Thursday Tip
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
What does it mean to ‘play by ear’? Basically the phrase “playing by ear” refers to the phenomenon that a person can play music without needing to rely on musical sheets and notes – and it can be learned*, so 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!
Slash chords* (not named after Slash of Guns ‘n’ Roses fame) are chords with an added base note and typically look something like C/D. Which is described as C chord, slash, D in the bass and is played like this:
Another example:
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about slash chords and how to play them, listen to this week’s podcast episode!
Playing basic chord progressions can help with song understanding and development, plus they can help your chord changing abilities. Here are a few common chord progressions* to learn, play and master!
3 Chords:
A D E – C F G – D G A – G C D
4 Chords:
A D E D – C F G C – D G A D – E A B E
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about chord progressions and to play them with me, listen to this week’s podcast episode!
Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced guitarist, adding the lyrics and tune to a new song can be a challenge. Try these 5 steps to help you successfully sing along!
1. Listen to the song when not playing your guitar (i.e. while cooking, driving, etc.)
2. Gain your song playing skills. Play just the music (no singing) frequently.
3. Hum the tune while playing the song, and even picture the lyrics as you’re humming.
4. Add in the lyrics, try 1 line at a time (note: if this step is a little wonky, go to step 5)
5. ‘Jam’ along with the original artist, let them do the singing, then repeat step 4.
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about these 5 steps, listen to my the newest episode by clicking here!
There are so many great patriotic songs that you can play on July 4th, or any other time for that matter. Here are 3 songs* that are festive and fun!
America the Beautiful chords
You’re a Grand Old Flag chords
Living in America chords
Play on…
Marlene
P.S. If you’re looking for more patriotic songs to play, check out past tips for July 2018 July 2019 July 2020
*To learn more about each song’s history and inspiration, as well as playing suggestions, listen to my the newest episode by clicking here!
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