Thursday Tips
7 ‘No-Slip’ Guitar Pick Tricks!
If your pick is going rogue on you, try these 7 no-slip guitar pick tricks*:
1. Glue a tiny piece of light gauge sandpaper on the pick grip area
2. Hole punch a hole in the pick grip area
3. Scratch the grip surface with a knife
4. Place medical tape on the pick grip area
5. Use double stick tape on the pick grip area
6. Use a non-slip guitar pick
7. Use a moisture triggered grip type of pick
These ideas might just help you to ~ get a grip!
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about these no-slip pick tricks and bonus tricks, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 25!
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!
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!
What’s Your Musical Style?
We all have a musical style* and knowing your style can help you zone in on the song choices and skill improvements that motivate and inspire you. Consider these categories:
Basic Guitar Descriptions
1. Rhythm Guitarist
2. Lead Guitarist
3. Finger Style Guitarist
Guitar Playing Characteristics
1. The Performer
2. A Reflective Player
3. Sing-Along Musician
4. Rock/Blues/Jazz (Vibe) Player
5. Classical
And of course, consider your song influences…like what’s on your playlist?
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about the music style descriptions and characteristics, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 22!
The Next 5 Chords You Should Know
After you’ve learned to play A, E, D, C & G, the next 5 chords I recommend that you learn are Am, Em, A7, E7 & G7*. They’re fairly easy to play and you’ll likely find them in quite a few songs ~ like Jolene by Dolly Parton. Learning more chords is ‘A minor’ detail!
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about these chords and to hear how they sound, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 21!
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!
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!
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