Maintaining My Classical Roots

When I began playing, many years ago, I started by studying classical guitar. I was not especially interested in classical at the time. I was, however, interested in Latin American music, but I went to the local music store for lessons and I pointed to a classical as being what the guitarist I liked played and the rest, as they say, is history.

It didn’t turn out too bad; I do like classical music in general and classical guitar in particular. I stayed with it for a few years, and then branched out on my own toward styles.
I still maintain my classical technique. I find the Julio Sagreras Guitar Lessons (both vol. 1-3 and 4-6) to be quite nice. They have the flavor I enjoy while still requiring solid classical technique that keeps my chops up. I highly recommend them.

Friendly Reminder

Well, in good Labor Day weekend fashion, I was spending Sunday working on some chores and flat smashed my right thumb. Yeah, ouch!

Oh well, the beat goes on.

I’m working up Blind Boy Fuller’s “You’ve Got Something There” to a performance level, and my little accident today gives me the perfect opportunity to practice separating the piece into it’s parts: Melody, bass (Ok, I’ll be skipping most of this one.), right hand, and left hand. I always preach that this is a good way to be sure you’ve got a good internal representation of a number.

It really shouldn’t take a mishap like a thumb smashing to remind us to practice our good habits. Should it?