Help for the beginning Guitarist

Greetings. If you have been reading these columns and practicing the material, chances are you have encountered and busted through a number of plateaus. If not, you are either not practicing enough or are an intermediate guitarist. I feel I’ve given you almost enough material to bridge the gap from beginning to intermediate, so at this time I’d like you to take stock in what you know and what you lack.

So far we’ve covered things like note names, tuning, coordination, chords, one and two octave scales, reading tab, general practice habits, technique and advice, etc.... Think about your strengths and weaknesses and act on them. If you have a great desire to learn, you can easily teach yourself in this way. I did. I also learned from everyone I ever saw or heard play, even if it was what not to do. Teaching as long as I have has also given me a unique opportunity to learn over and over again everyday. I have learned something from every student I’ve ever taught in terms of either music or human nature. Do yourself and someone you know a favor. Share some knowledge with them. Lend them your ear as well, because there are always things we overlook on the way no matter how much we know, or how much we think we know. The overall musical picture is quite large. Each person has their own direction in which they will branch out. Try to visualize what direction is for you and go there one step at a time. All of the fundamental basics can help you a lot even though they may seem trivial or tiresome. Reward does not come without sacrifice and desire. In music there can be a great deal of satisfaction in both following and breaking the rules. I would like you to understand that you can’t break the rules until you have a concept of what they are. What ever direction you choose, you’re going to end up there by taking one step at a time. Here’s hoping all your steps are forward!

Marvin Allen

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