Guitar Lesson Advice

feylya

I was given 5 guitar lessons with a local Blues player for christmas and I haven't a clue about them. Anyone got any good advice for preparing for lessons? I'll be starting them in the new year.

Ancient1

I dont think you need to prepare for the lessons. He'll probably spend the first lesson just checking you out, testing your skills etc, and then give you "homework" for the next time.

goin'_to_the_PS

Looking at your last posts, why would you need lessons

feylya

There's a difference between knowing guitars and knowing how to play.

I have a decent enough level of skill. Nothing terrific or unique but I can play some stuff. I just think it'd be nice to get my theory up to speed. Plus they were a gift so I'm not complaining

Ancient1

True - if i spent as much time playing as reading etc about guitars, i'd have no problem either

feylya

I've tried teaching myself theory before (got myself Fretboard Logic) but I just can't get my head around it.

I assume you bring your own guitar to these lessons? See, I really have no idea how these things work :eek:

Ancient1

Well, yeah, unless he's coming to your gaff?

feylya

Na. I think it's in his shop. Horrible shop really. Terrible stock

Ancient1

Could be worth it....

oh, if you happen to stumble upon any 54 or 62 Strats in his shop, gimme a shout

feylya

Ha, not a hope. Best guitar he has in there is a Charvel super strat with a Kahler trem that he has clamped down.

He just has Korean made no name strats that I think are made from plywood

Ancient1

You never know what these old crappy shops have - might stumble upon a jewel! Ancient Electroharmonix stuff.....dusty old Big Muffs

feylya

I wish...

It only opened last Tuesday...

Ancient1

bummer...there's nothin like accidentally discovering vintage goodies. It's like going to a car-boot sale and finding a grandmother clearing her attic - throwing out a priceless vintage strat....mmmm, i'd offer her an ENTIRE 100 yoyos

ok, enough daydreaming.

feylya

There's a shop up here that does that. Has old tape delay units and stuff like that. Shame they know their stuff too well

Ancient1

i was lucky, i found an idiot.
I traded an ancient acoustic guitar which i got as a present for a 1972 Fender Telecaster Thinline and paid some small change on top of that

The deal of a LIFETIME - that's still my main guitar.

feylya

Bastard.

Hmm, this guy is gonna have fun trying to break some of my bad playing habits..

Ancient1

I badly need lessons too, coz i've been stuck in a rut for years, but i just never get around to it.
You'll probably find it very useful, it's good to get a fresh perspective on your playing.

feylya

Hopefully so. Maybe he'll be able to force me out of this E Phrygian scale that I've been playing for 2 years.

Ancient1

The friggin phrygian, eh?
I suffer from minor pentatonic-itis at the moment.
That's exactly why it'll do you good to get a few hours with that guy.

feylya

Minor Pentatonics eh? Not a clue do I have about how to play those

Yeah, I assume they're only hour lessons. Should be interesting if nothing else.

Ancient1

yeah, a minor case of minor pentatonics.

I know it was a present, but if you dont mind my asking, how much does he charge per hour? what's the going rate these days anyway?

feylya

It was €100 for 5 lessons. If they're not an hour long, it's a bit expensive but since I didn't pay, I've nothing to complain about.

Ancient1

That's pretty good i think.

Well, let us know how you get on.

feylya

Will do. They won't be starting til the New Year though. Have to stroll down and have a chat with him, see what the sceal is.

Hmm, what guitar will I use...

Ancient1

Hmm, what guitar will I use...

Tell you what - take a guitar, stand in front of the mirror, and ask yourself "does my bum look big in this" - sorted!

feylya

I often do...

Giblet

Tell him exactly what you want to learn or hope to learn.
When I'm giving lessons this seems to be the hardest thing to extract from the person.

feylya

TBH, I haven't a clue what I want to learn :eek:

Doctor J

Think about it, you have time. Your basic technique is, I imagine, ok, so listen to guitarists whose style you like and maybe look for insights into styles you may not be too familiar with. Be realisitic though, if the guy is a blues player it is unlikely he'll be bringing you up to Patitucci level

feylya

Who?

TBH, if I got my scales, modes and chordal work done, I'd be bloody happy. But there's no way I'm gonna get all that sorted in 5 lessons.

Doctor J

Oooops my bad.

Petrucci



not Patitucci