I was personally a former professional 30 year lead guitarist for different Atlanta music groups in the 70's, 80's and the 90's. I began to learn how to play guitar at the age of twelve. My four year guitar instructor and also music theory teacher reminded every week during my (30) thirty minute music lesson to practice at least thirty minutes everyday. "Man I still remember the pain of trying to get those callouses on my fingertips!" ( I've actually heard of some people using SUPER GLUE placed on your finger tips while in training just to relieve the pain).
This guy was great! He pushed me in the "Right Direction" every week. Explaining how music theory applies to any musical instrument. Some of my music lessons did NOT even require the use of my guitar. This "Incredible" music teacher played over 15 different instruments, not all at once of course, but understood exactly how learning the art of reading sheet music can be a great tool. At the age of twelve, I didn't know precisely what he was talking about at the time, but it all eventually fell into place somehow over the years because I still kept trying to learn and how to play the guitar.
One day during my weekly lesson he had a small turntable music box, which played 45's and 33's RPM records. He had the written sheet music to "Secret Agent Man" by Johnny Rivers in the late 1960's in front of me. We carefully went over the notes of this first and second string beginning of this song, which I Loved at the time. I did understand the notes I was playing, using up and down strokes on the guitar, on the first two strings, but did NOT seem to fit for me at the time, simply because I didn't understand how these musical notes can apply to any song? Especially, after I took lessons for about a year or so.
After I practiced in front of him for about 15 minutes during this particular lesson. He then played the beginning of this song called "Secret Agent Man!" I was completely thrilled! Finally it all made sense. He also reminded me to continuously "Pat my foot while I am practicing my guitar!" and also explained how written music can be applied to any instrument, and based on what we listen to and enjoy everyday in our lives. This guy finally gave me the encouragement to try harder to learn how to simply play guitar and I later on became a professional musician.
In other words, If you practice this particular instrument everyday. It will eventually become a part of your life. Growing everyday in your life. "Just make it an everyday habit!" Practice at least 30 minutes per day. Even if you just don't feel good. Overcoming these painful callouses of learning guitar, is NOT easy. Some people prefer to start out with the classical guitar which uses nylon strings, especially children and then later on proceed with metal strings.
Metal strings are primarily used on wood acoustic and electric guitars. Tuning these "Puppies" can be a real pain at times. Some people use these electronic tuners, which also works for classical guitars by a listening sound attachment. However, the problem is? You've got to learn how to tune your very own instrument, except for a piano. Tuning forks are excellent for experienced guitarist, if you can honestly hear the tone? Pitch pipes, that you blow into, also seem to work for most beginning guitarist for each string. "If your tone deaf, forget about learning any musical instrument!"
If your guitar is NOT tuned in standard key, you can NOT play along with recorded music. The reason why is because musical instruments like horns and pianos can Not change their musical tone of any standard pitch. (Some rock groups in history have recorded their music exactly one half/step below standard key using string instruments). But the problem is? They can NOT add any horns or acoustic pianos. The musical tone of these particular acoustic instruments can NEVER be changed.
The art of learning how to play this beautiful instrument called a "Guitar" dose Not happen over night! It just takes practice in the privacy of your home everyday. Get some sheet music of one of your favorite songs, and strum along using the chord chart provided. Ask your music teacher for advice. You may also may want to sing along with the lyrics included. "Always pat your foot to the beat of the music?" Someday you may hook up with a drummer that keeps perfect rhythm to music.
If your timing or beat is off, you may just look like an idiot? Especially in front of church members for the first time. As you practice your guitar on a daily basis, use a musical device called a metronome. This great invention keeps up with a musical beat we as musicians call "Timing". It's sort of like whenever you are dancing to the "Beat of Music" Please remember that all music is based upon this structure. Even classical music tends to slow down at times, but is still based upon a harmonic rhythm within the musicians in the orchestra, but still remains a "Timing Structure"
Ironically, the great Rock guitarist and singer Eric Clapton started out the same way. He stated in several interviews that he would strum along reading the written sheet music and finally decided to sing along with it at the same in the privacy of his home. He practiced and practiced everyday using the simple knowledge that he had acquired from friends and family members. He never realized that he had such a beautiful voice and talent for playing the guitar. But he just kept trying because he loved music so much.
"You will never Know?" Your talent may be within the musical instrument itself, or your singing voice? Learning how to play a guitar or any instrument can be be a wonderful enjoyment and experience in life. Even Elvis Presley never learned how to play guitar until he decided to sing in the privacy of his own home at the beginning of his career? Meaning that I have a voice, but I want to practice without using other musicians. Elvis was a rhythm guitarist, showing his talents of guitar chords only using a an acoustic guitar or electric guitar as shown in certain videos.
Thanks for reading,
Phillip Chambley.
Published by Phillip W. Chambley
Author/website designer of "secretsofsurveys.com" of the original ebook called "Secrets of Paid Online Surveys Ebook." View profile
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1 Comments
Post a CommentVery good write up here.