I've been a musician for over 15 years, but only started playing the guitar about 5 years ago. Up until now, I've been content with my level of competence: I know the basic chord shapes, I can fingerpick adequately, and I can generally accompany myself when I sing (often with the help of a capo and simplified chording). Even though I've been playing consistently, I haven't been challenging myself so I haven't gotten much better recently.
But after listening to some impressive acoustic artists, I'd really like to move beyond this level. I'd like to pursue private lessons, but due to my schedule I won't be able to for a while. In the meantime, how should I start? Should I learn all the obscure chord variations? Should I find difficult songs and practice them? Or is there some arcane blood sacrifice that I need to make to master the instrument?
2007-01-17 05:26:33 · 9 answers · asked by ? 5 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music
The only blood sacrifice you need is PRACTICE.
2007-01-17 05:29:33 · answer #1 · answered by Lab 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am actually in the exact same bind my friend. Having played for 5 years also, I think I should be playing better than I am now. I talked to some guys at the music store, and they (of course) suggested lessons. I think the key here is going to be challenging yourself with something a little more difficult. You hear a song you like? Learn it, and when you do, move to something new. That is what I have been trying to do lately, and I can already tell an improvement. Also, I don't think it could hurt to get some dvd's and things like that. But a key point that I have always stuck to (if you have read any of my other yahoo! answers) is PERFECT practice makes PERFECT! Best of luck to you, and send some my way if you get it!
2007-01-17 13:46:44 · answer #2 · answered by ~SoulShine~ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't do to much to fast. if your not great with what your playing now it will be hard to move on to something harder. practice what you are having trouble with first then move on, or you will have trouble down the road. you have to crawl before you walk. the best thing to do is get lessons, but if you cant check out some learning cd's for home. good luck.
2007-01-17 13:32:03 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lab gave you the best answer...
Like the joke where the bus stopped at a corner in NYC and a pedestrian shouted to the driver, " How can I get to Carnegie Hall?"
The driver shouted back, "PRACTICE MAN, PRACTICE !"
2007-01-17 13:56:49 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy the instructional videos sometimes you can find them on Ebay at a cut rate price.
2007-01-17 13:28:59 · answer #5 · answered by Jeremy M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do what Robert Johnson did and sell your soul to the devil
2007-01-17 13:57:43 · answer #6 · answered by Huh? 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
scales, scales and more scales. live, learn and love em because the better you know them the better you will play. from there everything should fall into place with your previous musicianship.
2007-01-17 13:35:53 · answer #7 · answered by colera667 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm sure there's a website somewhere that can help. Try googling it.
2007-01-17 13:29:19 · answer #8 · answered by Im.not.a.hero 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you seen the Esteban? infomercial.
2007-01-17 13:32:41 · answer #9 · answered by Peach 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋