The worst thing you can do is NOT GO!
The first thing we hear when they call is "I couldn't practice this week so I don't want to waste your time." While that is a valid reason, not attending the lesson will just make matters worse. For one thing, when you miss or cancel the lesson, it becomes easier to do it again. Pretty soon not playing the guitar becomes a habit and you get out of the routine. Then your interest level starts to drop, then it becomes more trouble finding time and the cycle begins. By going to the lesson anyway, you keep the momentum you had. You can be sure your teacher can find lots of things to work on even when you haven't picked up the guitar all week. Scales, note reading, timing and theory can all be things that you and your teacher can work on in more detail. So go to the lesson and have fun. That's what playing the guitar is all about.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Try These Exercises so You can Play Guitar Longer
What do you do to warm up before playing?
If you're like most people, little or nothing! One of the most common complaints we hear is that the fingers or the wrist hurts after practicing for a while. Let's look at some of the causes and then some of the ways to prevent this from happening.
Relax your fretting hand.
The pain in the wrist can usually be prevented by not tensing up the hand and pushing too hard. When you first take up guitar, it's necessary to push hard to get the strings to sound good. After your fingertips toughen up you can release some of the pressure since the strings aren't sinking into your fingers. The thumb should be in the middle of the neck in back and it should be pushing so that you get a pinching action. Bring the fingers straight down and remember to keep your fingernails short.
Do some exercises to warm up.
I'm always amazed when one of my students tells me "you know, I play better after 15 minutes or so." I ask why they think that is, then I get a question. "Because I'm warmed up?" Exactly! What do most beginners do to warm up? Little or nothing, yet they expect to pick up their guitar and be able to jump right in and play. Then to make matters worse, they usually start with one of the harder songs they've been working on.
Here are a couple exercises to help you get started.
To start with, do this exercises on many strings as you can do comfortably. You don't want to be in pain when doing this. The 1st finger stays down through the whole exercise, this is what makes the strengthening and stretching take place.
After you're comfortable with the first pattern, try using different combinations of fingers: 1-4-3-4-1-2-4, 3-4-1-2, 3-1-2-3, etc.
After just a few days you should be able to tell a difference in your playing.
If you're like most people, little or nothing! One of the most common complaints we hear is that the fingers or the wrist hurts after practicing for a while. Let's look at some of the causes and then some of the ways to prevent this from happening.
Relax your fretting hand.
The pain in the wrist can usually be prevented by not tensing up the hand and pushing too hard. When you first take up guitar, it's necessary to push hard to get the strings to sound good. After your fingertips toughen up you can release some of the pressure since the strings aren't sinking into your fingers. The thumb should be in the middle of the neck in back and it should be pushing so that you get a pinching action. Bring the fingers straight down and remember to keep your fingernails short.
Do some exercises to warm up.
I'm always amazed when one of my students tells me "you know, I play better after 15 minutes or so." I ask why they think that is, then I get a question. "Because I'm warmed up?" Exactly! What do most beginners do to warm up? Little or nothing, yet they expect to pick up their guitar and be able to jump right in and play. Then to make matters worse, they usually start with one of the harder songs they've been working on.
Here are a couple exercises to help you get started.
- Play the 1st fret with your 1st finger on the 1st string.
- Without removing the 1st finger, now play the 2nd fret with your 2nd finger, still on the 1st string.
- Without removing the 1st finger, play the 3rd fret with your 3rd finger, still on the 1st string.
- Without removing the 1st finger, play the 4th fret with your 4th finger, (yes, the pinkie and yes, it's a stretch), still on the 1st string.
To start with, do this exercises on many strings as you can do comfortably. You don't want to be in pain when doing this. The 1st finger stays down through the whole exercise, this is what makes the strengthening and stretching take place.
After you're comfortable with the first pattern, try using different combinations of fingers: 1-4-3-4-1-2-4, 3-4-1-2, 3-1-2-3, etc.
After just a few days you should be able to tell a difference in your playing.
Are You Too Busy to Practice?
I had a busy week at work, I was out of town, I was_______
So, what's your excuse for not practicing? In the course of a week we hear them all. It can be work, school, sports, or some variation. They laugh when I tell them to get up a half hour earlier, stay up later, or, dare I say it, turn off the TV, quit texting and close Facebook! There are many opportunities to practice during a week, most of them are just ignored or can wait until later.
Helpful hints for practicing.
So, what's your excuse for not practicing? In the course of a week we hear them all. It can be work, school, sports, or some variation. They laugh when I tell them to get up a half hour earlier, stay up later, or, dare I say it, turn off the TV, quit texting and close Facebook! There are many opportunities to practice during a week, most of them are just ignored or can wait until later.
Helpful hints for practicing.
- Get a stand. If you have your guitar sitting out where you can't ignore it, you'll tend to pick it up and start playing.
- Get out of the basement! Practicing guitar in the basement is the same as exercising down there. Unless yours is finished, has plenty of lighting, and isn't like a dungeon, you can practice there, otherwise find someplace else.
- A dedicated practice room is ideal. If there's room or part of a room where you can leave your equipment set up, that's the ideal situation. If you have your guitar on its stand, music opened and also on a music stand, (you're not just laying it on the coffee table or bed are you?), and any recording equipment, the metronome, or other useful tools at your fingertips ready to play, it's easy to find time. On the other hand, having to unpack the guitar, locate the music, and set up the recording equipment takes time and makes it easy to believe it's too much trouble.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Why Would I Want to Learn to Read Music?
How important is it to learn to read music?
Since more and more guitar music is being written in tablature, is it still necessary to read music? The answer is becoming more difficult, but it's never a bad idea to at least understand basic music notation. While guitar tab is getting more popular, there are still some good reasons to learn to read standard music notes. Let's take a closer look.
Tab is not standardized.
There are a few drawbacks to just learning tab, one of them being that no one has decided how they're going to show rhythm. When you buy a songbook with tabs in it, there is also standard notation showing the rhythm. If you can't interpret that and you don't have a recording of the song, your chances of learning it correctly are very low.
Tab is computer generated.
The fact that a computer is picking the notes for you means that every now and then the computer will pick the right note but not necessarily the most convenient location on the fingerboard. Since you can play the same note in several places on the guitar, it's not unusual to have the computer put the same note in different positions.
If there's a mistake in the notation, it's in the tab.
If the computer isn't picking the notes, it's easy for the person transcribing the song to simply put the number on the wrong line. We've found lots of instances where this has been the case.
My advice to beginning students.
The decision is mostly based on what type of music you want to play and how good you want to be. If you're more interested in strumming chords and singing, you may not need to read music. The same is true if your main interest is blues or rock guitar. However, if you're going to write songs, play classical or jazz guitar, or you just want to know how music works, reading music is still a valuable skill.
Since more and more guitar music is being written in tablature, is it still necessary to read music? The answer is becoming more difficult, but it's never a bad idea to at least understand basic music notation. While guitar tab is getting more popular, there are still some good reasons to learn to read standard music notes. Let's take a closer look.
Tab is not standardized.
There are a few drawbacks to just learning tab, one of them being that no one has decided how they're going to show rhythm. When you buy a songbook with tabs in it, there is also standard notation showing the rhythm. If you can't interpret that and you don't have a recording of the song, your chances of learning it correctly are very low.
Tab is computer generated.
The fact that a computer is picking the notes for you means that every now and then the computer will pick the right note but not necessarily the most convenient location on the fingerboard. Since you can play the same note in several places on the guitar, it's not unusual to have the computer put the same note in different positions.
If there's a mistake in the notation, it's in the tab.
If the computer isn't picking the notes, it's easy for the person transcribing the song to simply put the number on the wrong line. We've found lots of instances where this has been the case.
My advice to beginning students.
The decision is mostly based on what type of music you want to play and how good you want to be. If you're more interested in strumming chords and singing, you may not need to read music. The same is true if your main interest is blues or rock guitar. However, if you're going to write songs, play classical or jazz guitar, or you just want to know how music works, reading music is still a valuable skill.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Am I Too Old to Learn Guitar?
Do you believe in the old adage "you can't teach an old dog new tricks?"
As long as you have the desire, don't have a severe case of arthritis, and your hearing is still ok, there's no reason you can't learn guitar. I've had students in their 70s make excellent progress, and the common denominator has always been the desire to play. It's all about attitude, and if it's positive, the chances of success are pretty high. Will you be able to catch up to Eric Clapton? No, probably not, but if you're looking for a creative outlet, something to keep your mind busy, and an instrument you can enjoy, the guitar just may be for you. It's portable, fairly inexpensive to get started, and can be played at different levels. Some people want to go as far as they can, some want to strum a few songs and sing, most just want an enjoyable hobby. If that sounds like you, do some research, buy or rent a guitar, and find an instructor. After that it's just a matter of patience, desire and making the time to practice.
As long as you have the desire, don't have a severe case of arthritis, and your hearing is still ok, there's no reason you can't learn guitar. I've had students in their 70s make excellent progress, and the common denominator has always been the desire to play. It's all about attitude, and if it's positive, the chances of success are pretty high. Will you be able to catch up to Eric Clapton? No, probably not, but if you're looking for a creative outlet, something to keep your mind busy, and an instrument you can enjoy, the guitar just may be for you. It's portable, fairly inexpensive to get started, and can be played at different levels. Some people want to go as far as they can, some want to strum a few songs and sing, most just want an enjoyable hobby. If that sounds like you, do some research, buy or rent a guitar, and find an instructor. After that it's just a matter of patience, desire and making the time to practice.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
That Song May be Harder Than You Think!
I was listening to ............. and it didn't sound that hard.
So you're listening to the car radio, or your ipod, or a cd and you think, that song doesn't sound that hard. I think I'll ask about playing that one. How long you've been learning guitar, how many chords you know and how fast you can move around are some of the things you need to think about. Lots of songs are deceptively simple. The guitar is real clear, it seems to play the same thing over and over, so you start to think maybe it wouldn't be that difficult. The next step? Ask your teacher. There really are many songs that are as easy as they sound, but there are others that sound simple but when you start to play them, they're not. The stumbling blocks some students find are chords that change too fast, too many chords or chords that require techniques that you haven't learned yet. Suspended chords, slash chords, walking bass lines and key changes can all be really tricky. So the next time you hear a song, pay close attention and try to hear it from the player's point of view.
So you're listening to the car radio, or your ipod, or a cd and you think, that song doesn't sound that hard. I think I'll ask about playing that one. How long you've been learning guitar, how many chords you know and how fast you can move around are some of the things you need to think about. Lots of songs are deceptively simple. The guitar is real clear, it seems to play the same thing over and over, so you start to think maybe it wouldn't be that difficult. The next step? Ask your teacher. There really are many songs that are as easy as they sound, but there are others that sound simple but when you start to play them, they're not. The stumbling blocks some students find are chords that change too fast, too many chords or chords that require techniques that you haven't learned yet. Suspended chords, slash chords, walking bass lines and key changes can all be really tricky. So the next time you hear a song, pay close attention and try to hear it from the player's point of view.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Using Your Electronic Tuner
Do you make these mistakes when using your electronic tuner?
Playing the string too rapidly. If you play the note and keep playing it very quickly, a lot of tuners have trouble picking up the note. By striking it once every one or two seconds it gives the tuner a steady signal.
Playing the string too slowly. After you pick a string, the note goes flat as the sound decays. If your tuner has a needle and it drops, you've let the note sound for too long. Same thing if your tuner has flashing lights.
Not getting close enough to the microphone. All tuners have a small built in microphone and it will pick up outside noises. If there's a tv or radio on, if there's music in the background or even someone talking, it can give a false reading. I usually put the tuner close to the instrument to help block out noises.
Tuning to the wrong note. I know, the tuner tells you what note you're playing and it should be obvious. Be sure that the note you're tuning to matches the one the tuner says you're playing. Sometimes the sharp or flat symbol isn't very big and you can tune to the wrong note.
Not tuning to concert pitch. In our tonal system we tune to A440, which means the note A vibrates at 440 vibrations per second. A lot of tuners can be adjusted up or down so you can match another instrument that may not be easily retuned. Some tuners also feature the ability to tune down 1/2 step or more, so make sure the settings are correct. While most tuners go back to the default setting if you turn them off then back on, some retain the last settings used.
Getting false readings from overtones. When you play a note, it creates a series of overtones. This means that other strings may vibrate sympathetically with that string. This causes the tuner to have difficulty picking out the correct note. The way to prevent that is to deaden all but the string you're trying to tune.
If you'll follow these steps you should have no trouble getting and keeping your guitar in tune. One more thing, a sharp # reading means the note's too high, a flat b means the note's too low. When tuning keep in mind that the thicker the string, the less you have to turn the tuner to make it higher or lower.
Playing the string too rapidly. If you play the note and keep playing it very quickly, a lot of tuners have trouble picking up the note. By striking it once every one or two seconds it gives the tuner a steady signal.
Playing the string too slowly. After you pick a string, the note goes flat as the sound decays. If your tuner has a needle and it drops, you've let the note sound for too long. Same thing if your tuner has flashing lights.
Not getting close enough to the microphone. All tuners have a small built in microphone and it will pick up outside noises. If there's a tv or radio on, if there's music in the background or even someone talking, it can give a false reading. I usually put the tuner close to the instrument to help block out noises.
Tuning to the wrong note. I know, the tuner tells you what note you're playing and it should be obvious. Be sure that the note you're tuning to matches the one the tuner says you're playing. Sometimes the sharp or flat symbol isn't very big and you can tune to the wrong note.
Not tuning to concert pitch. In our tonal system we tune to A440, which means the note A vibrates at 440 vibrations per second. A lot of tuners can be adjusted up or down so you can match another instrument that may not be easily retuned. Some tuners also feature the ability to tune down 1/2 step or more, so make sure the settings are correct. While most tuners go back to the default setting if you turn them off then back on, some retain the last settings used.
Getting false readings from overtones. When you play a note, it creates a series of overtones. This means that other strings may vibrate sympathetically with that string. This causes the tuner to have difficulty picking out the correct note. The way to prevent that is to deaden all but the string you're trying to tune.
If you'll follow these steps you should have no trouble getting and keeping your guitar in tune. One more thing, a sharp # reading means the note's too high, a flat b means the note's too low. When tuning keep in mind that the thicker the string, the less you have to turn the tuner to make it higher or lower.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Are You Multitasking Instead of Focusing?
Why multitasking is overrated.
The more I've become involved in teaching, the more I try to simplify practice. I see many students trying to do too many things at once. They'll be working on new songs when the old ones still need work, they'll try to play faster when they can't play slowly, or they'll try to keep a beat before they know where the notes are. While each aspect of practice is important, the ability to focus on one area at a time is the key. If you're tired of a song, put it away for a while instead of adding another new one. If you want to play faster you have to be able to play slowly, without any mistakes. If you want to keep a good, solid rhythm, you have to be able to concentrate on that. Don't forget the 3 elements of playing music well: Timing, Tone and Touch. The more you work on those, the more tools you have to be able to express yourself through the music.
The more I've become involved in teaching, the more I try to simplify practice. I see many students trying to do too many things at once. They'll be working on new songs when the old ones still need work, they'll try to play faster when they can't play slowly, or they'll try to keep a beat before they know where the notes are. While each aspect of practice is important, the ability to focus on one area at a time is the key. If you're tired of a song, put it away for a while instead of adding another new one. If you want to play faster you have to be able to play slowly, without any mistakes. If you want to keep a good, solid rhythm, you have to be able to concentrate on that. Don't forget the 3 elements of playing music well: Timing, Tone and Touch. The more you work on those, the more tools you have to be able to express yourself through the music.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Use the Force Luke!
Why it's best not to think when you practice.
I know, it sounds counter-intuitive, don't think! I tell students this a lot and they just kind of look at me like I'm kidding. The fact is, if you've practiced your song enough times there should be muscle memory to do the work for you. Sometimes I can just see them thinking too much and the next thing you know, they're making mistakes. If there's a difficult passage, play it slowly and don't pick up speed until you're sure you've played it correctly several times. Jazz guitarist Howard Roberts, founder of the Guitar Institute of Technology, gave this advice: "play so slowly you can't possibly make a mistake." When you do that, you're going to improve your playing and smooth out the rough spots.
I know, it sounds counter-intuitive, don't think! I tell students this a lot and they just kind of look at me like I'm kidding. The fact is, if you've practiced your song enough times there should be muscle memory to do the work for you. Sometimes I can just see them thinking too much and the next thing you know, they're making mistakes. If there's a difficult passage, play it slowly and don't pick up speed until you're sure you've played it correctly several times. Jazz guitarist Howard Roberts, founder of the Guitar Institute of Technology, gave this advice: "play so slowly you can't possibly make a mistake." When you do that, you're going to improve your playing and smooth out the rough spots.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Should I Learn on an Acoustic or Electric Guitar?
Don't fall for the old wives' tale.
Back in the day, the usual advice was to start on the acoustic guitar and then move to the electric. The reason back then, in the 1950s and 60s, was that an electric guitar was considerably more expensive than an acoustic. Things have changed and the price difference is really small if it even exists. The good news for the consumer is that cheap guitars are getting better. Some of the well known manufacturers including Gibson, Fender and Martin have entered the lower priced market. As a result, the guitar you buy now is a lot better than the one you could have gotten 10 years ago for the same money. Since they can't really go any lower on price, they're offering more features for the money. So the question of acoustic vs. electric is really more a matter of taste, and the decision should be based on what you like best. At some point most players end up having one of each, but in the beginning the best thing is to buy what you like.
Back in the day, the usual advice was to start on the acoustic guitar and then move to the electric. The reason back then, in the 1950s and 60s, was that an electric guitar was considerably more expensive than an acoustic. Things have changed and the price difference is really small if it even exists. The good news for the consumer is that cheap guitars are getting better. Some of the well known manufacturers including Gibson, Fender and Martin have entered the lower priced market. As a result, the guitar you buy now is a lot better than the one you could have gotten 10 years ago for the same money. Since they can't really go any lower on price, they're offering more features for the money. So the question of acoustic vs. electric is really more a matter of taste, and the decision should be based on what you like best. At some point most players end up having one of each, but in the beginning the best thing is to buy what you like.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Why Do I Have to Learn Scales?
What is the one element that all music revolves around?
You guessed it, scales. Where do chords come from? Stacking scale notes. Where do songs come from? Taking scale notes and making them into a melody. Where do solos come from? Playing scale notes to form patterns that ultimately become the solo. That's why music teachers place such importance on knowing them. If you understand scales and how they work, your guitar playing improves. Knowing what you're listening to will make it easier to figure out songs and eventually write songs. Take the time to learn the different types of scales and what they're used for, you'll be glad you did.
You guessed it, scales. Where do chords come from? Stacking scale notes. Where do songs come from? Taking scale notes and making them into a melody. Where do solos come from? Playing scale notes to form patterns that ultimately become the solo. That's why music teachers place such importance on knowing them. If you understand scales and how they work, your guitar playing improves. Knowing what you're listening to will make it easier to figure out songs and eventually write songs. Take the time to learn the different types of scales and what they're used for, you'll be glad you did.
Monday, September 13, 2010
I Always Play Better at Home!
Sound familiar?
A common complaint from students, we hear it all the time. My reply, "yes, but I wasn't there listening to you." What causes this and what can you do about it? The obvious cause is that when you practice at home no one's really listening, and if they are it's not from a critic's viewpoint. More than likely you're more relaxed, sitting and practicing in an area you're comfortable with, and feeling more confident. When you get to your lesson, the pressure's on whether real or imagined. Try as I might, it's very difficult to put a student at ease enough to play as well as they do at home.
It happens to the best of us!
When I went back to college, I had to take class piano. In addition to playing an electronic keyboard through headphones, we'd have to play a real piano, one on one with the teacher listening. In 2 years I can honestly say I NEVER PLAYED AS WELL AS I WAS CAPABLE OF. It was totally frustrating, especially considering that I could play my guitar in front of hundreds of people and not be the least bit nervous.
What's the answer?
It's simply a matter of confidence. In the back of my mind I knew I wasn't as good at the piano as I could be and probably, ok, certainly, didn't practice as much as I should have. I'd work on the songs but the finger exercises got a quick once over a couple days before I had to play for her. So, if you want to play well for your teacher or at the next open mic or recital, practice a lot, work on trouble spots and think positive. Henry Ford once said "whether you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right.
A common complaint from students, we hear it all the time. My reply, "yes, but I wasn't there listening to you." What causes this and what can you do about it? The obvious cause is that when you practice at home no one's really listening, and if they are it's not from a critic's viewpoint. More than likely you're more relaxed, sitting and practicing in an area you're comfortable with, and feeling more confident. When you get to your lesson, the pressure's on whether real or imagined. Try as I might, it's very difficult to put a student at ease enough to play as well as they do at home.
It happens to the best of us!
When I went back to college, I had to take class piano. In addition to playing an electronic keyboard through headphones, we'd have to play a real piano, one on one with the teacher listening. In 2 years I can honestly say I NEVER PLAYED AS WELL AS I WAS CAPABLE OF. It was totally frustrating, especially considering that I could play my guitar in front of hundreds of people and not be the least bit nervous.
What's the answer?
It's simply a matter of confidence. In the back of my mind I knew I wasn't as good at the piano as I could be and probably, ok, certainly, didn't practice as much as I should have. I'd work on the songs but the finger exercises got a quick once over a couple days before I had to play for her. So, if you want to play well for your teacher or at the next open mic or recital, practice a lot, work on trouble spots and think positive. Henry Ford once said "whether you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Crank Up Your Commitment Level
What will raise your commitment level?
There's nothing like a goal to get you fired up about your playing. One of the rewards of giving guitar lessons is to see a student break out of a period of complacency. Just recently I had a student who was struggling to learn, then he decided he'd play his guitar in the school talent show. His practice sessions went from just about zero to more than an hour a day, even more on weekends. He got a standing ovation for his performance, and then decided he would work out a song to play at church. His enthusiasm is absolutely contagious and his commitment to playing is at an all time high. If you want to get excited about learning guitar, you must have a goal.
Some ideas for a goal to set.
Set up a date to perform somewhere. It doesn't matter if it's a coffee house open mike, a recital, a talent show or a concert for your family and friends. There's nothing like a deadline to make you take the guitar out of its case.
Play with other people. No matter if you're a beginning guitar player or an expert, making music with others is a motivator.
Find an accountability partner or practice buddy. Nothing like a little friendly competition to get you going. When I first started guitar I had a friend who was about 6 months ahead of me. If I learned something at my lesson and decided to show off, you can bet the next day he could play it too!
What do you do to motivate yourself?
There's nothing like a goal to get you fired up about your playing. One of the rewards of giving guitar lessons is to see a student break out of a period of complacency. Just recently I had a student who was struggling to learn, then he decided he'd play his guitar in the school talent show. His practice sessions went from just about zero to more than an hour a day, even more on weekends. He got a standing ovation for his performance, and then decided he would work out a song to play at church. His enthusiasm is absolutely contagious and his commitment to playing is at an all time high. If you want to get excited about learning guitar, you must have a goal.
Some ideas for a goal to set.
Set up a date to perform somewhere. It doesn't matter if it's a coffee house open mike, a recital, a talent show or a concert for your family and friends. There's nothing like a deadline to make you take the guitar out of its case.
Play with other people. No matter if you're a beginning guitar player or an expert, making music with others is a motivator.
Find an accountability partner or practice buddy. Nothing like a little friendly competition to get you going. When I first started guitar I had a friend who was about 6 months ahead of me. If I learned something at my lesson and decided to show off, you can bet the next day he could play it too!
What do you do to motivate yourself?
Friday, September 10, 2010
What the Heck's a Capo and Why Would I Need One?
This little device can make easy songs out of hard ones.
The capo is a clamp-like device used to change keys without changing fingerings, or to make hard chords into easier ones. There are lots of different brands and models, and all of them will work. The decision will be based on how much you'll use the capo, ease of use and price. A basic, elastic capo is only a few dollars, while a handmade McKinney capo can cost close to $100. One warning about the elastic capo is that it will eventually stretch to the point that it no longer holds the strings down tight enough.
So, how does it work? The capo is placed on the neck, pushing the strings down and taking the place of the nut (the plastic thing the strings go through). One way to use the capo is to change key without having to learn a song with a new set of chords. Let's say you've learned a cool arrangement of a song and then you can't sing it because it's too low. With the capo you clamp the strings so the vocal range is more comfortable. The second way is to make easy chords out of difficult ones. The capo takes the place of playing barre chords, so you can play chords you're more comfortable with.
The brands I recommend: If you're short of cash, the Kyser ProAm is around $7.00, and while it's a little slow to install and remove it, they're a good deal for the price. For convenience and dependability, I use and recommend Shubb capos. Once it's properly adjusted you can be ready to play in a few seconds. If you play in a band or use a capo a lot, it's one of the best. They're priced in the $25-30 range depending on the instrument and the model.
The capo is a clamp-like device used to change keys without changing fingerings, or to make hard chords into easier ones. There are lots of different brands and models, and all of them will work. The decision will be based on how much you'll use the capo, ease of use and price. A basic, elastic capo is only a few dollars, while a handmade McKinney capo can cost close to $100. One warning about the elastic capo is that it will eventually stretch to the point that it no longer holds the strings down tight enough.
So, how does it work? The capo is placed on the neck, pushing the strings down and taking the place of the nut (the plastic thing the strings go through). One way to use the capo is to change key without having to learn a song with a new set of chords. Let's say you've learned a cool arrangement of a song and then you can't sing it because it's too low. With the capo you clamp the strings so the vocal range is more comfortable. The second way is to make easy chords out of difficult ones. The capo takes the place of playing barre chords, so you can play chords you're more comfortable with.
The brands I recommend: If you're short of cash, the Kyser ProAm is around $7.00, and while it's a little slow to install and remove it, they're a good deal for the price. For convenience and dependability, I use and recommend Shubb capos. Once it's properly adjusted you can be ready to play in a few seconds. If you play in a band or use a capo a lot, it's one of the best. They're priced in the $25-30 range depending on the instrument and the model.
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| Shubb |
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| Kyser Pro-Am |
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Listen to Your Teacher!
How to overcome being a "non-compliant" student.
Do you take your guitar teacher's advice? Have you gotten into the habit of agreeing with what he or she says but not following up? Over the years I've had many students who want to improve, ask for advice, and then totally ignore what I tell them. It's like going to the doctor and selectively hearing the diagnosis. Why pay your doctor or your teacher good money if you're going to ignore what you're told? I help students set goals, work on difficult passages, try to get ready for a gig or a contest, learn to play in front of an audience, and a lot of times it falls on deaf ears. The next time you're at your guitar lesson, listen to what your teacher says, write it down, and then go home and try it out. It's so crazy it just might work!
Do you take your guitar teacher's advice? Have you gotten into the habit of agreeing with what he or she says but not following up? Over the years I've had many students who want to improve, ask for advice, and then totally ignore what I tell them. It's like going to the doctor and selectively hearing the diagnosis. Why pay your doctor or your teacher good money if you're going to ignore what you're told? I help students set goals, work on difficult passages, try to get ready for a gig or a contest, learn to play in front of an audience, and a lot of times it falls on deaf ears. The next time you're at your guitar lesson, listen to what your teacher says, write it down, and then go home and try it out. It's so crazy it just might work!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Improving Your Guitar Chords: What Beginners Need to Know
Does your chord playing need work?
One of the most frustrating parts of beginning guitar lessons is getting your chords to sound good. These tips will help you make your chords sound like they should.
Stop the strings from buzzing. One of the things you need to work on when you play guitar chords is eliminating string buzz. The causes are: not playing close enough to the fret, not pushing hard enough and not keeping the pressure on. The frets are the metal bars, not the spaces in between. You want to get your fingers close to the frets, but not touching them. If you're close to the fret and they're still buzzing, push harder. In the beginning stages your fingers aren't tough yet so you need to push harder. If you get a buzz after a second or two, you've let the pressure off.
Making the strings ring clear. A muffled or deadened sound is usually caused by something being in the way. It can be a sleeve, a fingernail, or another finger. Arch your hand so that each finger is bent at both joints and the fingers come down as straight as possible. This will get the fingers out of each other's way. Be sure your sleeve isn't blocking the string and keep your left hand fingernails trimmed. The last cause is having your finger right on the fret instead of behind it.
Checking your progress. If you're not sure how the chord sounds, play each string individually while holding the chord so you can find the source of the trouble. Work to position your hand and fingers so that all of the strings are making a clear sound. You also need to be sure that you're not playing strings that don't go in the chord. At the top of the chord grid there are Xs and Os. An X means the string isn't played, so be sure you don't strum that one. Os are played open, you have no finger on there but it is part of the chord.
One of the most frustrating parts of beginning guitar lessons is getting your chords to sound good. These tips will help you make your chords sound like they should.
Stop the strings from buzzing. One of the things you need to work on when you play guitar chords is eliminating string buzz. The causes are: not playing close enough to the fret, not pushing hard enough and not keeping the pressure on. The frets are the metal bars, not the spaces in between. You want to get your fingers close to the frets, but not touching them. If you're close to the fret and they're still buzzing, push harder. In the beginning stages your fingers aren't tough yet so you need to push harder. If you get a buzz after a second or two, you've let the pressure off.
Making the strings ring clear. A muffled or deadened sound is usually caused by something being in the way. It can be a sleeve, a fingernail, or another finger. Arch your hand so that each finger is bent at both joints and the fingers come down as straight as possible. This will get the fingers out of each other's way. Be sure your sleeve isn't blocking the string and keep your left hand fingernails trimmed. The last cause is having your finger right on the fret instead of behind it.
Checking your progress. If you're not sure how the chord sounds, play each string individually while holding the chord so you can find the source of the trouble. Work to position your hand and fingers so that all of the strings are making a clear sound. You also need to be sure that you're not playing strings that don't go in the chord. At the top of the chord grid there are Xs and Os. An X means the string isn't played, so be sure you don't strum that one. Os are played open, you have no finger on there but it is part of the chord.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Do You Own These Helpful Tools For Learning Guitar?
Give Yourself a Jump Start With These Accessories
1. Music Stand. I've had many students tell me when they practice they put the music on the floor, the coffee table, the side of the bed, or propped up somehow. These ways all promote poor posture and playing position. A wire, folding music stand only costs about $15-25 and is a worthwhile investment. The "industrial strength" ones you see professional musicians use can run from $60 up, but the sturdiness and ability to adjust it make it worth the extra money. Either way, this should be on the top of your list.
2. Electronic Tuner. Like every electronic device, tuners are dropped in price to the point where no one should be without one. Even if you know how to tune it's a great tool. They range in price from under $10 to $100+, but most people can get by without one that's priced high. Even the low to mid priced ones have many features that were only available on expensive models a few years ago.
3. Metronome or Drum Machine. A metronome or drum machine will help you develop a solid sense of rhythm. Either one is fine, but a drum machine is a little more fun to practice with.
4. Digital Recorder. While not an absolute necessity, the ability to record your playing is a great tool to see how you're progressing. Most people are surprised at how different they sound and at how many mistakes they don't hear. Just remember, recordings don't lie!
5. A Good Teacher. It's possible to learn on your own, but finding a good teacher can accelerate the process. Beginning guitar lessons are the most crucial, since they can help you get started using the right techniques.
6. Software to Slow Songs Down. One of the most useful tools we use at the studio is a program to slow songs down. A good choice is RiffPro. Click Here!(Affiliate link)
1. Music Stand. I've had many students tell me when they practice they put the music on the floor, the coffee table, the side of the bed, or propped up somehow. These ways all promote poor posture and playing position. A wire, folding music stand only costs about $15-25 and is a worthwhile investment. The "industrial strength" ones you see professional musicians use can run from $60 up, but the sturdiness and ability to adjust it make it worth the extra money. Either way, this should be on the top of your list.
2. Electronic Tuner. Like every electronic device, tuners are dropped in price to the point where no one should be without one. Even if you know how to tune it's a great tool. They range in price from under $10 to $100+, but most people can get by without one that's priced high. Even the low to mid priced ones have many features that were only available on expensive models a few years ago.
3. Metronome or Drum Machine. A metronome or drum machine will help you develop a solid sense of rhythm. Either one is fine, but a drum machine is a little more fun to practice with.
4. Digital Recorder. While not an absolute necessity, the ability to record your playing is a great tool to see how you're progressing. Most people are surprised at how different they sound and at how many mistakes they don't hear. Just remember, recordings don't lie!
5. A Good Teacher. It's possible to learn on your own, but finding a good teacher can accelerate the process. Beginning guitar lessons are the most crucial, since they can help you get started using the right techniques.
6. Software to Slow Songs Down. One of the most useful tools we use at the studio is a program to slow songs down. A good choice is RiffPro. Click Here!(Affiliate link)
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Quick Tips to Improve Your Guitar Playing
Once you've set your goals, you need some quick ways to improve.
1. Use a Metronome or Drum Machine. You can either purchase a metronome or drum machine, or you can find a metronome online for free. If you do buy one, make sure it's loud enough to be heard over your playing. Some of the compact, electronic ones are not very loud, however they do have an earphone. A drum machine does the same thing, but it's a little more fun to practice with. Start out slow and gradually increase the speed. The problem with doing that without a timekeeping device is that we have to play noticeably faster to tell a difference. With a metronome or drum machine you can increase the tempo a tiny bit.
2. Find a Way to Slow Down a Song. There are several programs available that will enable you to slow a song down without changing the pitch. At our Guitar Studio we use The Amazing Slow Downer which is a very easy to use program. You can slow songs down, change the pitch, and set up a loop to work on a specific section of the song.
3. Set Aside a Specific Time to Practice. Having a designated time to practice each day will help you make steady progress. Decide ahead of time what you want to accomplish and don't watch the clock! It's much better to focus on trouble spots than to stop in the middle of what you're doing because the time you've allotted is up.
4. Record Yourself. If you have Garage Band, another recording program or just a simple recorder you'll do yourself a great favor by using it to hear what you sound like. A passage that sounds good live may not be as good as you think when you play it back. Another advantage is that you can hear your progress. I'll have students ask me if they're getting any better and then when I tell them yes they're still skeptical. That's when I recommend recording and then listening to what they played a couple weeks down the road. Since you hear yourself play every day a lot of times it can seem like you're not making any headway.
1. Use a Metronome or Drum Machine. You can either purchase a metronome or drum machine, or you can find a metronome online for free. If you do buy one, make sure it's loud enough to be heard over your playing. Some of the compact, electronic ones are not very loud, however they do have an earphone. A drum machine does the same thing, but it's a little more fun to practice with. Start out slow and gradually increase the speed. The problem with doing that without a timekeeping device is that we have to play noticeably faster to tell a difference. With a metronome or drum machine you can increase the tempo a tiny bit.
2. Find a Way to Slow Down a Song. There are several programs available that will enable you to slow a song down without changing the pitch. At our Guitar Studio we use The Amazing Slow Downer which is a very easy to use program. You can slow songs down, change the pitch, and set up a loop to work on a specific section of the song.
3. Set Aside a Specific Time to Practice. Having a designated time to practice each day will help you make steady progress. Decide ahead of time what you want to accomplish and don't watch the clock! It's much better to focus on trouble spots than to stop in the middle of what you're doing because the time you've allotted is up.
4. Record Yourself. If you have Garage Band, another recording program or just a simple recorder you'll do yourself a great favor by using it to hear what you sound like. A passage that sounds good live may not be as good as you think when you play it back. Another advantage is that you can hear your progress. I'll have students ask me if they're getting any better and then when I tell them yes they're still skeptical. That's when I recommend recording and then listening to what they played a couple weeks down the road. Since you hear yourself play every day a lot of times it can seem like you're not making any headway.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
5 Reasons to Take Guitar Lessons
Why should you take guitar lessons when there are so many other more affordable ways to learn? Let's find out.
1. The teacher can answer your questions. You can't ask a DVD a book or a CD a question. There are many good, helpful resources available, but being able to ask a question of a live teacher is a huge advantage. There's a lot to be said for getting an instant answer explained in terms you understand.
2. A teacher will catch bad habits. Playing in front of your teacher, he or she will immediately be able to see if you're forming a habit that will catch up with you later. Getting feedback right away will help you learn correctly from the beginning.
3. Your teacher can motivate you. I've found that teaching yourself is very difficult because you need motivation. If you have no one to play for or to be accountable to, it's very easy to get in a rut and just play the songs you're comfortable with.
4. An instructor will make sure you progress. Sometimes a new student will attempt a piece that's just not possible yet. Many of my students will hear a song they'd like to play and then be surprised at how hard it is. "But it sounds easy" is something I hear a lot. A good teacher will make sure that you move forward and not become discouraged by trying to play something you're not capable of at the moment.
5. The teacher will help you set goals. Having goals is an important part of learning to play guitar. The most difficult students we have are the ones that have no idea of what they're trying to do. Too often someone will say "I just want to play the guitar." The nice thing about guitar is that it's extremely versatile. You can play any kind of music on it and you can decide how good you want to be. I've had students who were happy playing a half dozen chords and singing around the campfire while others studied for years to reach the level they desired.
1. The teacher can answer your questions. You can't ask a DVD a book or a CD a question. There are many good, helpful resources available, but being able to ask a question of a live teacher is a huge advantage. There's a lot to be said for getting an instant answer explained in terms you understand.
2. A teacher will catch bad habits. Playing in front of your teacher, he or she will immediately be able to see if you're forming a habit that will catch up with you later. Getting feedback right away will help you learn correctly from the beginning.
3. Your teacher can motivate you. I've found that teaching yourself is very difficult because you need motivation. If you have no one to play for or to be accountable to, it's very easy to get in a rut and just play the songs you're comfortable with.
4. An instructor will make sure you progress. Sometimes a new student will attempt a piece that's just not possible yet. Many of my students will hear a song they'd like to play and then be surprised at how hard it is. "But it sounds easy" is something I hear a lot. A good teacher will make sure that you move forward and not become discouraged by trying to play something you're not capable of at the moment.
5. The teacher will help you set goals. Having goals is an important part of learning to play guitar. The most difficult students we have are the ones that have no idea of what they're trying to do. Too often someone will say "I just want to play the guitar." The nice thing about guitar is that it's extremely versatile. You can play any kind of music on it and you can decide how good you want to be. I've had students who were happy playing a half dozen chords and singing around the campfire while others studied for years to reach the level they desired.
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