Day 5, another very long work day.
No looking, less pressure! Slower! 💪
We keep going! ☀️
Thank you Sergio for your 5th day!
Good job! ... Not looking, less pressure and slower!
So good!
Keep going!
Tomo
Yes we do ☀️
Day 5, another very long work day.
No looking, less pressure! Slower! 💪
We keep going! ☀️
Thank you Sergio for your 5th day!
Good job! ... Not looking, less pressure and slower!
So good!
Keep going!
Tomo
Yes we do ☀️
Day 5- July Challenge.
Focus on 3rd string today. Amp is up. Pickin softly. Not pressing very hard. Slowly thinking about all details before playing.
Naming notes, intervals, singing So-Do-Mi and the other D MAJ scale notes.
Lots of ear training singing patterns like:
Do-Re-Mi-Do
Re-Mi-Fa-Re
Mi-Fa-So-Mi etc.
Like Tomo said this is not easy. Pure hard work.
So much fun when you feel like you are a little better than you used to be.
I appreciate reading everyone's practice comments.
Kurt
Thanks for sharing, Kurt!
Do-Re-Mi-Do
Re-Mi-Fa-Re…
I'm going to try practicing this today too.
Let's keep going!
Beautiful July Challenge!
Thank you Kurt for your uodate on Day 5.
Good job! Amp is loud, Picking softly, less pressure Left hand and Slowly!
Plus all details, imagning before playing.
Doing all!
Do Re Mi Do... Magic will happen when you put a lot of pure work without expectation.
This place is so much inspiration!
Thank you so much! You are giving some power from your hard work!
Tomo
Good Job Tadashi!
Do Re Mi Do...
Then So Mi Re Fa....
Do Re Do Mi Do Fa....
We can do 3 types.
Keep going!
Tomo
Thank you Kurt, I think this is a nice way to hammer it out. Going slow and listening, cheers - johno
I am sorry I am getting confused when I see this. Are you saying on single string 2 to run through these patterns? I want in!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Day 5... Better than day 4. I keep opening my eyes and cheating, though, instead of listening quietly and moving up or down to fix my mistakes. Tomorrow I think I will wear an eye mask. Getting better, going slower, trying to relax and yet get into all aspects of it mentally, like saying the note names and degrees in the D Major scale and where my palm is intentionally touching strings to mute them and where it is intentionally not touching strings so they will sustain for a long time, then mute all and go to next (Very hard for me!!!). Still nowhere near enough confidence to put it on tape!
Thank you Richard for your Day 5.
Do not worry about making mistakles ... not really mistakes!
Oppertunities for learning how to recover from.... Only way to get better is to make mistakes!
Many guirar players are looking at YouTube video lessons & looking at diagrams. So this type playing is very much "visually driving" These people can really play something well after many hours. They feel so good right? Yes... until... someone ask them to play same thing in different key! ..... "Problem" It's so hard to change it. Becuase they memorized it so well! No flexibility on playing by ears....
It is not easy! So don't worry about play correct notes. Challenge to play those notes with feeling, feeling those intevals very strong before you play them.
Slowing down is super important. Do not play comfortable tempo. Simple, Slow, just repeat a lot ...slower... It's not easy!
Playing D Major scale on 2nd string is a great way to play notes with super slow tempo and not looking at the fretboard. Don't worry about hitting wrong notes. Good! That's how we learn things.
Thank you.
Tomo
No worries Richard, we are all 1/2 step away from the right note if we miss. I still say video taping too, such a state to be, thank you for the honesty, cheers - johno
Don't worry Richard , I'm the guy who are really hate the wrong note , even I tell myself " Don't look the fretboard !"
I really want to make the right note , this way I really not relax .
But I mean is not easy to learn " not hate the wrong note " , I know a pearls of wisdom : "Failure , failure again , failure better ".
We are on our way Richard !
Jiayang's Guitar Wisdom: "Failure, failure again, failure better."
It's busy work, Richard! Like Tomo said, hitting the wrong notes will help you learn how to recover and hit the right ones. Take a little pressure off yourself and make more mistakes!
Day 5
Applied this "singing" advice to Chromatic exercise. Helpful that the exercise starts on Eb. It does make it much more meaningful. Feels more like I "own" the notes.
Oh man - chromatic singing is even harder I think! https://youtube.com/shorts/AA936YpnJcA?si=urRmMfzjopzG2lTs
Way to be Linda, own the notes!! - johno
Thank you Linda for your Day 5!
Good job!
Tomo
Hope this video will encourage you!
You guys are doing so wonderful!
You guys are so special!
Thank you so much!
Tomo
This bonus lesson is so encouraging and helpful to see.
I'm hesitant to even change back to the key of C this week. Really want to truly absorb D MAJ on top three strings.
2 days left for first week. Momentum building for a strong finish leading into week 2!
Kurt
So in tune Tomo, thank you for this video on 'no worry' of perfection. Really not watching the fret board to watching the fretboard is a great challenge. Slowing down and working the intervals has been enlightening once again, great to hear your advice!! - johno
Wow thanks for this video Tomo. Inspiration Thank you.
Day 5 - still working no look one finger, one string + singing note and Do-Re-Mi. Also practicing all inversions with no look. "A-ha" for today is about warm up. I always have thought of warm ups as a physical readiness thing. But I noticed that when I start the exercises for this challenge, I'm always pretty far off from where I left the previous day. Then I settle in and become much more accurate. So I think there is kind of a mental / physical blend to warming up where you just get reacquainted with the instrument.
Thank you Clay for Day 5!
Good job working on not looking at the fretboard!
Super slow!
Super light touch!
Don't expect too fast!
Don't worry!
Don't fool by the result.
Just do it and don't think too much.
Try to be not smart people! (Smart people always expect fast!)
Thank you.
Tomo
I totally get what you mean, Clay! Mental preparation and physical readiness... sounds like you are figuring out what works for you. Perhaps reviewing your notes from the previous practice session could help you settle in a bit smoother.
Great advice I am getting guitar wisdom makeover. :) thank you Tomo
My pleasure Serena!
Tomo
Today I tried singing the major scale and the triad intervals while I was on my bicycle commute. When I tried to sing the triad intervals I imagined one string on the fretboard in my mind and I managed to mentally connect the finger position to the note name and the do/mi/so. It clicked a little and I found myself anticipating the position and also knowing where that note was in the triad at that position on the neck if that makes sense. Back at home I tried to do the same thing, one string at a time, just trying to play what I was imagining and trying to sing. Felt like I made a little progress, although it remains difficult to hit everything consistently without looking. Not looking is helping me to anticipate how big the next interval needs to be. Still not always smooth but getting better.
Thank you Christian for sharing your experience!
What a great way! When I am walking from Berklee to parking space. Normally I sing blues bassline then I improvise blues soloing.... or think Little Wing then my walking as 8th notes!
No need to use a guitar sometimes! All you need a strong imagination!
You can visualize notes and the fretboard (good way!) Move your fingers slowly!
You can think D F# A... 341 fingerings.... you can hear a strong root position.
When you practice, better not looking at the fretboard but when you practice with your imagination then you can imagine how you play on the fretboard.
Case by case! This is why.... there is not only ONE CORRECT ANSWER!
Thank you.
Tomo
That sounds like great progress to me, Christian! Thank you for sharing. What a great idea to use your commute time as an opportunity to visualize and imagine hearing the notes.
Yes visualization working. Right action from your mind to your fingers. Well done.
Good job Serena!
You can pracice guitar without guitar!
Tomo
Day 5 - a great bash from the forth, fireworks and bands. Today was a practice of 2nd, Root, 1st, pause to 2nd 1st, root, pause root, 1st, 2nd above the 12th, pause 2nd above the 12th, 1st, Root pause 1st, Root, 2nd. I made mistakes, yet when I did I slid into 1st, or 2nd, it wasn't bad, a half step off; Tried to keep root solid. I feel a balance in the fretboard with root in the 5th position. Sometimes going from 1st descending to 2nd passing Root I had to bottom out at the neck flange and bounce up to D 2nd. Again, not looking at the fretboard and going off feel. Was a fun practice yet taking it slow with big football notes. Cheers - johno
Thank you Johno for Day 5!
I really apprecaite your many replies to others and sharing your experience.
You are making our forum so welcoming and so warm! (Yes! Many of you!)
Good job! Triad inversions! Very important part is Do Not Slide any notes!
Play one triad.... Pause... no sound between these triads.
Sustain each triad a longer duration!
Don't be afraid to sustain longer!
Not looking!
It's working!
Thank you.
Tomo
This is so amazing johno! When you record this practice with words , really inspiration others :) .
Thanks for sharing your approach today, Johno! Sounds like you were really connecting with your guitar
Day 5 for Challenge. I set my timer and got right to work. I practiced single string first no looking. I then practiced full triads and this time sang 5,1,3 So Do Mi and so on. I have enjoyed the bonus videos and everyone's comments. Never give up and never doubt the authentic powers you have.
Thank you Serena for Day 5!
I always look at my clock! When time is over... no matter what and where... I should stop practicing my guitar! Focus only given time is so important for me.
Good job!
Not looking, single string, one finger!
Simplicity and limitation = my favorite!
So happy to hear that you enjoyed the bonus videos!
Yes! Great attitude! Never doubt, never expect (my way!)
Tomo
Thank you, Serena, for the encouragement! "I set my timer and got right to work" ... don't you just love the feeling of being on a mission?! You know who you are, what you want, and you go and get it! 100%
Thank you Sammi. Amazing how this community can generate results through sheer encouragement and positive energy... so appreciate you.
Beautiful conversation Sammi, Serena!
Tomo
Day 5. Thank you all so much for your notes! Inspiring and guiding :)
I always look forward to reading through before I practice.
Today I went for slow major scale patterns, sing then play, no looking, slowly with mistakes.
I found this really hard and an eye opener to how I had internalised the scale only sequentially. This exercise really helps you feel the intervals and develop the Do Re Mi... in any order. Much more work ahead :)
Thank you so much Tomo and everyone!
Thank you Al for Day 5!
You're very welcome! So glad to hear that those notes are helpful.
I love writing anything I think on my note book.
In general, I only 5 things to write on my little note book.
Good job!
Not looking, single string, slowly!
Most people rely on eyes too much!
Need to hear the sound first!
Double check note names, intervals too.
This challenge is more than just triad inversions!
Simple scale but these sequencings... So helpful!
Those 3 types will help you.
My pleasure!
Thank you for your pure passion!
Tomo
Hi AI ! This is so amazing ! So beautiful practice !
Thanks for sharing, Al! Switching up the order is a great way to be more flexible in your mind and your playing! Sounds like you're on your way to really owning the notes :)
Day 5 sang the pitch and played the note. String two the jump from A to octave d was a little tough not looking and string three the jump from a to d same. Same interval different string.. hmm. Hoping to improve on that today more. I tried tomos advise and picked an object to look at it did help. I was looking at another guitar on other side of the room 👀
Feel like have already picked up a lot in five days from getting more in the details here
I’m still really focusing on lighter touch left hand and picking
Thank you Jeffrey for Day 5.
Good job! Not looking, singing, looking at an object! (I do all the times!)
Hold that thought on "Hoping to improve" That's good.... but I highy recomment not to expect!
My way is not expect at all. No doubt, no expect and just beliving something good!
So happy to hear that! If you have learned a few things in this week. I am so happy!
It's all about to notice something that you didn't notice before.
Yes! Louder volume, brighter tone, super light tough / both hands!
Tomo
Thank you , don’t expect too fast!
You can't always get what you want...But if you try sometimes, well, you just might find...You get what you need
Jeffery... I am so glad you reminded me I need to take Tomo's advice on picking an item on the wall to focus on. I have not been looking but when I fumble I end up looking. Tomorrow I will remember to focus my energy on one specific thing. Thanks
Hi Jeffery ! It's so interesting that looking another guitar . I do look the wall or the some picture on it .
Making good progress. I now can sing the sofege and get the correct intervals, found it interesting root position bottom to top is a 5th, Ist inversion is Aug 5 and second inversion is a 6th and note names are coming much faster now. Moving without noise is a work in progress, I need to relax more and play lighter, playing very slowly not too bad. Keeping my thumb round the neck in 1st inversion is coming but not second nature and dynamics need plenty of work to get consistent.
Thank you Andrew for sharing your progress!
So happy to hear that!
Intervals are so deep and fun!
No noise, lighter touch, slowly, slower!
Thumb position... Dynamics too!
Good job!
Tomo
Thanks for checking in with us, Andrew! Loosen up and relax. You're doing great!
Day 5 & Day 6
Day 5 I 'm not practice ,a day to change the working room window and do clean work .
Day 6
Today I learn the 1st string 's D triads . And review the 2nd ,3rd string D triads . ( without looking)
Sing part is so " Heigh pitch " , Tomorrow will try the new way to sing that Tomo teach us .
Last is play the triads at 3,2,1 string .
Some way I will make self comment for this day practice : I think when I do the without looking the fretboard , I still don't like make the note that other than D triad , but next day maybe I should try the melody part in the one string ,one finger & sing part , it will be fun .
Ps : Sing with relax !
Thank you Jiayang for Day 5 & Day 6.
Don't worry! I had to do a lot of cleaning & organaization yesterday!
I didn't practice my guitar. It's all okay. Case by case.
Good job! Not looking at the fretboard!
Singing, recognizing those pitches! And 321 string set.
You can practice Do Re Mi Fa.... D Scale on 2nd string.
Then you can try a few patterns.
1) Do Re Mi Do, Re Mi Fa Re....
2) Do Mi Re Fa Mi So.... in 3rds
3) Do Re Do Mi Do Fa....
One finger / One String Approach.... these will help you to build your sense of pitches,.
Thank you.
Tomo
Yes, Jiayang! Find that balance. Work hard, have fun, keep going!
I have continued my practice of the D triad the past few days. My focus has been no look playing, singing the intervals, learning the positions on the other strings, and single string playing. I think I am starting to get the inversions into my ears. I'm fighting the urge to add other intervals and just focus on the D triad exclusively.
After I practice these things I have been making small backing tracks with my looper using only the different inversions of D then improvising over them which has been a lot of fun. Really enjoying the July challenge so far and look forward to the next video!
Thank you Shawn for sharing your experiece.
Not looking
Singing intervals
Learning the positions
One Finger / One String Approch
D Triad inversions
Good job!
You should focus only D Major Triad
But you can add between.... as D Major Scale and you can practice some patterns ( I explained this idea a few times)
You can enjoy anything around this after your work on July Challenge.
Thank you. Please remeber! Don't look!
Tomo
Great job, Shawn! Thanks for sharing with us. When you think you are starting to get it, double down on it and keep practicing slowly. Then you will know you get it!
Day 6, Back to one-string approach
Today I did something similar to Day 5, but focused more on the one-string approach, D, F♯, A.
Still practicing without looking, and trying to feel the distance between the notes more clearly.
This practice is starting to become my Zen moment of the day! A kind of meditation.
A few quiet minutes to slow down, breathe, connect to the sound and return to myself!
We keep going!! 💪🌞
Thank you Sergio for Day 6.
Yes! I love One String / One Finger approch very much!
Good job! Not looking, feeling those intervals / distances!
Very much so! It's like my Zen too! Focusing with sounds.
Keep going!
PS, Thanks so much for posting Guitar Wisdom T-shirt photo on Instagram!
Tomo
Your very welcome Tomo, I love this t-shirt! Soon i will add the others to the collection, it's wonderful to wear your teachings! 🙏
That's beautiful, Sergio! A meditative moment reconnecting to your guitar and yourself 🧘
Thank you Sergio for loving that T-shirt! That wound so awesome!
Thank you so much!
Tomo