GUITARHABITS

March 14, 2020 by Klaus Crow

Growin’ up as a kid my oldest brother played me the records of the Rolling Stones, John Mellencamp, John Hiatt, Stevie Ray Vaughan and many other great musicians. I am forever grateful he did. He showed me a world I would indulge in every minute of the day.

The Rolling Stones and The Beatles (the latter I came to appreciate later on) both shaped the music of the 20th century. The Stones’ classic albums Sticky fingers and Exile on Main street are still a source of inspiration for true rock ‘n roll musicians today.

As new guitar players and students dive into the 21th century and become practicers of the instrument they will be influenced by great bands, artists and musicians. It’s important they know music that breathes authenticity, real instruments and pure timeless art. The sound and feel that comes from those Rolling Stones records is what that music compasses.

Searching videos for this post was a great joy with moments of bliss. Listening and watching the Stones’ live performances and video clips made me pick up the guitar instantly. That’s what good music does. I hope it does the same for you.

I always point out that these lists are in no particular order, nor are they complete. I create them to inspire you to practice, play, create, nourish your musical soul and bring out your inner artist.

The song titles in the list below contain a YouTube link to the song, and the Applemusic Spotify and Amazonmusic logo’s direct you straight to the song in the associated apps. The Chords links show you to the chords and lyrics of the song.

Enjoy the hell out of it!

1 – Angie – – – – Chords

2 – Satisfaction – – – – Chords

3 – Wild horses – – – – Chords

4 – Paint it black – – – – Chords

5 – Brown sugar – – – – Chords

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February 6, 2020 by Klaus Crow

Practicing is an art in itself. To improve and succeed in practicing, becoming a better guitar player and keeping it fun at all times there are rules to apply. Today we’ll dive into the 10 p’s to understand and learn the art of practicing guitar.

PONDER

Guitar playing always starts with a thought. The more you ponder thoughts on how to create a good and nice guitar practice for yourself, the more you’ll be practicing. The idea of playing guitar, the feeling of the joy it will bring, the image of you playing that song you really love, that amazing guitar solo or riff that slides through your fingers. The thought and emotion can trigger you to act. Thoughts create action.

Now, think for a minute what you love about playing guitar and what you really want to learn. Create a vivid image of you practicing that song, solo or riff and how it makes you feel. Think of the guitar you are playing and what you want your practice space to look like. Think good vibes.

PREPARE

The next thing to do is to put everything you need for practicing in the right place. Get your guitar out of the guitar bag and put it on the guitar stand in absolutely clear sight. Place it in the room where you spend most of your time. In sight is in mind.

Structure and arrange the entire place in a such a way that it attracts and pulls you right to the guitar. Make it so that you can not escape it, and playing guitar will be inevitable.

PRIORITIZE

If you want to succeed in playing guitar you need to prioritize it. You have to make time for it. Schedule a fixed time to practice daily or regularly. Look forward to your precious practice session and put reminders everywhere, in your phone, on your calendar, in your computer, and stick reminder notes on the fridge, in the bathroom, anywhere necessary.

It’s not that I’m saying you don’t want to play guitar, but life is busy for most people, and your obligations and to-do lists often take your eyes and mind off the things that matter most to you. There’s always just another thing that needs to come first, and the list is endless. It’s just a cunning trick of the mind, and you have to trick your mind into playing guitar to make time for the good things in life. Prioritize!

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March 6, 2020 by Klaus Crow

Today we have 30 of the best songs from the most popular band of all time “The Beatles”. These songs are indispensable in the learning journey of every guitar student who wants to become an accomplished, allround pop musician.

From beautiful fingerpicking ballads, heavenly chord progressions, to icon rock ‘n roll tunes. It’s all here. Unlike a lot of popular music these days, not one song in this list sounds the same. They are all unique pieces of art with their own signature style.

Listen and learn from the musical legends Paul McCartney, John Lennon and George Harrison. Practice and study their ingenious guitar composition skills and beautiful song melodies. There is a treasure of musical craftsmanship to learn from their repertoire. Soak it all up.

If you’re curious what kind of guitars The Beatles used for their recordings check out this extensive list of Instruments specific to Rubber Soul sessions.

Note: This list is in no particular order and far from complete. I create these lists to inspire and motivate, to make you pick up your guitar and explore the boundless creativity that music holds.

The song titles in the list below contain a YouTube link to the song, the Applemusic & Spotify links direct you straight to the song in the associated apps. I hope you like that. Finally the Chords links show you to the chords of the song.

Enjoy!

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