Using Clinical Chemistry Tests For Health Testing

Using Clinical Chemistry Tests For Health TestingClinical chemistry tests are a way to do research and compare and contrast a few different options before deciding on a particular drug. Clinical labs utilize a wide variety of different tests to determine the proper dosage of a drug for a particular patient. Tests are also used to verify the accuracy of the lab technicians administering the test. Clinical chemistry tests are relatively safe for patients.The clinical chemistry tests used by most clinical labs are non-invasive. However, there are tests that can cause irritation and are sensitive to some types of foods. Some foods cause an increase in blood sugar levels that could be harmful to patients who have diabetes. Research on food intolerance reactions to medical testing can provide valuable information for doctors and drug manufacturers.Clinical chemistry tests used by many labs are either visual or chemical in nature. Many procedures done at these labs include a measurement of the patient's urine to help create a chart that shows the exact correct dose of a drug for a patient.To administer a drug, it is important that the lab technicians you are hiring know how to administer the tests and have the proper equipment. One thing to consider when choosing a lab for your drug testing procedures is that many labs will be using certified employees to perform the tests. When evaluating the lab workers that will be performing the tests, ask how long they have been working in the industry. It is very important to work with the right people.One of the main advantages of using clinical chemistry tests is that you don't have to wait several days to learn if a patient has taken a particular drug. With the current state of the economy, companies aren't always able to keep current employees on staff for extended periods of time. In addition, many times a lab will need to hire new employees in order to meet production goals and these positions often require several months to complete. Once an employee is hired, there will be no more waiting periods between dosage adjustments.The tests that are performed by clinical laboratories include simple blood analysis and simple visual and chemical tests. In the past, most drug tests were actually based on the enzyme balance. However, this process is outdated as it requires too much storage space and the enzyme balance does not accurately reflect how well the liver is working. The test is now based on the results of a complex blood test that determines how well a patient's liver is functioning.Most drug testing labs offer a variety of tests to choose from. It is important to decide which test will best fit your needs before scheduling the tests so that your doctor and laboratory staff can be prepared.

Listen Up The 5 Best Audio Programs for Learning a Language

Listen Up The 5 Best Audio Programs for Learning a Language Its time to get back on the right track.As an adult, you might find it frustrating to struggle with language learning while  young kids become fluent just like that  .Youve probably heard people  say, Kids absorb knowledge like a sponge.So why cant it be that easy for you?Well actually, it sort of can.Maybe not exactly as easy, but close to it.Back when your vocabulary was limited to mama and dada, listening  was how you learned new words and phrases.Anything you overheard, your brain soaked up, and eventually you repeated it back.The same method will work for you as an adult, because that’s how your brain is wired to learn a language. There are plenty of other benefits to learning a language through listening, too. Why Learn a Language Through Listening?Learning a language by listening can greatly improve your success in speaking like a native and the speed at which you achieve your language goals.Lets take a look at some of the reasons for this.Some of us just learn better that wayDo you learn best by listening?If so, youre not the only one. A lot of us are the same.While some learn most efficiently by reading books and using flashcards, others are more attuned to aural learning (just a fancy term for learning by listening).For these people, using an audio CD or MP3 program is one of their best bets for becoming fluent.  It’s also a great way to practice speaking the language by responding to audio prompts.In fact, for people who learn best by listening, using other methods can be quite frustrating!So if you know youre an aural learner, don’t worryâ€"there are plenty of resources out there for you, even if your brain is a little slower than when you were three years old.Its a scientifically proven way to learn a language (for all of us)According to science, listening may be the best way to learn a language for everyone, regardless of their usual preferred language style.So its not just those who consider themselves aural learners who can benefit from listening. The rest of us can, too.Studies have shown that being exposed to the spoken language helps the brain absorb it,  even if you don’t understand what’s being said!Research on how the brain processes language has led to the revelation that hearing a language could very well be the most important aspect of a language learning curriculum. It helps our brains adapt to unfamiliar pronunciations and new grammar structures.We may even be able to learn a language in our sleep just by listening to it!Still, you probably already know that learning a language takes a lot of time and dedication, so its important to know youre putting in time and energy where its going to pay off the most. Its good to realize that learning by listening is sure to bring about results.There are lots of great resources out thereIf an aural language learning experience is what gets you to fluency, then audio CD and MP3 programs are the resources that can take you there. In these programs, you hear words , phrases and sentences spoken to you. Practices and exercises give you the opportunity to use  them yourself. These lessons increase in difficulty and complexity in a natural progression.This provides you with constant feedback about how to properly pronounce words and create sentence structures.The best thing about audio programs is that you can start learning by listening at any level. No experience in the language? No problem! By listening to audio resources, your brain will start to pick it up right away.You can easily mix audio with other methodsWhile listening may be a scientifically proven key to learning a language, combining audio programs with other methods will give your brain an extra boost.A comprehensive language learning curriculum may also include textbooks, written exercises, in-person language practice, TV programs, computer tutorials and others.FluentU  combines audio with elements of all of the above by taking real-world videosâ€"like music videos, movie trailer s, news and inspiring talksâ€"and turning them into personalized language learning lessons.Using a combination of different approaches forces you think about language in different ways. It helps you master the breadth of language skills, from writing to participating in real conversation. Try different approaches and see what works for you. It’s not necessary to do everythingâ€"just what helps you make progress learning the language.You can learn at home, during your commute or on the goLearning a language using audio CD and MP3 programs is one of the most convenient ways to boost your fluency. You can listen to them practically anywhereâ€"whether it’s in the car, during your workout or while doing chores around the house.Bored on your commute? Waiting in line at the DMV? Sitting at home with nothing better to do? Turn on your audio language program and get learning! If you have a CD player, or a mobile device that plays MP3s, you can make the most of your do-nothing time with t hese programs.Even if youre just passively listening, your brain will still pick up the language. So if you want to learn a new language, you may as well listen to your audio language programs whenever you find yourself idle. You may be surprised how much learning you can squeeze in!Listen Up: The 5 Best Audio Programs for Learning a LanguageAt last, we reveal the top audio language learning programs that will skyrocket you to fluency! We carefully considered the options and selected these resources for their value, effectiveness and entertainment.These audio resources are highly valuable for any type of learner. In order to really understand a language, you have to practice your ability to hear it and speak it, which are exactly the skills that audio programs test you on.So listen up, and start acing your language now with audio language learning programs!PimsleurThe gist of the Pimsleur approach is this:You hear the words and phrases in the target language.You hear them in your mo ther tongue.You translate the word from your mother tongue to the target language.The course is based on research by Paul Pimsleur, a linguist who sought to discover the fastest way to learn a language. The length of each course varies from around 15 to 45 hours, depending on the language. The courses are broken up into half-hour sessions. Nearly everything is audio-based, and even the provided reading material is meant to be read along with the audio lessons. More than 50 languages are offered.Pros: With the Pimsleur method, the pressure is on you to respond with the correct translations. This provides a built-in motivation system that inspires you to do better with every attempt. The material from previous lessons is repeated in subsequent levels, so there’s a lot of reinforcement.Cons: There’s limited context provided in the lessons. Most of the vocabulary seems to be oriented toward people traveling for business. Youll learn select words and phrases, but not necessarily thos e that would be most useful to you.Levels:  There are typically up to three or four levels, with 30 lessons per level.Cost:  Price varies by language and format. German, for example, is $450 for a four-level course on MP3 ($970 on CD). All prices are listed on the Pimsleur website.iSpeakiSpeak is an MP3 language learning program from McGraw-Hill that focuses simply on learning new words. The package for each language includes 1500 high-frequency words and phrases, all in MP3 format. Each comes with a visual cue to associate with the word that appears on the screen.Simply load the program onto your MP3 player and select the word or phrase you want to hear. On an iPod, youd find this by going to “Artist” and selecting from a list of themes, then to “Audio” and selecting from a list of topics.Pros: iSpeak is compatible with iPod and most other MP3 players, so no matter your preference of device, you can use iSpeak to help you with your listening skills in the target language. T he portability and simplicity of the program make it a perfect choice for travelers.Cons: The program is limited, with just 1500 words and phrases. It doesnt do much for improving grammar and building conversation skills. There are only a handful of languages available. Still, it’s a convenient way to pick up new terms in select languages, especially if youre a beginner.Levels:  There are no distinct levels. Programs focus mainly on beginning-level vocabulary.Cost:  Programs are reasonably priced.Michel ThomasThis audio-only method provides an opportunity to learn from a “teacher” who reads a lesson and asks you to repeat it. Youre “in class” with two other students also heard on the recording. The course introduces words and phrases that are explained in detail, which you later (along with the other two students) use to construct simple sentences. The total course for each language consists of 12 hours of audio.Michel Thomas was a linguist and language teacher who spoke m any languages and developed a system for rapid language learning. He was highly successful, with diplomats and celebrities numbering among his clients. These audio CDs are based on his methods.Pros: Because there are other students recorded on the lessons, you get to feel like youre really in class, and the progression seems natural. The Michel Thomas method is a more economical alternative to the Pimsleur method. The structure of the course gives you the tools to make real conversation in a short time.Cons: The Michel Thomas method uses a lot of mnemonic devices to help you remember words and phrases. If this doesnt work for you, it may seem tedious. For some, the pace might be too slow, since it’s dependent on the progress of the other two “students.”Levels:  There are no distinct levels, but the program progresses to intermediate difficulty.Cost:  The entire series of each language will run you about $75-100.Living Language Drive TimeThe Living Language Method prides itself on giving language lessons that involve multiple senses. Its regular offerings include CDs and a book in multilevel packages that encompass audio, visual, written and interactive approaches to language learning. The company’s Drive Time series is an audio-based program designed for commuters and anyone looking for language lessons on the go.Each language comes with eight conversational lessons that guide you through vocabulary warm-up exercises, examples and opportunities to practice. You also get a CD of vocabulary words and a listener’s guidebook with vocabulary lists, dialogue scripts and summaries.Pros: The Drive Time series gives you a lot of bang for your buck. Youll progress rapidly through increasingly challenging lessons for a fraction of the price of many other programs. If you like thorough explanations of new material, this course is for you.Cons: It’s not as immersive as some other programs. The structure is very traditional, and with the explanations, there’s a lot of English on the recordings. Some learners may find the pace to be a little on the fast side.Levels: The entire eight-disc series take you from Beginner to Advanced.Cost:  The price is generally in the double digits.BerlitzA well-known name in the linguistic world, Berlitz offers a variety of language learning programs, including those that focus on audio CDs. The focus of their programs are typically conversation-based and centered around real-life conversation. Theres less focus on vocabulary and grammar lists.Berlitz has one-CD sets, like  Spanish in 30 Days, that can get you started for an upcoming trip, as well as multi-CD sets like  Italian Berlitz Basic  that give more in-depth lessons. The contents of each CD can be easily downloaded to an iPod or MP3 player.Pros: There are a lot of different Berlitz products to choose from. Using Berlitz means youll be able to get high-quality books published by the company to complement your audio learning. Berlitz uses the “direc t” or “natural” method that emphasizes learning a language to be able to communicate. For those who want to start using a language right away, Berlitz gets straight to the point.Cons: The quality of the materials on the audio language programs can vary from language to language. With more than 30 language offerings, you might not get what you expected.Levels: Most of their audio-focused products are for beginners. Their Confident series caters to “advanced beginners.” Their textbooks, which come with a CD, come in beginner to advanced levels.Cost:  Price varies widely, but expect to spend in the double digits.Audio CDs and MP3s for language learning can be the next best thing to a personal tutor.Theyll talk to you, prompt you and guide you along as you master speaking your new language. Plus, you can take them wherever you go!Your language learning doesnt have to stop in the classroom or at home.Take it with you, increase your practice time and see your efforts pay off!And One More ThingIf you dig learning real languages, youll love using FluentU. FluentU makes it possible to learn languages  from music videos, commercials, news and inspiring talks.With FluentU, you learn real languagesâ€"the same way that natives  speak them. FluentU has a wide variety of videos like movie trailers, funny commercials and web series, as you can see here:FluentU App Browse Screen.FluentU has interactive captions that let you tap on any word to see an image, definition, audio and useful examples. Now native language content is within reach with interactive transcripts.Didnt catch something? Go back and listen again. Missed a word? Hover your mouse over the subtitles to instantly view definitions.Interactive transcript for Carlos Baute song.You can learn all the vocabulary in any video with FluentUs learn mode. Swipe left or right to see  more examples for the word you’re learning.FluentU Has Quizzes for Every VideoAnd FluentU always keeps track of vocabulary that you ’re learning. It uses that vocab to give you a 100% personalized experience by recommending videos and examples.Start using FluentU on the website  with your computer or tablet  or, better yet,  download the FluentU app from  the  iTunes  or  Google Play  store.

What do I need to know about GCSE Physics

What do I need to know about GCSE Physics Physics helps explains the world and the universe. Studying it at GCSE level and beyond offers you the chance to develop skills that will make you very employable in the future. To help you make your decision about whether or not to opt for it, here is what you need to know about GCSE physics. Reasons to study GCSE physics Physics is the study of the universe and as such it focuses on a range of topics like energy, forces, waves, and the structure of atoms. It's worth choosing physics at GCSE if you are interested in careers that need science but also if you are interested in matter and energy and concepts about time, and space. Studying physics is rewarding as it can lead to a diverse range of skills that are needed in fields such as science, engineering, education, medicine, law, and business. The diversity of careers is down to the fact that physics gives you a range of skills that includes maths, problem-solving, and the communication of complex ideas. Should I choose Combined Science or separate sciences at GCSE? Separate science GCSEs are where students study all three sciences and end up with three GCSEs. General Science also known as Combined Science is where students study biology, chemistry and physics but end up with two GCSEs. The majority of GCSE students in England follow the combined course. Some schools offer both options so talk to your science teachers about what the best option is for you and your future plans. What topics will I study in physics? The initial study in physics focuses on covering the basics of the subject and then moves slowly towards more advanced concepts and topics. The exact specification for your GCSE depends on your examining board, but in the main, you will study the core aspects of physics: Energy - work, energy demands, changes in energy stores. Electricity - circuits, static and mains electricity. Particle model of matter - particles in gases, temperature, density. Atomic structure -atoms, ions, fission and fusion, radiation. Forces - gravity, motion, Newton's Law's, momentum, refraction, sound, waves, pressure. Magnetism and electromagnetism - transformers, induction, electromagnets, magnetic fields. Space physics (physics GCSE only) - expanding universe, stars, solar system How can I make an informed decision? One way to find out if physics is for you is to increase your knowledge in the field. Try listening to podcasts like The Infinite Monkey Cage hosted by physicist Brian Cox or reading books by Stephen Hawking. It's also worth checking out if your maths skills are strong enough, as maths is a significant component of physics. Talk to your teachers about your strengths and weaknesses, and think about boosting your skills in maths. What will help me with physics? At GCSE level, the topics you learn in physics are very detailed, so you need to build up your knowledge gradually. One good tip is to revise new information as you go. Then if you don't understand something don't move on seek out the help of a tutor or your teacher, so you don't have knowledge gaps when the exams come round. For more information about tutors in your area, look at our listing page for physics.

What You Need to Know About Private Student Loans

What You Need to Know About Private Student Loans Image via picserver.org With high tuition rates across the country, funding your education can seem like a minefield. There are many options when it comes to financing your future from government loans to grants and scholarships. Did you know that you can also take out private student loans? For some students, private student loans are an important option to have when budgeting their higher education. However, private loans do come with a few tips and tricks that will keep you out of repayment trouble. Before you make any decisions on private student learns, here is some important information about how they work and whether or not they will work for you. Protections private loans may not have Private loan details are set by the lender meaning that they may not come with the protections offered by the federal government. Government loans have deferment and forbearance options so that someone who may drop out due to unforeseen circumstances won’t be saddled with debt immediately. Private lenders, however, may not have this. Federal loans also have a six to nine month grace period before students must begin repaying their loans. Again, private loans may not have this. If you’re considering private student loans, make sure that you know exactly what your lender’s policies are so you don’t get stuck in a bad situation. Nobody wants surprise payments that they aren’t ready to pay. Private loans may cost more Federal loans are designed to offer students the most affordable way to pay for their education. Private lenders are usually part of a business that is looking to sustain itself. In total, private loans almost always end up costing more than federal loans. The rates are considerably more variable and sometimes they’re even designed to trick you. Some private loan rates will start out very, very low to convince you to sign on, but in the years after, the loan rate could double or even triple. This means you’ll end up paying a larger amount of money than you probably originally thought. Federal loans, however, always have a fixed rate that isn’t subject to change over the years. It depends on your score Loans are often determined by someone’s credit score, and since many undergraduates haven’t had enough time to foster and develop a good credit score, this means that the responsibility usually falls on someone else. Whoever the cosigner is then takes the risk of debt should you not be able to keep up on your loan payments. On the other hand, if you have limited options for co-signers that don’t have good credit history, you may end up paying more for your loan or you may not even qualify for the loan at all. For students who are independent and want to rely on themselves for financing their education, this can make the option of private student loans very costly or not an option at all. Federal student loans do not take credit scores into account when deciding loan rates and will not deny them to students should they qualify. Private loans may offer more money For some students, student loans may look even more enticing because at the time, they seem like free money. Student loans, however, are not free money and frequently, the college years go by much quicker than students anticipate. Federal student loans have limits on how much students can borrow so that their debt doesn’t become astronomical. Private loans do not have such limits. Some lenders may have caps, but others may allow students to take out as much as they want. This enticing deal may tempt students to take out more than they actually need to and leave them with a large repayment. The silver lining Fortunately, tax cuts are available for both private and federal student loans. This can be a huge bonus because families with student loans can deduct the interest from their student loans, up to $2,500 each year. However, this is a combined total, so if the total interest from both your federal and private loans amounts to more than $2,500, then taking out money through private loans won’t be of much help to you. What it does mean is that private student loans aren’t completely void from some of the benefits that federal student loans have. When deciding whether or not to take out private student loans, make sure to think about all the above factors. Really attempt to determine what your student budget needs to be, how much federal financial aid you’ll be receiving, and what remains. Be sure to talk with anyone that will be involved in the student loan process with you, including your parents and potential lenders. They’ll be able to talk with you about realistic costs and what your loans will look like in the future. Private loans are a great option for some people and it is definitely worth it to consider them for your financial student future.

Waitlisted 5 Tips for Success

Waitlisted 5 Tips for Success What to do When You Get Waitlisted What to do When You Get Waitlisted Although being waitlisted is better than being flat-out rejected it may not seem that way to students who will have to sit on the edge of their seats to see if they get into their dream school. There are a few things students can do to be strategic about the situation and ensure that they end up at a great college in the fall regardless of whether its at the school they originally wanted to attend. Each school has different requirements when it comes to waitlist procedures so its important to look up all of the details and be aware of any specific due dates and deadlines. The most important thing is not to feel overwhelmed emotionally when it comes to being waitlisted. Ultimately, students can get a great education one place or another. 1. Deadlines Its essential to be aware of any important deadlines, both at a school a student was waitlisted at as well as their alternate choices. Most students need to make a commitment to one school or another by May 1st, although each schools admissions deadlines are different. Students should make sure they have also met any deadlines required by their waitlisted school such as confirming an interest in still attending that school or sending any additional materials that might be allowed. Meeting deadlines will be extremely important when juggling admissions to different colleges (READ: Santa Ana Tutor Tips: 4 Tips to Solve College Acceptance Issues). 2. A great second choice Students should also be thinking about an excellent second or third choice school. Even if they still want to go to the waitlisted school, they should also get excited about other potential opportunities. In some cases, students determine that they might actually be happier at their second choice school and that they don’t wish to continue the application process to other schools. Its important for students to think about the great aspects of the schools that accepted them outright. For instance, an excellent campus environment, great teaching staff, and exciting degree programs. Its important for students to stay uplifted so they can finish the school year strong. 3. Keeping grades high Each school will have different policies when it comes to materials for waitlisted students. Some will only consider the students original application materials while others may allow students to provide supplemental support. If this is the case, it wont look good if the students grades have slipped significantly since they originally applied. Its important for students to keep their grades and test scores high so they look great on paper and have an overall successful transcript. 4. Communication Students should also pay close attention to any communication allowed, or prohibited, by a school they are waitlisted at. Some schools will allow students to provide several supplemental application materials to support their case, but most will only allow a basic email expressing a desire to be still considered for admission. Other schools will strictly prohibit any communication and will only find original admissions materials. However, if a school does allow some type of communication, its really important that students take this opportunity to express their interest in the college (READ: 5 Things You Might Not Expect About College Finals). 5. Withdrawal from a second choice school Many students will get into a stressful situation where the deadline for their second choice school passes before they find out if theyve been taken off the waitlist at their first choice school. If a student must make a commitment, they should carefully analyze the steps to withdraw from their second choice college. Some schools will allow students to pull out with almost no penalty whereas others may not give out any refunds. At some point, students will have to make a commitment to one school or another, but if an opportunity to attend their first choice school presents itself a little late in the game, they want to know how they can make it work. All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at pr@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us write.

Food Chemistry Books

Food Chemistry BooksFood chemistry books are among the most sought after. These are of a great help for any student who wants to learn all about the chemistry behind the food that we eat. The history of food from a scientific point of view is not something many people have the background to appreciate.With the right book, the history and the workings of the food can be laid bare. Once you have a grasp of what food chemistry is all about, you will find that there is much more to it than meets the eye.Food chemistry is all about the science of food. Food manufacturers use chemistry in order to create something that tastes good and will keep a person healthy. In the process, they are using chemicals, enzymes, and all sorts of other chemicals to help them make food. Food chemistry was not created to teach us something new about cooking, but instead is a history of the origins of the foods we eat.In the process of creating food, scientists use food chemistry in order to create the foods t hat we eat. This includes figuring out how to balance the chemical balance of the food. It is not enough that the nutrients in the food should be as much as possible, or that the taste should be delicious, but the balance should be correct. The right food chemistry books can show you all of the different chemicals that go into the making of a food.Many people today look upon food as something cheap to buy. They assume that if something tastes good, it must be good for them. However, this is very far from the truth.Food chemistry helps make sure that the foods we eat are all natural and are low in fat. This is because scientists and other experts try to keep the amount of fat in the food as low as possible.You can find all of the information about food chemistry and food safety in the many food chemistry books that are available today. They will give you the background and knowledge you need to start enjoying the food that you eat. Not only are these books fascinating, but they can a lso be very helpful to your studies.

What Is Calorimetry?

What Is Calorimetry?Calorimetry chemistry is a highly specific, yet immensely important area of study. It is the study of how heat is generated from energy and how this energy is used. For instance, if you are studying thermodynamics, you would know that the thermal energy comes from the motion, while the potential energy comes from mass. The study of Calorimetry is important for many reasons.In this science, we are interested in the heat that is generated in a given system by using an energy source that is known as a carrier or a chemical. This type of energy transfer is called the Transport Equation. Once the equation is created, it becomes a bit more difficult to solve, because of the vast number of factors involved in determining the heat.There are a lot of variables that can change the heat of a system, including the coefficient of a certain type of gas, the factors that determine the amount of potential energy the system has, the amount of other sources of heat that affect the transfer, and the temperature gradient between the two sources. There are also a lot of other variables that can be present in a system, like the potential of the gas in the system and its density, and other things like surface tension and pressure.Calorimetry means 'fire by nuclear reaction' and is the study of the kinetic energy of nuclear reactions. This is an extremely simple and clear definition that simply explains what this discipline is all about. Although, there are a lot of factors that can be involved in this process, the most important is that the reaction products have to be used in some form, which creates a flux of electrons into the nucleus of the atom.Calorimetry can take many forms, from using chemical reactions to different types of fuel and solar power generation. This is why Calorimetry is so closely linked to energy production.Calorimetry is often used in the study of energy production and waste removal from the environment. Because this field uses solid state devices to collect and analyze energy, the nature of the device is what makes the potential for this field unique. For example, a nuclear fission reactor is used to store energy by using solid in a liquid state.A great deal of the research that is done on Calorimetry utilizes the energy of the sun. For this reason, this field of study is often referred to as being 'solar', because it uses sunlight to create heat that can be transferred to the ground, creating power to heat homes and industry.

10 Common and Easy Guitar Chords for Beginners to Learn

10 Common and Easy Guitar Chords for Beginners to Learn Sign up successful All you need to know is how to read a guitar  chord diagram. If you then learn how to use a capo, you will be able to play almost any song in any key! Lets get started. Easy Guitar Chords for Beginners: Key of C These first four easy guitar chords will allow you to play most songs that are in the key of C. The C chord is the main chord in the key:Next, the F chord can be played in one of two  ways. This is the hardest of all 10 chords on this list because it requires the use of a barre. If you have trouble doing a full barre, you might find the first  version listed below easier to play. Here are two forms of the F chord:The G chord is typically played using the following form:Last but not least, the Am chord adds a little color to any chord progression: Once youve learned these four chords you can play most songs that are in the key of C, and with the use of a capo you can play many other songs. That wasnt too hard, was it? Only four  chords and you are already well on your way to playing most popular songs. Here is a simple chord pattern in C that uses all four  chords so you can get some practice in. SEE ALSO: A Roadmap of the Notes on a Guitar Easy Guitar Chords for Beginners: Key of G You have already learned the G and C chord so now you only need to learn two more chords to be able to play songs in the key of G. As a bonus, you already know one other chord in the key of G the Am chord. So learn these two chords and you will be able to play five  chords in the key of G! Here is how to play the D chord in the key of G:Next, the Em chord is one of the most easy guitar chords to play because it only uses two fingers. Here is a chord pattern in the key of G that uses all five  chords. Make this a part of your practice sessions to get comfortable with the feel of these common chords. Easy Guitar Chords for Beginners: Key of D Once more we only need to learn two  more chords to play in the key of D. The first one is the A chord:  Next up is the Bm7 chord. The Bm7 is easier to play then the Bm chord and it can be used just about anywhere you see a Bm chord. Here is a chord pattern you can practice in the key of D that uses all five  chords. SEE ALSO: The Big List of Easy Guitar Songs Easy Guitar Chords for Beginners: Key of A And finally, adding two more chords will allow you to play in the key of A. The first one is the E chord:The F#m7 chord is easier to play than the F#m chord and it can be used almost anywhere you find the F#m chord in a song. Here is a chord pattern to get practice playing all across the fretboard in the key of A. Tips Tricks for Playing These Chords Play along with the video tutorial below, which combines a few of the chords you just learned! Remember that any time you see a chord with a 7 or 9 after it, you can simply play the easier version. For instance, a G7 chord can be played as a G chord without any problems. So until you learn the extended version, just use the simple version. Most minor chords can be played either with or without the 7. The extended version has a little more color but will usually work fine in the place of the regular chord. For example, if you see an Bm chord, you can usually play a Bm7 chord. A suspended chord, written as a sus or sus4, can usually be replaced by the regular chord without the suspension, but only if everyone playing makes that change. Sometimes, the suspension is necessary to fit with the melody line, so the substitution is not always effective. If you remember these simple rules you will find that all you need to play most music are these 10 guitar chords for beginners and a capo. Take it to the Next Level For an extra challenge, learn the suspended chords for G, D, A, and E, and you will find that you can play almost every chord in songs from the key of C, G, D, and A. Almost all of these guitar chords for beginners are simple chords that any new guitarist can learn! What do you want to learn on the guitar next? Share your goals in the comments below. Post Author:  Jerry W. Jerry W. teaches classical guitar in Grosse Pointe, MI. He received his Bachelor of Music in Theory and Composition from  Cornerstone University and went on to receive his Masters and PhD in Music Composition from  Michigan State. Jerry has been making music and teaching for over 30 years. Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher

Back-to-School Shopping Deals for College Students

Back-to-School Shopping Deals for College Students While the thought of back-to-school may elicit groans from many, one silver lining of heading back is the great deals for students around this time of year. With a new school year comes new needs (wantsneedssame thing, right?): new school supplies, new planners, and even new technology can serve as helpful motivation to start the school year off right. [RELATED: 5 Things to Do the Summer Before College] Think of back-to-school shopping as a pre-test before the year officially begins; like each test, it comes with a bit of preparation. Dont worry too much, thoughremember how fun back-to-school shopping felt in your elementary school days? It can be just as enjoyable now. Weve complied some great back-to-school shopping deals for your convenience below: Amazon If youre looking for traditional school supplies, this retail giant has got you coveredbut theyre also here for you for some of the other necessities. Looking for Bluetooth headphones? A variety of different brands are on sale day-to-day. Wanting a double-walled, stainless-steel water bottle that will keep your drinks cold for up to 24 hours as you go from class to class? You can find that on Amazon as well. Be sure to keep an eye on the back-to-school section for electronics, clothing, and other bits of old-fashioned school supplies Staples Staples has the Less List which contains items that are up to 85% off and include traditional school items and other necessities, such as disinfecting wipes (great for keeping those dorm rooms tidy!) and ear buds. Staples is so committed to having low prices that theyve implemented the 110% price-match guarantee until mid-September. If you find a lower priced item elsewhere, you can bring it into the store or call the designated number. They can match the lower price and refund you 10% of the difference. Thats extra money for all the other necessities on your list! Vera Bradley If youre going to have to take notes, do it in style. Vera Bradley has a back-to-school section that includes printed backpacks, lunch boxes, and ID cases to store all the printed pens, notepads, and highlighters they also offer. Check out the website to also score dorm room accessories such as blankets and pillows. They even have a section dedicated to college-branded accessories to help you show your school pride. Sales vary from day to day depending on the item, but right now, if you share the deals with a friend, you can receive $15 off your purchase. So, tell a friend and you both benefit! Verizon Back-to-school shopping doesnt have to be all pencils and paper. If you are looking for some new tech items, a great place to look is the Verizon back-to-school section. A new fitbit, for instance, can track how far your walks across campus are and help you work off some of that dorm food. This section is continuously being updated, so check back periodically for new deals. [RELATED: How to Write an Effective Back-to-School Checklist] Your college bookstore Nothing says back-to-school like a new college hoodie, but there are likely more deals than that to snag at your campus bookstore. College bookstores are full of treasures such as school-logo-branded notebooks and folders, designer planners, and tech necessities like phone cases and chargers. Your school spirit will have you looking forward to your first day of classes for sure! Check your bookstores website or social media pages to scope out when the best sales will be. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.