Thursday Tips
How to Find the Best Video Lessons for You!
Virtual guitar lessons are popular, especially right now, but how do you know which ones will best meet your individual needs? Use these 7 steps to help vet your choices:
1. Who’s teaching?
2. What’s the delivery format?
3. What are the content levels?
4. How long are the lessons?
5. How are the lessons structured?
6. Are there lesson categories?
7. What is the cost?
I hope that helps!
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more details about these 7 steps listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 51!
3 Music Resources For Guitar Players
If you’ve ever been inspired to play a song, but didn’t know where to find the music*, then check out these 3 easy music resources:
1. Tab Websites
2. Sheet Music
3. Guitar Song Books
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about tab sites, sheet music and guitar song books listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 50!
More About Guitar Tabs ~ Notations & Symbols
Understanding tab notations and symbols* beyond the fret numbers can be helpful. Here are some common notations:
1. x = mute
2. b = bend
3. h = hammer on
4. p = pull off
5. / \ = slides
6. ~~~ = vibrato
7. * = repeat
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about these notations and how to play them listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 49!
7 Simple Steps to Memorize a Song
Memorizing an entire song* can be useful and these 7 steps can make it easy to memorize a song.
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 newest podcast ~ episode 48!
2021 Guitar Playing Goals
We’re a few weeks into 2021, so it’s a good time to check in with your guitar playing goals*. If they’re set, awesome. If not, don’t fret (ha, ha), just take a few minutes and write down at least one thing you’d like to try or accomplish in your guitar journey this year.
Play on…
Marlene
*To get inspired, you might like to listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 47, a Guitar Friends Interview. My guest shares her 2021 guitar goals and more!
Guitar Posture Makes a Difference!
Guitar posture* is basically your body frame while holding and playing the guitar. As we play, and without even realizing it, we might adjust our posture, for example, to make it easier to see the neck. That adjustment can make it harder to finger chords or play rhythms. So for good guitar posture:
1. Check your posture before you start playing
2. Re-check your posture mid way through the song
3. If having trouble with a skill, check your posture
4. Play in front of a mirror to watch your posture in action
5. Video record yourself playing to watch your posture in action
Play on…
Marlene
*To hear more details about good guitar posture, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 46!
Maximize Your Guitar Practice Time
Practice is the key to guitar playing growth and success. These recommended steps* can help you to make the most of your practice time:
1. Tune your guitar
2. Stretch/warm up
3. Play an easy, schmeasy song
4. Play songs/skills that are a little more challenging
5. Then play the most challenging songs/skills
Play on…
Marlene
*To learn more about maximizing your practice time, listen to my newest podcast ~ episode 45!
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