Thursday, September 10, 2009

Using DVDs to Teach Yourself to Play Guitar

It's an experience that many of us have had. Walking out of a amazing musical event, we find out that we too would love to learn to play an instrument. Many amazing artists started out by copying their favorite bands by picking up a guitar. Even if it seems unlikely, it is more straight forward than you think to teach yourself guitar.

If you've looked into the self-teaching methods available, it's likely you've found a Learn and Master Guitar review. There are many guitar educators out there that have various resources to assist you in your mission to master the instrument. Steve Krenz offers a DVD course, a particularly appealing format for learning. The perks of using a DVD program are pretty evident, since it is easy to watch the teachings. It offers a level of visual detail even the most definitive book can't quite duplicate.

When reading a Steve Krenz review, it's pretty certain that there will be mention of his large professional background. A veteran of the "Music City," Nashville, Tennessee, Krenz not only plays professionally; he is devoted to teaching and helping others become better guitarists. He's performed alongside symphony orchestras as well as big band jazz outfits in addition to working with many acclaimed artists of all types.

A great self-teaching guitar program includes elementary techniques that serve as building blocks toward more advanced techniques. It's important to start with foundational techniques, since one must learn the proper way to hold a guitar and pick to really play well. From this point, one learns basic chords, making the way to advanced chord techniques. Ever heard of the "three chord" song? Lots of popular songs are built on the three-chord structure, which means that it doesn't take very long to start playing a favorite song or two. This is one of the advantages of learning an instrument such as the guitar; the learning curve isn't as steep as other instruments. It's possible to start learning the guitar as a grown up, even if you never took a lesson as a kid.

Other skills generally addressed in a good guitar program like Steve Krenz's "Learn and Master the Guitar" include ear training, strumming technique, scales, alternate chords and how to create chords, as well as reading music. It sounds overwhelming, to be sure, but most decent courses structure the skills in a logical manner, one building on another. In far less time than you think, you can learn to play the guitar.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Jamorama Review - Ben Edwards Guitar Lessons

Jamorama reviewJamorama review: The internet is full 'learn to play guitar' courses, but Jamorama is the most convincing.

Jamorama guitar lessons is a downloadable course which teach you to play rhythm guitar, as well as general musicianship - so you learn chords, progressions, reading tab and basic notation, basic music theory (including scales and chord construction), playing along with a band, various rhythmic patterns and strumming techniques, ear training and more.

It doesn't really cover lead guitar techniques; the follow up course, Jamorama Lead, is designed to build on this one and teach solo guitar playing.

Main Features
  • Jamorama Maestro software - enables you to access all of the lessons in sequence, and plays the relevant audio and video tracks.
  • Jamorama Books 1 & 2 - in digital text format, with full colour photos and illustrations. Most of the music is notated in tab (basic traditional notation is introduced, but you don't need it to play the material in the course). There are 15 lessons in Book 1, and 29 in Book 2.
  • Video lessons - video instruction for each new chord and exercise, showing the correct positions for the hands, the fretboard and other information.
  • Audio jam tracks - enable you to practice playing with others in a variety of musical styles.
Plus there are several bonuses too:
  • GuitEarIt! - Ear training software to improve your aural skills - vital if you want to be able to play by ear or improvise.
  • Jamorama Metronome - makes it easy to practice playing in time.
  • Jayde Musica - game software to help you learn to read music quickly and easily.
  • Guitar Tuner Pro - simple software that helps you to tune your guitar accurately to a variety of tunings.
  • How To Tune Your Guitar - PDF guide to various tuning methods.
  • Advanced Learning Techniques For Guitar - PDF guide to learning more quickly and effectively.
  • Free access to Song Pond - 30 days free membership to the Song Pond website, which offers video tutorials showing you how to play a large range of popular songs on guitar or piano.
Does it really work?

People who own this do not regret buying it one bit, and in fact they love it and grateful that they bought it. So, I tested it out myself and I think this stuff is really good.

The software all runs smoothly, the books are well written and clearly presented and illustrated, the audio is professionally recorded, and the videos are just excellent. I also had no problems with downloading the course after making my payment, and the website is easy to navigate.

Why should you buy Jamorama?
  • Buy if you're a beginner, or you already play a bit of guitar, but want to improve your skills.
  • Buy if you want to learn to play popular styles on electric or acoustic guitar.
  • Buy if you're self-motivated and want to learn at home, at your own pace, and if you want to learn the skills that you'll need to play popular songs in most styles.
Just for your information, there's also a member's only forum on the Jamorama site, and the course is fully guaranteed for eight weeks after purchase - so you can try it with confidence.

Read our full Jamorama review and other guitar lesson reviews at http://www.GuitarIt.com

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