Chromatic Exercise after 1 Month

General · 54 replies · 1936 views · 12 followers

Tomo Fujita Mod

6 months ago

I made this video so you can watch my left hand muting technique.

Plesae let me know your feedback on this video.

Thank you! This will take some time but you can do this eventually.

Tomo

4 Likes

Kurt Schubert

6 months ago

The Return of the Dancing Thumb!
Pure Solid Gold!
Thanks very much for the deep dive on this.
Also, the muting of the notes at the very end is what we practice in the method book :-)
Kurt

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Tomo Fujita Mod

6 months ago

Thank you Kurt! You enjoyed my dancing thumb motion!

You're very welcome! I love this forum! So much fun!

Now I need to practice for Saturday. Usual thing first.

The Method book is really great way to work on muting techniques!

Tomo

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KAZUFUMI ONISHI

6 months ago

Thank you so much, Tomo!

I was deeply moved by the new video you made. The way you explained every detail — the thumb position, muting on Bb7 and Eb7, the space between the neck and the left hand, the subtle angle of the wrist, and even the movement of the elbow — was exactly what I’ve always wanted to understand.

I was amazed by how naturally and lightly your thumb moves, and how groovy your playing feels. It made me realize once again how important relaxation is. Watching this, I finally understood how much the daily practice of the Chromatic exercise and the R-3-7 Swing Groove will help me achieve that relaxed control.

Honestly, while watching the video, I felt as if I were taking a private lesson at Berklee. I can’t express how grateful I am for this kind of learning experience. Guitar Wisdom is truly incredible — I’ve only been here for two months, but I already feel so lucky and happy to be part of this amazing community.

Thank you again for taking the time to make such a detailed and inspiring lesson, Tomo!

Kazufumi

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Tomo Fujita Mod

6 months ago

You’re very welcome Kazufumi. Thanks for posting these videos! Thank you so much for your kind words! So happy to hear that! Both Chromatic Scale Exercise and R 3 7 Swing Groove. Placement of left hand thumb position is very difficult to master it. It takes time.

I have been teaching at Berklee for 32 years and I have taught many students from many different countries but there are some similarities in technical problems. One of them is left hand thumb position & amount of pressure etc. So I have learned so much from all my students! So I fixed it better for my playing.

So great to hear that! I am trying just like my private lessons… when I teach lessons at Guitar Wisdom. Thank you so much! You are doing so well for two months. Great job!

Tomo

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KAZUFUMI ONISHI

6 months ago

Hello,

I’ve been practicing for the past two weeks, closely following Tomo’s video and his detailed advice.
For the Chromatic 1212, I focused on keeping the timing between my right and left hands tight, avoiding any “choked” or muted sounds, and releasing each finger carefully to reduce noise.

I also tried picking closer to the front pickup, which helped me get a warmer and more consistent tone.
Overall, I feel the notes are becoming more stable and even compared to before.
However, when I lift my ring or pinky finger, I still sometimes touch other strings, which causes unwanted sounds.
For the R-3-7 Swing Groove, I worked on keeping my thumb from wrapping too much around the neck, and pressing Bb7 more lightly.

For Eb7, I raised my middle finger slightly to avoid muting the 4th string and to make that note ring clearly.
As a result, my Bb7 thumb position is improving, and the 4th string on Eb7 sounds much cleaner than before — but my muting is still not consistent.

Also, I still struggle with the chord change back to Bb7, which doesn’t feel smooth yet.
When I record myself, I tend to get tense and play too stiffly.

So from now on, I’ll try to relax more and focus on staying loose while improving my muting and chord transitions.
I’d really love to hear how others deal with the same challenges — especially with muting and smooth chord changes between Bb7 and Eb7.

Any tips or experiences would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you always, Tomo, for your amazing lessons — they keep me inspired to keep going every day. 🙏

Kazufumi

90-Day Guitar Challenge – Day 30: Chromatic 1212 Exercise👇

90-Day Guitar Challenge – Day 30: R37 Swing Groove👇

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Sunil

6 months ago

Dear Kazufumi,

This is a quite helpful example of how to interact on GW for me. Thank you so much for this thread, and to all who have interacted. I am learning so much. I am so grateful. I am so lucky.

Thank you,
Sunil

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Tomo Fujita Mod

6 months ago

Thank you for sharing your videos.

1) Chromatic 1212 …. Good job! Try to sustain each note longer so do more 1234 simple chromatic. Then do this but you want to do from 5th fret to 9th fret (your first finger) Because from 1st fret to 9th fret. It is so difficult to focus that long time! It is so difficult but you want to sustain each note more! Please pay attention on your 3rd finger… a little faster than your picking. You can pick a little closer to the front pickup. I practice this everyday!

2) R 3 7 Swing Groove…. A little too fast. Without a metronome… should be a little slower. Bb7…. 4th beat… you can relax your left fingers. 3rd bar… you can use a little softer touch from your picking. Like this… I listened first 4 bars for 6 times. 3rd bar..1st beat was great Then too strong! Do you record with your amp, room sound too right? Can you explain how you record this? Please let me know your amp setting too. Overall your techniques are good! Less pressure (I always think about this) I practice this everyday!

Tomo

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Kurt Schubert

6 months ago

Hi KAZUFUMI !

Thanks for the update. You are sure putting in the work.
So smart to take advantage of Tomo's guidance.
I can hear the improvement!
Tomo said your technique is good!
He doesn't say thing he doesn't mean.
Please keep updating us!
Kurt

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KAZUFUMI ONISHI

6 months ago

Sunil,

Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m really happy to hear that this thread has been helpful for you.
Honestly, I’ve also learned so much through everyone’s comments and interactions here — it really feels like we are all growing together, step by step.

I’m very grateful to be part of this amazing community. Your thoughtful feedback and encouragement always motivate me to keep improving.

Thank you again, my friend! 🙏

Kazufumi

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KAZUFUMI ONISHI

6 months ago

Tomo,

Thank you so much for your detailed feedback! I truly appreciate how specific and thoughtful your advice always is.
I’ll focus on sustaining each note longer in the Chromatic 1212 and practice more slowly without a metronome for the R-3-7 Swing Groove, just as you suggested.

Regarding the recording — I’m actually playing through my Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb (Blonde).
I monitor the live amp sound in the room while recording directly into my computer via audio interface.
This setup lets me hear every small detail — including noise, uneven picking, and excess pressure — so it helps me reflect on my technique more accurately.

As for my amp settings:
• Chromatic 1212 → Volume 10, Treble 10, Bass 5, others at 0
• R3 Swing Groove → Volume 5, Treble 8, Bass 5

Ideally, I’d love to record with a real tube amp and a mic, but I don’t have that setup yet.
For now, this method works well for closely analyzing my tone and touch.

Thank you again for taking the time to guide me in such detail — every bit of your advice gives me new insights. 🙏

Kazufumi

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KAZUFUMI ONISHI

6 months ago

I just wanted to add a few details about my Chromatic practice.

I actually practice both 1234 and 1212 chromatic exercises, going all the way up to the 9th fret, both ascending and descending.
In the video, I stopped at the 5th fret only because the full version would be too long to post here.

As you mentioned, my 3rd finger is definitely my weakest one — it tends to move slightly faster and sometimes causes uneven notes.
I’ll keep paying close attention to that, especially when practicing slowly to sustain each note longer.

Also, I still feel that chord changes are one of my biggest challenges — especially moving smoothly between Bb7 and Eb7 without tension or losing the groove.
I believe continuing the Chromatic and R37 Swing Groove practice will help me improve in that area too.

Since this is my 90-day challenge, I’ve been focusing mainly on these two exercises every day, just as you advised.

At the same time, I’ve also started studying Triads, little by little, to understand how the notes connect on the neck.
Still, my main focus is on the Chromatic and R37 Swing Groove, because I want to build a solid foundation first.

I truly trust your method, Tomo, and I’m committed to staying patient and focused throughout this 90day journey.

Kazufumi

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Tomo Fujita Mod

6 months ago

Thank you Kazufumi for adding clear detail information! That's helpful! Good job! I really appreciate your efforts on these important subjects. I still practice chromatic scale exercises with super slow tempos. I don't use a metronome for this. But I use a metronome with R 3 7 swing groove exercises. Only in the beginning, I like to pracice R 3 7 Swing Groove without a metronome then I use a metronome. These are not easy to do. Keep going! Do these two items everyday! That keeps me play guitar very smooth. Yes! Triad inversion exercises are great too! Thank you so much for trusting me!

Tomo

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Tomo Fujita Mod

6 months ago

Thank you Sunil, Kurt and Clay for encouragement here!

Tomo

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KAZUFUMI ONISHI

6 months ago

Thank you so much, Tomo!

Your advice about both the amp settings and practice approach is incredibly helpful.
I’ll make sure to keep my amp settings consistent for both single notes and chords — and focus on controlling only my guitar volume and picking touch.I’ll try your suggested levels next time (Volume 4–5, Treble around 8, Bass around 3).

Just to clarify about my recording setup — I’m actually not using a microphone.
My Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb has a digital line out, which I connect directly to my RME Fireface UCX audio interface and record into my iMac.

I originally bought the Fireface years ago for recording my electronic drums, but now it’s proving to be incredibly useful for my guitar practice.
This setup allows me to hear every subtle detail, noise, and picking nuance very clearly, which really helps me analyze and improve.

I also really appreciate your explanation about practicing methods.
Starting chromatic exercises very slowly without a metronome, and then using one for the R-3-7 Swing Groove, makes perfect sense.
I’ll follow your approach — first to feel the groove naturally, then to strengthen my timing and smoothness with a metronome.

Thank you always for your clear and detailed feedback.
Your encouragement really motivates me to keep working every day with focus and patience.

Kazufumi

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Tomo Fujita Mod

6 months ago

You're very welcome! Thank you for your answer! That's not so great. Line recording is not so great for checking your practicing because it's same as you are using a headphone. So that your way of recording cannot capture your finger / string noises that much. Best way is just use your iphone! Try it next time. I highly not to recommend to record via a digital line out. So basically keep it simple is best thing to do!

Tomo

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KAZUFUMI ONISHI

6 months ago

Thank you so much, Tomo!  

I really appreciate your explanation — it’s very interesting.

 I was actually thinking that the digital line out captures the finger and string noises quite clearly, so I’m curious — is it because the iPhone recording lets you hear how the amp sound interacts with the room and the air?

 In other words, does using the iPhone help us understand the real nuances and dynamics of our actual playing sound, rather than just the clean signal?

 Also, I remember that you mentioned using cassette tapes for private lessons — is that based on the same idea? That recording through a mic or cassette helps players capture the true dynamics and natural feel of their tone in a more realistic way?

 I’ll definitely try recording that way next time to compare and learn from the difference. Thank you again for helping me think deeper about this!

 Kazufumi

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Tomo Fujita Mod

6 months ago

You're very welcome! Your point is good one way but direct recording without a speker and room sound... it is a little harder to hear all the details that your finger, string noise. Some sound can travel through the pickup but some sound is outside of the pickup. That's why simple recording is prefer for this practice purpose. Yes! The iPhone recording can capture the speaker sound from distance & all sounds in that room. So you can hear everything! Yes! The direct sound recording (I don't use that for my guitar lessons / tape lesspns or in person lessons) I don't use it.

I still teach audio casette tape lessons! That's much better than iphone recording! I use my casette recorder once a week. Please take your time and try to use your iphone. Simple and better!

Tomo

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Sunil

6 months ago

Thank you Tomo!
So helpful for me to think deeply of the tools and their associated use.
I re-organized the app locations on my phone around my daily (practice and not-practice) schedules of what I do.
Funny, to always be on the “phone” to do the not-talking.

Also, I’m realizing I’ve been listening to Tomo’s for 2 years before signing up, then again another few years on and off on GW, fighting against Tomo…not really fighting that not a good word for it…like not-listening to what Tomo says.

Sometime along that path I remember he said (he responded to my YouTube comment) “stop wasting your time, and signup” something like that. I thought “hey maaan, I know how to hike…I’ve been walking most of my life…” did not write that though. Quietly following. Only after actually listening, actually trying do to the suggested work in small efforts, plus the notebook, to see the truth myself, close to doing what the real hikers like all of you are doing…and making the video…only now I understood Tomo was suggesting the shortest path.
I keep doing that, so many times. Interesting state of mind.

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Tomo Fujita Mod

5 months ago

You're very welcome Sunil! Glad to be helpful! Amazing! Thanks so much for listening my music. Don'r worry! Keep your pace and please enjoy. Do one thing at a time.

Thank you!

Tomo

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KAZUFUMI ONISHI

6 months ago

Thank you so much, Tomo and Sunil.

Tomo, your explanation helped me understand clearly — it’s not about recording quality, but about hearing the real sound in the room and feeling the natural dynamics, finger noises, and air around the amp.

So I immediately tried recording both Chromatic 1212 and R37 Swing Groove with my iPhone, just as you suggested.
The difference was striking — the sound felt more open and real compared to my previous digital line-out recordings.

It gave me a much better sense of how my playing actually sounds in the room.
I’ll keep practicing every day using this simple method from now on.

There was a slight glitch-like sound during the iPhone recording — maybe a technical thing — but I still wanted to share the new videos to show how the sound feels in the room.

And Sunil, your reflection really resonated with me.
I also feel that following Tomo’s advice step by step, listening deeply, and focusing on one thing at a time is truly the “shortest path.”
It’s amazing how much we can learn from both the sound and the process itself.

I’m very grateful to be part of this inspiring community where everyone shares not only their progress but also their mindset and experiences.

Thank you both again for helping me see things more clearly — musically and mentally.

Kazufumi

90-Day Guitar Challenge – Day 32: Chromatic 1212 Exercise By iPhone👇

90-Day Guitar Challenge – Day 32: R37 Swing Groove By iPhone👇

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Tomo Fujita Mod

6 months ago

Thank you Kazufumi for your reply! You’re very welcome!

iPhone recording… you want to setup better recording quality.
I set 1080p HD at 60 fps or 4K at 30 fps.

This recording has some moving sound so you cannot really understand the details unfortunately. Iphone recording is much better than a digital line recording.

You can practice with iPhone recording.

Tomo

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KAZUFUMI ONISHI

6 months ago

Thank you so much, Tomo!

I’ll try and continue practicing with the iPhone as you advised.
Thank you for your detailed advice as always!

Kazufumi

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Tomo Fujita Mod

6 months ago

My pleasure Kazufumi!

Simple recording is always better for praciting.

Tomo

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KAZUFUMI ONISHI

6 months ago

Thank you, Tomo!

I’ll keep it simple and focus on listening more carefully every day.

I truly feel so lucky and grateful to receive such kind and detailed guidance from one of the world’s greatest teachers like you.

Kazufumi

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Tomo Fujita Mod

6 months ago

Thanks so much for your kind words!

This place is so amazing!

Tomo

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KAZUFUMI ONISHI

5 months ago

Hi everyone,

Day 45 – I just uploaded three new practice videos.

I feel that my playing has become a little more relaxed compared to before, but when I watch the videos, I can still see some tension in my hands and body.

For the R37 Swing Groove, my chord changes are still not as smooth as I’d like them to be.
For the chromatic exercises, I’ve been trying to sustain each note a bit longer and also add more dynamics, but in this video I couldn’t quite express that as well as I hoped.

Over the past 45 days, I’ve only been practicing these three exercises.
Sometimes I worry if that’s really okay — but I truly believe what Tomo says:
“Don’t worry. Don’t compare. Don’t expect too fast. Be kind to yourself.”

So I’ll keep trusting the process and continue for the full 90 days, step by step.

I’d really appreciate any feedback or advice from you all about these videos.
Thank you always for your inspiration and support!

Kazufumi

1️⃣ Chromatic 1234

2️⃣ Chromatic 1212

3️⃣ R37 Swing Groove

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KAZUFUMI ONISHI

5 months ago

P.S.
The sound may be a little uneven at times — I think it’s because of the iPhone’s automatic volume adjustment.
Sorry if it’s hard to listen to, and thank you for your understanding.

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Clay

5 months ago

Nice and clean Kazufumi - great progress!

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Kurt Schubert

5 months ago

These recordings are so dang inspiring.
Keep going Kazufumi!
Thank you so much for sharing.
Your hard work is really paying off. I can HEAR it and SEE it!
Very best,
Kurt

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Tomo Fujita Mod

5 months ago

Thank you Kazufum for posting these videos! Your tone is getting better and so smooth! Good job! Great sustaing and timing!
Keep going this everyday!

For 1212…. You can hold your pick a little lighter. Good! Sustain is good.

R 3 7 Swing Groove… Move your body with triplet feel / swing feel. You don’t want to play straight 8th note feel. Good job! Clean muting! Body motion is very important! What is without sound….

Thanks so much for a great inspiration to others.
PS, For Chromatic... you only need to play 3 pattern (3-4 frets) good!

Tomo

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Tomo Fujita Mod

5 months ago

Thank you Clay and Kurt for encouragement!

So clean!

Tomo

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KAZUFUMI ONISHI

5 months ago

Hi Clay,

Thank you so much for your kind words!
I really appreciate your encouragement — it helps me stay motivated every day.

I’ll keep working carefully on relaxation and tone.

Kazufumi

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KAZUFUMI ONISHI

5 months ago

Hi Kurt,

Thank you so much for your warm message.
Your words always give me great motivation.
I’m trying to stay patient and focus on the small improvements each day,
so hearing that you can “see and hear” the progress truly means a lot to me.

I’ll keep going step by step!

Kazufumi

4 Likes

KAZUFUMI ONISHI

5 months ago

Thank you so much, Tomo!

I’m very grateful for your detailed feedback — especially about sustain, timing,
and the importance of body motion for the R37 Swing Groove.

I’ll pay close attention to holding the pick lighter and keeping the swing feel,
and continue practicing these exercises every day as you advise.

I also have one question about your chromatic exercise advice.

When you said, “you only need to play 3–4 frets,”
did you mean that I should focus on a small position — for example, 5th to 8th fret —
and work on making every note clean, smooth, and sustained within that limited area?
I want to make sure I understand your intention clearly so I can practice in the right way.

Thank you always for your guidance.

Kazufumi

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Tomo Fujita Mod

5 months ago

You're very welcome Kazufumi! Great inspiration! Thank you for your hard work and your pure passion!

5th to 9th fret is good! Less and more focus! Always keep them clean, suutain, no noises...smooth!

Less is more!

Tomo

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KAZUFUMI ONISHI

5 months ago

Thank you so much, Tomo!

Your message really clarified everything for me.
I will stay focused within the 5th to 9th fret and work on keeping every note clean, smooth, sustained, and noise-free — just as you advised.

“Less is more”
I truly feel that message sinking deeper each day, and it’s changing the way I practice.

Thank you always for your generous guidance and inspiration.

Kazufumi

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Tomo Fujita Mod

5 months ago

My pleasure Kazufumi! Thanks so much for your reply.

Actually I meant that for posting your video, because I only need to hear 2-3 patterns and good. These demo video is maybe one minute to less than 2 minutes total is enough, When you are practicing, you could practice 4th & 3rd strings a few times from 1st fret to 9th fret when you have enough time. Keep watching looking checking your playing in every details so do not limited to what I sussgested, My suggestion can be very helpful but it is not answer. I am looking better quality myself! We are same level about getting "BETTER"

Yes! Somehow I prefer less things in general. This way I can enjoy "quality" than "quantity"
Thanks so much for your passion! This thread is so inspiring to others!

Chromatic Scale is so important!

Tomo

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Sunil

5 months ago

That’s that truth man.
We’re all the same level for getting BETTER!
Wow I never thought about that!
Profoundly beautiful thought!

Dear Kazufumi,
Your work is inspiring anyone doing chromatic scale…that’s everyone!
Me too.
I haven’t practiced much over the last few days. Kind of crazy good amazing things happening now, I’m glad I’m still here to experience this…so breathing.

Tomorrow morning, I need to reorganize daily work list, reorganize goals, everything. Adding the stuff Tomo is saying he does everyday still, including chromatic scale. This is kind of intimidating also because November challenge brought my touch back to when I was younger. Didn’t think I could get it back but I did I think! But I didn’t do it! I don’t know how it happened, just do what Tomo suggests and see what happens then Boom miracle. :) Maybe there is a smarter way to proceed.
One thing that helps me solve problems is focused work over a few days then sleep. Sometimes when I wake up, I know what to do.
We need sleep to learn I know that but where do the answers come from…?
I don’t think anyone knows.
All we know is do something everyday.

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Tomo Fujita Mod

5 months ago

Thank you Sunil! One thing at a time. It's all about guitar journey! I want to be better! Good job!
Chromatic scale is like.... brushing your teeth every morning. No need to think too much.

Tomo

1 Like