Question on Scales
Classical Guitar Technique
Got a question from Rich on another post: “I have been really practicing scales recently as many people have told me of the importance of this… and from what you have said here that seems like good advice. “I have a question though as I read in one guitar book that constant repetition of a […]
Read MoreChord Inversion
Music Theory
In previous installments of Music Theory Fridays we’ve gone over the chords in a major scale and gone over how every chord except vii functions. So far each chord has been in what’s called “root position.” That is, the lowest note of the chord is the root or scale degree from which the chord is […]
Read MoreFinding a Guitar Teacher
Guitar Teaching
Finding a guitar teacher is easy. Finding a classical guitar teacher is more complicated. Very few guitarists pursue and teach classical guitar. As Lee F. Ryan Says in The Natural Classical Guitar, “Of course the guitarist should leap at any chance to study directly with a fine player. There is nothing like being in the […]
Read MoreSlow Fast Alternation
Guitar Practice Techniques
Slow-Fast alternation is an extremely useful practice technique. And it’s exactly like it sounds: play something slow, then play it at tempo and continue alternating the two ideas. When starting to work on a rough bit, it’s important to spend more time on the slow part. Something like a 4 or 5:1 ratio of slow:fast […]
Read MoreActive Music Listening
Musical Interpretation and Musicianship
I’ve talked before about the importance of listening to music. This includes listening to all sorts of music: jazz, pop, symphony, metal, etc. The idea is to actively listen to what you’re hearing. Not an easy task considering the numerous distractions available to us! I had a jazz theory teacher who always liked to say, […]
Read MoreMonday Motivation: Back to School Edition
Monday Motivation
School starts up again this week, back the “grind.” Considering my job is to play guitar…I’m excited. Excited for the semester, and excited to play a recital (and finish learning all the music!). “Say what?” asked Pooh, opening his eyes. “Music and Living-” “The same thing,” said Pooh. -Benjamin Hoff in The Tao of Pooh […]
Read MoreHow to Read Classical Guitar Music
Musical Interpretation and Musicianship
Like any other instrument, classical guitar music is written on a staff. There are great resources all over the web that teach and train reading on the staff. Notation reading should be fluent and effortless. Starting from the bottom line of the staff, a sentence can be used to figure out each of the notes […]
Read MoreUsing Jazz to Expand your Repertoire
Classical Guitar Repertoire
Using jazz is a great way to add variety to the music you play. There are a few options on how to do this. Composers like Roland Dyens have released arrangements of jazz standards. There’s a book by Dyens called “Night and Day” (available from GSP) containing the arrangements found on the CD of the […]
Read MoreDaily Links
Guitar Related Links
Kevin Gallagher has posted an excellent video lesson dealing with the popular guitar piece Lagrima by Francisco Tarrega. Want to promote your symphony? The best way, it seems, is to use Guitar Hero. The Modesto Symphony Orchestra is doing just that to help promote a concert featuring guitar soloist Manuel Barrueco. Here is the article […]
Read MoreScoring a Teaching Gig
Guitar Teaching
Very few classical guitarists can make a living without teaching at least a little bit. In fact, I can only think of two guitarists off the top of my head who don’t teach: John Williams and David Russell. For us mere mortals, that means that teaching is going to be a big part of our […]
Read More