Thursday Tips
Nylon string vs Steel String Acoustic Guitars
Ever wonder what the difference is between nylon string and steel string guitars ~ besides the strings? Well don’t fret (ha, ha), I’ve got you covered, here’s a quick comparison*:
Nylon String Guitars
Strings are easier on your fingers, the headstock is slotted (cut out) for the strings, the neck has no truss rod and no guide markers, there are very little size and shape variations, the strings are looped or tied to the bridge, well suited for Classical or Flamenco music but all music can be played.
Steel String Guitars
The strings are harder on your fingers, the headstock string posts are attached from the top. the neck has a truss rod and guide markers, there are many shapes and sizes, a pin bridge is used to attach the strings, well suited for rock, country, jazz, blues, etc., but all music can be played.
Play on…
Marlene
*To gain a better understanding about both nylon string and steel string guitars Click here to listen to my newest podcast episode!
Guitar Summer Song Playlist for the… Dog Days of Summer!
Summer is officially winding down, but that doesn’t mean we can’t keep playing cool summery songs on our guitar. Here’s 3 songs to keep your summer vibe alive!*
1. Soak Up The Sun by Sheryl Crow
2. Under The Boardwalk by The Drifters
3. Walking On Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves
Play on…
Marlene
*For my playing recommendations, listen to my newest podcast episode by clicking here!
Acoustic Guitar vs Electric Guitar, The Differences & Similarities
It’s good to understand various types of guitars, for example acoustic and electric guitars*. They have similarities and differences, and here are a few:
Similarities
Made of wood
Head, neck & body
6 strings
Differences
Sound
Size/weight
Body shape
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about the similarities and differences, as well as a comparison, listen to my newest podcast episode by clicking here!
7 Simple Steps to Easily Memorize a Song
Memorizing an entire song* can be useful and these are my 7 steps to making it happen!
1. Choose a song you like
2. Listen to the song
3. Find the music
4. Practice the song
5. Play along with the song
6. Play using the lyrics only
7. Play sans music
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about how to memorize an entire song using these 7 simple steps listen to my latest podcast episode!
Understanding Rhythm and Tempo
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 rock your songs!
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about rhythm, time signatures and various tempo examples , click here to listen to this episode my podcast!
7 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, click here to listen to this episode!
Learn to Play Your Guitar Music By Ear
What does it mean to ‘play by ear’? Basically the phrase “playing by ear” refers to the phenomenon that a person can play music without needing to rely on musical sheets and notes – and it can be learned*, so here’s 4 ideas to help you learn to play guitar by ear.
1. Listen to chords for the tone and pitch
2. Strum a chord and then hum it
3. Compare chords
4. Learn chord progressions
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn about how to develop your playing by ear skills listen to my newest podcast episode by clicking here!
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