Thursday Tip
Jimmy Buffett, one of the most talented performers of kick back music, passed away on September 1st. In his honor, I thought it appropriate to share how to play this Parrothead anthem Margaritaville*!
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn about the song’s inspiration and how to play it with just 3 chords, click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!
Get ready to take your guitar playing to the next level because master guitarist John Knowles, CGP, shares his expertise, knowledge and his many tips for guitar playing improvement such as:
Sing while you play
Everything is on the guitar more than once (i.e. E chord)
Train yourself to barely clear the strings (chord changing)
‘Arrive’ at your chords, stay loose
And so much more – you won’t want to miss this one!
To hear John’s words of wisdom click here to listen to the podcast and check out my YouTube channel to see John’s videos!
Play on…
Marlene
Both instruments are wonderful but how do you know which one is better for you? That’s simple, learn about both instruments before you decide, like these basic facts:
Similarities: stringed instruments, general construction (body, neck, head), fretted, can play notes or chords
Differences: Size, guitar is up to 40″ while ukuleles are 11-24″, guitar sound is bigger, ukulele sound is lighter, tuning (guitar E, A, D, G, B, E, ukulele G, C, E, A).
To learn more about the similarities & differences of guitars and ukuleles, click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!
Play on…
Marlene
There are so many great country songs and here’s 3 I think you’ll enjoy playing!
I Walk the Line Johnny Cash
Jolene Dolly Parton
The Gambler Kenny Rogers
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about these songs and how to play them, click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!
You definitely need to play well with others to have a successful guitar jam session*!
Here’s a few ideas and suggestions to help you get started:
~Choose a day, time & location
~Invite your guitar friends
~Set up, chairs, stands, etc.
~Sustenance is important!
~’Jammers’ can bring copies of songs to share
~Most importantly, have fun!
Play on…
Marlene
*To hear about jam sessions suggestions, including do’s and don’ts, listen to my newest podcast!
Have you ever been ready to tune your guitar and realize you don’t have your tuner? It might make you feel a little anxious, but don’t fret (ha,ha), you just need to know how to use a method called Relative Tuning* and it’s relatively easy to do!
Play on…
Marlene
Proud Member of NAMM
*If you’d like to know how to tune your guitar using Relative Tuning click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!
BTW…you can support Marlene’s Music and my podcast show when you purchase your guitars and gear at
Thank you for your support!
Well, I guess this tip could be called Christmas (Songs) in July!
It’s never too early to prepare your holiday music, especially the more challenging songs like this instrumental version of Carol of the Bells*, which may take you a little time to have ready for the holidays – thus, Christmas in July!
Play on…
Marlene
Proud Member of NAMM
*If you’d like to know about Carol of the Bells and learn how to play this tab click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!
P.S. Here’s some other Christmas song episodes to re-visit too!
12/3/20 Jingle Bells
12/2/21 12 Days of Christmas
12/8/22 Jingle Bell Rock, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
& Run Rudolph Run
12/15/22 Oh Holy Night, The First Noel & Away in a Manger
Expanding your song repertoire is fun to do and here’s cool ones to try:
House of the Rising Sun by The Animals
The Chain by Fleetwood Mac
Every Rose Has It’s Thorn by Poison
Play on…
Marlene
*To hear the story behind these songs and my playing recommendations, click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!
A metronome* can help with one of the most important musical parts – rhythm – and it’s not super hard to use. Just try these steps!
1 Set the bpm at 80 and tap your foot to the click
2 Next ‘air strum’ your strings to the click
3 Now mute the strings on the neck and strum the strings to the click
Do this 1-2 minutes each time you play and before you know it your rhythm will improve!
Play on…
Marlene
Proud Member of NAMM
*If you’d like to learn more about metronomes and play along with me click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!
Metronome app (above left), Metronome/tuner (above right), Metronome with swinging arm (far left)
Here’s 3 different songs you can play with just 3 chords, A, D & E!
1 Glory Days by Bruce Springsteen chords
2 Stir It Up by Bob Marley & the Wailers chords
3 Hound Dog by Elvis Presley chords
Play on…
Marlene
Proud Member of NAMM
*To learn more about these 3 songs, plus playing recommendations click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!