- Introduction (00:07) - About TH-cam Leaning (01:19)) 0) The Letter (02:18) 1) Posture (05:58) 2) How to use a Strap (08:08) 3) Fingering & Picking Exercise (09:32) 4) How To Learn Triads (Understanding the Fretboard) (12:45) 5) Root 3rd 7th / Swing Groove (15:35) 6) Strumming Open Chords (17:45) 7) Shuffle Blues Riff (19:00) X) More advice (John Mayer Story) (22:05)
Thank you so much, my friend! I studied guitar for a while and then stopped and became very sloppy with my technique. You inspire me to finally straighten it up again. Also I love your positive attitude towards live! Thanks a lot! Greetings from Germany, Arne
I only compare to see what the guitar is capable of. So I think "Tomo can do that, I can't" that is comparing but I'm not in a competition with you. I always feel better after I watch any one of your videos. I try to be kind and good to even people who maybe others would say don't deserve it. You're such a kind person and so enthusiastic about being kind to yourself and others. It's even on your picks! I just like being reminded, when the world seems to be filled with cruelty and meanness that you're out there somewhere with your ideals and strong moral code. It comes very natural to me, kindness that is. Obviously you too and I think you'd agree that we all can Improve in our character no matter how nice we try to be. Even in saying I'm kind I try to say it with humility. I wish I knew exactly what was wrong with Mr Ms hand. I think you're such a master of the instrument that you covered everything especially telling him to look at your other content. I know someone who hurt themselves playing bar chords. They tore the muscle between their thumb and forefinger and required surgery and I know you have stressed in the past to shake your hand like shaking off water if you feel cramping. That's very good advice I think for everyone practicing. You always make me feel better and I missed you, I haven't seen one of your videos in about a month and it was nice to see you again. Never change, I recommend you to people often and I've sent links to random people I've spoken to back and forth in the comments. With your videos you get a guitar lesson and a life lesson at the same time. You're truly unique and I wish you peace and joy in your life, you and your family! See you soon Tomo, good luck Mr M, you're in the best possible hands in my humble opinion. See you soon Tomo ☮️❤️🎸🎶🎶🙏
Well well...here the legendary Justin Guitar! What are you doing here? Everyone needed your guidance!! Great job Justin! Thank you! Let's do a zoom s session soon!!
You're the best guitar teacher in youtube , from beginner to intermediate . They can learn all the basics and theory A-Z. Then they can embark on their journey on their own.
Justin, I am a music therapist who often teaches beginner guitar as part of brain injury rehabilitation programs, your books and resources always come in handy in those situations, thanks for what you do
In my opinion, Mr. Fujita and Justin are among the great philanthropists on earth. I know that I personally have been enriched beyond explanation by paying guitar. These two, and a few others, have guided me there, and I feel a debt of gratitude for such incredible access and instruction!
I have a bit of unsolicited advice for beginners that really want to progress. I am self-taught and know very little music theory however I was able to develop a really good ear. There are many styles of guitar playing all of which have their own nuances and techniques and which take many hours to develop. My advice is to play what you like and try to play what inspires you. Laser focus on the style that you enjoy most and don't get distracted or judge your progress by the progress of others. Learning can sometimes be an academic and laborious process, but it doesn't have to be. It should be fun. If you focus on what you love your incremental progress will bring you more joy and inspiration. That joy and inspiration will keep you motivated. With a little time and effort your incremental progress will accumulate into major progress and you will get to exactly where you want to be.
Solid advice. The difference between sounding good and just sounding is getting the most intricate details right, which takes years and years of thorough refinement. The only way to stick to that process is if you're learning something you're crazy about. If it wasn't for that, I for one would have never been able to.
Excellent. I would just add that the initial pursuit of excellence in playing SONGS your love will very often expand into a love for the INSTRUMENT itself. This in turn will make the "academic stuff" much more tolerable, even enjoyable.
THIS is the way! I'm self-taught too and I've learned it the hard way, because I was overwhelmed, as any novice is, with ton of material. One day I figured out that I don't like the sound of excercises and that playing guitar became a chore to me. Just list the songs, licks, parts of the song that you would like to play and practise that. You don't even have to stick to one particular thing on the list. I've wanted to play famous Star Wars Cantina song, intro of Spain by Chick Corea, some licks from Zakk Wylde, some parts of the electronic music I like, music from Final Fantasy etc. and gradually I've started enjoying music and got exponentialy better than seeing people who think that they must learn this or that. Not that I'm saying that all those things are unecesssry! Everything has it's place. At this part of life I can pretty much learn by ear anything I like, but I also want to learn music thoery behind all of that since I see that is a major drawback whilst playing with other musicians. One of the things that helped me immensely and would be a great boost at the start is focusing on picking mechanics that I've learned from Troy Grady's "Cracking the Code" videos. They are free on TH-cam!
Tomo-san: Thank you so much for answering my question in such a thoughtful, genuine, and helpful way. Your video made my day, and I know it will have a permanent, positive influence on my guitar-playing. I will be sure to check out your Guitar Wisdom, and I hope to someday have the opportunity to meet you for an in-person lesson. Have a great weekend! Manny
You are very welcome! So great to have your clear & respect & polite & detail... questions! I am so happy to hear that. You had "pain" problem between your guitar & yourself so I just wanted to make all good direction. So video lesson is really can make clear point. I think you already helped a lot of people from your email. Maybe I will see you in Miami!
Tomo is not only a great guitar teacher but a humble philosopher as well. ""If you become a nice person, everyone else becomes nicer. Be nice to yourself. Don't worry." -Tomo
Great advice. To answer your challenge to add to comments... For new people, what can be helpful when starting out: -learn all the chord shapes. Especially the ones in first position. Learn to move between them fluidly and easily. -learn simple songs. Play them every time you practice until they sound nice and clean -practice in a musical fashion. Don’t just play boring scales over and over. Make them sound musical. Mess with the timing and phrasing. -focus on rhythm guitar at first. 90% of what you do on guitar is rhythm. Learn to solo later. -play either with other people, or with jam tracks. Get good at playing not just by yourself, but with others. -keep your guitar handy, easy to reach. A guitar put away in its case just adds one more hurdle to overcome between you and your practice. Have it sitting on standby. Even 5 minutes a day of practice adds up quickly. -listen to music a lot. All styles and forms. Inspiration can come from anywhere. That’s my 2 cents...
My guitars hang on my wall. They don't go in a case until I mobilize to jam elsewhere. Over the years, looking at it hanging on the wall caused anxiety if I didn't grab it, even for 5 minutes. My early teens jazz partner encouraged me to practice in front of a mirror. In time, memorized fretboard by touch/feel with eyes closed. Learned to play chords in as many different positions I could find. Took Piano 101 in local Junior College...increased my overall music knowledge exponentially. Play with looper/backing track as much as possible. Listen to as many different genre's as I can tolerate...😁
@@TomoFujitaMusic no, thank you - you’ve taught me so much. Your vids have hugely impacted my playing, and I’m just some random guy on the other side of the world (Melbourne, Australia). There must be tens of thousands like me across the globe.
It amazes me how generous you and a few other guitar instructors on TH-cam are with your knowledge and more importantly your time. If the rest of society could follow your lead, imagine how much happier we could all be. Thank you!
So great to hear that! I am so lucky to know all my fellow guitar teachers on TH-cam! I forget to mention Rhutt Shull, Mary Spender (my zoom student!) and Guthrie Trapp .. Thank you so much!!b
@@TomoFujitaMusic Absolutely! Every one you mention are just terrific examples. The biggest mistake I have made on guitar, thus far, is falsely believing I knew enough, but music isn't like that and neither is life. It feels silly to say and think this, but TH-cam has seriously helped me change my mindset. Thank you to you and many others for pointing towards doors that need to be opened.
@@TomoFujitaMusic The great Mr Tomo, you’re the best teacher. Please check out Rick Stickney of tasty guitar, he’s amazing and I believe he fulfills the soul, funk and rnb niche that’s lacking in TH-cam.
If Mr. Fujita dancing to Tequila (9:00) does not bring joy to your heart nothing will! Thank you Mr. Fujita for sharing your life philosophy and your guitar wisdom :-)
Thanks to that guy who wrote letter,many of us who learn from internet might go into the wrong path due to wrong practice and you're the best teacher for us to teach correctly and effectively,thank you so much Tomo!:-)
i think making other musician friends is also an important part of being self taught because that will be one of the best sources of learning, also mr. Tomo if you read this then you can pin your comment so everyone can see that when they read the comments
After teaching myself for many years, I thought I was pretty good -- mainly because I could learn the songs I liked by ear. But after finding Tomo and subscribing to Guitar Wisdom, I realised I was just imitating music and I wasn't really improving for many years. Now after a few months following Tomo's lessons - triads, metronome on 2 and 4, root 3rd 7th - I can slowly (don't expect too fast!) feel my sense of harmony, melody and time improve and I feel more like a musician every day. Thanks Tomo!
Yeah, kind of feeling like I'm in a similar spot in my journey. I've tried to teach myself what I can from You Tube and I'm certainly better than I was when I started but there's still so much I don't understand and want to know. The one bad thing about not having an experienced player there to help you is you can't ask him questions or make sure your using proper technique. The best I've been able to do is just really watch guys when they play and try to mimic what they're doing as much as possible. There really isn't a road map to learning. I just started with chords and scales and learning songs.
@@TomoFujitaMusic talking about the wood. Recently I found and played a Japanese handmade guitar called [T's guitar] .Hope you can make a video to talk about how you choose, pick a guitar or you collection. Once again, thanks for reply me !!!
maybe he's not the best in language, but idk there's just something about him, he's got that... "Flow" that sort of energy where you can tell, someone's born to be a teacher, an experienced master Idk when it just comes to his specialty, there's this "flow" i feel in him. Everything just comes so natural, and everything's just, there! I can't explain it but i love it When he plays music, the music just flows
I started guitar when I was 18 but I only took 4 months of lessons and I quit playing guitar for 5 years. I’m now 23 and I’ve just gotten back to guitar 6 months ago and have been taking lessons every week and I’ve been showing incredible progress since then. But I wouldn’t have done so without having a teacher guide me throughout this journey. Teaching yourself guitar is possible (if you think it’s best for you) but if you really want to be a great player, I highly recommend anyone who has the time and resources to find a good guitar teacher who can help you.
Thank you for sharing! Very important to learn guitar in proper way possible! Anybody can be a teacher! That's why it's very important to audition your teacher (looking carefully to choose). Thank you!
Hey man, I'm also 23. tried learning guitar when I was 20 but life got busy and didn;'t have time or motivation at the time. Now I'm at a crossroad in life where I want to pick up guitar again. Do you have any tips so that this time I can stay consistent with my learning?
Hi Tomo! I appreciate you promoting respect and gratitude to the young generation of guitar players. It’s becoming a lost practice over time. As a 65 year old guitar player since I was 8 years old I’ve seen this dying practice and would like to commend you on this. The world would be a better place with more respect to each other no matter how old you are. Please continue to spread Peace and Love! Thank you! ❤️🎸🙏🏻
I think the original commenter was describing a change in the culture surrounding music. Though personally, I think that the culture of musicians is changing in ways that reflect their respective societies. The same is true of artists of all culture, genre, or craft, we just can't help it! No matter what we are still part of our larger society's cultures.
@@thesaintnoodle yea I was gonna say I'm seeing more guitar players than ever. And I'm also seeing so many young players almost virtuosic including myself tbh
Dear Mr. Fujita I just wanted to spend a little bit of my hard earned free time to tell you Thank you for being a undeniably authentic caring teacher. Your love of guitar evident and unwavering. If one day you find yourself in need of a subject for a video, might I suggest you discuss your guitar teacher(s) from your own journey. Hope this comment finds you well. Blessed.
This lesson will help me move some of what I learned at Berklee many years ago from my mind to my fingers. I was an arranging/composition major who played the drums. I only made it for 2 years. Mastering this lesson will bring a huge improvement to my guitar playing. Thank you Mr Fujita. You have a very generous heart.
So happy to hear that! Thank you so much! You're very welcome! I Wish All My Students Knew THESE Before They Came To Berklee th-cam.com/video/xlRy7WwZg7c/w-d-xo.html
This popped up in my feed at just the right time. I’ve been treading water for a few years and only recently fully committed to learning. Took a few lessons, had an aha moment, back to internet lessons, another aha moment, and then this wisdom on top of it to reinforce and fine tune my focus. Beautiful. Thank you for your generosity.
Dear Tomo, the best part is when you teach about education! This is probably the most important topic specifically when you need to address someone that you don’t know! Well done.
You are so great Tomo. An authentic gentelman. All self-taught should pay attention to your videos, always educational and above all respectful for us. Eternal thanks, or as we usually say in Argentina: Total Thanks
I smiled when you said you only sit on the edge of your seat. :) My first instrument was classical piano, and we never sat back on our seat, you have far better stability and posture when some of the energy is towards your feet. That learning translated into all of the other instruments that I played, and now I teach those things to my students. And I even teach it to my guitar students. I am happy that I am not the only one who thinks that way about posture. playing cello is the same, playing guitar...the same, and piano the same. posture posture posture. :) Thank You Tomo for making me a better teacher, I learn new ways to help students from watching your videos and having subscribed to guitar wisdom.
Thanks for sharing from pianist view! That's awesome to hear that. I sit straight and I only 1/3 of my chair! This way I can groove my body. A lot of people may not notice.. but about having right Posture & Having a strap ... makes a huge difference on the result from hours of practicing! Thanks so much for subscribing my Guitar Wisdom. I started to hear more about some guitar teachers and their students are subscribing my Guitar Wisdom. I am very happy to hear that. Thank you!
I started self-learning, then with a private teacher, then music school, then teaching to some people basic theory, technique and first and foremost, love and respect for the guitar. It is always refreshing to be reminded from someone else these once in a while, so you don´t fall into bad "comfort" habits, and remind yourself that one is always learning,...
I'm teaching my nephew via long distance. The most important thing is to keep it fun, because if you're not having fun, you're doing it wrong. So I started him off simple power chords and a multi-fx pedal with a drum machine built in. For a kid, its a great way to get started and most importantly have fun with. Then you pick up other things as you go, like more advanced chords and scales.
I'm only at the 12-minute mark, have applied strap and posture advice over the past couple of days, and already I'm a much better guitarist! I didn't realize I was 'fighting myself' trying to both stabilize the guitar and fret properly - made a world of difference - thank you!
@@TomoFujitaMusic Thank you. Curiously enough, I recently came across your channel and, after aimlessly (largely) noodling around TH-cam for several years, was inspired by your advice to go 'back to the beginning to get the more foundational things straightened out. I just started in on the Justin Guitar course and app and find he's a terrific teacher - wanted more than just picking up random riffs, and would really like to understand this instrument from theory to (someday) jazz. Thanks again for being a catalyst and teacher - cheers!
This made me feel like Danielson learning the value of wax on wax off. He was learning the art without even realizing he was learning. That is the sign of a world class teacher
I absolutely love that you give top importance to posture. Number one. I've been playing guitar for 51 years, and I still have to remind myself. The discipline of playing Baroque music with a footstool forced me to have good posture on nylon strings, but I tend to be too casual about posture on rock, blues and jazz. Your emphasis on this is a terrific influence. Demanding a free floating instrument with ease of motion in the arms and hands (with the guitar anchored securely) is exactly what I needed to hear this morning. Thank you, Sir.
There is no better teacher like you Tomo! You are teaching from your heart,and that's s very big difference between you and those many many who call them self's s teacher! Your love for the guitar and music makes me love music even more! You are a treasure to the music world!
Tomo, I think I speak for all of us when I say: thank you for your generosity with your knowledge. I have learnt so much from you and continue to be inspired when I watch your videos! You are a gift to the musical community!
Tomo's "Letter-writing Wisdom", coming soon. One fun thing to do with exercises like these is to play around with time signatures. Take an exercise you normally do in 2/4 and adapt it to 3/4, take something you normally play in 4/4 and adapt it to 5/4 or 7/4. Great way to practice odd time signatures and feeling their pulses.
What makes you a good teacher is not your guitar lessons but the fact that you communicate with your students and reply to their many questions. They have confidence in you and can rely on you for help.That is the definition of a good teacher. Thank you Fuji.(sorry, Master Fuji).
Thank you, Tomo San. Thank you for sharing your wisdom. I am a beginning, self-taught piano player of 2.5 years and just bought my first acoustic guitar 8 weeks ago and my first electric guitar 2 weeks ago. Once I learned how to read music, I was and I am like a wide-eyed child in a candy shop. I love to learn new songs every week and play music from sheet music that I've acquired over the past two years. I, finally, have some calluses on my fingers and can now chord without too much pain and distortion. I am learning to understand music theory and it's starting to make some sense. You give me the inspiration to continue my musical journey. I am in the winter of my years but I am TOTALLY enjoying the final voyage. Keep up the good work.
You're very welcome! My pleasure! Thank you for sharing! Good job! So happy to hear that! Thank you so much! I Wish All My Students Knew THESE Before They Came To Berklee th-cam.com/video/xlRy7WwZg7c/w-d-xo.html Unstuck Your Visual Shape Guitar Playing from TH-cam! (Basic Theory On One String Approach) th-cam.com/video/228S4owEAj4/w-d-xo.html
Thank you Tomo. I have been enjoying Guitar Wisdom now for 7 months. Tomo is the real deal. He does not promise magic. He demonstrates and explains the foundation - you still have to do all the hard work to learn and improve, but he shows you the path. Before Guitar Wisdom, I was learning things, but not really things that I can BUILD UPON. I still regularly check out other instructors - they can sometimes explain things in another way that clicks with me, but I credit Guitar Wisdom for opening a lot of new doors for me.
This is way I love teaching guitar! So much rewarding from teaching! Thank you so much for subscribing my Guitar Wisdom! 7 months! Congrats! Great job! Consistency is the key! Thank you so much!!
Literally the nicest, not just guitar teacher but content creator. Just scroll down and look at the comments. Without even knowing him it’s quite obvious he has a heart gold.
Im a middle aged female started learn guitar with Utube videos recently. Wasn't really sure where to start. Learned some chords..some strumming...some sclaes..etc. but still not fluent with these things.. wnated to learn play guitar since teenager. I bought a guitar age of 40 ( 3yrs ago) searched many videos..followed some fews..i play guitar at my free time abt 1 hour but not daily.. watched so many many videos ... No one has ever explained to do these step by step in any of those video ever. So i found this very helpful with all the respect of other Utubers. I have a special request. What you have explained im this video. Cud u plz upload all the parts in step by step in another video like easy lesso tutorial. I kw you are a very busy person as you hv explained earlier. And thnx to the emailer too. Im from Maldives. And im very very impressed and inspired with this video and started following you today. Thank you
Thank you for sharing! Good job! TH-cam is entertainment so not so great for learning seriously. But these videos are useful. I made these as supplement lesson videos for my own subscribers (Guitar Wisdom) Beginner Guitar Exercises to Inspire Your Practice Routine th-cam.com/video/uyJCnix60EI/w-d-xo.html Intermediate Guitar Practice Routine th-cam.com/video/VW9cYcwujCg/w-d-xo.html Advanced Guitar Practice Routine th-cam.com/video/bxQ4swNj_5w/w-d-xo.html Pro Guitar Practice Routine th-cam.com/video/0T4aE3biYeA/w-d-xo.html 7 Guitar Exercises to Inspire Your Practice Routine th-cam.com/video/QwQJg6mgiLA/w-d-xo.html Beginner Song Writing Chords That Inspire you to practice th-cam.com/video/l-Se63uzoSw/w-d-xo.html Intermediate Songwriter Chords That Inspire you to practice th-cam.com/video/r68lZF47qQQ/w-d-xo.html Advanced Songwriter Chords That Inspire you to practice th-cam.com/video/AARyYyFPCHw/w-d-xo.html Pro Songwriter Chords That Inspire you to practice th-cam.com/video/fZIIfpLCS8s/w-d-xo.html
Thank you, Mr.Tomo Fujita. You are an incredible teacher and musician. You surpass the name of "guitar teacher". I mean, I learned a lot from this video not only the guitar mindset but a lot of life wisdom. Thank you so much!
I honestly find that holding the guitar on the left foot and raised, at an angle is much more comfortable, the "classical guitarist position", or with a strap, higher a bit. Thank you for your wisdom
Great video as always ! I am 73 years old and have been playing guitar since 1963 . Before there were electronic tuners , light gauge strings , internet , or color TV . I played in Rock and Blues bands thru my teenage and adult years until I retired , still play every day . I just want to thank you for all the advice and instructions that you give young people . I was raised on a farm in the country , I wish I would have had someone like you to give me some advice . Believe it or not I learned most of my advanced stuff during the Viet Nam war , where I had a chance to play with some great players , as a sailor . I even sat in with local bands in Japan , Hong Kong , and all over the states while in the service . Love your videos , and appreciate all your hard work . God bless the circle of 5ths !
Im a beginner guitarist and while i may not understand a lot of the terms stemming from music theory; your channel and teachings push me to learn more. Im trying to learn Hideaway as my first song all because of how you capture the spirit of the blues and how you instill soul into it. Thank you for doing what you do and teaching new guitarists everywhere!
Yesterday I decided to check your Guitar Wisdom site, I have been at the guitar 3 years, being self-taught through You Tube , not knocking them, but there is loads of gaps, I said I needed to get back to the basics again scales modes etc, so I signed up, well that was around 4 pm BST time and around 9 pm I was off there was breaks but I really gravitated to the instruction, and being a person that was diagnosed with Adult ADD latter in my life visual instruction is important , but the funny part during his instructional videos he says pay attention I was cracking up, so Mr Fujita responding to your response on FB, I can clearly see your an experience teacher through your instructional videos, I am enjoying your Guitar Wisdom, thumbs up from me, if you don't mind I am sticking around, I am taking my time with the lessons, I really want the concepts and theory to sink in,
Love your videos ! As always they are full of great ideas , good advice , and sincere direction . I started playing guitar in 1963 , at that time guitar teachers were more into teaching the basics and old standards . Rock - n - Roll was kind of looked down on by pros . I wound up teaching myself , and wearing out vinyl records . I only wish I had someone like you to guide me . At 73 years old , I still play every day , played hundreds of gigs in bars as a weekend semi-pro , while working a day job and raising a family . I just want to say Thank You for all the wonderful advice you are giving to young people !
You know I've been watching a lot of youtube tutorials for decades now but I really love yours the most. It's like I don't have to rush or feel like I will fall behind the lesson. You always teach from scratch making sure the viewers get the best out of it. You also are very kind and humble personality. You spend your valuable time to reply to our comments. I've utter respect for you. I never got to attend music school or any music classes ever but watching your videos and trying to learn something is always worthy for me. Thank you so much ))
I have ADHD and dyslexia, I have been struggling to learn the guitar for 12 years...and still cannot play well, I hadn't given up, but seeing people surpass me in a shorter amount of time is disheartening, but who knows one day I might catch up.
Just so that you remember. Thousands and thousands of normal people with no disability too struggle. Sending Lots of Love and positive vibes your way :)
I also have ADHD and I understand how tough it is to learn, but Mr. Fujita makes a good points in his Guitar Wisdom to take your time, take notes which I do, in 2 weeks since subscribing to Guitar Wisdom I can say at this point there has been many light-bulb moments , I am able to retain more information in just 2 weeks then I have in the last few years since I started learning the guitar and keep reminding myself there is no rush , what I like to do after a theory lesson on Guitar Wisdom is find a song to learn, try to match that song with what you have learned for further reinforcement, enjoy the journey, cheers !!
I am from india. I am self thaught guitarist playing since 9 years. I am stuck too i am a pentatonic player. And luckily with God's grace i found a person named yogiclef he is like a big brother to me. And he is the one who really seriously insisted me to watch tomo fujita sir's videos. And trust me buy watching all his videos i feel so releaved and confident , his videos are truly a direction for all the self thaught guitarists like me and many others. I hope you stay blessed and healthy and happy. Thank you so much for sharing all the knowledge in the most paitent and loving manner. Someday i will learn everything from your videos and be a good sensable player ❤. Thanking you NANDITH MISHRA
Thanks for sharing! You learned a quick way with visually. That's so easy to teach & easy to learn and will be stuck more than 10 years! You're very welcome! Thank you so much! Guitar is so great & make your life richer inside when you learn it proper way!
When I tried 09:03 my wife was so confused of why I'm doing that. I tried to explain but she didn't believe me until she looked into my monitor and see you Tomo. She doesn't know anything about guitar but she knows that you're my guitar guru for the past 1 year, so finally she believe me :) Thank you, sensei for all the lessons!
Ha ha! A lot of my students said.... "Is that Tomo?" when their wives hear some guitar playing, they can recognize my phrasing because my students listened me so many times. Very nice to hear that! I love silly dance! I do this type of things all the times in front of my family! Thank you!
as a beginner who can’t afford a guitar class i really appreciate amazing teachers like you that spend the time to create free resources for me to learn and pursue music!! much love and thanks again!!
Fully masterful lesson sir. There is much wisdom here for beginners as well as experienced players. I think that this is the first time I've seen a top-tier ìnstructer using anything other than an over priced "aspirational" instrument. It's one of the best ways to get the message home that the logo on the headstock has no influence on a guitar's quality, and it's up to the player to get it to sing.
Thank you!! Please join my Guitar Wisdom. I teach everything there! Only $9.99 a month subscription video lessons so all you have to do is skip one lunch a month!
Excellent advice. I am self taught. I have played for 20 years on and off. I have only recently learned and understood the modal system. I will take your suggestion and focus on the triad positions. Thanks for your excellent videos, sir! Love from the UK
Mr Tomo you are truly a Sensei , not just a teacher. I've had "teachers" all my life, for the first time I feel I'm learning from a Sensei. The way you take your lessons beyond just guitar skills, is pure gold. You make the world worth living, and the guitar worth picking up 4 times a day. Arigato Sensei ..
It's my first time listening to Mr. Tomo and what a dedicated individual he is. It was incredibly generous of him to offer these well thought out tips for every beginner guitarist out there. A real humbling experience.
This was an excellent tutorial. I am a self taught guitarist. For several years I have only occasionally picked up the guitar. I have been senior aged for several years now. I have recently started playing again to counter the arthritis in my hands. I have to limit myself as to how much and how long I play until I build the strength up in my hands. I will use these 7 steps as I begin my journey of reacquainting myself with the guitar. Thank you for sharing.
Tomo has a hell of a resume, teaching people like John Mayer and Tyler from music is win least that I know of both great guitar players. I've had well one lol I'm pretty much self taught but my teacher actually cause me to quit playing luckily I picked it up again and have been able to teach myself but be careful who you pick to teach guitar I wish I had a guitar teacher like Tomo.
Shin'ainaru Sensei Tomo, I so appreciate your insight on what is important to use in a practice to grow as a self-taught guitarist and how to grow as a musician. The body posture, the back thumb positioning, easy beginning practice runs, the triads, and common runs for different music genres. Domo Arigatogozaimasu. Carol
Thank you so much! Have you explored Guitar Wisdom? For a free lesson on Blues Turnarounds, please follow the link in my 8/23 newsletter: mailchi.mp/tfguitarwisdom/free-lesson. But don’t wait . . . the link to the lesson will expire on August 26!
Tomo Strumming, Playing,Jazz,Funk, Everything. Gotta love it. But most important thing. Love for the music. Tnhx for these Free lessons. Played little over a year now, I just dive in to it. Free playing, just from ear. Then take these lessons in youtube. Gotta say im not bad. Found a love of my life. Guitar.
I couldn’t agree with you more about doing the shuffling clean. That’s where I’m at , I can get the shuffle going but keeping it clean is another story.
Dear Tomo, Thank you. A lot! For being our teacher. TH-cam is blessed with your channel. I love your lessons. And I believe that “we” love you, our sensei.
This was rad. Im coming back to see more stuff from Fujita Tomo after i get my guitar. Very humbled by the thoughtful presentation of this content, the density of the information presented, and the easy ability Tomo has to teach. Too much school may have melted my brain, but i think the instructor ability to instruct can help you land the plane or crash it.
I haven’t even started watching this video yet, but I wanted to say that in my opinion, there is no such thing as a self taught guitarist these days. We learn from a plethora of teachers and hold very few dear to our hearts the whole journey. Even though I’m not an official Berkeley student, (and have yet to finish any course in its totality that I have signed up for)….I consider my best teachers to be the ones that us slow students keep …. throughout the whole journey…. returning to again and again and learning the most from. Thank you, 💜Tomo….for all you have taught us!🙏
Thank you so much for sharing! You're right about that... so many sources of lessons indirectly over internet. You're very welcome! I Wish All My Students Knew THESE Before They Came To Berklee th-cam.com/video/xlRy7WwZg7c/w-d-xo.html
Learning how to win is the easiest when you learn it from a winner! do not recall where i heared this, but this is my credo, that's why im here with you!
Your energy is contagious! Thanks for helping a young at heart old lady keep the hands moving. Thanks for sharing your gift with us so freely. Whenever I need a lift out of depression I'll watch your videos and It never fails to inspire and spark the creative side of my brain. Peace and harmony to you always. Forever a student, Suzanne/Bluesjammer Su
All this information it's so useful for all of us that like to play guitar. No matter how much time we have playing. You're the best teacher. Thanks Master Tomo.
I'm 15 and came back to playing guitar yesterday (i tried a few times before but i never managed to keep consistent) so i'm very much a beginner. I'm looking for any good tips and lessons, and i just discovered your channel, and i wanted to let you know that you're the coolest guitar teacher i've ever seen. Thanks for this video
Thank you so much! I learned a few new things watching this, much appreciated. Here are a couple things I'd like to add that have helped me a lot. I play classical, but it goes for everyone. 1) This was brought up in the video, but just to reiterate, posture and positioning are key. Not only for playing properly, but also for playing year over year. Music injuries are no joke, I threw my back out from holding the guitar improperly, and I'm a healthy middle aged guy. People, like me, don't realize that holding your body in an asymmetrical position for years on end is bad for you :) Also, sitting upright and holding the guitar properly will greatly increase your abilities over a few months. I probably progressed more over the past year than my whole life. 2) Play often, but for short periods. Don't spend too much time in a single session or you will be at a detriment. Ideally you play for 30 minutes to an hour, take a 30 minute to an hour break, repeat. This will allow you to progress rapidly and helps immensely with memorizing a piece. It's no different than working out. Stress, Rest, Repeat. 3) Nails, use them. Learn how to shape them, learn how to finger pick, learn how to position right hand appropriately. I finger = 90d angle on the string, M & A fingers 70d-80d, P finger sharp 10d-20d angle. Nails ramp, land the string against flesh AND nail, gently close hand from the first knuckle after the one connected to hand (PIP). Keep last knuckle loose, don't contract it (unless you want that plucking sound) and when you drag the finger in the nail should ramp into a flat release point with the string. Use a nail filer to keep the nails clean, smooth out the finest details. Warning, be ready for loud twangs while learning lol. 4) Learn basic scales and basic chords. Practice landing chords without having to reposition fingers after landing. Practice tremelo techniques, very helpful for good tempo stability and attacking specific strings rapidly with all fingers. 5) Pick a song and stick with it. Play other stuff as well, but make sure you practice the one song frequently until you are able to play it 5 times in a row without error. By then, you will have learned a lot, and will have a feeling of accomplishment that will keep you pushing forward. A mistake I made in my early teens was trying to learn all my favorite songs. I'd learn the cool riff from them, but that was it. You need to be able to play songs though, if you plan to perform that is.
thank you so much for this tomo!! i’ve been playing for 14years without instruction and this is exact the type of guidance i’ve been looking for!!! truly grateful you shared this with us all ❤️
Mr. Fujitsu you are a treasure. Posts like this reinvigorate my faith in the good in people in this world. Your message is spot on. I have been playing guitar, self-taught, for 28 years. I have been in a rut for so long that the rut seems normal. Your post like this reawakens my desire to shake out of that rut, to get to the details. To correct form. To Understand. Thank you. Thank you thank you thank you.
So great to hear that. Guitar can make anyone's life much better inside! Thank you! Try these and more detail lessons are at my Guitar Wisdom. $9.99 a month subscription video lessons.
@@TomoFujitaMusic Guitar is my release, my escape. I'm not very good, even after all this time, but I enjoy it and that matters more to me. I do want to learn more so I will consider your classes. Thanks.
Thank you, Tomo. You've been my favorite online guitar. Your mottos don't worry, don't compare, don't expect too fast, and be kind to yourself, have been a constant reminder for me on my journey of guitar playing. Really appreciate you making so much free content for beginners like me to advance. Hope you are well!
- Introduction (00:07) - About TH-cam Leaning (01:19))
0) The Letter (02:18)
1) Posture (05:58)
2) How to use a Strap (08:08)
3) Fingering & Picking Exercise (09:32)
4) How To Learn Triads (Understanding the Fretboard) (12:45)
5) Root 3rd 7th / Swing Groove (15:35)
6) Strumming Open Chords (17:45)
7) Shuffle Blues Riff (19:00)
X) More advice (John Mayer Story) (22:05)
Thank you so much Tomo
Thank you so much, my friend! I studied guitar for a while and then stopped and became very sloppy with my technique. You inspire me to finally straighten it up again. Also I love your positive attitude towards live! Thanks a lot! Greetings from Germany, Arne
@@nemonixniemann So nice other that. Guitar is so much fun! Thank you!
I only compare to see what the guitar is capable of. So I think "Tomo can do that, I can't" that is comparing but I'm not in a competition with you. I always feel better after I watch any one of your videos. I try to be kind and good to even people who maybe others would say don't deserve it.
You're such a kind person and so enthusiastic about being kind to yourself and others. It's even on your picks! I just like being reminded, when the world seems to be filled with cruelty and meanness that you're out there somewhere with your ideals and strong moral code. It comes very natural to me, kindness that is. Obviously you too and I think you'd agree that we all can Improve in our character no matter how nice we try to be. Even in saying I'm kind I try to say it with humility.
I wish I knew exactly what was wrong with Mr Ms hand. I think you're such a master of the instrument that you covered everything especially telling him to look at your other content. I know someone who hurt themselves playing bar chords. They tore the muscle between their thumb and forefinger and required surgery and I know you have stressed in the past to shake your hand like shaking off water if you feel cramping. That's very good advice I think for everyone practicing. You always make me feel better and I missed you, I haven't seen one of your videos in about a month and it was nice to see you again.
Never change, I recommend you to people often and I've sent links to random people I've spoken to back and forth in the comments.
With your videos you get a guitar lesson and a life lesson at the same time. You're truly unique and I wish you peace and joy in your life, you and your family!
See you soon Tomo, good luck Mr M, you're in the best possible hands in my humble opinion. See you soon Tomo ☮️❤️🎸🎶🎶🙏
@@nemonixniemann Kind words, greetings from Miami Florida ☮️🎸🎶
Appreciate the mention Tomo. :) You're an incredible teacher and a top dude and I enjoy learning from your videos myself. Best wishes mate!
Well well...here the legendary Justin Guitar! What are you doing here? Everyone needed your guidance!! Great job Justin! Thank you! Let's do a zoom s session soon!!
Justin and Andy you got me to where I am and it’s a journey my Digital Friends.
You're the best guitar teacher in youtube , from beginner to intermediate . They can learn all the basics and theory A-Z. Then they can embark on their journey on their own.
Justin, I am a music therapist who often teaches beginner guitar as part of brain injury rehabilitation programs, your books and resources always come in handy in those situations, thanks for what you do
In my opinion, Mr. Fujita and Justin are among the great philanthropists on earth. I know that I personally have been enriched beyond explanation by paying guitar. These two, and a few others, have guided me there, and I feel a debt of gratitude for such incredible access and instruction!
I have a bit of unsolicited advice for beginners that really want to progress. I am self-taught and know very little music theory however I was able to develop a really good ear. There are many styles of guitar playing all of which have their own nuances and techniques and which take many hours to develop. My advice is to play what you like and try to play what inspires you. Laser focus on the style that you enjoy most and don't get distracted or judge your progress by the progress of others. Learning can sometimes be an academic and laborious process, but it doesn't have to be. It should be fun. If you focus on what you love your incremental progress will bring you more joy and inspiration. That joy and inspiration will keep you motivated. With a little time and effort your incremental progress will accumulate into major progress and you will get to exactly where you want to be.
Thanks for sharing! Awesome!
Solid advice. The difference between sounding good and just sounding is getting the most intricate details right, which takes years and years of thorough refinement. The only way to stick to that process is if you're learning something you're crazy about. If it wasn't for that, I for one would have never been able to.
Excellent.
I would just add that the initial pursuit of excellence in playing SONGS your love will very often expand into a love for the INSTRUMENT itself.
This in turn will make the "academic stuff" much more tolerable, even enjoyable.
THIS is the way! I'm self-taught too and I've learned it the hard way, because I was overwhelmed, as any novice is, with ton of material. One day I figured out that I don't like the sound of excercises and that playing guitar became a chore to me. Just list the songs, licks, parts of the song that you would like to play and practise that. You don't even have to stick to one particular thing on the list. I've wanted to play famous Star Wars Cantina song, intro of Spain by Chick Corea, some licks from Zakk Wylde, some parts of the electronic music I like, music from Final Fantasy etc. and gradually I've started enjoying music and got exponentialy better than seeing people who think that they must learn this or that. Not that I'm saying that all those things are unecesssry! Everything has it's place. At this part of life I can pretty much learn by ear anything I like, but I also want to learn music thoery behind all of that since I see that is a major drawback whilst playing with other musicians. One of the things that helped me immensely and would be a great boost at the start is focusing on picking mechanics that I've learned from Troy Grady's "Cracking the Code" videos. They are free on TH-cam!
@@DrsJacksonn it takes just days to have fun, no years needed. Enjoy!
Tomo-san:
Thank you so much for answering my question in such a thoughtful, genuine, and helpful way. Your video made my day, and I know it will have a permanent, positive influence on my guitar-playing.
I will be sure to check out your Guitar Wisdom, and I hope to someday have the opportunity to meet you for an in-person lesson.
Have a great weekend!
Manny
You are very welcome! So great to have your clear & respect & polite & detail... questions! I am so happy to hear that. You had "pain" problem between your guitar & yourself so I just wanted to make all good direction. So video lesson is really can make clear point. I think you already helped a lot of people from your email. Maybe I will see you in Miami!
My man
Yes your question helped me a lot thank you.
@@kalkidasofficial Jajajajaja la chancleta siempre está; por suerte no me tocó tanta. Have a great one!
@@TomoFujitaMusic You're the best, Tomo-san! I'm glad others have found your video useful, and I do hope we can meet someday. Take care.
Tomo is not only a great guitar teacher but a humble philosopher as well. ""If you become a nice person, everyone else becomes nicer. Be nice to yourself. Don't worry." -Tomo
Thank you so much!
@@TomoFujitaMusic You're welcome, Tomo. I meant it with sincerity. Everyone should practice being nicer to themselves!
Great advice. To answer your challenge to add to comments...
For new people, what can be helpful when starting out:
-learn all the chord shapes. Especially the ones in first position. Learn to move between them fluidly and easily.
-learn simple songs. Play them every time you practice until they sound nice and clean
-practice in a musical fashion. Don’t just play boring scales over and over. Make them sound musical. Mess with the timing and phrasing.
-focus on rhythm guitar at first. 90% of what you do on guitar is rhythm. Learn to solo later.
-play either with other people, or with jam tracks. Get good at playing not just by yourself, but with others.
-keep your guitar handy, easy to reach. A guitar put away in its case just adds one more hurdle to overcome between you and your practice. Have it sitting on standby. Even 5 minutes a day of practice adds up quickly.
-listen to music a lot. All styles and forms. Inspiration can come from anywhere.
That’s my 2 cents...
Thanks for sharing! Helping others so good!
My guitars hang on my wall. They don't go in a case until I mobilize to jam elsewhere. Over the years, looking at it hanging on the wall caused anxiety if I didn't grab it, even for 5 minutes.
My early teens jazz partner encouraged me to practice in front of a mirror. In time, memorized fretboard by touch/feel with eyes closed.
Learned to play chords in as many different positions I could find.
Took Piano 101 in local Junior College...increased my overall music knowledge exponentially.
Play with looper/backing track as much as possible.
Listen to as many different genre's as I can tolerate...😁
solid
Best 2 cents on guitar i seen... Thank you for your time to comment here 🤎
Just for the avoidance of doubt: we all appreciate you Tomo. Thanks Legend! 🙏
Thanks so much!!
@@TomoFujitaMusic no, thank you - you’ve taught me so much. Your vids have hugely impacted my playing, and I’m just some random guy on the other side of the world (Melbourne, Australia). There must be tens of thousands like me across the globe.
@@davidmgill So great to hear that. Thank you so much! More detail lessons are at my Guitar Wisdom site.
Thank you
Much love Tomo
It amazes me how generous you and a few other guitar instructors on TH-cam are with your knowledge and more importantly your time. If the rest of society could follow your lead, imagine how much happier we could all be. Thank you!
So great to hear that! I am so lucky to know all my fellow guitar teachers on TH-cam! I forget to mention Rhutt Shull, Mary Spender (my zoom student!) and Guthrie Trapp .. Thank you so much!!b
@@TomoFujitaMusic Absolutely! Every one you mention are just terrific examples. The biggest mistake I have made on guitar, thus far, is falsely believing I knew enough, but music isn't like that and neither is life. It feels silly to say and think this, but TH-cam has seriously helped me change my mindset. Thank you to you and many others for pointing towards doors that need to be opened.
@@dizzydad4708 Great to hear! Thank you!!
Imagine that right? It would be people taking care of each other I'm sure, beautiful sentiment!☮️🎸🎶❤️🙏
@@TomoFujitaMusic The great Mr Tomo, you’re the best teacher. Please check out Rick Stickney of tasty guitar, he’s amazing and I believe he fulfills the soul, funk and rnb niche that’s lacking in TH-cam.
This lesson is worth a lot money.. Thanks for having tomo Fujita in the guitar world
Thank you so much!
Right!!!!!
If Mr. Fujita dancing to Tequila (9:00) does not bring joy to your heart nothing will! Thank you Mr. Fujita for sharing your life philosophy and your guitar wisdom :-)
My pleasure! Thanks so much for subscribing my Guitar Wisdom.
@@TomoFujitaMusic Great video Tomo, but I feel compelled to correct you. It was Pee Wee Herman, not Mr Bean that danced to Tequila.
Thanks to that guy who wrote letter,many of us who learn from internet might go into the wrong path due to wrong practice and you're the best teacher for us to teach correctly and effectively,thank you so much Tomo!:-)
There are so many choices so it can go wrong (more than 50%) Thank you!
This just shows me you’re a good person Tomo , not that I already didn’t know that but this just proves it.
Thank you so much!
It's amazing to see tomo still comment on this video years after it's release! It just shows how truly caring he is to his fans! Keep it up!
Thank you! I am so thankful!
i think making other musician friends is also an important part of being self taught because that will be one of the best sources of learning, also mr. Tomo if you read this then you can pin your comment so everyone can see that when they read the comments
Thank you so much!!
I appreciate that is the truth many for us like to do and to learn music alone but that help our purpose like musicians
@@master199irera8 You're welcome! Thank you!
Posture. Strap. Fingering and picking exercises-horizontally. Triads. Root 3rd 7 swing. Shuffle! Thanks, Fujita Sensei!
Thank you!
Please watch these lessons (Super Simple)
th-cam.com/video/85RmFmRgTiw/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/weI70XnBogY/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/uATDB1csCf0/w-d-xo.html
After teaching myself for many years, I thought I was pretty good -- mainly because I could learn the songs I liked by ear. But after finding Tomo and subscribing to Guitar Wisdom, I realised I was just imitating music and I wasn't really improving for many years. Now after a few months following Tomo's lessons - triads, metronome on 2 and 4, root 3rd 7th - I can slowly (don't expect too fast!) feel my sense of harmony, melody and time improve and I feel more like a musician every day. Thanks Tomo!
Thanks for sharing your experience. So great to see that you found the right path! Thanks so much for subscribing my Guitar Wisdom.
Yeah, kind of feeling like I'm in a similar spot in my journey. I've tried to teach myself what I can from You Tube and I'm certainly better than I was when I started but there's still so much I don't understand and want to know. The one bad thing about not having an experienced player there to help you is you can't ask him questions or make sure your using proper technique. The best I've been able to do is just really watch guys when they play and try to mimic what they're doing as much as possible. There really isn't a road map to learning. I just started with chords and scales and learning songs.
A deep appreciation from the bottom of my heart. 49 years old a beginner guitarist from Korea.
Thanks so much from Boston!! You are very young!!
@@TomoFujitaMusic Thank you Professor.
Guitar make us become better people. Thanks again.Gonna practice more and more.
That's it! We need to appreciate the wood & the strings!!
@@TomoFujitaMusic talking about the wood. Recently I found and played a Japanese handmade guitar called [T's guitar] .Hope you can make a video to talk about how you choose, pick a guitar or you collection. Once again, thanks for reply me !!!
@@leochang5284 Thank you! Great suggestion!
maybe he's not the best in language, but idk there's just something about him, he's got that... "Flow" that sort of energy where you can tell, someone's born to be a teacher, an experienced master
Idk when it just comes to his specialty, there's this "flow" i feel in him. Everything just comes so natural, and everything's just, there! I can't explain it but i love it
When he plays music, the music just flows
Thank you for sharing! Thank you so much!
I love guitar so much & I love making people smile!
I started guitar when I was 18 but I only took 4 months of lessons and I quit playing guitar for 5 years. I’m now 23 and I’ve just gotten back to guitar 6 months ago and have been taking lessons every week and I’ve been showing incredible progress since then. But I wouldn’t have done so without having a teacher guide me throughout this journey.
Teaching yourself guitar is possible (if you think it’s best for you) but if you really want to be a great player, I highly recommend anyone who has the time and resources to find a good guitar teacher who can help you.
Thank you for sharing! Very important to learn guitar in proper way possible! Anybody can be a teacher! That's why it's very important to audition your teacher (looking carefully to choose). Thank you!
Hey man, I'm also 23. tried learning guitar when I was 20 but life got busy and didn;'t have time or motivation at the time. Now I'm at a crossroad in life where I want to pick up guitar again. Do you have any tips so that this time I can stay consistent with my learning?
Hi Tomo! I appreciate you promoting respect and gratitude to the young generation of guitar players. It’s becoming a lost practice over time. As a 65 year old guitar player since I was 8 years old I’ve seen this dying practice and would like to commend you on this. The world would be a better place with more respect to each other no matter how old you are. Please continue to spread Peace and Love! Thank you!
❤️🎸🙏🏻
Thank you so much!
I think the original commenter was describing a change in the culture surrounding music. Though personally, I think that the culture of musicians is changing in ways that reflect their respective societies. The same is true of artists of all culture, genre, or craft, we just can't help it! No matter what we are still part of our larger society's cultures.
@@thesaintnoodle yea I was gonna say I'm seeing more guitar players than ever. And I'm also seeing so many young players almost virtuosic including myself tbh
'So Do Mi' -Now that's an exercise I can get behind!
Giggidy
The first time he said it i was like, wait, i'm pretty sure that's not guitar triad exercice.
Came for the guitar wisdom, stayed for the philosophy. Thank you Tomo for giving knowledge freely and being a Sensei! 🕊❤️
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!
I love that tomo has like this spiritual approach to guitar, growing as a person through guitar
Thank you so much!
Dear Mr. Fujita
I just wanted to spend a little bit of my hard earned free time to tell you Thank you for being a undeniably authentic caring teacher. Your love of guitar evident and unwavering.
If one day you find yourself in need of a subject for a video, might I suggest you discuss your guitar teacher(s) from your own journey.
Hope this comment finds you well.
Blessed.
Thank you so much! Thanks for sharing.
This lesson will help me move some of what I learned at Berklee many years ago from my mind to my fingers. I was an arranging/composition major who played the drums. I only made it for 2 years. Mastering this lesson will bring a huge improvement to my guitar playing.
Thank you Mr Fujita. You have a very generous heart.
So happy to hear that! Thank you so much! You're very welcome!
I Wish All My Students Knew THESE Before They Came To Berklee
th-cam.com/video/xlRy7WwZg7c/w-d-xo.html
This popped up in my feed at just the right time. I’ve been treading water for a few years and only recently fully committed to learning. Took a few lessons, had an aha moment, back to internet lessons, another aha moment, and then this wisdom on top of it to reinforce and fine tune my focus. Beautiful. Thank you for your generosity.
Thank you for sharing! You're very welcome! Thank you!
I Wish All My Students Knew THESE Before They Came To Berklee
th-cam.com/video/xlRy7WwZg7c/w-d-xo.html
Dear Tomo, the best part is when you teach about education! This is probably the most important topic specifically when you need to address someone that you don’t know! Well done.
Thank you so much!!
You are so great Tomo. An authentic gentelman. All self-taught should pay attention to your videos, always educational and above all respectful for us. Eternal thanks, or as we usually say in Argentina: Total Thanks
Thank you so much! You would really enjoy my Guitar Wisdom!
Your kindness and generosity know no boundaries! Thank you, Tomo!
My pleasure! Thank you!
I smiled when you said you only sit on the edge of your seat. :) My first instrument was classical piano, and we never sat back on our seat, you have far better stability and posture when some of the energy is towards your feet. That learning translated into all of the other instruments that I played, and now I teach those things to my students. And I even teach it to my guitar students. I am happy that I am not the only one who thinks that way about posture. playing cello is the same, playing guitar...the same, and piano the same. posture posture posture. :) Thank You Tomo for making me a better teacher, I learn new ways to help students from watching your videos and having subscribed to guitar wisdom.
Thanks for sharing from pianist view! That's awesome to hear that. I sit straight and I only 1/3 of my chair! This way I can groove my body. A lot of people may not notice.. but about having right Posture & Having a strap ... makes a huge difference on the result from hours of practicing!
Thanks so much for subscribing my Guitar Wisdom. I started to hear more about some guitar teachers and their students are subscribing my Guitar Wisdom. I am very happy to hear that. Thank you!
I started self-learning, then with a private teacher, then music school, then teaching to some people basic theory, technique and first and foremost, love and respect for the guitar. It is always refreshing to be reminded from someone else these once in a while, so you don´t fall into bad "comfort" habits, and remind yourself that one is always learning,...
Thank you so much for sharing! Good job!
I'm teaching my nephew via long distance.
The most important thing is to keep it fun, because if you're not having fun, you're doing it wrong.
So I started him off simple power chords and a multi-fx pedal with a drum machine built in. For a kid, its a great way to get started and most importantly have fun with. Then you pick up other things as you go, like more advanced chords and scales.
Thanks for sharing. Yes, fun and positive!
I come for the guitar and stay for the wisdom. Thanks for these videos Tomo.
Thank you!
I'm only at the 12-minute mark, have applied strap and posture advice over the past couple of days, and already I'm a much better guitarist! I didn't realize I was 'fighting myself' trying to both stabilize the guitar and fret properly - made a world of difference - thank you!
Good job! So happy to hear that! Don't work too hard!
@@TomoFujitaMusic Thank you. Curiously enough, I recently came across your channel and, after aimlessly (largely) noodling around TH-cam for several years, was inspired by your advice to go 'back to the beginning to get the more foundational things straightened out. I just started in on the Justin Guitar course and app and find he's a terrific teacher - wanted more than just picking up random riffs, and would really like to understand this instrument from theory to (someday) jazz. Thanks again for being a catalyst and teacher - cheers!
This made me feel like Danielson learning the value of wax on wax off. He was learning the art without even realizing he was learning. That is the sign of a world class teacher
Thank you so much!
I absolutely love that you give top importance to posture. Number one. I've been playing guitar for 51 years, and I still have to remind myself. The discipline of playing Baroque music with a footstool forced me to have good posture on nylon strings, but I tend to be too casual about posture on rock, blues and jazz. Your emphasis on this is a terrific influence. Demanding a free floating instrument with ease of motion in the arms and hands (with the guitar anchored securely) is exactly what I needed to hear this morning. Thank you, Sir.
Thank you for sharing! Something is very important and it's so easy to forget or ignore it.
There is no better teacher like you Tomo! You are teaching from your heart,and that's s very big difference between you and those many many who call them self's s teacher! Your love for the guitar and music makes me love music even more! You are a treasure to the music world!
Wow, thank you!
Tomo, I think I speak for all of us when I say: thank you for your generosity with your knowledge.
I have learnt so much from you and continue to be inspired when I watch your videos!
You are a gift to the musical community!
You are very welcome
“Guitar makes you a nicer person”
So true
Yes!
Tomo's "Letter-writing Wisdom", coming soon.
One fun thing to do with exercises like these is to play around with time signatures. Take an exercise you normally do in 2/4 and adapt it to 3/4, take something you normally play in 4/4 and adapt it to 5/4 or 7/4. Great way to practice odd time signatures and feeling their pulses.
Thank you!
It’s kind of magical when I have learnt a little bit how to play the guitar and hear myself making music wow
Good job!
What makes you a good teacher is not your guitar lessons but the fact that you communicate with your students and reply to their many questions. They have confidence in you and can rely on you for help.That is the definition of a good teacher. Thank you Fuji.(sorry, Master Fuji).
Thank you so much! You can learn all at
"Guitar Wisdom"
tomovhxtv.vhx.tv
Thank you, Tomo San. Thank you for sharing your wisdom. I am a beginning, self-taught piano player of 2.5 years and just bought my first acoustic guitar 8 weeks ago and my first electric guitar 2 weeks ago. Once I learned how to read music, I was and I am like a wide-eyed child in a candy shop. I love to learn new songs every week and play music from sheet music that I've acquired over the past two years. I, finally, have some calluses on my fingers and can now chord without too much pain and distortion. I am learning to understand music theory and it's starting to make some sense. You give me the inspiration to continue my musical journey. I am in the winter of my years but I am TOTALLY enjoying the final voyage. Keep up the good work.
You're very welcome! My pleasure! Thank you for sharing! Good job! So happy to hear that! Thank you so much!
I Wish All My Students Knew THESE Before They Came To Berklee
th-cam.com/video/xlRy7WwZg7c/w-d-xo.html
Unstuck Your Visual Shape Guitar Playing from TH-cam! (Basic Theory On One String Approach)
th-cam.com/video/228S4owEAj4/w-d-xo.html
Thank you Tomo. I have been enjoying Guitar Wisdom now for 7 months. Tomo is the real deal. He does not promise magic. He demonstrates and explains the foundation - you still have to do all the hard work to learn and improve, but he shows you the path. Before Guitar Wisdom, I was learning things, but not really things that I can BUILD UPON.
I still regularly check out other instructors - they can sometimes explain things in another way that clicks with me, but I credit Guitar Wisdom for opening a lot of new doors for me.
This is way I love teaching guitar! So much rewarding from teaching! Thank you so much for subscribing my Guitar Wisdom! 7 months! Congrats! Great job! Consistency is the key! Thank you so much!!
The picking exercize is the truth. He talked about it in prior video and I started using it. I've seen the benefits!!!
So great to hear that!
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You're such a thoughtful and kind person, Tomo.
Thank you so much!
Literally the nicest, not just guitar teacher but content creator. Just scroll down and look at the comments. Without even knowing him it’s quite obvious he has a heart gold.
Im a middle aged female started learn guitar with Utube videos recently. Wasn't really sure where to start. Learned some chords..some strumming...some sclaes..etc. but still not fluent with these things.. wnated to learn play guitar since teenager. I bought a guitar age of 40 ( 3yrs ago) searched many videos..followed some fews..i play guitar at my free time abt 1 hour but not daily.. watched so many many videos ... No one has ever explained to do these step by step in any of those video ever. So i found this very helpful with all the respect of other Utubers. I have a special request. What you have explained im this video. Cud u plz upload all the parts in step by step in another video like easy lesso tutorial. I kw you are a very busy person as you hv explained earlier. And thnx to the emailer too. Im from Maldives. And im very very impressed and inspired with this video and started following you today.
Thank you
Thank you for sharing! Good job! TH-cam is entertainment so not so great for learning seriously. But these videos are useful. I made these as supplement lesson videos for my own subscribers (Guitar Wisdom)
Beginner Guitar Exercises to Inspire Your Practice Routine
th-cam.com/video/uyJCnix60EI/w-d-xo.html
Intermediate Guitar Practice Routine
th-cam.com/video/VW9cYcwujCg/w-d-xo.html
Advanced Guitar Practice Routine
th-cam.com/video/bxQ4swNj_5w/w-d-xo.html
Pro Guitar Practice Routine
th-cam.com/video/0T4aE3biYeA/w-d-xo.html
7 Guitar Exercises to Inspire Your Practice Routine
th-cam.com/video/QwQJg6mgiLA/w-d-xo.html
Beginner Song Writing Chords That Inspire you to practice
th-cam.com/video/l-Se63uzoSw/w-d-xo.html
Intermediate Songwriter Chords That Inspire you to practice
th-cam.com/video/r68lZF47qQQ/w-d-xo.html
Advanced Songwriter Chords That Inspire you to practice
th-cam.com/video/AARyYyFPCHw/w-d-xo.html
Pro Songwriter Chords That Inspire you to practice
th-cam.com/video/fZIIfpLCS8s/w-d-xo.html
Thank you, Mr.Tomo Fujita.
You are an incredible teacher and musician. You surpass the name of "guitar teacher".
I mean, I learned a lot from this video not only the guitar mindset but a lot of life wisdom.
Thank you so much!
Thank you so much!
I honestly find that holding the guitar on the left foot and raised, at an angle is much more comfortable, the "classical guitarist position", or with a strap, higher a bit. Thank you for your wisdom
Thank you for sharing! You're very welcome!
Great video as always ! I am 73 years old and have been playing guitar since 1963 . Before there were electronic tuners , light gauge strings , internet , or color TV . I played in Rock and Blues bands thru my teenage and adult years until I retired , still play every day . I just want to thank you for all the advice and instructions that you give young people . I was raised on a farm in the country , I wish I would have had someone like you to give me some advice . Believe it or not I learned most of my advanced stuff during the Viet Nam war , where I had a chance to play with some great players , as a sailor . I even sat in with local bands in Japan , Hong Kong , and all over the states while in the service . Love your videos , and appreciate all your hard work . God bless the circle of 5ths !
Thanks for sharing. Thank you so much!
Tomo teacher is #1 son ...best teacher kind but firm to all peoples. All levels ! 👍
Thank you! My lessons will help all levels!!
Im a beginner guitarist and while i may not understand a lot of the terms stemming from music theory; your channel and teachings push me to learn more.
Im trying to learn Hideaway as my first song all because of how you capture the spirit of the blues and how you instill soul into it.
Thank you for doing what you do and teaching new guitarists everywhere!
You're welcome! More detail lessons and music theory lessons are at my Guitar Wisdom!!
That letter writing lesson alone was worth its weight in gold!
Thank you! Very important and its not easy!
Take your time!
Yesterday I decided to check your Guitar Wisdom site, I have been at the guitar 3 years, being self-taught through You Tube , not knocking them, but there is loads of gaps, I said I needed to get back to the basics again scales modes etc, so I signed up, well that was around 4 pm BST time and around 9 pm I was off there was breaks but I really gravitated to the instruction, and being a person that was diagnosed with Adult ADD latter in my life visual instruction is important , but the funny part during his instructional videos he says pay attention I was cracking up, so Mr Fujita responding to your response on FB, I can clearly see your an experience teacher through your instructional videos, I am enjoying your Guitar Wisdom, thumbs up from me, if you don't mind I am sticking around, I am taking my time with the lessons, I really want the concepts and theory to sink in,
22:04 That definition was everything. I appreciarted so much, big hug for you.
Thank you so much!
Love your videos ! As always they are full of great ideas , good advice , and sincere direction . I started playing guitar in 1963 , at that time guitar teachers were more into teaching the basics and old standards . Rock - n - Roll was kind of looked down on by pros . I wound up teaching myself , and wearing out vinyl records . I only wish I had someone like you to guide me . At 73 years old , I still play every day , played hundreds of gigs in bars as a weekend semi-pro , while working a day job and raising a family . I just want to say Thank You for all the wonderful advice you are giving to young people !
So great to hear that. Awesome! You're welcome!
@@TomoFujitaMusic , Peace Brother !
Classical guitar is actually easier, five finger discount.
I love how he talks about cleaning up his channel while doing the blues shuffle. Almost sounds like an actual song.
Thank you!
You know I've been watching a lot of youtube tutorials for decades now but I really love yours the most. It's like I don't have to rush or feel like I will fall behind the lesson. You always teach from scratch making sure the viewers get the best out of it. You also are very kind and humble personality. You spend your valuable time to reply to our comments. I've utter respect for you. I never got to attend music school or any music classes ever but watching your videos and trying to learn something is always worthy for me. Thank you so much ))
So great to hear that. You made my say! Thanks so much!!
Tomo is such a sweetheart it motivates me to continue practicing to make him proud
Thank you so much!
I have ADHD and dyslexia, I have been struggling to learn the guitar for 12 years...and still cannot play well, I hadn't given up, but seeing people surpass me in a shorter amount of time is disheartening, but who knows one day I might catch up.
Please be kind to yourself and all you need to is not to hurry at all. Take your time! Try this fingering exercise first!
Just so that you remember. Thousands and thousands of normal people with no disability too struggle.
Sending Lots of Love and positive vibes your way :)
I also have ADHD and I understand how tough it is to learn, but Mr. Fujita makes a good points in his Guitar Wisdom to take your time, take notes which I do, in 2 weeks since subscribing to Guitar Wisdom I can say at this point there has been many light-bulb moments , I am able to retain more information in just 2 weeks then I have in the last few years since I started learning the guitar and keep reminding myself there is no rush , what I like to do after a theory lesson on Guitar Wisdom is find a song to learn, try to match that song with what you have learned for further reinforcement, enjoy the journey, cheers !!
I am from india. I am self thaught guitarist playing since 9 years. I am stuck too i am a pentatonic player. And luckily with God's grace i found a person named yogiclef he is like a big brother to me. And he is the one who really seriously insisted me to watch tomo fujita sir's videos. And trust me buy watching all his videos i feel so releaved and confident , his videos are truly a direction for all the self thaught guitarists like me and many others.
I hope you stay blessed and healthy and happy.
Thank you so much for sharing all the knowledge in the most paitent and loving manner.
Someday i will learn everything from your videos and be a good sensable player ❤.
Thanking you
NANDITH MISHRA
Thanks for sharing! You learned a quick way with visually. That's so easy to teach & easy to learn and will be stuck more than 10 years! You're very welcome! Thank you so much! Guitar is so great & make your life richer inside when you learn it proper way!
When I tried 09:03 my wife was so confused of why I'm doing that. I tried to explain but she didn't believe me until she looked into my monitor and see you Tomo. She doesn't know anything about guitar but she knows that you're my guitar guru for the past 1 year, so finally she believe me :) Thank you, sensei for all the lessons!
Ha ha! A lot of my students said.... "Is that Tomo?" when their wives hear some guitar playing, they can recognize my phrasing because my students listened me so many times. Very nice to hear that! I love silly dance! I do this type of things all the times in front of my family! Thank you!
as a beginner who can’t afford a guitar class i really appreciate amazing teachers like you that spend the time to create free resources for me to learn and pursue music!! much love and thanks again!!
You're very welcome! So happy to hear! Please enjoy!
Fully masterful lesson sir. There is much wisdom here for beginners as well as experienced players.
I think that this is the first time I've seen a top-tier ìnstructer using anything other than an over priced "aspirational" instrument. It's one of the best ways to get the message home that the logo on the headstock has no influence on a guitar's quality, and it's up to the player to get it to sing.
Thank you!! Please join my Guitar Wisdom. I teach everything there! Only $9.99 a month subscription video lessons so all you have to do is skip one lunch a month!
Excellent advice. I am self taught. I have played for 20 years on and off. I have only recently learned and understood the modal system. I will take your suggestion and focus on the triad positions.
Thanks for your excellent videos, sir!
Love from the UK
Thank you so much! Thank you for sharing! You can join my Guitar Wisdom for detail lessons. You're very welcome!
Mr Tomo you are truly a Sensei , not just a teacher. I've had "teachers" all my life, for the first time I feel I'm learning from a Sensei. The way you take your lessons beyond just guitar skills, is pure gold. You make the world worth living, and the guitar worth picking up 4 times a day.
Arigato Sensei ..
You are very welcome!!
Played 3 instruments as a kid, just now picking up guitar. Great place to start, and start right! Thank you sir.
Awesome!!!!
It's my first time listening to Mr. Tomo and what a dedicated individual he is. It was incredibly generous of him to offer these well thought out tips for every beginner guitarist out there. A real humbling experience.
Thank you so much!
I like how Mr. Fujita replies to every comment here
Thank you! Glad to hear that! I am so thankful!
@@TomoFujitaMusic you are a very humble person sir
This was an excellent tutorial. I am a self taught guitarist. For several years I have only occasionally picked up the guitar. I have been senior aged for several years now. I have recently started playing again to counter the arthritis in my hands. I have to limit myself as to how much and how long I play until I build the strength up in my hands. I will use these 7 steps as I begin my journey of reacquainting myself with the guitar. Thank you for sharing.
I know this is a year too late but im glad I found this, actually needed that posture advice
Thank you!!
Tomo has a hell of a resume, teaching people like John Mayer and Tyler from music is win least that I know of both great guitar players. I've had well one lol I'm pretty much self taught but my teacher actually cause me to quit playing luckily I picked it up again and have been able to teach myself but be careful who you pick to teach guitar I wish I had a guitar teacher like Tomo.
How so?
People have easy access to information nowadays. But sometimes we get lost. Tomo helps us find the right path.
Thank you!!
Shin'ainaru Sensei Tomo, I so appreciate your insight on what is important to use in a practice to grow as a self-taught guitarist and how to grow as a musician. The body posture, the back thumb positioning, easy beginning practice runs, the triads, and common runs for different music genres. Domo Arigatogozaimasu. Carol
Thank you so much!
Have you explored Guitar Wisdom? For a free lesson on Blues Turnarounds, please follow the link in my 8/23 newsletter: mailchi.mp/tfguitarwisdom/free-lesson. But don’t wait . . .
the link to the lesson will expire on August 26!
I like how while playing a blues rhythm, he just talks about stuff; like they do in blues
Thank you!
You are so kind and generous for taking your time to share with us more intermediate guitarist, thank you Tomo :)
My pleasure!
Tomo Strumming, Playing,Jazz,Funk, Everything. Gotta love it.
But most important thing.
Love for the music.
Tnhx for these Free lessons.
Played little over a year now, I just dive in to it. Free playing, just from ear. Then take these lessons in youtube. Gotta say im not bad. Found a love of my life. Guitar.
Thank you so much!! I am so thankful TH-cam!!
Thank you Tomo. you and the guitar are changing my life for the better.
So great to hear that! Thank you!
how do you join please
@@kiiza2886 My website tomojustfunky.com
Join today "Guitar Wisdom"
tomovhxtv.vhx.tv
I couldn’t agree with you more about doing the shuffling clean. That’s where I’m at , I can get the shuffle going but keeping it clean is another story.
Thank you so much!
I've been learning guitar by myself for 4 years, these tips definetly gonna be usefull ! Thanks a lot :)
Great to hear!
Dear Tomo,
Thank you. A lot! For being our teacher. TH-cam is blessed with your channel. I love your lessons. And I believe that “we” love you, our sensei.
You are welcome! Thank you!
This was rad. Im coming back to see more stuff from Fujita Tomo after i get my guitar. Very humbled by the thoughtful presentation of this content, the density of the information presented, and the easy ability Tomo has to teach. Too much school may have melted my brain, but i think the instructor ability to instruct can help you land the plane or crash it.
Thanks so much!
Playing standing up really helps too. Posture is really important sitting down. You Rock Thx for being the best ever student and teacher🤘🏽
Happy to help!
Tomo is definitely the Bob Ross of the guitar world lol. And it’s awesome
Thank you!
I haven’t even started watching this video yet, but I wanted to say that in my opinion, there is no such thing as a self taught guitarist these days. We learn from a plethora of teachers and hold very few dear to our hearts the whole journey. Even though I’m not an official Berkeley student, (and have yet to finish any course in its totality that I have signed up for)….I consider my best teachers to be the ones that us slow students keep …. throughout the whole journey…. returning to again and again and learning the most from. Thank you, 💜Tomo….for all you have taught us!🙏
Thank you so much for sharing! You're right about that... so many sources of lessons indirectly over internet. You're very welcome!
I Wish All My Students Knew THESE Before They Came To Berklee
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This video too!
How To Learn Theory, Ear Training and Jazz
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You have always been my favourite teacher on this platform. Thanks for everything you do for guitar learners like us, Sensei.
So great to hear that. Thank you!
Learning how to win is the easiest when you learn it from a winner! do not recall where i heared this, but this is my credo, that's why im here with you!
Thank you!
Your energy is contagious! Thanks for helping a young at heart old lady keep the hands moving. Thanks for sharing your gift with us so freely. Whenever I need a lift out of depression I'll watch your videos and It never fails to inspire and spark the creative side of my brain. Peace and harmony to you always. Forever a student, Suzanne/Bluesjammer Su
So great to hear that. Thank you so much! Guitar can heal things and make everything so positive!
I needed a lift tonight myself and I always feel better after watching one of Tomos videos ☮️🎸🎶🙏
I'm glad you spoke about the first paragraph. It's always tough for me as I feel a bit like a brownnose. I will remember this.
Thanks for sharing! Glad you liked this video!
All this information it's so useful for all of us that like to play guitar. No matter how much time we have playing. You're the best teacher. Thanks Master Tomo.
So great to hear that! Thank you!
Be a good human, put good in the world, be good to yourself be good to others ......wow what good advice!!!☮️❤️
Thank you so much!
Probably one of the most important videos I've watched in a long time on TH-cam!
So great to hear that. Thank you!
I'm 15 and came back to playing guitar yesterday (i tried a few times before but i never managed to keep consistent) so i'm very much a beginner. I'm looking for any good tips and lessons, and i just discovered your channel, and i wanted to let you know that you're the coolest guitar teacher i've ever seen. Thanks for this video
Thank you so much! Please join my Guitar Wisdom. You're very welcome!
Thank you so much! I learned a few new things watching this, much appreciated.
Here are a couple things I'd like to add that have helped me a lot. I play classical, but it goes for everyone.
1) This was brought up in the video, but just to reiterate, posture and positioning are key. Not only for playing properly, but also for playing year over year. Music injuries are no joke, I threw my back out from holding the guitar improperly, and I'm a healthy middle aged guy. People, like me, don't realize that holding your body in an asymmetrical position for years on end is bad for you :) Also, sitting upright and holding the guitar properly will greatly increase your abilities over a few months. I probably progressed more over the past year than my whole life.
2) Play often, but for short periods. Don't spend too much time in a single session or you will be at a detriment. Ideally you play for 30 minutes to an hour, take a 30 minute to an hour break, repeat. This will allow you to progress rapidly and helps immensely with memorizing a piece. It's no different than working out. Stress, Rest, Repeat.
3) Nails, use them. Learn how to shape them, learn how to finger pick, learn how to position right hand appropriately. I finger = 90d angle on the string, M & A fingers 70d-80d, P finger sharp 10d-20d angle. Nails ramp, land the string against flesh AND nail, gently close hand from the first knuckle after the one connected to hand (PIP). Keep last knuckle loose, don't contract it (unless you want that plucking sound) and when you drag the finger in the nail should ramp into a flat release point with the string. Use a nail filer to keep the nails clean, smooth out the finest details. Warning, be ready for loud twangs while learning lol.
4) Learn basic scales and basic chords. Practice landing chords without having to reposition fingers after landing. Practice tremelo techniques, very helpful for good tempo stability and attacking specific strings rapidly with all fingers.
5) Pick a song and stick with it. Play other stuff as well, but make sure you practice the one song frequently until you are able to play it 5 times in a row without error. By then, you will have learned a lot, and will have a feeling of accomplishment that will keep you pushing forward. A mistake I made in my early teens was trying to learn all my favorite songs. I'd learn the cool riff from them, but that was it. You need to be able to play songs though, if you plan to perform that is.
Thanks for sharing a lot!! Thank you!!
You are such an kind person. Whenever I feel down, listening to you brings back my believe in humanity. Greetings from germany.
Thank you! It's important basic as a human. Be nice! and nice to others. Thankful from Boston
thank you so much for this tomo!! i’ve been playing for 14years without instruction and this is exact the type of guidance i’ve been looking for!!!
truly grateful you shared this with us all ❤️
You're so welcome!
Mr. Fujitsu you are a treasure. Posts like this reinvigorate my faith in the good in people in this world. Your message is spot on. I have been playing guitar, self-taught, for 28 years. I have been in a rut for so long that the rut seems normal. Your post like this reawakens my desire to shake out of that rut, to get to the details. To correct form. To Understand. Thank you. Thank you thank you thank you.
So great to hear that. Guitar can make anyone's life much better inside! Thank you! Try these and more detail lessons are at my Guitar Wisdom. $9.99 a month subscription video lessons.
@@TomoFujitaMusic Guitar is my release, my escape. I'm not very good, even after all this time, but I enjoy it and that matters more to me. I do want to learn more so I will consider your classes. Thanks.
Thank you, Tomo. You've been my favorite online guitar. Your mottos don't worry, don't compare, don't expect too fast, and be kind to yourself, have been a constant reminder for me on my journey of guitar playing. Really appreciate you making so much free content for beginners like me to advance. Hope you are well!
You're welcome! You got my word of wisdom! Thank you!
wow. the cleanest most effortless strumming.
Thank you!