Music Theory
Q: What is music theory, and why is it important?
A: Music theory allows you to compose music with emotion. It removes many challenges in both the learning and writing process. For a more detailed explanation, watch the video of the month in the sidebar.
Q: Where should I learn music theory?
A: Never study music theory from online sources. Music theory books such as Mark Levine’s Jazz theory are great if you can read notation. Music theory is very difficult to learn without someone there to explain it from a standpoint of your understanding.
Q: I can play some Rock songs on guitar, but don’t know any theory. Where should I start?
A: I need more information before giving you a definite answer. One essential and one of the most powerful weapons in music theory is the Major and Minor Modes. That would be a good place to start.
Technique
Q: I’ve been increasing speed but can’t get past 400BPM. I feel like I’ve hit a wall. Please help me play faster.
A: OK. There are 3 components, or speed secrets, when combined can easily double your speed. 1: Fretting hand tension optimization. 2: Two Hand Sync, which usually means working exclusively on your picking hand. 3: Finger distance and release. This means focusing on your the moment of release, making sure it’s smooth effortless. Jerking your fingers away from the fretboard causes many problems.
Practicing
Q: I can’t find enough time to practice. How do I get more results with less practice time?
A: Read my article on Practicing Secrets. Probably the single most important part is avoiding distractions. Remain focused throughout your practice session.
Composing
Q: My band is fighting over writing the songs. I’ve pointed out that the best bands have one person writing most of the music. What do you think?
A: In a band situation it’s important for everyone to be very clear and open about the roles they want in the songwriting process. You have to come to same conclusion, and I suggest creating a band agreement and have everyone sign it. In this case, it probably has little to with the music itself. A significant number of bands have each member bring something to the table where they share an equal part in writing. However as you mentioned, many have a superstar who’s more creative. It’s best to go with the path of least resistance here and just do whatever works best, instead of trying to place a strategy on songwriting.
Lyrics
Q: Do you teach lyric writing?
A: I have been working on different theories and concepts over the past 6 years and have started to include them in E-letter releases. I’m going to post different concepts and technique on here soon.
Private Lessons:
Q: Who have you formally taken lessons from?
A: Tom Hess, the worth renown neo-classical virtuoso.
Other:
Q: Where can I find videos of you playing?
A: I’ll add some to the website in early December.
