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| Te LaBash and his vintage Gibson |
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I am
summarizing a list for the activities for a guitar class. This is a basic idea
of materials for all of the students. If you would like I can provide a
demonstration of the course to anyone who wants.
I have my
own book "Interlock". This design will facilitate almost any level of new
student. Anyone from beginner to intermediate can benefit from this. Advanced
players would need the full advanced version, which is very detailed.
The
entire first book is in video also. I have them on a Youtube site, teddy440. I
will also have a page on my website to give more information. I have a laptop
computer to use for a number of reasons. I can play videos. I can print extra
charts. I also can use other software to provide songs and print them on site.
I usually
do these in 8-week blocks. I will do as few as six students or as many as want
to participate. The length is an hour, but if I get more than 8, I add an extra
time. The charge is per student and
no charge for the book. The charges are negotiated with each individual organization and we will discuss that before we get started.
The first meeting is a "get to know you". I need to
see the instrument. You need your own guitar. You would be smart to get an
electronic tuner. I will have everything else. I also carry a repair case for
small stuff. Broken strings are common and no big deal. Some guitars need an
entire restring and set up, I will advise a repair shop for you. I rarely need
to do that. I would like this,
?BEFORE THE CLASSES START!?
The first lesson. This is where we just learn how
to hold the guitar.
·
How
to hold your hands correctly.
·
How
to read and use the book.
·
The
first Five chords
·
We
talk about tuning. You would be smart to get an electronic tuner. It will make
this much easier.
·
What
to practice and how much
·
Which
videos to watch
·
A
real serious talk about being patient!
The second lesson
We learn how to combine chord changes.
·
I
start with A E D A major. They are on your videos from one strum to two strums
from very slow, to a moderate tempo.
·
We
combine G to C very slow again.
·
I
add D7 and display the three primary families of sound. Major, Minor and
Dominant.
·
We
try the right hand at strumming and talk about counting time.
·
A
first look at the fretboard.
The third lesson.
·
Now
the A,E,D,A are played faster and we add a slightly different order to them.
A,D,E,D this is ?wild thing? everyone loves the song!
·
The
G,C,G,D7 are played with a new right hand pattern the ?short long.?
·
The
fretboard. I reinforce this and we recite the information just like the video.
·
The
6th, 5th and 4th strings are covered ascending
and descending.
I introduce note reading
The forth lesson.
·
The
G,C,G,D7 are played with the new right hand and the chorus and the ending are
introduced. All of this is on video
·
The
fretboard is looked at again and the ?power chords? are introduced
·
The
first rock song is attempted ?brainstew?. It has one power chord progression
for the entire song. It is very easy!
·
We
look in the back at the easy riffs section and get an idea as what to expect.
·
In
the note reading, we learn the first and second strings.
The fifth lesson
·
The
G,C,G,D7 are played all the way to the end of the song, We hope. About at this
time it is becoming apparent to everyone how much this requires in practice and
patients.
·
On
the ?easy riffs? section one or more new songs are introduced.
·
On
the note reading, the 3rd and 4th strings are introduced.
·
At
this point ?powertab? is introduced. If you do not have a P.C. a software
called tabveiw is needed.
The sixth lesson
·
We
hope all is going well and we are starting to sound like a guitar player.
·
I
talk about "Flatpicking' the 4 string pattern. This also can be done fingerstyle.
Some people do better at one over the other.
·
The
first single note scales are introduced. They are ?Pentatonic? or blues scales
·
The
Barre chord is introduced. The barre chords are hard if you do not have a
decent guitar. The string action is the pressure it takes to press all of the
strings down. If I need to, a very light gauge of string will be requested.
·
The
6th and 5th strings and ledger lines are introduced
The seventh lesson
·
At
this point, we review all of what we have learned. I hope the songs are
sounding better. I also hope the note reading is making some headway.
·
The
?Flatpicking? is now on the 5th and 6th string patterns
·
The
barre chords become "The big eight"
·
The
pentatonic's are played in all positions
The eighth lesson
we review
all of what we learned and try to play all of the exercises.
- If we can, we perform for the
families. I force no one to do this. Some people cannot be if front of an
audience and I do not try to make them feel bad.
In closing, I am extremely concerned that everyone has a
pleasant experience. I have a little advice for all!
We praise we do not
persecute
We compliment we do
not condemn
We inspire we do not
intimidate.
I have done this for 35 years and I have learned that one bad comment can lead to utter
failure. Most anyone will find this a bit difficult. Life is difficult. No one
really needs reminding when things are going poorly. I myself come from a
background of people trying to berate my efforts thinking that will make things
better. This is a failure and I have learned that teaching is really about
getting someone inspired. Even when, it seems they are not keeping up. I am a
professional. I cannot let my emotions override my judgment. Do not do that! I
must say this; it should not hurt to be
a kid! If there is a problem always, feel free to call. If there are things
I need to be aware of that are special needs please tell me. I do not mind
read. A little communication goes a long ways. I am a very positive person and
I find, as I get older it is a requirement to maintain my dignity and sanity.
And that, is something we all should do.
Theodore D Labash 818-427-5797
Website LaBash guitar instruction
email labashguitar@yahoo.com
Youtube teddy440
Facebook LaBash Guitar
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