Why Go Beyond Major and Minor? When most guitarists begin learning chords, they start with the usual suspects: major and minor shapes. While these are essential, they don’t cover the full range of harmonic expression available on the guitar. Enter suspended chords and add chords — two beautiful, often misunderstood chord types that offer new…
Why Should You Care About Whole and Half Steps? If you’ve been playing guitar for a little while, you’ve probably heard terms like whole step and half step thrown around in lessons or tutorials. But what do they really mean? And why should you care? Here’s the truth: Whole and half steps are the building…
Whether you’re just starting out on guitar, piano, or any other instrument, understanding triads will unlock the mystery behind most of the chords you’ll encounter. These are the foundational building blocks of harmony in Western music. Once you master these, you’ll see chord progressions in a whole new light. Let’s break them down—one step at…
As a guitarist, you’ve probably heard about scales, chords, and maybe even modes—but have you ever stopped to think about the building blocks behind them all? That’s where intervals come in. Understanding intervals is one of the most important (and often overlooked) steps in becoming a well-rounded musician. Whether you’re writing your own music, improvising…
If you’ve been playing guitar for a little while and are starting to explore scales and modes, you might’ve stumbled across something called the Mixolydian mode. Sounds fancy, right? But don’t worry, it’s not nearly as complicated as it sounds. In this blog, I’ll break it down in plain English so you can start using…
If you’re a parent wondering, “When should I enroll my child in music lessons?”, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions I get asked as a music instructor. And the truth is, it depends. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, there are general guidelines based on child development, the type of instrument,…
If you’ve ever considered learning an instrument, or you’re a parent thinking about lessons for your child, you’ve probably asked this question: Are online music lessons just as good as in-person ones? The short answer? Yes, they can be. But like most things in music (and life), the full answer depends on a few key…
As a music instructor who’s worked with students of all ages, I’ve seen firsthand what helps kids grow and what makes them stall in terms of music tutoring. Spoiler alert: It’s not the flashiest instrument, the fanciest recital, or even natural talent. It’s consistency, motivation, and feedback, and that’s exactly where PracticePad shines. What Is…
When learning to play the guitar, most beginners focus on finger placement, chord shapes, and strumming patterns. However, an often-overlooked detail that can make a huge difference in technique and comfort is thumb placement. Where you place your thumb on the back of the guitar neck affects your control, reach, and ability to play smoothly….
If you’ve ever listened to Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, or Guns N’ Roses, you’ve already heard the magic of E-flat tuning. Many guitarists love this tuning because it adds a slightly warmer tone, reduces string tension, and makes bending notes easier. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what E-flat tuning is, why you…