Tomo Fujita Guitar Wisdom

Thank you so much Kazufumi for posting this!

So happy to hear that you are practicing this chromatic scale exercise.
After 2-3 months or more... Please don't think "When" This is a part of guitar journey that it's not about destination or perfection.

Good job!
Keep working!

PS, You should turn your volume a little bit louder so that you can pick much softer.
You turn your overall volume so that you just cannot play loud! Start to play normal volume and go softer and softer!

Tomo

Thank you so much, Tomo-san, for your kind words and advice! I will try turning up the volume so I can play softer, just as you suggested.
I feel very grateful to have found Guitar Wisdom. It has made my days so fulfilling, and I enjoy practicing every day with your guidance. I will keep enjoying this journey without worrying too much about “when.”

You're very welcome! That would be great!

So happy to hear that! Thanks so much for sharing your feeling at Guitar Wisdom.

Keep going!

Tomo

Sounds really good after a month, Kazufumi! I struggle with dynamics too. Especially my upstrokes - they are less controlled than downstrokes for me, so I'll get a random loud note when I am trying to play softy.

Thank you so much, Clay!
It’s encouraging to hear that you also struggle with dynamics, especially with upstrokes. I often feel the same way — when I try to play softly, suddenly a note will jump out louder than I expect.
It helps a lot to know that I’m not alone in this challenge. Let’s keep working on dynamics together!

Thank you Richard, it really helps to hear that you also experience the same challenge with picking volume. I agree with you — just being mindful of it is already progress. Let’s keep working on dynamics together!

Nice to meet you and Thank you so much, Tadashi!
Yes, I’ve been a drummer for many years, and starting guitar now feels like a brand-new journey. I like your analogy of chromatic practice being like playing catch — simple but so important. I’ll keep reminding myself of that and enjoy the basics.
I’m happy to share this guitar journey together with you!

Thank you so much, Jiayang!
I really appreciate your kind words and the detailed advice from your own practice. It helps me a lot to know that you also face the same challenge.
For me, the thumb position is especially difficult — it often becomes unstable. Even though I have watched Tomo’s videos many times, I sometimes realize that my thumb has shifted without noticing. I think this happens because I focus too much on the fretting fingers and neglect the thumb. As you pointed out, when the sound is strange, it’s often related to my thumb position.
My picking has improved compared to when I first started, but I still notice that when I pick too weakly, the next note sometimes comes out too loud. This inconsistency is still my big challenge.
Also, following Tomo’s advice, I am now practicing with the amp volume all the way up and treble on full. Honestly, it makes me very nervous because if I make a mistake it feels so loud — maybe even noisy for my neighbors! But I think this tension is helping me to focus more.
I will post another video soon as a re-challenge. Thank you again for your support and helpful advice — it really motivates me!

Thank you for sharing this video.
I use Pickboy 1.00 Celluloid pick.

Your guitar volume is good!
Loud enough to hear your pick noise.

This part is very difficult!
Do not make any pick contact sound at all.

The amp noise is okay.
Don't worry about it.

Important part is how to produce less picking noise and softness of tone.
Keep working!

Slower & softer!

Your question is your answer!
Do all and taste each pickup tone. Only use indivisual pickup tone.
The front or the middle or the rear.
Try more middle or rear pickup.

Tomo

Thank you so much, Tomo-san, for your clear and detailed advice!
I will try harder to make less pick noise and focus on producing a softer tone. It’s very encouraging to know that the amp noise is okay and nothing to worry about.
About picks: I have been trying different kinds to see what works best for me. In this video, I used the Jim Dunlop Ultex Jazz III, which feels solid and gives me a strong tone. But recently I happened to buy a Pickboy 1.0mm Rainbow Classic, and I really liked the sound and feel of it. From now on, I will also practice with that pick and challenge myself to reduce pick noise even more.
I’m still in the process of finding out which pick is truly best for me, so I will keep experimenting. Along with exploring different pickup tones as you suggested, I would also like to study how different picks affect pick noise and tone.
I feel very lucky to learn directly from your guidance here in Guitar Wisdom. Thank you again!

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

Great to hear that you have a Pickboy 1.00mm Raibow Classic pick!
Use that one. Please work on your picking volume and no pick sound before you play any notes!

Tomo

Thank you so much, John!
I really appreciate your kind words and encouragement. Your idea of practicing chromatic both ascending and descending makes a lot of sense — I will try that in my next practice.
Also, your tip about resting the palm on the 6th and 5th strings to reduce noise is very helpful. I will experiment with that.
I agree with you — it takes time to build a solid foundation, but there is no limit to learning and improving. I’m happy to share this journey with you!