Tips For Guitar Playing Success

Tips For Guitar Playing Success

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.

Episodes

July 10, 2025 6 mins

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 playing journeys!

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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'll be able to... Let freedom ring, with your guitar strings!

Links to previous 4th of...

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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 the inspiration behind the song, how the band brought it to life and her playing rec...

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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 songs. and she shares her tips for practicing them effectively. 

Learn. Play & M...

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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 to your growth as a guitarist.

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Joi...

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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

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Join our Guitar Tips Community! Don't miss out, o...

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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 learn about previous jam episodes that can help you get started on your jamming advent...

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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 episode How to Play 3 Cool Vacation Themed Songs episode

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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 shares their Sanskrit names too! 

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May 8, 2025 5 mins

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, Mom and Mother Mother, Thank You Mom and Wind Beneath My Wings

Start Your Free 7-da...

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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 play Viva Mexico & La Piel

How to play Cielito Lindo & La Bamba

Guitar Bra...

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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 string changing video link

Now Available on YouTube Podcasts link:MarlenesMusic1

Sta...

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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

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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 your nervous system a much-needed reset. 

Now Available on YouTube Podcasts link:Mar...

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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 Cottontail & Easter Parade Christ the Lord Has Risen Today & Dayenu Joyful, Joyful W...

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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 YoGuitar Video Library Trial!

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March 27, 2025 7 mins

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!

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Join our Guitar Tips Community! Our next community jam session is 3/20,...

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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 a true trailblazer in the world of guitar and beyond!

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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!

Start Your Free 7-day YoGuitar Video Library Trial!

Join our Guitar Tips Community! O...

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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 Guitar Tips Community! Our next community jam session is 3/20, don't miss out!

Marlene's...

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