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Guitar Lessons Ithaca Blog

Joey Durgin & Rachael Tissot at Guitar Lessons Ithaca Student Concert 2025

Amazing Student Concert!

Every year, the Guitar Lessons Ithaca Student Concert is a milestone…
A dynamic and engaging image depicting the rhythmic interplay of 5_4 and 4_4 in jazz music. The visual includes a jazz musician performing.

Exploring 5/4 within in 4/4 Swing from Mike Longo’s “Rhythmic Nature of Jazz” 

As musicians, we’re often drawn to challenges that…
A visually engaging image depicting a jazz musician passionately playing a saxophone, inspired by John Coltrane's 'Giant Steps.'

Why Learning Coltrane Changes Matters

John Coltrane’s groundbreaking composition “Giant…
guitar lessons ithaca's immutable laws

Guitar Lessons Ithaca’s Immutable Laws

In a world where cookie-cutter approaches dominate…
A clean and detailed image of a musical melody written on a traditional treble clef stave. The staff consists of five lines with a treble clef symbol.

Understanding Steps, Skips, and Leaps in Melodies

Melody is one of the most fundamental aspects of…
A powerful and engaging scene depicting the universality and dynamism of rhythm in music. Show a diverse group of musicians, including drummers, guitarists, etc.

The Importance of Rhythm Theory

Why is Rhythm Theory Overlooked in Western Music Education? For…
A detailed, inspirational image of a guitarist sitting in a warm, softly lit room surrounded by sheet music, scales, and chord diagrams.

What Can Music Theory Do for You?

Music theory often seems like an abstract,…
A realistic and dynamic image of a rock star performing on stage with an electric guitar, engaging with a cheering audience.

What Makes a Guitarist “Good”?

The question of what makes a "good" guitarist has…
woman strumming guitar at faster tempos

How to Strum Faster Tempos

Strumming at faster tempos can be a real challenge for guitarists,…
A realistic and heartfelt image of a person sitting in a cozy room, holding an acoustic guitar, deeply immersed in playing.

Why People Decide to Play Guitar

In a world that often feels dominated by consumerism…
A diverse group of musicians including men and women of different races and backgrounds playing various instruments together in a warmly lit, inviting space.

The Value of Open-Mindedness in Music

In the world of music, versatility is key. Whether…
robotic figure using hybrid picking on guitar

Hybrid Picking is A Game-Changer for Guitarists

Hybrid picking, also known as pick-and-fingers technique,…
man and woman smiling playing electric guitars together

Mixing the Minor and Major Pentatonic Scales on Guitar: A Deep Dive into Practical Application

In our previous blog, we…
abstract drawing of African and European influences on modern guitar

Why Guitarists Should Learn to Mix the Minor and Major Pentatonic Scales

African Roots: The Seed of…
An abstract digital artwork representing the vast possibilities of guitar chords and harmony, featuring surreal, intertwined guitar fretboards glowing.

100 Guitar Chord Types and Techniques

In the vast world of guitar playing, chords…
A surreal digital artwork depicting a guitarist learning through the Geometric Method

Guitar Lessons Ithaca’s Geometric Method for Teaching

An Effective Approach to Learning Guitar At Guitar…
guitar lessons ithaca student using technology

How Guitar Lessons Ithaca Uses Technology to Elevate Learning

Technology has become an integral part of modern education,…
abstract drawing of transposing on guitar

The Importance of Knowing How to Transpose

Transposing is a fundamental skill for guitarists, offering…
blonde woman playing guitar

Mastering the Transition from Strumming to Picking Single-Note Lines on Guitar

As a guitarist, when you're singing and strumming,…
abstract drawing of non-diatonic chord progressions in music

Using Non-Diatonic Chords to Spice Up Your Songs

A lot of today's pop music is based on diatonic chord…
jazz musician playing saxophone

The Transformative Power of Rhythmic Storytelling

As a guitarist who has spent years refining my jazz…
abstract illustration of guitar modes

Identifying Modes Through “Giveaway” Chords

Have you ever been in a jam and instantly recognized…
abstract drawing of additive rhythm

The Additive Approach to Teaching Rhythm

Rhythm forms the bedrock of all music, yet teaching…
an abstract drawing of tonic, subdominant, dominant chords in music

Understanding Tonic, Subdominant, and Dominant Chords

In music theory, each chord within a key plays a specific…
cover logo of Extreme Ownership book

Extreme Ownership in Music

I never thought I’d enjoy a book about Navy SEALs,…
abstract drawing of the importance of the form in music

The Form is Sacred

The other day at our annual Guitar Lessons Ithaca student…
illustration for playing music is not intellectual

Playing Music is Not (Always) Intellectual

Music is often thought of as an intellectual pursuit—a field…
guitarist using technology to practice better

How to Best Use Technology While Practicing Guitar

In today’s world, there's a plethora of apps and devices designed…
for music geeks only album cover

Exotic Modes in Every Day Life

When exploring exotic modes, guitarists can discover…
cover image for Music byNumbers article

Music by Numbers

Have you ever wondered what the "holy grail"…
abstract drawing of vertical soloing on guitar

Why Many Rock Guitarists Struggle with “Vertical” Improvisation

Improvising over chord changes is a skill that…
guitarist using triads

Why Learning Triads is Essential for Guitarists

Triads are one of the most fundamental building…
a beginner guitarist switching chords

Comprehensive Guide to Chord Switching for Beginners

Learning to switch chords smoothly is one of…
common chord progressions

Exploring Common Chord Progressions: The Backbone of Great Music

Chord progressions are the foundation of countless…
always keep the groove

Keep the Groove First and Foremost

I. Background During a recent vacation in North…
Salsa Libre at Tioga Downs

Own the Music!

Preparing for a gig is not just about knowing…
Socrates teaching guitar

The Socratic Method of Guitar Instruction: Teaching Through Inquiry

The art of teaching is as varied and nuanced as the…
guitarist practicing ear training

Mastering Musical Intervals: Ear Training Guide for Guitarists

Training your ear to recognize musical intervals is…
Jackson at Guitar Lessons Ithaca Student Concert 2024

Common Scales & Their Intervals

When learning to play an instrument, mastering scale patterns…
guitarist practicing challenging musical passage

Mastering Difficult Musical Passages

Recently, I attended a performance at a local inn where my friends…
people feasting at Guitar Lessons Ithaca student party 2024

Guitar Lessons Ithaca Annual Summer Party

Last Sunday, we held our much-anticipated annual summer party…
man practicing guitar as part of good self-care

How Taking Music Lessons Taps Into One of the Biggest Keys to Success in Life

Randy Gage, a renowned author on prosperity and success, attributes…
guitarist practicing to metronome

Practice “In Time”: The Key to Musical Mastery

During a lesson, I occasionally ask students to practice as if…
guitarist practicing triplet subdivisions

Unlocking the Rhythmic Complexity of Shuffle Grooves

Playing a shuffle groove on the guitar involves subdividing each…
guitarist practicing ear training

Mastering Ear Training: The Additive and Complementary Approaches

Ear training is a crucial skill for any musician, enabling you…
quoting in jazz guitar solos

Jazz Guitar: The Art of Quoting in Soloing

In the vibrant world of jazz, the conversation doesn’t happen…
acoustic blues guitarist playing at sundown outdoors

Exploring the World of Acoustic Blues Guitar

Acoustic blues guitar is a rich and expressive genre…
A dynamic and engaging illustration that visually connects the rhythms of 4_4 swing and African 6-8 time signatures.

Exploring the Rhythmic Relationship Between 4/4 and African 6/8 for Jazz Musicians

Understanding the relationship between the 4/4 time signature…
guitar in electronic music

Incorporating Guitar in Electronic Music: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

In the evolving landscape of music, the guitar remains…
guitarist and vocalist

The Symbiotic Relationship Between Guitar and Vocal Training

When it comes to expanding musical skills, the interplay…
guitarist analyzing iconic guitar solos

Analyzing Iconic Guitar Solos: A Journey Through Musical Genius

Guitar solos have the power to define a song's character…
guitar lessons ithaca logo - small square

Unlock Your Musical Potential: Why Guitar Lessons in Ithaca Are a Game-Changer

Embarking on a journey to learn guitar can transform…
jam session with percussionists, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist etc

Easy 2-Chord Progressions for Jam Sessions

Ricky, Performing at Student Concert 2024

Rockin’ Student Concert!

On a vibrant Sunday at the Foundation of Light in Ithaca,…
guitarist working on balancing volume of strumming vs. picking

Mastering Dynamics: Techniques for Controlling Guitar Volume Between Picking and Strumming

Navigating the dynamic landscape of guitar playing…
group of students strumming guitars

Making Your Rhythm Guitar Parts More Interesting

Rhythm guitar is not just about keeping time—it’s a canvas…
creative expression on guitar

Unleashing Creativity: Your Pathway to Musical Expression at Guitar Lessons Ithaca

In the world of music, creativity is not just a burst…
fingerstyle guitar

Fingerpicking Finesse: Techniques to Elevate Your Acoustic Guitar Playing

The art of fingerpicking is a quintessential skill that can transform…
guitar lessons in ithaca

Ithaca’s Guitar Wonderland: Your Guide to Enriching Lessons

Nestled in the heart of the Finger Lakes region, Ithaca,…
festive-atmosphere-with-musical-instrum

The Vibrant Spectrum of Latin Music Styles

Latin America's rich cultural tapestry is vividly reflected in…
first guitar performance

From Studio to Stage: Preparing for Your First Guitar Performance in Ithaca

The journey from the quiet, introspective…
history and evolution of electric guitar

Strumming Through Time: The History and Evolution of the Electric Guitar

The electric guitar, an emblem of modern music, carries a rich…
guitar lessons that shape artistry

From Basics to Brilliance: Guitar Lessons That Shape Your Artistry

Embarking on the journey to learn guitar is not just about mastering…
hybrid picking

An Introduction to Hybrid Picking Techniques

Hybrid picking, a versatile and nuanced technique, bridges the…
cover of psycho-cybernetics

Harnessing the Power of Your Musical Mindset: Lessons from Psycho-Cybernetics

Embarking on the journey to master the guitar, or any instrument…
jazz guitar soloing tips

Jazz Guitar Soloing: Crafting Your Musical Narrative

In the world of jazz guitar, soloing…
negative harmony

Unveiling the Mysteries of Negative Harmony in Music

Negative harmony is a mesmerizing concept in music theory…
mastering guitar chord transitions

Chord Transition Hacks: Smooth Moves for Ithaca Guitar Players

Whether you're strumming along the serene waters of Cayuga…
short-scale guitars and multiscale fretboards

The Rise of Short-Scale Guitars and Multiscale Fretboards: A New Era in Guitar Design

Short-scale guitars, which typically feature necks shorter…
essential guitar accessories

Essential Gear Guide: Must-Have Accessories for Every Ithaca Guitarist

Ithaca, NY, is renowned not only for its…
memorize common song forms

The Value of Memorizing Standard Chord Progressions for Guitarists

The journey of mastering the guitar is a lifelong endeavor,…
keep the form while soloing on guitar

Keeping The Form While Improvising with Confidence

Soloing on the guitar while keeping the form of a tune…
14 mistakes amateur jazz musicians make

Solos Aside: 15 Common Mistakes Amateur Jazz Musicians Make

Jazz is an intricate and dynamic art form, celebrated for…
composer with guitar

Crafting Your Unique Spin: A Guide to Personalizing a Cover Song

Covering a song is an art form in itself, offering musicians…
Power vs Force

The Journey to Guitar Mastery: Insights from “Power vs. Force”

In the pursuit of excellence, whether in sports, martial…
guitarist surrounded by instruments

The Benefits of Learning Multiple Instruments for Guitarists

Embarking on a musical journey that transcends the six…
gospel guitarist on stool

Gospelizing Your Progressions – Infusing Blues, Jazz, R&B, and Soul into your progressions

Today, we're diving into the exciting world of gospel guitar…
jazz musician

Exploring Modal Harmony: Transformative Impact on Jazz

Modal harmony, a concept that reshaped jazz in the mid-20th century,…

Mastering Difficult Passages: A Strategic Approach for Musicians

Every musician encounters challenging passages in their repertoire…
jazz in styles from around the world

Jazz Standards: A Canvas for Global Rhythms and Genres

Jazz standards serve as a universal canvas for musical…
guitarist-sitting-with-a-guitar-in-hand-intently

The Many Benefits of Using Fake Books for Guitarists

For guitarists, whether seasoned or just starting, mastering…
essence-of-reimagining

Jazz Standards: A Journey of Musical Expression

Jazz standards, with their timeless melodies and harmonic complexities,…
concept-of-ear-training-for-guitarists

Enhancing Your Musicality: Effective Ear Training for Guitarists

Ear training is an essential skill for any musician, especially…
guitar teacher near me

Unleashing Your Inner Rockstar: Finding the Best Guitar Instructors in Ithaca

Are you ready to unleash your inner rockstar? Whether you're…
group-of-musicians

Effective Tips for Collaborating with Other Musicians

Collaborating with other musicians can be one of the most rewarding…
science-behind-guitar-sound-and-tone

The Science Behind Guitar Sound and Tone: An Acoustic Exploration

The guitar is not just a musical instrument; it's a marvel of…
guitar showcased by multiple instruments

Understanding the Role of the Guitar in Various Music Genres

The guitar, with its rich tones and versatile nature, has cemented…
rhythm-in-guitar-playin

Balancing Melody and Rhythm in Guitar Playing

In the art of guitar playing, melody and rhythm serve as the…
guitarist deeply immersed

Developing Your Unique Guitar Playing Style

Every guitarist has a unique voice, a distinct style that sets…
guitarist using finger sleeve

Introduction to Slide Guitar Techniques

Slide guitar is a technique that creates a smooth, gliding sound,…
student and teacher engaged

The Power of Fun in Music Lessons: Cultivating a Lifelong Love for Playing

The ultimate goal of music education extends beyond mastering…
hand on guitar..fingerstyle

Beginner’s Guide to Fingerpicking on Guitar

Fingerpicking is a captivating technique that allows you to create…
Guitar effects pedals

Exploring Guitar Effects Pedals: Unleashing Sonic Creativity

Guitar effects pedals are like a palette of colors for a painter…
tuning your guitar

The Ultimate Guide to Tuning Your Guitar

Tuning your guitar is the first step toward creating beautiful…
Guitar Scales

Mastering Guitar Scales: The Key to Expressive Soloing and Improvisation

Guitar playing is an art of endless possibilities, and at the…
Man expressing guitar genre

Tips for Creating Original Guitar Solos

A guitar solo is more than just a sequence of notes; it's an…
chord charts for guitarists

The Art of Crafting Chord Charts: A Transformative Skill for Guitarists

Today, let's dive into a valuable skill that has the power to…
Ignite your musical growth

Conquering Guitar Practice Plateaus: Strategies to Ignite Your Musical Growth

Every guitarist embarks on a journey of continuous improvement,…
Guitars in different cultures

What Significance Does the Guitar Have in the Music and Traditions of the Cultures It Comes From?

The guitar, with its rich tones and versatile nature, is one…
Joey performing at Student Concert 2023

Lowering the Action on Acoustic Guitars

Guitar action is the distance between the strings and the fret…
adjusting pedals to get a great guitar tone

How to Get a Great Guitar Sound

Whether you're strumming soothing chords, shredding electrifying…
home studio setup for recording guitar

Capturing Your Sound: Guitar Recording Techniques at Home

Now that we have finished Guitar Lessons Ithaca Student Album…
Mastering Improvisation

Mastering Improvisation: Essential Skills for Guitarists

Improvisation is a key aspect of playing jazz, blues, rock, and…
fingerstyle guitar

The Art of Fingerpicking: A Guitarist’s Guide

In the intricate world of guitar playing, fingerpicking stands…
Digital faith release

Celebrating the Release of Dennis Winge’s 10th Instrumental Album “Digital Interfaith”

A Milestone in Musical Excellence: "Digital Interfaith" by Dennis…

Embarking on Your Songwriting Journey with Guitar

Embarking on the journey of songwriting is a thrilling adventure,…
Colton recording Student Album VI

Stepping into Guitar Playing in Ithaca: Essential Tips for Beginners

Are you stepping into the vibrant world of guitar playing in…
Lars, Ameen and Max playing at Student party 2022

Ithaca’s Musical Landscape: A Symphony of Guitar Learning Opportunities

Greetings, aspiring guitarists and music enthusiasts of Ithaca!…
abstract electric guitar

The Iconic Guitarists and Their Signature Styles

Guitarists have carved their names into history not only through…
Chad recording Student Album VI

Overcoming Barriers to Mastering Lead Guitar: A Guide for Aspiring Guitarists

Embarking on a journey to master lead guitar is both…
Holiday spirit

Embrace the Holiday Spirit with Guitar Lessons Ithaca

Hello, aspiring guitarists and music enthusiasts! As…
Student Album Volume 6

Nurturing Musicianship at Guitar Lessons Ithaca: The Power of the Student Album

At Guitar Lessons Ithaca, we believe in nurturing musicianship…
classical guitar

How to Change Guitar Strings: A Step-by-Step Guide

Putting on new strings can seem like a daunting task, but with…
guitar intonation

Understanding and Achieving Perfect Guitar Intonation

Guitarists know that tuning is a fundamental aspect of playing,…
fender Stratocaster

Unlocking the Tonal Possibilities of Your Fender Stratocaster and Similar Guitars

Your guitar is not just an instrument; it's a canvas of sonic…
les paul guitar

Unleashing the Tonal Power of the Gibson Les Paul and Similar Guitars

The Gibson Les Paul, a legend in its own right, carries a distinctive…
Strumming guitar in nature on stone bench

Mastering Strumming Patterns: The Heartbeat of Your Guitar Playing

Strumming is the heartbeat of your guitar playing, injecting…
Large scale guitar riffs

Unlocking the Fretboard: A Beginner’s Guide to Guitar Tabs

For aspiring guitarists, learning to read sheet music can sometimes…
2 deep sea divers exploring the underworld as an analogy to harmonic exploration on guitar

Exploring Exotic Harmonic Modes with Students

Today's lesson at Guitar Lessons Ithaca was a true adventure…
long highway representing long-term success on guitar

Embracing Long-Term Success in Guitar Playing

Learning to play the guitar is a magnificent journey, one that…
smiling hippie girl playing guitar

How to Choose the Best Teacher or Guitar School

The guitar has come a long way, and it's no longer something…
North American map

Guided or Self-Explored: Guitar Lessons vs. Self-Taught Learning

Embarking on the journey of learning the guitar is an exciting…
Street performer

Maximizing Guitar Practice with a Busy Lifestyles

In the midst of our busy lives, finding time for guitar practice…
student jam session

The Power of Student Jam Sessions: Unleashing Musical Potential

Embarking on a musical journey is an exhilarating experience,…
thumbs up

Mastering Guitar: Enhancing Hand Strength and Dexterity

Mastering the guitar is not just about knowledge; it's also about…
Mom teaching son how to play guitar

How to Cut the High Cost of Cheap Guitar Lessons

Yes, you read that correctly. Opting for cheap guitar lessons…
Young guitarist concentrating

Beginner’s Guide to Guitar Types: Finding the Perfect Fit

A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Right Guitar As a beginner…
Mindset book cover photo

Refer to This When You’re Feeling Frustrated on Guitar

Embarking on the journey of learning guitar can be both exciting…
neck and fretboards picture with man playing

10 Essential Guitar Chords for Beginners: Building the Foundation

As a beginner guitarist, mastering a few fundamental chords is…
Dennis accompanying a singer

Guide to Accompaning Singers on Guitar

Mastering the Art of Accompanying Vocalists: A Guide for Guitarists Accompanying…
Transposing song

The Art of Transposing Songs for Guitar: A Comprehensive Guide

Imagine finding a song you love, only to discover…
Woman playing guitar

Expanding Horizons: The Joys of Progressing on Guitar

I wanted to take a moment to share the incredible journey I’ve…
stretches for guitar players

Stretches for Guitar Players

Greetings, fellow guitar enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into…
Dizzy Gillespie

Improvisation Wisdom from Dizzy Gillespie, part 2

Standard notations

Standard Notation for Guitar

Music notation is the universal language that allows musicians…
Dizzy Gillespie

Improvisation Wisdom from Dizzy Gillespie, part 1

Today, we're diving into a nugget of wisdom straight from the…
Slash

10 Iconic Guitar Riffs Every Player Should Know

Great guitar riffs have the power to transcend time, captivating…
Gibson neck and strings

Guitar Maintenance and Care: Preserving Your Musical Companion’s Longevity

Your guitar is not just an instrument; it's a creative outlet,…
Tuning guitar

Exploring Open Tunings and their Creative Potential

Open tunings are like secret doors into uncharted musical territories,…
Memorex antique radio

Musical Styles from Around the World

Embarking on a musical voyage across the globe unveils a spectrum…
Barre chords

Mastering Barre Chords on Guitar Tips

Barre chords are a rite of passage for every guitarist. While…
Mike T recording Student Album V

Find Your Unique Musical Voice on Guitar, part 4

In parts 1 to 3 we explored ear training, rhythm/ timing, technique,…
Patrick performing at Student Concert 2023

Find Your Unique Musical Voice on Guitar, part 3

In parts 1 & 2, we addressed the skills of ear training,…
Kai performing at Student Concert 2023

Find Your Unique Musical Voice on Guitar, part 2

In part 1, we discussed how, in order to develop your own unique…
Ameen performing at Student Concert 2023

Find Your Unique Musical Voice on Guitar, part 1

Once I heard the singer Jai Uttal respond to a fan who had said…
Chad performing at Student Concert 2023

Once You’re In, You’re in for Life, part 2

Practice opportunities follow you everywhere you go.  Do you…
Ricky performing at Student Concert 2023

Improving Your Musicianship Beyond the Practice Room

Improving your musicianship is a quest that permeates nearly…
Hilary plays at Student Concert

You Can’t Hear What You Can’t Hear: Making Progress on the Guitar

As a guitarist, it’s good to think that you’re good at what…
Heather performing at Student Concert 2023

Who Cares About Your Musicianship, Anyway?

Who cares about musicianship? While non-musicians might prioritize…
Joe performing at Student Concert 2023

So, You’ve Got Talent. Now What?

What really is musicianship and how do you develop it?  Musicianship…
Taylor performing at Student Concert 2023

Welcome to the Guitar Lessons Ithaca Blog – Unleash Your Guitar Potential!

Hello fellow guitar enthusiasts and aspiring musicians.  Welcome…