by Glen McCarthy | Feb 2, 2014 | Classroom, Education, Principles, Stories, Tips + Tricks
All guitar players are rhythm guitarists. The guitar has always been included as a key member of the rhythm section. Freddie Green, Chuck Berry, John Lennon and Keith Richards are/were self-described “rhythm guitarists”. It doesn’t matter how many notes you play or...
by Glen McCarthy | Feb 2, 2014 | Classroom, Education, News, Principles, Stories, Tips + Tricks
In my high school guitar class, I have learned that the organized student has a better success rate in mastering guitar skills than one who is not. Over the course of the year my students may receive 75-100 handouts for the class. These include instructional material,...
by Glen McCarthy | Jan 27, 2014 | Classroom, Education, News, Principles, Stories, Success Stories, Tips + Tricks, Uncategorized
Last year, our school district set off to do something new and incredibly special. Our Education Foundation (who provided my school with our classroom set of guitars) decided to organize a collaboration to serve as a fundraiser for the foundation’s endowment. The idea...
by Glen McCarthy | Jan 27, 2014 | Classroom, Education, Principles, Stories, Success Stories, Tips + Tricks
“A Guitar Diary?” JOURNALING – A Rationale Encourage your students to document their progress with writing!In my high school guitar class I require my students to be organized with a three ring binder. In this notebook they can collect the handouts (songs and class...
by Glen McCarthy | Jan 19, 2014 | Classroom, Education, Principles, Stories, Success Stories, Tips + Tricks
Most guitar curriculum begins by teaching the natural notes that fall within the Key of C. It is hard to create ensembles in that key because the F chord is so prominent in the rhythm part. Try these variations of the F chord to help make the Key of C come to life. I...
by Glen McCarthy | Jan 19, 2014 | Classroom, Education, Principles, Success Stories, Tips + Tricks
We’ve stumbled on a little piece of business that may cause some of your students’ eyes to widen: nail shaping. Yes, that’s what helps you achieve optimal tone when playing finger-style. (And remember: finger-style playing isn’t just for...
