Thursday Tip
Travel during 2020 has changed and many people are taking to the road ~ so take your guitar too! If you follow my recommended guitar travel tips* your instrument will be in good shape and ready to be played when you reach your destination. In the words of Willie Nelson, ‘On The Road Again‘!
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn about my 8 guitar travel tips, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 23!
We all have a musical style* and knowing your style can help you zone in on the song choices and skill improvements that motivate and inspire you. Consider these categories:
Basic Guitar Descriptions
1. Rhythm Guitarist
2. Lead Guitarist
3. Finger Style Guitarist
Guitar Playing Characteristics
1. The Performer
2. A Reflective Player
3. Sing-Along Musician
4. Rock/Blues/Jazz (Vibe) Player
5. Classical
And of course, consider your song influences…like what’s on your playlist?
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about the music style descriptions and characteristics, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 22!
After you’ve learned to play A, E, D, C & G, the next 5 chords I recommend that you learn are Am, Em, A7, E7 & G7*. They’re fairly easy to play and you’ll likely find them in quite a few songs ~ like Jolene by Dolly Parton. Learning more chords is ‘A minor’ detail!
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about these chords and to hear how they sound, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 21!
74-76°F and 45-55% humidity is ideal for a guitar. To achieve the ideal environment* for your guitar, use a humidifier (in the case or room). You might also want to use a humidity/temperature gauge, and it’s useful to know the weather conditions in your location. Help your guitar to weather the weather!
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about the ideal environment and easy solutions to protect your guitar, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 20!
Being prepared for your guitar necessities and those pesky guitar emergencies is vital. During our current stay-at-home downtime, it’s the perfect time to assess your preparedness. Here’s a list of the 6 items* I recommend you have in your case ~ just in case!
1. Set of Strings
2. Guitar tuner
3. Capo
4. Flat picks
5. Nail trimmers
6. Cleaning cloth
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about these 6 essential items and 3 bonus items, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 19!
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 keep the beat!
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about rhythm, time signatures and various tempo examples , listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 18!
Would you like to feel less stressed and boost your brain power at the same time? Well good news, you can. Scientists have proven* that playing an instrument is like a ‘full body workout for the brain’. So for less stress and stronger gray matter ~ play guitar as often as possible!
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about the science behind how playing guitar affects the brain, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 17!
Chord progressions are used to build songs, and there are many chord progression patterns, but learning a few basic ones will help you to understand songs AND your playing abilities will improve. 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 my podcast ~ episode 16!
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, listen to my podcast ~ episode 15!
There are 5 basic chords you should know how to play; A, E, D, C & G. These chords are commonly found in many songs and in combinations like A, D & E and G, C & D. Once you have the basics down you can expand your chord repertoire with 7ths, minors, etc. The basic 5, helps you to thrive!
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about playing these 5 basic chords, listen to my podcast ~ episode 14!