Motivation Archives - Page 12 of 16

10 Essentials On Guitar Improvisation

Photo by Simone13 AKA John Pastorello
Besides writing and playing songs I just love improvising.

When I practice improvising I always first pour myself a cup of green tea, I put on some folk music (e.g. Ray La Montagne, Damien Rice, Stephen Fretwell, Glen Hansard, Sheryl Crow, etc.) on Last.fm or Spotify and then I start to improvise over these songs. I get totally caught up in the moment and let my fingers carry me away.

Other times I practice melodic patterns, triads, arpeggios, licks, everything that will spice up my improvisation skills. You can never stop growing. There is always more to learn and explore.

Improvising is one of the most fun and fulfilling aspects of guitar playing, but also something that requires a lot of hard work and dedication. It’s the next step in becoming a better guitar player.

Here are 10 basic essentials that will help you become a better improviser.

1 – Pentatonics / blues

Learn to play the pentatonic/blues scale all over the neck in all five shapes. It will take some time to learn this thoroughly, but if you practice regularly it will really pay off. The pentatonic / blues scale is the corner stone of all soloing in blues, pop, country, rock and metal. Learn not only the scale, but also how to use it for improvisation. See below.Continue Reading

8 Tips How to Wake Up Early That Do Work

By Klaus Crow 19 Comments

Sunrise in Machu Picchu by thecsman
Since a year now I have been waking up early. Going from 6 a.m to 5 a.m. My life has changed because of it.

Finally I have the time to do everything that I love to do: practicing guitar, running my business, writing a blog, writing songs, working out, reading, spending a lot of time with my wife and children.

It’s the greatest reward and reminder for waking up early.

I wake up early at least 5 days a week. I like to wake up early two or three days in a row and then one day sleep late. (7.30 a.m.) At night I go to bed at 11 p.m. Not a minute later. If I go to bed at 12 p.m. and try to wake up early it won’t work. I tried many different ways and figured out the one that worked best for me. I think this is different for everyone so you have to experiment with this.

Originally I am a night owl and waking up early is not something that came naturally for me, but it has become a habit and it’s the best thing ever!

Here are the 8 tips that do work:Continue Reading

16 Good Reasons Why You Should Practice

By Klaus Crow 6 Comments

photo by cesarastudillo
For me practicing is something that I just love doing. It has become a passion. I have learned that the better I get, the more fun I have.

Guitar practice is really the building block of developing, maintaining and expanding your talent. This is something many musicians tend to forget.

A lot of guitar players practice with a lot of enthusiasm the first few years when they start out. Then they find themselves playing in a band, touring, getting loose, dating, getting married, having children, just to name a few. It’s all a part of life but it’s also a time where musicians can get stuck in a guitar playing rut.

They tend to play the same few chords, licks and riffs they have known for years. They have stopped challenging themselves. That is a pity, because it’s the continues growing process that will fuel you, inspire you and keep you fresh and original as a guitar player and songwriter.

I have also been stuck at times as well, that is why I want to tell you this beforehand.Continue Reading

The Extraordinariness of Acoustic Guitar Playing

By Klaus Crow 10 Comments

photo by Naotakem

Don’t get me wrong. I love playing the electric guitar. Rocking and grooving with a band is awesome. No doubt about it!

But the acoustic guitar possesses certain qualities that an electric guitar just can’t beat and it makes me fall in love with it over and over again.

Whenever I am sitting in my backyard wearing a T-shirt, jeans, flip flops and I am playing my acoustic guitar I feel free and relaxed.

This is where I usually end up writing a song. When I am strumming chords or songs that I love, I fall from one idea into another and then inspiration starts to set in.

The rich sound of my acoustic guitar will enhance the quality of the melodies and chord progressions I create.

Other times I’ll play some nice and easy acoustic blues tunes and enjoy the moment of whatever comes out of my fingers.

The acoustic guitar is the perfect vehicle to express your soul, inspire you and make you happy.

Enjoy the benefits of acoustic playing:

Mobility and Convenience
The acoustic guitar is an instrument with no strings attached, figuratively speaking :) You can take it easily with you wherever you are, unlike an electric guitar (amp, wires and a pedals), a heavy piano or a drum kit (a lot of hassle).

It feels great when you can just carry a guitar bag on your shoulder and you are good to go. Acoustic equals freedom.Continue Reading

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