2023-11-30 17:38
I’ve talked about my student Dave before.
He’s an inspiring student.
Many years ago, I remember him arriving for a lesson excitedly telling me about a local band he saw live.
H… Read More
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Guitar Domination is a one stop solution for all guitarists out there looking to improve their playing. We teach you the best tips, tricks and techniques ranging from fingerpicking to thrash to funk and everything in between.
2023-11-29 12:53
Let’s talk about achievements – specifically on the guitar.
First though, here’s some inspiration from one of my favourite movies.
It is the underrated gem The Game, star… Read More
2023-11-28 19:56
One of the biggest problems I see in the world of music tuition is something I used to struggle with myself, and it is this:
No clear goals…
Aimless practice…
Travelling with… Read More
2023-11-27 14:53
Welcome to a new Monday post with 3 random thoughts on all things guitar, music, and life, including thoughts on awards, overcoming nerves, and an end to madness.
Here we go…
… Read More
2023-11-26 17:29
Today, I’ve released a new podcast where I’m talking about an unsung hero of the guitar world.
…Gratitude
The other day was Thanksgiving, so this ties nicely in with tha… Read More
2023-11-24 12:50
Today is, of course, Black Friday.
It seems like the whole world and their pet hamster are trying to sell you something.
In the guitar world, this might mean micro-amps, guitar pedals&hellip&hell…Read More
2023-11-23 19:59
Here’s some proof that sometimes songs can be a joy to learn…
And easier than you think…
At least according to Dan Thorpe Acoustic Academy student, Art, who got the Chris… Read More
2023-11-23 19:59
I have many guitar heroes.
These range from slightly more obscure to obvious.
One of my more obvious guitar heroes is the great Jimi Hendrix.
I even suggested to Archie’s mum that we… Read More
2023-11-23 11:46
The other day I talked briefly about how much I love the playing of Jimi Hendrix.
Why was he so special?
Well, there are many reasons.
For me, one reason is that a lot of his peers would p… Read More
2023-11-22 15:37
One of my most treasured parenting memories was Archie’s 6th birthday.
His birthday is a few weeks before Christmas (he will be 8 this year).
On his 6th birthday, we all went out for… Read More
2023-11-21 15:39
Christmas Eve: 1914
The brutality of World War I is reaching new heights.
Pope Benedict XV had called for a ceasefire asking: “That the guns may fall silent at least upon the night the… Read More
2023-11-20 17:44
Welcome to a new Monday post with 3 random thoughts on all things guitar, music, and life, including thoughts on recording yourself, how I chose the songs for my new course, and some secret… Read More
2023-11-19 19:28
One of my favourite things to do when playing guitar is to use…
The power of ‘contrast’.
There are a few ways you can do this, but one way is by using ‘pitch&rsquo&hell…Read More
2023-11-18 13:00
Here is another 10-second tip for you to enjoy.
It is about:
Perfecting the melody of a tune
One of the biggest mistakes I see in the guitar world is when students and teac… Read More
2023-11-18 00:49
Playing and learning guitar is wonderful, but it can sometimes be a little frustrating.
One reason why is that it’s not always obvious to the naked eye that you are making progress… Read More
2023-11-16 18:00
Ah, I’ve been so busy lately.
I’ve not written as many emails as I’d like.
In fact, at first, when writing this email today, I was thinking, “Crikey, I’m rusty… Read More
2023-11-14 16:26
Welcome to a new post with 3 random thoughts on all things guitar, music, and life, including thoughts on the fictional character Frankie Presto, some tales of David Gilmour, and more.
Here… Read More
2023-11-11 10:43
I have something a little different for you today.
It’s a guitar lesson from the robots of the future.
Well, kind of…
In case you don’t know, AI or Artificial Intelligen… Read More
2023-11-10 14:07
Here is another Friday 10-second tip for you to enjoy. It is about:
Super simple creative fun
Back when I started learning the guitar, I couldn’t play any songs.
The resources that… Read More
2023-11-09 22:24
Here are two more interesting emails and comments I have got lately.
I hope you find the emails and my thoughts useful…
Email #1
“Hi, Max from Australia. Mature age “beg… Read More
2023-11-08 15:13
Just a quick one today.
Do you have any questions about learning the fretboard?
I ask because I’ve just recorded a new episode of the Acoustic Asylum podcast…
…And I&rs&hell…Read More
2023-11-06 18:34
Welcome to a new Monday post with 3 random thoughts on all things guitar, music, and life, including the importance of having some simple fun, thoughts on floatations tanks, and more
Here we… Read More
2023-11-06 18:32
Today I thought I’d share something a little different.
If you’ve been following it, you may know we are now on Epsiode 31 of the Acoustic Asylum podcast.
Wow, these 31 episodes… Read More
2023-11-03 11:51
Here is another Friday 10-second tip for you to enjoy. It is about:
Making your songs sound more musical
Instead of one quick tip, here are five:
…And they are especially important… Read More
2023-11-02 22:49
Music theory:
It’s essential.
It’s misunderstood.
And it can be a pain in the rear to learn.
…But it doesn’t have to be.
Many people who teach music theory make th… Read More
2023-11-01 17:36
One of my most influential guitarists is the one and only, “Mr Guitar”…
…The great, Chet Atkins.
When I started out on the electric all those years ago, I was lea… Read More
2023-10-31 20:50
Here’s a question…
What do Mark Knopfler, Keith Richards, a dobro, Eagles of Death Metal, and Joni Mitchell all have in common?
Send your answers on a postcard.
…Kidding… Read More
2023-10-30 12:41
Welcome to a new Monday post with 3 random thoughts on all things guitar, music, and life, including thoughts on record breakers, time, and more.
Here we go…
1 – Record… Read More
2023-10-29 13:57
Recently I got this interesting comment from a Dan Thorpe Acoustic Academy member.
“When I first started playing, I could play songs note by note without tab. In other words, I had l… Read More
2023-10-28 07:37
Rhythm is the bread and butter of all music.
For instance…
With poor rhythm…
An orchestra would turn from majestic to messy in the swipe of a conductor’s baton. Imagine… Read More
2023-10-27 17:56
Here is another Friday 10-second tip for you to enjoy…
This week’s tip is a simple one, but it’s essential.
It’s all about…
Getting clear about your goals… Read More
2023-10-25 20:40
If you struggle with arthritis, you might have considered quitting playing guitar.
If so, there’s evidence to say that may not be the best thing to do.
A while back, my friend Mike B… Read More
2023-10-24 14:13
I often say music is like the soundtrack of our lives.
It’s like a time machine for our ears.
…And that is the topic of the Acoustic Asylum podcast today.
I had fun recording… Read More
2023-10-23 12:55
Welcome to a new Monday post with 3 random thoughts on all things guitar, music, and life, including the importance of chilling out, thoughts on Ed Sheeran, and helping others.
Here we go&he&hell…Read More
2023-10-22 10:51
I heard a song on the radio the other day.
It was by a band called Barenaked Ladies and the song was called “One Week”.
Back when I was a kid, I’d hear this song on the rad… Read More
2023-10-22 10:51
Do you ever have times when your motivation for practising the guitar varies wildly?
For instance, at some point, you might feel super motivated and some days you’re just “not in… Read More
2023-10-18 15:18
Here are two more interesting emails and comments I have got lately.
I hope you find the emails and my thoughts useful…
Today we are talking about arthritis/getting older, and the fun… Read More
2023-10-17 23:10
Sometimes on the guitar, you will get big breakthroughs.
I love those…
…But on a day-to-day level, big breakthroughs don’t tend to happen that often.
What I encourage you… Read More
2023-10-16 22:23
Welcome to a new Monday post with 3 random thoughts on all things guitar, music, and life, including thoughts on setting up your practice room, Clapton’s comeback, and the dead “… Read More
2023-10-15 14:35
How often do you spend time on the fundamentals of playing guitar?
Some people are great at doing this.
Others don’t do enough of it.
…But one important thing to remember is t… Read More
2023-10-15 12:08
I was reading an interview in The Guardian the other day with Keith Richards.
He was talking about his recent struggles with arthritis.
Promoting the band’s first studio album in 18 ye… Read More
2023-10-13 23:56
Here is another Friday 10-second tip for you to enjoy…
It’s Friday the 13th today, which is a traditionally very unlucky day for many…
So let’s ward off any evil, b… Read More
2023-10-12 17:43
Here are two more interesting emails I have got lately.
I hope you find the emails and my thoughts useful…
Today we are talking about a classic song and the potential trickiness of th… Read More
2023-10-10 16:37
Today I want to share some advice on one key thing which is…
Why I encourage you to jam with other musicians when you can.
Not only will jamming with others help you become a m… Read More
2023-10-09 10:00
Welcome to a new Monday email with 3 random thoughts on all things guitar, music, and life.
Here we go…
#1 – Vinyl
I love vinyl.
When I was about 15 and getting into music for… Read More
2023-10-08 08:38
Today, I want to share six typical beginner bad habits with you.
I struggled with these myself and they are habits I see a lot of people struggle with too.
Some may be obvious to you, but so… Read More
2023-10-07 09:38
As we all know, there are a gazillion, trillion things to practise on the guitar.
…At least potentially anyway.
I mean, we have YouTube, books, and lessons with an infinite number o… Read More
2023-10-06 08:38
Here is another Friday 10-second tip for you to enjoy…
It’s all about improving your musicality, listening skills, and your spatial awareness.
A simple way to do this is to play… Read More
2023-10-05 18:40
The number 13 is an unlucky one for many people.
…But I want to flip that on its head and make it a lucky number for you.
One way of doing this is to give a lucky winner a copy of m… Read More
2023-10-03 13:31
New Dan Thorpe Acoustic Academy member, Sean Richards, checks in with this comment:
“I have got to admit that my ability to practice without pain has multiplied in time many times ove… Read More
2023-10-03 13:31
Just want to give you a quick heads-up, today is the last chance to get the new Dan Thorpe Acoustic Academy lessons.
If you like the blues, you will love these new lessons.
In fact, if you… Read More
2023-10-02 13:00
Welcome to a new Monday post with 3 random thoughts on all things guitar, music, and life, including thoughts on resistance, the power of contrast, and ending mistakes for good.
Here we go&h&hell…Read More
2023-10-01 08:14
One thing I realised many years ago is that treating all students the same is futile.
I’d get a lot of new students coming through my door who wanted a personal approach to lessons… Read More
2023-09-30 20:14
As you probably know, I’m a big fan of students learning five songs.
That is the first big goal I give to all my students.
The benefits of doing so are endless.
…More confiden… Read More
2023-09-29 13:51
Here is another Friday 10-second tip for you to enjoy…
It’s all about igniting your creative flame by:
Practising in different environments
If you’re like me, you… Read More
2023-09-28 08:42
As we all know, good rhythm and timing are one of the most important aspects of being a good musician.
All the greats have a knack for being able to play the right notes at the right time… Read More
2023-09-27 14:43
Here are two more interesting emails I have got lately.
I hope you find the emails and my thoughts useful.
Today we are talking about a funny little guitar/fishing story and a guitar shop dr… Read More
2023-09-26 14:18
Some people wonder why learning music theory is so useful.
It’s a good question to ponder for sure.
I do not believe anyone should learn anything for the sake of it.
Many people teac… Read More
2023-09-25 12:21
Welcome to a new Monday email with 3 random thoughts on all things guitar, music, and life, including thoughts on the benefits of grades, the importance of listening back, and why simple sti… Read More
2023-09-23 07:52
The other day I talked about a little glitch in my emails that went out.
I was talking about how the little things do make a big difference.
…But today I want to flip that on its head… Read More
2023-09-22 09:50
Here is another Friday 10-second tip for you to enjoy…
It’s all about using:
Mnemonics to help you remember more
A mnemonic is simply a memory technique that helps you r… Read More
2023-09-21 14:52
I love technology… until it no longer works.
The other day I was made aware that my emails were glitching.
Instead of the email starting off saying Hi (insert your first name), it w… Read More
2023-09-20 13:07
Here are two more interesting emails I have got lately.
I hope you find the emails and my thoughts useful…
Today we are talking about how cool it is when you feel like a ‘real&r&hell…Read More
2023-09-19 16:28
Over the years, I’ve shared many different frameworks to help students practise more effectively.
I am proud of all of these, but like I mentioned in yesterday’s email…
I… Read More
2023-09-18 13:24
Welcome to a new Monday post with 3 random thoughts on all things guitar, music, and life, including thoughts on a quick mental shift, the 10 x method, and storytelling in songs.
Before we b… Read More
2023-09-17 18:52
If you like fiction, this email may be for you.
…And if you want some tips on playing barre chords, it will also be for you.
First up though, if you read my email on Friday, you wil… Read More
2023-09-16 08:08
Learning, playing, and improving your guitar skills can certainly be an ‘up and down’ experience.
Some days you may feel on top of the world and other days like you’ve got… Read More
2023-09-15 16:21
Let’s indulge in a little tale today….
One that weaves its threads through the world of barre chords.
It’s a story that stems from the dark heart of the Gatekeeper.
Who… Read More
2023-09-14 17:07
Here’s a wonderful little email I got yesterday from John.
Hi Dan,
“Yesterday was a rainy, gloomy day. I really didn’t have any ambition, and my arthritic s… Read More
2023-09-12 18:36
“Lacking rhythm” is one of the most frustrating things a lot of guitarists struggle with…
Yet, good rhythm skills are crucial for absolutely everything you play.
I truly… Read More
2023-09-12 07:45
A day in the life of a beginner guitarist looks much like this. There are ups there are downs, there are doubts and challenges, but the key is persistence. By sticking with it, you will see… Read More
2023-09-11 16:01
Welcome to a new Monday post with 3 random thoughts on all things guitar, music, and life, including thoughts on inspiring 74-year-olds, milestones, and progress sneaking up on you.
Here we… Read More
2023-09-10 08:00
In yesterday’s email, I talked about the ‘head’ and memory, but today I want to talk about the ‘heart’.
One of my all-time favourite quotes about guitar playing… Read More
2023-09-09 08:09
If I gave you a series of notes to remember, would you be able to remember them?
Let’s try it.
0 0 2 0 5 4 0 0 2 0 7 5 0 0 12 9 5 5 4 2
The above is a specific series of notes (I&rsqu&hell…Read More
2023-09-08 10:04
Here is another Friday 10-second tip for you to enjoy…
It’s all about:
How to become a less self-conscious guitarist
When I was learning guitar, I hated it when other people… Read More
2023-09-06 14:19
Here are two more interesting emails I have got lately.
I hope you find the emails and my thoughts useful…
Email #1
“This will sound stupid and I am. I am almost 2 months into… Read More
2023-09-05 15:27
One point I like to highlight to students frequently is this…
…If something is a challenge for you right now, it doesn’t mean that it will always be a challenge.
Yes, t… Read More
2023-09-04 18:07
Welcome to a new Monday post with 3 random thoughts on all things guitar, music, and life, including thoughts on Clapton’s stories, little improvements, and much more.
Here we go&helli&hell…Read More
2023-09-01 20:33
In a few hours, I’ll be closing down enrolment for the Dan Thorpe Acoustic Academy.
As a polite reminder, if you join before (midnight PST time), you will get the new No Chord Fingerst… Read More
2023-08-31 12:20
Today I want to talk about blues guitar.
…And give you 11 tips for helping you to either get started playing the blues OR play better blues lead guitar.
…Plus, I’ll expla… Read More
2023-08-30 15:51
Here’s a guitar lesson taken from the gym.
Years ago, I first started training in the gym.
It was terrible.
I’d hop from one machine to another, do some free weights, jump on t… Read More
2023-08-30 14:56
Lately, I’ve been talking about fingerstyle, but in the next couple of emails…
I’ll be talking about other subjects such as strumming, the blues, and picking-hand “a… Read More
2023-08-30 09:08
Here are two more interesting emails I have got lately.
I hope you find the emails and my thoughts useful…
Today we are talking about left-handed people trying to play right-handed&he&hell…Read More
2023-08-29 15:48
I’m a big fan of the classical position.
…Especially when using a strap to help secure the guitar.
I call it ‘CWAS’ (Classical With A Strap).
This way of sitting c… Read More
2023-08-29 06:41
Today’s episode of the Acoustic Asylum podcast is a very special one.
Inside, I’m sharing my backstory of how I got started teaching guitar full-time…
…And why we a… Read More
2023-08-28 14:01
Welcome to a new Monday post with 3 random thoughts on all things guitar, music, and life, including thoughts on a practice warning, adapting to your schedule, and more.
Here we go…
… Read More
2023-08-27 08:22
Lately, I’ve been talking about my No Chord Fingerstyle course.
…And how it can teach you how to play beautiful songs WITHOUT the need for any tricky chords or painstaking chor… Read More
2023-08-26 15:21
Welcome to a new post with 3 random thoughts on all things guitar, music, and life, including thoughts on the importance of context, a silly bit of musicality fun, and more.
Here we go&hell&helli…Read More
2023-08-26 15:20
Today I’ve just released the new Dan Thorpe Acoustic Academy lessons.
In a few hours (at midnight Pacific time), the cart will close, so this is the last chance to join for a while an… Read More
2023-08-26 14:58
I had an interesting email the other day from Stu, who is a Dan Thorpe Acoustic Academy member.
He was asking about which other courses he should purchase to go alongside his membership… Read More
2023-08-26 07:18
A few years ago, I sat down and watched the Elton John, biopic, Rocketman.
I love a good rock star movie.
I know Elton is a pianist, but I’ve always found we should always learn fro… Read More
2023-08-25 15:40
Here is another Friday 10-second tip for you to enjoy.
This can help if you struggle with a lack of dexterity.
…And especially if you struggle to “reach” higher notes on… Read More
2023-08-24 08:12
Earlier in the week, I talked about how it’s been almost ten years since I quit my old job to become a full-time guitar tutor.
And yesterday, I mentioned a big announcement coming up t… Read More
2023-08-23 19:12
Let’s talk about a super frustrating part of guitar playing.
There is rarely a day that goes by that I don’t get an email or social media comment on this one specific topic.
Thi… Read More
2023-08-22 11:18
Lately, Archie and I have been playing around with an app called Duolingo.
This is a great app for learning a new language (which is something I’m keen to do).
Well, that app does som… Read More
2023-08-21 14:19
Welcome to a new Monday post with 3 random thoughts on all things guitar, music, and life, including an upcoming 10-year anniversary, the effects of stepping up, and the importance of commu… Read More
2023-08-19 07:00
Here’s a little case study on how to learn anything on your guitar to a high standard…
It’s a great example of the journey we all go on when learning a new skill or techni… Read More
2023-08-18 12:00
Here is another Friday 10-second tip for you to enjoy…
It’s all about:
Daily ear training that is simple, practical, and fairly quick
Most guitarists only ever tune their gu… Read More
2023-08-17 07:36
One of the most frustrating things about learning guitar is not the learning…
…but it’s the forgetting!
Over the years, I have thought deeply about why some of my stud… Read More
2023-08-16 16:55
The G chord guitar! In the vast world of guitar chords, every chord has its own unique charm. The G Major chord and the key of G are no exception. Playing songs in the key of G opens up a t… Read More
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