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Soundbrenner Pulse Wearable Vibrating Metronome

Soundbrenner Pulse Wearable Vibrating Metronome

Mark Marshall
lessons, Reviews, Tips

When I think of the passage of time, there are tools that I'm surprised haven't evolved sooner. One of those musical tools is the metronome. For many decades, the concept of what a metronome could be seemed cemented.

I'm not trying to imply that the metronome did not evolve. Metronomes with odd time signatures and programmable set lists appeared. Even though those small evolutions happened, one noticeable change hadn't occurred: Feeling a metronome instead of hearing it.

Peterson (the company known for strobe tuners) developed a vibrating accessory to a metronome that would attach to your pants. But it didn't take off for whatever reason and is now discontinued. Players didn't like attaching the vibrating accessory to their belt or felt it was limited to a physical connection to a metronome.

Flow State Guitar Practice

Flow State Guitar Practice

Mark Marshall
Tips, lessons, Guitars

Practicing in modern times is much more complex than in previous eras due to our many technological distractions. As a result, concentration is constantly being pulled from the present. 

The problem with so many distractions is that the human mind is not multitasking. We throw the term multi-taking around in modern times in the way of handling a lot at once. 

But, the reality is our minds don't adapt to multi-taking when trying to study information or practice. Our minds don't multitask as much as they switch channels. But, when switching channels, it takes a second or two to adjust to the change. We can only do one thing at a time and focus on each independently. 

How to play the Blues Scale

How to play the Blues Scale

Mark Marshall
Guitars, Tips, lessons

At some point, almost every guitar player asks how to play the blues scale. Discussing the notes of the scale is easy, but the fingering and position can become a point of contention for many guitarists.

Why is the position and fingering of the blues scale so controversial? Part of the problem lies in the design of the instrument. The guitar can play the same pitch in different neck positions, making learning music more challenging. Finding the pitch, listening to phrasing, and considering positioning is necessary when learning music for the guitar.