The Guitarist Blog

Aaromale is an Indian film song.  Great tune!  Here's the intro.  The song alternates between two chords E5 and A5.  The chords are slightly palm muted and strummed with a sixteenth note feel.  Each chord is preceded with a short fill (guitar lick).  Have fun!

This is a traditional 12 bar (12 measure) Blues in the key of E.  All the bass notes (notes played with your thumb) are on the beat.  Keep it steady!

I love this song!  It is down right classic rock!  I did my best to "acoustify" this song.  The solo is played on electric guitar.  I took out all the bends and replaced them with slides and hammer-ons to make it easier to play on the acoustic guitar.  Have fun!

Recently a student of mine asked if we could work on this song.  It's a great folk song telling the story of the last days of the American Civil War.  In this video I am demonstrating the Intro, Interlude (part between the chorus and verses), and the Ending.  Put your capo on the first fret and strum along with me.

A Tango is a traditional partner dance that originates in Argentina.  Here is a somewhat simple tango for finger style guitar.  It is in the key of G, so be on the look out for these chord shapes: G, D, D7 and Am.  Pay attention to rhythm and stick to it, or it won't be a Tango!

It's been awhile since I last posted a practice tip.  Here's something I mention in every group class, but have not put in writing. Here are three things that all guitarist should keep in mind while practicing. Tone.  This is the "color" of sound. Your guitar is capable of producing all sorts of tones.  Play by the bridge and you get a sharp, metallic sound.  Play near the fret board and you get a warmer, darker sound.  Play in-between and you get a, well, in-between sound.  The point here is that you are in control of your tone.  Generally speaking, you should find a tone that is pleasing to your ears (and to those that might be listening).  How you hold your pick, how your strike your strings, and where you play along the string will determine your tone. Technique.  This is the "how to" part of playing the guitar.  You should always strive to play with good technique.  Good technique will serve you well as you progress to mo...

Here is a simple strumming pattern that you can use for the verses to The Beatles' "Norwegian Wood". It is four measures long and I am playing it four times (slowly). Hope this helps!