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Thursday Tip

Thursday Tip

Got Calluses? How to Build & Maintain Fingertip Calluses

For us guitar players, callused fingertips are normal and important. They can be a bit painful to acquire though, but worth it. Here’s a few tips* to help toughen your skin and build up those precious calluses:
1. Play guitar regularly (everyday is ideal)
2. Play shorter, more frequent sessions (i.e. 5-10 minutes, 3x/day)
3. Use lighter gauged strings or nylon strings
4. Be patient, it takes time!
5. Check out these soreness relieving ideas to help you as you build your calluses
Play on…
Marlene

*To learn more details about building calluses, as well callus maintenance, listen to my the newest episode by clicking here!

 

 

 

 

2021-07-06T16:07:21-07:00July 8th, 2021|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: |

3 Festive Songs to Play on 4th of July!

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!

 

 

 

 

2021-06-29T15:17:20-07:00July 1st, 2021|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , |

Songwriting Tips & More From Laura B. Whitmore!

Laura, a music industry pro and accomplished singer/songwriter, shares her music inspirations, performing experiences and singer/songwriter advice in this week’s podcast*, such as:
Go to open mics
Network
Continuously learn
Play on…
Marlene

*To hear more of Laura’s tips and advice, listen to my Guitar Friends Interview with Laura Whitmore!

 

 

 

 

2021-06-23T12:35:29-07:00June 24th, 2021|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , |

Songs to Play on Father’s Day!

As you know by now, I love to run with a good theme! Here are some songs* to play on Sunday for, or in honor of, your father: 
1. My Old Man by Zac Brown Band  video   chords
2. Song For Dad by Keith Urban   video   chords
3. Cat’s in the Cradle by Harry Chapin   video   chords
Happy Fathers Day!
Play on…
Marlene

*To hear about the writers’ inspirations and playing/rhythm suggestions for each song, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 68!

 

 

 

 

2021-06-15T14:31:23-07:00June 17th, 2021|Categories: Thursday Tip, Uncategorized|Tags: |

How to Easily Record Your Guitar Playing

Recording your guitar playing can be a useful tool for skill improvement (and to share your music), plus it’s super easy to do with your cell phone, tablet or computer*. Here’s some tips for recording: 
1. Set up your recording location, preferably indoors (less auxiliary sounds)
For video, be sure you have good lighting too
2. Needs: Your device with a built-in microphone and camera
3. Do a sound check
4. Record
It’s a great way, to hear (and see) how you play!
Play on…
Marlene

*To hear more specifics about recording on your device, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 67!

 

 

 

 

2021-06-10T09:27:17-07:00June 10th, 2021|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , , |

5 Simple Steps to Songwriting

Do you have a song idea? Then these 5 simple steps* can help you to begin creating and developing an idea and turning it into a song.
1. Start with a concept, idea or theme
2. Develop the idea into lyrics and a tune using a basic song structure.
3. Write everything down, record it too!
4. Enhance and embellish your song
5. Get feedback from others & refine if needed
Then before you know it, you’ll have a song!
Play on…
Marlene

*To hear detailed descriptions of each step, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 66!

 

 

 

 

2021-06-02T08:56:10-07:00June 3rd, 2021|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: |

How to Host a Jam Session

A jam session* is a great reason to get back together with your guitar friends, especially now that things have opened up. Here’s a few tips for hosting:
~Choose a day, time & location
~Invite your guitar friends
~Sustenance is important! 
~Ask your ‘jammers’ to bring copies of at least 2 songs they like, that everyone can play together.
~Have fun jamming! 
Play on…
Marlene

*To hear about my jam session experiences and more hosting advice, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 65!

 

 

 

 

2021-05-26T16:30:44-07:00May 27th, 2021|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , , |

Taking Flight With Your Guitar!

Now that air travel seems more possible, I wanted to remind you that your guitar can go with you! And here’s how*:
1. It can be your carry-on luggage**
2. Use a gig bag or hard shell case for travel
3. Loosen your strings 1/2 turn each prior to flying 
4. Your guitar goes through security, like any other luggage
5. It’s allowed to be placed in the overhead compartment.
Up, up and away!
Play on…
Marlene
P.S. If you check your guitar rather than taking it onboard as a carry-on, use a hard case and mark it fragile for better protection.

*To learn my useful guitar air travel tricks & hints, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 64!
**Flying with Guitar FAA Rules

 

 

 

 

2021-05-18T11:46:57-07:00May 20th, 2021|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , , |

Spring Cleaning Your Guitar!

Spring’s in full swing and it’s a great time to clean your guitar*. There are 5 simple steps: 
1. Remove your strings
2. Wipe down your entire guitar to remove dust
3. Oil the fretboard, using mineral oil and a soft cloth
4. Polish the guitar body, head and back of neck, using guitar polish & a soft cloth
5. Replace your strings

Cleaning your guitar might even put a little ‘spring’ in your playing!
Play on…
Marlene

*To learn how to oil and polish your guitar, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 63!

 

 

 

 

2021-05-10T10:05:33-07:00May 13th, 2021|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: |

Mindfulness While Playing Guitar

Guitar playing is a mindful ~ present moment awareness ~ activity. Additionally, you can use mindfulness techniques*, like deep breathing while learning new skills, to help you gain playing abilities and muscle memories. Mindfulness can be instrumental to your playing!  
Play on…
Marlene

*To hear examples of simple mindful guitar playing techniques, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 62!

 

 

 

 

2021-05-05T09:55:37-07:00May 6th, 2021|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , , , , , , , , |
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