Tomo Fujita Guitar Wisdom

Thank you Cruz for your answer! You already posted many comments here. Thanks so much! The forum is simply amazing! What a great guitar community! Influence for over all include new or old but mostly I would write all old… recent years are more “favorite” than influence. Amazing! You know 500 songs! You can apply with triads and change keys! What a treasure!

No need to memorize but play it many times so you know it! I think you want to use a few standards from Blues, pop and jazz. Learn more chord progression with details. You can learn how to sing a simple melody while you are playing rhythm guitar. Learn Blue Monk, R 3 7 Swing Groove Finger Picking. Go to see Kurt’s “Practice with Tomo” Thread.

Looking forward your guitar journey!

Tomo

Hi Mr Fujita,

It is an honor to meet you and the whole community. I am a new student/player from Asia who did not have a chance to play due to work/studies. I would love to learn from you personally but unfortunately I cannot afford Berklee's tuition fees/arrangements. Besides, I have enrolled electrical guitar classes locally but fear that my development is not all-rounded. Please find below my answers for the questionnaire: -

1. My five influences:
I am not very sure, as if I am a kind of "everything goes" person - I like both pop songs and guitar instrumental songs. The list is not in particular order of preference.

a. Steve Vai (why I was attracted to the instrument)
b. John Petrucci (why I was attracted to the instrument)
c. Polyphia (more recent)
d. John Mayer (for the tone and his Jazz (?) incorporation into pop songs)
e. Marcin (more recent)

2. 5 favourite CDs and my favourite songs from each artist

a. Steve Vai - Album: Alien Love Secrets; Songs: Tender Surrender, For the Love of God, The Audience is Listening, The Animal, Erotic Nightmares
b. John Petrucci - Album: Suspended Animation; Song: Glasgow Kiss
c. Polyphia - Album: Remember That You Will Die; Song: Playing God
d. John Mayer - Album: Continuum; Song: Slow Dancing in a Burning Room
e. Marcin - Album Song: Classical Dragon

3. My strength as a player

a. Beginner-level alternate picking
b. Beginner-level string skipping (e.g. between G to High E string)
c. Critical to my sound and hard working to correct mistakes

4. My weakness as a player

a. Broken Chord - keeping an evenly forced (or bigger force when required), accurate alternate picking when jumping between strings.
b. Finger independence. E.g. While holding a barre chord (or its broken down version) and some notes (I suppose are transitions to another chord) are added, I sometimes apply excessive force on my fretting hand/fingers or moved the wrong finger(s).
c. Music Theory and its application. So far, I understood: i.) the composition of major, its relative minor and minor scale (but not on harmonic minor and other modes); ii.) basic CAGED system (the five shapes, their relationship with major and pentatonic scale, and finding/logically working out roots and notes on the fretboard); iii.) randomly doing major scale in the first 3 strings to locate the key of a pop song. But I consider these lacking if I wanted an all-rounded development.
d. All other basic and advanced guitar skills (e.g. minute details on bends, vibrato, harmonics, etc)
e. Lacking style and genre identification and music sense.

5. My list of gears, guitars, amps, effects, strings, picks, cables... etc
I was gifted some gears which I rely on learning the instrument:

a. Guitar: Suhr Modern Plus (HSH)
b. Amps: No Amps. Only powered speakers and headphones
c. Effects: Neural DSP Plugins (e.g. Soldano) and Kemper Stage MK1 (but I don't know how to tune it)
d. Strings: Stainless Steel (as I have severe allergies to nickel and cobalt). I'm testing Rotosound and will try D'addario Pro Steel and Chromes.
e. Picks: Dunlop Jazz III 1.0mm
f. Cables: Ernie Ball instrument cable and "generic" ones

6. What is my goal (and additional comments)?

Long-term goal: I would wish to pursue guitar-focused music professionally - Skill-level-wise I'd wish to be as good as the guitar idols above (though I understand that it is near impossible given my starting age); but realistically, I would wish to become a great teacher who understand and can transition between various genres and train younger musicians.

Short-term goal: I'd wish to lay very solid foundation on both technical skills and theories. I'd also want to be in touch with the latest trend of both "classic/vintage", modern and hybrid techniques. I may not be able to understand or practise them right away, but I would wish to be kept informed for futre use.

Other comments: My region's music scene is pop music dominated (for many years and has no sign of change). Although I have enrolled in a local guitar class, the teacher focuses on giving (J-Pop/Rock) songs/tablature for practice instead of explaining more on music theories or why certain things/notes are there (despite my request to mix theories "slowly"). I would wish to develop good ears for identification and good skills for playing and mixing all sorts of music, but I fear that I will not be able to do so with the current status. Besides, although I am late to the party, I am extremely passionate and "greedy" in learning. I dedicate hours practising and trying to pursue the said objectives.

My name: Hugo

It will be great if I can receive a response from Tomo and other members. Thank you very much!

Tomo will have a lot of feedback, but YES to triads, starting with just C major scale on one string. And also R37 swing lesson (might help with your "broken chord" problems). Main thing is to take your time, and don't skip things that you think you might already know. Tomo has a specific way of teaching, and you'll want to catch all of it. Go slow and have fun!

These are the building blocks Tomo usually shares:
1) Chromatic scale exercises:
https://tomovhxtv.vhx.tv/videos/ft01-simple-chromatic-scale-exercise-1-2-3-4
https://tomovhxtv.vhx.tv/videos/ft02-chromatic-scale-exercise-1-2-1-2

2) One String One Finger Approach (Name of notes / Intervals / Singing)
https://tomovhxtv.vhx.tv/videos/et01-c-major-scale

3) R 3 7 / R 7 3 Swing Groove
https://tomovhxtv.vhx.tv/videos/ft-root-3rd-7th-swing-groove-technique

The other thing to know is that the lesson videos are just the first step. If you search the community forum for each of these three topics, you will find way more info and more detailed videos from Tomo. You can also post videos of your own progress in those threads and get feedback from Tomo and other members.

Thank you Clay for suggesting those important lessons! What a great teacher!

To new members: When you write your answer, plesae start writing at very bottom of this thread.

Tomo

Hugo, I need to add a few things. You need a guitar amp. Even really small guitar amp. With headphone you can not hear your finger noises so you cannot tell if you are using too much pressure. Less pressure is better.

Please watch these lessons.
1) Chromatic scale. Practce this super slowly!
https://tomovhxtv.vhx.tv/videos/ft01-simple-chromatic-scale-exercise-1-2-3-4

2) C Major Scale. One string One finger approach with no shapes.
https://tomovhxtv.vhx.tv/videos/et01-c-major-scale

3) C Major Triad Inversions with Intervals
https://tomovhxtv.vhx.tv/foundation-triads/videos/ftr-01-triads-on-strings-5-4-3-and-learning-the-fretboard

You can watch 3-5 times on each video and stay for a while. 2-3 weeks so you really understand new way to learn how to play guitar.

Less topics and go deeper. Please enjoy your guitar journey.

Tomo

Hi Tomo,

Much appreciated for the comment and the ones further above. I have started watching these videos and love the details and insights (e.g. why specific fingering, the triplet feel, when to change chords, the meaning of "slow" in the R 3 7 Swing Groove).

Well noted that I need to have dry tone to pick up the minute details, finger noises and mistakes of my playing. However, on the guitar amp part, I'm quite concerned of the possible constraint that my room is only around 180 x 180cm.

Currently, I can run the Neural DSP (John Mayer X (and some other)) plugin (via an RME interface for ins and outs) and output it to my powered speakers (Mackie CR4-XBT, 50 Watt) with tweeters at the level of my ears. To my understanding, they could be tuned to somewhat too loud for my room (unable to treat it, as I rented it). Is it possible that I run this setup with the settings below: -

1. Gate, Compressor, all other pre-/post- effects OFF;
2. Choosing Smooth Operator Amp (modelled after 1964 Fender Vibroverb (?)) with below settings (or any amps in this plugin?)

Bright switch: OFF
Volume: 3 - 5 / 10
Bass: 4.5 / 10
Treble: 8 / 10
Output: 7 / 10
Bypass switch (?): OFF

On the "guitar tone" and "guitar volume" settings, do they mean the knobs on my guitar?

If the above setup does not cut it, I wonder what will a good practice amp be that I can also bring out for very small scale of performance (if this opportunity ever presents / "future-proof")? My online searches show the below options (or what I should pay attention to when purchasing smaller/practice amps?):

1. Boss Katana mini
2. Positive Grid Spark Mini
3. Yamaha THR10II
4. Supro Delta King 10 / 8

[EDIT: A related question on how to record (for lesson/forum feedback) - if I do need a practice amp. If I do it via the plugins, I can record with my webcam and OBS. But if I use my phone (?), I don't really know where I should place them relatively or if it's even possible for such a small room.]

The lesson structure is fantastic and I aim to dedicate 1 to 2 full pomodoro sections (25min x 4 x 2) each day on these and use the other time attending to my local teacher's classes.

Thank you so much!

Hugo

Thank you Hugo for detail reply!

Using amp is not loud at all!
You need to watch this video to understand it.
https://tomovhxtv.vhx.tv/videos/ft-tone-secrets-the-best-tone-for-practice

You can control 3 points:
1) Amp volume
2) Guitar Volume (is your guitar volume knob = around 8... Tone knob always 10!)
3) Your picking volume

So you can play as same loudness as your voice so no need to worry about volume.
Your current setting is one of alternate choices in modern days. Like veg/tofu burger!

Amp choices.... Please take your time! You are super fast!
Be patient... learn slowly without answer! Please take your time.

Boss Katana is nice amp. Definitely not 2)

For recording... no line recording. Only any device but simple is better.... your amp sound, your room sound, your guitar / your finger sounds.... so iPhone is simple and good. Record with your iPhone video. 1-2 minutes of your playing. Only one topic, only one video post is great!

You're very welcome!

Tomo

Thank you Tomo likewise on the thoughtful reply and time.

I have watched the tone secret video and understood the logic immediately. With my current settings (plugins on speaker), I have tried the exercises of the slow chromatic scale and C major scale, and I was able to map my loud, normal and soft tone (finger noise also "made audible"), BUT I haven't played the same with an actual amp (I have tried amps in store but not with this surgical style of play and analysis), so I cannot be sure (though I suspect the response will be much more immediate, without the secret "sauce" of the plugins and thus better for practice). The analogy of tofu/veg burger hits so right, as if I am not sure what "meat" tastes like now.

There are a few models and generations of the Katana, most notably a mini-x (10 watt) (or older gen 7 watt, if I can find one) and a 50 watt (I suppose 100 watt is out of the equation). How should I decide between the two if primarily used for critical listening/practice in my 180 x 180 cm small room (~34 sq. ft) and "sufficient" to cover all practice from beginner to advanced level (to avoid buying multiple gear for same purpose and to save money in the long run)?

Regardless of the time of my amp purchase, I will get some videos ready for the community soon.

Thank you so much!

Hugo

Sorry Tomo for disturbing your sleeping hours.

My current idea is to save money for '68 Custom Vibro Champ Reverb but unfortunately the local dealers need a couple of months to order it. The waiting time is not an issue but he recommended the Blues Junior IV 30th Anniversary Amp that they have in stock (which I saw you have also tried on Youtube). The price of the '68 will be around US$130 - 170 more expensive than the 30th Anniversary addition.

My main question is: will the Blues Junior IV 30th be the equal or better option for my purpose (esp. in my small room)? I note that it has volume (gain) and master volume as explained by your other video but I'm not sure. If it's equal, I'll make it as my option; if not, I'll find ways later to acquire the '68.

Thank you!

Hugo

Hello Tomo,
Thank you for all the wisdom you are sharing.
I am new to the guitar wisdom and beginner player moving to intermediate.
Here are my answers, hopefully aomeone can point me on what to study and focus on i.guitar wisdom.

Influences:
1. Rory Galagher
2. Jimmy Page
3. Mark knopfler
4. David Gilmour
5. Beatles

Top albums:
1. Animals - Pink Floyd
2. Dire Straits - Love Over Gold
3. More - Pink Floyd
4. Led Zeppelin IV
5. Doors - The Doors

Strengths: Goal oriented and structured learning approach. Tone awareness, honest self assessment.

Weaknesses: Internal pulse / timing , Alternate picking synchronization, String tracking accuracy — Jumping strings cleanly under pressure, no fretboard knowledge and lack of solid great fundamentals.

Gear: Martin 000-28 acoustic is my main instrument.
Telecaster with 2 humbuckers and roland cube 20x amp, just jumping into ele tric journey.

Goal is to become bild great foundations, build great rhythm, and solo expresiveness and phrasing.

Hi Nemanja, great list good for you to have this already inspiring. I see some things in common w you with what you are also working on. There’s literally the exact exercises here to fix these. Tomo has all of them.

Which Beatles song(s) do you like btw?

Thanks so much Jeff!! You guys can share some melodic solo playing etc!

Tomo

I am a late late beginner, so want to approach the questionaire a little differently - but briefly as per Tomo's suggestion to be focused.

Influences:
1. Columbia House 5 CDs for 1 penny promotions. In the early 90s my musical tastes expanded past new wave and alternative when I discovered Hendrix, Doors, Cream and Led Zeppelin. Gateway drug.
2. A Book. The Fender Telecaster: The life and times of the electric guitar that changed the world, by Dave Hunter. Picked up in 2016 and began journey of music archeology of how one guitar influenced so many artists across different genres and time. Its fascinating to draw connections from Bakersfield-sound/Buck Owen and influence on both Pete Anderson (Dwight Yoakam) and John 5.
3. A desire to understand why some songs light a fire to learn to play, but dealing with the frustration of not having the foundation and techniques to play them. An itch that must be scratched.
4. Having my son's guitar sitting beside my desk since he left for University last year. It whispers to me daily to be played.

Wanting to understand what is it about the mood/tone of these songs: (I am going to break the rules here and go with 7 guitarists)

1. Robby Krieger - Doors - 'Love me two times / The End'
2. Buck Dharma - BOC - 'Don't fear the reaper'
3. Elliot Easton - Cars - 'Just what I needed'
4. Keith Richards - Stones - 'Little T&A'
5. Johnny Marr - Smiths - 'Boy with the thorn in his side / This Charming Man'
6. Jeff Martin - Tea Party - 'The River'
7. James Wilsey - Silvertones/Chris Isaak - 'Wicked Game'

This was an impossible task. Hard to see a pattern but I want to understand and explore musically the mystery of this list.

Strengths:
1. Genuinely enjoy practise. Have set a goal to practice everyday for at least an hour. Its like a form of meditation.
2. Patience with process.
3. Walked away from Gibson App. It scratched an itch, but didn't provide any real answers.

Weaknesses:
1. My brain is setup to follow process, but struggles when there is not a set learning path. Especially when out of comfort zone.
2. Curious, but not necessarily creative.

Gear:
1. For now I am content with my son's MIM Telecaster and Roland MicroCube practice amp.
2. If I stick out the year of learning and practice I will buy a tube amp and guitar (or two) as a reward.

Goals:
1. To build a strong foundation and learn technique(s) - already think I am in the right place.
2. To be able to play along to the songs that inspire me
3. To be able to jam with my friends and their bands
4. To eventually attend a workshop - like Andy Wood's Woodshed Guitar Experience