Posted by: Glenelg Guitar Studio | September 26, 2016

Sweet Home Alabama

This song feels like it’s been around forever, probably because it was released 42 years ago by southern USA band Lynyrd Skynyrd, and for most of my students 42 years is forever. It has a great sound and beat to it and is a classic modern guitar piece with Allen Collins playing rhythm guitar, Leon Wilkeson on bass guitar and Ed King on lead guitar.

Even better, it is a great song for students to learn as the chords for the introduction are easy to master with a little practice. The rest of the song uses the same chords but in a changed progression and can be mastered by students at Grade One or Two level.

There is  also a little controversy and history with the lyrics being linked to the American race problems of the 1970’s and it’s worth reading about it here. Interesting reading in relation to what’s happening in the US at present.

The first video gives you a rundown of the introduction section and the second is the official band video.

If you think this piece will suit your taste check out the videos and let me know at your next lesson.

Cheers
Leigh.

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Posted by: Glenelg Guitar Studio | September 5, 2016

Time of your life

“Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road
Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go
So make the best of this test, and don’t ask why
It’s not a question, but a lesson learned in time

It’s something unpredictable, but in the end is right,
I hope you had the time of your life.”

Well those are quite famous lyrics from the song “Time of your life” by Green Day and they can be interpreted in lots of different ways depending on your place in time. Certainly a great piece with a real acoustic guitar feel.

I enjoy helping students find their place in the guitar world, whether it be modern or classical, young or old and certainly this song has become a favourite for myself and lots of students. It’s quite easy to get the basics of it as it has only 4 chords for the introduction and I’m sure that with a little practise you will get great results. Check out the two videos to see what you can achieve.

For the “Time of your life” why not give it a try…‘”It’s not a question, but a lesson learned in time”

Cheers
Leigh

 

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Posted by: Glenelg Guitar Studio | August 15, 2016

Photograph

Ed Sheeran is a singer/songwriter that most people have listened to these days and he has become a favourite of many guitar students, right across the age spectrum. You see him popping up all over the place on TV and media which is not surprising given the quality of his work.

One thing that some students will have in common with him is that he started learning guitar at an early age and was writing songs by high school. Just goes to prove that you are never too young (or old) to start learning the guitar.

His song “Photograph” is playable by students of late beginner to grade 1 standard and I highly recommend it as an excellent piece to learn. I’m sure that you will benefit from learning “Photograph” and I look forward to talking to you about it next time we catch up.

Cheers
Leigh

 

 

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Posted by: Glenelg Guitar Studio | July 26, 2016

Imagine playing this….

You won’t need a lot of imagination, just a little bit of practice to bring life to John Lennon’s “Imagine”. This version for guitar is by renowned guitar arranger and singer-songwriter Jack Johnson and is a great finger picking piece for students around grade 1 and 2.

JLI

Even if your not currently finger picking this piece is an excellent opportunity to broaden your knowledge of the skill. So grab your guitar, put on those super cool round glasses and follow in the footsteps of the great John Lennon.

This song was released in 1971 and; no I wasn’t teaching guitar then, as one student suggested, and have never owned a pair of round glasses, however the hair style is familiar.

The first video gives you an idea of the piece and the second is the Jack Johnson version.

If this piece takes your fancy please let me know next time we catch up.
Cheers
Leigh

 

 

 

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Posted by: Glenelg Guitar Studio | July 5, 2016

Thinking out loud

Question: What does a 13 year old Glenelg Guitar Studio student do when a young lady asks him if he could play Guitar to Ed Sherran’s “Thinking Out Loud” while she sang at her nightly performance on a South Pacific cruise ?

Answer: You borrow a guitar and learn the chords REAL quick. Is an hour enough ?

Full marks to Jack Stone for his great performance and thanks to “In-house entertainer”Kimberly Sunstrum for her support. Jack is doing music studies this year and last year played Guitar in the Primary Schools Orchestra which performed at Festival Theatre.

Yes; Jack is undertaking Guitar Exams this year and achieved 98% in his last exam. Need I say more about the benefits of Guitar Exams !

Hope you enjoy the video.
Leigh

PS  If the video doesn’t show just follow this link.

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