Easy Traditional Irish Songs to Play on Guitar for St Patty's Day! ➡️ CLICK HERE ⬅️
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How to Find the Best Video Lessons for You!

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!

 

 

 

 

2021-02-17T08:57:28-08:00February 18th, 2021|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |

3 Music Resources For Guitar Players

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!

 

 

 

 

2021-02-10T10:37:00-08:00February 11th, 2021|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |

More About Guitar Tabs ~ Notations & Symbols

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!

 

 

 

 

2021-02-03T15:48:07-08:00February 4th, 2021|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , , , , , , , , |

7 Simple Steps to Memorize a Song

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!

 

 

 

 

2021-01-27T17:53:34-08:00January 28th, 2021|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , , , , , , , |

2021 Guitar Playing Goals

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!

 

 

 

 

2021-01-20T10:17:03-08:00January 21st, 2021|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , , , , , , |

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: , , , , , , , |
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