What's so hard about using the pinkie?
Beginning guitar students are way too eager to avoid using the pinkie finger at all costs. It won't stretch that far, it's not strong, I can't get it to work right, and who knows what else? I've watched ______ play and he or she doesn't use it.
Practice stretching exercises and quit avoiding it.
When you're serious about learning and improving your guitar playing, you use all of the tools available to you. Your guitar teacher can give you plenty of stretching and strengthening exercises to get the pinkie moving. Start out on frets 9 through 12, playing them in both directions: 9-10-11-12 and then 12-11-10-9, and be sure to use all 4 fingers. The other secret is to leave the 1st finger down through the whole sequence. When you can do that comfortably on those frets and all 6 strings, move to frets 8 - 11. You'll be pleasantly surprised at your progress.
Should I use my thumb?
While classical purists frown on thumb use, many guitar players use the thumb to fret the 6th string. You'll be in good company joining Jimi Hendrix, Chet Atkins, Mel Bay, and many others in using the thumb. I use it on some difficult chords as well as in songs when it's convenient. Angie, by Bert Jansch and recorded by Simon and Garfunkel is an example of using the thumb. I use the thumb to play the barre chord F at the first fret. Guitar students with smaller hands may find it more difficult, but the best thing to do is try it and see what happens.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Get Rid of Distractions
What's keeping you from focusing on your practice?
I've had students tell me they have the radio on in the background, they practice sitting on the bed with the music opened on the floor, on the couch with the music on the coffee table, geez Louise, how do you expect to get anywhere like that? Let's look at some ways to improve your environment which in turn will improve your ability to focus.
The room itself.
For playing guitar you need: a quiet space, one free of tempting objects that will steal your attention. The practice room should have door you can close, a way to record yourself, a computer or mp3 player so you can listen to recordings of what you're learning, and most importantly a music stand.
Essential learning tools.
I've said it many times, but it still falls on deaf ears......practice with a metronome or drum machine. Music is made up of 3 elements, melody, harmony and RHYTHM. I know it's hard, I know the metronome can be more annoying than fun, but it's going to take your playing to the next level. There isn't much worse than playing music with someone who can't count.
An electronic tuner is the second tool. You can buy a good, chromatic tuner for under $30, and it's money well spent. The last thing you want to do is get used to your guitar being out of tune. That's probably the second worse thing if you're playing with others.
Something to write with. Write down your goals, write down what you need to work on, write down how and what you've practiced. Mark places that need work, circle notes you keep playing wrong.
Picks, replacement strings, and a capo. Do you have pick handy? I have guitar students that are proud of themselves for having one pick. Go crazy, buy yourself a dozen the next time you're at a music store, they're cheap! Try different sizes, shapes and thicknesses. You just might be surprised at how different they can be. Do you have an extra set of strings? Guitar strings are also cheap. You can buy a set for $10-20, and it's a good idea to have some handy. Strings can break for any number of reasons including operator error, being too old, playing too hard, or sometimes just because they have a weak spot. A capo, the little device that goes across the strings and replaces the nut, is used by lots of guitarists in lots of different kinds of music. Listen to Hotel California or Here Comes the Sun to hear a couple of examples of guitars with capos on them.
Other handy items.
A computer can be used to find songs, record and play back your practice sessions, and to do research. You can find lessons, videos, and much more, just be sure to use the computer for its intended purpose, not just to play games! One of the most valuable items we use in the Studio is software that can slow songs down. I use Riffmaster Pro, (affiliate link), which is easy to use and understand. The best feature is that you can create, slow down and save a loop. This enables you to go back and practice or try to figure out a section of a song.
I've had students tell me they have the radio on in the background, they practice sitting on the bed with the music opened on the floor, on the couch with the music on the coffee table, geez Louise, how do you expect to get anywhere like that? Let's look at some ways to improve your environment which in turn will improve your ability to focus.
The room itself.
For playing guitar you need: a quiet space, one free of tempting objects that will steal your attention. The practice room should have door you can close, a way to record yourself, a computer or mp3 player so you can listen to recordings of what you're learning, and most importantly a music stand.
Essential learning tools.
I've said it many times, but it still falls on deaf ears......practice with a metronome or drum machine. Music is made up of 3 elements, melody, harmony and RHYTHM. I know it's hard, I know the metronome can be more annoying than fun, but it's going to take your playing to the next level. There isn't much worse than playing music with someone who can't count.
An electronic tuner is the second tool. You can buy a good, chromatic tuner for under $30, and it's money well spent. The last thing you want to do is get used to your guitar being out of tune. That's probably the second worse thing if you're playing with others.
Something to write with. Write down your goals, write down what you need to work on, write down how and what you've practiced. Mark places that need work, circle notes you keep playing wrong.
Picks, replacement strings, and a capo. Do you have pick handy? I have guitar students that are proud of themselves for having one pick. Go crazy, buy yourself a dozen the next time you're at a music store, they're cheap! Try different sizes, shapes and thicknesses. You just might be surprised at how different they can be. Do you have an extra set of strings? Guitar strings are also cheap. You can buy a set for $10-20, and it's a good idea to have some handy. Strings can break for any number of reasons including operator error, being too old, playing too hard, or sometimes just because they have a weak spot. A capo, the little device that goes across the strings and replaces the nut, is used by lots of guitarists in lots of different kinds of music. Listen to Hotel California or Here Comes the Sun to hear a couple of examples of guitars with capos on them.
Other handy items.
A computer can be used to find songs, record and play back your practice sessions, and to do research. You can find lessons, videos, and much more, just be sure to use the computer for its intended purpose, not just to play games! One of the most valuable items we use in the Studio is software that can slow songs down. I use Riffmaster Pro, (affiliate link), which is easy to use and understand. The best feature is that you can create, slow down and save a loop. This enables you to go back and practice or try to figure out a section of a song.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Making Excuses Instead of Making Time to Practice
Making excuses = Easy!
Making time to practice = Hard?
Making excuses for not practicing.
Most guitar teachers have heard them all. We were out of town, I had to study, I had tests all week, I had a hockey, soccer, basketball or baseball game. While we don't expect you to give up these activities, it is amazing how there's always time to do these instead of practicing. Try to think back upon what you did all day, then tell me honestly that there was absolutely no wasted time and that getting the guitar out was not possible. There are more and more time wasters now than ever. Sending texts, video games, cell phones, ipods and countless other forms of entertainment are available to distract you and make you feel like you have no time.
Making time to practice.
Impossible thought it seems, almost everyone can find time to spend practicing their chosen instrument. Like everything else, it's easy to let it slide, and the more you let it do that, the easier it becomes to not practice. Miss a couple days in a row and pretty soon the excuses and perceptions will make it seem like you really don't have the time. Setting priorities, having a relaxing, quiet space to practice and not watching the clock are all viable solutions. Like in all worthwhile endeavors, even a little practice each day is better than none at all.
Developing your passion.
It's funny, but there always seems to be time to do the things we really love and enjoy. Explore the versatility of the guitar. Listen to as many different kinds of music as you can and be open minded. I'll mention a type of music and without hesitation a student will tell me how much they dislike that style. A lot of times it's because they're not familiar enough with it, or, they just didn't give it a chance. Open your mind and your ears and you may be surprised at how moving a particular song, artist or genre of music can be. When you hear something you like, explore it further. There are so many ways to play guitar it's almost guaranteed that something will move you and make you want to learn more.
Making time to practice = Hard?
Making excuses for not practicing.
Most guitar teachers have heard them all. We were out of town, I had to study, I had tests all week, I had a hockey, soccer, basketball or baseball game. While we don't expect you to give up these activities, it is amazing how there's always time to do these instead of practicing. Try to think back upon what you did all day, then tell me honestly that there was absolutely no wasted time and that getting the guitar out was not possible. There are more and more time wasters now than ever. Sending texts, video games, cell phones, ipods and countless other forms of entertainment are available to distract you and make you feel like you have no time.
Making time to practice.
Impossible thought it seems, almost everyone can find time to spend practicing their chosen instrument. Like everything else, it's easy to let it slide, and the more you let it do that, the easier it becomes to not practice. Miss a couple days in a row and pretty soon the excuses and perceptions will make it seem like you really don't have the time. Setting priorities, having a relaxing, quiet space to practice and not watching the clock are all viable solutions. Like in all worthwhile endeavors, even a little practice each day is better than none at all.
Developing your passion.
It's funny, but there always seems to be time to do the things we really love and enjoy. Explore the versatility of the guitar. Listen to as many different kinds of music as you can and be open minded. I'll mention a type of music and without hesitation a student will tell me how much they dislike that style. A lot of times it's because they're not familiar enough with it, or, they just didn't give it a chance. Open your mind and your ears and you may be surprised at how moving a particular song, artist or genre of music can be. When you hear something you like, explore it further. There are so many ways to play guitar it's almost guaranteed that something will move you and make you want to learn more.
Monday, February 14, 2011
DON'T Start From the Beginning
Mastering a piece of music.
There have been many times when I'll have a student get to a certain place in being able to perform a piece of music and not seem to be able to perfect it. The beginner usually decides that the best thing to do is to just start over and play the piece all the way through. The advice I give gets ignored, or worse, the excuses start coming. I've heard it all: I can't memorize things, I don't like this song, (translation, it's too hard and I don't want to bother finishing it), it doesn't sound good slow, and the list goes on. Beginning guitar students seem to have an especially hard time working on a song, being satisfied as soon as it resembles what it should sound like.
Isolating the trouble spots.
Trouble spots come in many forms. It can be rhythm, awkward fingering, a passage that you play wrong over and over, and more, lots more. Let's take a look at a couple of these and how to get over the hump.
Rhythm.
Solved by a) listening to a recording of the song, b), slowing down and working with a metronome,
c) having your guitar teacher go over the rhythm with you until you fully understand it. One technique I've used is to listen to a recording of the song when I'm not trying to play it. Listen to it over and over until you know exactly what the song is supposed to sound like. Don't go too long without listening, thinking that you know how it goes.
Awkward fingering.
Beginning guitar students and even more advanced guitarists seem to have a way of talking themselves out of using the pinkie on their left hand. Most give up on it way too soon, so they never develop the ability to use it. The concept of position playing on the guitar, one finger per fret, can almost always help you work out a fingering problem. An important point to remember is to use the same fingering consistently once you decide how you'll play that part of the song. Your guitar teacher can help you pick the finger combinations that work best. I always tell my students though, fingering is a suggestion and if you find something that's more comfortable, don't be afraid to use it.
Starting over from the beginning.
People learn things in many different ways, and one of the ways is to start over from the beginning if they make a mistake. When I learn a new song, I always try to play through the whole thing, no matter how slow and painful that may be. It's a way of seeing what you're up against, and after playing through it a few times you can usually find the parts that are going to be the most difficult. Another approach is to learn each measure one at a time, only moving on when you can play those notes well. Whichever way you choose to start, after playing the song a couple times listen and look for the parts that will be more difficult. Play those parts through a few extra times each day when you practice the song, so you can smooth them out.
For more hints and tips, or to register for guitar or banjo lessons, visit our website: www.blguitars.net
Click the link to become a fan of Bob Lucas Guitar Studios on Facebook.
There have been many times when I'll have a student get to a certain place in being able to perform a piece of music and not seem to be able to perfect it. The beginner usually decides that the best thing to do is to just start over and play the piece all the way through. The advice I give gets ignored, or worse, the excuses start coming. I've heard it all: I can't memorize things, I don't like this song, (translation, it's too hard and I don't want to bother finishing it), it doesn't sound good slow, and the list goes on. Beginning guitar students seem to have an especially hard time working on a song, being satisfied as soon as it resembles what it should sound like.
Isolating the trouble spots.
Trouble spots come in many forms. It can be rhythm, awkward fingering, a passage that you play wrong over and over, and more, lots more. Let's take a look at a couple of these and how to get over the hump.
Rhythm.
Solved by a) listening to a recording of the song, b), slowing down and working with a metronome,
c) having your guitar teacher go over the rhythm with you until you fully understand it. One technique I've used is to listen to a recording of the song when I'm not trying to play it. Listen to it over and over until you know exactly what the song is supposed to sound like. Don't go too long without listening, thinking that you know how it goes.
Awkward fingering.
Beginning guitar students and even more advanced guitarists seem to have a way of talking themselves out of using the pinkie on their left hand. Most give up on it way too soon, so they never develop the ability to use it. The concept of position playing on the guitar, one finger per fret, can almost always help you work out a fingering problem. An important point to remember is to use the same fingering consistently once you decide how you'll play that part of the song. Your guitar teacher can help you pick the finger combinations that work best. I always tell my students though, fingering is a suggestion and if you find something that's more comfortable, don't be afraid to use it.
Starting over from the beginning.
People learn things in many different ways, and one of the ways is to start over from the beginning if they make a mistake. When I learn a new song, I always try to play through the whole thing, no matter how slow and painful that may be. It's a way of seeing what you're up against, and after playing through it a few times you can usually find the parts that are going to be the most difficult. Another approach is to learn each measure one at a time, only moving on when you can play those notes well. Whichever way you choose to start, after playing the song a couple times listen and look for the parts that will be more difficult. Play those parts through a few extra times each day when you practice the song, so you can smooth them out.
For more hints and tips, or to register for guitar or banjo lessons, visit our website: www.blguitars.net
Click the link to become a fan of Bob Lucas Guitar Studios on Facebook.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Want a New Challenge? Play Standing Up!
Get a different view of what you're playing. While most beginning guitar students own a strap, not many seem to try it out. The different angles and views when you stand present a whole new challenge. It's hard to see the frets, your hands are in a different position and the whole experience can best be described as awkward. Not being able to see things the same way results in having to get used to standing up while practicing.
Watch your hands in the mirror. I know it sounds weird, but if you practice in front of a mirror you'll be able to watch where you need to place your fingers. At first you'll feel kind of funny looking at yourself playing the guitar that way, but it really will make the transition to standing easier.
Attaching the guitar strap. Lots of guitars have a strap button on the end, but no way to attach the other part of the strap. The solution? Some people drill a hole in their guitar and attach the strap to the heel of the neck. While that does work, you may not like the idea of drilling holes in your prized instrument. Some straps have a shoelace like string to attach the strap by running under the strings and simply tying a know in it. I use, sell and recommend a nifty device that has a quick release. You attach it to your strap and if you want to take the strap off you just push the two little buttons on the side. Very convenient, easy to use and there's no drilling required. It's from a company called Planet Waves, and it works great! They're under $10 and all of your strap attachment problems are solved.
How high or low should your guitar be? The best suggestion here is to experiment and see what you like. You'll see professional guitarists with the guitar at waist level or below while others have it up pretty high. Try to find a position that enables you to reach everything while still feeling comfortable.
For more hints and tips, or to register for guitar or banjo lessons, visit our website: www.blguitars.net
Click the link to become a fan of Bob Lucas Guitar Studios on Facebook.
Watch your hands in the mirror. I know it sounds weird, but if you practice in front of a mirror you'll be able to watch where you need to place your fingers. At first you'll feel kind of funny looking at yourself playing the guitar that way, but it really will make the transition to standing easier.
Attaching the guitar strap. Lots of guitars have a strap button on the end, but no way to attach the other part of the strap. The solution? Some people drill a hole in their guitar and attach the strap to the heel of the neck. While that does work, you may not like the idea of drilling holes in your prized instrument. Some straps have a shoelace like string to attach the strap by running under the strings and simply tying a know in it. I use, sell and recommend a nifty device that has a quick release. You attach it to your strap and if you want to take the strap off you just push the two little buttons on the side. Very convenient, easy to use and there's no drilling required. It's from a company called Planet Waves, and it works great! They're under $10 and all of your strap attachment problems are solved.How high or low should your guitar be? The best suggestion here is to experiment and see what you like. You'll see professional guitarists with the guitar at waist level or below while others have it up pretty high. Try to find a position that enables you to reach everything while still feeling comfortable.
For more hints and tips, or to register for guitar or banjo lessons, visit our website: www.blguitars.net
Click the link to become a fan of Bob Lucas Guitar Studios on Facebook.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
3 Sure Ways to Learn Faster
Everyone wants to progress more quickly, here are 3 sure ways to do just that.
Click the link to become a fan of Bob Lucas Guitar Studios on Facebook.
- Record Yourself. There are lots of options, from a cheap recorder from Radio Shack, a recording program on your computer like Garage Band, all the way up to professional, multi-track software. The important thing is not how many bells and whistles are available, but simply being able to record and play back what you sound like. Remember one basic concept: RECORDINGS DON'T LIE! You may be shocked at what your playing really sounds like, good or bad. I tell my students to record themselves, listen to it, then put it away for a few weeks before listening again. This is a good way to actually hear progress.
- Slow Down. Whether you're working on a new piece or polishing up one you've been playing for a while, it's good to slow down and listen for rough spots. It's much harder sometimes to slow a song down and play it accurately, listening to yourself play and concentrating on producing clear, crisp, clean notes.
- Buy a Metronome and USE IT. I've heard all of the excuses: "it's too mechanical, it's boring, it distracts me, I can't figure out how to use it", and on and on. Don't forget the three things that make up music are melody, harmony and rhythm. Set the metronome to about 60 beats per minute, play scales, chords, finger stretchers, and anything else that needs work. You'll be surprised at how much this will improve your playing. Once you're at a level where you can play with others they'll really appreciate the fact that you have good, solid rhythm skills.
Click the link to become a fan of Bob Lucas Guitar Studios on Facebook.
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