Some interesting issues about the Pursuit of Music
A young man from Scotland recently asked me some questions as part of his continued music education. Here’s his questions and my responses.
1. Do you think that someone’s technical ability on an instrument dictates how creative they will be?
Technical ability does not dictate how creative you will be. It does however allow you a potentially greater range and depth of expression. If we parallel this to language, a better vocabulary and command of language gives you an enhanced opportunity to express yourself. It does not however guarantee that you will have anything of substance to “say”.
Read MoreGuitar Fingering and Creativity
Fingering
It has value to the reading guitarist because the guitar fingerboard is a treacherous trap of options. The same notes are in too many places. The same C note is on string two, fret one and string three, fret five and string four, fret ten and string five, fret fifteen. Unlike the piano which has one location for each note, the guitar compounds the problem with too many options and then throws in open strings to further confuse the issue. When reading is positional and stays within a four fret region, it’s much easier to read. However, writers and arrangers don’t attempt to stay within a four fret region of the guitar. They typically do not know or care about the guitar’s fingering option issues.
Read MoreQuick Overview of The Institute of Guitar
Music Pursuing the Horizon
This book deals with abstract but very important concepts for the developing musician. It covers topics like coping with frustration, talent, progress, attitude and the evolution of a student into a player. This does not deal with your physical playing but with the things you can’t see or touch.
Unlocking the Guitar: Notes on the Neck
One of the biggest problems for guitar players – Guitar players historically do not know the names of the notes on the neck. I don’t mean the ability to figure out the notes. I mean stone cold knowing the notes – having a perfect mental picture of all of the notes and their names all over the instrument, This is a great 10 step approach to mastering the neck.
Cute French Animation Teaches Us A Little About Chord Progression in Music
Do you understand what harmonic function is? Don’t worry, you’re not alone!
These intimidating terms only refer to the way chords progress through a song or a composition. All songs have chords that support the melody whether it be a vocal or an instrumental. You could say that chords are the cushion on which melody floats. It is not an easy concept for most people to understand.
Guitar Aerobics, Volume One is Now Available
Guitar Aerobics, Volume One is the first in a series of books dedicated to building speed, strength and endurance for guitar players.
The guitar is a very physical instrument. Becoming a great player requires knowledge, creativity and technique. Understanding how to do something doesn’t mean a lot if you can’t execute the riffs and the chords.
Hand strength isn’t something you’re born with – you have to develop it. Just like a sport that takes specific skills but still requires physical training. I’m sure you realize that it takes a lot of physical training. So does the guitar! But how do you develop your hands?
Read MoreThe Value of Music Education and Participation
Music education has benefits beyond the obvious. It’s great to play an instrument or sing or write songs. But few people appreciate the long lasting value of studying music.
It’s beneficial at every stage of life. Youngsters benefit from the discipline, the logic, the process of learning itself. It can increase self esteem and balance out personalities. Aggressive behavior can be balanced by a developing sensitivity. Overly shy behavior can be balanced by developing a more focused and assertive self.
