As this is the first post in my first web-log, it seems like a good place to say 'Hello' and to provide an outline of the purpose behind the entries that will follow.
I say 'entries' rather than 'articles' because what I intend is to use this space as a jotter or notebook in which to scribble my thoughts as I explore various musical concepts and ideas, rather than as somewhere to post complete and structured pieces.
Though I have been a student of music, and specifically the guitar, for 5 or 6 years, I cannot claim to have progressed as far as this time frame might suggest. Lately I have found myself revisiting what could be considered some very 'basic' ideas in order to aid the understanding and application of more 'complex' ones. Far from being tedious, I have found this to be (and continues to be) enlightening, specifically where an old concept has been presented to me in a new or different way, and one which resonates with me and gives me ideas. In many cases what has been relatively blurred for long periods of time has been cleared up almost instantly. This is very refreshing and exciting for me, but also frustrating that I could have gained a much better understanding of a concept much earlier were it presented differently. I hope this will save at least one person a lot of headscratching, time, and feeling at a dead-end musically.
It is, therefore, the manner in which ideas are presented as much as the ideas themselves on which I would like to focus. I find there is no shortage of material in tuition books or magazines, but that the variety of content is seldom matched by variety in ways of interpretting it. This may sound obvious (indeed, a magazine article couldn't possibly present an idea in five different ways) but I also find it very frustrating. I personally gain much more from the active discussion of ideas with other musicians than from years of reading textbooks or following tuition method books (though these have their place also).
What I hope these scribblings will provide is food for thought and fuel for discussion. Any ideas I might outline are in no way intended to be 'final' or anywhere near 'complete' and I certainly wouldn't claim to be 'giving someone a lesson'. I expect to learn just as much as, probably more than, those who feel they would like to read, comment on and contribute to these ideas.
The content will doubtless start with very simple ideas, but afterall, these are the foundations of more complex ones. If you find something confusing, unclear or plain wrong then please say so. Likewise if you find something of use. The best outcome is if someone can suggest and extension to, improvement upon, or alternative approach which will open even more doors, both for myself and others!
It's unlikely anything will be covered that hasn't been before, but I thought it may be interesting to document the process of my learning a concept as it is fresh and evolving, rather than once the information has been fully absorbed and 'solidified' within my understanding (if a concept is ever fully 'understood').
I hope that what I've written sounds not pretentious, but clear and makes some kind of sense. I hope you will feel free to contribute and that we can provide some really helpful ideas for anyone who finds themself stuck in a rut musically.
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