Being Famous Takes
Some Practice
by
Guitar Tips
In this edition, we're going to start things off with a
bang by getting your chops in shape with a new practice
regimen that is exclusive to
Guitar Tips. I have
received so much information on this topic from our
subscribers that I've decided to cover it over a three
part series so you can get the most out of it. We also
have our new feedback booth where you get your voice
heard. So let's get started...
It all starts when you pick up the guitar.
How often have we sat with our guitar while listening in
awe to our favourite guitarists wondering how they
became so good? Chances are we've all done it once or
twice (OK, that's the understatement of the century).
The key to their success is easily obtainable when we
take a look at how they practice and what they use to
stay in shape. Not unlike an athlete, musicians need to
put in their training time as well.
In the words of John Pertrucci (lead guitarists for
Dream Theatre), "As you embark on your practice regimen,
there will be times when you hit the wall. It will feel
like you're stuck-- you know, the frustrating sense that
no matter how long you practiced something, you just
can't seem to master it." The key to getting out of this
rut that John talks about is having a practice routine
that covers all of the necessities. This requires a tool
box or "System".
The system is quite simple and is known by the term PACS
(pronounced packs), which stands for "practice
arpeggios, chords, and scales." It's a system I have
developed for you to keep these essentials in mind. I
have found that in the past, some of my students felt as
if they had run out of material to practice with and as
a result they became discouraged. This has held true
with many of our subscribers who have emailed us asking
for something new and exciting to practice with.
With PACS, there is always new material available and
starting now you can find it right here!
Step #1
The first step is setting aside a practice time each day
and preferably in a place without distractions. If you
don't practice your fingers will become lazy and you
will find that your speed and dexterity will decrease.
This wastes time that you could be spending on learning
new material and even if you can only spare 15 minutes a
day you will notice a difference within a week. It is
critical that you set up a time each day and try to
include at least five minutes each for arpeggios, chords
and scales.
Lets make something clear, practice doesn't make
perfect. It makes the knowledge acquired permanent.
Don't practice the same stuff over and over, it gets
boring. Dive into new aspects of the PACS system and
become more knowledgeable on various topics. You won't
be disappointed. In our upcoming editions we will show
you how your favorite guitarists implement this into
their playing and how you can too!
Guitar Tips
Step #2
All of the great lead and rhythm guitarists know their
arpeggios and they use them. If you are playing hot
leads, you'll find the right notes close by and in the
correct key. Also, when playing rhythm guitar, you'll
glide through the progression, giving the song a flavor
of it's own, not to mention the unlimited number of
picking combinations.
Arpeggios by definition are individual notes of a chord
played one after the other in a "harp" like effect.
Sometimes you add a few notes to a chord to complete the
arpeggio (depending on the chord) or use different
fingerings but for the most part you can use a standard
chord shape and pick out the notes of the arpeggio. Take
a look at this A Major arpeggio:
A Major Arpeggio:
...See the resemblance to the chord? Every aspect of
PACS is intertwined and dependant on one another. Here
are some more examples of arpeggios, along with the
chord for reference.
G Major Arpeggio:
B Major Arpeggio:
--They all follow the same fingering but are just moved
up or down on the fretboard.
Guitar Tips Feedback Booth
Wow this has been one very busy week! We love to hear
back from our subscribers and feel it's time that you
had your voice heard in this newsletter. I have received
over 600 emails from subscribers with compliments,
success stories and questions. So here's a little
tidbit of what our subscribers had to say this week...
Obed Mednard writes:
"Let me tell you how I enjoy the newsletter! It
really helps and I would be sorry if I didn't
subscribe."
Bob Ferriol emailed us with this wonderful compliment:
"Thanks Jordan, as always your customer service is
stellar."
We have also had some great suggestions from our
subscribers on what to include in our newsletter.
Nathan Roberts suggested that we do some of the
following:
1. Guitarists' mega site where you can look, learn
and buy in one stop.
2. Up to date news about industry leading
guitarists/gear.
3. Interviews with these guitarists/manufacturers.
4. Online success stories for those select few
that made it BIG.
5. Money /equip. giveaways (like this one) great
job!
As a side note on the competition. Many of you have been
asking me about age restrictions and if location
matters. We are pleased to inform you that there are
absolutely zero age restrictions and you can live any
where in the world!
I have also heard from subscribers who are having
trouble with the feedback form and it's just not working
for them. If that is your problem, no sweat! Just copy
and paste your reason why (along with your feedback) and
email it to me. I will enter you manually.
We hope that you've enjoyed this newsletter and don't be
afraid to tell us what you think! That's it for now.
Until next time keep on rocking!
WRITTEN BY
GUITAR TIPS
If you've always wanted to learn to play
the guitar but never had the chance,
give me 17 minutes a day for 90 days and
I'll show you how to play virtually any
song you want! Visit
GUITAR TIPS
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