Mala necklaces are a strand of 108 beads traditionally used in Buddhism to keep count during yoga meditation of mantra recitation. Mala strands have 108 beads because this is one of the most significant numbers in the Hindu tradition, e.g. 108 is the number of energy channels in the body and the number of Sanskrit letters. So, if you are a practising Buddhist or yogi (or you know someone who is), then a mala bead necklace would make the perfect accompaniment to your yoga gear! Making your own mala beads, rather than buying them off-the-rack, is a fantastic way to inject some personality and uniqueness into your necklace – as you can select semi-precious stones which represent your personal values.

Continue reading our hand how-to guide to discover how to make a mala bead necklace. Of course, this tutorial can be made more complicated by adding steps (such as pendants, stones etc.) but this guide will give you the easiest and quickest version, so that you can use your new mala beads at your next yoga class – even if it’s tomorrow!

You will need:

• 108 beads or semi-precious stones
• One larger bead (also known as a Guru bead)
• Bead cord
• Tassel (optional)
• Scissors
• Glue (optional)
• One pendant (optional)
• A bead design board (optional)
• Needle or pliers (optional)

1. Take a ball of bead cord

If you have a bead design board, you will begin by laying all the 108 beads onto the board in order to visualise the look of the overall finished necklace. After laying out beads on your board, you will need to cut a piece of beading string. However, there is no need to cut a specific length of bead cord or bead string, as you may end up cutting a piece which is too short, and then you will have to start all over again. Instead, you will need to overestimate the amount required by using an extra-long piece of beading cord.

2. String and knot

Mala bead necklaces have knots between each bead. This helps to ensure that if the necklace breaks, the beads or stones will not go flying everywhere and you won’t have to spend hours looking for semi-precious stones in the carpet!

Start out with a single knot and then thread a bead onto the string -make sure that the knots are as close as possible to the beads. You can achieve the best results by using pliers, tweezers or a needle to ensure the knot is as tight as possible to the bead.

You will need to repeat this process 108 times!

3. Knot the ends together

To create the mala necklace, you will need to knot the two ends of the beading cord together through a larger bead, known as the Guru bead. This helps keep the necklace secure. For extra strength, you could use a small amount of glue over the knot.

4. Create a tassel (optional)

For an added dimension a tassel or charm is often added on to the end of a set of mala beads. You can either create a tassel yourself using thread and cardboard or pick one up from a shop.

Once you have your tassel, simply thread it through the loose threads from the Guru bead. Make sure you tie everything tightly and snip off any loose bits, and you will be good to go!

Playing the guitar can help pass time creatively. One can strum to the tune of his favorite songs and sing his heart out during a cozy, relaxing day. One can also create his own music and write his own lyrics with a guitar in tow. Playing the guitar can also soothe the soul. A person who is going through a tough time can seek solace and serenity from solitary guitar playing.

Playing the guitar in the presence of others also brings about positivity because music brings people together. A guitar player can accompany a group of singers or he can jam with fellow guitarists. He can also converge with other instrumentalists to form a band.

Learning how to play the guitar is not so expensive as compared to learning how to play other instruments. The learning process is also quick and it normally takes just a couple of weeks to a few months. What is essential in mastering the guitar is continuous practicing.

Guitar playing is generally considered as a self-study process. When there was still no Internet boom, eager guitar players were oriented about guitar chords through songbooks. However, they had to consult with a teacher, family member, or friend about the other aspects of guitar playing such as tuning, strumming, and maintenance. Some of those who relied on guidebooks still had to check with a legitimate guitarist.

When the Internet became the popular and primary source of all information, many websites on guitar playing came about. Learning how to play the guitar online was a new process that was eventually accepted for its utter convenience. One could learn about guitar playing in the comfort of his own home. He could also receive feedback without having to meet up with experts. Through websites, one can genuinely learn how to play the guitar by his lonesome.

A typical guitar playing website has text and photos on the basics such as the parts of the guitar and the chord book. What gives the online experience an advantage over one-on-one guitar teaching is that a website like Jamplay has videos covering all aspects of guitar playing. There are videos on choosing the right guitar, tuning the instrument, twisting the machine heads, replacing a broken string, strumming, plucking, fretting, phrasing, cleaning, and storage. Find out more about it at http://www.guitarbrief.com.

A guitar student will easily see on video the right finger formations of the chords. He can watch sample videos of full songs being played on the guitar and he may even play along with them. He can also learn about how to correctly use various accessories such as the capo, pick, slide, and strap.

Interactivity even makes the online experience so much better. Guitar students may converse with an instructor via video streaming. This saves a lot of time and money on both ends. Guitar students may also join conversations in forums. A discussion board on a guitar playing website does not only deal with guitar playing because it contains threads on music, school, work, and other life topics as well.

Another advantage of learning how to play the guitar online is that a student can upload his videos on the website and even on his social media accounts. This will allow him to receive feedback not just from an instructor but also from his family, friends, and even the general public. With dedicated studying and motivated practicing, an online guitar student could be the next social media sensation with his video of an acoustic cover or original composition.