| Sometimes a guitar player will be so dedicated to | | | | 5. Learn to read standard music notation, guitar |
| their instrument and approach their studies with | | | | TAB is a closed world a "guitar players only" club |
| so much enthusiasm that they are often | | | | that relegates the guitarist to the land of a |
| frustrated with what appears to be their lack of | | | | musical fringe dweller. |
| progress on the instrument. | | | | The ability to read music will open the door to |
| It's important to remember that "music comes | | | | many musical opportunities. |
| when it's ready, not when you are ready" you | | | | 6. Meet the guitar players, learn from each other |
| can't rush it; the most important lessons you learn | | | | and let your playing be your selling point. |
| from playing a musical instrument are: practice, | | | | 7. Set written goals and review them monthly. |
| patience and perseverance. | | | | 8. Take on all kinds of jobs for experience such |
| In fact the harder you try to make things happen | | | | as Jazz, Latin, Rock etc. Years ago I participated |
| the more your musical goals get pushed away | | | | in a rehearsal band, the band practiced on a |
| from you always just out of reach; the trick is to | | | | weekly basis there was a significant amount of |
| get into the flow and pull opportunities towards | | | | traveling involved... nobody was paid but the |
| you. | | | | contacts I made from this rehearsal band more |
| Here's 10 things you have to do to play like a | | | | than covered expenses for years to come! |
| professional guitarist: | | | | 9. Learn all the names of the notes on the guitar |
| 1. Get the best instrument you can afford (not | | | | fretboard. Know the names of the notes in each |
| the most expensive) and spend a few weeks | | | | scale and their scale step numbers, this is the |
| finding out what strings are the best for your | | | | basis of understanding all musical theory. |
| sound, what action on the guitar makes you | | | | 10. Learn to play melodies; don't get caught in the |
| sound good. Know your guitar inside and out. Do | | | | technique trap... "let the music take you to the |
| the same with your amplifier and other sound | | | | technique". Practicing technical stuff is endless, |
| equipment. | | | | nobody ever requests a scale they want to hear |
| 2. Buy an electronic tuner, it will save you much | | | | a melody. |
| aggravation for years to come. Change strings | | | | Bonus tip: Don't waste money on expensive |
| when they go dead or won't tune up correctly, | | | | equipment until you can afford it or warrant it, |
| don't wait for them to break. | | | | learn the musical skills, practice, and save your |
| 3. Listen to all kinds of guitar players. Know their | | | | money. |
| names and the style they are known for. | | | | Don't forget to thank people who help you in your |
| 4. Practice, practice, practice... that's the only thing | | | | musical journey, teachers, sound engineers, |
| that will make you a good guitarist. I've never | | | | producers, managers, other guitarists... you never |
| met a giant on guitar who didn't live, eat and sleep | | | | know where next gig is coming from. |
| guitar. | | | | And most of all don't forget to have fun playing |
| The professional's motto is: "if the phone rings... I | | | | your guitar. |
| play, if it doesn't ring... I practice". | | | | |