Thursday Tips
How to Play Slash Chords
Slash chords* (not named after Slash of Guns ‘n’ Roses fame) are chords with an added base note and typically look something like C/D. Which is described as C chord, slash, D in the bass and is played like this:
Another example:
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about slash chords and how to play them, listen to this week’s podcast episode!
Learn, Play & Master Guitar Chord Progressions
Playing basic chord progressions can help with song understanding and development, plus they can help your chord changing abilities. Here are a few common chord progressions* to learn, play and master!
3 Chords:
A D E – C F G – D G A – G C D
4 Chords:
A D E D – C F G C – D G A D – E A B E
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about chord progressions and to play them with me, listen to this week’s podcast episode!
How To Sing Along While Playing Your Acoustic Guitar
Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced guitarist, adding the lyrics and tune to a new song can be a challenge. Try these 5 steps to help you successfully sing along!
1. Listen to the song when not playing your guitar (i.e. while cooking, driving, etc.)
2. Gain your song playing skills. Play just the music (no singing) frequently.
3. Hum the tune while playing the song, and even picture the lyrics as you’re humming.
4. Add in the lyrics, try 1 line at a time (note: if this step is a little wonky, go to step 5)
5. ‘Jam’ along with the original artist, let them do the singing, then repeat step 4.
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about these 5 steps, listen to my the newest episode by clicking here!
3 Patriotic Songs to Play on 4th of July!
There are so many great patriotic songs that you can play on July 4th, or any other time for that matter. Here are 3 songs* that are festive and fun!
America the Beautiful chords
You’re a Grand Old Flag chords
Living in America chords
Play on…
Marlene
P.S. If you’re looking for more patriotic songs to play, check out past tips for July 2018 July 2019 July 2020
*To learn more about each song’s history and inspiration, as well as playing suggestions, listen to my the newest episode by clicking here!
Check out our Star Spangled Savings! 40% off all courses and coaching July 1-4th. Use code STAR40
Taking Flight with Your Guitar!
Flying to your vacation destination? You can take your guitar too! And here’s how:
1. It can be your carry-on luggage*
2. Use a gig bag or hard shell case for travel
3. Loosen your strings 1/2 turn per string prior to flying
4. Your guitar goes through security, like any other luggage
5. It’s allowed to be placed in the overhead compartment.
To learn my useful guitar air travel tricks & hints, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 64!
Up, up and away!
Play on…
Marlene
P.S. If you check your guitar, rather than taking it onboard as a carry-on, use a hard case and mark it fragile for better protection.
Road Trip! Safely Take Your Guitar Along for the Ride!
One of my favorite things about guitar is that it’s portable, it can go with you everywhere. So take it with you on your road trips and be sure to keep in mind these important ‘guitar in the car’ tips:
1. Keep your guitar in a case when traveling
2. Be aware of the guitar’s placement among the luggage
3. Don’t leave your guitar alone (and cooking) in your car for long periods of time.
4. Temperature; Remember – if your comfortable, your guitar is comfortable.
*To hear about these tips, and more, in more detail, click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!
Play on…
Marlene
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How to Play Guitar Using a Flat Pick
When it comes to playing rhythm patterns you have a few options, fingerstyle, using a pick, and/or a combination of both. Here’s some tips when using a flat pick*:
1. Flat picks come in light, medium & heavy gauges, start with a medium
2. Pinch the pick between your thumb and finger 1, with the point towards the strings
3. When strumming down and up you’ll notice a good deal of rotation in your wrist
4. Picking patterns can be played with a pick only or a combination of a flat pick with fingerstyling.
*To learn more about how to play with a flat pick, click here to listen to this week’s podcast episode!
Play on…
Marlene
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