Hello, aspiring guitarists and music enthusiasts! As we dive into the festive season, there’s something magical about the music that fills the air during the holidays. At Guitar Lessons Ithaca, we love to teach Christmas and holiday songs to students who want to bring the joy of the season into their homes. Learning these songs […]

Putting on new strings can seem like a daunting task, but with a bit of guidance, it becomes a routine part of maintaining your guitar. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process to ensure your guitar sounds and plays its best. Let’s dive in! Initial Setup Loosen and Remove Old Strings: Begin […]

Guitarists know that tuning is a fundamental aspect of playing, but achieving accurate tuning across the entire fretboard involves more than just adjusting the tuning pegs. Guitar intonation plays a crucial role in ensuring that your instrument produces harmonious and in-tune sounds up and down the neck. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the […]

The Gibson Les Paul, a legend in its own right, carries a distinctive tonal character that has shaped the sound of rock ‘n’ roll. Its iconic status is not only due to its aesthetic appeal but also its versatile sound, which can be tailored to a wide range of musical styles. In this guide, we’ll […]

Learning to play the guitar is a magnificent journey, one that requires patience, dedication, and a long-term perspective. At Guitar Lessons Ithaca, we believe that success in guitar playing is not a sprint but a melodious marathon. In this blog post, we’ll explore the profound benefits of adopting a long-term view of success in your […]

Embarking on the journey of learning the guitar is an exciting adventure that opens up a world of musical possibilities. However, when it comes to learning, you’re faced with a choice: should you take formal guitar lessons or venture into the realm of self-taught learning? In this blog post, we’ll delve into the pros and […]

In the midst of our busy lives, finding time for guitar practice can often feel like a challenge. However, with a well-structured practice routine tailored to your schedule, you can make meaningful progress and continue honing your guitar skills. In this blog post, we’ll explore strategies and suggestions to help you create a guitar practice […]

Mastering the guitar is not just about knowledge; it’s also about physical prowess. Developing hand strength and dexterity is essential for executing complex chords, lightning-fast solos, and intricate fingerpicking patterns. In this blog post, we’ll delve into effective exercises and techniques designed to enhance your finger strength, agility, and overall playing ability. Whether you’re a […]

Embarking on the journey of learning guitar can be both exciting and daunting. Frustrations are inevitable, but how we handle these challenges can significantly influence our progress and enjoyment. Inspired by Carol Dweck’s seminal book, Mindset, this post explores how adopting a growth mindset can transform your guitar learning experience. Fixed Mindset: People with a […]

Mastering the Art of Accompanying Vocalists: A Guide for Guitarists Accompanying a singer is a role that carries a unique blend of challenge and reward. As the unsung hero of the performance, you provide the vital musical foundation that allows the vocalist to shine. It’s a responsibility that demands attention to detail and a keen […]

Imagine finding a song you love, only to discover that it doesn’t quite match your vocal range or musical preferences. That’s where the art of transposing comes in. Transposing a song involves changing its key to better suit your vocal range, accompaniment style, or personal taste. In this blog post, we’ll explore the valuable skill […]

I wanted to take a moment to share the incredible journey I’ve been on recently. As I continue to progress on the guitar, I’m finding that the world of musical opportunities is expanding in ways I hadn’t imagined. From solo gigs to collaborations, each experience brings its own unique charm and energy. Let’s delve into […]

Today, we’re diving into a nugget of wisdom straight from the legendary Dizzy Gillespie, a true icon of jazz music. In the DVD “A Night in Havana,” Dizzy shares a simple yet profoundly effective tip that can transform the way you approach improvisation.  The clip is at 1:02:28 in the video which is on YouTube. […]

Your guitar is not just an instrument; it’s a creative outlet, a source of inspiration, and a loyal companion on your musical journey. To ensure that your guitar continues to sing with clarity and resonance, proper maintenance and care are essential. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the art of guitar maintenance, offering advice […]

Embarking on a musical voyage across the globe unveils a spectrum of rhythms, melodies, and harmonies that celebrate the diversity of cultural expressions. This blog post explores a myriad of musical genres from every corner of the world, presenting classic and modern examples that resonate with enthusiasts and new listeners alike. From the intricate beats […]

Barre chords are a rite of passage for every guitarist. While they can be intimidating at first, mastering barre chords opens up a world of possibilities for playing a wide range of chords and songs. This technique involves using a single finger to press down multiple strings across the fretboard, creating a movable chord shape. […]

In parts 1 to 3 we explored ear training, rhythm/ timing, technique, music theory, sight-reading & emotional expression.  Now for the final part in the series we will address the remaining important skills necessary to achieve a clear expression of your unique voice on the guitar.   Collaboration and Ensemble Skills Musicians often play with […]

In parts 1 & 2, we addressed the skills of ear training, technique, & rhythm / timing.  We will focus on music theory, sight-reading, and emotional expression here in part 3. Music Theory Understanding music theory provides a framework for comprehending how music is structured and allows musicians to make informed choices in their playing, […]

In part 1, we discussed how, in order to develop your own unique voice on guitar, it’s actually good to imitate your heroes.  This is because, in the process of copying them, you will inevitably come across nuances of rhythm and technique that you have to study more deeply.  What are some of the other […]

Practice opportunities follow you everywhere you go.  Do you notice them? Last month we discussed the ‘when’ part of musicianship and discovered that opportunities to practice music go way beyond the confines of the practice room.  We explored practicing The Big Three: melody, harmony, and rhythm.  This month discover versatile methods to practice music theory, […]

Improving your musicianship is a quest that permeates nearly every aspect of your life. This is our fourth article in the series.  The first, “So You’ve Got Talent, Now What?” was about ‘what’ musicianship is.  The next, “Who Cares About Your Musicianship Anyway?” was about ‘why’ to develop it.  The third, “You Can’t Hear What […]

What really is musicianship and how do you develop it?  Musicianship is defined as the knowledge, skill, and artistic sensitivity in performing music.  How can you really know how much you have?  How do you develop it?  How do you use it real life? I. A Contradiction? When I was 15, I thought I had […]