Archive for the ‘Practice’ Category
6 Essentials to Master the Blues
photo from Flickr
Blues is one of the most important things to learn when you want to become a rock – jazz – metal – country – all round guitar player All these genres are related to or arisen from the blues. There is also a lot of blues in the songs you hear on the radio without even realizing it.
It’s hard to be a great rock n’ roll guitar player without learning the blues first. Okay maybe you can, but you will probably sound like crap. :-) Blues is what makes your guitar cry, shiver and scream. It’s got anything you need to express your feelings. Besides that there are so many cool blues songs, progressions, licks and tricks out there that will ensure you have a great time practicing and will really improve your playing a lot. So sit down, read through these essentials, get your guitar amp all cranked up, plug in your favorite blues guitar and let’s get down to serious business.
Here are the 6 essentials to master the blues. Check it out:
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12 Ways How to Transcribe What You Hear
photo from Istockphoto
Wouldn’t it be great if you could figure out the chords, the melody and the rhythm of a song on your own because of the lack of sheet music or just because you needed or wanted it right away?
Of course that would be awesome!
Well, it’s happening…
Right here, right now!
The key to becoming an amazing guitar player and musician is transcribing music.
Here are 12 ways to develop this wonderful skill. Read, listen and learn:
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How to Memorize Lyrics, Chords and Chord Progressions
photo from Istockphoto
One of the things I have always had a hard time with is memorizing lyrics. I see this in people around me as well; finding it difficult to memorize chords and chord progressions. So based on my experience and some research I’ve done I give you some tips to overcome this obstacle.
But why do we need to memorize and remember lyrics and chord progressions? What’s the use of that?
Well, let’s say one of these days you’ll have to perform in front of an audience somewhere, somehow.
Maybe with a band or on your own…
- or a friend asks you to perform a few songs at his wedding or birthday party…
- or you would like to accompany a singer…
- or you want to play some nice songs to entertain a few people on a holiday in the south of France while drinking a cold beer…
- or just to try out a guitar in the guitar shop in town.
3 Ways to Improve Your Skills
photo from Istockphoto
Here are the three best ways to improve your skills beyond your wildest dreams:
#1 – Practice
#2 – Practice
And last, but certainly not least:
#3 – Practice
No, I am not kidding. As the ancient saying goes: “Practice makes perfect”. If you’re still not satisfied… practice some more. It’s okay to break a sweat! As with everything in life, if you want to accomplish something you got to work on it. But it’s also important that you enjoy your work. In fact that is the key to become a great guitar player.
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Where do I Find the Time to Practice?
photo from Istockphoto
One of the most common problems of today is our lack of time. We all live these busy lives. We are running around doing all the things that have to be done every single day.
It almost feels impossible to find time to do the things we love most, things we are so passionate about, things that really matter.
I few years ago I changed my lifestyle and the way I handled my time. I started setting priorities, keeping things simple, to a minimal and only doing things that were essential.
This not only improved my guitar playing but it changed everything else in my life too. I now have all the time to spend time with my family and friends, write and record songs, write a blog, work out and enjoy life a lot more.
So lets give you the tools to create more time to play and practice:
Here we go:
1 – Wake up earlier.
Wake up 15 minutes earlier than usual and enjoy that precious extra time first thing in the morning.
It’s great because it’s still quiet in the house and there is no one to interrupt or distract you. Enjoy the beautiful morning sunrise while you practice your chords and scales. Waking up earlier gives you a head start and it feels great that you already have accomplished something.
Make sure you have a reason to wake up earlier. Write down the things that make you want to jump out of bed. A delicious breakfast, sunrise, private time, going to work without feeling stressed (a zen-feeling), feeling of accomplishment, etc.
You can play guitar very quietly if you need to. You don’t want to wake up the neighbors or maybe you do :) Just strum or pick your strings really soft with your thumb or play an electric guitar (unamplified). I recommend 15 or 30 minutes guitar practice in the morning. If you’ll make it a morning routine you’ll get hooked on it. I’ll promise you. Try it for a week. If it’s not your thing, you’ve at least gave it a shot. It’s worth the try.
2 – Take your guitar with you.
Take your guitar to work, school, friends, holiday, wherever you go. I know this doesn’t apply to everyone, but there are a lot of jobs out there where you have the freedom to play guitar during lunch or coffee breaks.
Maybe there are times when you have to wait for someone at work or school. There you go! Guitar time! Read the rest of this entry »
How Much do I Have to Practice?
photo from flickr
Well, that really depends on whether you wanna become the next Eddie van Halen or if you just wanna play some nice songs with easy chord-changes. Either way practice makes perfect.
When you begin playing the guitar a half an hour a day is good to start with. But practice a half an hour with no interruptions, lock the door of your room, shut of your internet connection and put a “do not disturb” sign on the door. This is your private time to work towards something beautiful.
Concentrate fully on those yet difficult but eventually great sounding chords, that magnificent solo or that incredible song you always dreamt on playing. With a half an hour a day pure practice you can achieve a whole lot. Make sure your practice constructively. Work on your obstacles instead of just rambling away.
