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Plantsman13

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Posts posted by Plantsman13

    Memorize Scale 1/3's and 1231

    in Major Scale Mastery Levels 1 & 2 Fretboard Workouts

    Posted

    Slow and steady for sure.  Once I get them under my fingers, I then work on closing my eyes or looking away from the fretboard while I try to execute them cleanly.  I even like to work on a swing rhythm to drill down even further on the muscle memory.  Another mind exercise is to start the scale on a different note than normal and either go forward or backward.  I find this keeps things more interesting over just rote repetition; however, one must put in the time and effort originally to get the different scales under your fingers before exploring these alternate avenues to reenforce what you have learned.  Another good technique is to practice on your hammer-ons and pull-offs while working on your scales (Steve works on this in his Fingerstyle course).

    G.A.S. explained!

    in Guitar Gear, Amps, Effects, Pedals

    Posted

    Definitely a Ben, but similar to a blind pig finding an acorn once in a while!  I've researched acoustic tone-woods and body shapes while my skill set resembled "chop sticks" on a piano.  How does one "feel" a guitar talk to you at that stage of development?  You go into a "guitar shop" and somebody next to you rips off a "SRV" or "Julian Lage" set of licks while you worry about "chop sticks".  Not good.  We all want to believe that signature model we've seen will allow us to play and sound better...but it doesn't.  My point is I think beginning guitarists need to learn how to play fundamentally before being stricken with G.A.S.ed overload.  I love boutique acoustic guitars, with attention to construction detail, that make my heart sing...even if I sound like a scalded cat while playing it.  :-)

    • Like 1

    Practice Schedule.

    in Guitar Open Talk

    Posted

    Sey,

    Steve did a video on his thoughts I've inserted here:

    I'm personally guilty of "too many irons in the fire", but it helps me to bounce into my learning barrier in multiple spots versus digging a rut at one location.  :-)  Steve says it right in his video.

    Good luck in finding a practice routine that leads you down a road to more success in your guitar playing.

     

    Arthritis in the shoulder

    in Guitar Playing & Technique

    Posted

    I've had two rotator cuff surgeries on my shoulders, so I understand smaller is better when it comes to acoustic guitars.  Dreads are in my rearview mirror and I've had good comfort with Taylor Grand Concert acoustic guitars.  I haven't played the Academy 12e guitars but reviews have them respectable values/quality for the price range you mention.  Watch for something used, if it were me.

    Good luck in your search.

    • Like 1

    Guitar case or not for an extended period ?

    in Guitar Care, Repair & Building

    Posted · Edited by Plantsman13

    In the case or not...I have multiple guitars (acoustic and electric) that are kept in their cases when not being played.  I have heard and concur with the advice, the case is the safest place to keep a guitar when not being played.  Chicago winters challenge the humidity issue, and even 35% house humidification during 0 - 15 degree weather results in significant window condensation.  A room humidifier is also used in my guitar sanctuary at night to boost humidity levels.  I keep MusicNomad sound hole humidifiers and Dampits (larger model) in the peghead compartment of each acoustic and single Dampit in the electric.  I do use distilled water in these devices, as recommended by MusicNomad, to avoid scale buildup from our hard water.

    I do not keep any guitars outside of their cases for the humidity issues and my Brittany Spaniel's rambunctious behavior during various times of the day.  I try to keep regular practice times, then keep them safe when finished.

    Extended storage periods does make me think of relieving string tension.  Is there a recommended amount of string relief, such as half-tone, full-tone, or perhaps more?

     

    • Like 1

    Metronome Settings for Level 2 Course?

    in Major Scale Mastery Levels 1 & 2 Fretboard Workouts

    Posted

    Mark,

    90 bpm based on quarter notes does mean two eighth notes per beat (1+2+etc) that is equivalent to 180 notes per minute.

    When you get to sixteenth notes; the 90 bpm will mean four sixteenth notes per beat (1 e and a 2 e and a etc) that is equivalent to 360 notes per minute.

    Steve's progression does keep things relative as you practice to obtain 120 bpm using sixteenth notes.  If you have mastered eighth notes at 90 bpm; go back to quarter notes at 90 bpm and it'll feel like time stood still!

    I think your confusion is Steve cycles through all bpm (60-120) using "quarters'; then "eighths", then "sixteenths".

     

    Favorite Guitar Picks

    in Guitar Gear, Amps, Effects, Pedals

    Posted · Edited by Plantsman13

    I think of the number as an expression of "mm" thickness, but I have no experience with Bluechip.  I have the impression the how the material "feels" while playing is the "artistic" measure, with tortoise shell picks setting the bar (at least from comments read over the years).

    I believe the material is similar but shape and size differ. Looking at Wegen, there is a very large array of picks manufactured to meet differing tastes and demands.

    • Like 1

    Favorite Guitar Picks

    in Guitar Gear, Amps, Effects, Pedals

    Posted

    Cindy,

    You can order online here:

    http://www.bluechippick.net

    OBTW: when Julian Lage and Chris Thile (among others) endorse them, you might be able to overlook the cost.  I chose Wegen for cost and Jack Pearson recommended them last summer at GG.  A four pack of bluegrass ran $15 while the TF100 ran $15 each at Elderly in Michigan.  Offered in white or black as shown in earlier picture.

     

     

     

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    • Like 1

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