Tomo Fujita Guitar Wisdom

Hi Guys,

Absolute beginner here about a month and a half of starting guitar. Per another post Tomo suggested starting with Essential Chords and Sight Reading. I cannot understand page 3 of the book. Notes in the first position, I don't even know what first position means. I know Tomo explains in his video but if he didn't that's where I am lost to begin. Then the book shows C3, D0, E2, etc.. Tomo says that means 3rd fret, open, and 2nd fret. How am I supposed to know that's what that meant? Tomo chooses the c note on A string 3rd fret. How am I supposed to know which string corresponds to the fret number?

Why didn't he play 1st fret b string? Should I hold off on Sight Reading series?

So far I'm going through Essential Chords and I learned the C major scale exercise and the chromatic scale exercise. I was hoping the SR series was going to introduce some music playing because I'm already focusing on some technique foundations and want to learn some music exercise to my daily routine. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thank you Gordon for posting this topic. I am so happy that you are working on A Modern Methond For Guitar Volume One.

1st position means Only what's written on page 3 which is Open strings, 1st fret, 2nd fret and 3rd fret. C is a name of note and 3 is frets and fingers. It written like that. Plesae take a look each page a little deeper.

It is very simple. Only C Major scale (CDEFGABC) and only open or frets and fingers (numbers under name of notes.

You can watch same video a few more times. It will take some time.

Tomo

Hi Gorden,
You’ve got this! Go deep and take it slow.
Really absorb those first pages up to “Sea to Sea.”
Slow Tomo’s video down if needed and pause it.
Play along with him, one measure or line at a time.
You might not understand at first, but you’ll get there.
https://tomovhxtv.vhx.tv/videos/sr01-leavitt-one-exercises-1-2-3-4
Just five minutes a day is perfect.
This is key for building a solid foundation, in my opinion.
No pressure, but I’m cheering you on.

Kurt
Day 170 of 1,095 straight days sight reading :-)

Hi Gordon!

I just want to add that a bit of frustration and confusion is to be expected when starting something new. Remember Tomo's words of wisdom: "Don't worry! Don't compare! Don't expect too fast! Be kind to yourself!"

Take a deep breath and work on a little at a time. Repetition is your friend. And don't be afraid to rewatch the lesson as many times as you need - 1 time is never enough :)

- Sammi

Keep at it Gordon. Sometimes you need to just fight through the confusion to have that ah-ha moment. I've been playing for most of my life (but never learned properly until I joined GW) and I'm still confused about a great many things!