Thursday Tips
Got Calluses? How to Build & Maintain Fingertip Calluses
For us guitar players, callused fingertips are normal and important. They can be a bit painful to acquire though, but worth it. Here’s a few tips* to help toughen your skin and build up those precious calluses:
1. Play guitar regularly (everyday is ideal)
2. Play shorter, more frequent sessions (i.e. 5-10 minutes, 3x/day)
3. Use lighter gauged strings or nylon strings
4. Be patient, it takes time!
5. Check out these soreness relieving ideas to help you as you build your calluses
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more details about building calluses, as well callus maintenance, listen to my the newest episode by clicking here!
3 Festive 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!
Songwriting Tips & More From Laura B. Whitmore!
Laura, a music industry pro and accomplished singer/songwriter, shares her music inspirations, performing experiences and singer/songwriter advice in this week’s podcast*, such as:
Go to open mics
Network
Continuously learn
Play on…
Marlene
*To hear more of Laura’s tips and advice, listen to my Guitar Friends Interview with Laura Whitmore!
Songs to Play on Father’s Day!
As you know by now, I love to run with a good theme! Here are some songs* to play on Sunday for, or in honor of, your father:
1. My Old Man by Zac Brown Band video chords
2. Song For Dad by Keith Urban video chords
3. Cat’s in the Cradle by Harry Chapin video chords
Happy Fathers Day!
Play on…
Marlene
*To hear about the writers’ inspirations and playing/rhythm suggestions for each song, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 68!
How to Easily Record Your Guitar Playing
Recording your guitar playing can be a useful tool for skill improvement (and to share your music), plus it’s super easy to do with your cell phone, tablet or computer*. Here’s some tips for recording:
1. Set up your recording location, preferably indoors (less auxiliary sounds)
For video, be sure you have good lighting too
2. Needs: Your device with a built-in microphone and camera
3. Do a sound check
4. Record
It’s a great way, to hear (and see) how you play!
Play on…
Marlene
*To hear more specifics about recording on your device, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 67!
5 Simple Steps to Songwriting
Do you have a song idea? Then these 5 simple steps* can help you to begin creating and developing an idea and turning it into a song.
1. Start with a concept, idea or theme
2. Develop the idea into lyrics and a tune using a basic song structure.
3. Write everything down, record it too!
4. Enhance and embellish your song
5. Get feedback from others & refine if needed
Then before you know it, you’ll have a song!
Play on…
Marlene
*To hear detailed descriptions of each step, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 66!
How to Host a Jam Session
A jam session* is a great reason to get back together with your guitar friends, especially now that things have opened up. Here’s a few tips for hosting:
~Choose a day, time & location
~Invite your guitar friends
~Sustenance is important!
~Ask your ‘jammers’ to bring copies of at least 2 songs they like, that everyone can play together.
~Have fun jamming!
Play on…
Marlene
*To hear about my jam session experiences and more hosting advice, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 65!
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