Author Archives: Joe

Seattle Ukulele Lessons

Posted on 1 May 2012 by Joe

In addition to the guitar lessons I’ve been teaching for the last few years, I’m now also offering ukulele lessons in my Seattle studio. I learned how to play the ukulele several years ago, but haven’t tried teaching it until … Continue reading →

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Mistakes Are Good for You

Posted on 10 April 2012 by Joe

Huh? Read that title again. Mistakes really are good for you. Every mistake you make is a little red flag saying, “Want to become a better guitarist? Spend some time right here! Fix me!” Check out this now-famous video of … Continue reading →

Posted in Advanced, Advice, Beginner, Intermediate | 1 Comment

The Guitarist’s Essentials

Posted on 9 March 2012 by Joe

I don’t like rules. These are not rules. These are my top pieces of advice for guitar students of all ages and skill levels. I use these strategies relentlessly in my own playing. Use a Tuner Keep your guitar as … Continue reading →

Posted in Advanced, Advice, Beginner, Essentials, Intermediate | 2 Comments

Fretboard Twister

Posted on 7 March 2012 by Joe

Here’s an awesome little finger exercise for guitar. I call it “Fretboard Twister,” because it works just like the popular Twister game. Instead of moving your hands and feet to different spots on a floor mat, you’ll be moving your … Continue reading →

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How to Practice Chords: Hit the Bullseye

Posted on 5 March 2012 by Joe

Practicing guitar chords is very much like practicing darts. When playing through songs, you often need to strum a chord the instant your fingers land on the strings. There’s no extra time to make adjustments and get the chord re-fingered … Continue reading →

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