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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
Strong, agile fingers (and hands) can make it easier to play guitar and easier to try more challenging skills. Here’s 6 simple exercises* to help you gain strength and dexterity.
1. White Knuckler & Sunburst, make a fist, then open your hands
2. Whoa & Oh Well, lock your arms, flex your hands up & down
3. Neck, Shoulder & Wrist Rolls
4. Grip & Release a Tennis Ball
5. Fingertip Push Ups, regular push ups, but on your fingertips
6. Finger Runs, play one finger per fret on each string
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about these 6 exercises listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 29!
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!
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!