WHAT IS THE FIRST THING I NEED TO DO?

[Lilfingers]

Hello,
I have been looking at this site and others for years now----I'm trying to improve my playing----I've bought books, CDs, DVDs, ---I even took a crash course on chord notation so that I could understand it better---It hasn't worked out!!  I do play(over 20Yrs)---nothing extra.  I read okay---I play by ear okay---nothing extra.  I don't understand what's going on--on this site---I visit the chat room---they are sooooo advanced, I'm too ashamed to ask simple questions that I need to ask---sometimes I do ask a question, a get no response.  I've downloaded the midis, they are very pretty---I try to hit some of the chord----it's no use!!! I have been practicing here since 6:30---it's 12:20 now-----I was able to pick out about 20 chords from a song----

I read, and find things on the internet, (my husband says that I should practice more and stop going blind read the internet) but I'm tired of practicing the same thing---and it may be wrong what I'm practicing.  I am computer literate, but some of the things you guys put on here are very complicated to me.  I was trying to follow Sam's site and classes, I didn't understand what I need to do.  I see other people give advice on here, but if you don't understand "A" you're not going to understand "B".  Music is a builiding block-----I have to learn in order----I didn't get much theory when I took lessons.  That's so hard for me now----and tell me what does using the correct fingers have to do with playing chords---I know you are supposed to use certiain fingering---but most peopl still use whatever finger is comfortable to them.  The last class I took focused on the chromatic scales---why is this important and how do I use it in my playing and in other keys----you see, I'm not getting the connection!!!

Sorry to be so long, but I'm frustrated, very frustrated----by the way, thank you guys for making a site like this---boy if only something like this had been around when I was younger and could absorbe information more quickly and retain it.

I guess I just need to exhale----Thanks for listening!!!!

[lumbebear1]

Dont get frustrated lilfingers....................Take a break for a few days and walk away from the www all that information can overwhelm you.

In the practice room there are quite a few exercises that you can do to improve your playing. Ive been playing well over 20 years and when I found this site I was overwhelmed by all the information on progressions & theory. I took a break from reading and tried to practice a few of the exercises I found in the threads. I still dont understand half of what is posted, again dont get frustrated......

[T-Block]

Well, you've come to the right place for help.  First, I suggest you tell us everything you currently know about music theory.  Here are a few test questions:

Do u know all your notes?  (including notes like Bbb or C##)
Do u know what a whole step and half step is?
Do u know what it means to b or # a note?
Do u know what a scale is?
Do u know the formula for a major scale?
Do u know how many major scales there are?
Do u know all the major scales?
So u know what a scale degree is?
Do u know what a chord is?
Do u know how to form a chord?
Do u know how to form a basic major, minor, augmented, or diminished chord?
Do u know what an inversion is?
Do u know what a progression is?
Do u understand terms like 2-5-1 or 7-3-6?

If you can answer yes to all of those questions, then you have a very strong foundation in music theory.  If you answer no to any of those questions, then you need to start there with learning your theory.

This is also for anybody else who don't know where to start.

[MikaSue]

Well, you've come to the right place for help.  First, I suggest you tell us everything you currently know about music theory.  Here are a few test questions:

Do u know all your notes?  (including notes like Bbb or C##)
Do u know what a whole step and half step is?
Do u know what it means to b or # a note?
Do u know what a scale is?
Do u know the formula for a major scale?
Do u know how many major scales there are?
Do u know all the major scales?
So u know what a scale degree is?
Do u know what a chord is?
Do u know how to form a chord?
Do u know how to form a basic major, minor, augmented, or diminished chord?
Do u know what an inversion is?
Do u know what a progression is?
Do u understand terms like 2-5-1 or 7-3-6?

If you can answer yes to all of those questions, then you have a very strong foundation in music theory.  If you answer no to any of those questions, then you need to start there with learning your theory.

This is also for anybody else who don't know where to start.

I answered yes to all these questions T-Block.
What's next for a church musician?

[SoundofJoy]

When I was younger I wanted sooo bad to sound like all the other musicians who were years older than I playing. Now 33 years later I don't want to sound like them because I developed my own style. You have to decide within yourself what type of music you want o play. Trying to play like eveybody else will get you frustrated until you settle on what works best for you. If its basic traditional sound then study the aspects of hymnal playing. If it's jazz then study the aspects of jazz harmonies and chord structure. It's its contemporary then you'll have to learn the early contemporary style that lead up to where the music is now. There's no magical pill you can take where you leap into the playing skill of other musicians. I'm still learning new songs and styles and as I study them I hear the same shords I'ved used over the years in my practice sessions just placed differently in these songs.

I think when you have so much information available to you, you can spin around like a top and get dizzy with all the approaches to the sanme subjest. You can play now, thats wonderful and commendable. You want to get better, we all do and we decide how good we will beciome by setting musical goals and working towards them. First, conintue to listen to other musicians and music but not with the attitude i want to sound like them. Second, get a tape recorder and record your " practice" sessions. This is the only way "you" can judge your ability. Don't allow others to tell you how you sound. This can hinder your growth in music skill. Third, when you learn a song, learn it well enough to play it in al least 4 other keys. This will build your confidence and train your ear learning skills as you develop the ability to play in other keys. Also you will not get as bored and you will challenge yourself to play a "known" song in another key. Fourth, learn to play other selections besides church songs like Christmas tunes ( not just O come let us adore him) but the entire song. Learn the row, row, row your boat tunes or children theme tunes. The idea is to flood your mind with different concepts of music.

Long, but I know who you are and sometimes we need to re-enfore the things said before so that they sink in.


Sam
Sound of Joy

[Qwan]

I understand what you are saying. There are times I get frustrated because my  playing is not what I want it to be "right now". When those times happen I take a break. You have to realize that God does things in time. Learn patiently. Take a little bit of what you learn and work with that. Then take a little more. Whatever you do, don't get frustrated! You will get where you want to be. I really had to learn that. Relax.

[T-Block]

I answered yes to all these questions T-Block.
What's next for a church musician?

Next, you go through those progression posts and start learning and applying them to your playing.