Tag Archives: learning the guitar

“I didn’t practice” and nine more things you should never say to your guitar teacher

Posted on November 1, 2012 by jamiebobamie

I’ve taught guitar and other music classes for nine years now, and while the majority of my students work hard and progress, there’s that small percentage that keeps me entertained with comments like these. I didn’t practice You don’t have … Continue reading →

Posted in Music instruction, Playing the guitar | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Hold the guitar correctly, don’t just pose

Posted on June 8, 2012 by jamiebobamie

Sure, you look cool playing the guitar behind your head but know there are several other ways to hold the guitar. Besides, “Blowing in the Wind” sounds stupid played behind your head. The easiest way is to sit down. You … Continue reading →

Posted in Music instruction, Playing the guitar | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

Ten favorite practice excuses busted

Posted on April 20, 2012 by jamiebobamie

I’ve played the guitar for about 40 years and taught for 8. I’ve become an expert on excuses for not practicing. Read on for ways to get beyond them. 1. I don’t have time. Definitely the most heard excuse. And … Continue reading →

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Smart resolutions for musicians and soon-to-be musicians

Posted on December 29, 2011 by jamiebobamie

Mastering a Hendrix solo by the end of January probably isn’t a realistic goal, unless you’re Clapton. However, there are lots of smart resolutions you can make. Learn to play Did Santa bring you a new instrument? After you kiss … Continue reading →

Posted in Folk music, Music business, Playing the guitar, songwriting | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

All dressed up and nowhere to play: accessories for your guitar

Posted on September 7, 2011 by jamiebobamie

All right, you’ve got that brand new shiny guitar, now what? When you buy a new dress, you need pearls and matching shoes. Hmm, bad analogy for some of you but you get the picture. Having a guitar is not … Continue reading →

Posted in Playing the guitar | Tagged , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

So you’re not Eric Clapton

Posted on July 27, 2011 by jamiebobamie

It’s not about the talent in your family, the size of your hands or whether or not you look like Sheryl Crow. Learning an instrument is about desire and sweat. Period. Eric Clapton started just where you did, holding a … Continue reading →

Posted in Playing the guitar | Tagged , , , , , | 11 Comments

Buying your first guitar

Posted on July 13, 2011 by jamiebobamie

You’ve always had that burning desire to learn “Stairway to Heaven” or maybe you just want to be able to strum a Taylor Swift tune – what’s your first step? Unless you plan to win a Grammy for air guitar … Continue reading →

Posted in Playing the guitar | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

When is a good age to start music lessons?

Posted on April 27, 2011 by jamiebobamie

With a student at a recent recital. I’m staying with some friends for a few days who have an adorable one year old. Last night I pulled out my mandolin and as I strummed chords, a smile spread across her … Continue reading →

Posted in Playing the guitar | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Six ways to improve your music practice time

Posted on February 9, 2011 by jamiebobamie

I’ve taught guitar, mandolin and songwriting for a few years now and I’m sometimes amused by the excuses I hear for not practicing. “We can’t find her guitar” was actually one I got a few years ago. (Guess we know … Continue reading →

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Evaluating a guitar teacher

Posted on December 16, 2010 by jamiebobamie

You’ve found a guitar teacher who might suit your needs, now what? Is it enough that she can play Hendrix solos note for note? Maybe, but you want someone who also knows how to teach and that involves different skills. … Continue reading →

Posted in Playing the guitar | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments