The Recreational Guitarist

Manuscript Paper with Tablature and Chord Windows

July 25th, 2011

PDF Included

Tablature and Chord Window Sheet PDF

If you are teaching guitar or learning how to write guitar arrangements there is nothing more useful than a good pencil and some well designed manuscript sheets.  Over the years I have created (through necessity) many different sheets using different combinations of standard notation, tablature staves and chord windows.  The one I am posting today is one of the most useful, let me know if you want more. – Michael

Classic Rock Progression

July 22nd, 2011

Video and PDF Included

This example of a “classic” rock progression is taken from volume 2 of the “Recreational Guitarist” DVD set and sounds great.  It uses a 3 chord progression (A, C, & D) with the A played with one finger and the C and D using the standard 3 note power chord.  Start slowly and try to get all the notes sounding clearly without hitting any unwanted strings. – Michael

Classic Rock PDF

The Sailor’s Hornpipe

July 21st, 2011

Audio Example and PDF Included

The Sailor’s Hornpipe is most often remembered as the theme from Popeye the Sailor. It is fun to play as well as a little challenging. The first part is played in the first position and poses no real problem except for down and up picking for the eight notes.  The second part moves to the second position and is a little more challenging.  Let me know what you think. Do you pick up and down?  – Michael

Sailors Hornpipe PDF

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Hall of the Mountain King

July 20th, 2011

Audio Example and PDF Included

Edvard Grieg

Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg’s masterpiece “The Peer Gynt Suite” is his most famous composition and contains the rather spooky “In the Hall of the Mountain King”.  This extremely recognizable melody has been used in countless movies, cartoons and TV shows and has been covered by high school bands and heavy metal groups alike.  For us recreational guitarists it offers a great way to practice up and down picking, palm muting and finger stretches.  The PDF sheet music is attached along with an audio example.  Be careful to pick up and down on the eighth notes (the notes joined by a beam) and to use the little finger for the fourth fret.  A slight palm mute works very well. Enjoy –  Michael

Hall of the Mountain King PDF

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Single String Study

July 18th, 2011

MP3 and PDF included

This is one of my favorite studies for right and left hand development.  For the right hand be sure to alternate your pick up and down, if you are a fingerstyle player alternate the thumb and first finger or any combination of the just the first, second or third fingers. For the left hand use only your first and fourth fingers (index and little finger).  I hope you enjoy this little study – Michael

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Single String Study

Practice record

July 14th, 2011

PDF included

One of the best ways to keep yourself on a practice schedule is to chart your daily practice and write down your study pieces. I have attached the practice record that I have been using for several years with students  and find it to be very helpful. Much like dieting, if you have to write down your daily progress you will be more motivated to stay on track.  Thirty minutes a day should be fine for most students with complete beginners practicing twice a day (fifteen minutes each) and more advanced students and hour.  of course once you get the bug there is no limit to your practice time!

Practice Record

2 Great fingerpicking patterns

April 14th, 2011

Here are 2 patterns to help you master your right hand technique. Remember to use your thumb (P) for the 3 bass strings and your 3 fingers (I, M and A) for the 3rd, 2nd, and 1st strings. I have included a music sheet as a PDF file. Let me know if you need help understanding the PIMA fingering system. Your questions, suggestions and comments are always welcome.

Great Fingerpicking Patterns