guitar lessons for adults – Scottsdale Music Academy

How to Strip Down Songs for an Acoustic Set

SMA — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 16:30:00 +0000

If you have complex songs either written or recorded, then you may at some point have wondered if it would be possible to simplify them for an acoustic set. There are a variety of reasons to strip down and rework songs that can range from just sitting at home practicing, or playing a more low-key show to showcase your songs. Regardless of the reason, it is always good to have a grasp on the steps to take when simplifying songs. Here is how to strip down songs for an acoustic set.

WHAT QUALIFIES A SONG FOR AN ACOUSTIC REWORK?:

With this question in mind, deciding which of your songs to strip down and rework for an acoustic set is one of the most important things in this process. This is because not all songs may work for an acoustic version. Take some time to look through your catalog and decide whether or not you have some songs that are able to be stripped down. This way, you will have a place to start. Additionally, try to have an end product in mind as you begin to simplify the songs you have chosen.

BEGIN RECONSTRUCTING:

Now that you have some songs that you think are able to be stripped down for an acoustic set, it is time to begin the process. A great place to start for this step is to grab an acoustic guitar, or piano for that matter, and play through the songs. This will allow you to see which parts of the songs need to be reworked in order to fit the bill for an acoustic set. You might have to change the timing of chord changes or the phrasing of different melodies, but you will know it when you hear it.

FINE-TUNE THE NEW VERSIONS OF YOUR SONGS:

Lastly, before you are able to play an acoustic set, it is critical to fine-tune all of the changes you have made to your songs. Does it feel rushed? Do your songs still convey their original meaning? These are all things to consider before taking the stage. After all, these are your songs and you should be proud to play them.

SMA Spotlight: Grady Byrne

SMA — Fri, 15 Mar 2019 16:30:05 +0000

Good news comes to those who practice! One of our Scottsdale Music Academy guitar and band coaching students is Grady Byrne, and he’s received great news recently in his quest to further his academic studies and his musical career.

Grady has accepted an academic scholarship to study for a music major at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn. He is also expecting to hear good news on a music scholarship at Belmont at the time of this writing.

This is very exciting news, as there are only a handful of U.S. colleges and universities that offer degree programs in contemporary music. Some of the best-known schools are Belmont, Berklee College of Music, USC Thornton School of Music and Frost School of Music at the Univ of Miami. And besides the acceptance levels being quite hard, these schools are quite expensive to apply and attend. Grady has interest in country music, so applying to Belmont in Nashville for scholarships seems a smart route.

To understand the difficulty of Grady’s quest to attend Belmont, consider this: Music performance majors first have to pass a musical audition. Fewer than 20% are accepted from the 2,000 students who audition annually for Belmont. That number includes ALL performance majors; classical music, jazz, musical theatre, voice, and contemporary music. Very few of the guitar players who audition are accepted as a performance major in contemporary music. It’s a testament to Grady’s talents, practice habits and musical knowledge that he passed the audition! He becomes one of a few students nationwide selected to be a music performance major in guitar in the contemporary music program!

Background

To those of us in the SMA band coaching program who know Grady, this is a great step on the way to a music career! Grady started playing guitar when he was 7 years old in formal practice lessons. He comes from a very musical family, where it’s said that music is a family member, along with father, mother and siblings. Dad’s an audiophile, Mom organizes the very popular Rock the District competition her in the Valley, and both parents believe that music and arts are essential in education.

Grady is an example of an SMA student making the most of what his parents can provide for him in the way of lessons and teaching, and then using his drive, talents and determination to move forward to bigger and better musical opportunities in life!

If you’re ready to take your musical skills up a notch, contact us at Scottsdale Music Academy! You can sign up with our instructors to improve your talents on guitar, piano, bass or vocal lessons. Call us in Scottsdale, AZ on 602-751-3527 for a free lesson and intro tour. We’re Scottsdale’s leading music instruction academy in Scottsdale, between Scottsdale Road and Hayden Road.

# # #

John deserves the credit for not only providing an excellent music education, but for knowing how to keep Grady challenged. The importance of mentors, coaches and teachers can not be overemphasized. Grady is so fortunate to have found the right one!

Guitar Techniques for Beginners

SMA — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 16:30:00 +0000

When you first start to play the guitar or you are continuing to progress as a player, there are endless things to learn. Although it may seem overwhelming, taking things one step at a time can be a great help in managing your time when practicing the guitar. This is especially true for learning new guitar techniques. There are tons of guitar techniques to learn, but starting with the right ones can be very important in your journey as a guitar player. Here are some guitar techniques for beginners to start learning.

ALTERNATE PICKING:

One of the most crucial guitar techniques to learn as a beginner is alternate picking. When taking guitar lessons, alternate picking may be one of the first things your instructor goes over. The reason why alternate picking is so important is because it is one of the most efficient ways to play a sequence with a variety of notes. It will allow you to play with both accuracy and efficiency when learning other things on the guitar as well. That makes it one of the best things to start with.

PALM MUTING:

Another great guitar technique for beginners to learn is palm muting. This technique is a perfect introduction for introducing dynamics to your guitar playing. Essentially, palm muting will allow you to dampen the sustain of whatever you are playing, as well as give your playing a more staccato feel. This technique is used by rhythm guitar players all of the time.

STRUM PATTERNS:

Last but not least, learning the technique of playing different strum patterns can help immensely as you continue to progress on the guitar. While learning different strum patterns can help you master new songs more easily, it will also act as a gateway into making up your own songs and chord progressions with different strum patterns. Just like palm muting, different strum patterns will also add new dynamics to your playing. While there is a huge amount of guitar techniques to learn when you are just starting out, these three will give you a good base foundation for continuing to learn and grow.

How To Get Your Guitar Set Up The Right Way

SMA — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 03:40:00 +0000

As a guitarist, having your guitar set up the right way that works best for you is very important. Whether it’s a new instrument or a guitar you’ve had for years, the right set up can make a world of difference in how your guitar sounds and how it feels to play. A lot of the time, newer guitarists don’t take the time to go get their guitar set up by a professional and this may affect their experience in the learning process. Here are a few tips on how to get your guitar set up the right way.

FIND A PROFESSIONAL:

The first step in making sure your guitar gets set up the right way is to find a professional luthier in your area. While taking your guitar to a place like Guitar Center or Sam Ash can be just fine, finding a smaller, independent luthier may be your best bet. This way, the proper amount of work and time will be put into making sure your guitar is the best that it can be. It may not be the cheapest process, but you will definitely notice the difference.

MAKE SURE YOUR STRINGS ARE THE RIGHT ACTION:

For newer guitarists, the action of your strings is the distance between the fretboard and the strings. The action of your guitar is arguably one of the most important things in the set up process. That being said, every guitarist usually has a preference of the action of their guitar. A higher action (a greater distance between the strings and fretboard) usually allows for a higher sustain with notes, while a lower action (a smaller distance between the strings and fretboard) allows for more precision with hitting notes. Your luthier can help you find what is best for you.

FIND THE RIGHT STRINGS:

Another factor in how to get your guitar set up the right way for you is to find the right strings. This may take a lot of trial and error, but finding the right strings can add so much more to your guitar playing experience. Although there are many different string types out there, taking the time to really find the right strings for you will be well worth it in the end.

Cool Gear For Guitarists to Try

SMA — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 16:00:00 +0000

For all kinds of musicians, especially guitarists, there is an abundance of gear out there that can really add to your instrument. As a guitarist, you have your necessities of gear such as picks, amps and cables, but if you have some extra room in your budget, there are some really cool gadgets out there for you to try. These pieces of gear may not be entirely essential, but they will surely be great to have in your arsenal of gear. Here is some cool gear for guitarists to try.

AUTOMATIC GUITAR TUNERS:

One cool piece of gear for any guitarist to try is an automatic guitar tuner. Instead of tuning your strings by hand and by ear, an automatic guitar tuner allows you to put the device on your tuning pegs, play the strings and automatically tune your guitar to the perfect pitch. These devices can be especially useful if you need to tune your guitar very quickly. Another great thing about automatic guitar tuners is that they are not super expensive.

STRING CHANGING KIT:

Another piece of gear for guitarists to try is a string changing kit. If you aren’t as experienced at changing your strings yet, a string changing kit can make your life a whole lot easier. Usually, these kits come with a guitar string cutter, a string winder and a headstock tuner. All of these items make it quick and convenient to change your strings on the fly. These kits will also help you change your strings the right way, which in turn will keep your guitar in great condition.

HUMIDIFIER:

While this may cater more to acoustic guitar players, a guitar humidifier is a great piece of gear for guitarists to try. Instead of worrying about the environment you are keeping your acoustic guitars in, all you have to do with a guitar humidifier is stick it in a case with your acoustic guitar. This device will help with keeping your guitar in the perfect climate. Although there is an endless amount of cool gear out there for guitarists, these are just a few that you should eventually try.

Great Gear to Have for Touring and Gigging

SMA — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 16:30:00 +0000

Touring and gigging as a musician, especially if it is the first time, can be a rollercoaster of emotions. Some of the best parts of touring and gigging consist of playing music multiple nights a week, meeting tons of people, seeing new places and experiencing a variety of venues. With all that being said, a successful live performance comes with being prepared. This means having all of your gear in check and knowing what you will and will not need for a tour or for a gig. While not everything is absolutely necessary to bring, these are some great pieces of gear to have for touring and gigging.

AMP CASES:

If you are a musician of any kind, then you know that amplifiers can be some of the most expensive pieces of gear that you can own. This is why it is important to protect them. While Playing any kind of show or being on tour, amps can be moved around and transported quite a bit. Amp cases are a great way to protect your amplifiers from any kind of damage that could come along the way. Keep in mind, these cases can run on the more expensive end. While amp cases are great for all kinds of performances, they are a bit more essential for touring musicians, as your amp will constantly be moving around.

CORDS AND CABLES:

It is important to remember all of your cables for your pedals, monitors, mics, instruments, amplifiers and more. Do yourself a favor and make an inventory of all the cables you may need when headed out for a tour. In addition, try to stock up on some extra instrument cables because you never know what could happen. No matter if you are going on tour or just playing a show one night at your local venue, cords and cables are always needed.

BACKUP INSTRUMENTS:

Last but not least, backup instruments are great, if not crucial to have when touring. While having backups of everything doesn’t hurt, having backup instruments will definitely save you in a pinch. Let’s say you break a string on stage or your instrument is malfunctioning before a show, having a backup will take some of that added stress off of you. It is better to be safe than sorry. Having a backup instrument is great for gigging musicians as well, but it may not be of the utmost importance. Even though these are just a few of the great pieces of gear to have while touring and gigging, they will definitely come in handy at some point or another.

Quick Tips to Improve Guitar Tone

SMA — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 19:13:25 +0000

Every guitar player dreams of attaining perfect tone. While guitar lessons and practice will get you close, sometimes you need a little something extra to give you that special edge. For those occasions, try one of the resources below or use a combination of each to find your perfect sound.

Take Advantage of Amps

When you need to project your sound without losing quality or clarity, nothing beats a guitar amp. These electronic devices are a staple among both electric and guitar players alike, enabling musicians to magnify and strengthen the guitar’s “voice.” Essentially, guitar amps help to amplify a guitar’s natural sound and are used to manipulate the overall sound as desired.

Choose Strings Wisely

Many beginning guitar players make the mistake of underestimating the importance of guitar strings, naively assuming that any sort of string will do. However, longtime guitarists know that not all guitar strings are made alike. The gauge, material, and coating of a particular guitar string can all have a huge impact on sound. That’s why it’s critical to choose the right guitar strings for your desired tone. Our best advice? Experiment with different types of strings until you find the dreamy tone you’re looking for. The same goes for guitar picks, too! And be sure to replace old guitar strings every three months (or 100 hours of practice) to keep your strings sounding their absolute best.

Invest in Effects Pedals

If you play an electric guitar, another easy way to add some pizzazz to your sound is through an effects pedal. From overdrive pedals to compressor pedals, distortion, and more, there’s an effects pedal for almost everyone and every musical goal. No matter what your ideal guitar tone is, chances are there’s an effects pedal that can help you achieve the sound you’re after. With a little experimentation and some trial and error, you’re sure to find the perfect effects pedals to take your sound to a whole new level.

Last but not least, make sure your guitar is tuned properly. Nothing ruins a guitar’s tone more than an improperly tuned guitar!
While technical equipment and guitar accessories are great ways to beef up your sound, the ultimate way to stand out is by mastering the craft itself. For help with chords, strumming tips, and advanced guitar techniques, contact Scottsdale Music Academy or sign up for a free guitar lesson today to see what we’re all about!

Understanding the Classical Guitar

SMA — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 16:30:00 +0000

When people first have the idea of learning the guitar, their minds often go to the thought of the acoustic or electric guitar. What many people don’t usually think of is the classical guitar. While still considered acoustic guitars, classical guitars are not exactly the same as your standard acoustic guitar. Although learning all types of guitar is a great thing to do, there are also some good advantages to learning and understanding classical guitar as well.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

As was mentioned before, classical guitars are still considered acoustic guitars, but there are some key differences between classical and standard acoustics. The most prominent difference between the two lies in the types of strings that are used on classical guitars. On standard acoustic guitars, you will almost always see steel strings on them. There are many different types of steel strings for acoustic guitars, but that is the standard string type. On the other hand, classical guitars use nylon strings, which are a part of what gives them their distinctive sound.

Another difference between classical guitars and standard acoustic guitars is the body shape. On standard acoustic guitars, you will often find them in a dreadnought shape. Some standard acoustic guitars also have a cutaway in the body, which makes it easier to get to the higher frets. Classical guitars are usually a bit smaller than standard acoustic guitars and also don’t usually contain a cutaway in the body.

One last difference between the two types of guitars pertains to sound. Even though standard acoustic guitars are the go-to for most musicians, classical guitars can really give you the opportunity to experiment with Spanish and Flamenco-style sounds.

ADVANTAGES OF LEARNING THE CLASSICAL GUITAR:

One of the best advantages of learning the classical guitar is that most of the pieces that are played on classical guitar are really great for improving coordination and meticulousness in terms of music. If you are an aspiring guitar player, classical guitar might be a solid place to start a foundation for learning the instrument, as well as musical concepts like music theory. Overall, the classical guitar is a very unique instrument.

If you are thinking about starting to learn the guitar or you are already an experienced player looking for a change, classical guitar may be a good option for you. Take a free lesson on us to see what style of guitar is a good fit for you!

Using the CAGED Method

SMA — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 16:30:00 +0000

As a beginner or even as a skilled guitarist, the fretboard of a guitar may not make perfect sense when looking at it. Unlike a piano, the notes on a guitar’s fretboard are not exactly laid out in perfect order. While this may be frustrating for some players, learning the CAGED method can help guitar players in understanding the layout of a fretboard and more about music theory. In turn, this can help with the memorization and knowledge of chords, individual notes and scales.

WHY SHOULD I LEARN THE CAGED METHOD?:

As mentioned above, the CAGED method is a great way for guitar players to understand the fretboard of their instrument. Although some instruments such as the piano are more linear in their layout, the CAGED method can give players a way to view the fretboard in a more organized way. The CAGED method can also make your learning more efficient, by giving you an understanding of how and why certain scales and chords are laid out the way that they are.

HOW DOES IT WORK?:

To put it into simple terms, the CAGED method focuses on the five chords in the open position: C, A, G, E and D. By learning these chords and also learning the notes on the 5th and 6th strings of your guitar, you will be able to move these shapes up and down the fretboard to create other chords and in particular, learn more about the major scale. In order to gain a better understanding of how the CAGED method works, it is important to learn the root notes of the chords that you are playing as well.

Ultimately, the best way to learn the CAGED method is to bring it up to your instructor. Even though the CAGED method is not the only system out there for organizing the fretboard, it is a great start and can aid you in learning more about your instrument. If you are interested in learning more about the CAGED system and how it works, or any other system for playing guitar sign up for a FREE LESSON and we can help demystify it for you!

What Should I be Practicing?

SMA — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 16:30:00 +0000

If you are just starting out as a musician or even consider yourself to be an advanced player, you may be asking yourself: what should I be practicing? There are so many components to learning an instrument like the guitar that you might begin to feel like you are just going over the same concepts over and over again if you do not progress in certain topics. Finding the right things to practice will not only increase your skills and knowledge of concepts, it will also keep you motivated to continue practicing on a daily basis. If you are just starting out as a musician or even consider yourself to be an advanced player, you may be asking yourself: what should I be practicing? There are so many components to learning an instrument like the guitar that you might begin to feel like you are just going over the same concepts over and over again if you do not progress in certain topics. Finding the right things to practice will not only increase your skills and knowledge of concepts, it will also keep you motivated to continue practicing on a daily basis.

CHORDS AND PROGRESSIONS:

Guitar chords are one of the fundamental aspects of learning the instrument and expanding your capabilities along the neck. That is why practicing and being able to play basic chord shapes is incredibly important in setting a foundation for your guitar playing. Practicing these chords over and over again and eventually mastering them will eventually allow you to transition to learning and practicing the endless number of chord variations that are out there. Having the capability to know the various chord shapes will also lead you to get better at playing chord progressions, which is essential for playing and writing songs. This is just one example of how different facets of practicing the guitar can blend into one another.

SCALES:

Guitar scales are also one of the most crucial things for guitar players to be practicing during their practice time. Although there are many different scales to learn, practice and work with, they are key to becoming a better soloist and will even improve your understanding of music theory. If you are a beginner, the minor pentatonic scale is a great scale to start with if you are just getting into soloing over songs or chord progressions. In addition to getting better at soloing, practicing guitar scales will also help with finger technique, rhythm, hand strength and finding patterns within different styles of music. If you find yourself wondering what you should be practicing as a guitar player, it could be very beneficial to start with chords, progressions and scales. From there, you can start to branch out and learn more about a fantastic instrument.