Easy Traditional Irish Songs to Play on Guitar for St Patty's Day! ➡️ CLICK HERE ⬅️
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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: , , , , , |

7 ‘No-Slip’ Guitar Pick Tricks!

If your pick is going rogue on you, try these 7 no-slip guitar pick tricks*:
1. Glue a tiny piece of light gauge sandpaper on the pick grip area
2. Hole punch a hole in the pick grip area
3. Scratch the grip surface with a knife
4. Place medical tape on the pick grip area
5. Use double stick tape on the pick grip area
6. Use a non-slip guitar pick
7. Use a moisture triggered grip type of pick
These ideas might just help you to ~ get a grip!
Play on…
Marlene

*To learn more about these no-slip pick tricks and bonus tricks, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 25!

2020-08-20T08:08:24-07:00August 20th, 2020|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , , , , , , |

How Temperature & Humidity Can Affect a Guitar

74-76°F and 45-55% humidity is ideal for a guitar. To achieve the ideal environment* for your guitar, use a humidifier (in the case or room).  You might also want to use a humidity/temperature gauge, and it’s useful to know the weather conditions in your location.  Help your guitar to weather the weather!
Play on…
Marlene

*To learn more about the ideal environment and easy solutions to protect your guitar, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 20!

2020-07-14T08:09:25-07:00July 16th, 2020|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , , , , , |

Effective Skill Improvement Ideas

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, listen to my podcast ~ episode 15!

2020-06-10T08:11:02-07:00June 11th, 2020|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , , , , |

How To Sing Along While Playing Your Guitar

Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced guitarist, adding the lyrics and tune to a new song can be a challenge. Try these 5 steps to help you successfully sing along!
1. Listen to the song when not playing your guitar (i.e. while cooking, driving, etc.)
2. Gain your song playing skills. Play just the music (no singing) frequently.
3. Hum the tune while playing the song, and even picture the lyrics as you’re humming.
4. Add in the lyrics, try 1 line at a time (note: if this step is a little wonky, go to step 5)
5. ‘Jam’ along with the original artist, let them do the singing, then repeat step 4.
Play on…
Marlene

*To learn more about singing along with your songs, listen to my podcast ~ episode 13!

2020-05-27T08:17:38-07:00May 28th, 2020|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , , , |

How To Play Rhythm With A Flat Pick

Play your guitar rhythm using a flat pick to experience the difference between finger style playing and using a pick. Start out by playing strum patterns and then songs with strumming. You’ll definitely hear a bigger sound volume and a tinnier sound*. It’s a great way to ‘pick’ your rhythm preferences! 
Play on…
Marlene

* If you want to hear more details about How To Play Using A Flat Pick, listen to my podcast ~ episode 11!

2020-05-13T18:28:10-07:00May 14th, 2020|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: , , , , , |
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