"Two-torial #2" --Using a capo on your guitar

In this second installment of my "two-torial" video series, I explain a bit about the reasons to consider using a capo on your guitar.  Many songs have been written and performed on capoed guitars--especially by such notable artists as James Taylor, George Harrison, and the Everly brothers, to name a few.

As I mention in the video, a capo is a great tool to use when:

1) the song you are playing is in a "guitar-unfriendly" key

2) you need to change the key of a song to better suit your vocal range

3) you want to utilize and explore the unique tonal changes that come with raising the overall pitch of your guitar.

Happy pickin'--practice hard, and I'll see you in a week.

Here's the link to the video     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7m_r5XDAS8

P.S.  I want to quote a 10-year old student of mine who informed me that "practice makes perfect, and practice makes permanent."  Smart kid!

"Two-torials" for the guitar

Greetings all!  I will be starting a new video series on my blog called "Two-torials," where, in two minutes or less, I will be sharing little tips and tricks to help you become a more accomplished guitarist.  Clever, huh?  :)  Actually, my deepest hope is that you will pick up on and use these tips, whether you are a beginner, intermediate level, or seasoned pro.

Installment #1 is on how to do Major Barre Chords (I do like that Old English spelling).  This technique does take a little work to get that first finger to lay flat, but it also easily opens up at least 12 new major chords to add to your vocabulary--including those pesky "sharp" and "flat" chords!

Hope you enjoy this video--more to come!  Happy Pickin'!  The link is below:

Two-torial #1--Simple Major Barre Chords

Notes On Improvising Solos

Improvising solos is one of the most fun and creative things you can do as you are learning your instrument.  It’s where the head (what you've learned) truly meets the heart (what you are feeling, and want to express).

Truly improvised solos are kind of like snowflakes, in that no two are ever alike–and sometimes they contain little things you wish you’d done differently.  But that’s OK–that’s the real beauty of these little glimpses into a person’s mind!

In the video link below, I improvise three bluesy solos against the backdrop of three different genres and key signatures.  Enjoy!

Video--Improvising the Blues