Thursday Tip
Expand your holiday repertoire with these holiday favorites*, Feliz Navidad by Jose Feliciano and We Wish You a Merry Christmas a traditional 19th century English song. Also, try sharing your music (live or virtually) with family and friends ~ ‘Tis the season to make music, fa la la la la la la la la!’
Play on…
Marlene
*To hear the songs and get some rhythm pattern ideas for each, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 41!
Tablature* can add an interesting and fun skill to your playing abilities. And though it might seem complicated at first, once you learn the basics and try it out, it gets easier. Try this Jingle Bells tab (below) to prep for your holiday ‘gig’!
Play on…
Marlene
*To hear more about how to play tablature with the song Jingle Bells and to play along, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 40!
Brrr, fall is in here, winter is on it’s way! As the temperatures dip, the heat goes on, and the air gets dry. Our guitars need a static environment of 74-76ºF and 45-55% relative humidity. To maintain those conditions use a hygrometer, and then make temperature/humidity improvements as needed*.
Play on…
Marlene
*To hear more about how a hygrometer works and humidity systems listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 39!
Seasons and holidays are a great time to share your guitar music, so I thought you might like to try these songs:
Over the River and Through the Woods* (traditional)
Thanksgiving Prayer, Johnny Cash
Sweet Potato Pie, James Taylor
Thanksgiving Song, Mary Chapin Carpenter
Harvest Moon, Neil Young
The Thanksgiving Song, Adam Sandler (kind of a goofy song!)
Happy Thanksgiving!
Play on…
Marlene
*To hear how to play Over the River and Through the Woods 5 different ways listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 38!
Ever wonder what the difference is between nylon string and steel string guitars ~ besides the strings? Well don’t fret (ha, ha), I’ve got you covered, here’s a quick comparison*:
Nylon String Guitars
Strings are easier on your fingers, the headstock is slotted (cut out) for the strings, the neck has no truss rod and no guide markers, there are very little size and shape variations, the strings are looped or tied to the bridge, well suited for Classical or Flamenco music but all music can be played.
Steel String Guitars
The strings are harder on your fingers, the headstock string posts are attached from the top. the neck has a truss rod and guide markers, there are many shapes and sizes, a pin bridge is used to attach the strings, well suited for rock, country, jazz, blues, etc.
Play on…
Marlene
*To gain a better understanding about both nylon string and steel string guitars listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 37!
Playing a prospective guitar before making a purchase can be helpful. The in-store shopping experience is a little different right now, but still very accessible and fun! Here’s what you can expect*:
• Masks are required to be worn by both you and the store’s staff
• Stores take employee temperatures before their shifts
• Capacity limitations, so be patient if there’s a line to get in
• Hand sanitizer is available
• Instruments, equipment, etc., are wiped down after each use
• And more!
Play on…
Marlene
*To hear more about the COVID safety measures at Guitar Center stores and advice about shopping for a guitar listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 36!
With so many great guitars out there, choosing and purchasing the best one for you can be a little overwhelming. These 3 simple steps*
1. Budget: Know your budget & stick to it
2. Feel: How does it feel to hold & play?
3. Sound: Do you like the sound?
are an easy and fun way to narrow the field and ultimately choose your ‘Goldilocks guitar’ ~ the one that’s just right for you!
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more details about the 3 Simple Steps to Choosing the Best Guitar for You listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 35!
Guitars are not a ‘one size fits all’ instrument. There are various guitar shapes and sizes* from small (Mini) to large (Jumbo) and everything in between. Understanding the differences can help you find the best one for you and your playing style. Here’s a list so you can size things up!
Classical
Dreadnought
Concert
Grand Concert
Orchestra/Grand Auditorium
Jumbo
Mini & Travelers
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about guitar shapes, sizes, and playing style applications listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 34!
Using a metronome* while playing can be helpful in many ways, like keeping your song tempo consistent and improving chord changes, notes and rhythm patterns. Try using this one (video) or download the free Pro Metronome app on your device. Start out by changing simple chords on the tick sound, at a slow tempo, then faster tempos. As you become more comfortable with the concept, then move on to songs, rhythms patterns, etc. Timing is everything!
Play on…
Marlene
*To hear more about using a metronome, and other cool guitar info and insights, listen to my newest podcast, Guitar Friends interview with Preston Huber ~ episode 33!
Playing scales on your guitar is fairly basic once you understand the interval patterns. The Major Scale pattern is W, W, H, W, W, W, H (W= Whole step, H= Half Step), so the notes for a C Major Scale* are C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C. Give it a try and soon you’ll be scaling your guitar!
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about the C Major Scale and hear a detailed description of how to play the scale listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 32!
