podcast Archives - Page 3 of 3

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!

Marlene Hutchinson2020-09-02T10:47:54-07:00September 3rd, 2020|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: #guitartips, #practice routine, guitar, podcast, Tips|

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!

Marlene Hutchinson2020-08-25T06:26:52-07:00August 27th, 2020|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: #FChord, #howto, #music, guitar, podcast, Tips|

How to Use a Capo

A capo* (kay-po) is a device that clamps onto the guitar neck covering the strings to change the key of a song. To use a capo you simply place it over the strings on a fret and clamp it down. When using a capo, the fret bar in front of the capo becomes the ‘nut’, so the first fret is the fret forward of the capo and so forth. You can play any chords, but the sound will be a different key which might fit your voice better. It’s the key to change!
Play on…
Marlene

*To learn more about How to Use a Capo, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 24!

Marlene Hutchinson2020-08-12T08:39:39-07:00August 13th, 2020|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: #guitar tip, capo, guitar capo, how to use a capo, podcast, Tips|

Road Trip During COVID 19? Take Your Guitar!

Travel during 2020 has changed and many people are taking to the road ~ so take your guitar too! If you follow my recommended guitar travel tips* your instrument will be in good shape and ready to be played when you reach your destination. In the words of Willie Nelson, ‘On The Road Again‘!
Play on…
Marlene

*To learn about my 8 guitar travel tips, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 23!

Marlene Hutchinson2020-08-05T10:59:51-07:00August 6th, 2020|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: guitar car travel, guitar care recommendations, heat and humidity, podcast, travel tips, travel with your guitar|

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!

Marlene Hutchinson2020-07-14T08:09:25-07:00July 16th, 2020|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: guitar, guitar humidity temperature, humidity, podcast, temperature, tip|

Guitar Preparedness ~ What’s in Your Guitar Case?

Being prepared for your guitar necessities and those pesky guitar emergencies is vital. During our current stay-at-home downtime, it’s the perfect time to assess your preparedness. Here’s a list of the 6 items* I recommend you have in your case ~ just in case!
1. Set of Strings
2. Guitar tuner
3. Capo
4. Flat picks
5. Nail trimmers
6. Cleaning cloth
Play on…
Marlene

*To learn more about these 6 essential items and 3 bonus items, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 19!

Marlene Hutchinson2020-07-08T12:27:18-07:00July 9th, 2020|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: #flat picks, #guitar case, #tuner, Guitar Strings, podcast|

Relieve Stress & Boost Brain Power by Playing Guitar!

Would you like to feel less stressed and boost your brain power at the same time? Well good news, you can. Scientists have proven* that playing an instrument is like a ‘full body workout for the brain’. So for less stress and stronger gray matter ~ play guitar as often as possible!
Play on…
Marlene

*To learn more about the science behind how playing guitar affects the brain, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 17!

Marlene Hutchinson2020-06-24T16:44:18-07:00June 25th, 2020|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: # boost brain, #guitar tip, #less stress, #play guitar, podcast|

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!

Marlene Hutchinson2020-05-13T18:28:10-07:00May 14th, 2020|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: flat pick, flatpick, guitar, pick, picking, podcast|

Perform Virtually ~ It’s Just A Click Away!

Social distancing makes playing face-to-face pretty much impossible, but there’s good news ~ it IS possible to perform using technology* and it’s pretty easy to do!
1. Sign up for a meeting platform, i.e. Zoom, Facebook Meeting Room, or use FaceTime (iphone).
2. Set up a date/time with your listener and share the link.
3. Perform live for your ‘audience’ and enjoy your virtual gig!
Play on…
Marlene

*Note: If you want to hear more about performing virtually, listen to my podcast ~ episode 10!

Marlene Hutchinson2020-05-07T09:07:49-07:00May 7th, 2020|Categories: Thursday Tip|Tags: Facebook, FaceTime, guitar, Meeting Room, perform, podcast, social distancing, virtual, Zoom|