Playing guitar is so much fun! (and some findings)

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Yuki

18 days ago

I'm not sure whether the title matches what I've written here. I've been practicing chromatic exercises for almost 40 days and the R37 swing for the past three weeks. I haven't missed a single day so far. I can see my progress little by little by looking back at my older videos, which I'm a bit embarrassed about now. It feels as if I'm looking at another person.

I've also started working on major triads. I've begun the sight-reading series as well, as I'd like to build a more solid foundation, especially in reading music scores. Finally, I received a copy of A Modern Method for Guitar by Professor Leavitt. I'm still only on pages 4-6, but I can already feel how the material connects organically with the content of Tomo's other lesson videos. For example, I notice why keys like F and G come up in the major triad exercises. As a beginner, I'm not sure whether all of this is intentionally designed, but I really enjoy how things are gradually starting to connect.

Thank you very much for creating such wonderful lesson videos! You're such a great teacher! I hope I’ll have the chance to meet you someday.

One last thing: as far as I understand, Tomo generally doesn't recommend using effect pedals while practicing. However, I find it helpful to use a looper for quick recording and self-review, especially after watching the sight-reading series video on the duet on page 6. Taking videos seems better as I can see my body movements, but sometimes it's a bit of a hassle to set up my phone. I didn’t really know what a looper could do before, so now I'm thinking of getting one.

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Tomo Fujita Mod

18 days ago

Thank you Yuki for sharing your experience! So happy to hear that! Totally I agree with you! Guitar playing is so much fun! It makes my life so richer in many ways! Good job! I still practice Chromatic scale & R 3 7 Swing Groove everyday! You’re very welome!

When you are practicing guitar, no effect is effective but when you are working on your performance or enjoy playing tunes… then effect pedals are very effecive. Especially my Beth Reverb on…. I can hear my picking dynamics by the depth of reverb.

For looper pedal. I use a Boss RC-3. Very simple.

Tomo

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Yuki

15 days ago

Thank you for your reply, Tomo-sensei! I really appreciate your advice. I'll take a look at Boss looper pedals.
I'm still a long way from really making good use of effect pedals. I still have a lot of foundational practice to do!

I came across your video featuring the Beth Reverb. I really like your playing with it!

Chris Cosgrove

18 days ago

Amazing Yuki! That's cool, I got the Boss looper but to be honest I haven't figured it out entirely. Hoping my son Aiden can help me...he's good with the tech stuff. It is fun making small progress and hopefully will lead to big breakthroughs.

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Yuki

15 days ago

Thank you, Chris! It's really fun when I start being able to do things I couldn't do before. I'm thinking about getting a Boss looper. It might be useful when it's a hassle to record videos or when I want to play something back through the amp.

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Hugo W

18 days ago

So nice to hear these Yuki! I'm on the same path but I haven't started on the sight-reading series (too much on my plate right now). I guess by "using pedals", Tomo meant that the effect ones, which can mask your mistakes and make the signal "wet", are undesirble; but your use of loop pedal solely for reviewing your mistakes/tone should be fine - just my opinion.

I do see the connections between various of Tomo's videos/teachings. I have a vague sense that eventually they will come around together. So, let's not skip every detail!

Hugo

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Yuki

15 days ago

Thank you, Hugo! I feel the same way as you do. When practicing fundamentals, I understand that it's better to keep the tone bright (higher treble, lower bass) and avoid reverb or other effects—in other words, no “seasoning.”

I've been working on the triad lesson videos (I'm still on FTR01 and FTR02). Even though each video is only about 15 minutes long, the content is very deep for me. I keep going back to the challenge section in particular and rewatching it many times.

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Hugo W

15 days ago

Yeah, on the settings, I can really tell the difference. When we have the treble high, it's very easy to be uncomfortable and there's no hiding in our mistakes. I love to practise like this. I always push to treble 10 now because I'm crazy haha.

Yes, so true on triads, I can't play as much due to allergies fighting back, but when I did, it took quite some mental power to work on. Intervals, note names, positions, chord progressions, etc - all are good stuff.

Hugo

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Tomo Fujita Mod

9 days ago

Thank you Hugo! Great job! I love to turn treble and less bass for myself because I would love to improve a little bit more! Hope your allergies are getting better. Do you know Scott's bass lessons? He has similar metal allergies.

Tomo

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Hugo W

9 days ago

Thanks Tomo. I did find about Scott when I researched about my conditions, but unfortunately his condition isn't allergies and that I still got reactions after wearing gloves (probably allergens are small enough to get through the linings) (hence my "desperate" email to you guys).

If no options truely work, I may have to play guitar with thick industrial gloves. Always hoping for the best.

Hugo

1 Like

Yuki

2 days ago

Thank you, Hugo! I totally agree. Having the treble high really exposes everything. Practicing triads takes a lot of mental effort for me as well.

As for your health condition, I sincerely hope you're feeling better soon.

Sammi Fujita Mod

12 days ago

Hi Yuki!

It's nice to meet you :). Thank you for posting here on the forums and sharing your findings.

What you're experiencing is so beautiful. Gradually, things start to connect. There's no set amount of time or order of operations. It's really about exploration and taking your time to put the pieces together. As Tomo says, "No magic!" But when it does start to connect, it can feel like magic.

Your trust in Tomo's expertise and guidance, and commitment to the work, is inspiring. It's not easy to do! But here you are, and you're having fun with it. I'm so happy for you.

And Hugo, it is so lovely to see a connection (whether in a lesson or between people). I love what you said here: "I do see the connections between various of Tomo's videos/teachings. I have a vague sense that eventually they will come around together. So, let's not skip every detail!"

We are never alone on this journey. Much gratitude to you all!

Sammi

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Yuki

2 days ago

Hi Sammi! Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words. I really appreciate your dedication to Guitar Wisdom! This community really helps me.

I feel somewhat more comfortable knowing that there are people around the world who share Tomo’s philosophy and are putting it into practice!