From uke to guitar: A fun and easy transition

If you’re already a ukulele player, you’re halfway to becoming a guitar player! The two instruments are very similar, and the skills you’ve learned on the uke will transfer easily to the guitar. I’ll touch on some ideas on how to transition from ukulele to guitar.

What are the similarities between the ukulele and guitar?

• Chord shapes: The chord shapes you’ve learned on the ukulele can be used to play the same chords on the guitar, they just have a different name.
• Strumming patterns: The strumming patterns you use on the ukulele can also be used on the guitar. There are a few more options with 6 strings, but the ukulele patterns work perfectly.

Tenor Ukulele

What are the differences between the ukulele and guitar?

• Size: The guitar is considerably larger than the ukulele, with a longer neck and wider fretboard. This can take some getting used to, but it’s not as difficult as it may seem.
• Number of strings: The guitar generally has six strings, while the ukulele has four. This means that there are more chords and strumming patterns you can learn on the guitar. And if you play a baritone ukulele, the four strings are the same as the guitar.
• Sound: The guitar has a fuller, richer sound than the ukulele. This is because the guitar has a larger body and longer strings.

How to make the transition from ukulele to guitar

1. Get a guitar

The first step is to get a guitar. You may want to start with an electric or classical since the strings will be much easier to press down. The electric guitar strings are thinner than an acoustic and the classical guitar uses the nylon strings similar to the ukulele.

There are many different types of guitars available, so it’s important to choose one that’s right for you. If you’re not sure where to start, ask a music teacher for recommendations.

2. Learn the open strings

The first thing you need to learn on any fretted instrument are the open strings. These are the notes that the strings produce when you play them without pressing down on any frets. On the guitar, the open strings are E, A, D, G, B, and E.

3. Learn the basic chord shapes

Once you know the open strings, you can start learning the names of the chords on the guitar. This should be very easy since the chord shapes are the same as the ukulele but the names are different.

4. Learn some strumming patterns

Once you know some basic chord shapes, you can start learning some new strumming patterns. There are many different strumming patterns you can use on the guitar, but there are a few basic patterns that are not possible on the ukulele such as the strum pattern with an alternate bass.

5. Practice, practice, practice!

The best way to learn to play the guitar is to practice regularly. Try to practice for at least 20 minutes every other day. Practicing the ukulele songs you already know is the quickest way to get started.

Here are some additional tips for making the transition from ukulele to guitar

• Use a capo: A capo is a device that clamps down on the neck of a guitar and raises the pitch of all of the strings. If you capo at fret 5 on the guitar, the chords will be the exact same as the ukulele on strings 1-4. Pretty cool!
• Find a teacher: If you’re struggling to learn on your own, consider finding a guitar teacher. A good teacher can help you learn the basics of guitar playing and avoid developing bad habits.

Here are some easy songs to learn on guitar:

• Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door by Bob Dylan
• Wonderwall by Oasis
• Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen
• Hey Jude by The Beatles
• I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor

Final Thoughts

The transition from ukulele to guitar is easier than you might think. With a little practice, you’ll be playing guitar like a pro in no time! Just remember to start with the basics.

Fun fact: Did you know that many famous guitarists started out playing the ukulele? Some examples include Elvis Presley, George Harrison, and Brian May.

If you would like to get some more information on what type of guitar to choose, feel free to contact me, I’d be happy to help!

Acoustic vs. Electric Drums: A Tale of Two Beats

In the world of drumming, I discovered drummers are divided when it comes to the type of drums to purchase. Similar to the iPhone and Android debate, drummers often square off when it comes to the acoustic vs electric drums.  Each has its own unique sound, feel, and advantages. If you’re thinking about picking up the sticks, it’s important to understand the difference between the two so you can choose the right one for your style.

Acoustic Drums: The Classics

Acoustic drums are the traditional type of drum kit. They consist of a variety of drums and cymbals, all made of natural materials such as wood, metal, and skin. The sound is produced by hitting the heads with sticks or mallets, causing them to vibrate. The resulting sound is rich, warm, and full-bodied.

Acoustic drums are a popular choice for both beginners and experienced drummers. They’re known for their versatile sound that can be used in a wide variety of genres. They’re also a great way to develop your drumming technique. However, acoustic drums can be quite loud, making them difficult to practice in apartments or other noise-sensitive environments. They can also be expensive and difficult to transport.

Electric Drums: The Sound of the Future

Electronic Drums

Electric drums are a newer type of drum kit. They consist of pads that are connected to an electronic sound module. The pads are made of a variety of materials, such as rubber, plastic, or mesh. When you hit a pad, it sends a signal to the sound module, which triggers a sample of a drum or cymbal sound. The sound is then amplified through headphones or speakers.

Electric drums have a number of advantages over acoustic drums. They’re much quieter, making them ideal for practicing in apartments or other noise-sensitive environments. They’re also more portable and easier to transport. Additionally, electric drums offer a wide variety of sounds, allowing you to experiment with different genres and styles. They are also much easier to dial in and balance when performing at a gig.

However, electric drums can also have some disadvantages. The feel of the pads can be different from that of acoustic drums. Some drummers find that electric drums don’t have the same dynamic range as acoustic drums. Also, there is no way to stop the ringing of the cymbals after hitting them, at least on the lower priced sets.

So, which type of drum is right for you?

The answer depends on a number of factors, including your playing style, budget, and practice environment. If you’re looking for a classic sound and feel, acoustic drums are a great choice. If you need a quieter, more portable option, electric drums are a good way to go.

Here is a table summarizing the key differences between acoustic and electric drums:

Features on Acoustic Drums vs Electric

Acoustic Drums:

• Sound-Natural, organic
• Feel-Responsive, dynamic
• Volume-Loud
• Portability-Difficult
• Cost-Less expensive
• Variety of sounds-Limited

Electric Drums:

• Sound-Sampled
• Feel-Consistent, adjustable
• Volume-Adjustable to any volume, can be used in a quiet environment
• Portability-Easy
• Cost-More expensive
• Variety of sounds-Unlimited

Ultimately, the best way to decide which type of drum is right for you is to try them both out. Go to a local music store and play a few different kits to see what you prefer. You may also want to talk to a drum teacher or experienced drummer to get their advice. No matter which type of drum you choose, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the music!

If you have any questions or are interested in beginner drum lessons, feel free to contact me.

Teaching Drums

Playing drums at the jam session

I’ve been a guitar teacher for over 20 years and really love it. I get to share my passion for music with students of all ages, and it’s so rewarding to see them progress and learn new things. But there’s always been one thing that’s been missing from my career: teaching drums. I’ve always loved the drums, but never took the time to get serious about them and really learn how to play.

The Inspiration

A few years ago, I decided to finally take the plunge and purchased an electric drum set. All it took was a song by Icehouse called Icehouse to really inspire me. I sat for hours working on getting the beat down after watching their live show in Australia. I discovered it’s one of those instruments that does require a ton of practice.

Playing the drums is a completely different experience from playing the guitar. It’s more physical and more demanding. I’ve had to build up my stamina and strength to keep up with the other band members, especially after playing the guitar. But I love learning a new instrument, and I’m really enjoying the process of becoming a drummer.

Teaching Drums to Students

One of the things that I’m most excited about is the opportunity to teach drums. I think that my experience as a guitar teacher will give me a unique perspective on teaching drums, and I’m really looking forward to sharing that with others.

I’ve been backing up my students at the jam sessions and am still in the early stages of my drumming journey, but making progress every day. I’m excited to see where this new adventure takes me, and can’t wait to pass along this experience with other drum students.

I currently have a couple of drum students, but will be in full swing by December of this year. If you are considering trying the drums, please send me message. It would be great to show you the stuff that inspired me and break down the beats of your favorite songs.

Scheduling a Guitar Lesson

If you are interested in scheduling a guitar lesson, one of the first things you will need to do is to check the availability. Here are some tips that may help the process.

Scheduling In-Person Lessons Near You

Ethan at Northern Colorado Guitar in Greeley

If you are taking in-person guitar lessons, it is sometimes best to e-mail or text each other the availability. Having a previous list of times that won’t work is helpful when trying to narrow down a spot. Most instructors have set hours that they are available but may be able to work outside those to accommodate your schedule.

When scheduling in-person lessons, it is important to consider the location of the instructor’s studio. If you live in a large city, rush hour may be stressful and can add to the drive time. Finding a guitar teacher who offer lessons near you can help reduce frustration and may lower blood pressure.

Group Lessons

Sometimes, smaller cities only offer group guitar lessons. Group lessons are typically less expensive than private lessons but may have limited times and availability.

Start by contacting your local parks and recreation department. They will be able to tell you about their policies on offering group lessons, as well as the availability of space and equipment.

As a former Parks and Recreation teacher in Fort Collins, I liked it when a student contacted me. It was a perfect opportunity to break the ice and let them know about any possible future offerings as well.

A couple of things to consider when scheduling with the Parks and Recreation department:

• • What is your skill level? Some programs offer beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
  • Try to reserve a slot as soon as possible after the booklets are printed for the most flexibility.

When scheduling group lessons, it is important to consider the size of the group. If you are a beginner, you will want to choose a group that is not too large. This will give you more individual attention from the instructor. In my experience, the later classes usually had fewer students.

Here are some additional tips for scheduling guitar lessons:

• Think about your schedule. When are you available for lessons? Make sure to find an instructor who is available at times that work for you.
• If you have multiple activities, will you become stressed trying to navigate traffic.
• Be flexible. If you are not able to make your scheduled lesson, please be sure to give your instructor as much notice as possible.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, taking guitar lessons is so much fun and very rewarding. You are taking the first steps toward one of the best hobbies/careers a person could ever have!

If you have any questions about scheduling, please contact me.

Five Tips for Choosing the Right Guitar Teacher

 Learning to play the guitar can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to choose the right teacher to help you reach your goals. Not all guitar teachers are created equal, and some may be better suited for your individual needs than others.

In this blog, we’ll discuss five tips for choosing the right guitar teacher. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding a teacher who can help you learn and grow as a musician.

Christina performing at the jam session

Tip 1: Consider your goals

The first step in choosing a guitar teacher is to consider your goals. What do you want to achieve by learning to play the guitar? Do you want to be able to play basic chords and songs? Do you want to learn a specific genre of music? Or do you want to become a professional musician?

Once you know your goals, you can start to look for a teacher who can help you achieve them. If you want to learn basic chords and songs, you may not need a teacher with a lot of experience. However, if you want to learn a specific genre of music or become a professional musician, you’ll need to find a teacher who has the knowledge and experience to help you reach your goals.

Tip 2: Ask around

Once you’ve considered your goals, the next step is to ask around for recommendations. Talk to your friends, family, and fellow musicians to see if they have any recommendations for guitar teachers. You can also search online for reviews of guitar teachers in your area.

Tip 3: Interview potential teachers

Once you’ve found a few potential teachers, it’s important to interview them. This will give you a chance to learn more about their teaching style and approach to music. Ask them about their experience, their teaching philosophy, and their rates. You should also ask them to play for you so you can get a sense of their skill level.

Tip 4: Make sure you feel comfortable

It’s important to choose a guitar teacher who you feel comfortable with. You’ll be spending a lot of time with this person, so it’s important to find someone who you can relate to and who makes you feel at ease.

Tip 5: Take a trial lesson

Once you’ve found a teacher who you think you might like, it’s a good idea to take a trial lesson. This will give you a chance to see if you click with the teacher and if their teaching style is a good fit for you.

Conclusion:

Choosing the right guitar teacher is an important decision. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding a teacher who can help you reach your goals and become a better musician. If you have any comments or questions, please email me.