Conference napalm::guitar

1979.0. "advice for a slightly advanced beginner" by PLAYER::PETIT () Mon Sep 24 1990 17:31

	Hi everybody,

	Although using notesfiles heavily for a few years now, I only
just noticed recently there was one on guitar. I've always been a guitar
lover, but only as a passive listener until 3 years ago. I decided in 1897
to learn music and guitar altogether, and after 3 years I'm more and more
eager to learn. I studied standard notation and basic theory in a music
academy here in Belgium, and at the same time started classical guitar
lessons in another academy. Two years ago, I started electric guitar
(rhythm and solo mainly blues) with a private teacher.

	As a beginner, I consider having an acceptable equipment which
to me was an strong help against frustration and discouragement :

	guitars : - a handmade spanish guitar Lorca
		  - charvel model 6
		  - 1969 Gibson ES-335TD
		  
	amps    : - Marshall 50 W split channel
		  - Peavey bandit 65 W

	effects : - Roland GP8
		  - Digitech DSP 128+
		  - Alesis microverb 
		  - Alesis microgate
		  - Boss Octave OC2
		  
	other   : - Roland R8 (human rhythm composer)


	Unfortunately I had to abandon the academy this year because
my workload does no longer allow me to prepare exams properly. On top of
that, my electric guitar teacher will soon leave Belgium to study at
GIT in Hollywood. So I'm now on my own to continue based on my availability.

	As I noticed, it seems there are many advanced and experienced
guitarists here who could help me define main directions. So here are
my main quesions : 

1) As I said, I know the basic techniques for classical fingerstyle and
   electric guitar. Should I consider having a new teacher or continue 
   alone for a while ? My teacher's point of view is 

	- working all the time with a teacher will prevent me from developping
	  my own style.
	- a new teacher will be usefull when I'll be an advanced player
	  having mastered all techniques and will help me to improve
	  musically
	- contacts with other musicians is essential to become a versatile
	  player by sharing experiences and styles


2) The big gap I want to fill in as far as theory is concerned is an advanced
   knowledge of classical and jazz harmony. Do you think a book and a guitar
   will be enough, or do I need a teacher and a keyboard ?

3) I'd like to develop my ear : absolute pitch sounds like an impossible 
   dream, but at least relative pitch is a reasonable objective. Any 
   suggestion on how to proceed ?

4) I plan to develop myself in different styles concurrently :

	- classical (spanish style more specifically)
	- blues : Eric Clapton, Jeff Healey, Robben Ford style
	- rock : Van Halen, Gary Moore (my overall favourite) style
	- classical rock : Vinnie Moore, Yngwie Malmsteen style
	- jazz : George Benson, Larry Carlton, Lee Ritenour style

   I realize this is ambitious, and it will slow down the mastering of
   one style. But I'd like to compare the richness and peculiaritites
   of each of those styles and I've got my whole life to learn...
   Again, is this a fool's dream ?

5) What are the best learning methods, apart from a teacher ? I plan to use
   magazines (like guitar player), methods with books/cassettes, and 
   most of all video cassettes (I currently own videos from Vinnie Moore (2),
   Michael Fath, Paul Gilbert, Steve Lukather, Al Mc Kay, Albert Lee, and
   I expect one soon from Frank Gambale and Robben Ford).

	Well that's it for the moment. Sorry for the long reply, but I think
I had to explain the status of my playing and my expectations. I thank in
advance all of you who will help me to refine my approach. Anyway, I'll
be glad to participate to the best of my (limited) knowledge and share
my (very young) experience with you all.

Regards,
Christian

>>  lover, but only as a passive listener until 3 years ago. I decided in 1897
>>  to learn music and guitar altogether, and after 3 years I'm more and more
    
    You've been playing for 93 years and you haven't got it down
    yet?!?!?!?!
    
    Chris D.  :^)  

    I wonder what you mean by seperating spanish guitar and classical.
    Although the clasical guitar has many exponents from spain, much of the
    instrument's repetiore comes from Italy, and the instrument itself has
    roots in the middle-east. 
    
     There is classical guitar , of which much repetiore comes from spain.
    Sor, Tarrega, ancient transcriptions of Vihuela music are pretty much
    indiginous to the classical instrument and are spanish in origin.
    
     There is flamenco, which is a folk music and has no written music.
    
    There is music of the Spanish composers, that written for the
    instrument and transcribed by classical guitarists for the guitar.
    And also much other-european music transcribed for the classical
    guitar.
    
    There is also a rich source of classical guitar music from south and
    latin america . 
    
    
    As for theory , let me say Phoo on learning real theory on the guitar.
    Use a keyboard or a computer- and a keyboard. Ear training and
    sight-singing .  
    
    Good luck! -Andrew