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Thursday Tip

Thursday Tip

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: |

Guitar Friends Interview, Tips From Tim Godwin

I recently chatted with my friend Tim Godwin*, Director of Artist & Entertainment Relations at Taylor Guitars. He started playing guitar when he was 9 years old, he’s been a touring musician and is now helping musicians get their start. Here’s 3 (of the many) take-away’s from our interview:
If you want to be a performer…
1. You have to get out there and perform
2. Network, network, network!
3. Use social media to share your music
Thank you Tim!
Play on…
Marlene

*To hear the entire interview, Tim’s cool stories, and his sage advice listen to my newest podcast episode by clicking here!

 

 

2021-08-03T11:52:27-07:00August 5th, 2021|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , |

What’s Guitar Action?

The action, or set up, on a guitar is basically the height of the strings over the fretboard. It’s a key component to the ease and playability of your guitar, and it can change over time. It’s helpful to learn about guitar action (high and low), how it can change, and which is best for your playing style. 
Play on…
Marlene

*To gain a better understanding of guitar action and it’s affects on playing listen to my newest podcast episode by clicking here!

Acoustic Steel String Guitar
Typical Action Chart
low action         medium action    high action
low E  high E    low E   high E      low E   high E
0.11″   0.08″      0.125″  0.095″    0.155″  0.125″
Luthier Information Website

 

2021-07-29T07:46:47-07:00July 29th, 2021|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: |

Olympics Themed Songs!

The 2021 Summer Olympics begin this Friday, July 23rd in Tokyo, Japan, so I thought it would be the perfect time for you to ‘go for the gold’ with your music by playing these ‘thrill of victory’ themed songs*!
1. One Moment in Time
2. Bugler’s Dream
Play on…
Marlene

*To learn about the inspiration, history and playing recommendations for these songs listen to my newest podcast episode by clicking here!

 

 

 

 

2021-07-22T07:36:26-07:00July 22nd, 2021|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , |

10 Tips to Help Alleviate Performance Anxiety

Have you ever felt uneasy or anxious about performing? These 10 tips can help you overcome those feelings and enjoy your performance!
1. Be prepared
2. Limit caffeine/sugar
3. Focus on the fun
4. Visualize your success
5. Avoid negative thoughts
6. Connect with your audience
7. Be yourself
8. Dress/look your best
9. Walk, jump, shake out your muscles
10. Practice deep breathing, meditation, yoga
Play on…
Marlene

*To learn more details about these 10 tips and other tricks of the trade, listen to my newest podcast episode by clicking here!

 

 

 

 

2021-07-15T09:29:38-07:00July 15th, 2021|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: |
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