The Acoustic Asylum

Ep124 – Beating the Curse of Terrible Practice

In today’s episode, I talk about the worst way to practise or learn a song and how to avoid this. Time is limited, and you don’t want to end up feeling like you’re wasting it, struggling to learn a song. When you’re learning a new song, you really want to break things up into smaller sections to learn.
 
This is where the 10x Method really helps. In the episode, I talk about how to use and apply the method to streamline the process of learning a song, so you don’t forget what you are learning. Take a listen and improve your process!
 
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/
 
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Ep123 – An Interview on Arranging, Improvisation, and Getting the Best Out of Yourself with Robert Lunn

Today, I'm bringing you a super fun interview with Robert Lunn. In the episode, we had a great chat on some really important topics, including why playing gig-ready, simple yet stunning arrangements of songs is so important, how to keep the passion when learning songs, and how Robert created a wonderful piece which started off as an exercise to just learn some new software!
Robert is a great chap, so I hope you enjoy (and listen to the end for a funny story from Robert). 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/
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Ep122 – Travel, Music & Practising Guitar When You’re on Holiday

Today’s episode is all about my recent trip, discovering music when you travel, and taking breaks from the guitar. When you travel, music is everywhere. It’s really fun discovering different street musicians and even taking trips down memory lane when you hear your favourite songs.
Travelling for me often means stepping away from the guitar, but this can also be beneficial. There are even studies that show that spreading out your practice can help you learn better. On the other hand, new environments and experiences can also help fuel your motivation! Take a listen to the episode 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!

Ep121 – An Interview on Jamming, Bluegrass, the Blues, and Performing with Confidence with Andy Schneider

In today’s episode, we have a great interview with Andy Schneider. We had a chat on a whole variety of topics, such as getting ready to play live, bluegrass jamming, how to get started with the blues, and why playing with others is so powerful!
Andy's a super nice chap to chat to, and I found that after this interview, I couldn't help but go have a good ol' jam of my own. I hope Andy and this interview inspire you too!
There’s a lot to enjoy here, especially if you've dreamt of playing live but haven't done so yet. 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!

Ep120 – The Paul Simon Way of Playing

Today’s episode is a fun story about Paul Simon and his way of playing. As a guitarist, Paul Simon does his own thing, and he does it really well. His sophistication, style, and the different elements of his playing often go unrecognised thanks to his incredible songwriting skills.
So in today’s episode, I discuss the different facets of Paul Simon’s skills as a guitarist, a songwriter, and a singer. One of the most beautiful things he talks about is the guitar being a source of comfort for him. I show you some little tunes you can play too when you turn to your guitar for comfort. 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!
 

Ep119 – An Interview on Blues, Jamming, and Playing Guitar for Life with Brian Sherill

In today’s episode, we continue with another special interview, this time with Brian Sherrill of Active Melody. Brian is one of the coolest guitar players and best online teachers, who’s blues playing is brilliant.
In the episode, Brian and I talk about the journey, the process of guitar playing, and the really important mindset shifts that a lot of guitarists need. Brian talks about his own journey with guitar, how he became a guitar teacher, and the things he finds key to guitar playing.
He discusses how to go from scales and technique to making real music. The common frustrations faced by beginner guitarists, and what to work on to master the basics of chord changes. At the end of the episode, I pose a fire-round of questions to Brian about guitar playing. 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!
 
 
 

Ep118 – The Rules of the Asylum: Rule #24 – Embrace Technology, But Don’t Let It Take Over

In today’s episode, I talk about the benefits of technology and the importance of not letting it take over. I think AI can be a great tool, but it’s never going to play the guitar for us. I chat about one of my favourite films, Terminator 2, and the interesting message we can take from it.
 
One of the main reasons that some of these technologies and apps don’t stick is that they are trying to take over the process of learning, and nothing can do that. I talk about why this is the case, the key parts that can’t be skipped or replaced in the learning process, and the things that AI still can’t do. 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!

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!