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, click here to listen to this episode!
Guitar playing is a mindful ~ present moment awareness ~ activity. Additionally, you can use mindfulness techniques*, like deep breathing while learning new skills, to help you gain playing abilities and muscle memories. Mindfulness can be instrumental to your playing!
Play on…
Marlene
*To hear examples of simple mindful guitar playing techniques, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 62!
Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day (3/17) ~ learn to play an Irish jig!
1. Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral (That’s An Irish Lullaby) video/audio guitar chords & lyrics
2. The Galway Girl video/audio guitar chords & lyrics
3. Irish rhythm patterns strumming & scales/notes
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Play on…
Marlene
*To hear about the history of these songs and more Irish song inspirations listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 54!
Song inspiration* can some from numerous sources, like the ideas listed below:
1. Your play list
2. Store/restaurant music
3. Radio
4. Concerts
5. Holidays, seasons, special occasions
6. Out of the blue
And, I recommend you write down the song title when the inspiration hits you!
Play on…
Marlene
*To hear details about these 6 ideas listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 53!
There are several strumming patterns you can play on your guitar, Calypso (well, that’s what I call it!) is one of my favorites and the cool thing is it’s adaptable to just about any song. It’s a great strum to have in your guitar playing bag of tricks!
Here’s the pattern:
down ↓ , down ↓ , up ↑, pause, up ↑ , down ↓ , up ↑*
Play on…
Marlene
*To hear examples of the strum and tips to gain muscle memory for this pattern listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 52!
Virtual guitar lessons are popular, especially right now, but how do you know which ones will best meet your individual needs? Use these 7 steps to help vet your choices:
1. Who’s teaching?
2. What’s the delivery format?
3. What are the content levels?
4. How long are the lessons?
5. How are the lessons structured?
6. Are there lesson categories?
7. What is the cost?
I hope that helps!
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more details about these 7 steps listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 51!
If you’ve ever been inspired to play a song, but didn’t know where to find the music*, then check out these 3 easy music resources:
1. Tab Websites
2. Sheet Music
3. Guitar Song Books
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about tab sites, sheet music and guitar song books listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 50!
Understanding tab notations and symbols* beyond the fret numbers can be helpful. Here are some common notations:
1. x = mute
2. b = bend
3. h = hammer on
4. p = pull off
5. / \ = slides
6. ~~~ = vibrato
7. * = repeat
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about these notations and how to play them listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 49!
Memorizing an entire song* can be useful and these 7 steps can make it easy to memorize a song.
1. Choose a song you like
2. Listen to the song
3. Find the music
4. Practice the song
5. Play along with the song
6. Play using the lyrics only
7. Play sans music
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about how to memorize an entire song using these 7 simple steps listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 48!
We’re a few weeks into 2021, so it’s a good time to check in with your guitar playing goals*. If they’re set, awesome. If not, don’t fret (ha, ha), just take a few minutes and write down at least one thing you’d like to try or accomplish in your guitar journey this year.
Play on…
Marlene
*To get inspired, you might like to listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 47, a Guitar Friends Interview. My guest shares her 2021 guitar goals and more!