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Category: Better Practicing
Simple Guitar Scale Exercises for Speed and Precision
Years ago, I was introduced to the book “The Art of Practicing” by Alice Artzt. In it, she lays out many different ideas about developing guitar practice. One of the most interesting things about the book is how she begins to build up a student’s technique. Oddly, she begins with four-note chromatic scales. In doing…
Unlocking Musical Freedom: Intermediate Guitar Songs with Open Chords
Are you an intermediate guitarist looking to expand your repertoire and master the art of open chords? Open chords are a fantastic way to add depth and variety to your playing, and they are found in countless songs across different genres. In this guide, we’ll explore a range of open chord songs tailored to different…
Fernando Sor Studies: Exploring Technique and Artistry in His Guitar Studies
Beginning studies on classical guitar can feel overwhelming. Three hundred years of pedagogy have left us with amazing composers and resources. If you’ve just picked up your first beginning classical guitar and you have the rudiments down, then a smart place to begin is with the great Fernando Sor. His method is not as effective…
Kickstart Your Practice: Beginner’s Guide to Guitar Warm-Up Routine
Often I use the idea of interstate driving to help illustrate the process of a practice session. The analogy goes for both the physical and mental side of playing. When getting onto the interstate you need to gradually build speed to reach the optimal speed. The guitar is similar in that we cannot just sit…
Mastering the Strings: A Step-by-Step Guide How to Learn a Song on Guitar
Learning to play a song on the guitar can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned player looking to expand your repertoire. While it may seem daunting at first, breaking down the process into manageable steps can make the journey enjoyable and successful. In this blog post, I’ll…
My First Guitar Lesson: What You Should Learn
Embarking on the path of learning a new musical instrument is an exciting adventure filled with possibilities and creativity. Out of the 30,000 lessons I’ve taught over the years, a high percentage of them could have been titled, “My First Guitar Lesson.” As a beginner, you are eager to get your hands on the instrument…
Why Practice Classical Guitar Scales
Every great musician practices scales. Practicing scales on the classical guitar is of utmost importance for several reasons. Scales serve as fundamental building blocks in music and offer numerous benefits for guitarists, regardless of their musical style or genre. Let’s dig into a few more reasons why you should practice your classical guitar scales. Technical…
A Practical Plan Of Instruction On Guitar Scale Practice
I just cannot help myself from posting these great articles from the past! I just wish the guitar was more accepted at the time in the fine art concert and the amateur world at the time. This article focuses on scale practice on the piano but there is much that can be applied to all…
An Effective Classical Guitar Practice Routine
Practicing the classical guitar is a journey that requires dedication, discipline, and a well-structured routine. To enhance your skills and reach new heights as a guitarist, it’s crucial to establish an effective practice routine. This blog post aims to guide you through the creation of a practice routine tailored specifically for classical guitarists. By following…
How to Read a Guitar Tuner: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
As a beginner guitarist, mastering the art of tuning your instrument is crucial. Whether you’re playing an acoustic or electric guitar, using a guitar tuner is the easiest and most accurate way to achieve proper tuning. After 20 years of teaching, I have found this one aspect of learning the guitar gives people trepidation when…