Hey guys...check out my course :-)

2

(21 replies, posted in Guitar Techniques)

Here's some helpful ideas I've taught student's when practicing modes.  Let's say, for instance you start with A Ionian (A major scale)...

After you ascend in A Ionian >> descend in B dorian, ascend in C# phrygian, descend in D lydian, and so on.  If you're not too familiar with the modes then this will sound confusing!  Don't worry, we can help in this thread default/smile

First, you should learn the mode patterns and order of modes, which are:
1) Ionian (major scale)
2) Dorian
3) Phrygian
4) Lydian
5) Mixolydian
6) Aeolian (natural minor scale)
7) Locrian

I like playing 3 note-per-string patterns built off the 6th string.

3

(3 replies, posted in Newbie Section)

looks great!  good luck!!

4

(13 replies, posted in Introduce yourself)

Hey Cogs, welcome to the forum!
Looking forward to getting to know you better.

5

(1 replies, posted in Announcements)

Hi Olly, thank you again for posting this!

6

(8 replies, posted in Your Recordings)

sounds cool watermelon john!  Riff is also very catchy.
Keep up the good work!

7

(4 replies, posted in Amplifiers)

I like the fender g dec amp.  I'm a guitar teacher, and I've found these amps
to be very helpful to my student's!  They're great amps because of their tone,
features, and the fact that it has drum and bass patterns built into it!

8

(10 replies, posted in Introduce yourself)

Olly is a great person and this is a great forum default/smile

9

(11 replies, posted in Guitar Techniques)

Hey guys, as guitar players we naturally crave speed! 
Though speed is important, it's good to focus on your feel and technique too default/smile

Here's some tips that can help you build your speed:

-Practice with a metronome

-Keep a "speed chart" to track your progress

-Try different picks

-Practice trilling

-Practice 2x/note, 3x/note, 4x/note

-Work on tremolo picking

Don't expect to play as fast as Yngwie overnight!
Speed takes time.

Cheers.

Hey guys, I'm happy to share with you my brand new finger tapping course and website.
I've designed it to help you improve your lead playing, soloing abilities, and
technique!

The course is available via digital download and includes
43 video lessons, audio play alongs, ebook guide, unlimited
guitar tutor help (hence my username!), and more goodies.

I'd like to thank Olly for letting me share my new course with you.
I've worked out a special discount for you guys with $20 off!

Here's the link:
http://fingertapping.net/specialdiscount2.html

Please feel free to get in touch or post here if you have
any questions, or would like to make a review!

11

(4 replies, posted in Bands)

Dream Theater
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Beatles

12

(2 replies, posted in Songwriting on Guitar)

A capo is a great device you can use to help inspire new ideas.
I enjoy using a capo when songwriting, especially on the acoustic guitar.

Think about it...some of the greatest songs ever written were played with
a capo (for example, "Here Comes the Sun" by the Beatles).

I suggest practicing chords, also as arpeggios, and with embellishments.
Having the capo can produce a wide array of sounds that wouldn't necessarily
be the same as if played in open position.

So, which capos are good?  Well there are many good ones on the market, but personally
my favorites are Jim Dunlop and Kyser.

I saw Olly has a great selection of capos on the site...definitely worth checking out  default/cool
http://www.ollysguitar.com/guitar-acces … 9_134.html

Have fun playing!

The way you practice and what you practice is very important.  Often, we get stuck playing the same riffs or songs.  The goal is to always get to the next level of playing.

In this thread, let's list some very helpful practice tips.

Let's make this a long one, ok?!

I'll get it started by listing three helpful practicing tips:

Practice Tip #1:
Have variety in your practice sessions. While it's good to have consistency, make sure to change
things around to keep your practices fun and engaging.

Practice Tip #2:
Work on playing FULL songs! Learning riffs and licks are great, but it's also important to play songs
from start to finish! Choose songs that you can tackle and write out an outline of all the parts. Or, get
the sheet music or learn by ear!

Practice Tip #3:
Keep track of your practice sessions (things practiced, time spent,

14

(6 replies, posted in General Chat)

Wow, the holidays come so fast! What's your favorite holiday song(s) to play?
Mine is probably "Deck the Halls". 

When learning holiday songs (or in general), it's important to learn both the melody and chord part.
Sing too if you like! 

Also, another thing I've tried when in a loose, rocking mode (no pun intended)
is to play rock versions of holiday songs.

For example, tune your guitar to drop D and try deck the halls.
You can play this using one finger power chords...here are the first few frets:

8 6 5 3 1 3 5 1

Now, I've got two tasks for you:

1) Tell us the names of these power chords
2) Figure out the rest of the song by ear.

Let us know how you do!  (of course if you need help, let us know)  :-)

Happy holidays to you all.

Cheers,

-Eric

I suggest working on major and minor open chords first.  You'll probably find that some of the harder chords at first include F and B major (though these are generally played as a movable chord). 

It's also very important to learn the 12 bar blues since many songs are based off this.

Here's a basic 12 bar blues progression using the chords you mentioned:
(G-C-D)

Each bar will get 4 beats:
G 4 bars, C 2 bars, G 2 bars, D 1 bar, C 1 bar, G 1 bar, D 1 bar.

Also, check out something such as "Wild Thing"

Easy Riffs include:
-"Smoke on the Water"
-"Satisfaction"
-"Sunshine of Your Love"
-"7 Nation Army"
-"Kashmir"

Have fun!

16

(16 replies, posted in How to Start)

Great post.  For the first lesson, I suggest getting to know the student and making them feel as comfortable as possible.  You can briefly talk about their goals and inspirations.

When I start instructing on the first lesson, this is generally the order I teach things (assuming they're starting from scratch!)

1) Parts on the guitar
2) String names & numbers
3) Basics of picking, strumming, fretting
4) Basic scale or exercise
5) An easy riff (such as "Smoke on the Water")

Of course the items above can be customized or added to based on the
lesson and/or time available.

Good luck!   default/cool

Also, what are you planning for their following lesson(s)?

17

(8 replies, posted in Introduce yourself)

Hi NicolaePaul, nice to meet you!  Welcome!
Looking forward to getting to know you better default/smile

Sincerely,
Eric

18

(18 replies, posted in Your Recordings)

It is fantastic!  very creative too.
i can picture this video in part of a movie.
you're both very talented.

best of luck!

Eric

19

(2 replies, posted in Amplifiers)

Awesome Cully!  great deal...enjoy default/smile

20

(3 replies, posted in Lesson Plans)

One thing I've found to be helpful as a guitar teacher is to
give my student's a practice schedule.

You can give them schedules on:

1) Note reading & theory
2) Technique
3) Scales, modes, exercises
4) Chords & rhythm
5) Soloing & improvisation
6) Stylistic approaches
7) Songwriting
8) Ear training
9) SONGS!

and so forth.

This helps give the student more structure, and I've seen better results, since
I suggest approximate practice times for different categories.

Of course you should switch things around to keep it fun for them.

Hope these ideas help!

-Eric

21

(9 replies, posted in Resources)

Great links, thanks guys.

22

(1 replies, posted in Misc)

just curious what this was on the forum.

karma is awesome.

who likes the tune "Karma Police" by Radiohead?   default/big_smile

23

(14 replies, posted in Guitar Players)

Thanks for youtube!  Just curious to know who some of your favorite youtube guitarists are...you know the guys who seem to have become famous (or partially) from youtube.

My #1 pick is Andy McKee.

What do you like?

24

(3 replies, posted in How to Start)

Hey guys,

How are you?

One thing that I've found enjoyable is teaching groups (2-3 people).
The student's get motivated by each other and it's a great way to practice
rhythm and lead with them.

Also, having groups can earn you more income (hopefully!)

Let's say, for example, you charge $50 for one hour per student.  In the group you could
charge say $35 per student for the hour, and then you'd make $70 for one hour!
Not bad, right?

Just figured I'd share some tips and info to you guys about teaching groups.

Feel free to reply and share your experiences with teaching groups.

Keep rocking!

Eric

25

(11 replies, posted in Introduce yourself)

hi john thank you.  finger tapping is a lot of fun and a very versatile technique :-)
will keep you guys updated!