Thursday Tip
Learn about your instrument by touring a guitar factory. In honor of April’s International Guitar Month I thought it would be fun to ‘take’ you on some guitar factory tours that highlight the various methods and processes used in guitar construction. Let’s start with the Taylor Guitars factory tour. Enjoy being a tourist!
Play on…
Marlene
Explore new guitar chords using the internet. For example; this ChordBook site allows you to ‘build’ a chord, like the Em (E minor), by clicking on the E, then click min (minor), and bonus, click on the pick to hear the chord sound (be sure your speaker is on). Expand a-chord-ingly!
Play on…
Marlene
Yes it’s true, no kidding, you can play many songs using just 3 chords. Here’s a cool website to help you get your fingers (ha, ha) on some 3 chord guitar songs ~ you can’t go wrong, with a 3 chord song!
Play on…
Marlene
Add some Irish flavor to your music. You can use the internet to find skills related to holidays and events, for instance; in honor of St. Patty’s Day try these cool Irish rhythm and lead guitar skills. Irish guitar playing, can you ‘jig’ it?!
Play on…
Marlene
Use YouTube tutorials to learn specific songs. Simply look for a song title, include the word tutorial or lesson, and voilá someone will show you their interpretation of how to play the song. Here’s one in honor of International Women’s Day (today)!
Play on…
Marlene
Record your practice sessions. It’s a valuable tool and here’s why; 8 Reasons To Record Your Guitar Practice. Try it! As mentioned at the end of the article, record and listen for one week. Your guitar playing will improve in record(ed) time!
Play on…
Marlene
Set aside special time a few days per week to play your guitar. Try this; print this February calendar, then schedule realistic times to practice for the remainder of the month. Place this calendar in a prominent place (it serves as a reminder to practice), then at the end of the month notice whether you’ve practiced more. Loving to practice can be routine!
Play on…
Marlene
Playing fast is easier when you slow things down. As explained here by Acoustic Guitar’s Paul Mehling, your practice tempo, and the word ‘aluminum’, take on a new meaning. So play faster, slowly!
Play on…
Marlene
Ever wonder how to use a metronome when practicing? One way (see below) can help you increase your chord changing abilities.
1. You’ll need a metronome, like this one found online.
2. Start at 50 bpm (beats per minute) and strum down 1 time for each ‘click’.
3. Add in chord changes. Once you can transition cleanly between 2 chords, without a pause, then speed it up by 5 bpm each time until you reach 80 bpm.
Love the rhythm, feel the beat!
Play on…
Marlene
Learn how to change your own guitar strings. Changing the strings on your own guitar might seem a little intimidating, but it’s really pretty simple as seen here. So grab your strings and give it a go!
Play on…
Marlene