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!
Tension* is good for some things, like our strings. But when our body and mind holds onto tension it can restrict muscle and tendon movements, and it can affect remembering skills like chord placements or rhythm patterns. Noticing and relieving any underlying tension can make you a better guitarist.
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about tension’s affect on your playing & how to notice and relieve tension, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 56!
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!
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!