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Group admin:: tweedledum
Created:: January 8, 2008
: 319 Members

Group Tags:

Music, songwriting, performing music, gigs, instruments, musicians

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Closet guitar player reveals himself

Posted: Aug 29, 08 2:00pm

Hi,

I'm new to the group and, although saying I am a musician is a stretch, I do take guitar lessons and am always looking for ways to improve. I play by myself and not in public.

I have been working on a repertoire of songs, working with improving the ease by which I move from chord to chord and keeping time. This includes basic open chords and barre chords. I usually follow along with a CD. I am getting into some finger picking and simple walk ups.

More immediately, if there are any guitar instructors out there, how can I get the most out of my lessons and the overall experience? My instructor is good, but I sometimes wonder if he really knows how to get the most out of me. I would like to start learning some lead riffs and understanding some theory behind that; although, my technical skills are not quite where they need to be for anything complex.

Tags:

music, guitar

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15 Comments // 8 Members

flashman

Posted: Aug 29, 08 3:32pm

howdy and pleased to meet ya!

i'm no expert on the guitar, but i think you'll find playing the guitar much easier outside of the closet than in it.

;-)

i hear ya about wanting an instructor who knows how to get the most out of you, but ultimately i think YOU'RE your best instructor in that regard - you get out what you put in. I'd stick with the lessons, but learn to hear and identify whats inside that's yearning to get out and let your passion be your guide.

all imho of course!

welcome to the group and best of luck to ye!

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THEE SLAYER DUG

Posted: Aug 29, 08 8:42pm

Wise words, Flashman! Hello, Prof!! Welcome to TBD and thank you for starting this discussion.

I agree that you should continue the lessons. Once you are more comfortable with your ability, you will definitely be more comfortable with using that ability to express the music coming from within you.

Once that elation hits you, you will be inspired to let it flow.

I'm not versed in theory nor have I had any formal music education, but damn, when that song is finished and the rest of my band

knows how to play it and we play it out in front of an audience, it feels damn good.

Don't be discouraged.

Keep on pickin'!!!

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Dzign Prof

Posted: Sep 2, 08 5:51am

Flashman and Thee Slayer Dog,

Thanks for the words of inspiration. I should just keep playing and go with what moves me.

I do need to find a way to get myself out of the closet. I really should seek out a local group of people who like to play for enjoyment and jump in. I hear that is the best way to learn and improve your chops.

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Sharon12StringTim

Posted: Sep 3, 08 11:37am

Hi Dzign: Welcome from one newbie to another. Yep, that's what I did, jumped right in but it was easier for me since Tim was into entertaining already 20 some years and I just moved in with his act 8 years ago.

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Dzign Prof

Posted: Sep 3, 08 3:31pm

Sharon,

It must help to have the experienced player around to follow along with. Sound like you are having fun.

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Sharon12StringTim

Posted: Sep 4, 08 8:58am

Yep Dzign that's the whole idea,having fun at what you do. The crowd sees that you are having fun and makes them more comfortable and they are having more fun. Win win situation.

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Colors of Lights

Posted: Sep 5, 08 6:41pm

The best book I've used is

'Scales over Chords'

"How to improvise and never play bad notes"

by Wilbur M. Savidge

and Randy Lee Vrandenburg

I been playing for a quite a while and this book still gives me jolts.

Oh snd jammin a lot

Doug :)

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