Author: Marty
Guitar Chord Theory Learn Acoustic Guitar
Half Diminished 7th Chords
Ever come across a chord written like this ø7 or perhaps m7b5 or even -7b5 and wondered what it was? It’s a half-diminished 7th chord also known as a minor 7 flat 5. Here’s a quick rundown: Half diminished 7th chords (aka minor 7 flat 5 chords) are minor 7th chords with a flattened 5th […]
Guitar Chord Theory Learn Acoustic Guitar
Minor 7th Chords
How do you make a minor chord more interesting? By adding a note, and making it into a 7th chord. In today’s article, we’re going to be discussing the magic of minor 7th chords. But, if you are just looking for a quick rundown: Minor 7 chords (min7 or -7) are minor triads with an […]
Guitar Chord Theory Learn Acoustic Guitar
Major 7th Chords
In today’s article, we’re going to take a closer look at one of the four most common types of 7th chord, the Major 7 chord. But, if you’re just looking for a quick overview: Major 7 chords are Major triads with an added Major 7th interval (11 semitones above the root, or one semitone below […]
Guitar Chord Theory Learn Acoustic Guitar
What is a Dominant 7th Chord?
Ever tried learning a new song, only to see a 7 written beside a chord that you would otherwise have known how to play? While there are 4 other (common types) of 7th chords, in most cases, the 7 refers to the chord being a dominant 7th chord, also written as dom7. In today’s article, […]
Guitar Chord Theory Learn Acoustic Guitar
What is a Sus Chord? [A Guide To Suspended Chords]
In today’s article, we’re going to discuss sus (aka suspended) chords. If you’re looking for a quick rundown:Sus chords (short for suspended chords) are a type of chord that is neither major nor minor. Sus4 chords include a perfect 4th interval instead of a major or minor 3rd, while Sus2 chords include a perfect 2nd […]
Acoustic Guitar Accessories Acoustic Guitar Gear
The Best Guitar Picks For Acoustic Guitar
Did you know your choice of guitar pick can make a big difference to the tone and feel of your guitar? After all, it’s the very thing coming into direct contact with your strings when you play and one of the simplest, and most affordable ways to influence the tone of your guitar. In today’s […]
Songwriting Learn Acoustic Guitar
Acoustic Guitar Songwriting
Interested in writing your own music? The acoustic guitar is, in my opinion, the premier instrument for writing music. Check out our articles below on songwriting on the acoustic guitar. We’ll be adding more in the not-too-distant future. Why is the Acoustic Guitar so well suited for Songwriting For one, it’s versatile. Writing music on […]
Acoustic Guitar Maintenance
Most of us should probably take better care of our guitars. Considering the value we place on them, it’s surprising how few of us do. In the following guide, we’re going to take a closer look at acoustic guitar maintenance, including several easy jobs you can do yourself without specialist tools. We’ll also discuss which […]
How to Adjust The Neck On An Acoustic Guitar
Perhaps the most important component of any guitar is the neck, it’s the interface of the guitar, so it pays to ensure the neck is in good shape. In the following article, I’m going to show you how to inspect, and adjust the neck of your acoustic guitar via the truss rod, to ensure your […]
Recording the Acoustic Guitar [Get Great Sounding Acoustic Tracks]
Learn the basics of recording acoustic guitar, including how to get started, what to avoid and what makes a great recording and a look at the essential equipment required.
What is an Acoustic Guitar?
The acoustic guitar is a fretted stringed instrument. It is a member of the ‘lute family’ which includes stringed instruments such as steel-string acoustic guitars, 12-string acoustic guitars, nylon string classical and flamenco guitars, and bass guitars, harps, mandolins, and ukeleles. The guitar player plucks or strums the strings using a plectrum or fingers to […]
Guitar Theory [Where To Get Started]
Learning guitar theory (music theory for guitar) can be incredibly useful. But, where do you start? Click here to learn the basics of sound, notes, scale and chords and the order to learn them in.
Songwriting Learn Acoustic Guitar
Examples of Popular Song Structures
Putting total creative freedom aside for just a moment, when it comes to songwriting there are tried and true song structures that can be particularly useful for those just getting started crafting their own music. Click here to learn more.
Acoustic Guitar Gear Acoustic Guitar Types
What Makes the Best Acoustic Guitar for Singers
What makes the best acoustic guitars for singers? Click here to learn how tonewoods, body style, and size are all considerations for vocalists.
Guitar Chord Theory Learn Acoustic Guitar
Open Chords V Barre Chords [And when to use them]
When first learning guitar, a question often asked is, what’s the difference between open and barre chords and when should I use one verse the other? Click here to learn the key differences between open and barre chords, and how to use them.
Guitar Chord Theory Learn Acoustic Guitar
Cowboy Chords [The Complete Guide]
Wondering what the term ‘cowboy chords’ means? Click here to learn exactly what cowboy chords are, where the term (may) have come from, and some useful suggestions on how to improve them.
How to Identify Dead Frets
If you are hearing dead spots on your guitar neck e.g. a ‘dead’ note that can’t be heard when the note is fretted, decays rapidly or you only hear a buzzing sound, chances are you have a dead fret. And, while it may sound more dramatic than it actually is, the truth is dead frets can almost always be resurrected.
Bridge Pins Popping Out? [A Simple Fix]
When first learning how to restring and tune an acoustic guitar you may notice your bridge pins popping out while tuning. Click here to learn why this happens, and how you can fix the problem once and for all.
Are Pickguards Necessary?
Ever wondered why some guitars have pickguards while others don’t? Are they strictly necessary or included purely for aesthetic reasons? Pickguards are used to protect the finish of your guitar. If you play with a pick and want to preserve the finish of the guitar then a pickguard is necessary. If you don’t use a […]
What Are Fret Markers For?
Learn what fret markers (aka fretboard inlays, position markers) are used for, why they are seen on particular frets and not others, the materials they are made from, and why some guitars don’t have fret markers at all.