Daniels On Strings

[Just a song (“When My Fingers Find Your Strings“) I stumbled onto about a man who loves to play guitar.  The song is actually on one of Jeff Daniels six albums / CDs (who knew he was a “real life” muscian?).  This CD was from 2010 and titled:  “Keep It Right Here“.    —    kmab
Disclaimer:  I make no claim of ownership to this song or this video.  I receive no financial compensation from Jeff Daniels, Kelly Clarkson or YouTube.  I am merely posting this video because I enjoy listening to the song.]
.
On This Day In:
2023	You Choose To Be One
2022	Strumming And Changing Chords
2021	B U
	Blueprint Blue (Peg)
2019	I Struggle With One At A Time
2018	An Infectious Political Cancer
	Site Update / Poems Page Evolution
2017	Our Thirst
2016	History Favors The Victor
2015	This We’ll Leave Them
2014	Sounds Like Faux News To Me
2013	Reasons
2012	American Libertarianism
2011	The Goal

Read Full Post »

The LP Version Of Karate Kid

“The Beat Beneath My Feet”    (2014)    —    movie review
Today’s review is for the musical drama “The Beat Beneath My Feet” starring Luke Perry as Steve (né “Mr. Miyagi”) a former drug-addict / current alcoholic who used to be a “rock star” back in the 1990s;  Nicholas Galitzine as Tom (né “Daniel-son”) the introverted high-school boy who wants to learn how to play rock music;  Lisa Dillon as Mary (né Daniel’s Mum) the single parent who appears to be a nurse and a bit of a bible-beater;  Verity Pinter as Felix (Tom’s né Daniel’s girl-friend interest) a student at Tom’s school and a girl singer in a school rock band;  and, James Tarpey as Damien the “bad-guy” in the film, a lead guitarist in the high school band Felix sings with.  Damien repeatedly bullies and teases Tom.
Basic plot:  You’re an only child named Tom.  You’re an introverted teen with a self-harming habit (a “cutter”) with a fear of appearing in public and you practice guitar in your bedroom, in secret.  Tom lives with his Christian mum Mary (Lisa Dillon) who hates guitars and rock music because her husband (Tom’s father) was in a band and abandoned them.  Downstairs from Tom and Mary lives a washed-up rock star named Steve who moves in and starts playing rock / grunge music very LOUD.  Tom likes the music;  Mary hates it.  On a visit to the local music store Tom finds an LP (album) with a photo of his neighbor (identifying tattoo on his forearm) and pesters the neighbor into becoming his music teacher so Tom can compete in an upcoming battle of the bands.  Blah, blah, blah…  Boy and sympathetic girl fall in love;  boy wins competition;  Tom and Steve go on to rock the world.
The movie includes multiple fanboy hat-tips to other films including:  mum and Yoda (I mean Mr. Miyagi, I mean Steve) sitting on a park bench, describing their tender side(s) – shades of “You’ve Got Mail” and a hundred other films;  Tom offers Steve a choice between a “Red” guitar pick and a “Blue” (Matrix movie series).  Basically, teach me or stay hiding in your room.  Tom complains to Steve about learning useless stuff and Steve motions with his hands while saying:  “wax-on, wax-off” (The Karate Kid).  Yes!  He actually says it!  Steve gives Tom his Les Paul (LP) style guitar to play in the competition – not quite a custom embroidered karate gi, but close enough.
So, is this movie any good?  How’s the acting?  How’s the music?  Do I recommend this film?  In order:  it’s okay;  it’s okay;  it’s (barely) okay;  and sure, why not?
Any good:  Obviously, not “Best Picture” material…  This was a low budget film with NOBODY famous (except Perry) and he’s pretty well past his sell-by date.  Meanwhile (nine years since the movie’s release), Perry’s dead and I think everyone else in the film is still not famous.  But, really, this is not that bad a film.  Yes, it’s predictable, but it still touches the bases adequately and there’s something to be said for not having too many “What?” moments / scenes.  To me, a “What” moment is breaking the fourth wall for no good reason or including something in a scene which makes absolutely NO sense.  Some movies become famous for these moments;  most become infamous.
Acting:  Again, move along…  Nothing to see here.  Mostly, just average performances.  Having said that, I did like Perry and Dillon.  I thought they had reasonable chemistry together in their common scenes and they seemed reasonably “adult” in their non-common scenes.  I would add that Tarpey plays the best pale, grease-haired school bully / bad-boy I’ve seen since Tom Felton played Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter movies.  I’m beginning to wonder if “pale, grease-haired school bully” isn’t a British “thing”.  Based on movies, it sure seems to be.
Music:  to be honest I had very mixed feeling about the “music” portions in the movie.  If you closed your eyes and just listened to the music / songs, they weren’t that bad.  (And, no, it’s not the second coming of the Beatles.)  However, if you kept your eyes open and watched the movie (yeah, I guess it’s a concept thing) they were, at least, tolerable.  The director had this notion that if you focused on a person’s face and moved a bunch of “stuff” around the head, (or pretended the singers were puppets) it would look “artsy”.  Kind of like a picture of a real person with a collage of moving magazine images around them.  I didn’t find it “artsy”;  just distracting and annoying.  But, maybe that’s just me…
Final recommendation:  moderate.  Sometimes I can enjoy a film without it being “great” or “really” even above average.  This is one of those films.  I have a feeling it was the guitar lessons…  I’m trying to teach myself how to play guitar based on YouTube videos and I enjoyed hearing “tips and tricks” from the master to the padawan and thinking:  “Hey, I know what they’re talking about!”  (It was chord inversions and playing up and down the neck of the guitar.)  A few years ago, that dialogue would have gone completely by me.  So, sure.  This may not be a great movie, but it was enjoyable enough to spend the ninety-one minutes watching it.  Heck, I may even watch it again in a few months…  (LoL)
.
On This Day In:
2022	Re-election Time!
	Faux “News”: Why Wait? We’re Entertainment, Not News
2021	Living At The Edge
	A Simple Song (Dominique)
	More Sounds (Guitar Review)
2020	Poor Proof
	Right From The Start (This Time It’s Real)
	You Voted For An Incompetent And Corrupt Business Person To Drain A Political Swamp
2019	I Wish This Were More True
2018	Used To Rejection
	Day 16: Looking Ahead (Just A Little)
2017	Tonight
	I Rejoice
2016	Conscientious Courage
	Speaking Of Which…
2015	The Beautiful Snow
2014	Nurtured By The Voices
2013	Précis
2012	Fear And Understanding
2011	Just Being Human

Read Full Post »

What Did You Do During The Great Blackout, Daddy?

A few weeks back we received a message from our Internet Service Provider (ISP) – Xfinity, that on mm/dd/2023 (I forgot the exact date) we might experience a brief or intermittent lack of service due to a planned cable upgrade to their system.  Okay, next time send me the message closer to the actual date, other wise…  delete and forget…
Well, yesterday was the day (08/11/2023).  We lost internet / cable provision about 12:30pm.  There had been no “second” reminder.  (LoL)  Unable to save my work back in the cloud or download any data / information, we were forced to do other things…
The first thing to do was check if there was a “fix” time.  Using our cell phones we found out:  3:50pm.  …Okay, just a couple (3+) of hours.
I broke out one of my guitars and started working on my “luthier” skills –  smoothing and polishing frets and improving intonation.  Hil read and then took a nap.
Checked again:  5:30pm…    Watch a DVD.  Hil did the same, but a different DVD.
Checked again:  9:30pm…   Dinner and watched two DVDs.  Hil read and watched a second DVD.
About 9:20pm, my home phone lit up and I got a message on my PC:  “Network access restored.”  I checked and we had a dial tone (phone) and we could browse (PC) again.  Yippiee!!
I told Hil we were up and she watched some of her Netflix Korean soaps while I completed a post on WordPress.
Hil’s comment:  “I didn’t realize how much I rely on the internet to fill my time.  I felt lost without Facebook and my shows.”
And, I for one, will not be holding my breath waiting for Xfinity to refund a day’s worth of fees for the nine hours loss of service…
.
On This Day In:
2022	Re-election Time!
	Faux “News”: Why Wait? We’re Entertainment, Not News
2021	Living At The Edge
	A Simple Song (Dominique)
	More Sounds (Guitar Review)
2020	Poor Proof
	Right From The Start (This Time It’s Real)
	You Voted For An Incompetent And Corrupt Business Person To Drain A Political Swamp
2019	I Wish This Were More True
2018	Used To Rejection
	Day 16: Looking Ahead (Just A Little)
2017	Tonight
	I Rejoice
2016	Conscientious Courage
	Speaking Of Which…
2015	The Beautiful Snow
2014	Nurtured By The Voices
2013	Précis
2012	Fear And Understanding
2011	Just Being Human

Read Full Post »

Chasin’

“Buddy Guy: The Blues Chase the Blues Away” (2021) — movie review
Today’s review is for the PBS “American Masters” documentary about the life of electric “Blues” guitarist George “Buddy” Guy titled:  “Buddy Guy: The Blues Chase the Blues Away“.  The film stars (interviews): Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, Gary Clark Jr., Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram, John Mayer, Keith Richards, Carlos Santana and several other music industry figures.
Basic Story:  As an “authorized” biography this documentary goes back to Buddy’s early years as the son of a sharecropper in Louisiana, through his formative years and his departure at the age of 20 years old to learn and play at the feet of Blues legends in Chicago.  The story tells how Buddy struggled to play and then struggled to play his own style of blues guitar.  Buddy was more recognized in Europe than he was in the U.S. and the famous “Rock and Roll” band members went to see him play live as he toured the U.K.  Buddy achieved his first “American” break when the Rolling Stones came over to America and insisted they would only play on a popular TV show (“Hootenanny“) if the show also allowed Guy to play a few songs / and join in part of their set.
Buddy’s early career was marginalized by his contracted label which insisted he play a background role and tune down the loud and (at times) crazy antics he performed which made him such a crowd-pleaser at his “live” appearances.  Buddy eventually achieved a fair amount of “public” fame with a few blues hits of his own.  He had a resurgence in the late 1980s through the 1990s and eventually totaled eight Grammy Awards, a “Lifetime Achievement Award” and both the National Medal of Arts, and the Kennedy Center Honors.
The significance of his music and his life’s work (influence) can be measured in the tributes / interviews provided in this documentary from Eric Clapton, Gary Clark Jr., Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram, John Mayer, Keith Richards, and Carlos Santana.  All recognized Buddy’s artistry as both a person and as a musician whose stated goal (in later life) has been to keep “Blues” alive in today’s music.
In full disclosure, I am only recently coming to appreciate “The Blues” since beginning to play guitar myself three years ago.  Before that my feeling has always been:  “I don’t like opera and I don’t like the blues.”  I didn’t like opera, because I don’t speak Italian or German and other than that there’s enough classical music around, I don’t need the singers voices interfering with my appreciation of the orchestral music.  As for the Blues, my feeling was:  “Life is already to short and painful to be listening to songs and music which is meant to bring you down.”  And, yes, I knew most of what I DID listen to was “Rhythm AND Blues” (and that “Rock and Roll” is based on R&B) and “Country” ballads, but they weren’t REALLY the Blues.  At least in my mind…  I still don’t want to hear about your wife dyin’ and your dog leavin’ you (and / or vice versa), but I’ve definitely come to appreciate the “sound / emotions” the blues can express and evoke in the listener (and musician).
So, can playing the Blues really chase the Blues away?  Looking at Buddy’s gracious smile, yes.  I believe it can…  It’s worked for him for over 60 years and he’s still touring 130+ days per year!
Final Recommendation:  Strong.  In addition to the “talk”, this documentary shows Buddy Guy playing.  Snippets, to be sure – but playing.  Too often I watch these movies (or videos on YouTube) and the camera spends more time on everyone else in the band or audience and I (as a guitar student) don’t get to “see” a masters’ hands at work.  All we get is to hear them.  That’s enough when you are listening to records or streaming music, but I hate it when I’m watching videos.  I want to see the hands not the artists shadow foregrounded against the lighted crowd.  But, maybe that’s only me…
.
On This Day In:
2022	Happy 13th Anniversary Of Blogging
2021	Happy 12th Anniversary Of Blogging
	We ARE… (We Are The World)
2020	Happy 11th Anniversary Of Blogging
2019	Happy 10th Anniversary — Thoughts On My First Decade Of Blogging
2018	Happy 9th Anniversary — Three Thoughts
	Day 2 – Notes On Progress
2017	Happy 8th Anniversary
2016	Happy 7th Anniversary
2015	Happy 6th Anniversary
2014	Happy 5th Anniversary
2013	I Resemble That Remark!
2012	Happy 3rd Anniversary
2011	Is America Safe Tonight?
2009	Hello world! (See how it all began…)

Read Full Post »

Happy 14th Anniversary Of Blogging

This post marks the first day of my 15th year of blogging here on WordPress.  A great deal of this post is a repetition of last year’s post…  (And, yes, it’s a long one…)
With almost no change from last year…  The number of countries who’ve visited this site continues to (slowly) grow and the number which haven’t continues to decrease.  North Korea and Cuba are still among them (the latter…)  I’m also still missing a belt across the middle of Africa (but it’s no longer coast-to-coast) and a few spots in Asia.  (Slowly, slowly…  Resistance is futile.)
On reviewing my content over the past year, I’m mostly back to one post a day.  They are almost entirely just quotes with occasional political opinions, infrequent film reviews and rarely book reviews.  I still haven’t added near as many posts about learning guitar or music as I thought I might.
My blog is continuing to be part of my “normal” retired life (since 2017).  I routinely receive about 20 to 60 emails (per day) from the roughly 300 blogs I follow.  I say “roughly” because I don’t check how many I follow.  I just looked, and I (still) have fewer than 2,000 followers myself.  Every year there is a trade-off:  you pick up a few steady followers and a few drop off.  Those who actually post about leaving (their own sites) say they are simply moving on to other things.  Most, don’t bother and just stop posting.  A few come back after some period of time.  Many do not.  It doesn’t necessarily mean they’ve stopped blogging.  Some just move to a hosted service to try to monetize their thoughts and don’t provide me a way to follow them.  Or maybe they did and I simply missed the link…
I do (STILL) have bone to pick with some (many?) of the posts I receive.  Three bones, actually…  First, I receive a large number of posts which don’t contain “Like” options.  This means I have to click to your site and log into WordPress to give you a like.  Most of the time, I will not do this.  I’m (still) just lazy and if you don’t want the feed back, I’m happy to not provide it.  The second is an email with a title and five or six words from your post and then a “read more”.  Again, sorry – PROBABLY 95% of the time, I no longer click through to your site.  If you don’t give me at least a paragraph to hook me, you’ve lost me for that post.  It’s different if you are running a visual / photo site, but not by much.  If you give me one (or two) image(s) per post – fine.  If you regularly have 10 – 15 – 20 images in a single post, I might view one post a week.  And, lastly, in general I only view one post a day from a single source and it’s kind of random…  Sometimes it’s the first.  Sometimes it’s the last.  Sometimes it’s just whatever…
At any rate, I easily spend an hour per day reviewing the posts I get (via email subscription) and sometimes that is simply overwhelming.  It’s not always the average blogger’s fault.  If you post something interesting, I (still) will go off and investigate it further:  authors, artists, locations, books, movies, science / math / history topics – they will all lead me off down the rabbit hole.  And that hole can be DEEP!   There are a few (a handful) of sites which I know are visual and I more frequently click through to the actual site, because I’m interested in the bits which are not offered in the smaller / limited / text based emails I tend to receive.  I apologize if my failure to click-thru affects your view stats negatively…
So, besides this blog, what am I up to?  My health has been mixed.  I’m still morbidly obese and none of my “lifestyle” changes (diets) have stuck.  The problem I have is I’ve had some changes in my medications so I’m not sure if they are affecting me or if I’m just getting older and less motivated – or a combination.  As always, one has to balance the good of the med versus the adverse (potential) effects.  The two diets which seem the best (for me) are the juicing / blending and the “40hr water fast twice a week”.  The former for losing and the latter for maintaining.  If I can get my medications stable, I’ll probably go on an alternating schedule of these two for a prolonged period.
Back in January, I had a trip to the ER and got my third (since my 2017 retirement) defibrillation and followed that up with Cardiac Ablation in early April.  I’m still dealing with both procedure recovery and another change in medication.  I’ve “only” gained a few pounds, but I feel as if I’ve lost a considerable amount of muscle tone with not being able to do much physical activity.  I just had my 90 day post-op nuclear stress test and passed with no issues, so I’m free to begin slowly rebuilding myself.
In January 2021, I purchased my first guitar and I’ve been practicing most every day since. (I miss about one day every other month.)  I “know” my basic (C, A, G, E, D, F, Am, Em, Dm) open / “cowboy” chords and major / minor scales – single string and in first position.  Strumming, finger-picking (Travis style) and chord changes are coming slowly (slower), but they are getting better now that I’m practicing them more consistently.
I now own five acoustic guitars and eight electrics.  I bought the acoustic I had on loan from my brother. It was originally a steel string, but I’ve switched it to nylon strings. I just prefer the sound of nylon on acoustic guitars.  I am still alternating between the various types – acoustic (classical, dreadnaught, 3/4 size, resonator and roundback) vs electric (stratocaster, telecaster, SG, Les Paul, and ES335) every few weeks.  I’ve not moved to a weekly rotation as I thought I might – no particular reason.  I just haven’t.  I’m still interested in buying one more inexpensive guitar, but the specific model (color) I want isn’t currently available, and since I’m in no hurry, I’m just waiting for it to come back for sale.  There is no time pressure.  I did get the round-back acoustic I mentioned last year.  I like the “almost” resonator sound it produces, but I find the round-back awkward to work with as it always wants to slide on my stomach.  This is the now the only steel string acoustic I have.  Technically, it’s really (also) an electric, but I never play it plugged in (except when I first got it, and then, just to test that the pickup worked).
I did pick up a 2nd mini-amp and a looper pedal.  I’ve played with both (testing to see they worked), but I’m not good enough for the looper and still prefer no amp most of the time.  So, these have been demoted to “future” use – if I ever get good enough.
I also picked up a harmonica.  It’s a LOT more complicated to “play” than I thought, so that’s quickly falling into “future” use, too.  My original intent was to use it as a tuner for my guitar playing and not as in instrument on its own.  I’ve found out (though) I don’t have a developed enough ear to listen to the harmonica note and the guitar note and then match them.  I can “kind of” get close to matching notes, but no where near as when I just use one of my electric “clip-on” tuners.
The few things I’ve learned (mainly about myself) have truly been amazing (to me).  I do seem to have a smidgen of musical ability (although it’s still buried under layers of doubt).  I’m (still) finding the ability to concentrate on practice to be as relaxing as zoning out in computer programming used to be (in my youth).  Sixty to ninety minutes can easily seem like five or ten minutes.  There is also the complete exhaustion which results from prolonged concentration – however “relaxing” it may feel at the time.  In a strange way, it feels good to be mentally tired at the end of a practice session.
But, am I getting any better at playing?  An objective opinion would be:  Yes!  Am I any “good”?  An objective opinion would be:  No!  Does it matter a whit?  No.  Why not?  Because, (like blogging,) I’m doing it for the enjoyment of doing it and not for the expectation (mine or anyone else’s) of being any good at playing guitar.  Again, like blogging, as long as it’s fun and interesting and fulfilling, I’ll just keep doing it…  My not so secret goal remains to write a song (lyrics and music) for my wife.  (LoL)
I posted a while back about my guitar goals for the remainder of 2023, but I can easily see them (the goals) extending into 2024 (and beyond).  If I have ANY continuing disappointment over guitars it’s that developing my luthier skills has definitely fallen by the wayside.  I’m happy being able to change strings, round fret ends and play with action and intonation, but it turns out, if you buy inexpensive instruments, the decent quality luthier tools and better quality parts are almost as (or more) expensive as (than) a new instrument.
So, it’s guitar playing and blogging to keep me occupied (and mostly out of trouble).  LoL!!
Other than that, we got our second bathroom (en suite) remodeled and the master bedroom painted and had hardwood flooring installed.  Our home almost feels like a new(er) house.  LoL!!
Once again…  “Excelsior!!“
.
On This Day In:
2022	Happy 13th Anniversary Of Blogging
2021	Happy 12th Anniversary Of Blogging
	We ARE… (We Are The World)
2020	Happy 11th Anniversary Of Blogging
2019	Happy 10th Anniversary — Thoughts On My First Decade Of Blogging
2018	Happy 9th Anniversary — Three Thoughts
	Day 2 – Notes On Progress
2017	Happy 8th Anniversary
2016	Happy 7th Anniversary
2015	Happy 6th Anniversary
2014	Happy 5th Anniversary
2013	I Resemble That Remark!
2012	Happy 3rd Anniversary
2011	Is America Safe Tonight?
2009	Hello world! (See how it all began…)

Read Full Post »

For Me: Blogging And Learning About Music / Guitar

Somebody out there is going to do something that’s far more surprising than anything that I would do.  I was surprised by the whole web thing in the first place.
—    Larry Wall
.
On This Day In:
2022	I Remember…
2021	Biden Won By Almost 7 Million Votes
	Waiting Outside My Door (I’m Winning)
2020	The Tragedy Of Trump Republicanism
2019	What Do Your Children See You Doing?
2018	Is #45 STILL Losing America
2017	We Sleep To Remember And We Sleep To Forget
2016	Useful Gift
2015	Who’s The Boss?
2014	What Counts In The Future
2013	Improper Sequence?
2012	Two Gems
2011	A True Test

Read Full Post »

Practicing My Barre Chords

There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.
—     Beverly Sills
.
On This Day In:
2022	We Need Both
2021	Broaden The Circle
	The Phone Keeps Ringing (By The Time I Get To Phoenix)
2020	Stay Gentle
2019	Immoral #45
2018	From My Soapbox
2017	The Single Most Effective Thing For Health
2016	A Trumpet Solo
2015	Potential Is A Heavy Burden
2014	Fear Not, Weep Not
2013	Half Way There
2012	Sacrificed Any Lately?
2011	The Value Of One’s Character
2010	Intervals
	On Being Human
	Non-predictive Emergence
	Events
	Bodily Functions
	Standing Thoughts
	Sent Home Is Better Than Fixed

Read Full Post »

Goals / Test (2023 Update)

The following is my “goal” for learning / playing guitar for the remainder of this year (2023).
	Guitar Test
1.)	How much do you practice  —  # of Day (7) / week (52);  # of Hours (1) – due to health issues, I’ve missed more days this year (2023) than in the prior three years (total) – and I’m not quite halfway through the calendar year.
2.)	How well do you know the fretboard  —  progressing, but not fully “under my fingertips” memorized, yet
3.)	Knowledge of major & minor scale for natural notes —  good on all single strings and making progress on six-string scales.  I know the shapes, but can’t call out the notes or go to each simply by name (except “A” – which I can do, but not at a “full” playing speed)
4.)	Knowledge of major & minor chords  —  open & barred.  Forms are good, but still poor on naming the notes (as in letter / name of “1”, “3” and “5”) while playing.  I have a physical issue of my fretting fingers being too large for most barred chords above 6-string “A” in “E” shape barre.  “A” shape barre is okay full neck length.
5.)	Perform three:  Maj7, Min7 & Dom7 chords — little to no progress.  I “looked” at them, but haven’t practiced them.
6.)	Playing & modifying a chord progression  —  making progress.  Best with (most practice of) “G”, “C”, “D” and “Am” or “Em”.  Also working on adding walk-ups and walk-downs.
7.)	Perform three different Arpeggios  —  anywhere on the fretboard;  no “real” progress.  I can hit individual notes in a chord all the way up the neck, but it’s not “really” informed arpeggiating.
8.)	Build A Major scale (at least 3)  —  demonstrate a knowledge of scale formulas (along 1 string)  —  done for Major and Minor for all six open strings.  I still need to work on major and minors from string notes further up the neck.
9.)	Name the tones of four major key signatures  —  work in progress.
10.)	Name & explain three time signatures  —  count, beat, stresses & accents;  I can “explain”, but don’t have this under my fingertips.
11.)	Explain note duration  —  whole, half, 1/4th, 1/8th, & 1/16th  —  explanation is the easy part.  Playing the notes consistently is a work in progress.   The exception is the 1/16 notes, which I am just not fast enough in my picking to play.
Comments:  (Original)
Of course, the object of “learning” these things is not the inherent value of knowledge.  It is the ability to put the knowledge into use why playing the guitar.  Some of the items on the list are things I already “know”.  They are just (still) not yet under my fingertips.  That will come with time and practice…  Inshalla
Comments:  (2023)
Progress is slower than I thought it would be, but the process (practice) is still very enjoyable – so I continue.
Issues:
I am still quite bad at reading standard music notation.  I am making progress with reading single notes, but cannot / do not recognize chords well enough to play them.
I still have terrible (no) rhythm / timing.  This makes playing songs problematic.
The rhythm issue is compounded by inability to change between chords smoothly.  I am MUCH better, but not anywhere near a playing ability.  The pauses are simply too long and when I try to speed up, my fingers mute or buzz adjacent strings.
I can’t hear the notes in my head (from reading tab or normal notation) in advance of playing.  The only note I can hum with any consistency is “F#” on the sixth string.
Because I use each of my guitars on a rota, I am not developing a player’s instrument expertise with any single one of them.  In other words, I am constantly learning (and relearning) the very minor physical changes required to get better on any individual instrument.  The flip side to this is I’m getting a much better physical exposure / expertise to (and with) the range of guitars:  neck and body shapes / sizes / weights; frets and sound holes (if any);  and, comfortability of playing the different instruments.
I am spending almost no time on the luthier side of guitar.  I need to work on this aspect without reducing my playing / practicing.  I also need to spend more time investigating the use of amps and pedals.  (I STILL play my electrics almost exclusively without plugging them into an amp.)  Time keeps on slippin’, slippin’ slippin’…
The “secret” to getting better remains:  each day, learn a little more about guitar / music, and continue to practice consistently.  Try to get to a playable level at each skill before trying to add another skill (or nuance of that skill) – but continue to practice the prior skills, too.  And, of course, all of the above is difficult when I (you) MUST practice slow to get to a high enough skill level to begin practicing faster.
.
On This Day In:
2022	Goals / Test
2021	Waiting For The Sting
	Right From The Start (Don’t Go Breaking My Heart)
2020	Reward Truth In November
2019	Prepare For The 2020 Election
2018	Why #45 Is Uncivil And Sinking
	Ole! … Ole, Ole, Ole
	Is This Still The United States Of America?
2017	Go Where?
2016	Returning To The Same Box
2015	The Hunter’s Music
2014	Dedication
2013	Unhappy Alternatives
2012	Implications
2011	Never Let Us Down

Read Full Post »

Or You Practice Guitar (It Works For Me)

You use a glass mirror to see your face;  you use works of art to see your soul.
―     George Bernard Shaw
.
On This Day In:
2023	Or You Practice Guitar (It Works For Me)
2022	Three Treasures
	Memorial Day 2022
2021	How Trump Won The Fringe Right
	Hold My Hand (Little Darlin’)
2020	I’d Include Health Care
2019	Accustomed To It
2018	Booking My Trip Into The Expanding Universe
2017	Fear Instead Of Convictions
2016	Memorial Day – 2016
2015	A Handful Of Reviews
	And You Can Quote Me
2014	Get Wisdom
2013	Enjoying The View?
2012	Adam’s Rib
2011	I’m Sure I Remember That…
	Memorial Day, 2011

Read Full Post »

Folk Guitar

“The Folksinger’s Guitar Guide” (1962©)   —   book review
This review is for the book: “The Folksinger’s Guitar Guide“, written by Jerry Silverman.  Silverman is a prolific writer of music books (over 200 to his credit) with an emphasis on “folk” music.  The interesting thing is his credits are not exclusively “American” folk music.  He has also written about folk music from several European countries and Afro-Caribbean / Calypso, too.  This book is one of his earliest and considered his most popular (at least in terms of sales).  This book was given to me as an early birthday present and was purchased from the “1/2-off” bin at a local music store (Rockin’ Robbies).  We got it for $3!!
As with all music tutorial books, this book must be evaluated by two standards:  1)  is it a good book?  And, 2)  will it help you “master” the topics covered?  For the second question, only time can truly tell…  For the first…  This appears to be an EXCELLENT book!
This is NOT a music theory book – but you will get “some” theory.  The is NOT a “method” book (according to the author), but you WILL get A LOT of method.  This is NOT a history of “folk” music book, but you WILL get considerable background and a list of historically significant guitarists and their works.  This IS a short (79 pages) and very fast read – mainly because it’s mostly songs / music and lyrics.  The writing style is as approachable as the music itself.  I learned a host of details / nuances about topics I haven’t heard addressed in my two years of watching (and re-watching) YouTube guitar instructional videos and “reading” various books.  For example:  picks are “meant” for steel string guitars.  Fingers are for nylon strings.  Striking with steel strings sounds different and nylon string guitars are not “meant” to have the harsh sound of a pick.  You are supposed to grow your right hand finger nails “a little” if you want the sharper sound, but it will still sound different than a pick.  The author also suggests if you are going to use a pick, to use the most flexible one you can find – particularly for strumming.
Now, of course, the example is purely the author’s opinion, but (to me) it intuitively makes sense.  I have noticed differences between plectrum (“pick”) types and fingers.  I had settled on a stiffer pick, because I haven’t practiced strumming as much as I have picking and I’ve moved away from growing my fingernails because I don’t like how they feel.  I believe it does give you that “almost” pick sound, but they simply don’t “feel” right to me and I spend most of my day living life, not practicing guitar.  (You also have to have strong nails.  I’m not sure I do.  And you have to keep the nails trimmed “just so”.  Yes, I’ve read the recommendations, but every individual has slightly different fingers – and nails – and I’m not sure it is worth the time and effort to experiment with all of the various lengths and angles / cuts until I can already play a LOT better than I do now.)
As for “playing”, I’ve been gravitating towards fingerstyle:  Travis picking, “regular” fingering, classical style, Spanish / Flamenco style(s) and blues.  Obviously, individually these various forms take considerable time to learn and years to master, but I’ve not found “my” sound / style yet, and playing (beginning) the various styles is tremendously interesting.  So, this book is right in line with my current investigations / interests.
Although the author claims this book is not “really” a method book – it is…  It covers all of the main beginner topics (holding a guitar, parts of a guitar, and tuning).  It then introduces chords “D“, then “A7“, then keys (theory).  (Remember how I said Silverman sneaks in a bit of theory.)  He finishes the “D” key with the “G” chord.  He quickly moves into “transposing” keys (more sneaky theory).  Next comes right hand work:  strumming, timing and alternating base;  then, base runs and a few more keys (“G“, “E” and “C“).  All of this is done with songs for / at the appropriate skill level.
Finally, there are advanced topics:  arpeggios, hammer-ons, and a brief introduction to various styles of music at the border of “folk”:  Blues, Boogie, Calypso, alternate tunings, barre-ing and the use of capos.  Silverman wraps up with a chord chart and discography and bibliography.  Whew!!
After completing the reading I asked myself:  would I be further along in playing guitar if I had found and read this book two years ago – when I first started.  I would have to admit, yes.  I would probably be considerably further along in playing ability if I had started with this book.  But there is a difference between playing and knowing / understanding.  And, here, I’m not sure…
I’ve taken the road less traveled.  That is true.  I’ve explored multiple guitar types: classic acoustic, modern acoustic, semi-hollow, full-size and 3/4 size, nylon and steel string, and then there is the whole range of electric guitars I’ve also begun to explore…  Am I a better guitar player for this experience.  I would say:  NO.  I consider myself to be just slightly ahead of absolute beginner.  But I think I am a better guitarist because of the roundabout method I’ve taken to get where I’m at in my ability.
The author proposes three main criteria for learning to play guitar:  1)  listen to as much music as you can – over and over again, until you can feel the music you’ll be playing (what to play).  2)  watch as much music being played as you can (how to play), so you can get ideas about playing from those who’ve gone before.  And, 3)  play as much as you can, at every opportunity (practice, practice, practice).  Build a foundation and then add to it.
Final recommendation:  This is a wonderful book for any potential guitarist who is trying to learn this historical style of music:  folk music.  I believe it would be of benefit to any type of guitarist, but if you have little or no interest in styles outside of your own favorite genre (hard rock or heavy metal with lightening fast solos), you may find the book too simplistic.  As for me, “folk music” was never on my radar, but it definitely is now!  Very highly recommended!
.
On This Day In:
2023	Folk Guitar
	Then We Probably Don’t Really Agree
2022	A Whole New Kind
2021	Yea, Spring!
	Smile On Your Brother (Get Together)
2020	Spoken And Shared
2019	Real Tools
	Three Cruelties
2018	United States
2017	Out Of Luck
2016	Wavelengths Of The Earth
2015	God Said What To You?
2014	Not Saying
2013	Ears And Tongue
2012	The Story Of Joe (Middle-Class Republican)
2011	Happy Birthday, Diana
	Depending On Kindness

Read Full Post »

A Baker’s Dozen

[Disclaimer:  I have not received as a promotional consideration any guitar or music related product, nor am I mentioning anything in this post to secure compensation / income for myself or the manufacturer(s) of the products mentioned.  I am only posting about this / these item(s) because I personally purchased it / them and am excited to be learning about music and playing guitar.  This is a long post…  You’ve been warned!    —    kmab]
Background:  If you’ve been following this blog for the last two years, you are probably aware I’m trying to learn / teach myself how to play guitar.  I began this journey in late 2020, when I decided to try, and, then in January 2021, when I purchased my first guitar.  Since then, I’ve gone deep into Guitar Acquisition Syndrome  (G.A.S.) and I now have thirteen!  So, yes, after a brief 25-ish months, I’m averaging about one new guitar every two months.  How’s that for “G.A.S.”?!!
My most recent purchase is:  “Idyllwild (by Monoprice) Full-Size 4/4 Spruce Top Classical Nylon String Guitar with Accessories and Gig Bag“.  This is the “bigger brother” of the “Idyllwild by Monoprice 3/4 Classical Guitar with Gig Bag, Natural“, which I bought back in June of 2021.  The 3/4 cost me (roughly): $43 and this full-size version cost: $75.  Despite the fact I feel like I’m pretty hooked on guitar at this point – “doubt I’d keep playing” was the main reason for buying “inexpensive” (re:  cheap) guitars when I started out.  I’m pretty happy with all of my purchases, but I’m STILL resisting the urge to splurge on an expensive “big-name” guitar.
This is my third “Monoprice” guitar and second “Idyllwild” brand guitar.  I have the two already mentioned (this and the 3/4) and I have one “Indio” guitar (by Monoprice).  That guitar is an electric “telecaster” style.  I guess, their electrics are “Indio‘s” and their acoustics are “Idyllwild“.
Start of review:
So, this (4/4 size “classical” acoustic) is the latest guitar I’ve purchased – as of March 2023.  It was ordered on 24 February and received on 1 March, so shipping was less than a week – an initial very good impression!  The box had a couple of slight (1in x 1in) dents in it, so that was a negative, but they did not necessarily have anything to do with the manufacturer / seller, so it’s merely a comment on delivery status.  (Note:  Virtually every guitar I’ve purchased has come with a slight – or not so slight – issue with the shipped box / container and NONE have resulted in a damaged instrument.  I may just be lucky…)
Per their site, this is what I received for $75 and change – all-in (including tax and shipping).
Strings:  6 – nylon;  the three bass strings are metal wrapped.  The strings do not feel “real”.  They feel like they should be on a $2 plastic, toy guitar, BUT though cheap feeling, they have held tune surprisingly well.  By not “real”, I mean they feel VERY thick.  They are BY FAR the thickest strings I’ve ever played on a guitar.  I don’t know what gauge they are.
Electronics:  N/A
Tuners:  typical chrome (three to a side, linked) classical tuners, but they neither look nor “feel” flimsy.  They also do not have dead spots (when you turn and nothing happens, then suddenly the gears seem to grab).  The tuners on the 3/4 were a “brassy” looking color.  I don’t know if they were actual brass.  I doubt it.
Neck Shape:  I’m not sure how to describe it.  It is WIDE.  The top is flat;  almost to the point of being concave.  I have very wide fingertips and this is BY FAR the most string separation I have on any guitar I own.  To be honest, I LOVE it!!  I have virtually NO bleed over from my fingers in ANY chord.  The down side, of course, is that any chord with a 6th string is much harder to reach.  I had thoughts of buying a twelve-string guitar and removing the extra strings, just to see what it would feel like to have room for my fingers.  This is no longer necessary.  I now know what it will feel like…
Neck Material:  Okume
Top Material:  Spruce / Solid
Body Size:  4/4, 39in total length
Body Shape:  Classical (no cut-away) Acoustic
Number of Frets:  19  (but the “upper range” 7 frets are virtually unreachable except for tapping)
Note:  the above image is from the Monoprice product site and I make no claim to ownership.
Fretboard:  no idea (unspecified)  Note:  As with most “classical” style guitars there are NO fret markers inlaid on the face of the  fretboard.  Unlike, most classical style guitars there are “dots” on the upper side (the base strings side) of the fretboard.  I don’t know if they are true inlaid or simply painted under the gloss varnish.
Frets Size:  2.2mm
Nut / Saddle:  Plastic (Minor tuning adjustments make the strings “ping” at the nut.  This means I need to “lube / graphite” the nut a little when I get around to changing the strings.)
Nut Width:  not stated;  but I believe it is “classical”:  i.e. 2 inches wide
Bracing:  not stated
Back / Sides:  No idea.  I am assuming it is Okume, like the neck, but I haven’t seen this documented.  I don’t know if the back and sides are solid or laminate.
Bridge:  no idea, but the saddle appears to be plastic (like the nut)
Pickguard:  none
Finish:  Natural gloss all over (including the full neck and headstock).  Wonderfully smooth to the touch!
Included Accessories:  Battery operated electric tuner, extra set of strings, 3 picks, strap, gig bag  (Note: the picks were NOT received and the strap is useless as there are no knobs to attach a strap to.  Most classical guitars are held, not strapped.)
Gig Bag:  Included.  This bag is ok considering the total price.  It is more than a dust cover in thickness (but with no padding at all), and it seems tough, (but not waterproof).  The zippers look medium weight and works smoothly.  There is also a zippered pouch on the front of the bag.  The bag is sufficient for most carrying about, but it is baggy (not form fitting) and offers only the slightest of protection.  It does not have a super sturdy handle or padded shoulder straps, but the straps are adjustable, so that’s something.  Lastly, the strap guides are metal – not plastic – as you would expect on a simple, unpadded gig bag.
Not mentioned on the site:
They give you an Allen wrench to adjust the truss rod which runs through the guitar’s neck.  The truss rod is accessed via the sound hole, so there is no visible clue on the headstock.  The neck is visibly straight;  not bowed one way or the other.  The top fret is 12, where the neck joins the body.  I believe this is why the nut can be tuned and open chords sound good, but the top frets are all uniformly (still) sharp ended and will be a devil to round (if I decide to make the effort).  (Note: it is my understanding that most “classical” style guitars do not come with a truss rod.  Also, you cannot put steel strings on a guitar meant for nylon strings. They lack the physical support to hold steel strings and you will most probably either severely bend or outright snap the neck off the guitar body when you try to tune it.)  As the intonation is already perfect, there is no need to adjust the truss rod.
Main Review –
First:  the guitar is light weight.  Even in the box, it feels weightless!
Second:  my first visual and hold – the finish is beautiful and the guitar does not “feel” cheap (or inexpensive) – except for the extreme light weight.  The top is blonde and the sides and bottom (body and neck) are a beautiful, dark honey-yellow color.  The fret ends do not extend past the neck edges (good), but they are not rounded, so they feel a little bit sharp.  This is the same as was true for the 3/4 purchased earlier.  The fret board surface seems slightly ash grey-ish – again, like the 3/4.  I believe it is supposed to be black.  Again, I think this means it is just overly dry.  I will add some lemon oil to it when I get around the rounding the fret ends.  The neck is good for relief (not bowed up or down) and is not warped.  As mentioned above, the string action is high at the high frets which I would have thought would effect the intonation.  It did / does NOT.  Once tuned, this guitar is the best intonated guitar I have EVER received.  It is PERFECT at open, 5th and 12th frets!!
Third:  the strings are new and appear wrapped enough to hold without slipping, but they are not excessive – as was true for the 3/4.  It is nit-picking, but the strings do not appear to be wound consistently – all left or all right.  In practice, this means they could vibrate against each other.  They don’t at the moment and it will be a simple thing to correct when I get around to restringing.
Fourth:  There are two very minor blemishes on the finish.  One looks like the side got a wide brush scratch and the other looks like a speck of something was caught under the varnish.  Both are virtually undetectable without very close examination.  There is no dip or lump in the varnish finish to provide a tactile clue there is any damage / fault.
Fifth: (exactly like for the 3/4) the “gig-bag” is a functional dust cover / carry-all.  It will NOT protect the guitar from any but the most trivial bumps.  Having said that, it is FAR better than one of the “gig-bags” I got for “free” with a more expensive guitar.  It has a handle and un-padded shoulder straps.  The straps are not long enough for someone my size to use, but I suppose they would be fine for a child or slender teenager.
Sixth: This guitar has very high action!  Visually, it is off-putting.  In practice, it is irrelevant!  The intonation is perfect at open, 5th fret and 12th fret AND the strings are very flexible and easily pressed.  Today was my second time using the guitar and I practiced for well over 2 hours with no discomfort to my fretting hand finger tips.  There is no buzzing (high frets) and there are no dead frettings.
Finally:  What this guitar reinforced was that nylon strings are extremely forgiving for longer (over one hour) practice sessions. The flat neck definitely has more room for my chubby fingers to practice scales and chords, but is only slightly more difficult to practice / play barred chords.
Recommendation:  I would highly recommend this guitar to any adult thinking of beginning guitar lessons who would like to learn guitar with an inexpensive “starter” guitar.  The fretboard may be too wide for children or adults with shorter finger lengths.  You may outgrow this within a year or two, but you’ll keep it handy and pick it up frequently because if it gets a little banged up, it can be easily (and inexpensively) replaced.  Like it’s little brother (the 3/4), I bought this specifically to keep laying around, for a quick pickup to practice (specifically finger-picking and classical style playing).  It will certainly exceed those simple requirements.   Caution:  unlike my inexpensive electric guitars and LIKE my other acoustic guitars, you should NOT purchase this thinking you will be able to use it for a “mod” (modification) platform.  Other than changing the strings and (maybe) polishing fret ends, there is almost nothing you can do to make this a “better” instrument.  Just bite the bullet and shell out for a more expensive replacement guitar when you get past what this has to offer.  Then, keep this one for when you go to the beach or camping.  Please remember if you pay full retail price, it is STILL only a $75 guitar.  Actually, “my” guitar was $75.  The “normal” retail price is $99 as of March 2023.
One final “comment” – which may sound unfair – this is a “listeners” guitar, more than a “players” guitar.  By that I mean if you play it, it feels good and sounds okay.  Not great.  Just okay.  But if you turn the guitar face so the sound hole is to your ear, this guitar sounds fantastic.  The difference is – to me – amazing and I repeat the exercise every time I pick it up.  I have noted this effect on my other acoustics, too, but nowhere near this level of difference.
Because my impressions / opinions of the guitar may change over time, updates to my reviews will appear on the specific guitar review page and not in a daily blog post…
.
On This Day In:
2023	Living By The Seat Of Our Pants
	A Baker’s Dozen
2022	Putin Invades Ukraine To Recreate The Old Soviet Union
2021	Even If It’s A Nice View
	There’s A Calm Before The Storm (Have You Ever Seen The Rain)
2020	First Steps – The (California) Primary Vote
	#IncompetentTrump Administration Faces A Pandemic
2019	Hearts Torn In Every Way (Ferry Cross The Mersey)
2018	Recently Seen On A T-shirt:
2017	Rhythmical Creation
2016	In The Beginning
2015	False Gods
2014	But Sometimes Careers Choose People
2013	Pretty Sure Of Uncertainty
2012	Face Reality
2011	Intelligent Luck

Read Full Post »

Hanging On By My Fingertips…

In my continuing efforts to learn more about playing guitar and making music, towards the end of last year, I began trying some  “finger-picking” styles.  Before that I was either using a “plectrum” (guitar pick) or just casually strumming with my thumb / index finger.  There is an obvious tonal difference between the two: using a pick tends to be louder and with individual notes better defined;  no pick (to me) sounds “fuller” but softer (muffled isn’t the right word to describe the sound, but it’s all I can think of).
Finger-picking is used the most extensively (exclusively) in Classical and Spanish style guitar playing and frequently in Country (“Travis Style”) and Jazz.  As these styles are all far beyond my basic skill set, I have (to date) paid little heed of the physical requirements of this / these style:  Fingernails.
As I began exploring these styles (yes, my reach exceeds my grasp), I kept stumbling on advice for how to maintain appropriate nails – length and shape.  And, in turn, I’ve tried growing my nails out…
“PIMA“: P = pulgar (thumb); I = indice (index finger); M = medio (middle finger); A = anular (ring finger)
Traditional “Classical” style uses the thumb (“P”) and three fingers (“I”, “M”, “A”).  The “pinky” is unused.  Traditional “Travis” style uses only thumb and index finger, but most guitarists nowadays use at least two fingers (and usually three).
1 – 2 mm past your finger / nail join point
The traditional “strike-zone / sweet-spot” for finger-picking is the point where the nail and finger join.  This allows the guitarist to both deaden a moving string (using the finger pad) and get the most precise release point for the string (the edge of the finger nail).
Of course there are a variety of individual factors which determine how long and what shape your nails need to be, including: the shape of your fingers, the width of your nails, the shape of your nails, the distance from the join point (finger and nail) to the top of your individual fingers and the angle of “attack” you use to pluck each string.
Poorly shaped, but approaching the correct length
Bottom line?  Too much, too soon.  Yes, I can feel the difference when playing, and yes, I can hear the difference, but this is a LOT of hassle.  I have a LONG history of OCD with my fingernails.  I don’t bite them, but I keep them VERY short and just going a few weeks to grow them out this far is driving me crazy!  LoL!!
So, no, I won’t be keeping my right hand nails long…  And, so, my dreams of becoming the next Andrés Segovia / Merle Travis must fall by the wayside…  (Just kidding.  I have NEVER dreamed that!)  Now, where are my clippers?
.
On This Day In:
2023	Easing Over The Edge
	Hanging On By My Fingertips…
2022	Do People Know What You Stand For?
2021	The Republican Party Can Survive Trumpism (If It Wants To)
	Don’t You Ever Ask Them Why (Teach Your Children)
2020	Art Work
	One Person (Republican) Can Make A Majority
2019	Hopefully, Closer To Noon (Did I Fill The World With Love)
	Can You See The Bottom?
2018	Stock Market Sets Another Record Under #DumbDonald
	#LyingDonald: About That Special Prosecutor Testimony
2017	We Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet
2016	But You Have To Learn It Feels Good
2015	Never Stop
2014	Caution
2013	Treat Her Like A Lady
2012	Build New Worlds
2011	I Grok Elegance
	Standing Relish

Read Full Post »

Musical Notes

Today’s post is just an update on my “learning” guitar progress…  Two years and counting…
I’m continuing to practice most every day for at least an hour.  There have been quite a few more days in the last six weeks when it’s only been 30-45 minutes, but that’s life.  Most of those times, I’ve been playing until fatigue / sleepiness and stopping when I start nodding out.  LoL!  I do most of my practicing between 11:30pm and 1am.  I can sit out in the front room and not disturb anyone (our bedrooms are on the other side of the house).
I’m still alternating between my various guitars.  I’m now up to 11, split mostly in favor of electric (7 to 4).  I’ve had them in a rotation schedule of a couple of acoustics laying in the living room and bedroom (for quick access) and then the rest in a monthly rota, but I’ve recently shifted to a three week rota as I don’t feel like I’m actually touching each enough with now having so many.  The perils of G.A.S. (Guitar Acquisition Syndrome)…   If you’ve been counting, or reviewing my “Learning Guitar” page, you’ll see I don’t have all of my guitars accounted for (only eight reviews).  My original intent was to do initial impression reviews and then subsequent updates as and when I “modded” them.  “Life” and my procrastinating nature have more or less shot that plan down.  It’s too late to do the initial impressions and I haven’t done very many mods, but I still plan to do reviews at some point.
I am still planning to get two more guitars to round out my collection – a full size nylon-string classical / acoustic and a single neck-humbucker telecaster style electric.  After that, any additional purchases (quality upgrade) will necessitate a charitable donation to make room for the new toy.)  The “Happy Wife” policy…
As far as “playing” goes, I’ve already forgotten more than I’ve learned.  I’ve been skimming the odd book and watching a lot of guitar videos, but while they “teach” you a lot – it’s really more a case of “informing” you about motivation, techniques and concepts.  The more I’m practicing, the more I’m realizing that if “it” (a given action) isn’t under your finger tips as muscle memory, you really haven’t learned it…  And all of that muscle memory takes time and (more) practice – not more awareness / understanding.
Fortunately, for me (and not so fortunate for my family), my OCD allows me to be fairly content with just practicing things (scales, chords, spider walks, children’s songs) over and over and over again.  I enjoy the repetitive action(s) and I feel like I’m finally starting to hear the notes.  I mentioned in a prior post that I am “kind of” able to hear myself hum an “F#” and then tune the guitar from there.  I’m continuing to get better at this.  I’m also a little better at using a A400 tuning fork to tune the guitar.  This is as opposed to using an electric tuner as a default tuner.  I still (also) use the electric tuners, but I’m gaining confidence in my ear for relative pitch.  Starting out, if ANYONE had said I’d be able to do this AT ALL, I’d have told them they were crazy and it’ll NEVER happen.  LoL.  The old dog is learning new tricks!
Most of the relatives feel I’m going about this “learning guitar” all wrong and that I should be learning songs.  While I appreciate their viewpoint, I don’t find learning “songs” to be that interesting.  I have two “songs” memorized (finger-style): “Taps” and “God Save the Queen“.  I also have a couple more close to memory: “Ode to Joy” and “Drummer Boy”.  On “Ode“…, no, not the full version – get serious…  But enough so you can tell what the song is.  Random people I discuss “learning guitar” with generally say: “As long as you’re having fun, who cares what you’re playing.”  But I have a feeling they’re thinking, “TWO YEARS(!!!), and that’s all he can play?”  (LoL)
So, I still haven’t settled on a single guitar I want to specialize with.  I still haven’t decided if I want to concentrate on finger-style or plectrum-style.  I still have very poor (almost none) rhythm – which makes leaning to strum problematic.  I’m still SLOW at changing chords – even the few I know.  And, I still haven’t decided what kind of music (rock, country, jazz, classical, blues, Spanish, folk, pop) I want to play.  Slowly, slowly.
And, finally, other hardware…  I’ve added a second “amp” and a “looper pedal” to my collection of kit.  The second amp is a portable, super-mini (3 watt) battery operated job.  It sounds slightly better than my original amp, but I don’t know enough about either to have the faintest idea of why – or if I should care.  The looper allows me to record a few seconds of playing chord changes and then play it back in a loop to play lead over.  The problem (of course) is my chord transitions are soooo bad, there is little point in trying to record / loop them – particularly when there are already hundreds of good background loops available on YouTube.  Oh, well, another toy to play with…  Slowly, slowly.
.
On This Day In:
2023	Musical Notes
	It Was A Very Good Year
2022	A Murmuring Note
2021	Satisfied If Not Fulfilled
	You Don’t Know (Whatcha Gonna Do)
	Urban Ballroom
2020	R.I.P. Kobe
2019	Looks A Lot Like #45
2018	Trying To Stay Young
2017	Seems Reasonable To Me
2016	We Can Get Through This Together (In Time)
2015	How Long Is A Piece Of String?
2014	Heathen, n.
2013	Wisdom’s Folly
2012	When The Student Is Ready
	Disconnected Leadership
2011	The Complex Richness Of Life

Read Full Post »

Feeling GAS* (Again)

Nothing is more beautiful than a guitar, save perhaps two.
—     Frederic Chopin
[As in “Guitar Acquisition Syndrome“.  (LoL)   —    kmab]
.
On This Day In:
2023	Feeling GAS* (Again)
2022	And Even Fewer Regrets
2021	Today Counts
	I Hope You’ll Understand (Ramblin’ Man)
2020	Maybe #IncompetentDonald Really Is A Great Manager
2019	Your Only Choice
2018	A Good Definition
2017	Getting It Done
2016	Getting To Know Me
2015	Why I Pay Taxes
2014	Inequality Of Sacrifice
2013	I Never Saw A Moor
2012	Fill In The Blank
	Not For Naught
	Cliff Notes To Life?
2011	Conference Games Sunday

Read Full Post »

Discovering Humanity

The joy of playing classical guitar extends beyond the prize (the perfect performance).  It’s the daily journey and how we travel it.  That’s where we find the gold.  That’s where we discover the humanity, in both the music and in ourselves.
—    Allen Mathews
Allen Mathews is a professional musician and classical guitar instructor who maintains a site located at:  https://classicalguitarshed.com/
Every Tuesday, Allen posts a quote (which may or may not be specifically about music).   He then goes on to tie the quote to a “teaching moment”.  Allen’s “Quote page” is located at:  https://classicalguitarshed.com/tuesday-quotes/
[Disclaimer:  Although I have viewed many of Allen’s videos and subscribed to his emails for over a year, I have not personally purchased any of his packages of instruction as I am merely dabbling in “classical” guitar to see what it’s about.  I have no other association with Allen or his site and have not requested permission to re-post this quote.  If he requests it, I will remove or substantially edit this quote.    —    kmab]
.
On This Day In:
2022	Discovering Humanity
2021	Likely To Be Subtle
	My Temp’s Pretty High (Rollover Beethoven)
	Scratching A Persistent Itch
2020	A Word Of Assurance They Are Not Alone
	Is #45 Still Crying? (So Very Hard To Go)
2019	It’s Obvious
2018	Passed Too Swiftly (These Are The Days Of Our Lives)
2017	On Our Wall (Part 1)
2016	Or The Ripples From A Good Life
2015	Titles And Reputations
2014	Unfolding
2013	Again
2012	Needs
	Damned
2011	Potter & Prejudice
	Blink, Blink

Read Full Post »