Clickbait title. Hehe.
Tomo Sensei teaching without showing tabs and leading with patterns is right up my alley. I count myself as a beginner. Picked up a guitar at 13 and am now 33, but just did church stuff, open chords, etc. I played bass for a gigging band in NYC (Bowery Elelctric, etc.), but I played out of my friends needing a bassist. Not because I was dedicated to the craft. After playing Cyberpunk 2077(lmao) I realized how dope guitar is and decided to hone the craft.
Of course, tabs and patterns do help guide me through lessons much quicker.
But Tomo Sensei emphasizes teaching the "why" from the beginning. I am trying to hone the major triads and noticing patterns, repeated shape progressions, etc. But these are all things that you'll find by sitting with a lesson and digesting it thoroughly. It's the difference between memorizing and understanding. Hearing something and actively listening.
When you're in love with a romantic interest, every little thing is worth diving deep into. Understanding why they are that way instead of just remembering facts. If I treat every lesson (even the boring ones) with this level of "love", I get rewarded with realizing patterns on my own.
It reminds me of a quote about average kung fu black belts and masters. The average black belt knows every technique and form with perfect precision. But the master knows the "why" behind everything and ends up being more flexible in a fight. Using moves that are right for the moment (by being present) that he has not done before, rather than pulling techniques from a toolbox.
Al Green is a favorite singer of mine. I read his biography. As a kid, he sang with freely and purely. When he started getting lessons, he knew he would have to sacrifice the purity of his relationship with singing to gain knowledge of technique, patterns, theory, etc. What Tomo Sensei is doing is trying to help you learn all of that theory porn without sacrificing the purity of being able to be in the moment (I think).
Just wanted to share this as encouragement for anyone who is frustrated at the slower pace of Tomo Sensei's teaching style. Tomo Sensei's teaching style may or may not match your end goal. But there is a high chance that he does. To learn this patiently and deeply, I have to tap into parts of my personality that I missed as well (if that matters to anyone else out there that is into that kind of stuff.)
Peace,
Eric
Thank you so much for sharing.
After I memorized A minor pentatonic 5 positions & CAGED forms... I was totally stuck with those shapes.
When I was trying soloing over A blues..... I see A minor pentatonic shape so vividly and I could not hear.
After I took Jazz Guitar Lesson in private lessons. Finally I have learned "Music Theory" without guitar.
I have been teaching at Berklee since 1993. I have seen so many guitar students from all over the world.
I found some similarities problems regardless where they came from.
I just want to share best guitar education to everyone. This is how & why?
Every lesson video, I show exactly what notes to olay and explain what degrees / intervals
So you don't get lost!
Yes. It takes time and that 's better for you.
Learn things super slow and deeper.
I respect your final deduction.
Whatever works for you. Please choose it.
My job is to show " Choices " and better way to learn even though not super easy way...
This idea came from my 46 years of guitar playing & 31 years of teaching.
Thank you so much!
I really appreciate your comment!
Tomo
I recently joined Guitar Wisdom. I am 61 years old and have been playing guitar since I was 14. I have started with lesson one for beginners and immediately realized that I have so much to unlearn because of being mostly self taught and relying on shapes so much. I quit smoking about a month ago and I decided to be kind to myself and join. I bought the William Leavitt book. Volume One. A Modern Method For Guitar and I am walking through some anxiety because I never learned how to read music. Thank you Tomo!
Thanks so much for subscribing Guitar Wisdom. Thanks for sharing. I did quit my smoking in many years ago and guitar playing is so much inspiring and makes me feel so positive! That book is great way to build your confidence! Please don't worry about sight-reading. Not too hard. Very important to practice that everyday about 15-20 minutes. Less than 20 minutes is good!
You're very welcome! Thank you.
Tomo