Guitarists and bloggers

Recently while browsing youtube (relieves extreme boredom at work) I found some really sweet Trans Siberian Orchestra videos. I haven’t seen them live, but after watching their lead guitarist Chris Caffery play, I’ve got to see them the next time they come around. A search for Trans Siberian Orchestra on youtube will bring up videos where you can see him play, although not enough. Check out his myspace blog and his website. He is also a member of the band Savatage which has quite a few cds out.

So anyway I have discovered the joy of play guitar because I enjoy it, not because I have to practice. Although as soon as I get into chords I will most certainly not enjoy practicing my lessons for a while. But I love playing notes and it’s a great feeling.

More improvement, and New Year’s resolutions

I think this must have been the second lesson in a row that my instructor told me I am improving and that I played a song well. Either he gets tired of criticizing or I am getting better. I can play God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen without a mistake now so maybe I am.

He did remind me that my New Year’s resolution is going to be chords. I don’t like chords. G, D, Em, C and A are fine, but bar chords? You must be joking. I’ve tried playing them and I sound terrible. But of course to be a guitar player one must use chords. Sigh…

My acoustic guitar is sounding very tingy. I always thought it didn’t sound as nice as other, more expensive models, but it’s really starting to bug me now. It is one of Samick’s cheap, smaller models so it might be the guitar? I just put new strings on it so I don’t think that’s it. I’m wondering if I would put another brand of strings on it if that would make a difference.

Movin on

Yay! Progress. Timing is improving with practice. I must convince myself to practice before 9:30 at night or I’ll play for 10 minutes and say, “well I’m so tired I can’t play anyway so I’ll quit for tonight.” Not good. I need a Nike poster, Just DO It!

 I am going to try to get my teacher a blank tape so he can put the songs I’m practicing on there. They will all be instrumental, no guitar (that’s me). I hope it helps my timing alot. It’s along the lines of what Jamorama offers in their course, so I think it will help.