While most die-hard guitarists have little problem establishing efficient and daily practice routines, they often struggle with “not practicing.” Busy schedules, outside distractions, and repetitive stress injuries can impose a quick halt to their best intentions. For many musicians, imposed time off from their instrument can cause frustration, anxiety, and depression. However, the truth is time […]
5 Songs Using Power Chords
Power Chords in Rock Music Power chords are a key element of many styles of rock music. Power chords are built from the root and fifth of any major scale, and its simple shape is easy to rock. As one 11-year-old Rock Dojo student stated, “Without power chords, rock ‘n’ roll would be rock […]
Basic Rhythms: It’s All About that Groove
“There is music wherever there is rhythm, as there is life whereever there beats a pulse.” -Igor Stravinsky Rhythm is the fundamental glue binding music together. Without rhythm, music would be reduced to noise. So if you want to rock on the guitar, you should spend some time each practice session building your rhythmic vocabulary. In […]
Rhythm Games for Guitar Teachers
It’s no secret that kids love games! Kids are drawn to the reward systems games provide because positive reinforcement makes them feel good. Games also give kids a chance to team up and collaborate to solve difficult puzzles. Finally, games give kids a chance to test their skills against their classmates. Moreover, games are a […]
Rock This Spring with The Major Pentatonic Scale
The F Major Pentatonic Scale Maybe it’s the sunshine or the birdsong, but there’s something ineffable about springtime compelling me to reach for the major pentatonic scale whenever it’s time to rock my guitar. While it’s cousin—the minor pentatonic scale—sounds dark and angsty, the sound of the major pentatonic scale is the stuff of springtime: […]
Summer Classes
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
The Place of Music in the 21st Century Education
As a music instructor, continuing education is essential for long term professional growth, which is why I enrolled in The Place of Music in the 21st Century Education available on Coursera. As such, I’ll be posting personal responses to the course’s assignments in this section of the blog. Week #1: This is an exciting time to be […]
Milo’s Creepy Fun House
Backing Track: Full Song: Pdf: Milo’s Creepy Fun House of Guitar Horror
Minor Fives to Go
In this lesson, you’ll learn a great riff built around the minor pentatonic scale on the open E-strings. For a more in depth investigation of the minor pentatonic scale, check out pages 25 – 27 of The Ultimate Rock Guitar Dojo for Kids: White Belt Edition. For the full lesson, click on the PDF Below: Minor Fives […]