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Allright, ive been playing for a few years now and lately ive been seriously agitated with the guitar. I do take lessons, but i feel like ive just hit a wall and i play the same shit over and over again. Im considering self-teaching or seeking out private lessons, think this would make any changes? Also, i dont quite understand how people can teach themselves and get to the skill levels they do, is it just learning by ear or is it learning from books and all? I mean, id never consider giving the guitar up, because this is all i want to do, but i really need some advice. Any suggestions, because im an inch away from killing someone with my guitar. [img]graemlins/help.gif[/img]
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Re: Self teaching
I would firstly try to relax. Im not a proffesional teacher but I know you cant do much if you're stressed. Open a beer..no on second thoughts maybe dont. Try to relax and order a copy of speed mechanics and take it S L O W L Y. -
Re: Self teaching
exactly how long have you been playing?Comment
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Re: Self teaching
Whatever you're trying to learn (I'm talking about everything, not just music) there is a point at which it seems to you that you stop making progress. Other people will tell you the opposite, but you think you still play the same. I guess after you reach a certain level of proficiency you can't make those big improvements. You start working on all those small things that add to your personal style. You feel like you're not improving, but you are. Your vibrato gets better (you think it's all the same), your picking technique improves (you may not even notice that), your phrasing gets better, etc.
The best way to see that is to record yourself on regular basis. Listen to yourself playing after a few weeks and you'll hear the difference. Just my two cents.Comment
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Re: Self teaching
Ive been playing two yearsComment
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Re: Self teaching
What are you trying to learn? Scales,theory etc.? 1st thing take it slow, 2nd find a teacher that you like and understands YOUR goals.Comment
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Re: Self teaching
Like anything, you learn fast at first. You gain ground fast, then...
it slows down
I remember a quote from a guitar mag(can't recall who said this):"Getting better on guitar is like watching your hair grow. You don't notice it day to day because you see it all the time. Then, a year later, you suddenly realize it is MUCH longer than it was before. It's the same way on guitar-you don't realize how much better you are untill you suddenly play something you never could, etc. It just takes time and preserverence."
I am going through the same thing with my cooking(my profession BTW)-I have been doing fine cooking work for about 8 years. I don't feel like I am improving at all really, just another day of doing this and that.
I got a job about two weeks ago at a VERY high end place. We are talking entrees run $25-33, wine list with bottles in the $100s,etc.
The try out day I worked, I was watched in a very subtle way. The chef commented that my cuts with my knife were VERY nice. I have ALWAYS been not so great with a knife really..I could never get really good, consistant diced things.
I did it without realizing it-I looked at the onion I had diced that day, and it was nicely diced in almost 100% consistant pieces. Granted, I can and will do it better..but I did it!
The other day I tried the string skipping sequence in the solo of "Into the Dragon's Den" by Symphony X..I did it at about 3/4 pace. I NEVER thought I would be able to string skip that well! I am now working hard to nail that whole solo.
Just hang in there man...keep whacking away at it.Stay with your practice and never give up!Comment
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Re: Self teaching
Thanks for the good advice man. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] Im actually in the process now of getting a slot with a really good private teacher. I think hes kind of well known, his names TD Clark. Well anyways, ive never really thought of giving guitar up, its always been really the only way ive seen my future, with music. Thanks!Comment
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Re: Self teaching
I've been playing about 4 years, and am self taught, and have never opened musical book. Like metal chef said it really is like watching your hair grow... I usually like to jam with other people see more concerts, listen to different styles of music, and even tho u may not notice it, in your style you incorporate all the different styles of music u had been listening... just a littleComment
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Re: Self teaching
A pro chef? That's kinda cool.Comment
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Re: Self teaching
1. You have access to the internet - use the **** out of it - start at Whole Note Shred Guitar - there are many more - put shred guitar into yahoo.
2. Buy CD roms or tapes - go to Guitar Nine where they have listening mp3s and find guys whose syle you like and go to their websites and get their instructional stuff.
Chops From Hell cd's are very good.
3. Find a mentor - someone preferebly with a unique style that you can jam with that can teach you.PLAY TILL U DIE !!!
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Re: Self teaching
Play Pink Floyd!. Seriously: it opens up your mind so much. Especially David Gilmour solos. That's the only advise I can give you.Comment
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Re: Self teaching
Find a good teacher that will expand your playing style. You are in the rut that most players get into. Some survive and move ahead but most get stuck forever and never progress to the next level. A good teacher will help you out bro. I am a little bias'd on this topic because I am a teacher. I used to teach what my students wanted to learn only. I still do initially to gain their trust and interest. Soon after, most of the stuff I teach they would never think about learning but after they learn it they get really excited about how fun it is to learn other styles.Comment
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Re: Self teaching
Yeah. get yourself a good teacher. Self teaching requires a lot of focus and discipline. In My experience, I never took a lesson and it shows!
Jim"My G-Major can blow me!" - BillComment
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Re: Self teaching
I think self teaching can be brilliant if you are dedicated and methodical with your practising. Rusty Cooley is a pretty much self taught guitarist, don't forget it!Comment
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