The Acoustic Asylum

Ep117 – An Interview on the Principles of Technique With Jamie Andreas

Today’s episode is a special one. It’s an interview with Jamie Andreas who has a unique way of talking about technique and has been a huge influence on my own teaching.
In the episode, Jamie talks about how she started playing guitar, discovering classical guitar, and her own experience of teaching guitar. She discusses how she developed her teaching approach and how important it was for her to be able to teach anyone guitar.
She discusses how to approach chords, the importance of keeping your fingers relaxed, and more. Listen to the episode and discover Jamie’s incredible journey, experience, and expertise.
If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/
Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!
 
 

Ep116 – Fretboard Fireworks: 6 Tips to Break Out of the Box

In today’s episode, I dive into six fretboard breakthroughs that changed everything for me. If you struggle with learning the fretboard, then this will help you change that. Learning the fretboard can be fun, and it can open up so many doors in your playing.
Over the years, I’ve developed six specific techniques for teaching students the fretboard. In this episode, I discuss some of these, including fretboard hopping, playing real jams, memory-building tricks, the scavenger hunt, and more. Take a listen and learn all about how to conquer the fretboard.
If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/
Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!
 

Ep115 – The Rules of the Asylum: Rule #23 – Being the King or Queen of the Jungle

In today’s episode, I talk about a new rule of the Asylum, which is being the King or Queen of the Jungle. This is inspired by The Lion King musical, which has a classic hero story. In terms of guitar playing, every guitarist goes through this journey.
 
In the episode, I talk about how guitar playing can take us to a different dimension, the transformation we undergo as guitarists, and how beneficial this can be. I describe the hero’s journey for those who aren’t familiar with, how to not let doubt creep in, and how to take the next step on your journey. Take a listen and enjoy!
 
If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/
 
Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

Ep114 – 12 Notes, Limitless Options

In today’s episode, I talk about a really inspiring quote. On guitar, we only have twelve notes, but we have limitless options of what we can create with them. We can play about and create beautiful melodies and sad melodies.
In pop music, people tend to stick to familiar and comfortable chords and patterns, but music allows you to branch out and discover something unique. In the episode, I also play some examples of the fun you can have with the same notes, how to experiment with rhythm, and how to improvise. Take a listen!
If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/
Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

Ep113 – The Rules of the Asylum: Rule #22 – The Secret to Building Chemistry with Your Guitar

In today’s episode, I talk about chemistry, specifically your chemistry with music, your guitar, and your love of learning. Chemistry is key to good playing, iconic bands, relationships, and it’s all about passion.
 
The buzz, the enjoyment, is what you want to have when you pick up the guitar. To make sure you have this, play the songs you love, the songs that mean the world to you. You have a relationship with the guitar, it’s important to keep the chemistry alive.
 
If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/
 
Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

Ep112 – The Arthritis Comment That Caused a Stir

In today’s podcast episode, I want to talk about an aggressive comment I got recently. If I didn’t have thick skin, I would have been hurt by it, but as it is, I’m not really fussed about it. The comment was about arthritis, and I know arthritis is brutal, I have had family members suffer from it.
 
I know there is no cure for arthritis, but guitar playing, when done mindfully, can help maintain mobility and reduce stiffness and pain. When I shared this, a lot of people responded with their lived experience and how guitar playing has helped them. It’s important to always use good core fundamental technique and never play through pain.
 
If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/
 
Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

Ep111 – The Fun Daily Jam Every Fingerpicking Guitarist Can (and Should) Do

Today we have a short episode that is all about exercises on the guitar – what to avoid and how to see progress. Often, guitar exercises are far too complicated. Simple, technical exercises that you can do every day will help you to see a lot more progress.
 
I talk about how you can create your own exercises that cover the basics, allowing you to work on your technique. These exercises don’t have to be boring, so I show you how to make exercises useful and enjoyable to play! Take a listen and discover how to create your own!
 
If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/
 
Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

Ep110 – The Rules of the Asylum: Rule #21 – Being a Daydream Believer

Today’s episode is all about a new rule of the Asylum – being a daydream believer. Yes, this is inspired by The Monkees’ song, and it’s all about believing in yourself. Visualising is an excellent way of improving your self-belief, so today, I talk about two forms of visualisation.
One is visualising yourself as an excellent guitarist, and the other form is visualising the mechanics of playing, which helps your memory. The second form helps because visualising the movements will help you solidify the movements. I also discuss some of the pitfalls of the first form of visualisation, how to avoid them, and how to find balance! Take a listen to learn all about it.
If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/
Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

Ep109 – When Guitar Gods Get Nervous: Clapton’s Story

Today’s episode is all about one of Eric Clapton’s proudest moments. It all happened when he was asked to play on an album with one of the greatest musicians of all time. The thing that makes the story stand out is that it shows even the greats of guitar get nervous.
In the episode, I share Clapton’s story and what he had to say about his incredible and unique experience. But all of us have been there on a smaller scale – feeling nervous about playing in front of others. Everybody gets nervous, and everybody thinks there’s someone better out there, even the greats. The key is just to stay relaxed.
If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/
Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!
 

Ep108 – The Rules of the Asylum: Rule #20 – Face Up to Your Michael Myers

Today we’re going to talk about a new rule of the Acoustic Asylum. There are many rules to escape the Asylum and beat The Gatekeeper. Today’s rule is face up to your Michael Myers. On the guitar, we all have our Michael Myers, things that we fear. He’s very much like the fear of failure.
So how do you overcome that? In today’s episode, I discuss the steps you can take to face your fears and overcome them. You have to face up to these things, otherwise they will get you and you won’t be able to enjoy your playing or your guitar journey.
If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/
Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!