Friday

The Guitar Practice Juggling Act

There will probably be times when it will seem like your guitar practice is more of a juggling act than a regular routine. The demands of work and other responsibilities just get in the way and make it hard to manage time effectively.

It might be a little comforting to know that you are not alone in this struggle.  Other students have told me about the problem they are having in this area. And recently, I must confess, this is exactly how my own experience has been too.

One person wrote...

"I have been trying my best to get effective although it is a life time process, The reason is that some times i have along lack of practise like now my guitar Brock all the strings and I have to replace them another thing is that being a missionary is a hard responsibility and I am hoping to finish my mission here in Jamaica this coming March then return to my native home Kenya in Africa, before playing the guitar full time."

Isn't that the way it goes?  Just when you finally get a chance to practice your guitar... all the strings break- bummer!

Notice the other points that were mentioned...
  • long periods of time in between practicing
  • other responsibilities get in the way
  • having to put practice off to some future date
Sound familiar?

It's easy to feel frustrated when things like this happen, but believe me, frustration only creates more tension and makes the problem worse!  The key thing to take note of in their statement is that...

"it is a life time process"

Exactly!  One of the most important ingredients you will need to establish in your mind during the whole process of learning how to play the guitar is the word commitment.

Commitment will keep you coming back again and again, no matter how many times your practice schedule gets interrupted. But without this ingredient firmly established in your thinking you will eventually give up!


So, how do you stay committed in order to reach your goal?  It's simple really... 
  1. Remember that you are learning how to play the guitar, so try to keep it fun.
  2. Decide today that you are going to be committed to learning how to play the guitar
Then just do it, no matter what!

How to Quickly & Easily Master Guitar

Till next time...


Keep practicing!
kunruh
abclearnguitar.com

Create Songwriting Contest ...

Are you a songwriter? If so, you may be interested in knowing that the Create Songwriting Contest, presented by CCM magazine, is currently accepting entries. Contestants must be 18 years or older, or have the consent of a parent or legal guardian.



Participants may enter as many original songs as they like, but only one original song is allowed per entry. It must be submitted on a CD and accompanied by a lyric sheet (preferably in English).   The winning songwriter will receive BMI/ASCAP/SESAC royalties if their song is sold or played on the radio!

The Grand Prize includes...
  •  A single song publishing contract with Provident Music Group,
  •  A minimum 1 hour coaching session with Michael W. Smith
  •  All Expense Paid Trip to Nashville
  •  Professional Industry Consultations
  •  Story, picture and song, plus a written article included in CCM Magazine & Today's Christian Music.com
In addition to the Grand Prize, there will also be 5 Runner-Up prizes.

Final Entry Deadline for this songwriting contest is March 31, 2011.

Full details on how to enter are posted on the CreateSongwriter.com website.

There are entry fees, but some of the money will go toward supporting a good cause as a panel of professional judges will critique each entry and be allotted $10 per song which they can give to the charity of their choice.

You can get a head-start on the competition by watching this free 4 day video course...


All the best to your success!

Till next time...

Keep practicing!


kunruh
Free Guitar Tips


Thursday

Genuine Guitar Love...

What is genuine guitar love?  Some might say that it is...

- a passion for learning everything you possibly can about the instrument
- an obsession for playing the guitar every moment you get the chance
- a feeling of fulfillment and joy whenever you hear its beautiful, melodic voice
- the inability to put it down once you've started playing. You just can't seem to stop!

If this describes you, then you're in good company! Steve Krenz and  Greg Voros from Legacy Learning Systems have teamed up and are declaring February as: "Love Your Guitar" month.

Check out this video for some great advice on how to treat your cherished instrument so that you will have many happy years together...




Legacy Learning Systems - Click Here...
 

Here are some additional tips from Steve Krentz...
  •  Play it! -   "The best thing you can do for your guitar is to play it!
  •  Check for Dryness and Low Humidity -  "guitars need a humidity level of 45-55% to stay in top condition."
  • Check Your Guitar Setup - "A guitar should be set up at least once a year."
  •  Clean Your Guitar"A little guitar polish, some fretboard conditioner, and a soft cloth are all you need."  
  • Get a Guitar Case "One of the best things you can do to protect your guitar is get a good quality case (either hard or soft)."
So, be sure to express some genuine guitar love this month by giving your instrument a little extra care.  After all, your guitar is one of the most important music-making partners you have. Keeping it in tip, top shape will enable you to make some beautiful music together for years to come!

Guitar Setup and Maintenance



Till next time...

Keep practicing!
Kathy Unruh
Free Guitar Tips

Saturday

$300 Discount for Guitar Workshop...

The 2nd annual Crown of the Continent Guitar Festival is coming soon and this year they are offering a $300 discount for early registration!



Artist's in residence include: Joe Bonamass, Lee Ritenour, and Scott Tennant.

Three new workshop sessions have been added to this year's program at the request of last years participants...

  • Advanced Rock/Blues with Matt Smith
  • Advanced Jazz with Jody Fisher
  • Singer/Songwriter with Greg Horne

Other classes will include:

  • Classic Rock
  • Blues
  • Jazz
  • Classical Guitar
  • Beginner Guitar

Here are the details:

WHAT:  The Crown of the Continent Guitar Festival

WHERE:  Flathead Lake Lodge in Bigfork, Montana

WHEN:  August 28 - September 4, 2011

This guitar workshop would make a great Valentines gift to offer your loved ones!

It is suitable for anyone with a passion for the guitar, from the highly accomplished musician to the beginner student.

Dana Stoddard from Montana Bliss Yoga Studio will start each day off with a Yoga class and Nancy Dunlop Cawdrey will provide painting classes and other activities for spouses.

To learn more, or to find out how to register for this event visit...

Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation


Till next time...

Keep practicing!
Kathy Unruh
Free Guitar Tips