Geetar... tips, talk, tunes, treasures
Takeoff Lick...
I decided a while back, as I rounded the corner at 70, and after 60 some years of playing and studying music in general, and the guitar, specifically, that I should make some of my thoughts available to others. As I explain the the first video, I'm very skeptical of anything that purports to be a "lesson". Music is not to be played by the rules. But, we can develop "skill" at transforming our thoughts into sounds.
I've divided my own efforts at becoming a better player into three broad categories:
- Technique. This is a physical thing... how fast
can we pick accurately; how fast can we accurately fret notes; how
well can we hold an accurate pace while fretting and picking.
Technique is the easiest component of overall skill on guitar. There
are documentable methods and procedures for practice and improvement
in technique can be objectively measured. I have several videos
planned that focus entirely on technique and practice skills.
- Theory. Music Theory is NOT music. It's just a
way of talking about music... a way to classify what we've learned
so that knowledge can be applied to other music. There is no right
or wrong music theory beyond scientific study of acoustics, physics
of string vibrations, the physiology of hearing. However, it's not
only worthwhile, but essential to consider theoretical knowledge a
part of musical skill. There are currently two segments that
concentrate on theory:
Chord Naming: The Game of the Name
Chord Naming: Exceptions to the Rules
This is a link to the a PDF document that further explains the concepts in these videos.
Chord Concepts PDF - Concept. All the technique and theory in the
universe can't make your guitar playing interesting. In fact,
technique and theory exist only to support your ability to turn
concept into reality. I believe that concept is not a "got it or
don't got it" entitry. You can excercise and improve your
conceptualization of music -- or, of life in general. Although
concept expansion can be a part of daily practice routines, most
likely it should be an ongoing part of daily life -- all experience
can be applied to and can improve our musical concept. Though I will
have some episondes the more clearly focus on concept, I also
consider the interview segments as "concept" exercises -- learning
from other player's experience is, in my opinion, incredibly
valuable:
Bill Kirchen "Titan of the Telecaster"
Rosie Flores Part 1
Rosie Flores Part 2
- Performance.Over time, I've added a few performance videos. Hopefully, these pieces
Illustrate some of the other categories.
"My Foolish Heart" - Chord Solo
"Sleepless Nights" - Chord Solo
In these "TwangGuru Talk" video clips there is some practical knowledge in each area. For example, I'll show you a how not only to improve your speed and accuracy, but how to measure your progress. I'll show you a convenient way to name chords that not only helps you learn, but helps communicate your harmonic ideas. I'll suggest some interesting concepts... mind altering stuff without swallowing anything! So, check in occasionally. I'll try to notify on my facebook page when a new installment is ready. By the way... these are mostly shot on my cell phone, poorly framed and crudely edited, if edited at all. I hope the quality improves as I continue with the series, but I'm not promising anything... I'd rather spend my time studying music and guitar. (Update -- I'm now shooting with professional gear and editing with Adobe Premiere Pro... still learning, but I think the videos are getting better, quality-wise.)
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