Washington Stoker asked:




Jazz guitar is an extremely popular guitar style and learning this style of music can pose quite a challenge. There’s no doubt that it can be very time-consuming with many hours of practice to put in if you are to master this rather difficult style. Determination is a deciding factor in those who eventually ‘get there’ and can call themselves ‘jazz guitarists’!

There are many unusual harmonies and chords associated with this style and, at first, this might seem unusual to your ear. However, practice is the key and over time, your ear will adapt and get used to these slightly more ‘exotic’ sounds. You will also need to be very familiar with your guitar and listen to as much jazz guitar music as possible. Get used to the different beats and rhythms, surround yourself with the style. Don’t forget to explore different eras as well. Modern pop often incorporates jazz guitar styles, but also listen to the ‘hot’ jazz of such luminaries as Django Reinhardt. Remember, Reinhardt had fingers missing and he was still a gifted guitarist. There’s hope for you yet!

Use a metronome. This is an invaluable tool that will help to keep you in time. Many musicians have a tendency to speed up as they play, especially if they are solo. This is a natural phenomenon, but one that need to be curbed. Many jazz styles need to be ‘laid back’ with a lazy style of playing that isn’t rushed. Keeping a steady metronome pulse will also allow you to feel the subtleties of ‘syncopation’ (the notes falling ‘between’ the beats). Electronic or wind-up, it doesn’t matter, but get a metronome at once!

Open up your mind to the new sounds, harmonies and rhythms that you will experience over the coming months and years. Invest in some good jazz guitar CDs (do a quick search on Google or visit Amazon), find a reputable local guitarist/teacher who can demonstrate this style of playing. Make sure that whoever you decide on to teach you has good references (ask around, listen to him/her play, what qualifications have they got, etc).

Finally, don’t be afraid to have fun and experiment with jazz guitar. More than perhaps any other style, it is free and diverse with a variety of ‘sub-styles’ or ‘sub-genres’ to explore.

At the end of the day, just get out there and ‘play guitar’, don’t hang back.

I wish you well with your musical exploration!

Caffeinated Content – Members-Only Content for WordPress

John Mackinnon asked:




Does the phrase, Learn To Play Guitar Software, lead you to assume that it must be an advanced and therefore highly effective way to learn music? You certainly are not alone if that is what you think. Lets explore exactly what current popular guitar lesson software can and cannot do for a budding guitarist. Then we will compare it to the all-video DVD lesson format.

First of all, Guitar Software does not automatically insure that the music lessons will be of higher quality than other types of media like video DVDs. Using software for lessons is primarily a way to accomplish two things:

1. To conveniently emulate a guitarists tools like a metronome, tab data, a chord chart and tuner.

2. To organize different kinds of media like audio, video, the written word, photos, illustrations and the specialty tools mentioned above.

There are many guitar lessons software programs on the market today that are well thought out, with lots of features that seem fantastic. Unfortunately from my experience reviewing many of these instructional programs, I have often discovered that slick software is just a way to improve or even cover up a mediocre guitar lesson eBook.

What About The Full Video DVD Guitar Lessons format?

Full Video DVD Guitar lessons programs differ from software style programs in that they more closely emulate what takes place if you have a live lesson with an excellent instructor. The downside is that if you wish to use a tool like a metronome you must acquire one separately.

The Advantages of Full Video DVD Guitar Lessons

1. Full Video DVDs Often Contain More Information And Are Easier To Understand: Simply stated, we tend to learn by observing another person explain and demonstrate a task followed by our repeated attempts to emulate them. Long video lesson segments from the top DVD Video courses with world-class instructors can provide the most direct way to understand the subtleties of each guitar lesson in ways that just are not possible with the short video snippets found in some software formats.

2. Full Video DVDs Can Be Watched On Large TV Screens: With Guitar Software you are often left to read the written word, look at static diagrams and if you are very lucky, watch short video clips on a relatively small computer screen. Critical fingering details can be difficult to see.

3. Guided Practice Sessions: Another huge benefit of a good all-video DVD lesson program is that some offer guided practice sessions. This means that the instructor not only teaches new concepts but also practices with you. I cannot over-emphasize the importance of this feature. One of the most under taught guitar skills is learning how to practice like the pros.

So Is All Guitar Lesson Software A Waste Of Time?

No, not at all. I am aware of one surprisingly inexpensive beginner guitar lesson software program that does an excellent job for the price. If you cannot afford $100 to $200 for a comprehensive all video DVD program by a top instructor then this software can be a reasonable alternative for about $40.

The Bottom Line

For most beginner through intermediate guitar students I would recommend finding an all video DVD set from a top player/instructor that comes with a written reference book or printable files. Often the good programs offer payment programs or in some cases permit you to buy one DVD from the set at a time.

The bottom line is that its all about the quality of the lessons and not the cleverness of the lesson format. Unless your budget is very tight do not be dazzled by the current Learn to Play Guitar Software.

Create a video blog

Brian Bonsell asked:




You are wondering how to learn to play the guitar; you can easily pick up this instrument with some basic steps. Please understand that to become an expert will take time but with the following steps and a decent online course you will soon be enjoying your favourite tunes.

1. You can’t Buy Skill – Don’t get caught up in having the best or most expensive guitar. No matter how much you spend you will still need to practice to become proficient. A more expensive amp for example will not improve your sound if you don’t know how to play to begin with.

2. Check your Action: Ensure the distance between the fingerboard and the underside of the string is appropriate for your fingers. Any reputable guitar shop will assist in this.

3. K.I.S.S – Keep It Simple Silly. Start with basic chords. Save the more complex chords for later. If you try and get too complicated to fast you will get frustrated and quit. There are many great songs that are comprised of simple chords.

4. Rhythm is Key: To have a consistent flow you need to keep the beat in the beginning, use a metronome or even your foot to keep pace.

5. Simple Songs – To keep from getting frustrated and to build your confidence limit yourself to 2 chord songs, as you become more proficient then you can work your way up to more difficult pieces.

By utilizing these 5 basic steps you will discover how to learn to play the guitar quickly and with far less frustration than without. The guitar is a fun to play and with a little patience you will master this melodic instrument in no time.

Caffeinated Content