Tomo Fujita Guitar Wisdom

Great question from Sunil about my approach on learning, preparing and reviewing songs for live shows. This one is for The Pigeons Playing Ping Pong.

Little history.... The Pigeons asked me to jam with them at the Paradise Rock Club in 2018. That was 2nd night of two nights. First I didn't know who they are.... so I didnot reply their message on my Instagram DM. Then next day, I got a message from one of my former Berklee students that explained about this band (his friend!) so I replied my Instagram DM next day. I only had a few hours to preopare one song. Then I met them at the Paradise.... they told me that I need to know dance move for this song ending! I did it pretty good! More stories.... I love the PPPP so much! Amazing band!

So this time... I asked them about song choices. They tend to let me know about songs very close to the date of their show. So I texted Jeremy Schon (Guitar player) a little ahead of time(Don't wait! Just ask!) He gavee me 4 originals & two covers as choices. They are so open! One of these songs I could not find any live show video so I asked other song.... Ended up we had 4 their original songs... For covers... I also requested something bluesy... so we ended up adding minor blues section in the middle of "GODZILLA". That was so much fun! F# minor blues! Not so usual key! I would love to practice that key more!

So I did sit in 2nd night of 3 nights at the Paradise Rock Club in Boston. It was so amazing! So free! I am so grateful!! Maybe you can look up those videos on YouTube. (10-25-2025)

1)

2)

3)

4)

Then cover song...

1) First I just listen 10 - 20 times just music. But sit and listen! (Dance a little!)
2) Start to learn song forms & parts
3) Creating my own parts
4) Preparing solo section
5) Imgaination sesstion with live setup (my gear)

How did I play? As a LIVE show... I brought up a few steps up! Someting only could happen at LIVE show. We really have a great Chemistry together!
Improvised parts... so good! but I hit wrong notes here and there. I am a human so it's okay!
To me rhythm part is more important than actual notes pitches.... RHYTHM!

I have a few live footage videos and I am going to review my performances.
I will review each song a little more deeper to understand each song.
I will work on my solo ideas on solo section with a few more choices.

Above all.... What do I do now?
You already know my answer! Yes!
1) Chromatic Scale Exercises 1212
2) R 3 7 Swing Groove
3) Other parts: One String Approach to Two String Approach, triad related ideas... Bending techniques etc.

In order to play well... I need to go back to founadtion skills!

Thank you for reading this.

Tomo

Still sad missed the recent show lol. The clip I saw was amazing :). Looked like the pink John Mayer strat! No overdrive on just pure blazing guitar. So much raw energy.
“To me rhythm is more important than actual notes pitches… rhythm!”

No luck involved.
Hard work, persistence and dedication got you to this point Tomo.
Thank you for sharing and showing us what is possible.
Kurt

Thank you Kurt! Actually you can change your luck... good way with your positive attitude! You can change any type bad luck to better one! But it's all about steady preparation and a lot of hardwork & persistence in many days, in many months. Passion and dedocation! You're very welcome! Glad to be helpful!

Tomo