Guitar Life

Learn to play an Irish jig!

Lisa McCormick — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:29:47 +0000

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, everyone! Here’s a free guitar lesson and free tablature to help you learn to play a traditional Irish jig called “The Butterfly”.
Enjoy!
Special prize if you post your rendition on YouTube!
HERE’S THE FREE GUITAR LESSON
HERE’S THE FREE TABLATURE

A Very Sad Loss Today

Lisa McCormick — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:47:45 +0000

Today I mourn the loss of T-Bone Wolk, a dear friend and jaw-droppingly amazing musician. T-Bone passed away unexpectedly last night.

The most amazing and inspiring musician I have ever known, T-Bone was best known for his role as bassist for Hall & Oates, and the Saturday Night Live Band.

But the “Big Time” was only part of his musical life. A deep appreciator of sharing the love of making music, T-Bone championed a lucky handful of us “Smaller Time” singer-songwriters.

He was incredibly supportive and enthusiastic about my music, and working with him was nothing short of thrilling.

I was privileged to work with T-Bone on three of my CD’s, and one unforgettable live concert. And even more privileged to know him as a dear friend. Deeply kind, hilariously funny, tender and warm, and a rare precious musical talent, T-Bone will be dearly and terribly missed.

Rest in peace, my friend. And, thank you.

At Seventeen

Lisa McCormick — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 18:14:26 +0000

I’m working on learning to play the song, “At Seventeen”, by Janis Ian, as I’m creating a tutorial of lessons on it to post on Guitar Tricks. It’s a beautiful guitar song, and I’m having a ton of fun poring over YouTube videos of Janis Ian at a wide variety of ages, playing the song on her acoustic guitar. This is how I learn to play it like she plays it.

Such an evocative song, it almost makes me squirm. Is this just a girls’ song? I don’t know. Guys, what do you think?

It is causing me to think about where I was at, at seventeen. What a time, what an age to be. I remember I used to sling my guitar onto my back (no case) and ride my bike across town to my friend Jeannie’s house, where we would sing Beatles songs for hours and scheme about how we were going to run away to Liverpool, England, locate Paul McCartney, and convince him to fall in love with us.

What’s wrong with this picture?

Anyway, I’d love to hear what Janis Ian’s “At Seventeen” brings up for you. Please respond and let me know your thoughts.

I Remember the First Time I Ever Heard Her Voice

Lisa McCormick — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 23:06:17 +0000

I remember the exact moment singer/songwriter Lhasa de Sela’s voice found its way through a crowd at a house party, to my ears, to my heart and soul. Whose voice do you remember like that?

more about "I Remember the First Time I Ever Hear…", posted with vodpod

You and Your Guitar: Why Do You Play?

Lisa McCormick — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 18:26:52 +0000

You and your guitar: why do you play? What is the magic for you? What is your motivation, your desire, your need to play all about? Watch this video, and then if you wish to, please share your responses below.

more about "You and Your Guitar: Why Do You Play?", posted with vodpod

You, a Beginner Again?

Lisa McCormick — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 16:40:34 +0000

How does it feel to be learning something new? Do you love it? Do you get frustrated? Kids are used to being newbies at things, but learning new skills as an adult can be a whole other kind of ride. What’s it like for you?

more about "You, a Beginner Again?", posted with vodpod

You and Your Guitar: Finding Time

Lisa McCormick — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 16:36:39 +0000

How do busy people find the time to play and practice their guitar? How can you make sure your guitar stays present in your life, even as the “to-do” lists pile up around you?

more about "You and Your Guitar: Finding Time", posted with vodpod

Guitar Learner’s Companion: You and Your Guitar: Why Now?

Lisa McCormick — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 23:03:15 +0000

You and your guitar: why now? Have you always wanted to play, or is this a brand new interest? Share your thoughts here.

more about “You & Guitar: Why Now?“, posted with vodpod

Happy Holidays, from my Hometown to Yours

Lisa McCormick — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 04:10:29 +0000

Jingle, Santa, Angels, Rudolf.

And to all a good night.

Snowy Day in Vermont

Lisa McCormick — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 21:19:39 +0000

CLICK to watch snowy video

Snowing like crazy here this morning, schools are cancelled, roads not yet plowed.
Do I grab a shovel?
No. I grab my camera and go out and schlepp around in the storm. Fun!
And then I go back inside, dry off, and decide that every guitar player who has the day off today because of the snow might like to have an extra fun guitar project for the day. And even if you don’t have the day off, you should. Because I said so.
So today only, all the stuff in the Getting Started With Guitar shop is half price. Just because.
That’s the book: Easiest Holiday Songs Ever for Guitar.
And the audio ear-training program: Guitar Intuition: Audio Ear-training Program for Guitar Learners
Here’s the only catch: you have to know the secret password.
The secret discount code is: snow. Just scroll to the bottom of the product page and type snow in the discount box. Bingo!
I know, I know, eventually I’ve got to grab the shovel. Have a great day ! Cheers, Lisa