The Acoustic Asylum

In today’s episode, I talk about how the story of Karate Kid relates to guitar learning. Often, students ignore the importance of repeating good habits, but being consistent and precise when learning makes all the difference.
A lot of people assume they know the fundamentals, but few have mastered them. It’s key to learn these basics of guitar, as having full knowledge of them allows you to really enjoy the guitar and make progress.
If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free, special one-finger arrangement of Amazing Grace – ideal for those who are new, stuck, or just want a beautiful song to play. Get it at - fingerstyle101.com/amazing
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In today’s episode, we’re talking about a new rule of the Asylum: stop torturing yourself with the way you learn. Most guitarists quit because they think they’re not good enough, but often it’s cause the way they’re learning is actually torturing them. There is a better way. I take you through the most common mistakes people make and how to avoid them. Listen to discover the best ways you can approach your learning that will help you feel better about your playing and enjoy the journey.
 
If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free, special one-finger arrangement of Amazing Grace - ideal for those who are new, stuck, or just want a beautiful song to play. Get it at - fingerstyle101.com/amazing
 
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!

Today, we’re going to talk about one of the Gatekeeper’s favourite pastimes, which is making you remember less. We’re going to flip it on its head so you can remember more and easier. I’m going to give you a test and a fun piece to play that will help your memory.
A lot of students are frustrated about having poor memory, but there’s a method and technique to remembering. Take a listen to the episode to learn all about this memory trick that will help your guitar playing.
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!

Today, I’m going to talk about fixing the death grip. Most people might tell you to press harder, try harder, get more calluses, but this isn’t the case. The death grip is the main cause of buzzing, frustration, and in the episode, I take you through practical tips on how to conquer it, once and for all.
The death grip is like your fingers being stuck in the mud, it will affect your chord changes, it will cause tension, and it will prevent you from having clear playing. Take a listen to the episode and start fixing your death grip today.
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!

In today’s episode, I talk about the one phrase in the world of guitar teaching that I detest. This phrase is incredibly frustrating, and students really hate it, and I can see why. It’s the kind of phrase that sounds innocent, but when you think about it on a deeper level, it’s awful.
For people who are serious about learning, this phrase is at the crux of frustration when learning through YouTube and private tutors. You have to have a plan when learning guitar. Different people want different elements for their plan, and it’s all about balancing fun and structure. Take a listen to hear all about the best plan and how to fight against this crushing phrase.
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!

Today, I want to talk to you about a rule of the asylum – don’t fear the recording. Something I encourage people to do is to record themselves playing on a fairly regular basis. I want to give you some clear advice on doing this, so it doesn’t put you off recording yourself.
Recordings are brutal because they often show you things you can’t see yourself. But one thing that’s important is to record yourself playing something you know how to play, even if it’s just two bars, rather than something you’re still learning. Listen to discover more tips I have, so recording yourself is a pleasant experience and not a horror show.
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!

In today’s episode, I want to talk about the six villains that are ruining guitar progress everywhere and how to defeat them. These villains include notorious figures such as the Time Thief, the Overwhelm Monster, the Coordination Chaos, the Musicality Void, and more!
Take a listen to this fun, character-driven take on issues that plague most guitarists, how to face them head-on, and beat them once and for all. I’ll take you through each issue and discuss ways to avoid getting bogged down by these villains and achieve progress with your playing.  
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!

Today, we’re talking about one of the most important things in guitar playing – the 3 Ps of guitar playing. Ignore them at your peril, they’re the key to staying relaxed, having fun, and playing well. These are the core essentials of playing guitar. 
If you get one wrong, you’ll struggle to a certain degree, if you get two wrong, things are going to be harder, and if you get three wrong, you’ve probably already smashed up your guitar. Take a listen to discover the 3Ps of guitar to learn how to improve your playing with ease and simplicity.
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!

In today’s podcast, I talk about the new rule of the asylum: stop being your own worst enemy. I offer some tips on how to counter this kind of thinking, including not letting a bad day lead you to spiral. We all tend to get stuck in some negative thinking, but it’s important to interrupt that and try to finish on a positive note.
 
Always aim to end your practice sessions by playing something fun you enjoy and try not to push yourself too hard. Everybody should have a simple piece that they can play and have fun with. If you do make the odd mistake, it’s ok! Take a listen to discover more tips on how to apply this rule!
 
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!

In today’s episode, I talk about the good side of getting lost in my garage. I often talk about avoiding YouTube rabbit holes, but the difference is getting lost in content that is contained, like books and magazines. The point with the guitar is to be selective, but also to have fun.
 
So if you have a bunch of courses or books on guitar playing, great! Turn off the internet and use them. Once a month,
 have a dabbling day and go through your materials in a no-pressure way. You might discover some new things or rediscover some things you’ve forgotten. Make sure though not to let yourself feel overwhelmed.
 
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!