Kia ora, Hello! I’m Ruth Vercoe, a teacher-turned-mum, here on a mission to demystify Child’s Play through understanding play schemas. If you’ve ever found yourself asking, 'Why is my child doing that?'—whether it’s throwing their soft toys, hiding stones around the house, or lining up their crayons —then you’re in the right place, and certainly not alone. Here, we’ll explore the magic of play through the lens of play schemas—those hidden repeated patterns in your child’s behaviour that hold ...
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The Codependent Perfectionist is a series on the dynamics of codependency and perfectionism. Alana self identifies as the Codependent Perfectionist, giving you a mix of psychoeducation and anecdotes from her own work as a therapist to understand how these issues play out in everyday life. Contact Alana: [email protected], alanacarvalho.com or following on Instagram thecodependentperfectionist for any questions or comments!
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This podcast features free audio guitar lessons taught by Desi Serna, author of Fretboard Theory and Guitar Theory For Dummies. Learn how scales, chords, progressions, modes, and more get applied to the fretboard and familiar songs. Hear how to best get your playing skills in order. Begin to improvise and compose. Understand why your favorite songs sound so good. ➝ What do you specifically need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit the GuitarMusicTheory.com website to get FREE custom v ...
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Ep173 From Demo to Radio - Inside Music Production with Jason Wyatt Kuhn
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1:21:20In episode 173 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I sit down with Nashville music producer Jason Wyatt Kuhn to talk about the art of recording and producing music. Jason shares his journey from singer and songwriter to becoming a sought-after producer helping both aspiring artists and hobbyist songwriters bring their music to life. We discuss what…
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023 Why Your Toddler Isn’t Listening — And What to Do About It with Heather Schalk
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34:59Send us a text Ever feel like your toddler is just ignoring you on purpose? You’ve asked nicely (three times), tried raising your voice, or even taken a toy away — and still, they won’t listen. Before you start second-guessing yourself or wondering if it’s just your child, take a deep breath. You are not alone — and there’s a powerful reason behind…
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022 Growing Curiosity: How Gardening Supports Play Schemas & Child Development
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21:17Send us a text What if your toddler’s obsession with mud, watering cans, or hauling carrots isn’t just play—but a window into how they learn best? In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we take you into the garden—yes, dirt and all—to uncover how vegetable gardening can reveal powerful insights about your child’s development. Whether your li…
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021 Easter Play Ideas for Toddlers that Support Play Schemas
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13:35Send us a text Free download available! Grab your free Easter Play Ideas PDF with all 10 schema-based activities, family-friendly versions, and our go-to oaty pancake recipe at playschemas.com/free Feeling overwhelmed by all the Easter hype—and wondering how to make it meaningful for your toddler? In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we’re…
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Chronic Pain & Codependency with Dr. Tawny Kross
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18:12In this episode, we're exploring the connection between chronic pain, people pleasing, and perfectionism.By tawny kross, alana carvalho
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020 Keeping Kids Safe: Practical Tips for Parents with Victoria Barendsen
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28:25Send us a text Looking for the discount code? use playschemas10 at the checkout! ww.thesafekidsproject.com As parents, we want to protect our children. But when it comes to body safety, it can feel overwhelming—where do we start? How do we talk about it in a way that’s age-appropriate and empowering? And how do we navigate such an important convers…
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019 Understanding Play Schemas & Love Languages in Parenting
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11:04Send us a text Wrapping Up the Love Languages Series: How Play Can Deepen Your Connection with Your Child Do you ever wonder what’s really behind your child’s play? Or why they behave a certain way when they’re feeling disconnected? Understanding play schemas and love languages can completely transform the way you interact with your little one—maki…
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Ep172 Q&A playing style - physical limitations - key changes - bar chord techniques - music theory exercises - slowing down music
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1:04:30In episode 172 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I answer listener questions about playing styles, overcoming physical limitations, key changes in songs, barre chord techniques, music theory exercises, slowing down music, and more. Riff Rockers Zoom class details: https://www.guitarmusictheory.com/riff-rockers-zoom-class/ Enroll in a free video c…
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Send us a text Unlock the Secrets of Your Child’s Play: Play Schemas & Acts of Service in Parenting! Have you ever wondered why your child insists on lining up their toys, spinning in circles, or moving objects from place to place? It might seem random (or even frustrating!), but these repetitive behaviours are actually part of their natural learni…
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017 Loving your child through gifts and play
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15:17Send us a text Support the show If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review! I would love to hear your playtime stories—whether you’re celebrating a win or trying to crack the mystery behind a new behaviour, I’m here for it. Reach out on social media or drop me a message. Facebook and Instagram @play_schem…
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016 Make Memories: Play & Quality Time Tips!
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18:25Send us a text Ever feel like your child is constantly throwing, spinning, or building the same thing over and over—and you’re not quite sure why? Or maybe you’re wondering how to give your child the quality time they crave without adding more to your already packed schedule? You’re not alone! In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we’re unl…
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015 Why Your Words Matter: Affirmation in Play
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14:33Send us a text In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of child play through the lens of play schemas and the powerful impact of words of affirmation. Understanding why children engage in particular play patterns allows us to connect with them on a deeper level and support their growth more effectively. These schemas are not simply rep…
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014 Play Schemas & The Love Language of Physical Touch | Understanding Your Child’s Needs
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22:04Send us a text 🎁 WIN A FREE BOOK! Love The 5 Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman? I’m giving away a FREE copy to one lucky listener! ✅ How to enter: Join my mailing list before March 31, 2025, at 👉 playschemas.com Did you know that something as simple as a hug, a high-five, or a game of tag could be the key to your child feeling deeply loved…
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Ep171 Q&A Practice Plan-Joe-Bonamassa Rhythm-Take On Me Chords-Numbering Modes-G Chord Fingerings-Best Practice Amp
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1:00:53In episode 171 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I answer listener questions on a variety of guitar topics, including: 🎸 Assessing your guitar practice plan🎸 Joe Bonamassa’s rhythm guitar playing 🎸 Breaking down the key to "Take on Me" by A-ha 🎸 Understanding mode numbering 🎸 Different ways to finger a G chord and which one is best for you 🎸 Choo…
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013 Play Schemas and Love Languages - a Match Made in Heaven
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14:08Send us a text LOVE to a Child is Spelt TIME: Understanding the 5 Love Languages of Children 💡 Want a chance to win ‘The 5 Love Languages of Children’ book? Join my mailing list at playschemas.com—you’ll be in the draw to win, no matter where in the world you are! 💛 Do you ever wonder if your child truly feels loved? You tell them “I love you” a hu…
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012 Engage your little helpers at home through Play!
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14:04Send us a text Play Schemas at Home: Turning Play Into Productivity How to Encourage Your Child to Help Around the House—Through Play! FREE list of play and helping around the home ideas - head to playschemas.com/free! Does it feel like you’re constantly cleaning up after your little one while they seem more interested in making a mess? What if, in…
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011 Playing Together – How Adults Can Join the Fun Without Taking Over
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10:44Send us a text Playing Together – How to Join the Fun Without Taking Over Have you ever found yourself ‘playing’ with your child, only to realise that you’re the one in charge? One moment you’re happily stacking blocks, and the next, you’re directing the entire build like an overzealous project manager. Sound familiar? You’re not alone! In this epi…
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010 Play Schemas and Siblings – How to Make Schemas Work for (Not Against!) You
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13:01Send us a text 🎙️ Play Schemas and Siblings – How to Make Schemas Work for (Not Against!) You! 👧👦 Do your kids constantly clash over toys, fight over space, or seem to have completely different play styles? You’re not alone! Sibling play can be tricky—one child wants to build, while the other wants to knock things down. One loves to throw, while th…
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009 The Power of Independent Play – Nurturing Confident and Creative Kids
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14:27Send us a text Episode 9: The Power of Independent Play – Nurturing Confident and Creative Kids Do you dream of guilt-free moments to enjoy a hot drink while it’s still hot—without hearing a desperate “Muuum!” every two minutes? What if those moments didn’t just give you a breather but also helped your child grow into a confident, creative problem …
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008 Kickstart 2025 with Play: Unlock Joyful Parenting Through Play Schemas!
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14:52Send us a text Ready to make 2025 the best year yet for your family? Dive into this exciting episode of Demystifying Child’s Play as we explore how understanding and embracing play schemas can transform your parenting journey. Whether you’re a returning listener or new to the podcast, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable tips to h…
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In episode 170 of the Guitar Music Theory audio podcast, I look back at some of the top songs from 2024 with a very special guest, my 12-year-old daughter, Lila! 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do to play guitar better? Answer the questions about your playing at https://www.GuitarMusicTheory.com and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated t…
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007 Christmas Play Schemas: Tips & Scenarios
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14:03Send us a text Is your child tossing baubles, spinning ornaments, or carrying presents across the room? Before you wonder if they’re being “naughty,” take a deep breath—they’re not being difficult; they’re being explorers! In this episode, we’ll decode these behaviours through the lens of play schemas, helping you see the magic in your child’s play…
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In episode 169 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I review some Christmas song guitar lessons I’ve previously posted on YouTube. These lessons feature great Christmas songs to learn, and I’ll break down the nuggets of music theory wisdom each one provides. Topics include passing chords, chord melody, playing in sixths, and more. Join the email lis…
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006 Experience the magic of nature with Play Schemas
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18:25Send us a text Unlock the Secret to Your Child’s Play: Why Nature Play and Play Schemas Matter! 🌱 Ever wondered why your toddler spends hours collecting sticks, throwing pebbles, or carefully lining up leaves? What if these seemingly random behaviours were actually the building blocks of their development? In this episode of Demystifying Child's Pl…
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Send us a text Unlock the Secrets Behind Your Child’s Play: The Origins of Play Schemas Ever wondered why your little one loves to spin wheels, drop toys, or line up blocks over and over again? Those seemingly simple actions aren’t just random—they’re part of something much bigger: play schemas. In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we’re d…
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004 Unlocking Your Toddler’s World: A Deep Dive into the 10 Most Common Play Schemas
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26:35Send us a text 🎙️ Welcome to Demystifying Child's Play 🌟 Do you ever wonder why your child insists on lining up toys or endlessly pouring water? Are you curious about how these playful quirks unlock their learning and development? You're in the right place! 🎉 In this episode, we’re diving into 10 play schemas—the building blocks of children’s play—…
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003 Reducing Frustration through understanding Play Schemas
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15:32Send us a text Ever wonder why your toddler insists on throwing toys, spinning in circles, or hiding your kitchen towels? Believe it or not, there’s a method to the madness—it’s called play schemas. These are natural, repeated behaviours that children use to explore and understand their world. In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we’re unc…
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002 Unlocking Play Schemas: Understand & Support Playful Learning
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19:43Send us a text Unlocking Play Schemas: Understand & Support Playful Learning | Episode 002 🎙️ Hey there! 👋 Ever wondered why your child keeps repeating the same actions, like throwing toys, moving objects around, or spinning in circles? Believe it or not, there's a fascinating reason behind these repetitive behaviours. They’re called play schemas—p…
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001 Play Schemas: Demystifying Childs Play
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15:21Send us a text Understanding Play Schemas: Demystifying Child's Play | Episode 1 🎙️ Welcome to the first episode of "Demystifying Child’s Play"! I’m Ruth Vercoe, and today we’re diving into the fascinating world of play schemas—the patterns that shape how children learn and grow through play. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or caregiver of ch…
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Ep168 Q&A - New Coaching Program - Bass Playing - Playing with Confidence - Running with the Devil - 3/4 vs 6/8 - Cover Band Setlist
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1:05:54In episode 168 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I announce my new coaching program and answer listener questions about bass playing, playing with confidence, the difference between 3/4 and 6/8 time signatures, my old cover band setlist, and the song "Runnin' with the Devil" by Van Halen. Are you ready to invest in a structured coaching program t…
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In this episode, we explore some key principles of recovery that Kim Gross talks about in her new book - Free to Be: A Pathway to Inner Liberation. Specifically, we touch on the importance of healing the inner child and also taking responsibility in recovery.By kim gross, alana carvalho
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Body Image, Perfectionism and Joy with Alana VanDerSluys
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25:25In this episode, we have special guest, Alana VanDerSluys, talking about body image, eating disorder recovery and the connection with perfectionism. Alana shares about her own recovery journey and talks about her book Freedom with Food and Fitness.By alana vandersluys, alana carvalho
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Ep167 Learning "It Hit Me Like a Hammer" - PRS SE NF3
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1:45:25In episode 167 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I guide you through my process of learning songs, using "It Hit Me Like a Hammer" by Huey Lewis and The News as an example. This track showcases chunky '80s rock power chords and a bluesy minor pentatonic guitar solo. I play it on my new PRS SE NF3 guitar, using a profile of a Mesa Boogie Mark 3 am…
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Ep166 Q&A Rhythm and Timing - Horizontal Pentatonic Patterns - Bass Note Selection - Violin Etude 2
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1:00:09In episode 166 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I answer listener questions about rhythm and timing, playing horizontal pentatonic patterns, selecting good bass notes, and more. I also recap my recent gigs and discuss how I prepare for performances.
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Understanding Narcissistic Abuse with Sheri Heller LCSW, RSW
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24:10In this episode, Alana and Sheri are exploring narcissistic abuse and how to support someone who may be in a narcissistic relationship.By sheri heller, alana carvalho
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Ep165 Preparing For Huey Lewis Tribute Band Gig
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1:11:04In episode 165 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I prepare to play upcoming gigs with the Huey Lewis and The News tribute band, The Heart of Rock and Roll. I walk you through the process I go through when I'm reviewing for a show and discuss the songs I'll be performing. 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do to play guitar better? Answer the ques…
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Ep164 Nashville Studio Drummer and Music Producer Scott Williamson
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1:44:08In episode 164 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I interview Scott Williamson, a top-tier studio drummer in the Nashville area for decades. In addition to his drumming career, Scott is a mixing engineer and music producer. He'll provide insights into life as a studio musician, answer listener questions, and reveal his favorite guitar parts. 🎸 Wha…
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Supporting a Loved One with Mental Illness
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10:30In this episode, we discuss the difference between support and enabling when it comes to a loved one struggling with a mental health issue.By alana carvalho
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Ep163 Jack and Diane - How Does This Song Work?
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1:06:50How does the song "Jack and Diane" work? Listen to episode 163 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast to hear how this John Mellencamp classic features memorable acoustic guitar riffs that make great use of different chord shapes and chord voicings. 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do to play guitar better? Answer the questions about your playing at …
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Ep162 Knights of Cydonia - How Does This Song Work?
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1:14:10"Knights of Cydonia" by Muse is an epic rock anthem that blends various musical influences to create a unique and powerful listening experience. The song stands out for its grandiose and cinematic feel, drawing inspiration from progressive rock, space rock, and spaghetti westerns. In Episode 162 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I break the music…
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Adult Children of Narcissistic Parents & Coping with Mother's/Father's Day
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22:10In this episode, we have special guest Taylor Damiani. We're talking about how to cope with the holidays if you're an adult child of a narcissistic parents.By taylor damiani, alana carvalho
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Ep161 Q&A Hot For Teacher - Multitracks - Bass Rigs - Funk #49 - Mastering Songs - Major and Minor Pentatonic - CAGED - Soreness - Knights of Cydonia
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1:04:06In episode 161 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I answer listener questions about Hot For Teacher, multitracks, bass rigs, Funk #49, mastering songs, major and minor pentatonic, CAGED, hand soreness, Knights of Cydonia, and more. 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do to play guitar better? Answer the questions about your playing at https://www.G…
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In episode 160 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I demonstrate a technique for improvisation over jam tracks, drawing inspiration from the iconic song "Refugee" by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. Leveraging guitar licks from renowned tracks like this can infuse your improvisations with creativity and flair, elevating your playing to new heights.…
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Working on Anxiety and Making Changes with Sabrina Zohar
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17:24In today's episode, we have dating coach Sabrina Zohar from Do The Work Podcast discussing her own journey working through anxiety, learning how to depersonalize and make changes to support herself.By sabrina zohar, alana carvalho
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Ep159 Every Type of Seventh Chord and How to Use It
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1:04:19In episode 159 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I discuss every type of seventh chord and how to use it. Seventh chords are made when you extend a triad with an additional third. There are five qualities of seventh chords that appear in music. They are Major seven, Minor seven, Dominant seven, Minor seven flat five (a.k.a. Half diminished), and …
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Ep158 The Harmonic Minor Scale and How to Use It
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1:08:29In Episode 158 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I discuss the harmonic minor scale and its use in familiar guitar songs. This includes common harmonic minor chord progressions and how to incorporate the scale in your lead lines and guitar solos. For more information, see my book Fretboard Theory Volume 2 or my video course Fretboard Theory Video…
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Ep157 Q&A Circle of fifths - playing left-handed - Squier guitar mods - playing and singing - intervals
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1:06:25In episode 157 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I answer listener questions about the circle of fifths, playing left-handed, Squier guitar mods, playing and singing, intervals, and more. 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do to play guitar better? Answer the questions about your playing at https://www.GuitarMusicTheory.com and get FREE custom vi…
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Ep156 Biggest Part of Me - How Does This Song Work? - Scott Sheriff
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1:12:30In episode 156, keyboardist Scott Sheriff and I break down the song "Biggest Part of Me" by Ambrosia. We talk about the chords used in this song and how they’re based on a chromatic line cliché and include various extensions common to jazz and R&B music. ********************************* Scott's Links Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/0oLy2MY…
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Ep155 Q&A Modes - Rocksmith - Major Scale Patterns - Memorizing Songs - Effects Pedals - Foot Tapping - You Oughta Know
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1:03:09In episode 155 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I answer listener questions about modes, major scale patterns, memorizing songs, effects pedals, foot tapping, Rocksmith, and the song "You Oughta Know" by Alanis Morissette. #fretboardtheory #guitartheoryfordummies #desiserna 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do to play guitar better? Answer the …
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Repeated Patterns in Codependency Recovery
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10:13In this episode, we're talking all about how we tend to get repeated people and situations in our life and there's an important reason why!By Alana Carvalho
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