Sharp as a Marble - Plateaus and moving on

So, I’ve kind of hit a plateau in my guitar playing. I’ve been practicing with a local church band and while I can strum chords just fine, I’ve realized I’m missing… something. What that something is, I can’t put my finger on it, pun totally intended, and the DVD set I have can’t reach out from the screen and tell me that I’m holding my hands wrong or I’m grabbing too hard or whatever.

So, I’m starting actual lessons this Thursday.

This guy comes highly recommended and I’m hoping he’ll be able to watch me play and give me the right tips on what I need to practice vs. what I seem to be doing. The DVDs have done a lot of good, but I seem to be not able to move forward on my playing and I’m betting it’s because I’m missing a fundamental somewhere that hopefully this guy will pick up on quickly.

Comments

Laughingdog says:

on 2/11/2013 at 10:39 AM

I would imagine DVDs on guitar would have the same limits as DVDs on shooting.

You can go a long way just learning what you should be doing on your own. But at some point, you need to have someone who knows more show you the places where you aren't really doing what you think you are.

I've been getting video of my draws and reloads in matches now to see if they might differ from what I do in practice without match stress on me.

Reno Sepulveda says:

on 2/11/2013 at 12:27 PM

One thing I have found helpful is to realize that musicians by and large are lazy slothful individuals. When it comes to guitar, If you find yourself working too hard to play something you are probably doing it wrong.

Professional guitarists(as opposed to guitar instructors) are always looking for shortcuts so they do things like use alternate tunings and slapping a capo on the neck. Working guitarists also use the thumb of their fretting hand to play all kinds of chords and that really helps to lesson fatigue over a three set gig.

Not to say a good instructor is a bad idea the best guitar player I know still pays for lessons and he has a record deal.

Titan Mk6B says:

on 2/12/2013 at 9:24 AM

I had hit a plateau until a friend tought me to use and understand barre chords. For example, once you understand them you can find several places on the neck to play a C chord. They add a whole new dimension to playing andd if you finger pick it is even better. There are so many songs that can't be played without them.

Stacie says:

on 2/12/2013 at 10:46 AM

Even with lessons and regular practice, you hit a plateau now and then. Just keep going and all of a sudden, things that were difficult are now a piece of cake. At least that is the way it is for me and flute playing. 56 and still take lessons, just for me. And practice daily, just for me. Keeps me sane(er)

Comments have been closed on this topic.