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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
A song has two parts, a musical sound and a beat. The latter includes rhythm, the count of a song, like 4/4 time, and tempo, how fast or slow you play a song. Understanding rhythm and tempo* can help you choose your song’s strumming or picking patterns and stylings ~ so you can keep the beat!
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about rhythm, time signatures and various tempo examples , listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 18!