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Guitar Posture Makes a Difference!

Guitar posture* is basically your body frame while holding and playing the guitar. As we play, and without even realizing it, we might adjust our posture, for example, to make it easier to see the neck. That adjustment can make it harder to finger chords or play rhythms.  So for good guitar posture:
1. Check your posture before you start playing
2. Re-check your posture mid way through the song
3. If having trouble with a skill, check your posture
4. Play in front of a mirror to watch your posture in action
5. Video record yourself playing to watch your posture in action
Play on…
Marlene

*To hear more details about good guitar posture, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 46!

 

 

 

 

2021-01-11T11:50:18-08:00January 14th, 2021|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , , , , , , |

Maximize Your Guitar Practice Time

Practice is the key to guitar playing growth and success. These recommended steps* can help you to make the most of your practice time:
1. Tune your guitar
2. Stretch/warm up
3. Play an easy, schmeasy song
4. Play songs/skills that are a little more challenging
5. Then play the most challenging songs/skills 
Play on…
Marlene

*To learn more about maximizing your practice time, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 45!

 

 

 

 

2021-01-06T14:22:00-08:00January 7th, 2021|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , , , , , , , |

How to Play Tablature with Jingle Bells!

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!

 

 

 

2020-12-03T07:51:46-08:00December 3rd, 2020|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , , , |

In-Store Guitar Shopping During COVID

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!

 

 

2020-11-05T08:48:10-08:00November 5th, 2020|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , , , , , , , , |

Understanding Acoustic Guitar Body Shapes & Sizes

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!

 

 

2020-10-21T18:26:43-07:00October 22nd, 2020|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , , , , , , , |

How to Practice with a Metronome

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!

 

 

2020-10-14T09:31:47-07:00October 15th, 2020|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , , , , , , , |

How to Play Bar Chords

A bar chord* (sometimes spelled barre) is a guitar chord that is played using one finger to cover multiple strings in one fret. To play them, ‘bar’ a fret, then play a chord shape forward of that fret. For example, the F bar chord is played by barring fret 1 and an E chord shape. And, the entire shape can move to another fret to create a new bar chord like F#, G, G#, A ~ you can go far with a bar!
Play on…
Marlene

*To hear more about how to play bar chords listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 30!

 

2020-09-23T18:23:11-07:00September 24th, 2020|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , , , , |

What’s a Guitar Playing ‘Second Wind’?

You grab your guitar, start to play, make bloopers, and then after playing for say 20, 30 or 40 minutes you’re in your playing groove ~ your guitar playing ‘second wind’*, and that’s when you usually make the most progress. So keep on playing to reach your second wind! 
Play on…
Marlene

*You can learn about Gene Smith’s guitar playing second wind and more in my Guitar Friends Interview listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 28!

2020-09-10T13:23:14-07:00September 10th, 2020|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , , , , |

How’s Your Practice Routine Going?

Setting a practice routine* (and sticking to it) can help you to establish a guitar playing habit, which will ultimately lead to better playing and more guitar fun. Here’s a review of the 6 steps to setting a practice routine that I suggested back in April ~ sometimes we just need a little reminder!
1.  Set a day, time and frequency
2. Set the amount of time
3. Decide when to start
4. Map out a practice plan
5. Try it out for 30 days
6. After 30 days, assess and adjust
Play on…
Marlene

*To review more about setting a practice routine listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 27!

2020-09-02T10:47:54-07:00September 3rd, 2020|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , , , , |

5 Ways to Play the F Chord

The F chord can be a bit of a challenge to play, but you’ll find it in many songs, it just can’t be avoided. So here are 5 different ways to play the F chord*. Some are easier than others, but try them all and you be the judge. Then before you know it, F will be your ‘friend’!
Play on…
Marlene

P.S. I recommend the first one!

*To learn how to play each of these F chord shapes and some tricks to achieve F Chord success  listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 26!

2020-08-25T06:26:52-07:00August 27th, 2020|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , , , , , |

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