"Accelerate Your Guitar Playing" by Tomo Fujita

[Tomo]

This is Bb blues! There are I VI II V!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUWlqqSLcEU&feature=rec-HM-fresh+div

Tomo

[Ooogie]

This is Bb blues! There are I VI II V!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUWlqqSLcEU&feature=rec-HM-fresh+div

Tomo

Nice jam, you're sounding great as usual there Tomo!!!

Mark

[John Hurtt]

This is Bb blues! There are I VI II V!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUWlqqSLcEU&feature=rec-HM-fresh+div

Tomo


Nice, Tomo! :phones

[AndyFender]

Tomo,

How did you like the sadowsky guitar?

[Tomo]

Nice jam, you're sounding great as usual there Tomo!!!

Mark

Hi Mark,

Thank you so much! Will Lee is fun guy to hang out!

Tomo

[JMarck]

Hi Josh,

Thank YOU! I am glad to hear things are working out for you. Great!

Warm ups & daily routine (productive and less time!)

1) Do fingering & picking ex.. chromatic ll .. (you know.. 12123212..thing)
do this about 5-10 mins not more than that!) without a metronome.
Make sure your sound is loud enough to bother someone.. then pick really really soft and work on both hands timing.

2) Practice Rt 3rd 7 groove over blues changes.. start with E blues?
Set your metronome around 45... then 50,55,..40.. etc.

3) Sing your solo while you comp (Rt37) or other grooves from my AYGPdvd.

4) Practice blues soloing over A blues... try to say something within 2 chorus. and make sure you can play a la B.B King or a la Albert King.
Limit your notes!

Enjoy!

Thanks,

Tomo

Tomo-

You're the man! Seriously! Thanks for giving me advice on some practice routines! One thing I have really gotten into is playing scales and rhythms, like you mentioned, over different times on the metronome (50, 55. 60, 75, 80, 82). It really is a great way to practice! I am working on bettering my time and my rhythm.

I keep my practice routines short and sweet just like you said to do. This is a really nice way to concentrate and get down to business.

Here's my routine I've been practicing with for the past month..

10 minutes- practice alternate picking/fingerings (chromatics, 1234, 1243, 1324)
15 minutes- practice rhythms/scales over metronome
15 minutes- sight reading practice
20 minutes- Jam over blues changes

That's a rough sketch of how its been..I've also incorporated ALOT from AYGP in there as well!

BTW, that video you posted sounded fantastic!

--Josh

[Tomo]

Nice, Tomo! :phones

Thanks John!!!

Tomo

[Tomo]

Tomo,

How did you like the sadowsky guitar?

Hi,

It was very comfortable. Actually ... I don't remember exactly... because I just showed up and played it. It was fun jam! Will sounded fantastic as usual.

Tomo

[windfeld]

Just sent my payment:D. Can't wait to get started with this material. it seems to be the real deal. Thanks Tomo! :D

[Tomo]

Just sent my payment:D. Can't wait to get started with this material. it seems to be the real deal. Thanks Tomo! :D

A,

I just shipped it today. Hope you will surprise this package! A lot of my passion in it. You will receive it in 3-4 days?

Thanks,

Tomo

[Impper]

I just got Tomo's AYGP from Amazon. Loaded it up and went through the whole DVD once, and was inspired to go straight to the rhythm/sight reading section! Truly awesome stuff, Tomo... I will be adding this to my daily practice. Funky stuff!

By the way, the demonstration with the volume swell solo was SWEET!

[Tomo]

I just got Tomo's AYGP from Amazon. Loaded it up and went through the whole DVD once, and was inspired to go straight to the rhythm/sight reading section! Truly awesome stuff, Tomo... I will be adding this to my daily practice. Funky stuff!

By the way, the demonstration with the volume swell solo was SWEET!

Thank you so much! I am glad that you are happy with my dvd. Thanks for your kind words.

Please work on Rt 3 7 groove over blues... try slower tempo than the booklet says...

Thanks! I got that magic pot!

Tomo

[Gino*]

Hi Tomo,

I just got your DVD and I'm loving it. It's much different from any other lesson materials I have used. I love the crazy chromatics. You make it all very enjoyable. Thank you.

[Tomo]

Tomo-

You're the man! Seriously! Thanks for giving me advice on some practice routines! One thing I have really gotten into is playing scales and rhythms, like you mentioned, over different times on the metronome (50, 55. 60, 75, 80, 82). It really is a great way to practice! I am working on bettering my time and my rhythm.

I keep my practice routines short and sweet just like you said to do. This is a really nice way to concentrate and get down to business.

Here's my routine I've been practicing with for the past month..

10 minutes- practice alternate picking/fingerings (chromatics, 1234, 1243, 1324)
15 minutes- practice rhythms/scales over metronome
15 minutes- sight reading practice
20 minutes- Jam over blues changes

That's a rough sketch of how its been..I've also incorporated ALOT from AYGP in there as well!

BTW, that video you posted sounded fantastic!

--Josh


Hi Josh,

Thanks for writing! I am very happy to hear that... you're welcome!

1st and 2nd week... I covered some of those daily routine topic at Berklee. I some of them were doing too mechanical ... or too much major scale? (2 octaves)... So we fixed with practical ideas.

This week... for blues playing... less is more type approach and we worked on hand grip, bending ideas... So many students are SRV, JM fans... so we needed to revisit hand position and ideas. Very important to use less pressure and accurate bending technique. You can't just push one idea... visits several possibilities and ...

Do 1234 and 1212... with slow (no metronome for timing quality)

Do sight-reading section very well.

For jamming over blues changes... do Rt 3 7 groove over blues... and sing "Melody" and prepare for melodic soloing.... don't just "Go" type practice.

Preparation, "Do" and review of what you have done. So "recorder" is great teacher for you and save you time!!!

So don't just play and play... You need to improve your soloing.. but what area? Very specific!

Thanks for your kind words!

Listen to B.B King "Blues is king" "Live at the Regal"
Albert King "Born under a bad sign" Listen to just these cds. Pick 2-3 cds.
Don't listen to anything else just less cds and inject blues into your body!!!
That's #1 important thing to do for blues playing. Remember just 2-3 cds.
4 cds? That's too much information!

Less is much more!

Tomo

[Tomo]

One more,,,, I have been listening this cd everyday...

Gary Morse "Resophonic Rodeo"
http://resophonicrecords.com/

Just get this cd and listen!!! You gain so much interesting way around blues playing. You can jazz up very easily... 3rd riffs alone it's worth it!

Tomo

[Tomo]

Tomo-

You're the man! Seriously! Thanks for giving me advice on some practice routines! One thing I have really gotten into is playing scales and rhythms, like you mentioned, over different times on the metronome (50, 55. 60, 75, 80, 82). It really is a great way to practice! I am working on bettering my time and my rhythm.

I keep my practice routines short and sweet just like you said to do. This is a really nice way to concentrate and get down to business.

Here's my routine I've been practicing with for the past month..

10 minutes- practice alternate picking/fingerings (chromatics, 1234, 1243, 1324)
15 minutes- practice rhythms/scales over metronome
15 minutes- sight reading practice
20 minutes- Jam over blues changes

That's a rough sketch of how its been..I've also incorporated ALOT from AYGP in there as well!

BTW, that video you posted sounded fantastic!

--Josh

Josh,

Check this out! Great blues guitar lesson from you know who?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UqwQAtpUik

Tomo

[sausagefingers]

Josh,

Check this out! Great blues guitar lesson from you know who?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UqwQAtpUik

Tomo
Cool Tomo, thank you. I think that guy :bow has pretty good tips :D

[JMarck]

Josh,

Check this out! Great blues guitar lesson from you know who?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UqwQAtpUik

Tomo

Tomo-

That's such a cool vid.. you really taught John well! Enjoyed the lesson very much!

--Josh

[Tomo]

Hi Tomo,

I just got your DVD and I'm loving it. It's much different from any other lesson materials I have used. I love the crazy chromatics. You make it all very enjoyable. Thank you.

Gino,

I just shipped your "Hot Set" by priority mail so you will receive it in a few days. Hope you enjoy it!

Thank you so much for using my AYGP dvd. Thanks for your kind words.
It's crazy so ... please play it slowly! Great to hear that.

Check this (It's in Japanese.. but click the clip please!)
http://guitar.digimart.net/2009/02/post_288.html

Tomo

[Gino*]

Hey Tomo,

Got it today. There's a ton of stuff here, I don't know where to start.

Thank you

[voiceless]

just started on the DVD last week, 4343-2343-2123-4321

i never realised how much i sucked at descending! im so glad i've got these exercises to practice each night now. I've already noticed more note clarity in other areas... Thanks Tomo!

[Tomo]

just started on the DVD last week, 4343-2343-2123-4321

i never realised how much i sucked at descending! im so glad i've got these exercises to practice each night now. I've already noticed more note clarity in other areas... Thanks Tomo!

Thank you so much for your notes. Some reason most guitarists start to practice 'major scale' or "penta tonic" but those make your finger spread and it's difficult to have nice movement (less movement and relax position)

Great to hear your result from my AYGP dvd. That's my goal... I would like you yo improve your playing.. even small.. but steady...

Please these warm ups (slowly) without a metronome.

Thanks,

Tomo

[TopDog]

I went through all of the rhythm stuff Ex 19, the Jazz swing Ex 20 , and the R&B stuff. I can play it all very cleanly and in good time with the metronome on 2 and 4. It's great stuff for getting your rhythm chops down, timing, or just going back to review some fundamentals.

However the first funk exercise is a serious b***h for me!

I've had to work on this one very slowly to make sure I was playing it in time and cleanly. Which surprised me because I play a lot of JB and other funk covers so my funk chops are pretty solid or so I thought. Anyway I'm almost there with this one - but that's the fun, working on something until you get it down. I love learning new stuff!!!

Great stuff Tomo...Thanks

[Tomo]

I went through all of the rhythm stuff Ex 19, the Jazz swing Ex 20 , and the R&B stuff. I can play it all very cleanly and in good time with the metronome on 2 and 4. It's great stuff for getting your rhythm chops down, timing, or just going back to review some fundamentals.

However the first funk exercise is a serious b***h for me!

I've had to work on this one very slowly to make sure I was playing it in time and cleanly. Which surprised me because I play a lot of JB and other funk covers so my funk chops are pretty solid or so I thought. Anyway I'm almost there with this one - but that's the fun, working on something until you get it down. I love learning new stuff!!!

Great stuff Tomo...Thanks

Great to hear that... you are doing well! Thanks for your comments. I really appreciate your time and your passion.

Muting is very useful for many playing setting and styles. Keep working swing groove with Rt37 voicing too.

Those funk exercises are came from my blues/funk lab at Berklee. It's fun stuff! Enjoy it. You sounds like a very experienced player. Very good! You can go far and deep ... having great clean chops... it's good for you!

Take your time. Thank you very much! This was my dream! I made my AYGP video in 1998 (In Japan). I told to my producer... "I would like to make this as English version someday!" He said.. "We could" and we did!

Tomo

[Snail]

Hi Tomo,

I got your video about a week ago, after coming across this thread, and I just wanted to thank you. It is an incredible video and booklet, and it's given me enough for lots and lots of practice. Already it's helped me to realize how sloppy my playing is, and how to improve.

Also, your comments here show how generous a teacher you are. I wish I could take some of your classes. Keep up the good work!

Thanks,

Brendan

[TreyD0g]

Tomo, i also received your DVD a couple weeks ago. i am very impressed and have already learned and improved on many techniques discussed in the video. thank you for this opportunity to really "accelerate my guitar playing".

[Tomo]

Hi Tomo,

I got your video about a week ago, after coming across this thread, and I just wanted to thank you. It is an incredible video and booklet, and it's given me enough for lots and lots of practice. Already it's helped me to realize how sloppy my playing is, and how to improve.

Also, your comments here show how generous a teacher you are. I wish I could take some of your classes. Keep up the good work!

Thanks,

Brendan

Hi Brendan,

Thank you very much! I am very happy to hear that. Key is practice slow and record yourself. Don't compare others too much or don't worry what people are saying... you want find your goal and your own path with your comfortable pace. Music is not competition and it's fun to keep going!

Thanks for your kind word. I am very fortunate that I have job ..... What I really enjoy and it makes me very happy person!

Thanks again!

PS, If you are interested my class... check out my Tone Merchant Clinic dvd.

Tomo

[EricAtUNC]

Hi, I'm hoping Tomo or someone else who has the AYGP can help me with some specific questions about the Section #4 Rhythm exercises.

In 24a and 24b (this also could apply to other exercises as well), when Tomo plays the muted notes, I can't tell if the muting is coming from the left hand, right hand, or a combination of both. I also can't tell exactly what strings are being muted. All of them or just some of them?

I'm trying to practice these very slowly, but I want to be as accurate as possible, muting with the proper hand and muting the proper strings.

Thanks for any help.
Eric

[Tomo]

Hi, I'm hoping Tomo or someone else who has the AYGP can help me with some specific questions about the Section #4 Rhythm exercises.

In 24a and 24b (this also could apply to other exercises as well), when Tomo plays the muted notes, I can't tell if the muting is coming from the left hand, right hand, or a combination of both. I also can't tell exactly what strings are being muted. All of them or just some of them?

I'm trying to practice these very slowly, but I want to be as accurate as possible, muting with the proper hand and muting the proper strings.

Thanks for any help.
Eric

Hi Eric,

Thanks for asking. Good question. I am at Berklee now so I will check it later. Make sure...

Muting is very valuable technique. Basically you want to mute unwanted notes all the time. Move your finger less so that your finger won't pull off the string to make unwanted notes. It's hard.

In order to notice this details. Set your amp brighter and use a rear pickup and hear all noises and work on your clean technique.

When I practice here at Berklee... I set my Hot Rod Deluxe this way.
Bright SW on!
Treble 12
Mid 5
Bass 0!!!

And...... I only use a rear pickup!!!

Still you get warm tone from how you pick and how soft your left hand pressure to strings..

Thanks,

Tomo

[EricAtUNC]

Thanks Tomo.

I have been playing the rear pickup with bright amp settings. I'm just not sure exactly HOW or WHAT to mute in these specific exercises.

For example, should I palm mute, or mute with my fretting hand, or a little of both? Should I strike just the first 3-4 strings when muting or all 6? I don't know if it matters in relation to these exercises, but when I am playing them, if I should be muting them a certain way, I want to practice it that way.

Eric

[Tomo]

Thanks Tomo.

I have been playing the rear pickup with bright amp settings. I'm just not sure exactly HOW or WHAT to mute in these specific exercises.

For example, should I palm mute, or mute with my fretting hand, or a little of both? Should I strike just the first 3-4 strings when muting or all 6? I don't know if it matters in relation to these exercises, but when I am playing them, if I should be muting them a certain way, I want to practice it that way.

Eric

Hi Eric,

It's funny! I was just using that exercise today.. at Berklee. Real title is
R&B groove!

Mute by your left hand ONLY! You strum everything by your right hand.

It's not easy! And use 1st & 4th finger for single note (bass line) so
you can use 2nd & 3rd fingers for mute.

Enjoy!

Tomo

[Tomo]

Tomo, i also received your DVD a couple weeks ago. i am very impressed and have already learned and improved on many techniques discussed in the video. thank you for this opportunity to really "accelerate my guitar playing".

Thank you so much for your kind words. Hope you like my clean technique.

You're very welcome!

Tomo

[EricAtUNC]

Hi Eric,

It's funny! I was just using that exercise today.. at Berklee. Real title is
R&B groove!

Mute by your left hand ONLY! You strum everything by your right hand.

It's not easy! And use 1st & 4th finger for single note (bass line) so
you can use 2nd & 3rd fingers for mute.

Enjoy!

Tomo

Thanks Tomo! That's exactly what I was looking for. Now, when I'm muting with my left (fretting) hand like you said, should I strum all 6 strings, or just the strings that I am muting with my left hand?

Thanks again, I'm really enjoying the DVD.

Eric

[Tomo]

Thanks Tomo! That's exactly what I was looking for. Now, when I'm muting with my left (fretting) hand like you said, should I strum all 6 strings, or just the strings that I am muting with my left hand?

Thanks again, I'm really enjoying the DVD.

Eric

Hi Eric,

I am glad to hear that. Try all possible ideas for yourself! Enjoy!

Thank you!

Tomo

[Tomo]

Any AYGP dvd fan?

Thanks,

Tomo

[JS335]

My favorite instructional dvd.

[Tomo]

My favorite instructional dvd.

Thank you so much!!!!

Tomo

[DOMINIC]

Tomo will the Mayer clinic come out on dvd for the public?

[John Hurtt]

Tomo will the Mayer clinic come out on dvd for the public?


+1...that would be cool!

[Tomo]

Tomo will the Mayer clinic come out on dvd for the public?

Which one are you talking about? BPC?

Tomo

[DOMINIC]

Which one are you talking about? BPC?

Tomo

When John Mayer was there...

It's only available to Berklee students....I REALLY want to watch the footage of it and will pay for the DVD. Will it come out? THANKS!

[chell]

Yeah it would be great if they released that to the general public.

[morphthecat]

Hi - new to this thread, but thought I would ask...

1) What would you start with first, AYGP DVD or the TGP Hot Set?
2) How much is the TGP Hot Set?

Thanks!

[Tomo]

Hi - new to this thread, but thought I would ask...

1) What would you start with first, AYGP DVD or the TGP Hot Set?
2) How much is the TGP Hot Set?

Thanks!

I think my AYGP dvd is great place to start ... email me about the TGP Regular set or Hot Set.

music@tomofujita.com

Thanks,


Tomo

[chell]

Does the DVD teach sight-reading or does it assume you already know how to sight-read?

Thanks!

[Tomo]

Does the DVD teach sight-reading or does it assume you already know how to sight-read?

Thanks!

No need to worry any experience. Thanks!

Tomo

[Tomo]

+1...that would be cool!

So then...here we go!

http://www.berkleemusic.com/welcome/mayer_clinic

Tomo

[Tomo]

When John Mayer was there...

It's only available to Berklee students....I REALLY want to watch the footage of it and will pay for the DVD. Will it come out? THANKS!

http://www.berkleemusic.com/welcome/mayer_clinic

Tomo

[chell]

Unfortunately you have to have an account at Berklee. It would be great if they made it available to everyone.

[Tomo]

Unfortunately you have to have an account at Berklee. It would be great if they made it available to everyone.

I didn't know. Can you buy it?

Tomo

[DOMINIC]

I didn't know. Can you buy it?

Tomo

you would think they would at least give you a copy..you were part of the whole thing..lol

[chell]

I didn't know. Can you buy it?

Tomo

As far as I know they're not selling it either... which is a shame :-(

John is such a great musician and songwriter and in my opinion his advice shouldn't be limited to Berklee students only!

[Tomo]

As far as I know they're not selling it either... which is a shame :-(

John is such a great musician and songwriter and in my opinion his advice shouldn't be limited to Berklee students only!

I agree with you! You should write to Berklee. I will tell them too!

Thanks,

Tomo

[Tomo]

but..... if you take any online course... you have access there.

Tomo

[chell]

I'd love to take an online course at Berklee. I'm still in high school though which means that I can't afford 800$+ courses :-(

[Tomo]

I'd love to take an online course at Berklee. I'm still in high school though which means that I can't afford 800$+ courses :-(

You need to study your school work first! I want you to do your homework first then you can touch your guitar... Take your time! When you are ready.. Good education isn't cheap... same as private lessons.

Tomo

[chell]

Yeah I need to lay the foundation first for whatever I wanna do in life. I'm trying to get better at playing the guitar without spending too much money or letting my school work slip! But I am taking private lessons twice a month and I'm saving up money so I can get AYGP and the hot set!

[Tomo]

Yeah I need to lay the foundation first for whatever I wanna do in life. I'm trying to get better at playing the guitar without spending too much money or letting my school work slip! But I am taking private lessons twice a month and I'm saving up money so I can get AYGP and the hot set!

You are very smart! It's important to build a solid foundation. Sometime... you need ask your parents 's help... Good tube amp.. if you want my AYGP dvd or Hot set... get them first and pay it later... That's what I did for my gears and lessons when I was teen.... Private lessons.. You are doing well!
Make a lot of efforts!!!!!! Hard work will make your life happier later!

Tomo

[chell]

Thanks for your encouragement Tomo! I really appreciate it. Right now I'm working with a Squier Classic Vibe 60s strat and a Fender Champ 600 amp... Not the best guitar and amp and certainly not capable of getting the tone I really want but until I can afford better gear I like how clean the Champ is... doesn't hide my mistakes.

In the future I'm planning to get a Blues Jr. and possibly a John Mayer strat or that new Black One they're working on - to get my tone closer to where I want it to be.

I'm about half-way there with the money for the Hot Set... When I get some more money next month I'll order it!

[Tomo]

Thanks for your encouragement Tomo! I really appreciate it. Right now I'm working with a Squier Classic Vibe 60s strat and a Fender Champ 600 amp... Not the best guitar and amp and certainly not capable of getting the tone I really want but until I can afford better gear I like how clean the Champ is... doesn't hide my mistakes.

In the future I'm planning to get a Blues Jr. and possibly a John Mayer strat or that new Black One they're working on - to get my tone closer to where I want it to be.

I'm about half-way there with the money for the Hot Set... When I get some more money next month I'll order it!

You're welcome! I wish my son ask my help about guitar playing... he is really into sports... actually he plays his guitar pretty good... got good time.

Great to hear that you got good gears. That's good enough for now. Champ 600 has enough brightness? Use your rear pickup more and don't touch your guitar tone control (full 10!).

Great plan! JM strat is really great. You don't need to change anything. Same way a Blues Jr. Great amp. Hot Rod Deluxe is great too.

I don't sell my AYGP dvd... (you can buy it at any internet store..) For the Hot Set.. if you want.. you can have it now and pay me later.. that's ok too.
I will stuff a lot of lesson material..but don't show to your guitar teacher! Email me!

Tomo

[chell]

Your son can be proud to have a dad who is not only an incredibly talented and advanced guitar player but also very generous, helping people out on the internet!

The champ probably isn't as bright as other amps but using the rear pickup as you suggest will help that.

I'll email you about the hot set and I won't tell my guitar teacher I promise :-)

Thanks again!!!

[Tomo]

Your son can be proud to have a dad who is not only an incredibly talented and advanced guitar player but also very generous, helping people out on the internet!

The champ probably isn't as bright as other amps but using the rear pickup as you suggest will help that.

I'll email you about the hot set and I won't tell my guitar teacher I promise :-)

Thanks again!!!

Thanks for your kind words! I don't know... He doesn't know ... I try to teach him (without notice)... not to think himself too much... it's tough!

Thanks for writing... I just packed your package. It was difficult to seal...too big!

Keep to yourself! Hope you will enjoy this. I am packing more and I will go to the Post Office later.

I like your strength. Very good! Don't forget that.

Tomo

[alvarete]

Hi Tomo,

I bought your AYGP through Amazon, and wow! It's an amazing resource, lots of information to be had, cleanly organized, and very well explained. I just wanted to thank you, I've been with it for a month, and I've noticed improvements in my picking technique, coordination, speed and understanding of the fretboard. I use it to supplement the classes I receive at Music School, and it's proving incredibly useful! Lots of exercises I haven't found anywhere else... So, all the way from Madrid: thank you!

Alvaro

[C.SCAN3]

What is the difference between the AYGP and MAYGP? I want to get one or both of these. Thanks for any and all help.

[Tomo]

Hi Tomo,

I bought your AYGP through Amazon, and wow! It's an amazing resource, lots of information to be had, cleanly organized, and very well explained. I just wanted to thank you, I've been with it for a month, and I've noticed improvements in my picking technique, coordination, speed and understanding of the fretboard. I use it to supplement the classes I receive at Music School, and it's proving incredibly useful! Lots of exercises I haven't found anywhere else... So, all the way from Madrid: thank you!

Alvaro

Hi Alvaro,

Thank you so much for your kind words! I am glad to hear that you are using my AYGP dvd to improve your playing.

You're very welcome and thank you! Great to see your progression... Great!
Practice your routine with slower pace... very good!!!

Actually a lot of music school(especially in Japan) people are using my AYGP dvd as supplement ... and I use this same way with my Berklee students.
They can watch many times to understand with details.

Thank you!

Tomo

[Tomo]

What is the difference between the AYGP and MAYGP? I want to get one or both of these. Thanks for any and all help.

Thanks for asking. My AYGP dvd has 4 parts.

1) Fingering and picking...

2) Fretboard, Ear Training...

3) Rhythm, muting, sight-reading...

4) Grooves... Blues, Funk, Swing.

So mostly focus on important fundamental.

Then my MAYGP dvd is focused more single note playing...
Triad related major scale forms in many ways.... so you see what possibles.. (7 parts).

Sight-reading, same note in different places, Ear Training...

then there are many etudes (you can use it right away).
Classical, blues and jazz.

Walking Bass line basics to advance.

Something like that. I highly suggest to get both and watch a few times each. Then you can set your own goal with your own pace. You don't have to do them all or do them by numbers.

Quality is more important than anything!!!

Thanks,

Tomo

[John Hurtt]

Thanks for asking. My AYGP dvd has 4 parts.

1) Fingering and picking...

2) Fretboard, Ear Training...

3) Rhythm, muting, sight-reading...

4) Grooves... Blues, Funk, Swing.

So mostly focus on important fundamental.

Then my MAYGP dvd is focused more single note playing...
Triad related major scale forms in many ways.... so you see what possibles.. (7 parts).

Sight-reading, same note in different places, Ear Training...

then there are many etudes (you can use it right away).
Classical, blues and jazz.

Walking Bass line basics to advance.

Something like that. I highly suggest to get both and watch a few times each. Then you can set your own goal with your own pace. You don't have to do them all or do them by numbers.

Quality is more important than anything!!!

Thanks,

Tomo

I found that both dvd's were beneficial without the other, but together really offer a ton of technique, exercises and will do what Tomo promises...Advance Your Guitar Playing".

[Bobby D]

i really do like this DVD.

one really cool, yet seemingly SMALL thing that has really made a difference was how Tomo instructed us to use the metronome on 2 and 4, and set it to half speed......it really does help with "swinging" and groove....

Tomo, your DVD makes me wish I had gone to Berklee instead of New College down here in Florida :YinYang

I'm 44, been playing since i was 5, and still take lessons, watch youtube instructions, and keep learning new tricks. i may be an "old dog", but I can still keep learning.

[Tomo]

I found that both dvd's were beneficial without the other, but together really offer a ton of technique, exercises and will do what Tomo promises...Advance Your Guitar Playing".

Hi John,

Thank you so much for your kind words! Glad to hear that you use both.

When I made the AYGP Video (in 1998) .... I already had my idea for More AYGP dvd....

Thanks again!

New video..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Km9Lbw5Nf0&feature=channel_page

Tomo

[Tomo]

i really do like this DVD.

one really cool, yet seemingly SMALL thing that has really made a difference was how Tomo instructed us to use the metronome on 2 and 4, and set it to half speed......it really does help with "swinging" and groove....

Tomo, your DVD makes me wish I had gone to Berklee instead of New College down here in Florida :YinYang

I'm 44, been playing since i was 5, and still take lessons, watch youtube instructions, and keep learning new tricks. i may be an "old dog", but I can still keep learning.

Hi Bobby,

You know... 44 is new start of your life. For me... I have more fun since 40... just half of way of your life. So I am hoping that you can enjoy your guitar playing with right direction...

We all have different choices and different life styles... all good.
That makes us each special.

Thank you so much for your kind words. You can set a metronome like that or you can set all beats... and play slow blues etc... or you can groove without a metronome. Having choices in life is good thing.

Have a great day!

Tomo

[C.SCAN3]

Thanks a lot Tomo.


Thanks for asking. My AYGP dvd has 4 parts.

1) Fingering and picking...

2) Fretboard, Ear Training...

3) Rhythm, muting, sight-reading...

4) Grooves... Blues, Funk, Swing.

So mostly focus on important fundamental.

Then my MAYGP dvd is focused more single note playing...
Triad related major scale forms in many ways.... so you see what possibles.. (7 parts).

Sight-reading, same note in different places, Ear Training...

then there are many etudes (you can use it right away).
Classical, blues and jazz.

Walking Bass line basics to advance.

Something like that. I highly suggest to get both and watch a few times each. Then you can set your own goal with your own pace. You don't have to do them all or do them by numbers.

Quality is more important than anything!!!

Thanks,

Tomo

[CharAznable]

Waiting for my DVD to come in.. I'm sure I won't be disappointed!

I feel that now I'm practicing seriously for the first time in 20 years of playing.

I'm tackling "Suite No 1" by Robert Fripp right now, and I've been going at it with a metronome every night for the past week and a half. My ability has increased immensely and I see that reflecting itself in two ways:

a) My normal "noodling" is becoming more fluid. Before, I had two right hand stances, one for normal playing and one for fast burst playing. I was hard for me to switch in the middle of the solo. Now I feel I can play faster and more precise with my normal stance.

b) As I tackle new sections, each one becomes easier than the previous one.

However, I think I am running against limitations of my self-taught, possibly incorrect technique. I have severe relaxation problems: the piece involves 3 straight minutes of alternate picked 16th notes at something like 180bpm. 5 bars of that make my forearm feel like it's burning. I think it has to do with incorrect picking technique, among other things.

I am hoping Tomo's DVD will help me overcome these issues

[Tomo]

Thanks a lot Tomo.

You're welcome.

Check here too..
http://halleonard.com/search_items.jsp?keywords=tomo+Fujita&catcode=00&type=product


Tomo

[rul8agn]

Come on, Tomo! I emailed you earlier tonight and it took you 13 minutes to get back to me. That's way too long! LOL!!!! You are awesome! About to send payment for the TGP Regular Set. Can't wait.

[Tomo]

Come on, Tomo! I emailed you earlier tonight and it took you 13 minutes to get back to me. That's way too long! LOL!!!! You are awesome! About to send payment for the TGP Regular Set. Can't wait.

Sorry! That's too long! AYEM (email!).

Thanks! I will put much lesson material. It's worth waiting!

Thanks again.

Tomo

[Tomo]

Waiting for my DVD to come in.. I'm sure I won't be disappointed!

I feel that now I'm practicing seriously for the first time in 20 years of playing.

I'm tackling "Suite No 1" by Robert Fripp right now, and I've been going at it with a metronome every night for the past week and a half. My ability has increased immensely and I see that reflecting itself in two ways:

a) My normal "noodling" is becoming more fluid. Before, I had two right hand stances, one for normal playing and one for fast burst playing. I was hard for me to switch in the middle of the solo. Now I feel I can play faster and more precise with my normal stance.

b) As I tackle new sections, each one becomes easier than the previous one.

However, I think I am running against limitations of my self-taught, possibly incorrect technique. I have severe relaxation problems: the piece involves 3 straight minutes of alternate picked 16th notes at something like 180bpm. 5 bars of that make my forearm feel like it's burning. I think it has to do with incorrect picking technique, among other things.

I am hoping Tomo's DVD will help me overcome these issues

It's great resource to check your foundation one more time... Several great session players .... they are very happy to use my AYGP dvds. I am sure that you can use them and improve more.

Having good technique is not just how fast you can play... how your tone, time... everything... in order to use effectively and musically. You can have enough foundation and technique ... you don't have to show off..

Try them. Thanks.

Tomo

[Tomo]

Waiting for my DVD to come in.. I'm sure I won't be disappointed!

I feel that now I'm practicing seriously for the first time in 20 years of playing.

I'm tackling "Suite No 1" by Robert Fripp right now, and I've been going at it with a metronome every night for the past week and a half. My ability has increased immensely and I see that reflecting itself in two ways:

a) My normal "noodling" is becoming more fluid. Before, I had two right hand stances, one for normal playing and one for fast burst playing. I was hard for me to switch in the middle of the solo. Now I feel I can play faster and more precise with my normal stance.

b) As I tackle new sections, each one becomes easier than the previous one.

However, I think I am running against limitations of my self-taught, possibly incorrect technique. I have severe relaxation problems: the piece involves 3 straight minutes of alternate picked 16th notes at something like 180bpm. 5 bars of that make my forearm feel like it's burning. I think it has to do with incorrect picking technique, among other things.

I am hoping Tomo's DVD will help me overcome these issues

Play things slow first, how to relax both hands... these are very important. and each booklet tells you details. (80 pages!)

Tomo

[CharAznable]

It's great resource to check your foundation one more time... Several great session players .... they are very happy to use my AYGP dvds. I am sure that you can use them and improve more.

Having good technique is not just how fast you can play... how your tone, time... everything... in order to use effectively and musically. You can have enough foundation and technique ... you don't have to show off..

Try them. Thanks.

Tomo


DVD arrives today! Can't wait!

Thank you for taking the time to respond to your users, Tomo.

I really have no interest in shred or showing off or whatnot, but I do have a serious technique deficiency. I'm pretty happy with my phrasing and tone and vibrato, but there are times when I feel hamstrung by my own hands.

I watch videos of say, Holdsworth, and what crosses my mind is not "wow, I wish I could play that fast!" but more like, I wish I would be like him in that my mind is not constrained by what my hands can do.

[Tomo]

DVD arrives today! Can't wait!

Thank you for taking the time to respond to your users, Tomo.

I really have no interest in shred or showing off or whatnot, but I do have a serious technique deficiency. I'm pretty happy with my phrasing and tone and vibrato, but there are times when I feel hamstrung by my own hands.

I watch videos of say, Holdsworth, and what crosses my mind is not "wow, I wish I could play that fast!" but more like, I wish I would be like him in that my mind is not constrained by what my hands can do.

That's great news! Thank you so much.

Good to hear that..... you want to have enough room... and be able to play things ... you can really relax too.

If you can practice big notes (longer duration with more space) and play them with slow tempo... try to make your guitar sing... keep your left hand totally relax (as if you are holding a thin paper... or as if your hand is sleeping...) That what I push.. when I teach guitar... how to relax!

Thanks again!


Tomo

[CharAznable]

Thanks Tomo!

Got the DVD yesterday.

Read the bit in the booklet about holding the pick softly, and watched how you hold the pick in your hands, and how it "wobbles" because you're basically holding it as soft as possible.

I used to hold the pick very tight and pick hard. I compensated by using heavy strings. Last night I ran through some of the exercises while focusing on holding the pick softly. By the end of the night I had realized great improvement in right arm relaxation.

I also found out that I could pick hard if I needed using elbow strength instead of finger strength while holding the pick softly, without the pick flying off. This greatly increases my ability to stay relaxed.

a) The slap guitar is SICK.
b) What amp/pedals are you using for the free-time blues demo? The tone is amazing!

[Tomo]

Thanks Tomo!

Got the DVD yesterday.

Read the bit in the booklet about holding the pick softly, and watched how you hold the pick in your hands, and how it "wobbles" because you're basically holding it as soft as possible.

I used to hold the pick very tight and pick hard. I compensated by using heavy strings. Last night I ran through some of the exercises while focusing on holding the pick softly. By the end of the night I had realized great improvement in right arm relaxation.

I also found out that I could pick hard if I needed using elbow strength instead of finger strength while holding the pick softly, without the pick flying off. This greatly increases my ability to stay relaxed.

a) The slap guitar is SICK.
b) What amp/pedals are you using for the free-time blues demo? The tone is amazing!


Thanks for your review. Basically less use your pressure ... you will have more control...

Great to hear your improvement. You made me really happy!

I don't use my wrist or finger strength... as you see....

If you get my Hot Set... I will give you a lot of lesson material included
slap guitar booklet.

1965 Pro Reverb. And Klon Centaur #16!

Thanks.

Tomo

[CharAznable]

Klon Centaur #16!

Dammit! I was hoping that wasn't the case ;)

[Tomo]

Dammit! I was hoping that wasn't the case ;)

You mean ... my overdrive sound right? Mostly I played clean tone from that Pro Reverb.

Tomo

[CharAznable]

You mean ... my overdrive sound right? Mostly I played clean tone from that Pro Reverb.

Tomo

Yeah, the overdrive sound. It's amazing. I was hoping it wasn't a Klon because they're expensive.

[morphthecat]

Hi Tomo - just got my AYGP DVD a couple of weeks ago and can really see that my practice is more focused and effective! Thanks again - and i'm buying MAYGP real soon!

[Tomo]

Yeah, the overdrive sound. It's amazing. I was hoping it wasn't a Klon because they're expensive.

Fender Pro Reverb! That's great amp too. I requested 1965 all original Pro Reverb. Rittor Music found that (in Japan!) I brought my own tubes(NOS).

Tomo

[John Hurtt]

Fender Pro Reverb! That's great amp too. I requested 1965 all original Pro Reverb. Rittor Music found that (in Japan!) I brought my own tubes(NOS).

Tomo


Tomo,

When you went to record this, you took your Fender SRV, a pedalboard and some tubes?

[PosterBoy]

I've just had AYGP and MAYGP through my door, I can't wait to start delving into them. The hot set should also be on it's way to me, so It's going to be eating sleeping and dreaming Tomo for the next few years!

[Tomo]

Hi Tomo - just got my AYGP DVD a couple of weeks ago and can really see that my practice is more focused and effective! Thanks again - and i'm buying MAYGP real soon!

Thank you so much! Watch the dvd a few times and pick a few exercises from each section. No need to follow the orders.

Please let me know how it goes.... and make sure you plug your guitar into an amp. Set up loud enough so that you pick soft and carefully.

I look forward to.

Thanks.

Tomo

[Tomo]

Tomo,

When you went to record this, you took your Fender SRV, a pedalboard and some tubes?

That was 1997 in Tokyo..... I just brought my Fender SRV strat and pedals. (I didn't have a pedal board). Back then... my set up was ... Amp, Wah, OD and guitar. Yes, I brought my tubes... I love tubes!

Tomo

[Tomo]

I've just had AYGP and MAYGP through my door, I can't wait to start delving into them. The hot set should also be on it's way to me, so It's going to be eating sleeping and dreaming Tomo for the next few years!

Thank you so much for your passion on improving guitar playing.

How's it going with my AYGP and MAYGP?

Thanks for ordering Hot Set. It has been really great... I got many orders from people who got a lot of passion on guitar... I am very happy to see....

Hope you are doing well.

Thanks,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Km9Lbw5Nf0&feature=channel_page


Tomo

[John Hurtt]

That was 1997 in Tokyo..... I just brought my Fender SRV strat and pedals. (I didn't have a pedal board). Back then... my set up was ... Amp, Wah, OD and guitar. Yes, I brought my tubes... I love tubes!

Tomo

Tomo,

Another quick question if you don't mind. How long did the sessions take for the dvd?

[Tomo]

Tomo,

Another quick question if you don't mind. How long did the sessions take for the dvd?

Which session? Video (AYGP)? One day... we started around 10 am... Did all demo performances first in couple of hours then all exercises part.... maybe we finished 8 or 9 pm! No dinner! That what I remember!

MAYGP ... different story... I requested to do that video at different place near Mt Fuji... not city of Tokyo.

Why you asked? I am curious.


Tomo

[John Hurtt]

Which session? Video (AYGP)? One day... we started around 10 am... Did all demo performances first in couple of hours then all exercises part.... maybe we finished 8 or 9 pm! No dinner! That what I remember!

MAYGP ... different story... I requested to do that video at different place near Mt Fuji... not city of Tokyo.

Why you asked? I am curious.


Tomo


Answer is the same, just curious. :)

[Tomo]

Answer is the same, just curious. :)

Hi John,

I was curious too!

Thanks again for your warm support! I am very lucky to share my AYGP, MAYGP dvd to everyone. They are doing well!

And thanks to everyone for supporting my TGP Hot Set. It has been soooo good. Keeps me busy packing!

John, you may have most of my stuff... dvd...cd..... and lesson material?

You have TGP Dynamite Set!

Tomo

[John Hurtt]

Hi John,

I was curious too!

Thanks again for your warm support! I am very lucky to share my AYGP, MAYGP dvd to everyone. They are doing well!

And thanks to everyone for supporting my TGP Hot Set. It has been soooo good. Keeps me busy packing!

John, you may have most of my stuff... dvd...cd..... and lesson material?

You have TGP Dynamite Set!

Tomo

I do have about all your material, I believe. It's really been very instructive to me on both a technique standpoint and also from an attitude standpoint. :cool:

[dimperdoo]

I do have about all your material, I believe. It's really been very instructive to me on both a technique standpoint and also from an attitude standpoint. :cool:


How's the singing going?

I too cannot sing per se...

But, at least a couple times a week I'm doing the scales. It'll be like "seee, deee, eeee, effff, jeee..." I kinda felt like a retard for the first few times - but, my voice improves too. that's win/win.

[Tomo]

I do have about all your material, I believe. It's really been very instructive to me on both a technique standpoint and also from an attitude standpoint. :cool:

You do! Great to hear that. Thanks for checking them out.

If you live closer.... you can visit to my house for private lesson or Tone lesson.... Fun thing to do.

Tomo

[John Hurtt]

How's the singing going?

I too cannot sing per se...

But, at least a couple times a week I'm doing the scales. It'll be like "seee, deee, eeee, effff, jeee..." I kinda felt like a retard for the first few times - but, my voice improves too. that's win/win.


:facepalm My singing is horrible...I do this while no one is around. :hide

[John Hurtt]

You do! Great to hear that. Thanks for checking them out.

If you live closer.... you can visit to my house for private lesson or Tone lesson.... Fun thing to do.

Tomo

I'd like that, plus keep in mind you have an open invitation to drop by if you ever make it out this way. :RoCkIn

[dimperdoo]

:facepalm My singing is horrible...I do this while no one is around. :hide

lol I noticed you comment about it in the TGP hot set thread (or some-such)

Struck me right off - since I had to muster my cajones and give it a try. Of course, if I had to do it when no one was around I would never get a chance. :puh-their problem

yeah, I'm checking out AYGP - ordered it off amazon and it's en-route.

[MichaelX]

Hey Tomo,

Just ordered the japanese versions of AYGP 2,3 and Etudes.

Look forward to working with 'em.

[Tomo]

Hey Tomo,

Just ordered the japanese versions of AYGP 2,3 and Etudes.

Look forward to working with 'em.

Hi Mike,

Thank you so much. Let me know your reaction on my AYGP 3 & Etude dvd (You will see... something different from my AYGP series.)

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Tomo

[John Hurtt]

lol I noticed you comment about it in the TGP hot set thread (or some-such)

Struck me right off - since I had to muster my cajones and give it a try. Of course, if I had to do it when no one was around I would never get a chance. :puh-their problem

yeah, I'm checking out AYGP - ordered it off amazon and it's en-route.


:rotflmao My singing can clear out a room....scary bad!

[Tomo]

:rotflmao My singing can clear out a room....scary bad!

Well, my singing can scare my wife! but I practice my singing for my guitar playing. Very important! Funny dance too!

Tomo

[John Hurtt]

Well, my singing can scare my wife! but I practice my singing for my guitar playing. Very important! Funny dance too!

Tomo


Dancing...another skill I don't possess. :banana

[Tomo]

Dancing...another skill I don't possess. :banana

As long as you have good smile. Everything is ok after that!

Now I am listening tracks from NY session. What a snare sound from Steve Jordan! Wow! And Will Lee's bass groove.

Are you wake in West?

Tomo

[stratman34]

I ordered this a few weeks ago, watched the video but haven't had a chance to really get into it yet. Looks like a great program! I'm sure I'll spend most of my summer in it and a couple of other books I bought.

Tomo, I did have an oddball question for you - what's the story on the two saddle styles on the strat in the video?

[Tomo]

I ordered this a few weeks ago, watched the video but haven't had a chance to really get into it yet. Looks like a great program! I'm sure I'll spend most of my summer in it and a couple of other books I bought.

Tomo, I did have an oddball question for you - what's the story on the two saddle styles on the strat in the video?

Thank you so much! Let me know more later.... email me about the saddles. I will let you know.

Tomo

[John Hurtt]

As long as you have good smile. Everything is ok after that!

Now I am listening tracks from NY session. What a snare sound from Steve Jordan! Wow! And Will Lee's bass groove.

Are you wake in West?

Tomo

I'm sorry, Tomo, I just saw this. I take it from your post that the sessions are going well for the new album? :BEER

[Tomo]

I'm sorry, Tomo, I just saw this. I take it from your post that the sessions are going well for the new album? :BEER

Hi John,

No problem. Yes. I am very happy! I got amazing tracks with Steve Jordan and Will Lee. Actually I am listening funky song from that session.

Talk to you soon,

Tomo

[John Hurtt]

Hi John,

No problem. Yes. I am very happy! I got amazing tracks with Steve Jordan and Will Lee. Actually I am listening funky song from that session.

Talk to you soon,

Tomo


Absolutely! Any tentative date on the new material being released? :)

[Tomo]

Absolutely! Any tentative date on the new material being released? :)

I don't set any specific date.. because I really want to spend enough time to mix these tunes... I got really amazing musicianship.. takes.. tone.. groove...

Berklee's final will be next week and I will be in Japan soon! I can't wait to eat TonKatsu!


Tomo

[John Hurtt]

I don't set any specific date.. because I really want to spend enough time to mix these tunes... I got really amazing musicianship.. takes.. tone.. groove...

Berklee's final will be next week and I will be in Japan soon! I can't wait to eat TonKatsu!


Tomo

:) TonKatsu....wait, you told me about this once a couple years ago. Deep fried pork and rice? Wait, deep fried pork and cabbage?

Are you going to Japan to perform or to do more recording?

[Tomo]

:) TonKatsu....wait, you told me about this once a couple years ago. Deep fried pork and rice? Wait, deep fried pork and cabbage?

Are you going to Japan to perform or to do more recording?

Man, I found really great Tonkatus (speciality)place in Shinbashi(Tokyo).

Yes, bread-coated fried pork over rice. I am gonna perform and a lot of private lessons in Japan.

Kyoto & Tokyo! ...Kyo-to... To-kyo...

Tomo

[chell]

I need to get into Japanese food. Added that to my to do list. So far I've only had Chinese and some Indonesian. Japanese sounds yummy.

I'm excited for your new album, Tomo! Not only a great guitar player but Steve Jordan playing drums!!

What would be really cool would be you playing with Pino Palladino, Steve Jordan and John Mayer, John Mayer Quartet or Tomo Fujita Quartet ;-) I love JM Trio stuff.

[Tomo]

I need to get into Japanese food. Added that to my to do list. So far I've only had Chinese and some Indonesian. Japanese sounds yummy.

I'm excited for your new album, Tomo! Not only a great guitar player but Steve Jordan playing drums!!

What would be really cool would be you playing with Pino Palladino, Steve Jordan and John Mayer, John Mayer Quartet or Tomo Fujita Quartet ;-) I love JM Trio stuff.

Japanese food is great! I love Rice, Tofu... I love Italian food too!

Good stuff is usually universally great! Like music!

Thank you very much! Me too! I have been listening my recording...

Well, Steve Jordan, Bernard Purdie and Steve Gadd!!! It's my dream album.

John is very busy right now... hope you can listen these.... maybe he will sit in... you never know....

I would love to join JM trio! That will be awesome!!! John is a fantastic guitar player... it's treat to play with him.

Look forward to!

Tomo

[mnjordan]

I just got AYGP, and I love it.

Tomo, just like I said in my email, you're the man. Your playing, tone, everything - top notch. I wish I could be a student!

[Brave267]

Hey all -
I've been meaning to pick up an Instructional Guitar DVD to improve my playing -
This sounds like a good one to pick up.

[Tomo]

I just got AYGP, and I love it.

Tomo, just like I said in my email, you're the man. Your playing, tone, everything - top notch. I wish I could be a student!

Thank you so much! Thanks for your kind words. It's fun to work on playing... Hope we can meet somewhere... someday!

Email me anytime.

Tomo

[chell]

Japanese food is great! I love Rice, Tofu... I love Italian food too!

Good stuff is usually universally great! Like music!

Thank you very much! Me too! I have been listening my recording...

Well, Steve Jordan, Bernard Purdie and Steve Gadd!!! It's my dream album.

John is very busy right now... hope you can listen these.... maybe he will sit in... you never know....

I would love to join JM trio! That will be awesome!!! John is a fantastic guitar player... it's treat to play with him.

Look forward to!

Tomo

I don't want to turn this into Accelerate Your Food Taste but I love Italian food too, well food in general! It's like music... delicious and a joy to make and eat!

I'm looking forward to your record! I know it's gonna be great. If John sits in on it that would awesome too! My two favourite contemporary guitarists: You and JM. Love other guitarists too of course.

Will get your AYGP DVD in the future.

[Tomo]

Hey all -
I've been meaning to pick up an Instructional Guitar DVD to improve my playing -
This sounds like a good one to pick up.

Thank you for your interest. It's nice to work on your foundation... yes you can improve your playing... so you can enjoy more your playing.. (music part). Hope you get my AYGP dvd.

Thanks,

Tomo

[triviani]

It's funny Tomo, I live in Japan and will have to wait months until amazon delivers me the copy I ordered.. apparently they will have to import it from somewhere else!

But I learned how patience is appreciated over here.. :)

mata!

[John Hurtt]

Man, I found really great Tonkatus (speciality)place in Shinbashi(Tokyo).

Yes, bread-coated fried pork over rice. I am gonna perform and a lot of private lessons in Japan.

Kyoto & Tokyo! ...Kyo-to... To-kyo...

Tomo

Food and music...sounds like a great trip! :AOK

[Tomo]

It's funny Tomo, I live in Japan and will have to wait months until amazon delivers me the copy I ordered.. apparently they will have to import it from somewhere else!

But I learned how patience is appreciated over here.. :)

mata!

You mean... you ordered English version (myAYGP dvd) from here to Japan!?

Can you read Japanese?
http://www.rittor-music.co.jp/tomofujita/

Thank you!

Tomo

[triviani]

You mean... you ordered English version (myAYGP dvd) from here to Japan!?

Can you read Japanese?
http://www.rittor-music.co.jp/tomofujita/

Thank you!

Tomo

I ordered the English version of AYGP, yap.

Thanks for the link, now I can practice guitar and kanjis at the same time.. :AOK

[Tomo]

Food and music...sounds like a great trip! :AOK

Good music & good food... something else good... makes my life more fun and happy!

I look forward to my trip to Japan.... I will be playing duo gigs this time. ...more jazz tunes...

Tomo

[Tomo]

I found this demo.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jamzeraKfl0&feature=related

"F Jazz Blues solo guitar"

Tomo

[uncle psychosis]

I really fancy picking this up---are there any clips/excerpts from the DVD that I can check out before I order it?

[Tomo]

I really fancy picking this up---are there any clips/excerpts from the DVD that I can check out before I order it?

If I can make clips ... I would do.... but it's all depend on Rittor Music.
Actually Japanese version has some video clips... Let me find it.

I will make some clips from Tone Merchants Clinic dvd... Good fellow GTPer is helping me... Click "sample" there...

AYGP dvd
http://www.rittor-music.co.jp/hp/video/guitar_data/01204520.htm

MAYGP dvd
http://www.rittor-music.co.jp/hp/video/guitar_data/01204521.htm

AYGP DVD3
http://www.rittor-music.co.jp/hp/video/guitar_data/02517217.htm

AYGP DVD4
http://www.rittor-music.co.jp/hp/video/guitar_data/04517204.htm

Etude dvd
http://www.rittor-music.co.jp/hp/video/guitar_data/04517214.htm

Classical dvd
http://www.rittor-music.co.jp/hp/video/guitar_data/05517206.htm

AYRG dvd (Rock)
http://www.rittor-music.co.jp/hp/video/guitar_data/03517202.htm

AYAG dvd (acoustic)
http://www.rittor-music.co.jp/hp/video/guitar_data/07517215.html

20 exs...
http://www.rittor-music.co.jp/tomofujita/seminar/index.html


Thanks,


Tomo

[uncle psychosis]

If I can make clips ... I would do.... but it's all depend on Rittor Music.
Actually Japanese version has some video clips... Let me find it.

I will make some clips from Tone Merchants Clinic dvd... Good fellow GTPer is helping me... Click "sample" there...


:BEER

Thanks Tomo, you've sold me on it :RoCkIn

[Tomo]

I ordered the English version of AYGP, yap.

Thanks for the link, now I can practice guitar and kanjis at the same time.. :AOK

Thank you for your trouble... Let me know when you get the dvd.

Good! Learn both at the same time!

What Japanese food do you like the most?

Tomo

[triviani]

Japanese food is delicious..

I love maguro. Miso soup and nabe during the winter, and the usual Izakaya meeting with friends!

[Tomo]

Japanese food is delicious..

I love maguro. Miso soup and nabe during the winter, and the usual Izakaya meeting with friends!

You tuned into Japanese! Maguro sashimi? Many good fish Ryori.....

Sukiyaki! Shabu-shabu...

I love Izakaya very much! Order a lot of different kind... Enjoy!

Tomo

[Tomo]

I ordered the English version of AYGP, yap.

Thanks for the link, now I can practice guitar and kanjis at the same time.. :AOK

Can you read this?
http://www.prosoundcommunications.com/tomofujita/archives/2009/05/post_2.html

Practice your Kanji!

Tomo

[triviani]

Cool.

it will take me a bit to read it all..

But I can go to your concert in Kyoto!

[Tomo]

:BEER

Thanks Tomo, you've sold me on it :RoCkIn

You're welcome! Thank you!

TMC dvd...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9M9lIb-_IU&feature=channel_page

Tomo

[John Hurtt]

Cool.

it will take me a bit to read it all..

But I can go to your concert in Kyoto!

Tomo-san, are you in Japan already?

[Tomo]

Tomo-san, are you in Japan already?

I HAVE BEEN HERE SINCE 5/20.... IT WAS GREAT TRIP!

SLOW BLUES JAM....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1ar9-SBiHA&feature=channel

GIBSON 1969 ES335
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmLtycE4Ctk&feature=channel_page

TOMO

[uncle psychosis]

Finally ordered a copy :)

[Tomo]

Finally ordered a copy :)

GREAT! THANK YOU.

CHECK THIS...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4Xji8oeah4&feature=channel_page

TOMO

[Tomo]

Tomo-san, are you in Japan already?

I am back here.... John Mayer was in Kyoto Japan..

Tomo

[chell]

Cool! Did you guys meet up? I want to travel to Japan some day... to experience a culture that's so unlike mine :-)

[jjboogie]

Tomo,
Would love to see ya next time I am in Japan........my band comes every year usually in December.....we often perform at the Billboard which used to be The Blue Note!

I have been to Japan three times and absolutely LOVE IT!

The people there are so wonderful and it is a gorgeous country!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Tomo]

Cool! Did you guys meet up? I want to travel to Japan some day... to experience a culture that's so unlike mine :-)

Not this time. My schedule was so tight! I had a great time in Japan. You should travel and experience different culture... it's really cool thing.

Thanks,

Kyoto
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4Xji8oeah4&feature=channel_page

1969 ES335
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmLtycE4Ctk&feature=channel_page

Tomo

[Tomo]

Tomo,
Would love to see ya next time I am in Japan........my band comes every year usually in December.....we often perform at the Billboard which used to be The Blue Note!

I have been to Japan three times and absolutely LOVE IT!

The people there are so wonderful and it is a gorgeous country!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Please email me before you go! I may go back around late Nov or early Dec.

Great to hear that you enjoy being in Japan. I love Japanese culture... really different from here.

Have you been to Kyoto Japan? More quieter than Tokyo... more traditional... old capital of Japan.

Tomo

[Tomo]

Cool.

it will take me a bit to read it all..

But I can go to your concert in Kyoto!

Did you?

Tomo

[John Hurtt]

I am back here.... John Mayer was in Kyoto Japan..

Tomo


Glad that you made it back. Can I assume you had a great trip?

[Tomo]

Glad that you made it back. Can I assume you had a great trip?

Hi John,

Thank you! It was a great trip.... it seems like... it's getting better every time I go there...

I posted several clips from this trip. I have more...

Now it's time to mix my upcoming cd!

Hope all is well with you and your family.


Tomo

[John Hurtt]

Hi John,

Thank you! It was a great trip.... it seems like... it's getting better every time I go there...

I posted several clips from this trip. I have more...

Now it's time to mix my upcoming cd!

Hope all is well with you and your family.


Tomo

Things kind of mixed here at home, my son has some continuing health problems but things will sort out. I'm looking forward to the new cd....any rough idea of the time frame when it will be available to buy?

[Tomo]

Things kind of mixed here at home, my son has some continuing health problems but things will sort out. I'm looking forward to the new cd....any rough idea of the time frame when it will be available to buy?

Hi John,

Sorry to hear that your son's health issue. My kids are doing ok.. but my son has back pain from sports....

Thanks for asking about my new cd. Basically I need to do a little by little (I make a fund myself each time...) so I am hoping that... 2010.

We are mixing a session of Steve Gadd & Will Lee right now.

Thanks,

Tomo

[John Hurtt]

Hi John,

Sorry to hear that your son's health issue. My kids are doing ok.. but my son has back pain from sports....

Thanks for asking about my new cd. Basically I need to do a little by little (I make a fund myself each time...) so I am hoping that... 2010.

We are mixing a session of Steve Gadd & Will Lee right now.

Thanks,

Tomo


Glad the family is doing well, and looking forward to hearing the new cd. Gadd and Will Lee on a tune....very cool!!

[Tomo]

Glad the family is doing well, and looking forward to hearing the new cd. Gadd and Will Lee on a tune....very cool!!

Hi John,

Thank you so much! My family is doing alright... I want to bring my daughter to China town in Boston...

So far... Steve Gadd & Will Lee session and Bernard Purdie & Will Lee session.. almost mixed ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3ZlByWRyIM&feature=channel_page
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mU3_yHUQKvE&feature=channel_page

...now we are working on Steve Jordan & Will Lee session..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQqABFnSMwI&feature=channel_page
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Km9Lbw5Nf0&feature=channel_page

Hope I can post a few tunes..

Tomo

[Tomo]

Thank you so much for your kind words and warm supports!

Tomo

[Tomo]

Thanks everyone! I enjoy reading all your emails!

Thank you.

Tomo

[Tomo]

Thank you very much!

Tomo

[Tomo]

I've had Tomo's instructional dvd now for a while and I thought I would post my impressions. First of all, this is a dvd/78 page booklet set. It's available through Hal Leonard, I found mine at a site linked through the HL website.

First of all, if you are looking for "licks from hell", this dvd is not for you. While Tomo's slap/pop funk technique is killer, this is more geared to working on your fundamentals and your overall musicality. I wish this would have been available 20 years ago, it would have kept me from developing many bad habits and lots of wasted time. Any beginner and intermediate player would really benefit from this, and more advanced players could definitely use this to clean up their technique and help develop their tone. Throughout the booklet you will find tips/pointers and directions from Tomo on how to make these exercises work for you.

"Accelerate" is broken down into four parts:

Part 1 focuses on fingering and picking exercises. Tomo goes throught the basics using chromatic scales to develop clean technique and facility on single string playing. From simple horizontal movement, crazy chromatics, string skipping, chromatic octaves and more, this section will really work out your fret/picking hand coordination.

Part 2 focuses on Intervals and Ear Training, really understanding the fretboard. Tomo advocates learning where all the notes are (it's amazing to me how many players need to really look to find where, say, all the C# are on their guitar). Tomo teaches simple ear training, and how a single note can have many colors.

Part 3 talks about Rhythm, Muting and Sight Reading. He works you through muting exercises for your fret hand, and how to apply them in different ways. This section is really where I found some issues with my own playing. I expect to really clean up my sound.

Part 4 is probably the most "fun" section of the course. Here Tomo works on blues changes and grooves. He teaches many different changes and grooves in many styles (swing, jazz, shuffles, R & B, funk). There are even a few exercises showcasing Tomo's incredible slap guitar technique.

One of the many things I liked about this instructional dvd is that the lessons logically build on each other. Plus, Tomo has lots of demo performances that are really beneficial to watch. And as a plus, Tomo is such an engaging and nice guy that even in the dvd he comes off as an instructor that you "want" to work for. This is more important than many people realize.

As you can tell I really like this dvd/booklet and would highly recommend it to anyone that is unhappy with their technique or tone.

:dude


Hey John,

Thank you so much! You wrote this .... four years ago? I have seen you many times at Winter NAMM. I feel like I have known you for long time!

Tomo

[Tomo]

Let's review on EX3 (1212 ....)

To go up (from 1st fret) 1212 3212 3432 1234 (up to 12 fret)

Then go down ...4343 2343 2123 4321

Play all 6 strings.

Try to concentrate : Timing, Tone, Touch...

Less movement.. less pressure from left hand.

Practice 3-5 minutes everyday for 2 weeks!

Enjoy!

Tomo

[GregoryL]

Hi Tomo,

I recently received my copy of your AYGP DVD and I'm really enjoying it. It's very well thought out.

I'm applying it to my mandolin playing as well - the fingering excercises work very well for mandolin.

Thanks for a great resource.

[Tomo]

Hi Tomo,

I recently received my copy of your AYGP DVD and I'm really enjoying it. It's very well thought out.

I'm applying it to my mandolin playing as well - the fingering excercises work very well for mandolin.

Thanks for a great resource.

Thank you so much for your kind words!

Great to hear that.... for your Mandolin playing.

Hope everyone can build their self-confidence from these exercises.

PS, Before my tape lesson ... I have worked on my 1212.. fingerings and

Like EX19... Root 3rd 7th voice groove... with Blues, jazz blues and Donna Lee, Confirmation, Blues for Alice, cherokee changes... several tempo settings...

Important key is... don't expect too fast and too much!

Keep your pace.. review stuff well... play slow... and look for details..

Thank you!

Have a great day!

Tomo

[Tomo]

Thanks for your emails... sorry for PMs....

Check out my "HOT SET"
http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=414039

Tomo

[uncle psychosis]

Today I started seriously working on the left hand muting exercises. I found the exercises where you play *on* the beat really really easy...the ones where you play offbeat too are nearly impossible for me at the moment. Any tips?

[Tomo]

Today I started seriously working on the left hand muting exercises. I found the exercises where you play *on* the beat really really easy...the ones where you play offbeat too are nearly impossible for me at the moment. Any tips?

Which EX number are you working on? Sight-reading rhythm part?

Do EX19 ... Bb Blues with Rt37... very slow.. Then set a metronome on 2&4 ...around 42-45 (metronome accent on 2&4 beat).

Then try to play slow blues with a metronome around 45-50(every beat).

Take your time!

Great to hear...

Check out "Hot Set"
http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=414039

Tomo

[uncle psychosis]

Which EX number are you working on? Sight-reading rhythm part?

It was 15 and 16 that I found particularly hard!

[Tomo]

It was 15 and 16 that I found particularly hard!

Set your tempo to your pace. And before you start... practice counting..

1 2 3 4.. or 1& 2& 3& 4&... It's fun 8th notes stuff.

You will get it. Please do it slow.

Thank you.

Tomo

[uncle psychosis]

Set your tempo to your pace. And before you start... practice counting..

1 2 3 4.. or 1& 2& 3& 4&... It's fun 8th notes stuff.

You will get it. Please do it slow.

Thank you.

Tomo

Thanks Tomo! Its actually my right hand thats screwing me up---either I "forget" to strum with it or my upstrokes hit air/only some of the strings. I'll get there eventually though!

[Tomo]

Thanks Tomo! Its actually my right hand thats screwing me up---either I "forget" to strum with it or my upstrokes hit air/only some of the strings. I'll get there eventually though!

Great to hear.. you are doing it well. Thank you.

Move your left hand motion more for these exercises.

And please work on EX19 Swing. Bb Blues with Rt 3rd 7th...

Gradually... use this idea into other keys.. jazz blues... standards...
My Hot Set includes a lot of these lesson material. Include Just Funky 's tab/music/transcription..
and Slap guitar, Walking bassline, jazz licks etudes, blues etudes....

Enjoy it!

PS, Check my MAYGP dvd (AYGP 2) for scale positions/triads relationship.
It's great way to review your fretboard knowledge.

Tomo

Tomo

[arcanis494]

Tomo,

Which of your DVDs would you recommend to an intermediate-advance player who has pretty good technique and can play pretty fast, but would like to take it to the next level (being able to play yngwie type stuff).

Thanks :)

[Tomo]

Tomo,

Which of your DVDs would you recommend to an intermediate-advance player who has pretty good technique and can play pretty fast, but would like to take it to the next level (being able to play yngwie type stuff).

Thanks :)

Always it's nice idea to tighten your belt before you go over more...

So I really recommend my AYGP dvd and MAYGP dvd for beyond intermediate to advance players. You can learn more in details and you want to improve more and more without stepping .. or hitting walls again.

Thanks for your interest.

Tomo

[arcanis494]

Thanks for the response.

Is MAYGP a sequal to or AYGP or just an extended version?

[Tomo]

Thanks for the response.

Is MAYGP a sequal to or AYGP or just an extended version?

Visit Hal Leonard site... hope they list contents.

AYGP dvd is focus on foundation, picking , rhythm guitar, sight-reading rhythms, grooves...

Then More AYGP is AYGP 2 dvd... focus on more toward single note playing,
scale forms/ triads/ Ear-Training/Blues etudes/Classical etudes/Jazz etudes/Walking bass line... etc.

It's only around $20-25..so nothing you can loose!

Key is not just spend your valuable quality time for practice time..

Prepare with productive idea with quality... improve forever!
Please don't limit yourself!

Tomo

[arcanis494]

I think I am going to order AYGP and then once I get in a routine with it order MAYGP and start integrating both into my practice routine?

Is that a good plan if my main goals for the moment are building up my speed some more and ear training?

Thanks

[Tomo]

I think I am going to order AYGP and then once I get in a routine with it order MAYGP and start integrating both into my practice routine?

Is that a good plan if my main goals for the moment are building up my speed some more and ear training?

Thanks

Great idea! Do that path. Yes. You can combine both to your practice routine.

Your speed and accuracy are your goal. but you need to build up your foundation and stamina... so that you won't get any pain or problems.

Adding speed is like you start running faster... if you run faster and faster without your warm up or foundation (stretch your body... push ups..sit ups...) You are gonna have a heart attack!

Preparation is your key! Yes, work on your time feel, ear training..

Enjoy!

Tomo

[arcanis494]

I just ordered AYGP from Amazon. Unfortunately, it will be 2-4 week until it ships since they were out of stock, but it gives something to look forward to.

[Tomo]

I just ordered AYGP from Amazon. Unfortunately, it will be 2-4 week until it ships since they were out of stock, but it gives something to look forward to.

Thank you so much! That's long time. Sorry about that.

I look forward to your reaction when you receive it.

Thanks again.

PS, TGP Hot Set is fun too! Many happy players!

Tomo

[Tomo]

Thanks everyone!

Tomo

[TMock]

I just ordered AYGP and MAYGP from Elderly. I can't wait until they get here. I've got a few months with a lot of time on my hands, so I'm looking forward to really digging into some good teaching materials.

[Tomo]

I just ordered AYGP and MAYGP from Elderly. I can't wait until they get here. I've got a few months with a lot of time on my hands, so I'm looking forward to really digging into some good teaching materials.

Thank you so much! You ordered both.. Great!

I shipped your TGP HOT SET today. Let me know when you receive it. Hope you like it.

Thanks again!

Keep in touch.

Tomo

[Brion]

Just ordered Both AYGP DVD's!! I'm anxious to dive into them.

[DaveSemach]

Hey guys and Tomo.
I just ordered AYGP. I think they'll help me in my situation, but I'd like some advice as well. But I would like to say a bit about where I am with the guitar and maybe get some suggestions on what else to look into (DVDs, Lessons, things I should be practicing, or just directions that I need to be looking at).

I've been playing for a long time, and I'd consider myself a intermediate player. I'm happy and bored with my sound. I play blues much like the way John Mayer plays blues, well, but maybe a bit regergitated. Not too exciting.
I am inspired every time I hear one of Steely Dan's guitarists solos, Frank Gambale, or this side of Tomo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Z4YFRQf9rE&feature=channel_page (not the slap).
I know it's all jazz/funk/rock. But I don't enjoy Jazz. What should I look into?

[Tomo]

Hey guys and Tomo.
I just ordered AYGP. I think they'll help me in my situation, but I'd like some advice as well. But I would like to say a bit about where I am with the guitar and maybe get some suggestions on what else to look into (DVDs, Lessons, things I should be practicing, or just directions that I need to be looking at).

I've been playing for a long time, and I'd consider myself a intermediate player. I'm happy and bored with my sound. I play blues much like the way John Mayer plays blues, well, but maybe a bit regergitated. Not too exciting.
I am inspired every time I hear one of Steely Dan's guitarists solos, Frank Gambale, or this side of Tomo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Z4YFRQf9rE&feature=channel_page (not the slap).
I know it's all jazz/funk/rock. But I don't enjoy Jazz. What should I look into?

Hi Dave,

Thank you so much for your order.

Could you tell me which part would you like to develop or change?

A lot of people can play blues well... but this means ... wide open... how well? You may enjoy blues if you can control over chord changes?

Would you like to get more better control over your guitar? Tone? Phrasing?

First, try to work on with my AYGP dvd. Check ex3 1212.... fingering & Picking... please do some groove exercise EX 19 etc. To me... foundation is really important. Then blues...

Enjoy!

PS, I am teaching Berklee Summer Guitar Session this week!

Tomo

[Tomo]

Just ordered Both AYGP DVD's!! I'm anxious to dive into them.

Hi Brion,

Thank you so much for ordering both AYGP dvds! Thank you.

Please let me know after you jump into them. I look forward to...


Tomo

[DaveSemach]

I am good with groove, feel, and tone. I would like to change my note selection. I would like to play less traditional blues and more like fusion. Less like Clapton and more like Frank Gambale.

To answer your question, no I don't play over changes very well. I play over I IV V well but not much else.

If I had known about the Berklee Summer session, I would have been there for sure. But it started this morning I see. This is the first I've heard of it.

[Tomo]

I am good with groove, feel, and tone. I would like to change my note selection. I would like to play less traditional blues and more like fusion. Less like Clapton and more like Frank Gambale.

To answer your question, no I don't play over changes very well. I play over I IV V well but not much else.

If I had known about the Berklee Summer session, I would have been there for sure. But it started this morning I see. This is the first I've heard of it.

That sounds good! So you want to add more color of chords.

Check this thread and work you your triads about a week or 2... see what will happen...
http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=87931

We do every year around mid August . Maybe next time.

Thank you for your writing!

Tomo

[DaveSemach]

Next August. I will remember.
Thanks

[Tomo]

Next August. I will remember.
Thanks

Yes, I look forward to meeting you next August!

I taught three classes today. It was fun!

Thank you.

Tomo

[John Hurtt]

Cool to see the responses from Tomo's teaching materials!!

[Tomo]

Cool to see the responses from Tomo's teaching materials!!

Thanks John!

I am writing a new series of instructional book. (for Rittor music so it's gonna be in Japanese). I have been working ideas and directions ... editor from Rittor loves my ideas. Hope this will build like my AYGP series. They are still doing very strong in the U.S. and Japan. I am very happy about that. I really enjoy when people rediscovered the joy of guitar playing. I love that.

PS, Thanks everyone who ordered my TGP Hot Set. I am enjoy packing it for you! As far as lesson materials... it lasts at least 2-3 years!
http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=414039

Thank you for your warm support.

Tomo

[rkrajeshin]

I just started to learn electric guitar for the past few weeks spending close to an hour everyday. I ordered Tomo's AYGP dvd and it is on its way home. Really excited to learn. Any pointers for this beginner would be great and also i'll post my learning exp's.

- Raj

[Tomo]

I just started to learn electric guitar for the past few weeks spending close to an hour everyday. I ordered Tomo's AYGP dvd and it is on its way home. Really excited to learn. Any pointers for this beginner would be great and also i'll post my learning exp's.

- Raj

Hi Raj,

Thank you so much! Your first post at TGP. Welcome to TGP.

The booklet is very important and please read carefully before you start your exercises. I can't not teach you as you go, but I would like to give you some hints and points.

Let me know when you receive it.

Thank you.

Tomo

[rkrajeshin]

Hi Raj,

Thank you so much! Your first post at TGP. Welcome to TGP.

The booklet is very important and please read carefully before you start your exercises. I can't not teach you as you go, but I would like to give you some hints and points.

Let me know when you receive it.

Thank you.

Tomo

Thanks Tomo, I received the DVD over the weekend, its very good. I went thru the booklet and i am on the first excercise. I'm doing it slowly, sometimes my fingers might touch other strings which i think will go away with regular practice. On the whole its really interesting to learn.

- Raj.

[Tomo]

Thanks Tomo, I received the DVD over the weekend, its very good. I went thru the booklet and i am on the first excercise. I'm doing it slowly, sometimes my fingers might touch other strings which i think will go away with regular practice. On the whole its really interesting to learn.

- Raj.

Hi Raj,

Great to hear that. You are not only one... everyone should play it with very slow tempo, so that you use less pressure and less movement.. you know?

Take your time, be patient. You will be happy later. Thank you!

PS, My Berklee semester just started today. My blues/ funk lab is full and my private lesson slots are all filled! I am very happy surrounded by great students who are willing to learn!

Tomo

Tomo

[rkrajeshin]

Hi Raj,

Great to hear that. You are not only one... everyone should play it with very slow tempo, so that you use less pressure and less movement.. you know?

Take your time, be patient. You will be happy later. Thank you!

PS, My Berklee semester just started today. My blues/ funk lab is full and my private lesson slots are all filled! I am very happy surrounded by great students who are willing to learn!

Tomo

Tomo

Thats very nice with great students around, Thanks Tomo.

- Raj

[Tomo]

Thats very nice with great students around, Thanks Tomo.

- Raj
Hi Raj,

Thank you very much. I am very fortunate.

It's great to see individual effort... I look forward to working with them in this semester.

1) When you practice your electric guitar, please use an amp (tube amp). Set treble higher than bass. T 7, B 3... like that. Keep your guitar Tone FULL 10. So that you can hear everything. Picking nuances, finger noise etc.

2) Practice 1234 thing ... side by side. Slowly.. very slow so that you won't make any finger noise. Pick softer. Set your volume pretty loud so that you can control your dynamics too. Don't use a metronome first.

3) Then you can practice 1212... EX3? Slowly.

4) Groove: Play Bb blues with Rt 3rd 7th... no metronome first.
Then set your metronome 2&4.... 42-48. Make sure your upstroke and mute all strings by your left fingers.

5) Try some rhythmic sight-reading. Count 1234 , 1&2&3&4&

First pick 3-4 items from my AYGP dvd and practice them. and review them.
Reviewing is the key to improve. not length of time...

If you can pick up my MAYGP dvd. Go over major scale forms.
and you can work on fretboard.

Enjoy!

Tomo

Tomo

[DaveSemach]

Hey Tomo.
I'm enjoying AYGP, and thank you very much for the "triad lesson" in another post.
The triad lesson in particular, I've found to be very helpful. My note selection is one area that I need the most work on.

Dave

[Tomo]

Hey Tomo.
I'm enjoying AYGP, and thank you very much for the "triad lesson" in another post.
The triad lesson in particular, I've found to be very helpful. My note selection is one area that I need the most work on.

Dave

Hi Dave,

Thank you so much! I am about to teach my blues/funk lab today. I teach in that styles... but I cover a lot great foundation so that students can learn things. Most people 's way of playing guitar... too fast and too much memorization involve. That's ok but you want to know each degrees etc.

I am happy to hear you enjoy my dvd and "triad lesson" Please do go over.. with each degrees and sing Do Mi So, Mi So Do, So Do Mi before you place your fingers on the fretboard. This way you make your guitar as part of your body. Don't visualize too much triads as CAGED forms. You use them to understand guitar not use them to play... a bit of difference there.

I showed "Triad" idea at my class... today, I will go over with Rt 3 7 form and be able to play changes with swing groove. Metronome on 2&4. And
Page 4" "Alternate picking" studies. More about rhythm ideas.

Thank you!

Tomo

[rkrajeshin]

Hi Raj,

Thank you very much. I am very fortunate.

It's great to see individual effort... I look forward to working with them in this semester.

1) When you practice your electric guitar, please use an amp (tube amp). Set treble higher than bass. T 7, B 3... like that. Keep your guitar Tone FULL 10. So that you can hear everything. Picking nuances, finger noise etc.

2) Practice 1234 thing ... side by side. Slowly.. very slow so that you won't make any finger noise. Pick softer. Set your volume pretty loud so that you can control your dynamics too. Don't use a metronome first.

3) Then you can practice 1212... EX3? Slowly.

4) Groove: Play Bb blues with Rt 3rd 7th... no metronome first.
Then set your metronome 2&4.... 42-48. Make sure your upstroke and mute all strings by your left fingers.

5) Try some rhythmic sight-reading. Count 1234 , 1&2&3&4&

First pick 3-4 items from my AYGP dvd and practice them. and review them.
Reviewing is the key to improve. not length of time...

If you can pick up my MAYGP dvd. Go over major scale forms.
and you can work on fretboard.

Enjoy!

Tomo

Tomo

Thanks Tomo for your tips, i'll work on what u suggested, it should definitely help. I'll keep you posted on my progress.

- Raj

[Tomo]

Thanks Tomo for your tips, i'll work on what u suggested, it should definitely help. I'll keep you posted on my progress.

- Raj

Hi Raj,

You 're welcome! I am at Berklee now. It's 8:25am. I will be teaching all day today from 10am-7pm. Please let me know your progress. My students are doing really well 2nd week. More rhythmic sight-reading and reviewing triads approach over chord changes. Some traditional blues playing (a lot of fun!!!).

Tomo

[LeeSympathetic]

I just remembered that I had ordered a DVD from amazon a few months ago after seeing this thread and have never received it! It's probably too late to do a claim thingy with amazon..probably got lost in the mail or something. I dont know if I want to spend another 20ish bucks to get another copy.

[Tomo]

I just remembered that I had ordered a DVD from amazon a few months ago after seeing this thread and have never received it! It's probably too late to do a claim thingy with amazon..probably got lost in the mail or something. I dont know if I want to spend another 20ish bucks to get another copy.

Sorry to hear that. I am an author of dvd and I don't do nothing to do with business side of this so I am sorry that I can't help you. You can claim it at Amazon and you should call or email at Hal Leonard corp. They are really great people. You want shout them. They will help you. And all document ready to show them. Thanks.

Tomo

[LeeSympathetic]

Thanks Tomo. And I already knew that my copy gone missing had nothing to do with you. I guess I will try contacting them and see if they can do anything.

[Tomo]

Thanks Tomo. And I already knew that my copy gone missing had nothing to do with you. I guess I will try contacting them and see if they can do anything.

Sorry about that. What I can do is if you ever want to order my TGP HOT SET. I can do 1/2 price for you so that you save more than what you paid your AYGP dvd. When you don't receive stuff like that you can always contact the seller. Take care.

Tomo

[big mike]

Thread moved to MFR/Retailer section.

As it's become more of a product thread...it belongs here in the interest of fairness to all MFR's and dealers.

Great video BTW.

[Tomo]

Thread moved to MFR/Retailer section.

As it's become more of a product thread...it belongs here in the interest of fairness to all MFR's and dealers.

Great video BTW.

Thank you so much Mike! Thanks for your help.

Do you have my TGP Hot Set?

Hope all is well with you.

Tomo

[Tomo]

Thanks everyone!

Tomo

[Tomo]

If you are working on my AYGP dvd and MAYGP dvd.... I recommend to get my Tone Merchant DVD.

Thank you.

Tomo

[Tomo]

I have some suggestions on how to use my AYGP dvd.

Watch a few times first, and pick a few exercises for you to practice.
Volume is not important so do less and do deep... slow...

For instance, fingering & picking... play them without a metronome for a while.
Keep it slow and play them with soft touch. Make sure that you use least amount pressure for your left hand. Relax!

Please practice EX19... practice slow first. Set your metronome at 40 (2&4)
maybe 52 on every beat (slow blues!) then apply this to any standard tunes.

One more, work on rhythmic sight reading. Say 1 2 3 4 or 1&2&3&4& while you play them. Count & play!

Enjoy!

Tomo

[Tomo]

Thanks everyone! It's really fun to read your emails, messages. Thank you!

Tomo

[bluesun]

I was re-reading the intro to the dvd about left-hand muting, and it says

'When playing on the 5th string, use the tip of your index finger to mute the 6th string'

So far so good!

'At the same time, use the side of your hand (along the pinky) to mute the higher strings (4 through 1)'

This, I don't get understand. Do you mean here to use the bottom of the pinky to mute the higher strings?

[dkaplowitz]

He means to use the edge of your hand, along the side of your pinky, to mute those strings.

[Tomo]

I was re-reading the intro to the dvd about left-hand muting, and it says

'When playing on the 5th string, use the tip of your index finger to mute the 6th string'

So far so good!

'At the same time, use the side of your hand (along the pinky) to mute the higher strings (4 through 1)'

This, I don't get understand. Do you mean here to use the bottom of the pinky to mute the higher strings?

Basically use all your fingers to mute unwanted strings. So keep your fingers close to strings.

Thanks for asking. Make sure that you use your amp, set a bit louder, brighter so that you can hear all noises.

Enjoy your clean playing!

Tomo

[Tomo]

He means to use the edge of your hand, along the side of your pinky, to mute those strings.

Thank you!

This is funky example. Please watch my left hand (fingers).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNsGZrsW90E

Tomo

[drod2045]

I see that there are 2 "Accelerate" DVD's - whats the difference between the 2? is one newer than the other?

http://www.amazon.com/More-Accelerate-Your-Guitar-Playing/dp/B0015LPRXI/ref=pd_sim_d_1

Thanks!

[Tomo]

I see that there are 2 "Accelerate" DVD's - whats the difference between the 2? is one newer than the other?

http://www.amazon.com/More-Accelerate-Your-Guitar-Playing/dp/B0015LPRXI/ref=pd_sim_d_1

Thanks!

Please check here to see difference. One is AYGP and MoreAYGP. 2 dvds.
http://www.halleonard.com/search/search.do?subsiteid=1&keywords=Tomo+fujita

And I co-produced others...
http://www.halleonard.com/search/search.do?subsiteid=1&keywords=accelerate+dvd

Thanks,

Tomo

[Tomo]

Thank you so much! I really enjoy all your emails regarding my AYGP dvds.

I am very happy to hear that my AYGP dvds worked for you. Thanks.

I just post this funky groove thing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6nNyzbUSLQ

Tomo

[Tomo]

Thanks everyone!

Tomo

[Bama93]

Thank you so much! I really enjoy all your emails regarding my AYGP dvds.

I am very happy to hear that my AYGP dvds worked for you. Thanks.

I just post this funky groove thing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6nNyzbUSLQ

Tomo

That's just sick! Great playing...
Michael

[Tomo]

That's just sick! Great playing...
Michael

Thank you so much!

Here is solo version that tune.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1xFyUU2uWA

Tomo

[Tomo]

Thanks everyone!

Tomo

[fazen]

My sister gave me the AYGP dvd for Christmas. I can't wait to get started.

[Tomo]

My sister gave me the AYGP dvd for Christmas. I can't wait to get started.

That's great sister! Hope you like my AYGP dvd. Please let me know how you like it. Thanks.

Tomo

[Tomo]

Thanks everyone! I really enjoy your comments.

Tomo

[gatordoc]

Thanks for the link. I meant to pick this up back when this thread was first started and then it slipped my mind. I thought someone here said that GC used to sell these but I couldn't find it when I looked back then.

[Tomo]

Thanks for the link. I meant to pick this up back when this thread was first started and then it slipped my mind. I thought someone here said that GC used to sell these but I couldn't find it when I looked back then.

Thank you so much! It's nice to have all fundamental ideas for your unlimited ability of playing! Please do. And please let me know your thought on my AYGP dvd.

Thank you.

Tomo

[Tomo]

Thanks for your interest. I am gonna do YouTube video lessons on Just Funky.... funk groove, soloing idea, slap guitar etc. Once a month from next month. Let me know if you have any request. Thank you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMluO_9Z6wQ

Tomo

[whitedogbanana]

Thanks for your interest. I am gonna do YouTube video lessons on Just Funky.... funk groove, soloing idea, slap guitar etc. Once a month from next month. Let me know if you have any request. Thank you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMluO_9Z6wQ

Tomo

I can't wait until the Just Funky lesson go online! I always enjoy your youtube lessons as they are simple and straight to the point.

Thanks Tomo!

[sleshnyc]

If I want to accelerate my guitar playing I leave it in my Toyota.

[Tomo]

I can't wait until the Just Funky lesson go online! I always enjoy your youtube lessons as they are simple and straight to the point.

Thanks Tomo!

Thank you. I got so many requests about that song so I will do. I look forward to prepare for that series. Thanks for your kind words. Each video will be 2-3 mins.

Tomo

[Tomo]

Samples, Tabs, music.
http://www.rittor-music.co.jp/tomofujita/seminar/index.html

Enjoy!

Tomo

[Tomo]

If I want to accelerate my guitar playing I leave it in my Toyota.

We drive Honda & Toyota.... I really want a Mini cooper!

Tomo

[Tomo]

Thanks everyone for using my AYGP dvd & MAYGP dvd. Thank YOU!

Tomo

[CyberFerret]

Samples, Tabs, music.
http://www.rittor-music.co.jp/tomofujita/seminar/index.html

Enjoy!

Tomo

Tomo, is there an English version of this site available?

[Tomo]

Tomo, is there an English version of this site available?

This is Rittor Music/Tomo site that only available in Japanese. Sorry about that. Thanks for your interest.

I wish you can read this book. Not English yet.
http://www.rittor-music.co.jp/hp/books/guitar1_data/09317201.html

Several lessons. I put English sub-titles.
http://port.rittor-music.co.jp/guitar/column/tomofujita/?utm_source=rmhpD&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=1min100204

Tomo

[Tomo]

Thanks everyone!

Tomo

[Tomo]

Thank you!

Tomo

[Tomo]

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate it.

Tomo

[Tomo]

About improvment on picks.
http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=767830'

Tomo

[FreekishBluesFX]

I've had Tomo's instructional dvd now for a while and I thought I would post my impressions. First of all, this is a dvd/78 page booklet set. It's available through Hal Leonard, I found mine at a site linked through the HL website.

First of all, if you are looking for "licks from hell", this dvd is not for you. While Tomo's slap/pop funk technique is killer, this is more geared to working on your fundamentals and your overall musicality. I wish this would have been available 20 years ago, it would have kept me from developing many bad habits and lots of wasted time. Any beginner and intermediate player would really benefit from this, and more advanced players could definitely use this to clean up their technique and help develop their tone. Throughout the booklet you will find tips/pointers and directions from Tomo on how to make these exercises work for you.

"Accelerate" is broken down into four parts:

Part 1 focuses on fingering and picking exercises. Tomo goes throught the basics using chromatic scales to develop clean technique and facility on single string playing. From simple horizontal movement, crazy chromatics, string skipping, chromatic octaves and more, this section will really work out your fret/picking hand coordination.

Part 2 focuses on Intervals and Ear Training, really understanding the fretboard. Tomo advocates learning where all the notes are (it's amazing to me how many players need to really look to find where, say, all the C# are on their guitar). Tomo teaches simple ear training, and how a single note can have many colors.

Part 3 talks about Rhythm, Muting and Sight Reading. He works you through muting exercises for your fret hand, and how to apply them in different ways. This section is really where I found some issues with my own playing. I expect to really clean up my sound.

Part 4 is probably the most "fun" section of the course. Here Tomo works on blues changes and grooves. He teaches many different changes and grooves in many styles (swing, jazz, shuffles, R & B, funk). There are even a few exercises showcasing Tomo's incredible slap guitar technique.

One of the many things I liked about this instructional dvd is that the lessons logically build on each other. Plus, Tomo has lots of demo performances that are really beneficial to watch. And as a plus, Tomo is such an engaging and nice guy that even in the dvd he comes off as an instructor that you "want" to work for. This is more important than many people realize.

As you can tell I really like this dvd/booklet and would highly recommend it to anyone that is unhappy with their technique or tone.

:dude


You Sold Me..... Always looking to improve... have to be a Tone Sponge...

[Tomo]

You Sold Me..... Always looking to improve... have to be a Tone Sponge...

Thank you! I am happy to help people.

Tomo

[Tomo]

Thank you so much!

Tomo

[Tomo]

I am at Berklee now.

Thank you!

Tomo

[Tomo]

Thanks everyone! Work your foundation for more fun!

Tomo

[Tomo]

Thanks everyone!

Tomo

[Tomo]

Thanks!

Tomo

[Tomo]

Question on my demos. SRV strat & 1965 Pro Reverb.

For overdrive sound. I was using my Klon Centaur.(#16 so less mids than after #200 etc.)

Tomo

[Tomo]

Thanks everyone!

Tomo

[Tomo]

Thanks for using my AYGP dvd & MAYGP dvd. I am really enjoy reading your comments. Thank you very much! Very smart to work on your foundamental skills with your performance skills. Enjoy!

Tomo

[Tomo]

Thanks everyone!

Tomo

[Tomo]

Thanks everyone!

Tomo

[Tomo]

Thanks everyone!

Tomo