Every beginning guitarist I’ve taught has lamented the supposed inadequacy of his/her fingers. Some are too short, some are too fat, some are too skinny, some don’t bend the right way, some are too weak. Don’t let these things get …
The Magic Guitar Position
If you’re new to the guitar, you’ve probably been frustrated a few times trying to stretch your fingers out to fret the different notes in a chord. Over time, your fingers will improve at doing this, and those chords will …
31 Ideas for a Guitarist in a Rut
Every guitarist lands in a rut once in a while. While disciplined diligence might allow some people to work their way out, there’s always an easier path. Try some of the ideas below, and you might skip the giant staircase …
Intro to Jazz Guitar Clinic
I taught a 90-minute “Intro to Jazz Guitar” clinic at Hamilton International Middle School yesterday. I met the band director several months ago when he bought my saxophone via Craigslist. He discovered that I’d studied jazz guitar, and he asked …
Listen to Everything
How many distinct sounds can you hear right now? Try to be consciously aware of all of them at once.
How to Hold a Guitar Pick
Proper picking technique is one of the most-discussed aspects of guitar playing. The overlooked truth is that there are as many picking techniques as there are guitar players. A quick look at some of the fastest pickers out there will …
Always Take Notes
I encourage all of my guitar students to take notes during lessons. I provide frequent handouts and digital materials, but these are supplementary to the student’s own understanding.
3 Easy Ways to Sound Great on Guitar
The three easiest ways to sound great on guitar are also the easiest to overlook. At any skill level, even if it’s your first day, pay attention to these elements of your playing, and you’ll immediately stand out.
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