Harness the power of games to reach more students, improve student engagement, and grow your guitar teaching studio! The Struggle: Music Theory Like most guitar teachers, I struggled to teach kids basic concepts like how to tune their guitars and how to read guitar tab in large group guitar classes. After a few unsuccessful attempts […]
Author: Brian Parham
Rhythm Guitar vs. Lead Guitar
The Role of the Guitar in a Rock Band Typical rock band lineups feature bass, drums, vocals, and two guitarists. As a matter of fact, a handful of iconic rock bands like Lynard Skynard, Guns N’ Roses, and the Eagles featured three guitarists! So, when you’re ready to play in a rock band, chances are […]
5 Great Gift Ideas for Kids Who Love Guitar
What in the world do you get a kid who loves to play the guitar for the holidays? Well, the Rock Dojo has got you covered with 5 gift ideas you’re little guitar star is sure to LOVE! 1. Electric Guitar Starter Kit Well, you got your kid an acoustic guitar. It’s not for […]
Three Steps for Being Totally Awesome at Playing Guitar or Anything Else
Believe it or not, you can be awesome at anything you do! Whether it’s math and science, Minecraft, or playing the guitar, simply follow Dr. Tasha Eurich‘s three steps for radical improvement, and you will make the leap from ordinary to extraordinary! Know Thyself According to Dr. Eurich, “most people are completely delusional about their […]
Portland Surf City
Portland Surf City Backing Track: Portland Surf City Full Song: For the full lesson, click on the PDF below: Portland Surf City
Power Chord Rock
If you want to play rock guitar, you have to master power chords. After all, nothing captures the rage and the fury of rock music like power chords. Furthermore, they’re easy to play on the guitar. For a more in depth investigation of power chords, check out pages 39 – 45 of The Ultimate Rock Guitar Dojo for […]
Victory: Moveable Power Chords in G Minor
Although power chords are—well—powerful, they can also be tender and delicate. In this study, co-written by a 9th grade student of mine, you’ll master power chords in the key of G Natural Minor. Just remember to all open 4th string to ring throughout the entire A-section. This technique, known as a pedal tone, is used […]
Halloween Thing: A Riff so Awesome, It’s Scary
Riffs are the short repeated musical phrases that keep you coming back again and again to your favorite songs. From Suzie Q to Poker Face, a great riff can grab you by the tail and pull you in! In today’s lesson, we’re going to check out an awesome riff I composed with the help of […]
Five Guitarists Every Kid Should Listen To: #4 Albert Lee
When it comes to legendary rock guitarists, most kids know about the big three: Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Keith Richards. But there has been a pantheon of gifted and innovative guitarists contributing to the evolution of popular music over the years. From blazing bebop and country soloists to soulful blues and jazz players, here […]
Becoming a Black Belt Musician- The Bridge Article
Becoming a Black Belt Musician Using martial arts motivators to get kids to practice. By David Aldred – October 5, 2015 If you’re like me, you may have occasionally asked yourself “What do music and martial arts have in common?” . . . or not. Fortunately for aspiring young guitarists, a local Portland […]