Tomo Fujita Guitar Wisdom

Very important advice on how to practice effectively! "Don't Over Do It"

I like how you pointed out that everything written in that book is a suggestion. If you followed the translation literally, it would make it harder to learn and practice. For example, don't start at the suggested tempo...start way slow until you can play smoothly. If that's not working, step back and work on foundation technique - all of the stuff you provide here on Guitar Wisdom!

Thank you Sammi!

Today is 4th teaching week at Berklee so I went over some important knowledge type exercises (Major Scale / E form / Do Mi Re Fa / Do Re Mi Do... picking & fingering timing etc)

Very important to practice a few things everyday for a while.
Super duper important not to do too long! 5-10 minutes... 15 minutes max!

But I highly recommend all my students to practice two things:
1) Chromatic scale (Two types: Simple Slow 1234 and 1212....)
2) R 3 7 Swing Groove with a metronome (Very deep)
I expect all my students to practice these two items.

Basic triad inversions / 3 ways without any noises.
Basic 7th arpeggios
Basic Major scale
Those you need to practice everyday until you master them.
Once you master them. Never practice those again!
But you should be able to play any time even you are very sick!

Just a thought!
Thank you.

Tomo

Thanks, Tomo!
Great advice. I'm still working on all of those things.
Getting there slowly.
Kurt

Good job Ken!

I teach everything super slow and check all the details.

Thank you.

Tomo

Excellent video. I like the guidance about practicing with the metronome beats on 2 and 4 (instead of beat 1). I have tried to get this down for a long time, perhaps you have a video lurking in GW that talks about this?

This is helpful Tomo. Thank you for helping us stay on track.
I just ordered the Triad book. I didn't know about it!
It's funny in your lessons sometimes when you say, "Pay attention" and I kind of straighten up in my seat. :-)
Kurt

So happy to hear that!
You're very welcome.

Fun!
Good job Kurt!

Thank you.
Tomo

It’s very useful! I like using the “3 way” as a test before moving to the next key. That’s a good idea I will do that. I am still slow but I am able to see what your fingers are doing. I’ve been finding the root, then saying “5th, root, maj 3rd; root, maj 3rd, 5th; maj 3rd, 5th, root”. Then I use note names: GCE….then solfage. Easier in the morning for me, brain slow in the evenings…😅.

(I think you said all of the above you your lessons. I will work on saying less haha.)

Slowly, slowly.
Thank you maestro.
🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

Thank you so much! Keep practicing! You want to know any direction and from any note (Root or 3rd or 5th...) Do not make any favorite(S)! Anytime you should be able to morning or night or in different time zone! You're very welcome! Good job!

Thank you Sir , the video is super amazing ! New inspiration , no any favorite .

Great advice "I hear the sound then I pick". Subtle but important part.

"Think about it!"

"You can't stop, you have to know it"

"It's not about numbers, it's about quality"

Tomo for the win!

How did you know I was about to practice this?
Thank you!

You found funny one! I have so many YouTube videos!
Search any... you will find more funny one!

I think I have about... over 600 unlisted videos at my YouTube Channel.

Thank you.

Tomo

Thank you Jeffrey, This thing is easy to forget , sit need have good posture , sit straight . And need do ‘ funny sports ’ to keep shoulder , arm muscle , hand and body keep relax ! Oh I want to review chromatic scale ’s video .

During the November 30-day challenge it was pointed out to me that I should move my picking hand closer to the soundhole (area). That simple adjustment made me "uncramp" my shoulder, and the relief was immediately noticeable. Who knows where I picked up that bad habit. But it shows how simple adjustments can sometimes provide profound relief.

I had been crouching over the guitar, but using a properly adjusted strap encourages me to sit up straight. More relief! I don't lean against the back of the chair anymore, but I do need to stuff a small pillow between my lower back and the chair for some back support. Of course, standing up helps also.

Tomo Wisdom: "If you believe something, you will do it every day".

Thanks for all this input.

Thank you Linda for sharing this!

I am making many Berklee students about " Picking Position " right now.
This is " Acoustic guitar approach "

Guitar playing in general. If you learn something from internet (free)
More than 50% definitely go to wrong direction and that will pin point you so that you cannot improve no matter how many hours you practice (with wrong information or right information with wrong technique.

First straight your body!
Good Posture first!
Guitar playing can give you all positive effect!

Yes! You need to believe 100% with a thing you do!
If you are wondering and practice chromatic scale or R 3 7 Swing... then not effective!

Thank you.

Tomo

Happy Valentines Day !
My reading sharing : Anyone with a heartbeat has rhythm .
Wish all guys have a peace & happiness day !

李jiayang that is a lovely thought. I will share it with others.

My pleasure Suni! Listening deeply is not easy thing to do!
Great musicians are good at this!

Thank you for getting Wisdom T-shirt! So happy to hear that!
Thanks so much! Ed is a super nice guy!

Tomo