GUITAR BASICS

Hanging 6

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Fagerland) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 22:09:00 +0000

Ok... so... how do you respond when one of your students tells you they've decorated their room with a surfing motif AND guitar theme. My response, "Really? How's that? Prove it."

They did. When 6-strings meet hanging 10.

Web-Slinging Picks

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Fagerland) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 22:01:00 +0000

One of my students showed me what he got for Christmas: A Spider Man guitar pick. WHERE WERE THESE WHEN I WAS GROWING UP? Too cool.

My question is, "Do they help you play better?"

For My Classical Students

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Fagerland) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 20:08:00 +0000

For my classical guitar students, here is a website filled with dozens (maybe 100s) of entry-level classical guitar songs. Oh yes, and they're free. Enjoy!

Battling the Buzz

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Fagerland) — Wed, 18 May 2011 16:44:00 +0000

One of the most common and annoying problems young guitarists face is dealing with the ubiquitous buzz. It's everywhere! Where does it come from? Why is it happening? How do I correct it?

Check out these frequent mistakes that contribute to the baffling buzz:

1 - Too far forward. Ideally, your finger should be slightly behind the fret you are playing, not on top of the fret.
2 - Not enough pressure. Many students think by simply touching the strings the note should sound, when in reality you must press down on the string.
3 - Too far back. This is the opposite of #1. When your finger is too far back within the fret, the string will buzz.
4 - Interference! Perhaps the most common problem, this occurs when another finger 'tramples' on a nearby string causing the unwanted sound.
5 - Not enough leverage. Never underestimate the importance of your thumb! If your thumb is not properly placed behind the fretting finger or is off to the side, chances are the strings will buzz.
6 - A cheap guitar. Every once in a while, a student will do everything correctly and still get a buzz. In that case, have your guitar instructor examine your guitar to see if it needs some minor repair.

Thumbtack.com - What People Are Saying

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Fagerland) — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 18:55:00 +0000

Perhaps you're wondering if guitar lessons are for you? Read what people are saying about private lessons with Chad at Thumbtack.com!

Summer Guitar Camps

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Fagerland) — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:39:00 +0000

I pleased to announce another summer of GUITAR CAMPS! Camps will be held at Countryside Community Church in Lebanon, Ohio.
Dates are June 20th - 24th and August 1st - 5th. Visit www.SummerGuitarCamps.com.

Every Good Boy Does WHAT????

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Fagerland) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 15:20:00 +0000

For those who have learned the lines on the staff (treble clef) E G B D F, here are some unique twists contributed by the creative minds of many of my students! :-)

Top 9 Assumptions

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Fagerland) — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 18:58:00 +0000

On the lighter side, there are many assumptions people have about me as a guitar instructor. I thought I'd share a few humorous, common assumptions... enjoy:

1 - I'm in a band. (No, though I'd like to be someday).

2 - I teach a handful of students. (Actually, I have the privilege of teaching over 60 students a week).

3 - I subscribe to Rolling Stone Magazine. (No, but I am an avid reader of Acoustic Guitar Magazine).

4 - I get sick of playing guitar. (Now way! I still enjoy sitting down after a full day of teaching and playing the ol' double fat strat).

5 - I should know how to play every song from I'm All Out of Love by Air Supply to The Trooper by Iron Maiden. (No comment).

6 - I know how to play Stairway to Heaven. (You know, I never did take the time to learn that crazy song).

7 - I don't take lessons. (On the contrary! I take classical guitar lessons from an exceptional player and teacher Jeff Brown, graduate of the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music).

8 - Jimmy Hendrix is a big influence. (Not really. The Edge of U2 and Mike Roe of the 77s have been the most influential guitar players to me).

9 - I'm a faster player than my students. (Wrong again. While only a handful of my students are faster than me, I'm always smarter). :-)

Looking for a Guitar for Jr?

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Fagerland) — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 02:49:00 +0000

Here is a helpful article on what to look for when buying a guitar for a child.

Click here!

A Chord With No Name

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Fagerland) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 20:07:00 +0000

Are you looking for an easy song to play?

Try the classic by America called "A Horse With No Name." It's a great song for those wanting to practice their chord changes and work on their rhythm. Listen to the song here... view the chords and tab here.

It's a great one for beginners! And as always, let me know if you need some help.

Guitar Camp - August 2-6, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Fagerland) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 17:19:00 +0000

Thanks to the One-Off Band

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Fagerland) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 20:39:00 +0000

A BIG thanks to the band who came together to make such great music at the park for the people in Over-the-Rhine. Kudos... thanks! Let's do it again.

SPRING RECITAL!

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Fagerland) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 17:57:00 +0000

You are invited to join us for our spring recital at Otterbein in Lebanon, OH on Saturday, May 1st at 6pm. Students range from 6 yr to 60 yr. Enjoy pieces from traditional classics like "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" to "Jessica" by the Allman Brothers. All welcome! Refreshments served.

Wah Pedal

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Fagerland) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:38:00 +0000

One of my students recently asked about wah pedals. To save him (and you) a little time, here are 4 major dealers and their websites. Each brand has their own variations, tone and capabilities. My suggestion? Once you narrow down your price range, visit a local guitar store and play the wah of your choice with your set-up. You'll get a better idea of what it sounds like with your gear.
Dunlop
Morley
Vox
Ibanez
Here's a brief demonstration on youtube if you have no clue what a 'wah pedal' sounds like. :-)

Guitar and Drum Class (Part 2)

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Fagerland) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 19:00:00 +0000

For those who missed the joint guitar-and-drum classes with Peter Pizzuto and me, here are a few points we covered:

HOW TO PLAY IN A BAND:

1 - Know Your Place in the Band (by providing the song with what it needs to succeed).
2 - REMEMBER: The Song is King!
3 - Listen with Both Ears (to yourself and what's happening around you).
4 - The Right Notes at the Right Time Bring the Right Results.

Guitar and Drum Class (Part 1)

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Fagerland) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 18:54:00 +0000

For those who missed the joint guitar-and-drum classes with Peter Pizzuto and me, here are few points we covered:

GREAT MUSICIANS (vs. Good Musicians):
1 - Love Music
2 - Dedicated to Practice
3 - Listen to Parts of the Song (and not just the whole)
4 - Lifelong Learners

Sunshine Of Your Love (Guitar Only)

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Fagerland) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:02:00 +0000

What a find!

For all my students learning to play Sunshine Of Your Love, here is a rare track on youtube with GUITAR ONLY. In other words, all other instruments have been pulled out of the mix and all you get is Clapton's guitar.

CLICK HERE. Enjoy... and let's discuss at our next lesson.

Finger Exercises

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Fagerland) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:30:00 +0000

One of the most important steps before a performance (or even practice) is running finger exercises. Much like sprints in basketball or stretching out before football, finger exercises prepare you to play. They help you warm up by building finger dexterity and acclimating your hands to the fretboard. Don't start without them!

Here is an excellent site with numerous finger exercises.

Email from Student

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Fagerland) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:16:00 +0000

Here's an email I received from one of my students and my response:

Hey Chad: I was wondering how long would it take to become an intermediate player? - A. Crawford

Great question! It all depends on how much you practice. All my students who are doing very well are dedicated to practicing like crazy every day. Practice doesn't make perfect, but it sure makes you really good. A mentor once told me: SKILL = KNOWLEDGE X 10,000. In other words to perform well, it's knowing what to play... and playing it 10,000 times in practice. I would say within several years and with a lot of dedicated practice, you should be able to call yourself an intermediate player. Hope that helps. Practice like crazy!

Blackbird - Beatles

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Fagerland) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:14:00 +0000

Here is a great, step-by-step video on how to play Blackbird by the Beatles. If you can get past the Jim Morrison comparison, this guy will show you how to play it well.

Coldplay - Don't Panic

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Fagerland) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 10:21:00 +0000

Here is a great, step-by-step tutorial on how to play Coldplay's song: Don't Panic. This is the opening song from the CD Parachutes along with one of the tunes featured on the Garden State soundtrack. Site includes chords with MP3 samples. CLICK HERE TO VIEW.

The Best Ride

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Fagerland) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 02:18:00 +0000

I just visited Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom with my family. BY FAR, the best ride was the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster... a high-speed thrill ride with a great soundtrack. And not to mention, 0-60 in 2.8 seconds. The 80s still live on. :-)

First Song

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Fagerland) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:54:00 +0000

Often my prospective students ask: What is the first song I'll learn? Here are some songs I teach new beginners:

Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple - You Alone by David Crowder - Born in the USA by Bruce Springsteen - Bad by Michael Jackson - Bubbly by Colbie Caillat - Don't Stop Believing by Journey - Aqualung by Jethro Tull - Eye of the Tiger by Survivor

Would you like to learn any others? Post a comment!

Top 5 Beginner Electric Guitars

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Fagerland) — Thu, 14 May 2009 17:33:00 +0000

According to this website, here are the Top 5 Electric Guitars that are purchased by new guitar players. Prices range from $99 to $249. Check them out and see what you think.

1 - Squier Fat Strat (Fender)

2 - Epiphone G-310 SG

3 - Yamaha Pacifica Series

4 - Squier Affinity Telecaster (Fender)

5 - Epiphone Les Paul Special II

Also, a number of my students have purchased the Fender SP-10 electric pack, the Fender 15G electric pack or the Fender DG-8S acoustic pack.

But I Only Know 3 Chords!

noreply@blogger.com (Chad Fagerland) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:30:00 +0000

Evidently that's all you need to play these 50 Hits. A great resource for beginning guitarists: The Guitar 3 Chord Song Book. 50 of rock n' roll's greatest hits with only 3 chords... and the SAME 3 chords (G - C - D). Thanks Ladon for the tip! CLICK HERE TO VIEW.