Tomo Fujita Guitar Wisdom

Hey,

I felt very inspired after last live session to do foundational work for 1year in 2026. Tomo told us, that he did this.The idea of not trying to learn any songs for the whole year is really big for me, because usually I tend to lean into songs after some foundational work.

I will concentrate on Guitar Wisdom Book and learn 3 Areas:

1) Fretboard
One finger, singing, Notes, Intervals on all 6 strings. I really want to master the fretboard and know all the notes, understand intervals.

2) Triads
No need to explain this topic. Very important!

3) Blues
Learing chords, Rythm, Bassline, Melody. This is the nearest to playing songs. But I think concentrating on developing a blues feeling will give me the foundation to play the music I love later on.

I started a new notebook and wrote the 3 things above on my first page. This is what I do to my guitar playing next year. I also restrict myself in using gear. I sold most of my gear. My setup is now a Fender CS 57 Strat, Fender Blues Junior IV Amp and a Providence Cable. A Metronome and a simple zoom recorder. That's it, now pedals, no tricks.

I'm very excited about it!
Bjoern

Hi Bjoern! Foundations 2026 sounds like a great plan. Take your time building your foundation, and the rest will come much easier. I'm excited for you!

As Tomo would say, you "made a decision," and when you commit to it, you will also build a lot of confidence in yourself.
I'd love it if you'd keep us updated in this thread throughout the year. It will inspire everyone to keep going and provide bonus learning opportunities.

Thank you so much for joining, for listening, and sharing with all of us! You got this!

Thank you Sammi for encouragement! Great thread indeed! Very insipring!

Tomo

Hey there,

I’m making slow progress. I always simplify my practice and step back. Today I recorded my first practice.

I’m looking forward to get some advice on how to go on.

Thanks
Bjoern

Great job Bjoerm! Very steady beat and beat fingerings.

1) Chromatic Scale. You can use less pressure (left hand) and dynamics (softer). So when you play 3rd time (1234) then try go softer and softer so your metronome will become louder! When you finish 1234... then sustain the last note longer. Then start 4321... I would do slower tempo on 4321 in general.

2) Shuffle Bassline. Very good! You should use a little lighter picking. To me, your picking volume is a little louder side. Try pick softer especially lower note. (Root) ... E7 3rd string was a little too loud. Please try to use a lighter picking volume.

Tomo

This is great Bjoern! Recording yourself is not easy, but it really is one of the best ways to review your playing and receive feedback. So we really mean it when we say thank you for sharing!

Like you said, "I’m trying to sound really great by doing simple things and this holds me back from going further."
This is what it's all about. Like...learn to walk before you run... You put the effort in now, and it will set you up for success.

It requires patience and discipline to repeat the basics and refine your technique. Tomo teaches us the importance of quality over quantity. It is so powerful to do one thing really well, then you've got it/you own it!

Keep on going with these fundamentals and gradually mix in some of the more fun stuff :)