by Glen McCarthy | Jan 19, 2014 | Classroom, Education, Principles, Stories, Success Stories, Tips + Tricks
Most guitar curriculum begins by teaching the natural notes that fall within the Key of C. It is hard to create ensembles in that key because the F chord is so prominent in the rhythm part. Try these variations of the F chord to help make the Key of C come to life. I...
by Glen McCarthy | Jan 19, 2014 | Classroom, Education, Principles, Success Stories, Tips + Tricks
We’ve stumbled on a little piece of business that may cause some of your students’ eyes to widen: nail shaping. Yes, that’s what helps you achieve optimal tone when playing finger-style. (And remember: finger-style playing isn’t just for...
by Glen McCarthy | Jan 14, 2014 | Classroom, Education, News, Principles, Success Stories, Tips + Tricks
When you feel like you’ve just delivered the lesson to end all lessons and you’re met with blank stares — some not even directly at you — it’s hard not to take it personally. The same music that got you hooked on music is not necessarily...
by Glen McCarthy | Jan 5, 2014 | Classroom, Education, News, Principles, Tips + Tricks
Many beginning ensemble pieces in the repertoire will assign one or two strings to a part. For instance, part one may be on E and B strings, part 2 on B and G strings and part 3 may get down to the D string. The best way to make sure that students are comfortable in...
by Glen McCarthy | Dec 29, 2013 | Classroom, Education, News, Principles, Stories, Success Stories, Tips + Tricks
The Pentatonic Scale allows students to really stretch out and have fun with the guitar. But how do you teach it? Try this: Preliminary ear training experiences: 1. If keyboards are available have the students noodle on the black notes, perhaps one on the bass and one...
by Glen McCarthy | Dec 22, 2013 | Classroom, Education, Principles, Tips + Tricks
Most students learn to play before they learn to tune; however laying the fundamentals for learning to tune can be done from day one. Most of the GAMA books have a play-along, demo CD included with the book. At the start of these CD there is usually a tuning track....
