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Learn how to quickly boost your guitar playing skills with these easy tips, tricks and helpful hints from successful guitarist, instructor, author and producer, Marlene Hutchinson. Known for her popular Learn to Play Guitar in a Day! program, as seen by millions on PBS, and featured on NPR and CBS, Marlene has a wonderfully simple way of helping you move through your challenges and advance your guitar playing skills.
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Guitar Techniques and Music.
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It's fun to play Christmas music on your guitar - and you don't need complicated songs to create a festive vibe! In this episode, Marlene will share 7 super-easy Christmas tunes you can start playing right away - each song uses just 3 chords. And bonus, these familiar holiday classics are perfect for some festive holiday sing-alongs too! Start Your…
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When a song uses just a few simple chords—like Over the River and Through the Wood—you have more freedom to get creative with rhythm and expression. In this episode, Marlene shares and demonstrates five fun rhythm patterns you can use to bring fresh energy and style to this classic Turkey Day tune! Original air date: 11/19/20 Start Your Free 7-day …
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There are so many cool songs you can play on your guitar - some are easy to play, some are more challenging. So, start with the easy ones, have fun with them, and then build from there! In this episode, you’ll discover 5 familiar tunes every guitarist should know how to play. Each song uses just a few simple chords, they sound great, and are fun to…
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With Thanksgiving just around the corner, why not add a touch of your guitar music to your Turkey Day celebrations? In this episode, Marlene will introduce you to some fun and festive Thanksgiving-themed songs that are sure to bring warmth, gratitude, and a seasonal flair to your gatherings. Past episodes Marlene talked about: Over the River and Th…
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Each year Marlene puts together a guitar player gift guide, and it’s that time again! In this episode, Marlene talks about both useful gear and fun, out-of-the-box ideas that any guitarist would appreciate. So, whether you’re shopping for yourself, trying to give the elves in your life a little inspiration, or hunting for something cool for your gu…
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Tablature is such a fun way to play guitar, and easy tabs are the perfect place to start—especially when there’s a theme involved! In today’s episode. Marlene will show you how to play a spooky, Halloween-inspired instrumental tune. No lyrics, just eerie vibes—and. best of all, you’ll be able to play it right away! Start Your Free 7-day Yo-Guitar V…
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Exciting news... the Yo-Guitar Video Library just keeps growing. There are more than 28 unique practices for you to explore - plus, 2 brand-new videos dropping this month! In this episode, Marlene describes the latest additions - a video that helps you boost your creativity and another that's great for singers and anyone wanting to breathe a little…
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What do you think of when you hear the words bends and slides? You might think of a "bend" as part of your workout routine, or a "slide" like a baseball player diving into home plate—but on the guitar, bends and slides are techniques that add emotion to your playing. In this episode, Marlene breaks down what bends and slides are, how to play them, …
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No time like the present to prep for your Halloween gigs! In this episode, Marlene shares 13 Halloween themed songs – a mix of musical tricks and treats - for you to explore on your guitar. Pick your favorites and lock in your setlist of tunes for those haunting parties or Halloween jams! Song Episode Links: Monster Mash, Witchy Woman Nightmare Bef…
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It’s officially fall, and that means crisp air, changing leaves, and music that captures the season’s mood. In this episode, Marlene dives into the beautiful song Autumn Leaves by Ed Sheeran. She will talk about the inspiration behind the song, and she'll share her tips for playing this seasonal tune. You’ll probably fall (pun intended!) in love wi…
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Are you ready to replace those worn-out nylon strings but not sure where to start? In this episode, Marlene breaks down a simple, step-by-step process for changing nylon guitar strings. With her five easy steps, you’ll be able to change your own strings—and in no time at all, you'll be back to playing! Link to the Remove Strings & Clean/Polish Guit…
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Ever heard of the Nashville Number System and wondered what it’s all about? In this episode, Marlene breaks down exactly what it is, why it's useful, and how you can start using it to play music more confidently—especially when playing with others. She'll even walk you through easy examples so you can begin playing it today! Link to the Chord Progr…
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Unwinding tension and stress from your mind & body before diving into your guitar playing session can make a huge difference. A Restorative Yoga practice is just the thing to make that happen! In this episode, Marlene talks about the essence of Restorative Yoga and introduces you to the newest Yo-Guitar video, a relaxing Restorative Yoga practice t…
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It's that time again...for a dose of themed music! This month we're diving into songs inspired by the month of September. In this episode, Marlene talks about a couple of September songs, their backgrounds and her playing recommendations. YouTube links Marlene talked about in this episode! September by Daughtry September by Corb Lund September by E…
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One of the most popular topics on this podcast show is the great debate: acoustic vs electric guitars. And if you've ever wondered what sets them apart, then this episode is for you! In this episode, Marlene will break down the key similarities and differences between acoustic and electric guitars to help you understand and appreciate both. Link to…
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When it comes to country music, y’all don’t need a million fancy chords to strum along. In fact, there are just a handful that show up over and over again. In this episode, Marlene will share 7 go-to chords and point out some classic country tunes where ya’ll can hear (and play) ’em loud and proud! Link ya'll might like to mosey over to! Mastering …
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Exciting things are happening! Acoustic Guitar magazine is featuring Marlene’s article Yoga for Guitarists, and two brand-new Yo-Guitar videos have just been released. In this episode, Marlene shares the details about her magazine feature and introduces the new videos, which take a deeper dive into essential yoga fundamentals for guitarists. Links …
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It's fun to lean into a seasonal theme - and today is a good time to be diving into the...Dog Days of Summer! In this episode, Marlene will explore what this classic phrase really means and show you how to bring that vibe to life on your guitar! Marlene mentioned these during the show! Bar Chord episodes: How to Play Bar Chords & Strengthening for …
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Ever wondered how chord progressions work and why they're important to music? In this episode, Marlene breaks down what chord progressions are, why they're important for songwriting and performance, and how to use them to create smoother transitions and memorable tunes! In this episode, Marlene mentions the Thursday Tips blog Start Your Free 7-day …
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Got sore fingertips? You’re definitely not alone—it's one of the most common struggles for beginners and seasoned players alike. But don’t fret, there are simple ways to ease the pain and keep the music going. In this episode, Marlene shares 5 super easy hacks to help reduce fingertip soreness so you can enjoy longer, more comfortable playing sessi…
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Changing to newer guitar chords quickly, while maintaining accuracy, is one of the biggest hurdles for guitar players—at any level. But it doesn't have to be your experience forever! In this episode, Marlene will share some of her most effective strategies to help you move through your chord changes with more ease, confidence and speed. Start Your …
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These Yo-Guitar videos can: ~ Relieve tension in your neck and shoulders ~ Support your arms and wrists ~ Ground yourself with mindful breathing and meditation Ultimately improving your guitar playing and overall well-being! In this episode, Marlene described the four new Yo-Guitar practices she created to help you deepen your Yo-Guitar and guitar …
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Tomorrow is the 4th of July—a celebration filled with patriotism, family, friends and fireworks. What better way to enjoy the festivities than by strumming some patriotic inspired tunes on your guitar? In this episode, Marlene shares ten 4th of July-themed songs that are perfect to play at your backyard BBQ, beach gathering, or fireworks show. You'…
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Today we're celebrating the musical genius of the late Brian Wilson. A founding member of the 60s surf rock group, The Beach Boys, his groundbreaking lyrics and melodies have shaped generations and defined an era. In this episode, Marlene dives into his musical legacy by looking at one of the band’s most iconic hits: Surfin’ USA. She'll talk about …
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Starting your guitar journey can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Take it chord by chord—beginning with a few simple ones—and you'll be playing in no time. In this episode, Marlene talks about the first 10 chords every beginner should learn. She explains why these chords are the perfect foundation, how they can open the door to countless…
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In this episode, Marlene introduces two brand-new Yo-Guitar videos designed to support your guitar playing journey. One video focuses on improving hand and finger dexterity, while the other helps release overall body tension and improves circulation. Tune in as Marlene explains how these exercises can enhance your practice sessions and contribute t…
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Playing music that fits the season is fun, and there's a wealth of summer vibe songs that are not just fun, but also easy to play on guitar. In this episode, Marlene shares five fun and simple-to-play summer themed songs—so grab your guitar and get into the laid-back summer spirit! Watch a Marlene's medley of these songs on YouTube Start Your Free …
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There are many benefits to jamming with other guitar players - most importantly, it's just plain ole fun! And, if you're feeling intimidated, the best way to overcome those doubts is to just jam! In this episode, Marlene inspires you to give it a try as she shares her very first jam experience - she'd only been playing for 6 months! Plus, you'll le…
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Planning a trip? Take your guitar along for the ride—it's fun to play wherever your travels take you! In this episode, Marlene talks about her own guitar travel experiences, along with her tips and tricks so your beloved instrument arrives in tip top shape and ready to be played! Road Trip Guitar Advice episode Airplane Travel with Your Guitar epis…
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Playing guitar is more fun - and definitely easier - when your mind and body are relaxed and flexible. The Yo-Guitar videos help you with that, and the newest one gets your blood pumping too! In this episode, Marlene describes the latest Yo-Guitar video, Sun Salutations 2. She talks about the 12 asanas (poses), which include Child's Pose, and share…
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One of the best gifts you can give your mom is the gift of your guitar music — a gift from your heart and your strings! In this episode, Marlene describes how to play the heartfelt ballad Mother Like Mine by The Band Perry - have a box of Kleenex handy for your performance! Plus, here's a few more Mother's Day themed song inspirations: The Best Day…
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Get all the latest Tips For Guitar Playing Success news and insights including upcoming episodes and other guitar happenings! In this newsletter, Marlene talks about what you can expect to learn in the upcoming May episodes, plus the Best Acoustic Guitar Brands in 2025, and so much more! Cinco de Mayo song episode links: How to play Tequila How to …
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Think changing your own guitar strings is a daunting task? Think again! It's not hard, it just takes a little patience. In this episode, Marlene breaks it down into 7 simple steps that anyone can easily follow, yes, even if you've never done it before. So grab your guitar, a new set of strings and let's do this together! Guinness World Record for s…
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What's one of the most important tasks in guitar maintenance? If you said cleaning and polishing your guitar—you're absolutely right! In this episode, Marlene walks you through a simple, step-by-step process to keep your guitar looking great and playing beautifully! Now Available on YouTube Podcasts link:MarlenesMusic1 Start Your Free 7-day YoGuita…
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Are you looking for a powerful way to refresh your body and sharpen your focus - so you can play guitar with more ease and flow? Try the latest Yo-Guitar video, Sun Salutations. In this episode, Marlene talks about the benefits of Sun Salutations, a simple sequence of yoga poses to help calm your mind, loosen up tight muscles and tendons, and give …
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Spring is in the air, and with Easter and Passover celebrations on the horizon, it's the perfect time to lean into some seasonal favorites that will sound wonderful on your guitar! In this episode, Marlene will walk you through six songs that will make a wonderful addition to your spring play-on-my-guitar list! Previous episode links: Peter Cottont…
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Get all the latest Tips For Guitar Playing Success news and insights including upcoming episodes and other guitar happenings! In this newsletter, Marlene talks about what you can expect to learn in the upcoming April episodes, wood sustainability in honor of Earth Day, the show's YouTube Podcasts launch and so much more! Start Your Free 7-day YoGui…
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Memorizing an entire song might seem like a daunting task, but when you break it down into manageable steps, it becomes a lot more achievable. In this episode, Marlene walks you through her 7 simple steps to help you memorize a song from start to finish - these tips will make the process smoother and more fun! Start Your Free 7-day YoGuitar Video L…
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Happy Women’s History Month! In honor of this special month, today we'll be celebrating the innovative guitar playing skills of the one and only Joni Mitchell. In this episode, Marlene will explore the brilliance of Joni Mitchell—her groundbreaking use of alternate tunings, her innovative fingerstyle playing, and her iconic voice. Joni Mitchell is …
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Spring your fingers into guitar playing action with the latest Yo-Guitar Video! In this episode, Marlene gives you a sneak peek at the simple yet effective yoga asanas you'll find in the newest Yo-Guitar video. It's designed to improve your guitar playing by enhancing flexibility and finger agility. Tune in to help your fingers spring into action! …
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St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner and what better way to celebrate the luck of the Irish than with some classic Irish tunes? In this episode Marlene dives into two familiar Irish favorites that are easy to play on guitar and perfect for your St. Patrick's Day celebrations!☘️ Start Your Free 7-day YoGuitar Video Library Trial! Join our Gui…
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Get all the latest Tips For Guitar Playing Success news and insights including upcoming episodes and other guitar happenings! In this newsletter, Marlene talks about the upcoming March🍀episodes, the music documentary Echo in the Canyon, and more! Start Your Free 7-day YoGuitar Video Library Trial! Join our Guitar Tips Community! Our next community …
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The annual NAMM Show is like the Super Bowl of the music industry, and this year did not disappoint! From cutting-edge guitars to groundbreaking accessories, there was no shortage of exciting innovations. In this episode, Marlene takes you through her NAMM experience, highlighting standout guitars, new string technologies, and some truly amazing ge…
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Continuing with our Heart Month theme, this topic is something that’s close to the heart of every musician – taking care of your guitar. In this episode, Marlene will cover the basics of guitar maintenance—everything from cleaning and storing to protecting your prized instrument. Plus, she'll share a couple of easy hacks that you can do to keep you…
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Just released! A new Yo-Guitar video and it’s perfect as we continue to celebrate Heart Month, and Valentine’s Day. You'll discover this latest Yo-Guitar video is great for improving your posture, relieving stress, and enhancing your vocal abilities! In today’s episode, Marlene walks you through the heart-opening poses and how they can relax your c…
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It’s Heart Month, and with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, what better way to express your feelings than through music? In today’s episode, Marlene talks about the timeless and heartfelt classic Annie’s Song by John Denver. You'll song insights and Marlene's tips to lovingly playing this beautiful piece on your acoustic guitar. Start Your F…
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Get all the latest Tips For Guitar Playing Success news and insights including upcoming episodes and other guitar happenings! In this newsletter, Marlene talks about the upcoming February (💗 month) episodes, a cool new Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown, and more! Start Your Free 7-day YoGuitar Video Library Trial! Join our Guitar Tips Community!…
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How’s your guitar-playing New Year’s resolution holding up? With 30 days into the new year, it’s the perfect time to revisit your goals and see how you’re tracking. After all, you still have 11 months to make progress! In this episode, Marlene walks you through how to check in on the goals you set, assess your progress, and make any adjustments nee…
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Guitar harmonics is a delicate bell-like tone that adds a beautiful sound to your music and can be heard in songs such as For What It’s Worth by Buffalo Springfield, Harvest Moon by Neil Young, and She Talks to Angels by The Black Crows. In today’s episode, Marlene will share how you can bring these magical, chime-like sounds to life on your own gu…
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Did you know that balance, or the lack of balance, can enhance your guitar playing? In this episode, Marlene describes some of the simple balance asanas (poses) you’ll find in her latest Yo-Guitar video. You’ll discover firsthand how balance—and even a little bit of imbalance—can take your guitar playing experience to the next level. Start Your Fre…
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