Mark, Author at Guitar Confidence - Online Guitar Lessons

Learning a Musical Instrument has Many Advantage

October 29, 2014 by Mark Leave a Comment

The many rewards of music (guitar!) lessons

As I’ve pointed out in some previous blogs (and will continue to do so in the future), learning a musical instrument has many advantages. For example, playing a musical instrument improves cognition and memory, reduces stress, and helps teach perseverance.

I have already been reaping the benefits of picking up guitar, including in the social realm. I often bring up my current successes and failures with guitar in everyday conversation with friends and family, or whenever I meet someone new.

People are always fascinated to hear my story of how I played guitar when I was in high school and how I decided to pick it up again recently. It especially comes as a shock when they realize how and when I find time to practice – for example, during work hours in my car anytime I can get away from my ball and chain desk for a break (shh…) . I’d have to admit guitar has unleashed a side of my personality that I lost somewhere along the way of adolescence and adulthood. Though the stresses of ordinary life suppressed my love for music, starting guitar again has helped me in more ways than one since I started. I feel more interesting, creative, sharper, and well-rounded. I love it!

Learning an instrument can open up a side of yourself you may have never met before; give yourself the opportunity to grow as a person and let your musical personality shine – pick up your favorite instrument and give yourself a chance to be someone new!

Here’s a great article on music and brain development and how music helps auditory learners.

Reading Music for Guitar Lessons

October 21, 2014 by Mark Leave a Comment

Mastering Guitar Method

The second book Rex introduces in his lesson plan for beginner guitar players is called Guitar Method (Book 1) by Hal Leonard. I remember the first edition of this book – I had received it with my guitar many years ago, and seeing that it’s still in use today goes to show that it must be an excellent beginner book. Rex employs the second edition of this book, an upgraded version which comes with a CD so you can hear what your music can sound like. I’m yet to find out what else is on the CD; I’ll follow up on that in a future blog.

Comparing to when I tried using the book on my own versus using the book with Rex’s guidance is like the difference between night and day. It makes it so much easier to decipher the techniques with the help of a knowledgeable instructor. I love how the book introduces some basics on your guitar such as the parts of guitar, how to tune it, proper playing position, and how to read music, before getting into how to play notes on each of the six strings.

My last lesson was especially informative as I learned the foundations of reading sheet music – read on for a quick overview.

The lines on sheet music do not represent guitar strings. Notes are written on a “staff” which as 5 lines and 4 spaces. A treble clef represents guitar music.
Every line and space represents a letter. From the bottom up, the lines are E, G, B, D, F. You can remember the letters with the phrase “Every Guitarist Begins Doing Fine“.
From the bottom up, the spaces are F, A, C, and E.
Measures divide the staff. A bar line signifies the beginning and end of a measure and a double bar ends a piece of music.
Guitar notes always have 4 beats per measure; each staff will have a time signature with the number 4 on the top half.
Last, notes represent number of counts (length) of music. There are whole, half and quarter notes which indicate how many beats to the note.

Mastering these concepts will make reading music more fluid and easy. Once you understand the basics, it will be less overwhelming and complicated! Happy practicing, my fellow musicians.

Tascam CDGT2 Guitar Trainer

October 20, 2014 by Mark Leave a Comment

This guitar trainer from Tascam is a must-have accessory for any guitar student learning to jam with others. It allows you to playback your favorite CD tracks at any speed to practice your favorite licks and solos. Playback any song at any speed that is comfortable without having to re-tune your guitar. A great Holiday stocking stuffer.

7 Tips to Improve Guitar Practice Sessions

October 14, 2014 by Mark Leave a Comment

Basic Dos and Don’ts for Guitar Practice

It’s been a couple of weeks now that I’ve been practicing guitar and I’ve picked up a few key items that help guitar practice go more smoothly. These things seem to be common sense, but you would be surprised – sometimes when we’re so determined to do something (especially if we are struggling), simple things seem to slip our minds. Here are a few tips and tricks that can improve your guitar practice sessions, making them more effective and help transform you into a pro:

First things first – this might sound like a no-brainer, but you can just as easily be committing this crime. Turn off background music and tune out outside sound so you can focus on the music you’re making (or attempting to). Use headphones if you have to.
Adjust your guitar strap (if you have one), so that you can actually see all of the frets. Rex taught me it’s a common misconception that you’re supposed to place your guitar around or below your hips. It might not look the coolest to have your guitar propped up so high, but it makes a huge difference when practicing.
Do your finger stretches before beginning! Make sure you are arching your left hand properly as well.
Focus. If you have a short attention span, try to break up practice sessions into a couple 15-30 minute sets per day. Make sure your mind is focusing on playing and not on distractions – that includes TV, cell phones, iPads, work, stress, relationships, etc! If you want to have an effective session, you have to make the sacrifice to dedicate your full attention to the time you’re spending with your instrument.
Sit up straight, drink water and breathe. Don’t be slouched over holding your breath – this can and will affect your playing. Stay hydrated and stay focused.
Create a routine. This is a trap I often fall into. I start and for a couple of days I’ll practice every day. Then, I skip one day. That one day becomes two, then three, then four, and so on. Avoid this pitfall by setting time aside each day and really making guitar a part of your daily life. Like eating (seriously!).
Visualize. This sounds silly, but it’s something that really works and is backed by science – in fact, it’s often used in sports performance settings. Visualize yourself playing well, focus on your posture and how you’re feeling in your visualization. Eventually, you can become this image if you put your mind to it.

These are a few of the simple tips I’ve picked up wile studying guitar from Rex. He brings the guitar lessons to you – Dublin, Pleasanton, San Ramon and Livermore CA.

San Ramon CA Free Guitar Lesson

October 9, 2014 by Mark Leave a Comment

First guitar lesson is FREE in San Ramon CA

GuitarConfidence offers the first lesson free for guitar, banjo, mandolin and ukelele in San Ramon, California. That’s not all – we come to you!

5-Star Review – San Ramon

My wife asked for guitar lessons for Christmas and I was lucky enough to find Rex. There are two things that particularly jump out that prompted me to write this review: Rex comes to your house and doesn’t charge more to include my son in with the lessons.

If you’ve seen the videos on his website, Rex is obviously a gifted musician. In addition to that, though, he is personable and informative. And he was nice enough to meet me at a Starbucks so I could make plans to surprise my wife. (In the small world file, Rex had played with Zydeco Flames, a band my wife and I saw the night we were engaged.) – Doctor S. – San Ramon, CA

5-Star Review – Guitar Lessons

I am in my eighth month of guitar lessons with Rex. I was a self-taught guitar player, and have strummed for thirty years. Using Rex’s method, I’ve learned to read music and to pick and play individual notes. My progress is sensational and each day I feel like his method brings everything together. Even my wife often comments on how I’ve improved.

Rex is a truly nice man and cares about me as a person. When I’m busy, rescheduling lessons is no problem. I also like that he comes to my home which means that I don’t need to schlep out my guitar and drive to a music studio. I’d studied guitar with two other teachers in the past, and after a few months found that their methods didn’t get me anywhere. Rex’s method has made me a much better guitarist and I’m thrilled with everything. I highly recommend Rex to anyone wanting to learn guitar. – Mike J – San Ramon CA

Another 5-Star Review

I’ve been taking guitar lessons with Rex for only a month, and started as a complete beginner on this instrument. I’m a big music lover though, and play the piano so I’ve spent years working with a number of music teachers. From that experience, I’d have to say that Rex is the best I’ve had.

Rex is certainly an incredible musician, but most instructors can make that claim. What really sets him apart is that he has the rare gift of knowing how to teach – how to convey the information from his brain to the student’s fingers. He somehow knows how to cut through the challenges and complexity, and to convey just what’s needed to rapidly progress.

I’m just starting, but am far ahead of where I expected to be at this point, and working with Rex makes me want to practice and improve. I’d recommend him with the highest possible enthusiasm. – John W. – San Ramon

Guitar Practice Hiccups in San Ramon

October 8, 2014 by Mark Leave a Comment

Creativity doesn’t always come easy – it takes practice.

When we are children, the world is full of possibilities and there are few limitations. But where does that all go? It gets lost somewhere along the way of adolescence and adulthood for most of us, as we are coerced into the schooling system followed by getting a j.o.b. The arts are encouraged when you are younger, but the value of them is often decreased as other items become priority. As a scientist and student of life, I’ve researched some ways to maintain and allow our creativity to take flight. Amongst these techniques are exercise, drawing, and music.

Simply listening to music can increase our creativity processes, allowing our mind to become open to solutions for problem solving, becoming inspired, or calming our soul. It is one of the best and easiest forms of expression – there is no right or wrong way to listen to or make music, which is where the magic of creativity comes in. I often listen to classical music or instrumentals if I’m working on art work painting or drawing, and sometimes even reading if I can’t focus due to surrounding noises or conversation.

I’ve noticed since I’ve reconnected with the art of music in the San Ramon CA area, guitar has helped increase my creativity. As I learn various chords and notes and how to move gracefully along the frets, I know my brain is being rewired and my cognitive processes are improving. Each time I make a mistake and go back and practice, it becomes a little easier.

It is difficult to learn guitar as a beginner and I have been struggling with what often feels like information overload. But in time, I’m sure playing guitar and reading notes will become second nature to me. The key here is to remember it takes practice and that one must learn to move past the hiccups and frustrations when you get stuck or forget some things – it’s all a part of the learning process!

Get your first guitar lesson in San Ramon FREE from Rex (925) 695-7060

Yelp! Recognizes Guitar Confidence – San Ramon, Dublin CA

September 28, 2014 by Mark Leave a Comment

Yelp! Gives Guitar Confidence Special Award

Yelp Gives Guitar Confidence special recognition as one of the best guitar lesson sites for Dublin, San Ramon, Livermore and Pleasanton. Guitar Confidence has 26 genuine 5-Star Yelp! reviews.

I have been teaching guitar, 4 string and 5 string electric bass , 4 string and 5 string banjo as well as mandolin in East Bay now for many years but 2 years ago I took my expertise mobile – in-home guitar lessons in Dublin, San Ramon, Pleasanton and Livermore. Parents and students love me coming to home and giving them 1-hour private lessons instead of the 30 minute lesson which most retail stores offer on a weekly basis. 30-minute guitar lessons simply do not allow enough time for meaningful results.

Students also love that I have a method with monthly ‘hey!’ emails where students receive assignments along with progress reports and simple and reasonable goals, a no pressure environment and also monthly student jam sessions to resume with local celebrity musician’s.

At www.guitarconfidence.com you also have Rex’s Picks on all guitars for ages 5 and up along with all recommended method and song books that also include play along CD’s.

If you are looking for a great guitar lesson experience (first lesson free). Please contact me at 925-695-7060 or email me atrex@guitarconfidence.com.

San Ramon CA In-Home Guitar Lessons

September 13, 2014 by Mark Leave a Comment

Guitar lessons in your home – San Ramon

GuitarConfidence brings the guitar lessons to you in San Ramon CA. Why worry about driving to your guitar lesson in San Ramon CA when it can come to you? Whether you’re a parent with a busy schedule, a driving teenager with passion for the guitar, or an adult that wants to increase their guitar skills, why spend the time and gas money commuting to your next guitar lesson when we offer in-home guitar lessons in San Ramon & Dublin CA? What kind of guitar lessons are you looking for?

Bass Guitar
Lead Guitar
Classical Guitar
Rock
Jazz
Hip Hop
Funk
Ukelele
Mandolin

With over 40 years experience as a teacher and professional touring guitarist, I have the experience and confidence to help you discover and hone your guitar skills. If you want to be in a band, I can help you with all you need to know to be in a successful band – I’ve played with many well-known artists and bands. If you want to increase your music reading or writing skills, I can help you here as well. I can also share many tricks of the trade and insights I have gained in touring with bands around the world. If you are looking for guitar lessons in San Ramon, in the convenience of your home, you’ve come to the right right guitar instructor.

Check out my Yelp! reviews. The first lesson is always FREE (925) 695-7060

Yamaha C40 GigMaker Classical Acoustic Guitar Package

September 2, 2014 by Mark Leave a Comment

This is a full sized classical acoustic guitar with nylon strings by Yamaha that is perfect guitar for beginning adult guitar players. This package includes:

Full-sized guitar
Digital tuner
Padded gig bag
Instructional DVD

Student of the Month – Kyle

August 29, 2014 by Mark Leave a Comment

Kyle has been a guitar student of mine for 2 1/2 years. He loves to play classic rock, blues, and just jamming with friends in a band. Over the last few years I have seen him make amazing improvements in his musical reading and fingering techniques. Kyle is a wonderful student and a amazing young man. In fact, I think that other parents will like him so much, that I have decided to invite him to be a student teacher for “Guitar Confidence”. [Read more…]

Call (925) 695-7060