The Mash-Up Minute

Here is the result of my first venture into the world of podcasting!  Needless to say, it didn't go as well as I originally fantasized, but it was definitely a fun experience.  Not to mention it was an opportunity for music, which is rarely a bad thing.  Let this serve as an example.  You may not be able to perform to the best of your abilities at a designated time, but that's no reason not to try!  If anything, you've produced music in your own "voice," and that is worthy of your self-praise.  


Play on, my musical minions!

Guitar Practice Through My Eyes

I begin by gathering my notes and studying some of music theory.

Mel Bay's book for a "Grade 1" novice like me has been quite helpful thus far.  I'd definitely recommend it to those looking to begin studying guitar.

Here we find the dreaded - I mean, beloved - Cycle of Fourths.  As you can see, it says that I should "write this out a couple of times."  This will help me with the task of remembering it.  As my guitar teacher says, "True musicians have this shit memorized."

Ah, here's my trusty pick!  I know what you're thinking - is it really called "Big  Stubby?"  Yes, it is.  Don't let the funny name fool you.  Due to the thickness and space for your thumb, this pick is perfect for learning and playing.  I dread the day I lose it.  

There's the beast!  Okay, so maybe it isn't the sharpest and fanciest guitar, but it suits this beginner just fine.    I chose my Yahama 4G700S because of the stellar reviews it was given. and I don't regret it.  It has a beautiful sound and it is perfect for guitar newbies like myself.  I'll work my way up to a beautiful Fender or Ibanez someday.

Now it's time to put it all together!

Practicing sight reading, or determining what notes to play and how to play them just by looking at the music.  It's a daunting task, especially in the beginning.  Fortunately, I have some knowledge of sight reading from singing throughout my adolescence.  It gets easier the more you practice.  Yes, I'm reiterating the cheesy line "Practice makes perfect."  It's cliché but true.

So on I play for about an hour (almost) every night.  Sometimes it's hard to make time, but I feel so much better when I can.  The joy of making music - even as crappily as I am at this level - is so rewarding.  The challenge is definitely worth it.

Music Theory - Should Musicians Bother Learning It?

Plenty of people can make some music with an instrument, but that does not mean they know what they are really doing.  Everyone wants to play songs, but who wants to take the time to learn the music theory behind what they are playing?  Music theory is complicated and it will drive you nuts, but those hoping to become true musicians will learn it.  It will make a musician.
In my last post I discussed my venture into the world of learning guitar.  When I decided to take guitar lessons I  got rid of the notion that I could merely strum strings and move my fingers to be a great musician.  I realized I'd have to strum and move my mind as well.
Now, I came in to guitar lessons with a basic knowledge of theory.  I have been a music lover since childhood, so I was aware of staffs, notes, rests, time signatures, beats, measures, and what these all should mean to me.  Just knowing this has proven to help me become a better musician.  When I came into lessons, I was able to tackle more in a short amount of time simply because I knew how to read music.
Despite understanding that I was better for knowing this basic theory, I still did not imagine I would have to learn theory in-depth.  I was wrong.  In my last lesson I was presented with a chart known as the Cycle of Fourths to memorize.  The Cycle of Fourths is a chart representing the relationships between the twelve tones of the chromatic scale and their key signatures.  It sounds difficult because it is difficult.
One wonders why I would bother learning this frightening Cycle of Fourths.  I'm bothering because in the short amount of time I have begun memorizing it, I have already seen growth in my skill.  Patterns in music that were a mystery to me before are becoming clear.  Not only can I make music, but I can understand how I am making that music.  It is an inspiring feeling.  I have gone from feeling like someone who can make music to a musician.
So I would suggest to anyone with the desire to be a musician that they take the time to learn music theory.  It is difficult and frustrating learning the language of music, yes, but it is well worth it.  If you want to live the dream, you have to understand it first.

For fun and interactive lessons in music theory on the web, I suggest Ricci Adams' site.

It's Never Too Late

You know what they say - it's never too late to learn guitar!  What, they don't say that?  Well, they should start.  They do say that it's never too late to learn, and though it may indeed be harder to, you will definitely be better for having tried.
So I have decided to follow that method and start taking guitar lessons with a brilliant jazz guitarist, teacher, and friend.  I had attempted to teach myself using YouTube and other internet goodies for a few years prior, but it really isn't the same as learning from a master of the art.  If you can make it happen, I would highly suggest it.
I have consistently walked into lessons feeling nervous and walked out feeling empowered.  Not to brag (okay, to brag) but I am doing rather well.  Perhaps that is because I do have musical background, or perhaps it is because the high that I get inside from producing music in a new way manifests in talent.
We have been using Mel Bay's books, and I would highly suggest them.  They are really well done, and facilitate the learning in a way I would not have thought possible from book on the subject.  My teacher has had my partner and I start with a mix of exercises to enable dexterity and reading music.  He has also taught us some chords through songs we enjoy (like "Stand By Me" and "Something") along the way, so that we can really get into the process and enjoy it.  Yes, the exercises are important, but who doesn't want to be able to play some recognizable music?
If you have time to invest in learning and bettering yourself through an art that makes you happy, I would highly suggest that you do.  Even if you do not have the time, I would advise that you make at least some.  You will be happier for it, I assure you.  I cannot claim to have that much time to practice, definitely not half as much as I would like to, but when I am practicing my heart sings along.  It cannot compare to the high you would get from any drug.  Okay, so I have never done a drug, but practicing guitar has to be better.
Well, that argument started to go sour, but go practice guitar, or piano, or painting, or street performance or what have you.  If I haven't convinced you to, maybe this adorable picture of my cat enjoying my guitar-playing will.