Thursday Tips
Learn Single Notes on Your Guitar
Learning single notes*, specifically where they are and what they’re called, can be very helpful in advancing your skills and knowledge. Today, I’ll focus on string 1, E. When you press on fret 1 and play only that string, you’re playing an F, fret 2 is F#, and so forth (see the chart below).
Learning the notes, is a noteworthy!
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about the notes on your guitar neck & tips for remembering their locations, listen to my newest podcast episode by clicking here!
Fret Note
Open E
1st F
2nd F#
3rd G
4th G#
5th A
6th A#
7th B
8th C
9th C#
10th D
11th D#
Top 7 Funniest Reasons Not to Practice!
Here are the Top 7 Funniest Reasons Not to Practice*. Enjoy them ~ and then try to focus on reasons TO practice instead!
1. My dog (cat, hamster) ate my music
2. I had to go to school (work) every day
3. I couldn’t remember what to practice
4. We got a new TV (puppy, computer) this week
5. My strings broke
6. I was out of tune
7. I couldn’t find my guitar
Play on…
Marlene
*To enjoy the top 7 and to learn tips, ideas & inspirations TO practice listen to my newest podcast episode by clicking here!
Learn to Play By Ear
Playing by ear* is a great way to play music, no written music is required! And good news, it’s a skill that can be developed. 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!
Be Your Own Drummer, String Slapping 101!
There are some fun ways to slap, mute, or basically drum your strings while strumming, and it’s a fun way to add an interesting element to your songs. Here’s 3* to help you get started:
1. Drum/slap with the tops of your fingers
2. Drum/slap with a flat palm
3. Drum/slap with the side of your palm
The slap should be done on the 2nd & 4th counts of a basic strum
1 2 3 4
Strum Slap Strum Slap
You’ll have some slap happy music!
Play on…
Marlene
*To hear a detailed description and demonstration of these 3 techniques listen to my newest podcast episode by clicking here!
Guitar & Cooking, A Recipe for the Senses!
Yes, I know, playing guitar AND cooking* might not be the first combo you think of, but give it a try, it’s surprisingly possible and fun!
Play on…
Marlene
*To hear the detailed directions for making my super easy Fettuccini Alfredo (ingredients below), with built-in guitar playing time listen to my newest podcast episode by clicking here!
Marlene’s Super Easy Fettuccini Alfredo (ingredients)
1 package fettuccini pasta
1 c. heavy cream
1 c. butter
1 c. grated parmesan cheese
4 cloves garlic, crushed
3 tbsp fresh chopped parsley (optional)
salt & pepper
How to Get Started Performing in Public
Performing in public is fun and now that locations & events are offering live music, why not give it a try? Here are a few tips to help you get started*:
1. Prep your music ~ create a set list & practice those songs in order
2. Equipment ~ mic, mic stand, portable amp, guitar stand & music stand
3. Set up ~ use a rolling cart for equipment transport, allow 30+ minutes to set up
4. Venue/location ~ think local/small; coffee house, art festival, museum, etc.
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about music prep, equipment, set up & venue search listen to my newest podcast episode by clicking here!
Guitar Friends Interview, Tips From Tim Godwin
I recently chatted with my friend Tim Godwin*, Director of Artist & Entertainment Relations at Taylor Guitars. He started playing guitar when he was 9 years old, he’s been a touring musician and is now helping musicians get their start. Here’s 3 (of the many) take-away’s from our interview:
If you want to be a performer…
1. You have to get out there and perform
2. Network, network, network!
3. Use social media to share your music
Thank you Tim!
Play on…
Marlene
*To hear the entire interview, Tim’s cool stories, and his sage advice listen to my newest podcast episode by clicking here!
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