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Q: What is the best way, in your opinion, for a classical
guitarist to learn improvisation? - from Mateusz
A. I think the key here, is to not consider yourself as a classical
player, but as a musician. Ear training is important. It's a good
exercise to learn pieces by ear as opposed to from sheet music. Then
it's a question of playing what you hear in your head. It's like
learning a language and then thinking in that language. It's always a
good thing to study solos by some of the greats like Herbie Hancock,
Kenny Kirkland, John Coltrane, Joe Zawinul, and many others. Jazz
players speak a language. Some of them say more than others with less
notes (or words). Be a detective by trying to unravel how, and more
importantly why they played the notes they did. Learn those solos by
ear, and then you will make a start at creating your own identity or
vocabulary.
Q: I am planning on picking up a pipa (Chinese lute). I have no idea
how to play this thing, but am completely intrigued by it's sound.
Have you ever tried this instrument..? Would you recommend getting
some proper technique via a few lessons or just working it out for
myself. I tend to usually work it out on my own but thought maybe you
may have attempted something like this in the past. It has 4 strings
and I play guitar - how different could it be? - from Seika
A: I would definitely recommend having a few lessons on this
instrument so you can get a good start. The teacher can show you how
to get the best out of it. I have never tried this instrument but if I
did I would get help. Maybe there is a special technique a teacher can
show you which you might never realise on your own. I hope you enjoy
it!
Q: I'm the kid who you gave your guitar pick to, at the concert on May
5, 2005 in Boston. Your one of my favourite musicians in the world. My
name is Jack Doherty. I'm turning 9 on June 2, 2005. Right now on May
7, 2005 I'm listening to one of your albums called 'Shapes' it is very
good. I take piano lessens and just about to start guitar. All I need
is to buy a guitar that fits me and that isn't old and dusty. Do you
recommend any kind of a guitar for a starter? Very, very good concert
on Thursday. It was my first and I went with my Mom and Dad. Thank you
for the guitar pick. I brought it to school to show to my class. -
from Jack
A: Hi Jack. I remember you at the concert. I am glad you enjoyed it.
This is a good time for you to start playing the guitar. I was about
nine when I started. You should ask your parents to take you to a
music store and try out a few guitars. The best way to get started is
to get a Spanish (or nylon string guitar). I think the best one would
be a Yamaha. Don't get a smaller one because one day you will have to
play a full size guitar and then it will become harder. So a normal
size one would be best for you. I think you should ask your parents to
find you a guitar teacher to help get you started. You should see him
once a week and he will tell you what you can practice. I hope you
enjoy playing and please let me know how you get on. Playing guitar is
the best feeling in the world!
Q: I have just started to play again after 15 yrs off, I played in
covers pop bands for my living in my early twenties to a decent
standard, but have decided to play again from scratch. I should like
to learn to read, I have poor knowledge of theory, I am enjoying
diddling around at the moment but want to get some learning structure
going, should I seek some tutoring or just persevere with books of
scales chords etc. - from John
A: Welcome back! It's good to be back because I am sure you will
utilise the time better now. Just start practicing scales slowly and
maybe get a private tutor. Theory is important too but first get your
playing fluency back. Then you can get deeper into it.
Q: Is there any advice you could give me, a 14 year old girl, on
starting to play the guitar? I am have always wanted to get lessons
and last night at the Sting Concert you really inspired me to go after
those lessons. You, are one of the greatest I have ever heard and I
want to be able to play as great as you! - from Kristin
A: I am glad you are into the guitar. My advice would be to take
classical lessons as well as whatever lessons you are having. Playing
classical guitar is not only very good for you but highly rewarding on
many levels. It will also make you better than your peers. Also,
practice SLOWLY.
Q: I have a PRS Santana Se and run it through a Fender Blues Jr amp,
with a Big Muff pedal. What pointers can you give someone that doesn't
understand music theory but has a desire to want to play? - from Mark
A: My advice to you would be to continue enjoying it by simplifying
your approach. The slower you play or think the quicker you will
become a better player. You will probably never be able to play like
some of the people you admire or aspire to but you can ALWAYS play
like yourself which involves taking aspects of different peoples'
playing and then creating your own style. My golden mantra is PRACTICE
SLOWLY.
Q: My Mom just saw you in concert and she got your autograph for me.
Thank you for the guitar pick. I like your new C.D. Any advice for an
8 year old learning to play guitar? - from Chris
A: I am glad you are learning to play the guitar. I started the same
age as you. The best way to start is by getting a good teacher to show
you some open chords and then play around with them so as to make them
feel natural or fluent (your mom can explain what I mean). The next
thing is to practice really slowly because if you do this you will end
up playing as fast as you like. Good luck!
Q: My parents bought me a cheap electric guitar about 2 years ago, but
I've only really started to try to play anything recently and I spent
a long time trying to find somebody with a style I liked. What I'm
wondering is this. You said that you started playing at 15, and I'm 15
now, and I was wondering a) did you take any lessons or just play
around to teach yourself, and b) how long did it take for you to get
to a level good enough to play live in a band etc? - from Chris
A: I am glad you have started this journey of playing the guitar. My
sister first taught me to play. Then I took lessons from a classical
guitar teacher. During this time I was also learning musical theory
which is REALLY important. I was always learning by ear as well and
continue to this day. I think you are ready to play in a band as soon
as your timing is adequate. Playing with other people is all about
listening. What you play should make them sound good. If you think
this way you will always sound better and ultimately be in demand. I
hope this helps.
Q: What advice would you give to a guitarist who is looking to pursue
a career in music? I'm now 14 and am currently getting a variety of
experiences i.e. studying music at school, playing in a rock band and
also playing at church. - from Nic
A: It sounds like you are doing all the right things to be a
guitarist. I think it's important to try many different styles,
particularly classical. It could make you a better player in the style
that you want to play. Practice slowly!
Q: I have two sons, 2 and 4 years old. I would love to have them learn
guitar similar to the way Rufus did in your family. I think this will
spark a lifelong love of music in their lives. However, as you have
said of your formal studies...the classical pieces are "bloody
difficult". I do not want to discourage them and scare them off. With
that in mind, do you think classical lessons are a good idea or simply
torture for them? And what age is a good age to start? - From Brian
A: I think eight years old is a good time to start playing guitar. The
best way to start is by learning open chords with the emphasis on
timing. Once this is conquered it could be a good time to progress to
simple classical pieces and exercises. It is crucial to have a teacher
who makes it fun. I hope this helps, and thanks for you kind words.
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