Being
Famous Takes Some Practice...
In
this edition, we're going to start things off with a bang by getting
your chops in shape with a new practice regimen that is exclusive
to Guitar Tips. I have received so much information on this topic
from our subscribers that I've decided to cover it over a three
part series so you can get the most out of it. We also have our
new feedback booth where you get your voice heard. So let's get
started...
It
all starts when you pick up the guitar.
How
often have we sat with our guitar while listening in awe to our
favourite guitarists wondering how they became so good? Chances
are we've all done it once or twice (OK, that's the understatement
of the century). The key to their success is easily obtainable when
we take a look at how they practice and what they use to stay in
shape. Not unlike an athlete, musicians need to put in their training
time as well.
In the words of John Pertrucci (lead guitarists for Dream Theatre),
"As you embark on your practice regimen, there will be times
when you hit the wall. It will feel like you're stuck-- you know,
the frustrating sense that no matter how long you practiced something,
you just can't seem to master it." The key to getting out of
this rut that John talks about is having a practice routine that
covers all of the necessities. This requires a tool box or "System".
The
system is quite simple and is known by the term PACS (pronounced
packs), which stands for "practice arpeggios, chords, and scales."
It's a system I have developed for you to keep these essentials
in mind. I have found that in the past, some of my students felt
as if they had run out of material to practice with and as a result
they became discouraged. This has held true with many of our subscribers
who have emailed us asking for something new and exciting to practice
with.
With
PACS, there is always new material available and starting now you
can find it right here!
Step
#1
The
first step is setting aside a practice time each day and preferably
in a place without distractions. If you don't practice your fingers
will become lazy and you will find that your speed and dexterity
will decrease. This wastes time that you could be spending on learning
new material and even if you can only spare 15 minutes a day you
will notice a difference within a week. It is critical that you
set up a time each day and try to include at least five minutes
each for arpeggios,chords and scales.
Lets
make something clear, practice doesn't make perfect. It makes the
knowledge acquired permanent. Don't practice the same stuff over
and over, it gets boring. Dive into new aspects of the PACS system
and become more knowledgeable on various topics. You won't be disappointed.
In our upcoming editions we will show you how your favorite guitarists
implement this into their playing and how you can too!
Step
#2
All
of the great lead and rhythm guitarists know their arpeggios and
they use them. If you are playing hot leads, you'll find the right
notes close by and in the correct key. Also, when playing rhythm
guitar, you'll glide through the progression, giving the song a
flavor of it's own, not to mention the unlimited number of picking
combinations.
Arpeggios
by definition are individual notes of a chord played one after the
other in a "harp" like effect. Sometimes you add a few
notes to a chord to complete the arpeggio(depending on the chord)
or use different fingerings but for the most part you can use a
standard chord shape and pick out the notes of the arpeggio. Take
a look at this A Major arpeggio:
A
Major Arpeggio:
...See
the resemblance to the chord? Every aspect of PACS is intertwined
and dependant on one another. Here are some more examples of arpeggios,
along with the chord for reference.
G
Major Arpeggio:
G#
Major Arpeggio:
B
Major Arpeggio:
--They
all follow the same fingering but are just moved up or down on the
fretboard.
Feedback
Booth
Wow
this has been one very busy week! We love to hear back from our
subscribers and feel it's time that you had your voice heard in
this newsletter. I have received over 600 emails from subscribers
with compliments, succsess stories and questions. So here's a little
tidbit of what our subscribers had to say this week...
Obed
Mednard writes:
"Let me tell you how I enjoy the newsletter! It really helps
and I would be sorry if I didn't subscribe."
Bob
Ferriol emailed us with this wonderful compliment:
"Thanks
Jordan, as always your customer service is stellar."
We
have also had some great suggestions from our subscribers on what
to include in our newsletter.
Nathan
Roberts suggested that we do some of the following:
1.
Guitarists' mega site where you can look, learn and buy in one stop.
2. Up to date news about industry leading guitarists/gear.
3.
Interviews with these guitarists/manufacturers.
4.
Online success stories for those select few that made it BIG.
5.
Money /equip. giveaways (like this one) great job!
As
a side note on the competition. Many of you have been asking me
about age restrictions and if location matters. We are pleased to
inform you that there are absolutely zero age restrictions and you
can live any where in the world!
I
have also heard from subscribers who are having trouble with the
feedback form and it's just not working for them. If that is your
problem, no sweat! Just copy and paste your reason why (along with
your feedback) and email it to me. I will enter you manually.
We
hope that you've enjoyed this newsletter and don't be afraid to
tell us what you think! That's
it for now. Until next time keep on rocking!
WRITTEN
BY ELMORE MUSIC
If you've always wanted to learn to play the guitar but
never had the chance, give me 17 minutes a day for 90 days
and I'll show you how to play virtually any song you want!
Visit http://www.guitartips.com.au
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