Posts Tagged ‘Better’

Guitar Chords, Guitar Scales, Music Theory, Guitar Lessons – Learning To Play Better Guitar

March 22nd, 2010

Learning guitar chords, guitar scales, music theory, and guitar lessons all come with the territory of becoming a better guitar player. For some, this can become a tedious task. For others, the process of learning the guitar is an adventure. The issue for many, is how to make the journey of learning and practicing the guitar an enjoyable one.

Learning guitar scales is the only way for one to gain knowledge of melodic structure on the guitar fingerboard. Practicing scales develops left and right hand control, picking technique and awareness of factors such as strength and endurance. If one ever expects to engage in long melodic guitar solos, then practicing scales is the only vehicle to that end.

How often and how long should one practice playing guitar scales? It depends. Beginners should practice for at least one half hour to one hour daily. Experienced players should practice their scales at least one or two hours per day. How about the advanced professional players? Believe it or not, some guitarists practice five, six, and even seven hours per day (myself included, when performance is pending).

All of the information referenced above, also applies to learning and practicing guitar chords. New strength and endurance is realized as a result of dedicated practice of guitar chords. The left and right hands use muscles uniquely different from those utilized and developed by practicing and playing guitar scales. This is all part of necessary development as a guitarist. Guitar chords are essential in gaining awareness of harmonic structure on the guitar fingerboard. When melody meets harmony, beautiful music occurs. However, the real trick is the nexus between the two. Enter the dragon; music theory.

As a guitar instructor (35 years), I would approximate that at least 80% of all of my students (intermediates and professional players) become very nervous when they take the plunge into learning music theory. Especially music theory designed exclusively for the guitar. Perhaps they were confused in the past when confronted with the college blackboard. I’ll bet many readers remember sitting in music class and wondering what the professor meant by all of those chalk marks and symbols that were drawn on the blackboard. This for many, was very intimidating. Further, many can not make the transition between the blackboard and the guitar fingerboard. I have great news. It’s really not difficult at all. In fact, theory is simple when presented and taught in a logical, step-by-step manner. Therein lies the problem. There aren’t many guitar lessons or guitar instructors available that have a professional and contemporary approach for someone who desires to advance their guitar skills and knowledge of music theory.

Are guitar lessons essential? Once again, it depends. We’ve all heard the stories of certain guitar players who rose to the top of the charts without ever taking a guitar lesson earlier in life. This is my favorite type of success story. Why? Because whenever an individual listens and follows his/her inner calling, it’s always a good thing. Many would call it faith (myself included). Others would call it luck (myself included). Some would insist that it is a result of education (myself included). Further, there are those that would call it hard work (myself included). One thing is for sure; there is no magic wand involved here. Mastering any instrument requires a burning desire and an absolute commitment to achieve a desired result.

It really doesn’t matter what your level of musicianship is. What matters is defining your goals as a guitarist. Is your desire, as a guitarist, to be able to play a few songs around the campfire(or wherever)? If so, any local music store will provide you with a guitar instructor who can help you attain that goal. Do you envision yourself playing for thousands of fans in a major concert arena? If so, then seek out the type of educational resources that will help you to achieve that particular level of musicianship and knowledge of music theory. Be very accurate with your goals and desires. Don’t waste time. Life is short. Live it.

No matter what your goal as a guitarist, it all starts with the practice of guitar chords and guitar scales. Remember, a good foundation is essential. Become strong as a player. Educate yourself. Believe me, your audience will appreciate your hard work.

©2008 Michael E. Fletcher.

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Learn to Play Guitar Software Or All Video Guitar Lesson DVD’s – Which is Better?

March 17th, 2010

Does the phrase, Learn To Play Guitar Software, lead you to assume that it must be an advanced and therefore highly effective way to learn music? You certainly are not alone if that is what you think. Lets explore exactly what current popular guitar lesson software can and cannot do for a budding guitarist. Then we will compare it to the all-video DVD lesson format.

First of all, Guitar Software does not automatically insure that the music lessons will be of higher quality than other types of media like video DVDs. Using software for lessons is primarily a way to accomplish two things:

1. To conveniently emulate a guitarists tools like a metronome, tab data, a chord chart and tuner.

2. To organize different kinds of media like audio, video, the written word, photos, illustrations and the specialty tools mentioned above.

There are many guitar lessons software programs on the market today that are well thought out, with lots of features that seem fantastic. Unfortunately from my experience reviewing many of these instructional programs, I have often discovered that slick software is just a way to improve or even cover up a mediocre guitar lesson eBook.

What About The Full Video DVD Guitar Lessons format?

Full Video DVD Guitar lessons programs differ from software style programs in that they more closely emulate what takes place if you have a live lesson with an excellent instructor. The downside is that if you wish to use a tool like a metronome you must acquire one separately.

The Advantages of Full Video DVD Guitar Lessons

1. Full Video DVDs Often Contain More Information And Are Easier To Understand: Simply stated, we tend to learn by observing another person explain and demonstrate a task followed by our repeated attempts to emulate them. Long video lesson segments from the top DVD Video courses with world-class instructors can provide the most direct way to understand the subtleties of each guitar lesson in ways that just are not possible with the short video snippets found in some software formats.

2. Full Video DVDs Can Be Watched On Large TV Screens: With Guitar Software you are often left to read the written word, look at static diagrams and if you are very lucky, watch short video clips on a relatively small computer screen. Critical fingering details can be difficult to see.

3. Guided Practice Sessions: Another huge benefit of a good all-video DVD lesson program is that some offer guided practice sessions. This means that the instructor not only teaches new concepts but also practices with you. I cannot over-emphasize the importance of this feature. One of the most under taught guitar skills is learning how to practice like the pros.

So Is All Guitar Lesson Software A Waste Of Time?

No, not at all. I am aware of one surprisingly inexpensive beginner guitar lesson software program that does an excellent job for the price. If you cannot afford $100 to $200 for a comprehensive all video DVD program by a top instructor then this software can be a reasonable alternative for about $40.

The Bottom Line

For most beginner through intermediate guitar students I would recommend finding an all video DVD set from a top player/instructor that comes with a written reference book or printable files. Often the good programs offer payment programs or in some cases permit you to buy one DVD from the set at a time.

The bottom line is that its all about the quality of the lessons and not the cleverness of the lesson format. Unless your budget is very tight do not be dazzled by the current Learn to Play Guitar Software.

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Learn The Guitar Online – 3 Reasons It’s Better Then Private Lessons

March 9th, 2010

There is a stigma attached to learning the guitar online that you cannot get the same quality of education from a website or video as you can from private lessons. While this might be true in some circumstances, I believe that there are obvious benefits to those that choose to learn the guitar online and it goes deeper then just the quality of guitar lessons taught.

1.) When you take private guitar lessons you normally purchase lessons in a set (i.e. 6 or 8 weeks of lessons for a set price) or pay per lesson. Which ever way you look at it you end up paying between $10 and $20 per lesson. Should you need a refersher on something you’ve already learned your teacher must take part of that $20 lesson and reteach you something he/she has already done before. There by reducing the value of the current lesson.

When you learn the guitar online the lessons are videos and files. They can be reviewed and rewatched at no extra charge to you as often and when ever you want.

2.) I know I’ve take private guitar lessons before, and I didn’t always have the time to practice. Sometimes work, family or friends had to come before I could sit down with my guitar for a half hour each day. The result? I wasn’t always prepared for the next weeks lesson when I showed up, yet I still had to pay for the time. I didn’t get the most value from that guitar lesson had I practiced the week before.

When enrolled in online guitar lessons there is no teacher checking there watch to make sure you’re on time or that you’ve done your home work. If you don’t have the time to practice for a few days, just take a break from you lessons. There isn’t any lost cost or time to you. you are in charge of when and how fast your learn the guitar online.

3.) Cost has to be considered, especially since everything is getting more expensive around us. Let’s take the example above of $10 per lesson, and assume four lessons of a half hour each per month. That means you pay $40 per month for 2 hours of lesson time. In contrast most online guitar lesson memberships charge under $30 for unlimited access to thousands of minutes of lessons. The value for your dollar is much greater when you learn to play the guitar online.

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Guitar Tabs, Guitar Scales, Music Theory, Guitar Lessons – Learning To Play Guitar Better

February 21st, 2010

Learn guitar chords, guitar scales, music theory and guitar lessons all come with the territory of becoming a better guitar player. For some, it can be a tedious task. For others, the process of learning the guitar is an adventure. The question for many is how the journey of learning and practicing the guitar a nice one up.

Learn guitar scales is the only way for one to gain knowledge of melodic structurethe guitar fingerboard. Practicing scales developed left and right control, harvesting technique and awareness of such factors as the strength and endurance. If a man ever expects to be involved in long melodic guitar solos, then practice scales are the only vehicle at the end.

How often and how long should one practice playing guitar scales? It depends. Beginners should exercise at least half an hour to an hour per day. Experienced players should practice theirweigh at least one or two hours per day. How is the advanced professional players? Believe it or not, some guitarists practice, five, six or even seven hours per day (myself included, when performance is pending).

All the information referred to above, applies also to learn and practice the guitar chords. New strength and endurance will be realized as a result of diligent practice of the guitar chords. The left and right hands using muscles uniquely different from thoseutilized and developed by practicing and playing guitar scales. It is all part of necessary development as a guitarist. Guitar chords is essential to gain an awareness of harmonic structure on the guitar fingerboard. When assembled melody harmony, beautiful music happen. But the real art is the nexus between the two. Enter the dragon, music theory.

As a guitar instructor (35 years), I would approximate that at least 80% of all of my students(middle and professional players) gets very nervous when they take the plunge with the teaching of music theory. Especially music theory that is exclusively designed for the guitar. Perhaps they were confused in the past when confronted with the college blackboard. I'll bet many readers remember sitting in music class and wonder what the professor meant by all these chalk marks and symbols that are drawn on the blackboard. It was very, was very intimidating. Moreover, many can notmakes the transition between the plate and the guitar fingerboard. I have great news. It's really not hard at all. Indeed, theory is simple when offered and taught in a logical, step-by-step manner. Therein lies the problem. There are not many guitar lessons or guitar instructors available to a professional and modern approach for someone who needs their guitar skills and knowledge of music theory in advance.

Are guitarlessons necessary? Again, it depends. We've all heard the stories of some guitar players who have risen to the top of the charts without ever taking a guitar lesson earlier in life. This is my favorite type of success story. Why? Because when a person listens and follows his inner vocation, it is always a good thing. Many will call it belief (myself included). Others would call it luck (myself included). Some would insist that it is a result of education is (myselfincluded). Then there are those who would call it hard work (myself included). One thing is sure, there is no desire here involved. Mastering any instrument requires a burning desire and an absolute commitment to a desired result.

It really does not matter what your level of musicality is not. What matters is defining your goals as a guitarist. Is your desire, as a guitarist, in order to be able to play a few songs around the campfire (or wherever)? If so, any local music shop will provide you with a guitar instructor who can help that goal. Do you have ideas yourself to play for the thousands of supporters in a huge concert arena? If so, then try out the nature of the educational resources that will help you to that particular level of musicality and knowledge of music theory to achieve. Be very accurate with your goals and desires. Do not waste time. Life is short. Live it.

No matter what your goal as a guitarist, it all begins with the practice of> Guitar chords and guitar scales. Remember, a good foundation is essential. Become strong as a player. Educate yourself. Believe me, your audience will appreciate your hard work.

© 2008 Michael E. Fletcher.

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Learn to Play Guitar Software Of All Video Guitar Lesson DVD's – Which is better?

February 16th, 2010

Is the phrase, Learn To Play Guitar Software, leads you to believe that they need a sophisticated and thus very effective way to learn music? You certainly are not alone, as this is what you think. Let find out exactly what the current popular guitar lesson software can be and can do for a budding guitarist not. Then we compare it with the all-video-DVD-lesson format.

First of all is that guitar software does not automatically ensure that the musiclessons will be of a higher quality than other forms of media such as video DVDs. Using software for lessons is mainly a way for two things:

1. Too easy a tool guitarists such as a metronome to follow, data sheet, a chord chart and the receiver.

2. To organize different types of media such as audio, video, the written word, photographs, illustrations, and the special tools mentioned above.

There are many guitar lessons software on the market today that is goodfool, with many of the features that seem fantastic. Unfortunately, from my experience of reviewing many of these instructional programs, I often discover that the software disaster just a way to improve coverage, or even a mediocre guitar lessons eBook is up.

What About The Full Video Guitar Lessons DVD format?

Full DVD-Video Guitar lessons programs vary from software programs in the style that more closely emulate what occurs if youa live lesson with an excellent instructor. The disadvantage is that if you want an instrument such as the use of a metronome that you must acquire one separately.

The benefits of Full-DVD-Video Guitar Lessons

1. Full Video-DVD's Often Contain More Information And Are Easier To Understand: Simply put, we are inclined to learn through observation of another person, explain and demonstrate a task, followed by repeated attempts to their ears. Lang video lesson segments of the upperDVD-Video training with world-class instructors can provide the most direct way to the subtleties of each guitar lesson in ways not possible with short video clips are understood in some software formats.

2. Full DVD Video-On Can big-screen TV's Be: With guitar software, you are often left to read the written word, look at static diagrams and if you are very lucky, watch a short video about a relatively small computer screen. CriticalHandle data can be difficult to see.

3. Guided Practice Sessions: Another big advantage of a good all-video-DVD-lesson program is that some offer guided practice sessions. This means that the teacher not only learn new concepts, but also the practice with you. I can not over-emphasize the importance of this function. One of the most under taught guitar skills to learn how to practice like the pros.

Is it so All Guitar Lesson Software A Waste OfTime?

No, not at all. I am aware of a surprisingly economical for beginners guitar lesson software program that is not an excellent job for the price. If you can not afford $ 100 to $ 200 is not a comprehensive all video-DVD program by a top instructor then this software is a reasonable alternative for some may be $ 40.

The Bottom Line

For most beginners through guitar students, I would recommend finding an all video DVDs from a set topplayer / instructor provided with a written reference book or print files. Often the best programs offer payment programs or in some cases permits to buy a DVD of the bill at a time.

The bottom line is that its all about the quality of the lessons and not the skill of the lesson format. Unless your budget is a very harsh by current Learning to play guitar software will be dazzled.

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Learning Guitar Online – 3 Reasons It's Better If Private Lessons

February 11th, 2010

There is a stigma attached to learning the guitar online that you can get the same quality of education, not from a website or video as you can from private lessons. Although it may be true in some circumstances, I believe that there are clear benefits to those who choose to learn the guitar online and it goes beyond just the quality of the guitar lessons learned.

1.) When you take private guitar lessons you usually lessen in a purchaseset (ie, 6 or 8 weeks of classes for a fixed price) or pay per lesson. Whatever way you look at it you will eventually pay between $ 10 and $ 20 per lesson. If you need a refersher about something that you already learned from your teacher to take part of the $ 20 lesson and reteach you something he / she has already done. There by reducing the value of the current lesson.

Once you learn the guitar online lessons are the videos and files. They can be checked against any and rewatchedextra cost to you as often and when ever you want.

2.) I know I was taking private guitar lessons before, and I did not always have time to practice. Sometimes, family or friends had to come before I can sit down with my guitar for a half hour per day. The result? I was not always prepared for next weeks lesson when I showed up, yet I still had to pay for the time. I did not get the most value from guitar lessons that I have not practiced this weekbefore.

Once enrolled in the online guitar lessons, no teacher will notice check to make sure you have the time or that your house work done. If you do not have time to practice for a few days, just a break from your take lessons. There are not any lost time or cost to you. You are in control of when and how quickly you learn guitar online.

3.) Costs could be considered, especially since everything is still expensive around us. Let us takethe above example of $ 10 per lesson, and take four classes a half hours each per month. This means you only pay $ 40 per month for 2 hours of lesson time. Unlike most online guitar lesson membership charge under $ 30 for unlimited access to thousands of hours of lessons. The value for your dollar is much bigger than you learn to play the guitar online.

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Learn To Play Guitar Online – Is it better or not?

January 27th, 2010

With the new modern guitar lessons you can learn guitar playing online. But is it better than taking the traditional guitar lessons? I play in more than 10 years and I think there has never been an easier way to learn and master guitar.

Now there is no need to maintain distance from your guitar to a music school across town to take your weekly lesson. Plus it was quite expensive. I started with the blue book number 1, and learned thehard way. These days I hardly ever actually read music. I learned to play on the audience and tabs make learning a song really fast.

So how are these online lessons? In the opinion of more than 30 people who have any one of those surveyed said they would rather lessons online or download a guitar to take courses and learn at home.

At times it can be a pain sitting in front of the computer trying to play. But on the whole, it certainly beats the alternative. We have seen new students withno experience playing the guitar began to play popular songs in a few weeks.

You can learn at your own pace and repeat lessons until you master it. If you feel like taking your lessons at 3 in the morning, no problem. So long as your neighbors do not mind. Or you can get a good headset, if you have an electric guitar playing.

Electric or acoustic? For beginners, it is easier to learn and to play an electric guitar. The necksis smaller and you will have less pressure to use. Once you learn you will be able to play either one. Another great thing about taking online guitar lessons is that no one can hear how bad you sound. If I could learn, I hated when someone listens to my playing. Of course, once you get a better would you play for your friends and family.

If you have not bought a guitar but it is recommended that you find the best guitar you can afford to buy given. Do not buy a non -cheap left. The action will be awful, which means that the strings will be high and require a lot of pressure for a nice sounding note. The most inexpensive guitars sound terrible and buzz. You are better off with buying a decent used guitar if you can not afford a brand new name brand is not.

So get yourself a guitar if you do not already have one, sing and upload your lessons and get to work. Guitar playing is one of the biggest hobbies. When you are in your classes, youlet all your worries behind and escape into the world of music.

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Learn Guitar Chords – Six Steps To Better Chord Changes

January 14th, 2010

Are you struggling with your chord changes? It is easy to make your fingers in a frustrating tangle when learning to play chords. Do not worry about it, though, this is normal. With these tips and a little patience to get your fingers to play faster than you ever thought that they are capable of.

1. No pressure

When learning a new chord practice without the pressure on the strings. Simply move your fingers in place and get their tips lightly over the rope. Repeat the movement slowlyuntil your fingers and move easily in the correct positions.

This technique allows you to concentrate on getting your fingers in the correct position. It will be a lot easier to press the strings down properly afterwards. It also helps to relax your fingers when you're in a hurry to reach the position and strum a chord your poor fingers are prone to all tensed up and make more mistakes.

2. One at a time

Break off the movement by thinking about one finger at a time. Placefingers lightly over the strings in the position of the cord that you leave. What traffic, not every one must make room for the next chord?

Try to have the smallest possible movement for each finger to find. If a finger is still on the same string that you can use the string as a guide, gently sliding a finger along it to the destination fret. Experiment to find the easiest move and afraid to come back and change after work on different fingers.

3.Follow me!

When you talk to your fingers, one at a time like the previous tip, you can suggest it is a good idea to choose a finger leads that you are the first for each chord.

A finger on the bass strings are generally a good choice to be the head. This has the advantage that it is easier to find, since it is the root note of the string playing. The other fingers are then relative to this root note on top.

Another advantage is that the bass notes can get in place quickly to play iton the first beat. You can follow with a strum on a beat later, and allow a little extra time you have your other fingers in place.

4. Silence is golden

Do not pick or strum while you practice chord fingering, focus on making the chord shapes only with your left hand (or your right for the lefties out there). Separate steps like this and learning chords will be much easier for you.

When you have the fingers to move smoothly into the position that you can begin working onstrumming or picking. Begin by simply pressing the strings down and picking them one by one to ensure that they are all good and proper is not muted.

Then you can start strumming the rhythm, but remember to go slow on this point. Do not suddenly be in a hurry to play through the chord changes at full speed. If you practice slow and concentrate on the accurate placement of the finger speed will come with time and practice.

5. Economy of movement

The less distance your fingers move whenchanging chords better.

Beginners often lifting their fingers off the strings when releasing a cord. This forces the fingers to move further on each chord change and is a limitation on the development of speed.

Thus, when changing chords, keep your fingers close to the strings, preferably only contact they are free.

6. Relax

Do not be away with your practice, you will not forget for a break.

Stretch and wiggle your fingers to relax them. Placeyour palm on a flat horizontal surface like a table or your thigh. Let your arm go limp and relax your hand and fingers completely. Take a few slow, deep breaths while you're busy.

When you resume, you can practice more concentrated. You may even be surprised to discover that your playing has improved during the break, even while you were not exercising, while you were doing something else in your mind must work on the problem in thebackground.

Closing

Take these six techniques into your exercise routine one at a time and you will be amazed at how easy the learning of new chord changes. You will need trust in order to avoid songs that you now because you feel the chords are too hard for you to play tackle. Your chords will be cleaner and you will be able to change faster and with fewer mistakes.

So go practice and polish off those new songs you've been wanting to learn.

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