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Thursday Tip

Thursday Tip

Acoustic Guitar vs Electric Guitar

It’s good to understand various types of guitars, for example acoustic and electric guitars*. They have similarities and differences, 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, differences and comparisons, listen to my newest podcast episode by clicking here!

      

 

 

 

2021-10-05T11:21:20-07:00October 7th, 2021|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: |

Learn How to Play the D Scale

The D scale* is one of the next scales you should learn, after the C scale & G scales. The notes are, D, E, F#, G, A, B, C# & D, which is the major scale interval pattern W, W, H, W, W, W, H. Scaling the guitar neck will do you good! 
Play on…
Marlene

*To learn how to play the D scale on your guitar, listen to my newest podcast episode by clicking here!

      

 

 

 

2021-09-29T10:20:55-07:00September 30th, 2021|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: |

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: , |
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