Ok, so I have a dumb music technique/theory question.
I’m teaching myself basic blues guitar stuff from this book, and so far it’s going well. I’m getting re-familiarized with chords and I’m learning new stuff.
When we met with our friends V & D, the trained musicians, we talked about how tiny my hands were and how I might need to do some chords differently to compensate. Now, I have a strong bent towards doing things the “right” way, and I always try to do something as it’s intended initially and make adjustments later if I have to do so.
When learning the pentatonic scales in the book, I’ve been practicing the first of 5 and have gotten pretty good at doing it. But last night, I realized I had been doing the fingering wrong. The scale is:
5th fret/8th fret, 1st/4th fingers
5th/7th, 1st/3rd finger, repeat 3x
5th/8th, 1st/4th finger, repeat 2x
I was doing the 5th/7th ones with my 1st/4th fingers instead of 1st/3rd. It felt more comfortable, but I’m trying to correct it to match what the book describes.
The notes sound good and clear, so does it matter? I mean I understand the importance of technique and correctness, and I don’t want to teach myself bad habits that will hurt me later.
I’d appreciate other perspectives, music geeks. Bring it!
mix up a batch of Cosmos…
This is where lessons are so hard. With lessons you have to do it right. It’s making me a better player but it’s so hard. But that’s banjo, which is different.
[me and the banjo are having a spat]
I really struggle and sometimes I wish I could just cut loose and play. But I’m just not there yet and that is SO frustrating. I’m not good enough.
That’s when I pick up my guitar and just play. I’m self taught and I know I do so many things wrong. I don’t care. The things I do work for me. So at this point I wouldn’t sorry about it since it’s sounding like it’s supposed to. Just enjoy yourself.
I played a few things at open mic (at our every-2nd-Saturday cafe) last weekend. It was fun. Felt good.
I’ll have to get that book.
I hope you and the banjo make up soon, Trop.
I saw your open mic- and go you! Sounds awesome. If I ever get to that point, I will be VERY happy.
Love the book, it’s quite good for a beginner like me and the CD/DVD really help me to know if I’m getting things close to right or if I’m off-base. Thanks for the thoughts- I want to be good, and correct if possible, but I think with my hands being so small it’s a tough battle at times. Right now, I *cannot* do a D minor to save my life. A minor, E minor- no sweat. But the D kills!
I tap my foot…sometimes with the music.
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