Tomo Fujita Guitar Wisdom

When I first saw this news I was beyond surprised. I had to read it 3 times. I joined the November Challenge because I knew that it would keep me on track for a month, but there is a much longer list of things that I will take away from the Chromatic Exercise…..

• Light pressure on the strings
• You don’t really need thumb pressure. Pressure comes from the opposite elbow. (the physical relief is amazing).
• Good posture: Now I sit straight in the chair or standing up instead of leaning back and crossing my legs. Also play with a strap.
• 5 – 10 mins is enough.
• Journal! And more!

The list goes on and on. But perhaps most important: There are wonderful guitar players all over the world that are on the same journey as I. And you guys have given me more than you know. My heart is full of thanks for all the feedback and listening and encouragement that I received. I’m not an amazing guitar player, but my quest for learning has brought me to this group, and for that I am more than grateful. Tomo, Sammi, and George, I have learned so much. Thank you for including me on this Challenge. I’ll be happy to post a short clip with the new guitar.

All from a simple chromatic exercise!
Best wishes for 2025
Linda M. Tucker

Congratulations Linda. You deserve the prize. I wish you a very Happy New Year 2025.

Thank you so much, Christian. You are very kind. Hope you have a wonderful 2025 in Catalunya!

Thank you, Ken! I will post something with the new "guitbox" when it arrives. How is the hand healing up?

Good, thanks for asking. Next Tuesday the grinchy green cast comes off! First best thing of 2025 for me!

Cheers! Good things come in pairs. Ken's recovery is going well , So great!

Curious Ken, during this time what did you choose for your "deep listening" records?

Thank you, Silvije! I hope I can do it justice. Hope your New Year is off to a great start.

Thanks, Jeff. I was in the Boston area for the first time last month. I thought it was beautiful, a really nice city. Best wishes for 2025!

Hi Cam, and thank you. I appreciate it so much. And yes, best wishes for 2025 to you also!

Hi there, Bryon. Thank you so much! I drew a lot of inspiration from your comments and feedback as well. Particularly the part about going slowly...I still have to remind myself of this many times each day. This applies to more than just guitar playing.

Max, you are an inspiration! I actually got my first guitar when I was about your age, but because of school/work/family I set the guitar aside for many years. Don't let this happen to you! Even if you have many demands on your time, always strive to find at least a few minutes to do Chromatic exercise or some other valuable piece of music to keep connected. Consistency is more important than quantity. I can tell that you are already off to a fantastic start.

I also like your analogy "We are all one big class, and Mr. Fujita is our teacher". That feels so true. Indeed we are all teachers in our own way. Keep learning in 2025!

Thank you, John. Very inspirational of you to be the first to post your video. It helped to break the ice and gave me some confidence to post my own video. I appreciate all of your comments and support. Watch out for those flammable picks this year! Happy 2025!

Jiayang thank you so much. I always enjoyed your posts. I think your future is very bright as a musician. I look forward to more posts from China! I also always wanted to mention that you have a beautiful guitar. Thank you for all of your thoughts. And yes, my shoulder is feeling SO much better. Such relief! Happy 2025!

Thank you, Ashish. Yes, 2025 seems to be off to a great start! Thank you for your kind words, I look forward to hearing more of your playing. Be well!

Thank you, Rich. It is indeed a great start to the New Year. As you say..."Let's keep going"! I hope to hear more performances like your "Rose Room". You're an excellent musician.

Thanks so much, John. It is indeed a beautiful journey, as you know. Like you, I feel this challenge has brought us closer together, and that is the true wisdom and reward of Chromvember.

Thank you Markos! I also look forward to future GW challenges, it will give me more opportunities to interact with great musicians like yourself. Cheers to 2025!

Thanks Captain Mark! This exercise was so transformational. So much information packed into 5 minutes. Looking forward to more posting from the boat in 2025.

Thank you so much, Erik. I appreciate all your feedback and support in the forum. The journey continues!