Search found 43 matches

by Markw72
Fri May 15, 2026 11:53 am
Forum: Musician Lounge – General Music Chat
Topic: How can I train my ear?
Replies: 4
Views: 118

How can I train my ear?

Training your ear is an essential skill for any musician, and I commend you for seeking to improve. I suggest setting a structured practice schedule. Engage with interval training apps, and consider pairing up with someone who can offer feedback. Having a teacher can also provide valuable insights ...
by Markw72
Wed May 13, 2026 2:17 pm
Forum: Musician Lounge – General Music Chat
Topic: How Can Listening to Jazz Songs Help with Improvisation on Guitar?
Replies: 5
Views: 108

How Can Listening to Jazz Songs Help with Improvisation on Guitar?

It's important to approach learning jazz with a structured mindset. Consider picking a few standards and dissecting them. Focus on understanding the theory behind the chords and how they function within the context of the song. This will provide you with a solid foundation for improvisation.
by Markw72
Wed May 13, 2026 1:53 pm
Forum: Beginner Guitar Lessons & Help
Topic: Struggling to Find My Learning Style
Replies: 3
Views: 110

Struggling to Find My Learning Style

It's essential to trust your learning process. Guitar encompasses both technical skill and artistic expression, so it’s normal to feel frustrated sometimes. Consider blending structured learning with creative exploration. Set aside time to learn a technique, then immediately apply it to a song or a ...
by Markw72
Fri May 08, 2026 8:58 am
Forum: Music Theory, Scales & Chord Progressions
Topic: Did they know?
Replies: 5
Views: 119

Did they know?

Let’s be clear: while some musicians may not focus on theory, it doesn’t mean they’re clueless about it. Take Knopfler; he’s undeniably skilled and knows what he’s doing. The idea that they just wing it is a bit misleading. You can’t create such iconic music without understanding the tools at your ...
by Markw72
Thu May 07, 2026 7:40 am
Forum: Beginner Guitar Lessons & Help
Topic: How long should I practice D.E.A. and (m) chords before moving on?
Replies: 13
Views: 288

How long should I practice D.E.A. and (m) chords before moving on?

Cut the fluff. Practice until you can't get it wrong, then move on. You should be able to play those chords without thinking about them. And if you're still stuck after a couple of weeks, maybe consider looking into your technique or even getting a teacher.
by Markw72
Wed May 06, 2026 3:52 pm
Forum: Guitar Techniques, Exercises & Practice Tips
Topic: Barre Chords
Replies: 10
Views: 199

Barre Chords

Look, if you're buzzing, it's either technique or setup. It doesn't hurt to check your guitar too. If you're struggling after trying different positions, you might want to consider getting your guitar checked. But honestly, a lot of it is you learning the right way to hold it.
by Markw72
Mon May 04, 2026 12:59 pm
Forum: Musician Lounge – General Music Chat
Topic: how can do i use outside notes
Replies: 11
Views: 102

how can do i use outside notes

Just start with the basics, man. Don’t overthink it. If you can’t play inside notes well, outside will just mess you up. Focus on those first, then ease into the outside stuff. It’s not rocket science.
by Markw72
Fri May 01, 2026 1:14 pm
Forum: Songwriting & Composition
Topic: Was anyone else surprised at how many songs are so simple?
Replies: 9
Views: 184

Was anyone else surprised at how many songs are so simple?

Honestly, who cares if it’s simple? If it’s catchy and gets stuck in your head, that’s what matters. Some of the so-called 'great' songs are just overhyped chords strung together anyway.
by Markw72
Wed Apr 29, 2026 7:46 am
Forum: Music Theory, Scales & Chord Progressions
Topic: Thirds
Replies: 4
Views: 42

Thirds

Honestly, this sounds overly complicated. Why not just write a good progression without all the borrowing? Sometimes less is more. Keep it straightforward and save the theory for later.
by Markw72
Fri Apr 24, 2026 7:39 am
Forum: Musician Lounge – General Music Chat
Topic: Dealing with Older Material
Replies: 9
Views: 82

Dealing with Older Material

I tend to incorporate older songs into my warm-up routine to keep them alive in my memory. It's a nice way to revisit the past while still focusing on improving my skills.
by Markw72
Thu Apr 23, 2026 12:44 pm
Forum: Music Theory, Scales & Chord Progressions
Topic: Chords not belonging to their home key
Replies: 9
Views: 107

Chords not belonging to their home key

Honestly, if you’re getting stuck on Roman numerals, you might be overthinking it. Just play what’s on the page. If it’s A major, then play A major. Keep it simple. This isn’t rocket science.
by Markw72
Thu Apr 23, 2026 12:41 pm
Forum: Gigging, Live Performance & Stage Gear
Topic: Dealing with Band Drama
Replies: 11
Views: 170

Dealing with Band Drama

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by Markw72
Thu Apr 23, 2026 12:27 pm
Forum: Music Theory, Scales & Chord Progressions
Topic: How did Mozart learn theory?
Replies: 12
Views: 122

How did Mozart learn theory?

Honestly, it’s a bit silly to keep debating this. Yes, his father played a role, but calling him a mere product of his upbringing just ignores the fact that he was brilliant. Some people are just wired differently, and that’s that!
by Markw72
Thu Apr 23, 2026 8:07 am
Forum: Musician Lounge – General Music Chat
Topic: Struggling to Understand the Mystery of Music
Replies: 12
Views: 172

Struggling to Understand the Mystery of Music

Music is meant to beguile and entice us. Embrace the mystery and wonder of it all, and never stop discovering new sounds and artists that inspire you.
by Markw72
Wed Apr 22, 2026 10:14 am
Forum: Beginner Guitar Lessons & Help
Topic: Stuck in a rut, need motivation
Replies: 12
Views: 386

Stuck in a rut, need motivation

Don't worry about speed, focus on accuracy and clean chord changes. The speed will come with practice. Keep pushing through, you got this!
by Markw72
Tue Apr 21, 2026 6:32 am
Forum: Guitar Techniques, Exercises & Practice Tips
Topic: Cracking the Fretboard: Tips and Tricks
Replies: 8
Views: 204

Cracking the Fretboard: Tips and Tricks

For me, it was all about repetition and consistency. The more time you spend actively engaging with the fretboard, the more familiar it becomes. Don't be afraid to experiment and try different approaches to see what resonates
by Markw72
Mon Apr 20, 2026 8:29 am
Forum: Music Theory, Scales & Chord Progressions
Topic: Exploring Tritone Substitution
Replies: 3
Views: 69

Exploring Tritone Substitution

Dream a little dream of me where there is the eb7 to d7 motion. I tend to see if more of a chromatic bass movement than chord colour itself.
by Markw72
Fri Apr 17, 2026 2:38 pm
Forum: Musician Lounge – General Music Chat
Topic: Small habits that made you a better musician?
Replies: 12
Views: 241

Small habits that made you a better musician?

Incorporating music theory into your practice routine can deepen your understanding of music and enhance your playing skills.
by Markw72
Thu Apr 16, 2026 7:01 am
Forum: Musician Lounge – General Music Chat
Topic: Struggling to find time for guitar as an adult learner
Replies: 12
Views: 191

Struggling to find time for guitar as an adult learner

I started playing guitar later in life as well and know the challenges of balancing practice time with work and family. Remember to be kind to yourself and celebrate the progress you make, no matter how small.
by Markw72
Thu Apr 16, 2026 6:59 am
Forum: Musician Lounge – General Music Chat
Topic: Different Approaches to Learning a Song
Replies: 3
Views: 154

Different Approaches to Learning a Song

Method two requires some knowledge of theory in order to fill in and improvise the gist of any song. That requires a lot of time and study, too. Method one is where everyone starts because no one knows theory at the very beginning. But you need to learn songs
by Markw72
Thu Apr 09, 2026 1:17 pm
Forum: Musician Lounge – General Music Chat
Topic: Struggling to Play Beatles Songs on Guitar
Replies: 13
Views: 239

Struggling to Play Beatles Songs on Guitar

1. They were heavily inspired by people like Chuck Berry and a lot of instrumental-driven rock of their early teens. They played a ton of covers and gigged constantly, refining their skills. George and John both started playing pretty early, as kids.
by Markw72
Thu Apr 09, 2026 7:54 am
Forum: Singing & Vocal Training
Topic: Criticism of Imperfect Singing
Replies: 12
Views: 257

Criticism of Imperfect Singing

Don't let the negativity discourage you. Stay true to your craft and keep making music that comes from the heart.
by Markw72
Sun Apr 05, 2026 9:34 am
Forum: Musician Lounge – General Music Chat
Topic: Effective Ways to Improve Your Guitar Playing
Replies: 12
Views: 391

Effective Ways to Improve Your Guitar Playing

Work on your picking technique and rhythm. Learning how to count rhythm and play in different rhythms will improve your playing overall.
by Markw72
Sun Apr 05, 2026 9:30 am
Forum: Beginner Guitar Lessons & Help
Topic: Struggling with chord changes - where to focus?
Replies: 12
Views: 735

Struggling with chord changes - where to focus?

Don't get discouraged, progress takes time. Focus on one chord change at a time and practice slowly and deliberately. Over time, you'll find that you don't need to look at your hands as much.
by Markw72
Tue Mar 31, 2026 9:23 am
Forum: Guitar Techniques, Exercises & Practice Tips
Topic: Struggling to put fingers on chord simultaneously - any drills?
Replies: 11
Views: 282

Struggling to put fingers on chord simultaneously - any drills?

Focus on the shape of the chord and how your fingers move. Practice transitioning between chords slowly and accurately to build muscle memory.