Purchasing Your First Amplifier

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Purchasing Your First Amplifier

Congratulations on taking the first step on your journey to becoming a guitar god! Now that you have your guitar, purchasing your first amplifier can be a lot fun. I’ll walk you through the basics of choosing a guitar amp for beginners. I’ll cover everything from wattage to features to budget, so you can find the perfect amp for your needs.

What Wattage Do You Need?

The first thing you need to consider when choosing an amp is wattage. Wattage is a measure of how loud an amp is. For beginners, I recommend an amp with around 10-20 watts of power. This will be loud enough to practice with at home, but not so loud that you’ll be disturbing your neighbors. Later you can upgrade if you decided to join a band. At that point, I would try to get an amp with at least 50 watts of power.

What Features Do You Need?

Once you’ve decided on a wattage, you need to start thinking about the features you want in an amp. Some amps have built-in effects, such as reverb and distortion. Others have multiple channels, so you can switch between different sounds. And some amps even have Bluetooth connectivity, so you can play along with your favorite songs.

How Much Should You Spend?

The price of a guitar amp can vary greatly. You can find basic amps for as little as $50. But if you want an amp with more features, you’ll need to spend more. A good quality amp for beginners will cost between $100 and $200.

Where to Buy a Guitar Amp

There are a few different places where you can buy a guitar amp. You can go to a music store, online retailer, or even pawn shop. If you’re not sure what amp to get, I recommend talking to a guitar teacher. They can help you find an amp that’s right for you and your playing style.

Here are some additional tips for choosing a guitar amp for beginners:

  • Consider the type of music you want to play. If you’re interested in playing rock or metal, you’ll need an amp with a lot of distortion. If you’re more into jazz, you’ll want an amp with a cleaner sound.
  • Think about where you’ll be playing the amp. If you’re only going to be playing at home, you don’t need an amp that’s as loud as one you’d use for gigs.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re not sure what amp to get, talk to a guitar teacher or salesperson at a music store. They can help you find the perfect amp for your needs.

Here are some very good guitar amps for beginners:

 

Fender Mustang LT25

The Fender Mustang LT25 is a great all-around amp for beginners. It has a variety of built-in effects, including reverb, chorus, and delay. It also has a headphone jack, so you can practice without disturbing anyone. Sweetwater has this amp for $159.99 as of the date this blog was posted.

 

Boss Katana 50

The Boss Katana 50 has a lot of great effects and a tube-like sound. They effects can be a bit confusing for the beginner, but if you love to tweak amps, this one has a lot of options and is very capable of creating amazing sounds. The Boss Katana 50 watt amp is currently $269.

 

Orange Crush 20

Best Amp for Metal Guitarists-The Orange Crush 20RT is a great amp for metal guitarists. It also has a built-in distortion pedal, so you can get that classic metal sound. Keep in mind, this amp does not have any effects built in, so you may want a pedal to go with it. The Orange Crush 20RT is $199.

 

Blackstar ID:Core 10

The Blackstar HT-1R is a great option for beginners who want to experience the sound of a tube amp. It’s a very small, affordable amp that delivers big, rich sound. This amp also has built in effects such as delay and reverb.

These amps are all great choices for beginners. They’re all affordable, have a variety of features, and sound great. The Blackstar HT-1r is a little more expensive but may be worth the investment. This one runs $319.99.

 Bonus Tip for Purchasing Your First Amplifier:

If you’re on a tight budget, you can always start with a headphone amp. This is a small, portable amp that you can plug your guitar into and listen to through headphones. A perfect way to practice without disturbing anyone else.

Here are some of the best headphone amps for beginners:

  • Blackstar Fly 3
  • Fender Mustang Micro Amp
  • Yamaha THR5
  • IK Multimedia iRig Micro Amp

These headphone amps are all great choices for beginners. They’re all affordable, sound great, and are portable.

If you have any questions about purchasing an amp, feel free to contact me, I will be happy to help.

Scheduling a Guitar Lesson

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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

Scheduling a Guitar Lesson

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.

Guitar Lessons Near Me

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How to Find Guitar Lessons Near Me

There are a few different ways to find guitar lessons near you. One option is to ask your friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. You can also search for “guitar lessons near me” on Google for guitar teachers in your area. Also, music stores usually have a list of instructors that they recommend.

Schedules and Experience

When looking for guitar lessons near you, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • The teacher’s experience. How long has the teacher been teaching guitar? Do they have any formal training?
  • The teacher’s availability. When are you available for lessons? Try to find a teacher who can work with your schedule.

Questions for Potential Guitar Teachers

Once you’ve found a few potential teachers, it’s time to start interviewing them. Here are a few questions you may want to ask:

  • What is your teaching style?
  • Are you a traditional teacher who focuses on the basics, or are you more progressive and willing to teach different styles of music?
  • What are your rates?
Madeline taking a "guitar lesson near me"

Madeline at guitar lessons

Your Comfort Level

It’s important to make sure that you feel comfortable with the teacher. The phone interview will tell you a lot about how they may interact with you during the lesson. Getting the right personality is key since you will be spending a lot of time with them.

 

The Teachers Personality

  • Do you want a teacher who is strict and demanding or someone who is more laid-back and relaxed?
  • Find a teacher whose personality meshes well with yours.

 

Here are a few other things to consider:

Your goals

  • What do you want to achieve with your guitar lessons?
  • Do you want to learn how to play basic chords?
  • Do you want to learn how to read music?
  • Do you want to learn how to play a specific style of music?

Once you’ve found a few teachers in your area, it is a great idea to schedule a trial lesson. This will give you a chance to meet the teacher and see if they are a good fit for you. For any questions about Northern Colorado Guitar lessons, please contact me.

How to Choose the Right Teacher

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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.

Choosing the Right Teacher

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.

Guitar Strings

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The Strings of Your Life: A Guide to Electric Guitar Strings

Written by Bard the AI and edited by Karney Schumacher

There are all different types of electric guitar strings, each with their own unique personality. Some strings are bright and outgoing, while others are more mellow and laid-back. Some strings are easy to get along with, while others can be a bit more challenging.

No matter what type of string you are looking for, there is one out there that is perfect for you. Let’s take a look at some of the different types and see which one is right for you.

Nickel-plated steel electric guitar strings

Nickel Plated Strings

Nickel Plated Strings

Nickel-plated steel strings are the most common type of electric guitar string. They have a balanced sound that is neither too bright nor too dark. Nickel-plated steel strings are a good choice for most genres of music, but they are especially well-suited for rock and blues.

Pure Nickel Strings

Pure Nickel Strings

Pure Nickel Strings

Pure nickel strings have a warmer, mellower sound than nickel-plated steel strings. They are a good choice for jazz and blues players. Pure nickel strings can also be a good choice for players who want a more vintage sound. D’Addario is my favorite string manufacturer!

 

Stainless Steel Strings

Stainless Steel Strings

Stainless Steel Strings

Stainless steel strings have a brighter, more aggressive sound than nickel-plated steel strings. They are a good choice for rock and metal players. Stainless steel strings can also be a good choice for players who want a longer-lasting string.

 

Flat Wound Guitar Strings

Flat Wound Strings

Flat Wound Strings

Flat wound strings have a smooth, polished surface that produces a mellow, muted sound. They are a good choice for fingerstyle playing and jazz. Flat wound strings can also be a good choice for players who want a string that is less likely to fret out.

 

Half Round Guitar Strings

Half Round Strings

Half Round Strings

Half round strings have a slightly rough surface that produces a sound that is in between flat wound strings and round wound strings. They are a good compromise for players who want a smooth, mellow sound but also want some of the brightness of round wound strings.

 

String Gauge

Gauge is another important factor to consider when choosing electric guitar strings. The gauge of the string refers to its thickness. Thinner strings are easier to bend and play, but they also produce a weaker sound. Thicker strings are harder to bend, but they produce a stronger sound.

Coating

Coating is another factor that can affect the sound of electric guitar strings. Some strings are coated with a material such as nylon or polymer. This coating can help to protect the strings from corrosion and make them last longer.

So, there you have it! A brief overview of the different types of electric guitar strings. Now that you know a little bit about what is out there, you can start to experiment and find the strings that are right for you.

Here are some additional tips for choosing electric guitar strings:

  • Consider the genre of music you play. If you play rock, you will probably want a brighter, more aggressive string. If you play jazz, you will probably want a warmer, mellower string.
  • Think about your playing style. If you do a lot of bending, you will want a string that is easy to bend. If you play fingerstyle, you will want a string that is smooth and muted.
  • Experiment with different brands and gauges. There are many different brands and gauges of electric guitar strings available. The best way to find the right strings for you is to experiment and see what you like the best.

I hope this blog has helped you learn a little bit more about electric guitar strings. So go out there and start experimenting! If you have any questions, please contact me.

Guitar Picks

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Fun Side of Guitar Picks

Guitar picks are a simple thing, but they can be a lot of fun. There are all sorts of different shapes, sizes, and materials to choose from, and each one can produce a slightly different sound. You can even find picks with funny or interesting designs.

Guitar Picks

Different types of guitar picks

If you’re looking for a way to add a little fun to your guitar playing, here are a few ideas:

  • Collect picks. There are a lot of cool picks out there, and it can be fun to collect them. You can find picks with the names of your favorite bands, picks made from unusual materials, or even picks that have been autographed by famous guitarists.
  • Use a funny pick. There are a lot of picks out there with funny or interesting designs. You could use a pick that looks like a pizza, a pick that has a picture of your pet on it, or even a pick with a saying on it.
  • Experiment with different shapes and sizes. The shape and size of a pick can affect the sound of your playing. Try out different picks to see what you like best.
  • Make your own pick. If you’re feeling creative, you can even make your own pick. There are a lot of tutorials online that can show you how to do it.

No matter how you choose to use them, guitar picks can be a lot of fun. So next time you’re playing your guitar, don’t be afraid to experiment and have some fun with your picks.

Interesting facts about guitar picks:

  • The first guitar picks were made from tortoiseshell, but this material is now protected by law, so most picks are made from plastic.
  • The thickness of a pick can affect the sound of your playing. Thinner picks produce a brighter sound, while thicker picks produce a warmer sound.
  • Some guitarists use two picks at the same time. This technique is amazing and it can be used to create a variety of different sounds.
  • There are even picks that glow in the dark. These are perfect for playing late-night gigs or for playing in the dark.

So there you have it, a few fun facts about picks. If you have any questions, please contact me. Now go out and have some fun with your picks!

 

How I Started Teaching Online with Zoom

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How I Started Teaching Online with Zoom

If there has been anything positive as the result of CoVid-19, is that it gave me an opportunity to try teaching online with Zoom. As a music instructor, my focus has always been instructing students face to face. However, after the Corona Virus hit, in person was no longer an option.

Early Attempts Including Discord

After trying Discord, Skype, Google Hangouts, and Zoom, I realized Zoom was by far the best choice for teaching music.  I knew it would be difficult to remember all of the nuances in each platform, so it made the most sense to go with the one that had the most flexibility.

Initially, Discord was my go to platform since it was so easy to use. It was incredibly intuitive. However, many students struggled to get their camera’s to work. It also kept my camera on and would not let other programs use it even after quitting the sessions and logging completely out of the program. I eventually had to change the camera setting to my laptop’s “Leap Motion.” Other than that, Discord was easy and user friendly for me. But several of my students could not get the video portion to work.

The Other Online Programs

Skype and Google hangout were two other programs that did not offer many tools for teaching. I needed something that would be rich in features, so I decided that Zoom would be the best.

Teaching Online with Zoom

Zoom is amazing! There were some issues with security in the beginning, but I could only imagine how overwhelming it would be during Covid to expand that quickly. This program offers so much, especially with the whiteboard feature. The student and I are both able to write on it while keeping the video going. Afterwards, the student can save it to whatever file they would like.

There are virtual backgrounds, fun emojis, and best of all it is free unless you need more than 40 minutes.

Zoom also has so many settings to be able to tweak, including an original sound setting. This setting is a must for music instructors. There is a button that prevents the program from blocking out background noise. This allows the teacher to hear the musical instruments. Without this option, the music is filtered out and the instructor cannot hear the instrument.

Final Thoughts

I realize there are many different programs for many different situations. But for teaching a musical instrument, I recommend Zoom. This has been my go to and am very happy to have stayed with it.

If you have any questions or would like to learn to take lessons, feel free to contact me. I will get back to you within 24 hours.

 

Purchasing an Electric Guitar

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Purchasing an Electric Guitar

Purchasing an electric guitar for the first time is an amazing experience. There is almost an endless number of colors, shapes, configurations, and sizes. A person could, and probably should, literally stay at a music store all day trying out guitars. There are a few things I would recommend before making a big investment.

Many of the same thoughts in the acoustic guitar purchase blog holds true with the electric as well. I will list them but feel free to click on the link “Purchasing a Guitar Part 2-The Acoustic” for more details.

There are at least four areas that will apply to all guitar purchases.

  • Are you attracted to the guitar
  • Does the guitar size fit your body
  • Does it sound good to you
  • Does it feel good to play

There are a few other important considerations that will apply a bit more to the electric guitar:

  • Appearance: Style, Shape, and Color
  • Floating Bridge/hardtail/standard tremolo/locking nut
  • Electronics

Style and Shape

Purchasing an Electric Guitar

Gibson Flying V with a Hardtail

Style is the first thing that comes to mind when considering an electric guitar. There are many styles to choose from which sometimes will or will not match the genre you are pursuing. A person could show up with a flying V to a jazz combo, but you would probably get a few strange looks. Fender and Gibson are the industry standards but there are so many competing brands.

I personally loved the Gibson Les Paul look but after playing them, I could not get used to the neck. I always tend to purchase a Fender and Ibanez.

There is an important point in the last article that is worth repeating…make sure to get a guitar that you are attracted to. This will make paying for it and playing it much more enjoyable. There are too many guitars out there to have to settle.

Another important consideration is the Flying V. This is a guitar that looks amazing and has been used by countless musicians. It has a great sound and plays like a dream. But the downside is, if you are sitting, it likes to slide off your leg. You can use a strap or play it with the V section resting on your leg, however it may be awkward for some guitarists.

Electric Guitar Bridge Systems

The next thing I look for is what type of bridge do I want. There are many types of bridges, but I will focus on the three main types. First is the hard-tail that is anchored onto the guitar and does not have a whammy bar. The second is a standard tremolo that uses a whammy bar, but only moves one direction. A third common option is the floating tremolo system.

Hard Tail

The hard tail is nice because if you break a string, most of the other strings will stay in tune. Another advantage that is helpful to new guitarists is that when a note is bent, the rest stay in tune. You can also save a little money since the hard tail is less complex and therefore less expensive than other bridges.

Standard Tremolo

The second type is a standard tremolo system. These are originally found on guitars that were made up to the late 70’s. They offered musicians a lot of cool effects like dives and vibrato. Artists like Mark Knopfler, Paul McCartney, and Keith Richards use this style. The problem they have is that the strings can go out of tune due to the releasing and stretching of the strings.

Floating Tremolo

The third type is a floating tremolo system that locks at the head such as the Floyd Rose. This is the type I have used over the years and have mixed feelings about it. The advantages are all the tricks a guitarist can do such as fluttering and diving without going out of tune. The big disadvantage is if a string breaks, the whole guitar goes out of tune. This is due to the tension that is needed to keep the bridge floating. Once a string breaks, the bridge moves since there is less tension on the bridge.

Electronics

The next thing to check for are the electronics. There are truly too many variables to cover all of it in this article. However, I will hit on the important one. Should you get a guitar with active or passive pick-ups?

Active Pick-ups

Active pick-ups are powered by a battery and passive pick-ups are not. The advantage of an active pick-up is that it is more powerful and the tone can be a little bit more even when adjusting volume. Just remember to unplug the guitar when you are done or it will drain the battery. Which brings me to the disadvantage. If the battery dies and you must remove the pick-guard to replace it, it can be a nightmare at a gig. Most guitars have a separate battery compartment on the back or side of the guitar, but the older models that are fitted with new active pick-ups may not.

Passive Pick-ups

Passive pick-ups are less powerful, but have more tonal options. Most songs are recorded with passive pickups. However, my favorite guitarist David Gilmore of Pink Floyd uses active pickups. It is a very tough decision that may come down to the battery. Active pickups are more expensive, but are quieter, have more sustain, and have no loss of high frequency with a long cable. Yet passive pick-ups are more affordable, natural sounding, and have better dynamic response.

Conclusion

These are just some areas to consider and research when looking into purchasing your first electric guitar. The bottom line is: how does it feel, look, and sound? An amp can compensate for a lot of the weaknesses in a guitar, but it won’t be able to polish a turd.

If you have any questions or would like to sign up for a lesson, please contact me.

March Jam Session

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March Jam Session

We just completed our March jam session and it was amazing. Students of all ages and levels were there in four separate bands. It was fun to kick things off with a quick solo from Pink Floyd’s Sorrow before everyone got up to play.

It is always a little scary to play in a band for the first time. But by the end, everyone was excited to sign up for the next session.

Jam Session Songs

For March’s jam session, we picked the same song for all four bands since most people really loved the tune. It was called Tennessee Whiskey by Chris Stapleton.

Avery and Frank at the March Jam Session

Avery and Frank at the March Jam Session

The great thing about this song is that it had parts for everyone. If the student was a beginner and never played in front of anyone, they could do the two chords. For the more advanced students, they could choose to hit the intro or take the solo in the center.

It was so incredible to see students as young as 8 years old playing in band. It will be a memory they will have for the rest of their life.

Multiple Bands

By having the four separate bands, students were able to play and then leave if they wanted to. The sessions ended up being the perfect length for the younger kids. In the beginning, each band played for full two hours. By then, most everyone was pretty exhausted.

Thank You to Jam Participants

I want to thank everyone for making this session such a success. A shout out to James, Ralph, and Rob for playing in multiple groups since we needed a bassist and vocals across the other bands. They were so much fun to work with and really made the session flow. It looks like our April session will add two more bands to the line up!

If you are interested in lessons, please contact us to get started.

Guitar for a Beginner Student

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Guitar for a Beginner Student

One of the best ways to help your son or daughter become successful in their lessons is to pick the right guitar for a beginner student. I don’t blame the parents who inadvertently chose something hard to play since parents generally don’t know what to look for in a guitar. They are just excited to get their child into lessons. But I know that without a full set up and new strings, or a new guitar, the student will not want to take guitar lessons for very long. And they will absolutely dread practicing.

Price Recommendation

I recommend spending at least $200-$300 if you are getting a new instrument-especially for younger students. If you are worried about spending the extra money for something they may not continue with, remember it is important to give them the best chance for success. Fender makes a very nice, inexpensive beginner guitar that will help make their lessons something they look forward to.

The Fender Squier is Perfect for New Students

Guitar for a Beginner Student

Leila rocking her Fender Squier

Electric Guitar

To make things as fun as possible for the younger students, try a ¾ sized Fender Squier. These are perfect! As I type, Amazon has a package with a guitar, amp, picks, strap, cable, tuner, and strings for $279. This is exactly what I would recommend. For a teen or adult student, the same set up with a full-size guitar is $329. Well worth the investment and the guitars come in variety of colors. This will most certainly help their musical journey.

Acoustic Guitar

Acoustic guitars are nice, but probably the hardest to learn on. This is because the strings are so much thicker. They can begin to hurt the fingertips and be difficult to get a good tone on when starting out. If you prefer to use and acoustic, one idea would be to put light or extra light gauge strings on the guitar. This will help tremendously in giving the student a positive experience.

Guitars to Stay Away From

I am sure that First Act makes a guitar that could be decent. But in my opinion and experience, their intonation is generally off making the instrument sound out of tune. When the intonation is off, the guitar is out of tune as soon as a finger is placed on a fret. This happens even when each string has been perfectly tuned. I cannot remember ever playing a First Act guitar that sounded good. It can cost a lot of money to fix, more than the instrument is worth.

Also, by purchasing a cheap guitar, you may have to upgrade shortly thereafter anyway. This means spending even more money than would have been necessary.

Here is a link to a page where you can check out the ¾ size Squiers. Enjoy your journey, feel free to contact me if you have any questions.