Wanna Start Music Lessons, Here are some important details to know before jumping in

So you’ve got an instrument, you’re starting music lessons, and you’re ready to rock.  Here are some things to think about that will help you accelerate your learning process and become a more improved, well-rounded musician.  The first part of this blog discusses the meaning and significance of music.  The other part uses playing the guitar as an example to apply the basic principles of learning music that will help you to make the most out of music lessons.

First of all, how do you describe music in its simplest term?  How do you explain the beauty of a perfectly executed classical minuet, or the wonder behind a lightning fast guitar solo?  What about the raw power and sheer earthiness of rock & roll, or the tear jerkiness and thought provoking lyrics of country music?  Is it possible to understand the massive energy and influence behind R&B and hip-hop where practically every kid from age 8 to 18 can recite all of the Black Eyed Peas’ lyrics from memory?  Music is so much more than a means of recreation and entertainment.  It is an art form that breaks down all language barriers and allows us to express and release emotions that we often conceal in everyday life.  The great part about playing music is that it’s not limited to professional artists like the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Maroon 5, Dave Matthews, Garth Brooks, and Eminem.  Anyone can do it and beginner instruments don’t cost nearly as much as they did several years ago.

When it comes to playing music, some people have natural gifts, and others claim they are physically inept.  The fact of the matter is music is in every single one of us, whether we choose to accept it or not.  It is basically an expression of our being by means of sound whether through another instrument or by our own instrument the vocal box.  So you may believe that your music is really good.  Or you may believe you must have been absent the day musical talent was being handed out.  Well, regardless of your musical ability or beliefs, to truly appreciate and play good music, it’s important to know what makes music “GOOD”?  Some people think rap and hip-hop is “GOOD” music.  Others think heavy metal is “GOOD” music.  Still other people think country music is “GOOD”.  So who is right and who is wrong?  In true art, is there really a right or wrong?  I think music is “GOOD” when it’s sincere and is played from the heart.

So two basic concepts to master when playing any musical instrument is melody and rhythmn.  I’m going to talk about basic concepts to master playing the guitar, since it’s generally the most popular instrument to learn.  However, you can apply these principles to help learn how to play any instrument better.  Mastering the guitar is about putting the following three elements together.  One, strum the proper strings with one hand.  Two hold the proper strings down with the other hand.  Three, putting elements one and two together in various timing (rhythm) patterns.  Of course, just as the basic principle for making money in the stock market is buy low; sell high, this is easier said than done.  The good news is that 75 percent of all popular songs can be played if you know how to finger a few basic chords and apply simple strumming patterns when playing and changing between these chords.

So where do you begin?  The first thing I would suggest is to decide what your goals are.  Where do you see yourself after playing the guitar for a year?  Are you in a band?  Are you playing songs for people at a campfire?  Are you still trying to figure out how to keep the strings from buzzing?  If you are unsure of your goals, here are some questions to ask yourself to better understand what you want from playing an instrument.

Do I want to play with other people in a band?  Do I want to become a rock star?  Do I want to be able to write songs or put my poetry to music?  Do I want to be able to play songs that I like to hear?  Do I simply enjoy playing the guitar for fun?  Are my parents forcing me to learn an instrument?  Do I want to learn how to read sheet music?  Do I want to show my friends that I can play cover tunes note for note?  Think of your goals or dreams as a road map.  It’s hard to get to your destination if haven’t the foggiest idea of where you want to go.

The second thing I would recommend is to find out who your favorite group or artist is?  What is it about them that you like so much?  What style of music do they play?  Ask your instructor if you don’t know.  Pick 5 bands that you want to sound like.  Find out something personal about each one of them, such as where they grew up or the age when they first started playing.  Here’s an example:

My favorite artist is Stevie Ray Vaughn.  He started playing guitar at the age of 8 with a Roy Rogers guitar.  He had a very genuine personality.  He poured his emotions into his music.  I can relate to the way he seemed to view music and life.  He believed music has the power to heal.  He was truly amazing on the guitar. His style is blues/classic rock.  It’s the style I am most familiar with and most passionate about when I’m playing the guitar.  It’s packed with a great deal of raw emotion, energy and sincerity.  For 5 artists to sound like, I would have to say James Taylor, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Alex Lifeson from Rush, and Jimmy Page from Led Zeppelin.

James Taylor was in a mental institution twice and through the power of music overcame years of substance abuse and addiction to heroin, ultimately becoming a legend in acoustic folk rock.  Jimi Hendrix started playing air guitar on a broom cause his family was too poor to buy him a guitar.  Eric Clapton had a thing for George Harrison’s wife.  Rush pretended to be like Cream for a while cause each of them were a 3-man band and started playing together when Cream was getting famous.  Led Zeppelin got booed off the stage before becoming a classic rock legend where kids to this day are still intrigued by Jimmy Page solos.

These are some basic concepts that will help you get the most out of music lessons and learning to play an instrument.  Stay tuned for future blogs that will discuss specific techniques to improve your playing and practicing.