Tomo Fujita Guitar Wisdom

Hi Everybody, Hi Tomo,

So, I've been doing that sight reading course for exactly 15 minutes a day for at least 6 months now. I was working on that first duet for probably a month. I do lot's of other things to practice guitar, but just 15min/day on sight reading. I am now on page 18. :)

At first I was motivated to play the melodies in song books so I could learn how to sing along. I had set a goal for myself to just learn C, F, and G in first position because that would cover most pop music. But, what I didn't plan for is that I'm learning how to play cleaner. Recently my wife commented that when I play songs it sounds brighter. I think I'm just muting so much better... and without thinking about it. My fingers just want to mute, and my pick hand is skipping strings.

I'm sure there must be more unknown to me benefits from continuing with this Modern Method book.

I just wanted to share that.

What benefits are you all noticing from learning sight reading?
JM

That all sounds great! I am working on Triads at the moment, and those simple things you do just make you a better player. So cool to hear that your wife felt you sound "brighter" and that you are also muting better. I can say that my playing just sounds more musical and that is something that happened after I started doing simple exercises. Anyway, I just ordered the Modern Method book today and plan to get going with it. I will be sure to let you know how it goes once I have done some work with it. I was an Alto Sax player all through high school, so I have experience with sight reading. Problem is ... that was years ago, and I have found that sight reading is not like riding a bicycle, though I am pretty confident that it won't be too hard to re-learn. Happy playing.. more to come.

I took his advice on the duets and looped 1 guitar and played the other part. It is such a cool experience to play the second guitar after the first is recorded.

It makes it so musical to loop a part and play the other part. I use the Boss RC1 and also the built-in looper in Amplitube 5 max but really anyone will do.

Well it makes you play both parts correctly in time. On play back it sounds great too. His pieces are so musical. Tomo said Mr. Leavitt Composed it without any instruments. That's incredible.

Here is Tomo's comment:

"Thanks so much for subscribing to my Guitar Wisdom, And thank you for sharing. The Leavitt book is not just for sight-reading. It also helps us to learn patience and to become more confident in our playing. Please consider adding these items to your daily routine: (1) chromatic scale exercises, (2) Triads, and (3) R 3 7 Swing Groove. I am very happy to learn that you are enjoying your guitar journey!"

Thanks for commenting Tomo! I'll definitely check it out. Currently, I'm getting a dose of Triads by working through that Rhythm 365 book.

Oh, in case anyone else is taking Tomo's advise on what to add to practice. I found a video that explains all his suggestions there:

https://tomovhxtv.vhx.tv/videos/tf-lesson-012