Nile Rodgers on Good Times, Good Living, and Good Practice
Tuesday Quotes are short explorations of music, life, and the daily endeavor of practicing classical guitar. Find more here. Enjoy!
“Don’t be a drag – Participate! Clams on the half shell, and rollerskates!”
Nile Rodgers (Chic)
Good times! Is this not one of the main reasons we play guitar? Ultimately, we’re looking for a good time.
But what does this mean? Are we supposed to smile the whole time? Laugh out loud and slap a knee? Not necessarily.
For good times, in any area of life, we engage. We participate. We give it our full attention and energy. Even in “passive” good times, like reading or watching a movie, we immerse and focus.
On guitar, this means if we clap and count a rhythm, we do it aloud, using our voice. No pulling punches.
When we face challenging bits, we lean in. We explore from different angles. We may toy with fun rhythms. Or we may use the Add-a-Note method.
The important part is that we bring our full self to the task at hand. We do our best. We’re serious about our play, like children.
This doesn’t mean that every practice goes well. It doesn’t mean we won’t sometimes miss the mark or feel frustrated. But it does mean that we take full responsibility for our attention and energy.
Classical guitar is no easy feat. The key is to enjoy the process of learning. Like a yard dog with a hambone, we can relish knawing away at our scales and pieces.
And this becomes its own reward. Practice becomes our favorite part of the day. Good times!
Hi, I’m Allen Mathews.
I started as a folk guitarist, then fell in love with classical guitar in my 20’s. Despite a lot of practice and schooling, I still couldn’t get my music to flow well. I struggled with excess tension. My music sounded forced. And my hands and body were often sore. I got frustrated, and couldn’t see the way forward. Then, over the next decade, I studied with two other stellar teachers – one focused on the technical movements, and one on the musical (he was a concert pianist). In time, I came to discover a new set of formulas and movements. These brought new life and vitality to my practice. Now I help guitarists find more comfort and flow in their music, so they play more beautifully.
Click here for a sample formula.
Since a year ago with my subscription to CGS it has been for me a pleasurable adventure and a discovery of all the facets of the classical guitar.
Your dedication and enthusiasm, as well as your talent, in the tuition is quite contagious (well, lets hope also for your talent) and has made it fun and useful in my progression. Also the weekly tip that you mail us and the Facebook group is excellent.
~ Michel Donnet
-Michel Donnet
Allen, your website and teaching methods are excellent. You have an easy going yet encouraging way of inspiring people to learn and practice their art. And you are always accessible to your students to personally answer questions. I appreciate ... that personal touch. The course on reading rhythm and playing higher up the neck I found particularly helpful. God bless you and many thanks.
~ Joe Bazan
-Joe Bazan
“Success lies in relentless execution of the basics.”
Join the program that takes you from the beginning fundamentals to advanced mastery, so you…
- Move your hands safely and fluidly
- Enjoy fulfilling practices and meaningful work
- Play beautifully with expression and flow
Click the button to take a step towards an
organized, effective guitar practice. >>>
