Thursday, December 10, 2015

NEW CHRISTMAS SONGS


     Hello-- we've been working as a class this Nov and Dec session on Christmas and holiday songs.   We usually do this every year, in preparation for going out into the community and performing a few concerts for retirement homes, the YMCA,  and other community venues.

     Go over to our Songs page and check out our Christmas songs, and join in learning these songs with us!



Monday, November 16, 2015

229 Songs With Four Guitar Chords

   I found this article on Facebook and wanted to share it with you.  I haven't taken a good look at it yet, but it promises to be a valuable tool for you to learn some new songs.




    On second look, it's a rather elementary lesson, with just chords and songs listed.  No real instruction.   Some of the song titles have ---titles that I don't really approve--- so I'm guessing that I wouldn't approve of the songs either, but I'm still going to keep the link here.

   You can use this as you wish.  There are many, many MORE songs that you can learn with just four chords.  220 just scratches the surface.  And of course, if you have five, six, etc chords under your belt, then the sky's the limit.

   Refer to my tools on here entitled "Plus One--Minus One" which shows you how to take five basic chords, and by adding or subtracting just one note, you can expand your chord repertoire to nineteen (19) chords.


Friday, October 2, 2015

Muriel Anderson Concert




















  EXCITING NEWS-- Muriel has agreed to teach my Guitar Classes a one-hour guitar lesson prior to her show this Friday, Oct. 23 !   

Love Your Guitar

GuiTarHeel / Guitar Blog

I’m a guitarist and a guitar teacher.  You might imagine a stereotypical character… one that carries his guitar case around with him everywhere he goes.  Someone that is ready to serenade at the drop of a hat.   But nothing could be farther from the actual truth.  I don’t always want to play the guitar.  I’ve gone stretches of days and weeks without playing in the past.  Sometimes I am just not in the mood to even look at a guitar, much less play one.  I wish that this weren’t true, but it is.  And I’ve learned to live with it, and with myself and my own mental and emotional quirks.

This doesn’t mean that I do not love to play guitar.  I absolutely enjoy and adore playing… most of the time. As you begin to practice more and more, you will find that it is less and less of a routine, and more and more of a love in your life.  You will look at your guitar as a friend, a companion.  It eventually seems to take on a life of its own.  You reach for it at certain times, when you’re lonely, or frustrated, or even happy.  And it brings a sense of peace and contentment as you are able to create a melody or tune.

There is definitely a learning curve and a time of adjustment.  You feel awkward with your guitar at first.  It is like a stranger to you.  You may even experience some pain and discomfort in playing.  But most of the time, this is a natural occurrence.  Being able to exercise control over your instrument does not happen overnight.  In fact, you may feel as if it is controlling or overwhelming you.  It is at these times that you must persist and press on.  You will eventually win this battle, and you will come to a place where it is no longer a difficult experience, but one of enjoyment and even excitement.

Segovia said it well : “The guitar is the easiest instrument to play, and the hardest one to play well.”  Do not get discouraged in your journey to play the guitar.  Do not count it a six-week or eight-week goal.  Count it as a lifetime pursuit.  If you aim high, and do not give up, you will see results soon.  It will eventually get easier, not harder.  You will begin to be able to play notes, and chords, and songs.  And maybe even create your own tunes.

Don’t sell yourself short.  I’ve “quit” playing many times, but not forever.  I’ve always picked it back up again.  After a season, I’ve always been drawn back to my guitar.   I enjoy holding it, playing it, feeling my fingers glide across the strings, and hearing the melodies coming from it.   It’s a joy.   And it will be for you too.

© 2014  Bob Wingate/ GuiTarHeel Music

Monday, September 28, 2015

LICK LESSON

   I just published a new Lesson here on a standard Bluegrass Lick in the key of G.  It has a complimentary set of notes and tips on learning the lick, as well as a couple of YouTube video links by other players that demonstrate playing it.  You'll immediately recognize this riff/lick as one you've heard many times before in country and bluegrass tunes.

  Click on this Link to access this Lesson :  LEARN THE LICK LESSON

  Thanks for using the GUITARHEEL website in helping you to learn the Guitar!   Please come back often to catch up and find more valuable guitar tools and lessons.


Monday, June 22, 2015

Slow, Sultry Summer

   Not much has been going on this summer.  The weather has been very hot and humid.  My guitar classes have dropped off to about 12--15 students spread over two classes.  I did have three classes, but the first ABC (absolute beginners) class dropped down to one or two due to vacations, illnesses, and busy schedules.  Then last week, there was a unique occurrence : the first week ever that NO ONE showed for one of my classes.  My helper and I put the guitars down and went and shot pool for awhile.  It was a nice break, but I'd much rather be busy teaching guitar.

     Hopefully, things will pick up in July or September (my classes start every other month).  Looking ahead, I'm looking forward to having a good group back for the Fall.  But for the time being, we press ahead with the group we've got.  It's not as much fun with less people, but it's important not to let down or give up in the midst of disappointment.


Tuesday, March 10, 2015

"SPRING INTO SUMMER"
CONCERT SERIES @ THE INN in SALISBURY NC
http://guitargigs.blogspot.com/2015/03/spring-into-summer-concert-series-inn.html


The Randy Stonehill concert for June 6 was cancelled but
is to be rescheduled for the fall.

Thursday, January 29, 2015

PHIL KEAGGY --- TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE

Tickets still available.  Only about 100 seats left. 
Get your tickets now at 704-310-5507

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

PHIL KEAGGY --- LIVE RADIO INTERVIEW --- THIS FRIDAY NIGHT

If you're not in the NC area, you can still "tune in" via the Internet at wbfj.fm.

If you are in the NC area, tune in at one of the FM frequencies listed below.
If you haven't got your PHIL KEAGGY show tickets yet, get them N O W.
Only about 100 seats left.  Call Lee Street Theatre at 704--310--5507.

PHIL KEAGGY -- LIVE @ LEE STREET
Lee Street Theatre, Salisbury NC
Friday, Feb. 6 @ 7:30 pm