| If you're into folk, consider joining the Folk Song Society of
Greater Boston. (If you're not in the Boston area, amend this to an
appropriate local group.) In addition to a concert series, they have
a lot of folksinging gettogethers where you can jam with other
people of varying degrees of skill (both vocally and
instrumentally). Playing with other people on a regular basis is a
good way to both hone the skills you have and to observe other
styles.
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I agree, playing along rather than alone will enhance your playing.
If you can't find friends who play an agreeable style, play along
with records. I find this is a great way to learn a certain style
of playing. Some music can be tough to pick up at first, but it's
best to avoid rewinding or stopping the tape; eventually you'll
figure it out and find yourself cruising along.
Dave
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| I hope there's no statute of limitations covering replies to notes.
I don't have a tube at home so I have trouble keeping up to date.
As a background note, I used to make my living(?) teaching guitar
so I have some opinions. I taught fingerstyle (song accompaniment,
blues, ragtime, Celtic/American trad. tunes, medieval/renassaince
tunes and a little Bach) and flatpicking (Celtic/American tunes
and a little bluegrass).
Now the opinions.
For most people, it's important to get out and jam. Play along
with other folks or records or tapes. But if you have some goals
in mind - playing blues, learning a Joplin rag, playing like
<your hero's name here>, etc. - then you also need to think about the
level of technique you'll need to play like <...>.
The best and quickest way to develop the strength and dexterity
you need is to do exercises tailored to the style of music you want
to play. The ability to develop the right exercise comes with
experience, so if you don't have the experience, you'll need help.
Books are not very useful unless you have some guidance or a fair
amount of experience. Audio tapes are better. Video tapes are
still better. But if you're serious, there's really no substitute
for the *right* teacher. Unfortunately, *right* teachers are rare.
If you really hate to take lessons, then the *right* teacher is
someone who will take you on a short term basis and concentrate
on the physical aspects, i.e., how to choose and use exercises
and how to practice. Look for an open minded classical teacher.
If you interview a dozen, you might find one who'll give you what
you need. You can learn a lot in a few weeks and it'll quadruple
the satisfaction you get from playing.
Bob
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| re: .5
One big AMEN.
I really think that one of the most important things you have to
learn is how to teach yourself. You need to be able to tell what
you need to do to improve.
I don't consider myself anywhere near good enough to be a teacher, but
I have "coached" a few people and I always stress that.
It includes:
1) How to spend practice time
2) How to develop exercises to work on certain things
3) Knowing WHAT to work on
4) Learning how to concentrate
5) Learning what you need to think about when you're playing
guitar, etc.
db
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