Month here 3 more groundbreaking female guitarists* to celebrate!
Bonnie Raitt is a singer, guitarist and songwriter who incorporates elements of rock, folk & country. She’s known for playing acoustic guitar, and electric guitar with a glass slide.
Nancy Wilson is a musician, singer, songwriter, producer and film composer who rose to fame alongside her sister Ann in the rock band Heart, the first rock band fronted by women.
Joni Mitchell is a Canadian-American singer, songwriter and guitarist who draws her inspiration from the 60’s folk scene, pop, rock, classical and jazz music.
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about these fantastic guitarists, click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!
Playing solos on your guitar can be challenging, but when you understand the basic concepts*(below) of navigating the fretboard you’ll be on your way – and who knows, maybe you’ll be the next Jimi Hendrix!
Play on…
Marlene
Basic Concepts:
1. Know your Fretboard
2.Learn the notes in chords
3.Improve finger dexterity
4.Learn scales
*To hear more information about starting to solo on your guitar, listen to my newest podcast!
Try these 5 acoustic rock* songs, they’re familiar, nostalgic and easy to play:
1. Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison
2. Free Fallin’ by Tom Petty
3. A Horse with No Name by America
4. Take It Easy by The Eagles
5. Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd
Get rockin’ on your acoustic guitar!
Play on…
Marlene
*To hear about the history of all 5 songs and my playing recommendations, listen to my newest podcast!
An amplifier* is a cool way to increase your acoustic guitar’s sound volume and you’ll need these 3 things:
1. A pick up system for your guitar
2. A guitar cable
3. An amplifier
Now that’s sound advice!
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn about amplifying your acoustic guitar, listen to my newest podcast!
Here’s 3 heartfelt songs* to play for your special someone!
1. Let My Love Open the Door (Peter Townsend)
2. Have I Told You Lately That I Love You (Van Morrison/Rod Stewart)
3. Love Me Tender (Elvis Presley)
Play on…
XOXO
Marlene
*To learn more about these 3 love songs, listen to my newest podcast!
Practice is the key to guitar playing growth and success. Follow these 5 simple steps* to make the most of your practice time:
1. Tune your guitar
2. Stretch/warm up
3. Play an easy, schmeasy song
4. Play songs/skills that are a little more challenging
5. Then play the most challenging songs/skills
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more details about maximizing your practice time, listen to my newest podcast!
Setting a practice routine will help you become a better player. Just follow these simple steps* to develop your routine and before you know it, it will be a habit!
1. Set a day, time and frequency
2. Set the amount of time
3. Decide on a start date
4. Map out a practice plan
5. Try it out for 30 days
6. After 30 days, assess and adjust
Play on…
Marlene
Guitar Courses/Coaching Now Available!
Learn to Play Guitar in a Day! course
Unlimited Lesson, Classes & Courses
Coaching
*To learn how to set up your practice routine, click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!
Here’s how you can boost your guitar resolution success:
1. Keep your goal simple and specific
2. Be realistic about your time frame, give yourself plenty of time.
3. And here’s the ‘secret sauce’ ~ after 1 month review your plan and progress to adjust as necessary.
And remember, you have the entire year to reach your goal!
Play on…
Marlene
*To hear a more detailed description of these simple steps listen to this week’s podcast episode by clicking here!
Brrr, winter is in here! As the temperatures dip, the heat goes on, and the air gets dry. Our guitars need a consistent environment of 74-76ºF and 45-55% relative humidity. To maintain those conditions use a hygrometer, and then make temperature/humidity adjustments as needed*.
Play on…
Marlene
*To hear more about how the cold weather affects your guitar and how to safeguard your instrument listen to my newest podcast!