| | | Hey Friend,
I've extolled the benefits of learning both how to read standard notation (sheet music) and tabs. You get all the ingredients necessary to make learning a piece music as easy as possible. If you can add to that a natural ability to play by ear (find and play notes on your guitar based solely on what you hear), you're golden!
There is another piece we need to add - technique.
When it comes to learning fretboard technique, the best way to grasp it quickly is to take lessons from an instructor. Studying videos can be a fair substitute, but a video can't correct you or make suggestions to improve your technique.
It's not that difficult to understand which finger goes where when you're playing a scale, but it definitely helps when someone far more experienced than you can explain not only how, but why you use one finger over another in a scale position. Or to help you identify why you keep having trouble playing a particular chord.
Think about it. Guitar is a folk instrument. That means playing guitar has been traditionally taught by a master to an apprentice in an informal atmosphere and for small group performances. It hasn't been very long (historically) since guitar instruction entered higher level studies. That has always been reserved for band and orchestra instruments.
That said, there are so many resources available to you to get the instructional help.
From anywhere in the world, you can line up a Web video call with top-notch instructors, including top touring musicians. For example, one very well-known guitarist (Paul Gilbert) provides individualized feedback on his recorded lessons for a very reasonable cost. In fact, you probably couldn't book a private lesson with him for what he charges for a full year!
You can hunt for a local instructor. I hate to say it, but many music school-trained musicians charge next to nothing for lessons. Good for you - not so good for portraying the value of musical education.
In my opinion, with low-ball pricing for their services they're not only hurting themselves, but they're undermining the importance of musical training. We are musicians and what we offer the world is incredibly valuable.
Remember, music is the language of emotion. Emotion greases the wheels of every other pursuit.
Of course, there's a lot of free material out there. Heck, I offer a lot of helpful, free material!
In that material, I always try to give you best practices when it comes to technique. These are skills I've picked up watching other musicians and from lessons I've learned from professional guitarists.
I'm not here to tell you how to get your musical education - all I can do is make suggestions based on what my experiences are and what I've seen work. I'm just saying that local (or online) lessons can really help you down the technique learning curve quickly.
Your practicing will be more targeted and efficient, your playing will improve faster and you'll be more satisfied with your ability to reach your guitar goals faster.
Peace~
Dave
Products I use and recommend:
Easy Power Chords
Song Surgeon
Video Surgeon
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