guitarhabits

Solid Tips to Prioritize Your Guitar Playing (Waterproof!)

Klaus Tol — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 23:10:45 +0000

Photo by Al-Janabi
A lot of people have difficulties with prioritizing their guitar practice. I did too. When I became a dad (best thing ever) I realized life was going to be busy.

I wanted to improve as often as I could, but often other things tended to come first.

I knew I had to become more efficient with my time would I be able to play guitar like old times and do other great stuff like writing a blog and working out.

Since then I have re-learned how to prioritize. I wouldn’t know how to live without playing guitar on a regularly basis.

Playing guitar gives me so much in return, while other things don’t have lasting value. The more I practice, the more I gain control over the instrument and the more and more and more I am loving it.

It’s funny how you can prioritize other things, that don’t really mean much to you, over the things you love most. We all do it sometimes. Some more than others, but once in a while you need a reminder to set things straight and reset.

Here are some solid tips to prioritize your favorite instrument and start enjoying it as much as you would like to:

Do Less
The most important thing in prioritizing is to find yourself time to practice. Two obvious solutions, but still controversial to some, are: Waking up early or staying up late. Waking up early can work very effective, efficient and satisfying, but needs some persistence to make it a habit. Check out the post to make it work.

Another simple way to create time is to do less: Waste less time on watching TV, surfing the internet, twitter, facebook, buying new things you don’t need, reading newspapers, texting and chatting on the phone, working, etc.

Concentrate on the two most important things on your to-do list: Playing guitar and physical exercise (running, yoga, working out, etc.) These are things that will contribute to your overall happiness and future goals.

Schedule
Schedule your practice sessions. At what time and how long are you going to practice? What is your goal for today, tomorrow and next week? A great tool to prioritze your guitar goals is the online to-do list Rememberthemilk.com or Tasks if you have a Gmail account. Everyday put one or two small goals on your to-do list. Don’t overestimate yourself. Keep it fun!

The Master List
This looks a little like the to-do list, but a master list gives you a variety of things to practice with.

Sometimes there are moments when you run out of ideas and don’t know what to practice. You’ll usually end up playing the things you already know and that is a waste of your precious time. This is where a list comes in handy.

Write down which songs, scales, modes, triads, CD / DVD master classes, guitar magazines, books and guitar blog posts you still want to dive into. The master list contains all the things you want to learn in the near future.

Avoid Delays And Procrastination
Create your own private space within the house where you can practice in solitude. Don’t allow anyone to bother you while you practice. Put a “do not disturb” sign on the door.

Make sure you have your practice material at hand and within reach. The moment you want to practice avoid delays and distractions. Have your tablature books, guitar music (Tip: Spotify.com or Grooveshark.com) capo, picks, tuner, metronome, pen and paper in place. You don’t want to look for it when you want to start playing.

Don’t let anything discourage you from practicing. Set up your day to achieve small guitar goals. Don’t allow the risk of procrastination.

Visibility
Put your guitar or guitars in sight. Don’t leave it in the guitar case or bag. Out of sight is out of mind. Not a good thing.

Put your guitar on a stand in your living room or work room. If you have more than one guitar, put them in different rooms.

The more you bump into it, the more likely you are to pick up your guitar and play. It sounds obvious but with busy lives it often isn’t.

Efficiency Tips
Save time by doing things more efficiently. Do things that are important to you, things you love, improve your (cap)abilities. Stop doing things that don’t matter (learn to say no). Make less commitments and obligations in the future, create more flexibility, spontaneity and freedom to do what you want whenever you want.

Bulk your errands. Make short or no phone calls at all. Use email but stick to a three sentence response. Check email only once or twice a day. Focus on one thing only, stop multitasking. Multitasking leads to divided attention, interruptions, delay and procrastination.

Reminders
Write down reminders on your toilet calender, kitchen calender or put them in your mobile phone. Put a post-it note on your computer screen or wherever you happen to spend most of your time. Remind yourself you need to play the guitar today, if only for a few minutes.

Clear Distractions
Think about what distracts you most on a daily basis. Be radical and remove those distractions. I don’t mean to get rid of your partner :) I.e.: Turn of electronic devices like Internet, mobile phones, TV, etc.

Short Sessions
If you have a really tight schedule then play short sessions 10, 15 or 20 minutes each day. Whatever you can afford. Make the most of this time possible. Make sure you learn one new thing each practice session.

By practicing a short amount of time you will more likely stick to the habit and make it really last. Short sessions every day!

Guitar Lessons
Take lessons. A teacher teach you faster than you can figure things out yourself. Save time. Lessons are fun, keep you motivated, on track and add great value to your improvement.

Spend your money on learning things rather than owning things.

Fun
Make practicing fun. If you need to discipline yourself, you are going to have a hard time. It won’t last. Make things enjoyable. Have a blast!

Play along with tracks, incorperate difficulties in your favorite guitar songs, involve your family by letting them sing along, play and practice with other musicians in real life or online, (check out www.ejamming.com and their cool youtube demo). Be creative.

Fun is the secret to long lasting guitar habits.

“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” – Jim Rohn

Your comments are greatly appreciated.
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Thanks,
Klaus Tol

Click here to download your free copy of "The 150 Esstential Chords" Ebook

“The 150 Essential Chords” Free Ebook

Klaus Tol — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 21:15:58 +0000

“You have to know all the notes on your guitar, you’ve got to know all the scales, you have to know all the ‘chords’ and make sure you do that stuff as much as possible” – Joe Satriani

Today I’m happy to announce “The 150 Essential Chords” free Ebook.

I worked hard and passionately to create a good organized, categorized and easy to read chord book.

The book contains 33 pages packed with the most essential chords for you to behold, study and save for future reference.

Each page has a clear overview and a nice layout so you get a good sense of the overall picture.

Starting with basic major & minor chords, sus4, sus2, 7ths, major 7ths, barre chords etc. and then gradually building up to more advanced chords such as 9ths, 11ths, 13ths and many more.

The book is not too big and not too small. Perfect to save on your desktop, notebook, IPad or Smart Phone to make it accessible from anywhere. Now you can memorize your chords anytime you want.

Tip: If you want to study and memorize all the chords in the book than the fastest and most efficient way to go is to incorporate them in the songs you are playing. Speak out the name of every chord you are playing over and over again. It really works!

Here’s a list of contents:

- Chord Diagram Explanation
- Chord Voicings and Brief Chord Explanation
- Major Chords
- Minor Chords
- Sus4 Chords
- Sus2 Chords
- 7th Chords
- Open Minor 7th Chords
- Major 7th Chords
- Barre Chords Major (E shape)
- Barre Chords Major (Em shape)
- Barre Chords Major (A shape)
- Barre Chords Major (Am shape)
- Moveable Major Chord Shapes (additional to the E shape Barre Chord)
- Moveable Major Chord Shapes (additional to the Em shape Barre Chord)
- Moveable Major Chord Shapes (additional to the A shape Barre Chord)
- Moveable Major Chord Shapes (additional to the Am shape Barre Chord)
- Diminished and Augmented Chords
- Power Chords
- Extended Chords 9ths
- Extended Chords 11ths
- Extended Chords 13ths
- 7#5, 7b5 and Minor7b5 Chords

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- “The 150 Essential Chord” Free Ebook
- Instant updates when a new post is published

Learn The Guitar Fingerboard Thoroughly in 16 Days

Klaus Tol — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 11:52:06 +0000

Photo by John W. Tuggle
If I have to name two things that took my guitar playing to the next level I would say music theory and memorizing the fingerboard.

It made me understand the big picture.

Combining music theory (understanding scales, modes, chord structure, improvising over chord progressions, etc, etc.) and knowing all the notes on the fingerboard will open up a whole new world.

Guitar playing becomes more fun when you know what, when en where to play it on the fingerboard.

When you want to know where to play any type of chord shape instantly it’s pretty helpful if know the notes. For example: An F major Barre chord shape (133211) can be played on any fret. Every time the chord shape goes up a half step (1 fret) the name of the chord changes.

To know the name of the chord you need to know all the notes on the low E-string. For Example: The note on the 7th fret low E-string is a B note, so your chord shape becomes a B major. The only way to see this right away is to memorize the notes.

A Bb major chord shape (x13331) can also be played on any fret. This time you need to know the notes on the A-string to find out what chord you are playing. For example: The note on the 5th fret A-string is a D note, so your chord will be a D major.

To know the name of this Esus2 chord shape: (xx2452) on any fret you need to know the notes on the D-string. Example: The note on the 3rd fret D-string is a F note, so your chord becomes a Fsus2.

The same applies to scale shapes, triads, arpeggios, licks, etc.

Commit yourself to learn the fingerboard in 16 days and you will reap the benefits in many ways!

Here’s how you do it:

First things first. (Basic Music Theory)
In order to learn all the notes on the entire fingerboard you need to understand some music theory.
In music there are 7 whole notes: A B C D E F G.
Within these whole notes there are sharp notes. (# = sharp)
A A# B C C# D D# E F F# G
or flat notes. (b = flat)
A Bb B C Db D Eb E F Gb G We call these half notes.

When you raise a whole note, for example: A by a half step (1 fret) it becomes a sharp note: A#

When you lower a whole note, for example B by a half step (1 fret) it becomes a flat note: Bb

This applies to all of the whole notes except for B & C and E & F.
There are no sharps or flats between B & C and E & F.

In other words if you raise a B by a half step it becomes C (and not B#). If you lower a C by a half step it becomes a B (and not Cb). The same applies to E & F.

Example 1: A A# B C C# D D# E F F# G G# A

Example 2: A Bb B C Db D Eb E F Gb G Ab A

As you can see A# and Bb are the same notes
as well as:
C# and Db,
D# and Eb,
F# and Gb,
G# and Ab.

So the whole notes follow the alphabet from A to G.
After that it starts all over again: A B C D E F G A B C D E F G A B C… etc.
Whole notes and half notes: A A# B C C# D D# E F F# G G# A A# B C D D# E F F# G G# A A#… etc.

Now let’s take a look at the notes on the fingerboard:

All the notes on the fingerboard 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 e:|-F--|-F#-|-G--|-G#-|-A--|-A#-|-B--|-C--|-C#-|-D--|-D#-|-E--|-F--| B:|-C--|-C#-|-D--|-D#-|-E--|-F--|-F#-|-G--|-G#-|-A--|-A#-|-B--|-C--| G:|-G#-|-A--|-A#-|-B--|-C--|-C#-|-D--|-D#-|-E--|-F--|-F#-|-G--|-G#-| D:|-D#-|-E--|-F--|-F#-|-G--|-G#-|-A--|-A#-|-B--|-C--|-C#-|-D--|-D#-| A:|-A#-|-B--|-C--|-C#-|-D--|-D#-|-E--|-F--|-F#-|-G--|-G#-|-A--|-A#-| E:|-F--|-F#-|-G--|-G#-|-A--|-A#-|-B--|-C--|-C#-|-D--|-D#-|-E--|-F--|

Note:
Assuming you already know the names of the open strings, you only need to learn frets 1 to 11. From the 12th fret upwards the notes simply repeat. The notes on the 12th fret are the same notes as those of the open strings (except for being an octave higher). Example: The note on the 12th fret low E-string is an E note, the same as the open string note. The note on the 12th fret A-string is an A note, etc.

Frets 13 to 22 are the same notes as those of frets 1 to 10 (except for being an octave higher). Example: Note on the 1st fret low E-string is an F note. Note on the 13th fret low E-string is also an F note. 2nd fret low E-string is F#, 14th fret low E-string is F#, etc.

Day 1

Let’s start by memorizing the whole notes on the Low E-string. By focusing on just whole notes it is easier to learn the fingerboard by heart.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 e:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| high E-string B:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| B-string G:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| G-string D:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| D-string A:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| A-string E:|-F-|---|-G-|---|-A-|---|-B-|-C-|---|-D-|---| low E-string Day 2

Memorize the whole notes on the A-string. Repeat day 1 by recalling the whole notes on the low E-string.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 e:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| high E-string B:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| B-string G:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| G-string D:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| D-string A:|---|-B-|-C-|---|-D-|---|-E-|-F-|---|-G-|---| A-string E:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| low E-string Day 3

Memorize the whole notes on the D-string. Repeat day 1 and 2 by recalling the whole notes on the low E and A-string.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 e:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| high E-string B:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| B-string G:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| G-string D:|---|-E-|-F-|---|-G-|---|-A-|---|-B-|-C-|---| D-string A:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| A-string E:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| low E-string Day 4

Memorize the whole notes on the G-string. Repeat the previous days by recalling the whole notes on the low E, A and D-string.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 e:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| high E-string B:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| B-string G:|---|-A-|---|-B-|-C-|---|-D-|---|-E-|-F-|---| G-string D:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| D-string A:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| A-string E:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| low E-string Day 5

Memorize the whole notes on the B-string. Repeat the previous days by recalling the whole notes on the low E, A, D and G-string.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 e:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| high E-string B:|-C-|---|-D-|---|-E-|-F-|---|-G-|---|-A-|---| B-string G:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| G-string D:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| D-string A:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| A-string E:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| low E-string Day 6

The notes on the high E-string are the same as those on the Low E-string so you don’t need to memorize them, just recall. Repeat the previous days.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 e:|-F-|---|-G-|---|-A-|---|-B-|-C-|---|-D-|---| high E-string B:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| B-string G:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| G-string D:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| D-string A:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| A-string E:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| low E-string Day 7

Another great way is to recognize octaves:
- Play a random note on the low E or A-string, then move up 2 half steps (2 frets), move up 2 strings and you’ll find an octave. (See example #1 note “F” blue and note “B” red)

- Play a random note on the D or G-string, then move up 3 half steps (3 frets), move up 2 strings and you’ll find an octave. (See example #1 note “E” black and note “A” green)

- Play a random note on the high E or B-string, then move up 2 half steps (2 frets), move down 3 strings and you’ll find an octave. (See example #2 note “F” brown and note “E” red)

- Play a random note on the G-string, then move up 3 half steps (3 frets), move down 3 strings and you’ll find an octave. (See example #2 note “D” blue)

After practicing and memorizing the octaves also repeat the previous days 1 to 6.

Example #1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 e:|---|---|---|---|-A-|---|---|---|---|---|---| high E-string B:|---|---|---|---|-E-|---|---|---|---|---|---| B-string G:|---|-A-|---|-B-|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| G-string D:|---|-E-|-F-|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| D-string A:|---|-B-|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| A-string E:|-F-|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| low E-string Example #2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 e:|-F-|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|high E-string B:|---|---|---|---|-E-|---|---|---|---|---|---| B-string G:|---|---|---|---|---|---|-D-|---|---|---|---| G-string D:|---|---|-F-|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| D-string A:|---|---|---|---|---|---|-E-|---|---|---|---| A-string E:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|-D-|---| low E-string Day 8

All the notes on the 5th fret are whole notes. Memorize these. Repeat the previous days 1 to 7.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 e:|---|---|---|---|-A-|---|---|---|---|---|---| high E-string B:|---|---|---|---|-E-|---|---|---|---|---|---| B-string G:|---|---|---|---|-C-|---|---|---|---|---|---| G-string D:|---|---|---|---|-G-|---|---|---|---|---|---| D-string A:|---|---|---|---|-D-|---|---|---|---|---|---| A-string E:|---|---|---|---|-A-|---|---|---|---|---|---| low E-string Day 9

All the notes on the 10th fret are whole notes. Memorize these. Repeat the previous days 1 to 8.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 ; e:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|-D-|---| high E-string B:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|-A-|---| B-string G:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|-F-|---| G-string D:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|-C-|---| D-string A:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|-G-|---| A-string E:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|-D-|---| low E-string Day 10

Memorize all the A notes on the fingerboard. Play the A note on every string (from low E-string to high E-string) and speak the note and fret out loud. For example: A 5, A Open (string), A 7, A 2, A 10, A 5. Repeat the previous days 1 to 9.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 e:|---|---|---|---|-A-|---|---|---|---|---|---| high E-string B:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|-A-|---| B-string G:|---|-A-|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| G-string D:|---|---|---|---|---|---|-A-|---|---|---|---| D-string A:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| A-string E:|---|---|---|---|-A-|---|---|---|---|---|---| low E-string Day 11

Memorize all the B notes on the fingerboard. Play the B note on every string (from low E-string to high E-string) and speak the note and fret out loud. For example: B 7, B 2, B 9, B 4, B Open (string), B 7. Repeat the previous days 1 to 10.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 e:|---|---|---|---|---|---|-B-|---|---|---|---| high E-string B:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| B-string G:|---|---|---|-B-|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| G-string D:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|-B-|---|---| D-string A:|---|-B-|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| A-string E:|---|---|---|---|---|---|-B-|---|---|---|---| low E-string Day 12

Memorize all the C notes on the fingerboard. Play the C note on every string (from low E-string to high E-string) and speak the note and fret out loud. For example: C 8, C 3, C 10, C 5, C 1, C 8. Repeat the previous days 1 to 11.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 e:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|-C-|---|---|---| high E-string B:|-C-|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| B-string G:|---|---|---|---|-C-|---|---|---|---|---|---| G-string D:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|-C-|---| D-string A:|---|---|-C-|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| A-string E:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|-C-|---|---|---| low E-string Day 13

Memorize all the D notes on the fingerboard. Play the D note on every string (from low E-string to high E-string) and speak the note and fret out loud. For example: D 10, D 5, D Open (string), D 7, D 3, D 10. Repeat the previous days 1 to 12.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 e:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|-D-|---| high E-string B:|---|---|-D-|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| B-string G:|---|---|---|---|---|---|-D-|---|---|---|---| G-string D:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| D-string A:|---|---|---|---|-D-|---|---|---|---|---|---| A-string E:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|-D-|---| low E-string Day 14

Memorize all the E notes on the fingerboard. Play the E note on every string (from low E-string to high E-string) and speak the note and fret out loud. For example: E Open (string), E 7, E 2, E 9, E 5, E Open (string). Repeat the previous days 1 to 13.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 e:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| high E-string B:|---|---|---|---|-E-|---|---|---|---|---|---| B-string G:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|-E-|---|---| G-string D:|---|-E-|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| D-string A:|---|---|---|---|---|---|-E-|---|---|---|---| A-string E:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| low E-string Day 15

Memorize all the F notes on the fingerboard. Play the F note on every string (from low E-string to high E-string) and speak the note and fret out loud. For example: F 1, F 8, F 3, F 10, F 6, F 1. Repeat the previous days 1 to 14.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 e:|-F-|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| high E-string B:|---|---|---|---|---|-F-|---|---|---|---|---| B-string G:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|-F-|---| G-string D:|---|---|-F-|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| D-string A:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|-F-|---|---|---| A-string E:|-F-|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| low E-string Day 16

Memorize all the G notes on the fingerboard. Play the G note on every string (from low E-string to high E-string) and speak the note and fret out loud. For example: G 3, G 10, G 5, G Open (string), G 8, G 3. Repeat the previous days 1 to 15.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 e:|---|---|-G-|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| high E-string B:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|-G-|---|---|---| B-string G:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| G-string D:|---|---|---|---|-G-|---|---|---|---|---|---| D-string A:|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|-G-|---| A-string E:|---|---|-G-|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| low E-string

Note: There are more ways to learn the fingerboard like memorizing the notes of scales shapes and speaking the notes out loud while you play them.
You can do the same with triads and arpeggios.

Tip: Incorporate the use of knowing the notes in your playing as much as you can with moving chord shapes (as I mentioned in the beginning of this post), scales, etc.

Get the most of this and improve your overall playing!

Leave a comment anytime you want. I appreciate it.
You can also subscribe to be updated on new posts via Email or RSS

Thanks,
Klaus Tol

Click here to download your free copy of "The 150 Esstential Chords" Ebook

A B C D E F G Basic Major Scales to Improve Your Skills

Klaus Tol — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 22:22:53 +0000

Photo by Janek Mann
The one thing most beginners hate to practice is scales, because they don’t see the point of it. It takes some practice to learn scales properly and then it takes another while before you can use them as a tool for your playing. Patience is a virtue.

But once you master the major scales you can really unlock their full potential.

Scales are used for improvisation, analyzing chords, progressions, warming up, speed picking practice and much more. In other words just about everything that is important to become a good guitar player.

When the time is right you will recognize the importance and effectiveness of scale practice.

Today I wrote down 7 basic major scales for you to practice. One scale for every whole note. In music there are 7 whole notes. Whole notes are: A B C D E F G.

Most of the scales below are open major scales, which means they contain open string notes.

Play the scales using alternate picking (alternating up and down strokes ascending and descending).

While there are many other scales, the pentatonic scale and the major scale are the two most important scales to know. With these two scales you can already rule the world.

Study the major scales thoroughly. It’s good for you!

A MAJOR SCALE e:------------------------------2-4-5-----------------------------------| B:-----------------------2-3-5------------------------------------------| G:----------------1-2-4-------------------------------------------------| D:---------0-2-4--------------------------------------------------------| A:--0-2-4---------------------------------------------------------------| E:----------------------------------------------------------------------| B MAJOR SCALE e:------------------------------2-4-6-7---------------------------------| B:----------------------2-4-5-------------------------------------------| G:--------------1-3-4---------------------------------------------------| D:-------1-2-4----------------------------------------------------------| A:--2-4-----------------------------------------------------------------| E:----------------------------------------------------------------------| C MAJOR SCALE e:----------------------------0-1-3-5-7-8-------------------------------| B:---------------------1-3----------------------------------------------| G:-------------0-2-4----------------------------------------------------| D:-----0-2-3------------------------------------------------------------| A:--3-------------------------------------------------------------------| E:----------------------------------------------------------------------| D MAJOR SCALE e:------------------------------2-3-5-7-9-10----------------------------| B:----------------------2-3-5-------------------------------------------| G:--------------0-2-4---------------------------------------------------| D:-------0-2-4----------------------------------------------------------| A:----------------------------------------------------------------------| E:----------------------------------------------------------------------| E MAJOR SCALE e:--------------------------------------0-------------------------------| B:---------------------------------2-4----------------------------------| G:-------------------------1-2-4----------------------------------------| D:-----------------1-2-4------------------------------------------------| A:---------0-2-4--------------------------------------------------------| E:--0-2-4---------------------------------------------------------------| F MAJOR SCALE e:----------------------------------0-1---------------------------------| B:-----------------------------1-3--------------------------------------| G:---------------------0-2-3--------------------------------------------| D:--------------0-2-3---------------------------------------------------| A:-------0-1-3----------------------------------------------------------| E:--1-3-----------------------------------------------------------------| G MAJOR SCALE e:------------------------------0-2-3-----------------------------------| B:-------------------------1-3------------------------------------------| G:------------------0-2-4-----------------------------------------------| D:-----------0-2-4------------------------------------------------------| A:----0-2-3-------------------------------------------------------------| E:--3-------------------------------------------------------------------|

Leave a comment or questions anytime you want. I appreciate it.
You can also subscribe to be updated on new posts via Email or RSS

Thanks,
Klaus Tol

Click here to download your free copy of "The 150 Esstential Chords" Ebook

21 Cool 3 Notes-Per-String Exercises to Rock On!

Klaus Tol — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 13:26:22 +0000

Photo by Jsome1
Playing 3 notes per string exercises is something I do on a regular basis. I use them to warm up, to become a faster guitar player and to spice up my improvisation.

3 notes per string licks and scales are generally used for speed picking. Whenever you hear a guitar player playing these really fast terrifying licks, it’s probably a 3 notes per string lick. Paul Gilbert of Mr.Big is one of many great experts in this field.

If you practice these exercises properly and often enough you will increase your speed. Because of the 3 notes per string technique it will create a particular cool sound once you will start playing faster.

The 3 notes per string exercises are played using the alternate picking technique. There are other techniques as well like sweep picking but alternate picking is the most common one. Alternative picking means you hold the pick between your thumb and index finger with the pointed end facing toward the strings. You strictly use alternating down and up strokes. The first note you play is downstroke, the second an upstroke, the third one a downstroke, the fourth one an upstroke and so on.

Once you get the hang of it, it can become quite addictive, but be careful though. Don’t overdo it when you are soloing or improvising in front of an audience. It can become boring after a while. Use it now and then and you will sound great. For speed practice and improving your alternative picking technique use the 3 notes per string exercises as much as you can.

The one and only reason why these monster guitar players become so incredibly fast is that they practice long hours for days, weeks, months and years. And why do you want to do that? Because it’s fun and because you’ll get better and the better a guitar player you’ll become the more you want to practice.

If you are ready for the challenge practice these 21 cool 3 notes per string licks, scales, exercises and feel the rush!

Practice slow first and then gradually build up speed.
Have fun!

EXERCISE #1 (E minor pattern) e:-----------------------------------------0-10-12----------------------| B:---------------------------------0-8-10-------------------------------| G:-------------------------0-7-9----------------------------------------| D:-----------------0-5-7------------------------------------------------| A:---------0-5-7--------------------------------------------------------| E:--0-3-5---------------------------------------------------------------| and back e:--12-10-0-------------------------------------------------------------| B:-----------10-8-0-----------------------------------------------------| G:--------------------9-7-0---------------------------------------------| D:-----------------------------7-5-0------------------------------------| A:--------------------------------------7-5-0---------------------------| E:-----------------------------------------------5-3-0------------------| EXERCISE #2 e:----------------------------------------------------------------------| B:----------------------------------------------------------------------| G:----------------------------------------------------------------------| D:----------------------------------------------------------------------| A:-------1-2-4-------2-4-5-------3-4-6-------4-6-7-------5-6-8----------| E:-1-2-4-------2-4-5-------3-4-6-------4-6-7-------5-6-8---------etc.---| Play exercise #2 also on the A and D strings and then on D and G strings etc, etc. EXERCISE #3 e:----------------------------------1-3-4---4-3-1-----------------------| B:----------------------------1-2-4----------------4-2-1----------------| G:---------------------1-3-4------------------------------4-3-1---------| D:--------------1-2-4---------------------------------------------etc.--| A:-------1-3-4----------------------------------------------------------| E:-1-2-4----------------------------------------------------------------| Repeat the exercise moving up one fret at a time. E.g.: The next step would be 2-3-5 on the E-string and 2-4-5 on the A-string. EXERCISE #4 e:-----------------------------------1-2-4---4-2-1----------------------| B:----------------------------1-2-4-----------------4-2-1---------------| G:---------------------1-2-4-------------------------------4-2-1--------| D:--------------1-2-4---------------------------------------------etc.--| A:-------1-2-4----------------------------------------------------------| E:-1-2-4----------------------------------------------------------------| Repeat the exercise moving up one fret at a time. E.g.: The next step would be 2-3-5, etc. EXERCISE #5 e:-----------------------------------1-3-4--4-3-1-----------------------| B:----------------------------1-3-4----------------4-3-1----------------| G:---------------------1-3-4------------------------------4-3-1---------| D:---------------1-3-4-------------------------------------------etc.---| A:--------1-3-4---------------------------------------------------------| E:-1-3-4----------------------------------------------------------------| Repeat the exercise moving up one fret at a time. E.g.: The next step would be 2-4-5, etc. EXERCISE #6 (in the key of G major or E minor) e:------------------------------------7-8-10--10-8-7--------------------| B:----------------------------7-8-10-----------------10-8-7-------------| G:---------------------4-5-7---------------------------------7-5-4------| D:--------------4-5-7----------------------------------------------etc.-| A:-------2-3-5----------------------------------------------------------| E:-2-3-5----------------------------------------------------------------| EXERCISE #7 (in the key of G major or E minor) e:---------------------------------------------5-7-8--8-7-5-------------| B:--------------------------------------5-7-8----------------8-7-5------| G:-------------------2-4-5-------4-5-7-----------------------------etc.-| D:-------------2-4-5-------4-5-7----------------------------------------| A:-------2-3-5----------------------------------------------------------| E:-2-3-5----------------------------------------------------------------| EXERCISE #8 (diminished scale) e:--------------------------------10-7-10-7-10-7------------------------| B:--------------------------6-9-6----------------9-6-9------------------| G:-------------------7-4-7-----------------------------4-7-4------------| D:-------------3-6-3-----------------------------------------6-3-6------| A:-------5-2-5-----------------------------------------------------etc.-| E:-1-4-1----------------------------------------------------------------| EXERCISE #9 (diminished scale) e:-----------------------------------7-8-10-10-8-7----------------------| B:----------------------------6-8-9-----------------9-8-6---------------| G:---------------------4-5-7------------------------------7-5-4---------| D:--------------3-5-6-------------------------------------------etc.----| A:-------2-3-5----------------------------------------------------------| E:-1-3-4----------------------------------------------------------------| EXERCISE #10 e:----------------------------------------------------------------------| B:----------------------------------------------------------------------| G:----------------------------------------------------------------------| D:----------------------------------------------------------------------| A:----------------------------------------------------------------------| E:-1-2-3-4---2-3-4-5---3-4-5-6---4-5-6-7---5-6-7-8---6-7-8-9--etc.------| Repeat the exercise moving up one string at a time. EXERCISE #11 (F Lydian mode - 3 notes per string) e:-----------------------------------3-5-7--7-5-3-----------------------| B:----------------------------3-5-6----------------6-5-3----------------| G:---------------------2-4-5------------------------------5-4-2---------| D:--------------2-3-5--------------------------------------------etc.---| A:-------2-3-5----------------------------------------------------------| E:-1-3-5----------------------------------------------------------------| EXERCISE #12 (G Mixolydian mode - 3 notes per string) e:-----------------------------------5-7-8--8-7-5-----------------------| B:----------------------------5-6-8----------------8-6-5----------------| G:---------------------4-5-7------------------------------7-5-4---------| D:--------------3-5-7--------------------------------------------etc.---| A:-------3-5-7----------------------------------------------------------| E:-3-5-7----------------------------------------------------------------| EXERCISE #13 (A Aeolian mode - 3 notes per string) e:---------------------------------7-8-10--10-8-7-----------------------| B:--------------------------6-8-10----------------10-8-6----------------| G:-------------------5-7-9-------------------------------9-7-5----------| D:-------------5-7-9-------------------------------------------etc.-----| A:-------5-7-8----------------------------------------------------------| E:-5-7-8----------------------------------------------------------------| EXERCISE #14 (B Locrian mode - 3 notes per string) e:---------------------------------------8-10-12--12-10-8---------------| B:------------------------------8-10-12-------------------12-10-8-------| G:----------------------7-9-10------------------------------------etc.--| D:---------------7-9-10-------------------------------------------------| A:--------7-8-10--------------------------------------------------------| E:-7-8-10---------------------------------------------------------------| EXERCISE #15 (C Ionian mode - 3 notes per string) e:-------------------------------------------10-12-13--13-12-10---------| B:----------------------------------10-12-13---------------------etc.---| G:-------------------------9-10-12--------------------------------------| D:-----------------9-10-12----------------------------------------------| A:---------8-10-12------------------------------------------------------| E:-8-10-12--------------------------------------------------------------| EXERCISE #16 (D Dorian mode - 3 notes per string) e:----------------------------------------------12-13-15--15-13-12------| B:-------------------------------------12-13-15--------------------etc.-| G:----------------------------10-12-14----------------------------------| D:-------------------10-12-14-------------------------------------------| A:----------10-12-14----------------------------------------------------| E:-10-12-13-------------------------------------------------------------| EXERCISE #17 (E Phrygian mode - 3 notes per string) e:----------------------------------------------13-15-17--17-15-13------| B:-------------------------------------13-15-17--------------------etc.-| G:----------------------------12-14-16----------------------------------| D:-------------------12-14-15-------------------------------------------| A:----------12-14-15----------------------------------------------------| E:-12-13-15-------------------------------------------------------------| EXERCISE #18 (stretch exercise) e:---------------------------------1-3-5--5-3-1-------------------------| B:---------------------------1-3-5---------------5-3-1------------------| G:--------------------1-3-5----------------------------5-3-1------------| D:--------------1-3-5----------------------------------------5-3-1------| A:-------1-3-5-----------------------------------------------------etc.-| E:-1-3-5----------------------------------------------------------------| Repeat the exercise moving up one fret at a time. E.g.: The next step would be 2-4-6, 2-4-6, 2-4-6, etc. EXERCISE #19 e:----------------------------------5-7-8-------------------------------| B:----------------------------5-7-8-------------------------------------| G:---------------------2-4-5--------------7-9-10------------------------| D:--------------2-4-5-----------------------------7-9-10----------------| A:-------5-7-8----------------------------------------------------------| E:-5-7-8----------------------------------------------------------------| Repeat the same exercise over and over again. Go in circles. EXERCISE #20 (string skipping) e:----------------------------------------------3-5-7--7-5-3------------| B:---------------------------------3-5-7---------------------------etc.-| G:--------------------3-5-7--------------3-5-7---------------7-5-3------| D:-------3-5-7--------------3-5-7---------------------------------------| A:--------------3-5-7---------------------------------------------------| E:-3-5-7----------------------------------------------------------------| EXERCISE #21 ( A pentatonic ) e:---------------------------------------11-12-15--15-12-11-------------| B:------------------------------10-13-15--------------------15-13-etc.--| G:-----------------------8-9-12-----------------------------------------| D:---------------7-10-12------------------------------------------------| A:--------6-7-10--------------------------------------------------------| E:-5-8-10---------------------------------------------------------------|

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Thanks,
Klaus Tol

Click here to download your free copy of "The 150 Esstential Chords" Ebook

How to Learn a Song in One Week

Klaus Tol — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 06:43:32 +0000

Photo by rolands.lakis
I know it is easier said than done to learn a song in one week, but it is quite possible. Of course you have to take one thing into account:

You have to choose a song that fits your capabilities. The song you are able to learn depends on whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced guitar player and the amount of time you can afford to practice.

A beginner could learn a basic pop / rock song in one week, while an intermediate or advanced guitar player could figure out a more advanced piece of music, but that’s not really the point I’m trying to make.

With all the busy schedules nowadays it’s hard to still find any time or motivation left to learn your favorite guitar song within an reasonable amount of time. Assuming you are a hard working male or female working from 9 to 5 or a college student role model you need a good practical way to get the job done.

Let’s see take a look how to approach this in seven days:

MONDAY
It’s the first day of the week. You come home from work or school a little tired but you’re okay. You really want to nail this song, but you don’t want to drown it. Well let’s get this party started. In order not be overwhelmed by the enormity of the task you take small steps. Small steps will get your goal accomplished.

- Choose a song you like. (Ask your guitar teacher or guitar buddy if it is a reasonable challenge)

- Listen to the song on Spotify or Youtube.

- Analyze the song structure. Find out if the song has a verse, a prechorus, chorus, a bridge, etc.

- To analyze the song structure search for the lyrics on Metrolyrics, Azlyrics or Sing365

Let’s assume you have the following song structure: Intro – verse – prechorus – chorus – verse – prechorus – chorus – bridge – chorus – outro.

- Find the chords or tabs on Azchords or Ultimateguitar (Note: Be careful, these chords and tabs are not always a 100 percent correct, sometimes not even 50 percent.) or transcribe the song by ear.

- Today you will start to learn the Intro. Nothing more and nothing less. Don’t work ahead but fully focus on the intro.

- Play it slow a few times and then gradually build up the speed. Playing things slowly and properly is really important. Don’t skip this part. It is essential.

- Analyze your barriers and mistakes. Where does it get tough? Where do you go wrong? Look at the way you put your fingers on the strings. Are you placing them correctly? Figure out a way to get the right sound. Experiment. Observe your left hand as well as your right hand.

- If you tried hard enough let it rest for a while. Forget about the details for a moment and carry on. Enjoy your practice session, have fun and finish the rest of the intro.

- Learn it by heart right away. It’s the best way to master the song.

TUESDAY
It’s your second day of work / school and you probably need to do some errands and chores. Finish them as quick as possible and try to simplify your tasks if possible. Now regain your energy, drink a glass of water to refresh and let’s take a few minutes to concentrate on the second part of the song: The Verse.

- Go to a room where you will not be distracted. Turn off your mobile phone, TV and Internet connection.
Ask your family to give you some room to breath for a few minutes.

- Learn the chords.

- Play the chord progression.

- Figure out the added licks. (via tabs or transcribe by ear)

- Memorize the complete verse.

- Remember first play things slowly until you get the hang of it and then play at normal speed.

- Treat chords, chord progressions and licks separately, figure out the hard parts, pay attention to little details and then finally put it all together. If it’s not perfect yet, don’t sweat it.

- Play the the whole thing from the top and give it your best. Reward yourself for today’s practice.

WEDNESDAY
You’re half way through the week. A great day to celebrate with the Prechorus. Feel the excitement of accomplishing your goal. Commit yourself to learning this beautiful piece of music. You must be tired but try not to think about it too much. Tell yourself it’ll only take a few minutes. Just see how much time you want to spend while you are at it. It’s only a prechorus. It’s easy. You can do it.

- Stop thinking….. Stop thinking.

- Take your guitar out the of the stand.

- Start practicing. Be a winner!

THURSDAY
It’s time to practice the Chorus, usually the most fun and recognizable part of the song. You are already more than halfway through the song by now.

- Listen to the original song for a minute.

- Focus on listening to the guitar player in particular.

- Listen to the rhythm, the melody, the phrasing and the sound of the licks. Take it all in.

- Take your guitar and try to copy little pieces and elements of what you just heard.

- Play the song from the top starting with the Intro, verse, prechorus and then the chorus.

- Pretend your in front of a real live audience. Give it your best. You’ve done a great job so far!

FRIDAY
It’s your last work or school day of the week. You are probably exhausted, but that won’t stop you from doing what you love most. This is your thing! Give it what you got, even if it’s only a few minutes. Be proud of your consistency. You are creating yourself a great habit.

- Get yourself together, sit straight, breath slow and relax.

- Practice the Bridge of the song.

- Go through it a couple of times in different tempos and memorize it.

SATURDAY
It’s weekend. A perfect time to complete the song. You only got the Outro left to practice.

- Take your time until you get it right.

- Practice the previous parts of the song. Refresh your memory.

- Correct little mistakes and polish it wherever you can.

- Play the whole song from beginning to end.

- Learn the entire song by heart.

Things that are not so perfect will come in time. Don’t worry about it. Just keep practicing. Enjoy the song for what is has become. The most important thing is that you have improved and you will keep on improving.

SUNDAY
Play the song one or two times. This time not only try to play it technically right but put your whole heart in it. Feel the song.

Your repertoire is one song richer. Musicianship is all about building a repertoire. Step by step. One song at a time.

You are on your way!

Always walk through life as if you have something new to learn and you will. ~ Vernon Howard

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Thanx, Klaus

Click here to download your free copy of "The 150 Esstential Chords" Ebook

10 Essentials On Guitar Improvisation

Klaus Tol — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 11:54:25 +0000

Photo by Simone13 AKA John Pastorello
Besides writing and playing songs I just love improvising.

When I practice improvising I always first pour myself a cup of green tea, I put on some folk music (e.g. Ray La Montagne, Damien Rice, Stephen Fretwell, Glen Hansard, Sheryl Crow, etc.) on Last.fm or Spotify.com and then I start to improvise over these songs. I get totally caught up in the moment and let my fingers carry me away.

Other times I practice melodic patterns, triads, arpeggios, licks, everything that will spice up my improvisation skills. You can never stop growing. There is always more to learn and explore.

Improvising is one of the most fun and fulfilling aspects of guitar playing, but also something that requires a lot of hard work and dedication. It’s the next step in becoming a better guitar player.

Here are 10 basic essentials that will help you become a better improviser.

1 – Pentatonics

Learn to play the pentatonic/blues scale all over the neck in all five shapes. This will take a while, but be patient and persistent. It’s good for you. The pentatonic scale is the corner stone of all soloing in blues, pop, country, rock and metal. Learn not only the scale, but also how to use it for improvisation. See below.

2 – Major Scale

Next to the pentatonic scale, the major scale is the most important scale to learn.
Learn to play the major scale all over the neck in every position starting from the root note. Again this takes time, but learn thoroughly. It is worth the effort.

Once you can play the scale in all positions, connect the different positions with each other. For example: Play one part of the scale in the first position, continue the scale in the second position and then go on to the third position. Experiment and try different combinations.

The most exciting and challenging part is learning how to improvise with the scales. That is what you are heading for.

3- Melodic patterns

Melodic patterns will help you not to sound like you are playing scales all the time. It will expand your possibilities and create more freedom in your playing. They are really useful when improvising. Learn to play the scales in 3rds, 4ths, 5ths, 6ths, 3 in a line 4 in a line, etc.

Example:

Major scale = 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
C major scale = C D E F G A B C D E F G A B C

3rds = 1 3, 2 4, 3 5, 4 6, 5 7, 6 8, 7 9, 8 10, 9 11, etc.
C major scale = C E, D F, E G, F A, G B, A C, B D, C E, D F, etc.

4ths = 1 4, 2 5, 3 6, 4 7, 5 8, 6 9, 7 10, 8 11, 9 12, etc.
5ths = 1 5, 2 6, 3 7, 4 8, 5 9, 6 10, 7 11, 8 12, 9 13, etc.
6ths = 1 6, 2 7, 3 8, 4 9, 5 10, 6 11, 7 12, 8 13, 9 14, etc.

3 in a line = 123, 234, 345, 456, 567, 678, 789, etc.
4 in a line = 1234, 2345, 3456, 4567, 5678, 6789, etc.

4 – Random notes
Practice playing random notes through the scale. For example:

Major scale = 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Pick out notes randomly: 1 6 3 2 12 15 3 5 11 7 etc.

This will help you to learn the scale thoroughly, it will make you more flexible and again give you more freedom when improvising.

5 – Triads
Triads are used to open up your playing and get away from playing diatonic and pentatonic scale runs. Triads are 3 note chords. You can play a triad starting from the first/root note (the root position triad), from the second note (the 1st inversion) and from the 3rd note (2nd inversion). There are 4 different types of triads : major, minor, augmented and diminished. A major triad is formed by the 1st, 3rd and 5th note of the major scale.

Example:

Major scale = 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8, Cmajor scale = C D E F G A B C

Major triad = 1 3 5, Cmajor triad = C E G (= C)

Minor triad = 1 b3 5, Cminor triad = C Eb G (= Cm)

Augmented triad = 1 3 #5, Caug triad = C E G# (= C+)

Diminished triad = 1 b3 b5, Cdim triad = C Eb Gb (= Co)

Learn all the triads you can play through a major scale. For example:
C major scale: Cmajor triad, Dmin triad, Emin triad, Fmajor triad, Gmajor triad, Amin triad and Bdim triad. You can use all these triads improvising through a Cmajor scale, A minor scale or A minor pentatonic.

6 – Arppegios
Learn arpeggios and incorporate them in your playing. Arpeggios are like triads, they are used to open up your playing and create more color and variety to your improvisation. A triad is actually an arpeggio if it is played note by note, ascending or descending. While a triad contains only three notes, an arpeggio can be expanded with a b7, maj7, a 9th, 11th, etc which gives you endless possibilities.

7 – Licks
A lick is a short series of notes that creates a cool melodic line which can be used in your improvisation. Increase your lick vocabulary. Learning new licks is an ongoing process that will keep your improvisation sound fresh and help you grow becoming a better player.

8 – Modes
Learn to play all the 7 modes of the major scale to expand your improvising skills even more. The 7 modes are:

- Ionian = 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
- Dorian = 1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7 8
- Phrygian = 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7 8
- Lydian = 1 2 3 #4 5 6 7 8
- Mixolydian = 1 2 3 4 5 6 b7 8
- Aeolian = 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7 8
- Locrian = 1 b2 b3 4 b5 b6 b7 8

9 – Solos
Transcribe and learn solos from the greatest guitar players to be inspired. Steal, copy their licks and make your own out of them. Study how they phrase and use rhythm in their soloing. Learn solos in different styles and genres; Blues, rock, country, metal, pop, etc. There is much to be learned from different guitar players.

10 – Improvise
The best way to learn how to improvise is actually do it.
Put on your favorite songs or use a backing track and start improvising over the chord progressions. Play licks. melodic patterns, triads, arpeggios, every thing you learned, then combine, improvise, phrase, experiment, make mistakes, try again, put your soul into it and let your fingers lead the way.

Regardless of what you play, the biggest thing is keeping the feel going. – Wes Montgomery

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Thanks,
Klaus Tol

Click here to download your free copy of "The 150 Esstential Chords" Ebook

5 Ways How to Practice Without The Guitar

Klaus Tol — Mon, 24 May 2010 06:40:40 +0000

Photo by Batega
There are times when I don’t have my guitar with me or I can’t play for whatever reason and I am really eager to improve my skills and give my playing a boost.

When my kids are watching TV and I can’t interrupt, when I’m sitting or waiting somewhere and I am bored out of my skull I like to use my time wisely practicing without the guitar.

One of my favorite ways doing this is memorizing the notes of the scales, chords and random notes on the fretboard. I have noticed that knowing my way around the fretboard has an amazing impact on my playing.

Besides guitar playing there are a lot of things you can do to improve your playing. These are all things that really matter and make a big difference on you becoming an advanced player.

Here are 5 ways how to practice without the guitar:

1 – Memorize
Memorize all the notes on the fretboard one string at a time. Memorizing the notes on the low E string and A string is a must for every guitar player. Most barre chords, power chords and scales start off on these strings, so the notes on these strings determine what the name of the chords or scale is.

Memorizing all the notes on the other strings (D, G, B and high E string) will be a great advantage to your guitar playing and guitar vocabulary.

Remember: “The notes, scales, triads, intervals, and arpeggios are the letters and words to create phrases (melodies) which expand your guitar vocabulary”

Memorize the notes in small steps on a regular basis. Memorize in waiting rooms, while you are walking, when you are stuck in traffic or memorize in bed before you fall to sleep. Memorize notes of chords, scales, anything that will help you to know your way around the fretboard.

2 – Listen
Take your ipod to work or school in the car or in the bus and listen to guitar players. Listen to as many different guitar players as possible. Be inspired by their playing. Listen how they phrase, study their styles and skills. Learn from the greatest. Really listening and analyzing the music is one the best ways of practicing.

3 – Read
Read guitar magazines and guitar books. Guitar magazines often contain great articles from the best players in the world with great tips on how to improve your playing and stories on how they became better players. There is also a lot of info on guitar equipment, guitar setups, maintenance, guitar theory, technique and styles. Go to your public library for a great collection of guitar books.

4 – Watch DVDs
Watch great guitar players in concert. Check out guitar instructional DVDs. Watch them on your laptop or mobile phone where ever you go. There are many great guitar instructional DVDs that take you to the next step and can change your playing for once and for all.

5 – Practice theory
Grab yourself a pen and paper and write down the circle of fifths. Learn the key signatures, how many sharps and flats are in each scale. Study and learn the circle of fourths. Learn chord formulas and scale formulas. Practicing theory is most important when learning how to improvise, building chords and chord progressions. It’s the next step in becoming a better guitar player.

He who loves practice without theory is like the sailor who boards ship without a rudder and compass and never knows where he may cast. – Leonardo da Vinci

Hi everyone,
Leave a comment anytime you want. I always respond.
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Thanks to you all,
Klaus Tol

Click here to download your free copy of "The 150 Esstential Chords" Ebook

8 Tips How to Wake Up Early That Do Work.

Klaus Tol — Sat, 15 May 2010 05:40:24 +0000

Sunrise in Machu Picchu by thecsman
Since a year now I have been waking up early. Going from 6 a.m to 5 a.m. My life has changed because of it.

Finally I have the time to do everything that I love to do: practicing guitar, running my business, writing a blog, writing songs, working out, reading, spending a lot of time with my wife and children.

It’s the greatest reward and reminder for waking up early.

I wake up early at least 5 days a week. I like to wake up early two or three days in a row and then one day sleep late. (7.30 a.m.) At night I go to bed at 11 p.m. Not a minute later. If I go to bed at 12 p.m. and try to wake up early it won’t work. I tried many different ways and figured out the one that worked best for me. I think this is different for everyone so you have to experiment with this.

Originally I am a night owl and waking up early is not something that came naturally for me, but it has become a habit and it’s the best thing ever!

Here are the 8 tips that do work:

1 – The reason
You got to have a reason to wake up early or else you won’t do it. The reason can be a goal. Before you go to bed, write down the steps you will take the next morning to achieve a part of that goal. Make sure it’s a goal you really want to accomplish. It has to be something you are passionate and excited about.

2 – Early enough
Set the alarm early enough so you can really get some work done. If you wake up only 15 minutes earlier and it’s too less time to accomplish anything you won’t stick with it. Wake up a half an hour, one hour or two hours earlier. Gradually increase your wake up time.

3 – Go to bed
Let’s be honest, you won’t get any smarter by watching TV. It won’t realize your dream goal. Just go te bed in time. You can do without those late night talk shows or crime scene investigation series. Be smart. Waking up early is much more fulfilling.

4 – Stop thinking
The moment your alarm goes off you’re are giving yourself a hundred reasons against one or two to get back to sleep. Stop your thinking the very right moment you wake up. Just step out of bed. Don’t you dare talk to yourself. Don’t go into a discussion. You will lose if you will. Don’t go for the short term benefits, but go for the long term benefits that will change for life. People who give in to the short term benefits won’t get their dream goals accomplished.

5 – Mantra
If you do get trapped into thinking, speak out your mantra. Create a mantra for yourself to make sure you wake up early. The Mantra should contain a few keywords to define the reasons why you want to wake up early.

One of the reasons could be is to get some work done. If you have children it’s really difficult to get any work done. So this is your private time in total solitude. Your most productive time of the day. The Mantra keywords could be “private time”, “productiveness”.

6 – Accountability
Talk to people about your waking up early system and which goals you have accomplished or are busy accomplishing. The more people you talk to about it, the more accountable you feel to practice what you preach.

7 – Rewarding
You can reward yourself for waking up early, but the best reward is to be productive and focused on your goal. Get away from distractions (internet, mobile phones, TV, newspapers, etc) and just go for what you want to achieve. The feeling of accomplishment after you worked hard on your goal in the morning is the best reward ever. Try it and you will see.

8 – The Habit
It takes 3 to 4 weeks to create a habit. If you tried a few times but failed here and there, don’t beat yourself up about it. Just try again. You just need to make it through the 3 weeks. By this time you created a habit. Now you are in it for the long term. You’ll have the best time ever!

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Thanks everyone,
Klaus Tol

Click here to download your free copy of "The 150 Esstential Chords" Ebook

12 Tips on What Guitar You Should Buy

Klaus Tol — Mon, 10 May 2010 12:05:54 +0000

photo by Orin Zebest
It took years for me to find out what guitar really suited my taste. It’s a process that you go through. Your taste changes as you grow.

When I was young I mainly wanted to shred. My world was all about Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Dime Bag Darrel and all the other Shred Gods.

Obviously I bought myself a Joe Satriani Ibanez signature guitar and a Frank Gambale Ibanez signature. I also bought an Ovation semi acoustic guitar. Why? I don’t have a clue.

Now I’m older I am more into singer songwriters like Damien Rice, Ray La Montagne, John Mayer, Jack Johnson to name just a few. My acoustic guitar is a Santa Cruz OMPW Model and when I play electric guitar I prefer a stratocaster.

It’s difficult to choose the right guitar, because there are so many. I must say nowadays there is a lot of great value for money, but then again a lot of crap as well.

Before you go out and buy a guitar talk to friends, your teacher and people who are experienced. Take your time to listen and observe before you open your wallet.

To help you out on some key issues here are 12 tips on what guitar you should buy:

1 – Style
First ask yourself the question what style of music you want to play?
(A) Do you want to play rock, blues rock or metal? (U2, Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers, etc)
(B) Do you want to play singer songwriters music? (Eagles, John Mayer, Jack Johnson, etc)
(C) Do you want to play classical music? (Andrés Segovia, John Williams, Julian Bream, etc)

If you choose (A) buy yourself an electric guitar.
If you choose (B) buy a steel string acoustic guitar.
If you choose (C) buy a classical guitar.

2 – Age
If your child wants to play guitar (age 6 to 10) I suggest you buy him or her a nylon string guitar. That would be a classical guitar. Nylon strings are easier on the fingers than steel strings, so it is much nicer for younger kids. Depending on the size of the child you can also buy a 3/4 size guitar or a 1/2 size guitar.

3 – Starting out
A lot of people have an old classical guitar somewhere up in the attic. When you are just starting out I suggest you first ask your friends, family or neighbors if they might own anything that looks like a guitar. Maybe they don’t do anything with it.

You can always go to the guitar shop later and ask if they can put some new strings on it. Take some guitar lessons for a couple of weeks or months until you are sure you want to continue. Now you can buy yourself a more expensive guitar and switch to a steel string acoustic guitar or an electric guitar if that prefers your taste.

4 – Electric guitar
Do you want to create really loud noise? Buy an electric guitar. But also for clean sounds, creamy blues and filthy crunch the electric guitar is the best choice to pick. If you want to create a lot of different sounds the possibilities with an electric guitar are endless.

If you are a beginner and want a cheap electric guitar I suggest you buy a Squier (Fender), an Epiphone (Gibson) or an Ibanez. Those are nice beginner guitars. If you are an intermediate or advanced guitar player check out the list below at #12 for quality brands.

Take into account when you are going to buy an electric guitar that you need an amp as well. Electric guitars are also expandable with a lot of different distortion and effect pedals to create more sounds. This is a hobby in itself.

5 – Steel string acoustic guitar
A steel string acoustic guitar has a rich, full bodied and clear natural sound. A cheap steel string acoustic guitar usually doesn’t sound that great, but if you are just starting out it is probably good enough.

If you are an intermediate or advanced guitar player check out the list below. If you want a real good sounding steel string acoustic guitar you are going to have to spend somewhere about 800 dollars. If you want better quality you can spend up to thousands of dollars, depending on your budget.

6 – Classical guitar
A classical guitar has a full bodied, warm and mellow sound. This is partly due to the nylon strings. A good sounding classical guitar is often cheaper than a steel string acoustic guitar. Prices range from 200 dollars up to thousands of dollars.

7 – Choose what you like
When you go out and buy a guitar listen with your own ears. What guitar sound do you like best. Which guitar feels the nicest and looks the most awesome. You can listen to what a salesman has to say, but you are the one who has to judge. Don’t rely too much on the salesman. Listen to your own heart. The sound and feeling of a guitar is about personal preference.

8 – Lower the action
Look for a guitar with a low action or ask the salesperson to lower the action if possible. The action is distance between the strings and the fret. A lower action improves the feel of your guitar so it’s easier for you the press the strings down on the fret and get a good sound out of it. It makes a huge difference.

9 – Try out
Go to different guitar shops, take your time and try as many guitars as you can. Learn to hear and feel the difference. Don’t buy immediately. Come back the next day with a fresh pair of ears and play some more. This way you’ll have a more objective view of what sounds good or bad.

10 – Advantages
The electric guitar is expandable with amps and hundreds of different pedals for creating great sounds. It is fairly easy to play because of the small neck and light gauge strings. You can also play really quiet if you unplug the guitar. This way you don’t bother anyone, but you can still play.

A steel string acoustic guitar or a classical guitar doesn’t need amplification. The body of the guitar serves as an amplifier so you are all set with just the guitar. The Steel string guitar sounds great without hassle. Don’t you just love simplicity :)

A classical guitar has got nylon strings which are easier on the fingers.
A classical guitar has also got a thicker neck than a steel string acoustic or an electric guitar which is great for big hands.

11 – Disadvantages
An electric guitar needs extras to get you all fired up. You need an amplifier, you need cables and probably some pedals to go with it.

A steel string acoustic guitar is more difficult to play than an electric guitar, but it is worth the effort.

A classical guitar has got a thicker neck than a steel string acoustic or an electric guitar which is not so great for really small hands.

12 – Famous brands

Electric guitars:

- Fender (Rock, Blues, Pop)
- Gibson (Rock, Blues, Pop)
- Ibanez (Shredding)
- Music man (Rock, Pop)
- ESP (Metal)
- Jackson (Metal)
- Gretsch (Rockabilly, Jazz, Blues)
- Washburn (Rock)
- Rickenbacker (Rock, Blues, Pop)
- Paul Reed Smith (Rock, Blues)

Steel string acoustic guitars:

- Martin
- Taylor
- Larrivee
- Santa Cruz
- Blue Ridge
- Lowden
- Takamine
- Guild

Classical guitars:

- Takamine
- Alvarez Yairi
- Rodriguez
- Ortega
- Jose Ramirez
- Alhambra

Leave a comment or a question anytime. I always read them and respond.
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Thanks my fellow musicians,
Klaus Tol