"Accelerate Your Guitar Playing" by Tomo Fujita

[John Hurtt]

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

[decay-o-caster]

Neat! I ordered mine earlier this week - might even be waiting for me when I get back home. :)

[trisonic]

I learned a lot just by watching him!

Best, Pete.

[Shades]

I ordered 4 copies for the shop and one for myself from Hal Leonard. I can't wait to check it out. Tomo's a monster!

[HammyD]

Where did you find it?

I only found it online at "Guitar 9 records" online and they were out of stock... :-(

I have been wanting to buy that and "Instant Guitar..."

[John Hurtt]

Originally posted by James Dawson
Where did you find it?

I only found it online at "Guitar 9 records" online and they were out of stock... :-(

I have been wanting to buy that and "Instant Guitar..."

I'll have to remember where I ordered it, I'll look when I get home tonight. It was on backorder though, when I did order it.

[Larry]

Originally posted by James Dawson
Where did you find it?

I only found it online at "Guitar 9 records" online and they were out of stock... :-(

I have been wanting to buy that and "Instant Guitar..."

I just ordered one from Guitar Connection. I think they order most items after they get a customer order, but I usually receive the items in 10 to 14 days. Good prices and low shipping too.

http://www.guitarconnection.com/

[XBic]

Thanks for the great review. I'm anxiously awaiting my copy (ordered it a few days ago from a local store).

I'm very pleased to see that the content is more focused on technique, tone, and music, rather than any one style (from what I've discovered, Tomo can cover them all!). Honestly what pushed me to buy it was reading posts here and seeing what a genuinely nice person Tomo is - well... that and I suck at guitar and want to get better!

[Cody McLain]

I got Tomo's DVD a week or two back. Agree with everything Ian stated. It's a fantastic DVD for improving your technique and working out some bad habits that seem to have crept into my playing overtime. I couldn't agree more that a large part of what appeals about this DVD to me is how Tomo's personality comes across- very cool and smart cat that is probably as good a hang as he is a player. Thanks for the hard work and help Tomo...

[decay-o-caster]

I just watched my copy for the first time last night. Now I have no excuse for being as sloppy as I am. Well, aside from the fact that my guitars are 3000 miles away. But everything on the DVD is sensible and do-able, and I can see that a little bit of application to what Tomo has to say could take you very far.

Wonderful demos of him playing over his blues and funk changes, too.

[fractal]

I put in my order with a local store over two weeks ago. That would be okay, except they claimed it would be in within the week. Now I'm really anxious for this!

-Garrett

[Tomo]

Hi Guys!

Thank you so much for your words on my Accelerate DVD.

I am very happy to see my video is now available as dvd.


Thank you John!

What a amazing review! Very very cool.
Thank you so much!


Tomo

[John Hurtt]

Originally posted by Tomo
Hi Guys!

Thank you so much for your words on my Accelerate DVD.

I am very happy to see my video is now available as dvd.


Thank you John!

What a amazing review! Very very cool.
Thank you so much!


Tomo

Thank you, Tomo, for sharing this. I just want to spread the word to my fellow players. I don't know of anyone who doesn't want to improve parts of their playing. You made a great tool to do it with.

[tacorivers]

I just spent some time with Tomo's DVD last night. Wow! There is enough material here to last you for a long time. This is really a different kind of instructional video, as it focuses on fundamentals common to all music. Its not "Tomo's great guitar playing" 101 (although I must have watched his demos 10 times last night).

It really provides you with some good tools to apply to your own music. In fact, after I spent 1 hour with some of the exercizes, I started to play some blues lines. I felt that my picking was much tighter and my timing was much better. I didn't start playing like Tomo; I was able to play my own music without many of the limitations that I had before.

Thanks Tomo.

[papersoul]

WOW, is it really that good? And priced right!

Have any of you used Troy Stetina's guitar series or the Fretboard Logic series? I have the Fretboard Logic at the moment.
http://www.billedwards.com/frameset.htmlhttp://www.billedwards.com/frameset.html

[Tomo]

Originally posted by Ian Hurtt
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


Hi John,

Thank you so much for your review.
Sorry for my delay reply. I am very happy to
hear that my Accelerate is working for you.
Having good fundamental is most important
for me. This way you can control over your guitar
and express better... no matter how much you
know patterns.... better habit won't limit your performance.

I made my Accelerate series... 1,2,3,4 and other instruments..
Hope HL will be released my Accelerate 2, which you have
Japanese version. Anyway, thank you so much great detail
review of my Accelerate dvd1. I wish I had this description
when I released this.

I hope you will enjoy your guitar playing more and more!

Tomo

[Tomo]

Originally posted by decay-o-caster
Neat! I ordered mine earlier this week - might even be waiting for me when I get back home. :)


Hi David,

Sorry for my late reply.
Thank you for ordering my Accelerate dvd1.
I just got my orders too. I got many request.

Thank you so much!

[Tomo]

Originally posted by trisonic
I learned a lot just by watching him!

Best, Pete.


Hi Pete,

Thank you for watching my Accelerate DVD!

We should talk more about blues....
Accelerate 2 ..... Blues etudes section and you will
like my blues demos.

Tomo

[fractal]

I just got this DVD from my local store on Friday. I haven't had time to go through it yet, but I did sneak a peak. It looks like an excellent resource. Thank you so much Tomo for putting this out and providing some inspiring instruction. I think the worker at the store said that he was going to get one after seeing it being ordered. May you have continued success with it!

-Garrett

[Tomo]

Originally posted by Shades
I ordered 4 copies for the shop and one for myself from Hal Leonard. I can't wait to check it out. Tomo's a monster!


Hi Bill,

Thank you so much for ordering for your shop!
I just got my order from HL last week... it's already
leaving from house. Please check it out and let me
know what your thought.

You are tasty player! I love your TONE and choice
of notes. I am really into listening you lately.
Thank you for great inspiration. You know how important
about "TONE" Hope my Accelerate dvd will help people's
needs.

PS, Glad to hear that you liked my old blues tunes.
just 335 & amp.

[Tomo]

Originally posted by James Dawson
Where did you find it?

I only found it online at "Guitar 9 records" online and they were out of stock... :-(

I have been wanting to buy that and "Instant Guitar..."


Hi James,

Hope you find my Accelerate dvd somewhere.
Sorry about Guitar 9.. I used to send them copies..
but cost me more that way..

Instant Guitar is for someone just got a guitar...
open up a case... and open this book... come with
real backup band and with guitar track, without guitar
track. It's fun book for starter, but my students use this
for jamming over tracks. Many music store buys for their
store lessons. Actually Fender from U.K. bought tons
of this and included in their starter package.
Best selling book from Berklee Press.



PS, Hi Guys! Thank you so much!

I will reply you later!

[XBic]

I just got my copy over the weekend, and let me say that the wait (3 weeks or so from my local store) was worth it! I will echo what others have already said - this is a great instructional video for all types/styles of playing!

So far I have been able to watch the whole thing through once just to get an overall feel for it. I have been able to spend a few hours so far working on the exercises, and I'm still mainly just focusing on the first 4 or 5. There is really a TON of content here. And just like tacorivers, after practicing hard through even just some of the first exercises when I switched over and played some of my regular stuff I could already notice an improvement in my feel of the notes as well as the instrument itself. I can't wait to see where this takes my playing in a few weeks/months.

Thank you Tomo for creating such a great video.

P.S. - How can I get my hands on a copy of Accelerate 2? (already thinking ahead) :)

[Tomo]

Originally posted by Larry
I just ordered one from Guitar Connection. I think they order most items after they get a customer order, but I usually receive the items in 10 to 14 days. Good prices and low shipping too.

http://www.guitarconnection.com/


Hi Larry,

Thank you for sharing how to order my Accelerate DVD1.

Finally I got copies too. Many asked me about my dvd so..

Thank you!

Hope you enjoy my Accelerate DVD.


Tomo

[Tomo]

Originally posted by rh
Guitar Connection is brain dead. I can 'show basket' and see two copies there (one for my nephew), but when I try to checkout it says my basket is empty.


Hi rh,


Sorry for late reply.
Hope you got your order. Did you like it?

I have more copies too.

Thank you for ordering.


Tomo

[Tomo]

Originally posted by XBic
Thanks for the great review. I'm anxiously awaiting my copy (ordered it a few days ago from a local store).

I'm very pleased to see that the content is more focused on technique, tone, and music, rather than any one style (from what I've discovered, Tomo can cover them all!). Honestly what pushed me to buy it was reading posts here and seeing what a genuinely nice person Tomo is - well... that and I suck at guitar and want to get better!


XBic,

Thank you so much!

John did a wonderful review of my Accelerate DVD.
That's way back ordered? Finally I got my order too.

Having good solid technique (not just slappy fast playing)
good foundation, having great Tone, these make you
command ,control your instrument better. Some people
say effortless. This is not a magic. There are many important
elements and anybody can achieve these as long as
the person stay in right path, direction. Focusing, work
on specific ideas.. very important. People also use my
dvd to undo bad habits.

I hope my Accelerate DVD will enrich your musical life.

PS, I will reply your next post later.
Thank you so much!


Tomo

[Larry]

Originally posted by Tomo
Hi Larry,

Thank you for sharing how to order my Accelerate DVD1.

Finally I got copies too. Many asked me about my dvd so..

Thank you!

Hope you enjoy my Accelerate DVD.


Tomo

Thanks Tomo. I received my DVD from Guitar Connection last week and have just started getting into it. So far I am very impressed and I think this will turn out to be very useful. I appreciate your dedication towards helping folks like me improve their playing.

Larry

[tbar]

just got my copy last night
Tomo where have you been all my life
this is an incredible tool for me, i can hardly wait to get home tonight and learn some more :dude

[John Hurtt]

Originally posted by tbar
just got my copy last night
Tomo where have you been all my life
this is an incredible tool for me, i can hardly wait to get home tonight and learn some more :dude

Good to see the love for Tomo! :dude

[Blueser]

Mine just shipped from Amazon! Can't wait!

[Tomo]

Originally posted by Cody McLain
I got Tomo's DVD a week or two back. Agree with everything Ian stated. It's a fantastic DVD for improving your technique and working out some bad habits that seem to have crept into my playing overtime. I couldn't agree more that a large part of what appeals about this DVD to me is how Tomo's personality comes across- very cool and smart cat that is probably as good a hang as he is a player. Thanks for the hard work and help Tomo...


Hi Cody,

Sorry for late reply. I have been really busy... from morning to go to
bed... tons of stuff to do..which is very good , very fortunate.

THANK YOU for using my Accelerate dvd. More and more I hear
the reports. All I want is to help people to improve their playing..
Guitar is fun to play, but it's really easy to gain bad habit too.
these bad habits will slow down from your wishing lists...or more
you do , you can't improve.. catch 22? Let me know more
your result and any improvement. mine is definitely time
muting technique and chord changes..

When I go to Texas , we sure hang together! Hope I can do my
clinic there. Please set me up!

Thank you so much!

Tomo

[Tomo]

Originally posted by decay-o-caster
I just watched my copy for the first time last night. Now I have no excuse for being as sloppy as I am. Well, aside from the fact that my guitars are 3000 miles away. But everything on the DVD is sensible and do-able, and I can see that a little bit of application to what Tomo has to say could take you very far.

Wonderful demos of him playing over his blues and funk changes, too.


Hi David,

Very sorry!
I couldn't catch up.. How's going with you?
Hope you are doing well.

Thank you for watching my Accelerate DVD1.
Please take your time, watch a couple of time and
choose a few exs that you like... do with your pace,
no rush. Less and slow ..better than anything else.
Simple way is always... I prefer to. How about work
on first couple of fingering & picking exs and
swing groove with Rt 3rd 7th... those will help your
time, left hand mute technique... I still like those
swing groove. I usually set my metronome 40 on
2 & 4 beats to groove for while and do some soloing
while I keep the beats and chord changes in my head.

Thank you for your comment on my demos...
Check out demo "Funky R&B" G7 & C7 groove..

Tomo

[Tomo]

Originally posted by fractal
I put in my order with a local store over two weeks ago. That would be okay, except they claimed it would be in within the week. Now I'm really anxious for this!

-Garrett


Hi Garrett,

Sorry about taking so long for order.
I think "Back order" was over. I got my order too.
Now I have to order more.

Did you have a chance to look at?
I would like to hear your report too.

Thank you so much!

[wsaraceni]

i got this dvd from amazon. I immediately ordered the solo performance dvd and cant stop watching it. I reccomend both. The exercises on the dvd are different than others. No matter what your skill level, the exercises on this dvd can be helpful. Im trying to incorporate a practice schedule around this dvd's exercises as well as some other stuff. Hopefully i'll get to where i need to be.

Thanks TOMO. This DVD is amazing. everyone should own one

[Tomo]

Originally posted by Ian Hurtt
Thank you, Tomo, for sharing this. I just want to spread the word to my fellow players. I don't know of anyone who doesn't want to improve parts of their playing. You made a great tool to do it with.


Hi John,

THANK YOU !!!
You the person who shared this to everybody.

Hope many will discover un-noticed area of playing.
I really look forward to seeing people's joy of playing
guitar. That makes me very happy!

let me know how you are doing?
Hope some good progress on time, muting..

Tomo

[teestone]

Just ordered the DVD last night from Guitar Connection. As a self taught player I figure a must have many "artifacts" in my playing that can probably get cleaned up a bit with some pointers from Tomo. I'll post my opinions later when I have a chance to use it.

Thanks John for posting your review, I wouldn't have known about the DVD otherwise. (I bet #91 never sounded better too!! ;) )

Thanks Tomo for making your knowledge available to us mere mortals!

:dude

[John Hurtt]

Originally posted by Tomo
Hi John,

THANK YOU !!!
You the person who shared this to everybody.

Hope many will discover un-noticed area of playing.
I really look forward to seeing people's joy of playing
guitar. That makes me very happy!

let me know how you are doing?
Hope some good progress on time, muting..

Tomo

Just trying to spread the word around so that others can get ahold of this valuable information. I've seen good results so far, but I keep reminding myself to take it slow, so I can break the bad habits I've formed over the years.

[John Hurtt]

Originally posted by teestone
Just ordered the DVD last night from Guitar Connection. As a self taught player I figure a must have many "artifacts" in my playing that can probably get cleaned up a bit with some pointers from Tomo. I'll post my opinions later when I have a chance to use it.

Thanks John for posting your review, I wouldn't have known about the DVD otherwise. (I bet #91 never sounded better too!! ;) )

Thanks Tomo for making your knowledge available to us mere mortals!

:dude

Glad some others are going to see the benefit from Tomo's material. He's got a really useful, musical outlook to teaching. It's not the "lick of the month club" type of lessons.

And you're right, 091 sounds better every day!! :D

[Latif]

Just wanted to add my thanks and appreciation Tomo, as my vhs copy has made the biggest difference in my playing yet. Crazy chromatics, what a challenge and sore left fingers but what a great exercise. I look forward to my morning acoustic session and mostly practice your exercises while I brew the morning chai. There's years worth of useful practice in these lessons.Still don't have a metronome but keeping time internally on 2&4 has been a great switch.I love the feel!
Thanks Tomo,

Latif

[tbar]

after spending just a few days with this dvd , and practicing some of the exercises , i just cant believe how much my playing has improved, the sloppyness that i had tried so hard in the past to get rid of is already going away , i guess it just goes to show you (me) its not how long you practice but what you practice
this dvd is well worth the price , in fact its a bargain , and i'm recommending it to all my friends that play.
i wished everything i spend my money would turn up these types of results
thanks once again Tomo

[Tomo]

Hi Guys!

Thank you so much for your kind words and inspiration!

I will reply you all later.

If you can come to my clinic at Tone Merchants,
please do...

I would like to share more productive tips on
playing and practicing.

about Tomo's clinic at Tone Merchants (http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?s=&threadid=79007&highlight=tomo)

Thank you.


Tomo

[trucks]

I just got my copy of the dvd today. The great thing is I already know I will spend hours and hours with it as well as the exercises and techniques described. Many of them are dead on with what I need to focus on. I wish I had this years ago...

John, thanks for bringing this tool to my attention.

And thanks to Tomo!

[John Hurtt]

Originally posted by trucks
I just got my copy of the dvd today. The great thing is I already know I will spend hours and hours with it as well as the exercises and techniques described. Many of them are dead on with what I need to focus on. I wish I had this years ago...

John, thanks for bringing this tool to my attention.

And thanks to Tomo!

:dude

[A440]

my dvd is on the way !

[fractal]

Now if only I could get more hours in the day to be able to spend more time with it!

-Garrett

[Tomo]

Thank you so much guys!
I really appreciate your reviews on my
Accelerate DVD1.

HL will release my Accelerate DVD2
very soon!

I would like to catch up with you soon.

This is a Japanese website... but go here and
click bottom arrow. (You 'll see two arrow in bottom)
Those are the list of my all dvds & books.


http://www.rittor-music.co.jp/hp/whatsnew/video/04517214/


Tomo

[Tomo]

Originally posted by tacorivers
I just spent some time with Tomo's DVD last night. Wow! There is enough material here to last you for a long time. This is really a different kind of instructional video, as it focuses on fundamentals common to all music. Its not "Tomo's great guitar playing" 101 (although I must have watched his demos 10 times last night).

It really provides you with some good tools to apply to your own music. In fact, after I spent 1 hour with some of the exercizes, I started to play some blues lines. I felt that my picking was much tighter and my timing was much better. I didn't start playing like Tomo; I was able to play my own music without many of the limitations that I had before.

Thanks Tomo.


Hi tacorivers,

Sorry about my delay! I have been really busy lately.
Thank you so much for your words on my DVD.
Glad to hear that you liked my demos. Me and metronome!
Cheap set up!

The first Accelerate DVD 1, I included many important
topics for myself and my students. But I didn't include any
scales (except Chromatics) or modes. I introduced those
in my Accelerate DVD2. (available very soon!) I am very
happy to hear that you understand tools and applications.
Hope you will discover more something you didn't notice
before. Please take your time and watch out your left hand
timing as well as your picking hand.

You made me happy!

Tomo

[Tomo]

Originally posted by papersoul
WOW, is it really that good? And priced right!

Have any of you used Troy Stetina's guitar series or the Fretboard Logic series? I have the Fretboard Logic at the moment.
http://www.billedwards.com/frameset.htmlhttp://www.billedwards.com/frameset.html



Hi papersoul,

Thank you for writing!
You can certainly check my Accelerate DVD1 out
yourself. Then you'll know it is good for you or not.

Thanks,

Tomo

[Tomo]

Originally posted by fractal
I just got this DVD from my local store on Friday. I haven't had time to go through it yet, but I did sneak a peak. It looks like an excellent resource. Thank you so much Tomo for putting this out and providing some inspiring instruction. I think the worker at the store said that he was going to get one after seeing it being ordered. May you have continued success with it!

-Garrett


Hi fractal,

Sorry I didn't reply sooner!
Thank you so much for using my DVD.

You 're very welcome. I am very happy to help
more guitarists who cares about playing.
THANK YOU!!!

Actually I just (Rittor Music) released my newest
DVD in Japan. This is more toward playing styles,
etudes.... It's fun stuff!
Thank you for your encouragement.

Tomo

[Tomo]

Originally posted by XBic
I just got my copy over the weekend, and let me say that the wait (3 weeks or so from my local store) was worth it! I will echo what others have already said - this is a great instructional video for all types/styles of playing!

So far I have been able to watch the whole thing through once just to get an overall feel for it. I have been able to spend a few hours so far working on the exercises, and I'm still mainly just focusing on the first 4 or 5. There is really a TON of content here. And just like tacorivers, after practicing hard through even just some of the first exercises when I switched over and played some of my regular stuff I could already notice an improvement in my feel of the notes as well as the instrument itself. I can't wait to see where this takes my playing in a few weeks/months.

Thank you Tomo for creating such a great video.

P.S. - How can I get my hands on a copy of Accelerate 2? (already thinking ahead) :)


Hi XBic,

Thank you so much for waiting so long to get it.
Now I have ordered more copies too. Ready to send
by priority. Thank you so much for your kind word
on my DVD! I really appreciate it.

That's good way to start this. Please watch a few times
before you decide to do which section. Absolutely you
don't have to do in order... and you don't have to everything~!
Little by little is key to develop good habit. You can change
pace too. You can practice much slower than suggestion.

EX1,2,3... very very slow!
EX10..... take this idea to your phases
EX15 ...with rear pick up.. this way you can hear unwanted notes.
EX19... do more simple and slow.
I highly recommend those.

EX 24... if you can play this groove really clean..then
your left hand mute technique is very solid. If not
practice EX19 more and more.

About Accelerate DVD2. My part is already over..so
up to HL. Very very soon!

PS, If you noticed the difference and improvement
in your playing within 2 weeks, you did follow those
rules very very good! Congratulation! You are great
learner!

Thank you very much!

Tomo

[Tomo]

Originally posted by Larry
Thanks Tomo. I received my DVD from Guitar Connection last week and have just started getting into it. So far I am very impressed and I think this will turn out to be very useful. I appreciate your dedication towards helping folks like me improve their playing.

Larry


Hi Larry,

Thank you for using my Accelerate DVD1.
and thank you very much for your words.
I am very happy to hear that you felt something
useful. Great!!!

I didn't learned just by myself. I was very lucky to
have somebody always care about me and my playing.
or Someone want to share their musical ideas...
I just want to do same way to share with you.
Indirect (DVD)format but I am still feel very happy
to know you.

Thank you for sharing your experience.

Tomo

[Tomo]

Originally posted by rh
Hi Tomo,

My two came in last Thursday, just in time to give one to my nephew as a birthday gift.

I haven't opened my copy yet. I'm very busy with non-guitar things, and will pop open mine and check it out as time permits.

Best,
Richard

EDIT for update:

OK, I checked this out last night, end to end. I think it'll be a great purchase for my nephew and I can't wait to hear what he says about it. I think he'll be bouncing off the walls.


Hi Richard,

Again, sorry for being late!
I still have to reply my Japanese
website's BBS.

Thank you for ordering 2 dvds.
I would like to hear your comment
on my Accelerate DVD1. I will
catch up more recent notes.

Please tell me your nephew's reaction
too.

Thank you very much!

Tomo

[Tomo]

Originally posted by tbar
just got my copy last night
Tomo where have you been all my life
this is an incredible tool for me, i can hardly wait to get home tonight and learn some more :dude


Hi tbar,

Thank you so much for checking out my dvd.

Actually what you said was a incredible comment
I ever heard! Thank you so much for taking
my dvd so seriously. Thank you!

Maybe you already wrote
your comment... but I look forward to hearing from
you.

Thank you very much!

Tomo

[Tomo]

Originally posted by Ian Hurtt
Good to see the love for Tomo! :dude


Thank you so much, John.
Great to see more people are enjoying...

How are you doing?


Tomo

[Tomo]

Originally posted by Blueser
Mine just shipped from Amazon! Can't wait!


Hi Blueser,

Thank you for ordering my dvd.

Did you receive it yet?
I would like to hear your thought on my dvd.

Thanks a lot.

PS, I just got more copies to send.


Tomo

[John Hurtt]

Originally posted by Tomo
Thank you so much, John.
Great to see more people are enjoying...

How are you doing?


Tomo

Hey Tomo!

Really busy doing stuff I don't like (working) and not enough time to do stuff I do like (playing). Watch your email.

[Tomo]

Originally posted by Ian Hurtt
Hey Tomo!

Really busy doing stuff I don't like (working) and not enough time to do stuff I do like (playing). Watch your email.


Hi John,

I got your email. Check it later. I was really busy with
my son's soccer tournament till today. (Sat, Sun and Mon)
He came in 2nd. Hope my guitar talk will make you smile.


Tomo

[r9player]

Hey Tomo,

If you keep replying to everyone individually you'll need to hire someone to take your day job!

I actually also got the DVD .. still on lesson one, but my fingers are starting to catch on.

Slow and steady will win the race for me, at this pace I'll be ready for DVD 2 next year!

Keep up the good work!

[trucks]

I took my copy of “Accelerate Your Guitar Playing” to my lesson on Monday. As I expected, my teacher was very impressed and plans to order it for his studio. I had him assign 1 or 2 exercises from each of the parts into my lesson plan. For me, this approach adds some discipline and means I will work through the entire booklet over time (while having a chance to demonstrate my proficiency to someone).

It is great to have material like this!

Tomo, I will need part 2 in a few months...

[Tomo]

Originally posted by r9player
Hey Tomo,

If you keep replying to everyone individually you'll need to hire someone to take your day job!

I actually also got the DVD .. still on lesson one, but my fingers are starting to catch on.

Slow and steady will win the race for me, at this pace I'll be ready for DVD 2 next year!

Keep up the good work!


Hi r9player,

Thank you so much for using it!

I guess I just like to take my time for people
who took time to checking out and giving me
reviews. What is my day job? I do everything!

Accelerate DVD 2 is really fun stuff. I have DVD3,4
(in Japanese), new etude dvd...

Tomo

[Tomo]

Originally posted by trucks
I took my copy of “Accelerate Your Guitar Playing” to my lesson on Monday. As I expected, my teacher was very impressed and plans to order it for his studio. I had him assign 1 or 2 exercises from each of the parts into my lesson plan. For me, this approach adds some discipline and means I will work through the entire booklet over time (while having a chance to demonstrate my proficiency to someone).

It is great to have material like this!

Tomo, I will need part 2 in a few months...


HI trucks,

Thank you for bringing your Accelerate DVD.
Actually many music school here and Japan are
using my Accelerate series. Some music store use
my "Instant Guitar" for starter.

Take your time and you don't have to follow those
order. You can find your way to make some orders
and create new ideas around my ideas so that everything
will work around you with your pace.

Hope you 'll enjoy your guitar playing more!

Part 2... you 'll see, hear more colors(degrees) .. harmony
not shapes anymore.

PS, did I reply everybody?

Review on my Tone Merchants clinic.
Enjoy some sound clips.

Pics from Tomo Fujita Clinic at Tone Merchants (http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?s=&threadid=85820&highlight=tomo)

REVIEW: Tomo Fujita at Tone Merchants (http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?s=&threadid=85822&highlight=tomo)




more clips (http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?s=&threadid=76232&highlight=tomo)


New Wizard clips Strat 335 ( http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?s=&threadid=85299&highlight=tomo)






Tomo

[Sir Ricardo]

How much time (hours/week) do you guys spend working on these exercises?

Richard

[leond]

I just received the video and have one question.

Do you recommend staying in one part till it's mastered then moving on? Or is it OK to work in multiple parts at once? It seems like you could work on parts 1, 2 and 3 at the same time.

Thanks,
LeonD

[Tomo]

Originally posted by Sir Ricardo
How much time (hours/week) do you guys spend working on these exercises?

Richard


Hi Richard,

Thank you for using my Accelerate DVD.

Number one priority is quality!!!!

I would suggerst a little 5-15 mins and
more places to spread than practicing 1-3 hours.

1) Practice chromatic exercise with simple...
very very slow. Take 2-3 seconds on each note
and make sure the timing on both hands.

2) Work on Rt 3 7 groove on Bb blues, then
F blues, other keys.

3) Apply 2) idea into Jazz blues changes on
DVD.

PS, I prefer more quality than quantity of time.
and specific direction than jamming.

Let's hear others to say.


PS, I hope I did reply all you guys.


Tomo

[Tomo]

Originally posted by leond
I just received the video and have one question.

Do you recommend staying in one part till it's mastered then moving on? Or is it OK to work in multiple parts at once? It seems like you could work on parts 1, 2 and 3 at the same time.

Thanks,
LeonD


Hi LeonD,

Thank you so much!

Great question, Leon.

These ideas are came from my private lessons and
my own exercises. You can take any ideas from any part,
no problem. Only thing you have to be careful. Please
don't go to fast. Most common problem about practicing
and playing. People are taking shapes and play too fast.
This way you spend more and you get bad habits. That's
why you feel you are not going anywhere. That's another
reason time (amount) is not important at all. Quality is.

Watch my dvd a couple of time. Take notes anywhere you
are interested in. Then plan things that you would like to
practice. Read my booklet and rearrange to your pace
... you can practice very very slow(that I wish you to do)
more you have strong foundation you can learn and play
fast later.... but if you have bad technique you can slow
everything down. So please do slow!!!

After you practice... say "Crazy chromatic"
Play a few times, then record that part.
Listen that next day. What do you think?
If you feel something missing, do not push,
go 2-3 steps back, and practice slow, build up
your foundation. Repeat this 2 weeks, you definitely
feel something different.

Enjoy your practicing.

PS, My parents just came from Japan.
I have to bring them to Mall shopping!


Tomo

[John Hurtt]

Originally posted by Matte
Tomo,
Suppose that you have a student who asks you to teach him how to play just like:
1)Sonny Sharrock
2)Andy Gill
3)Keith Levene
4)Pete Cosey

How would you go about it?

Wow, who would have thought that this thread would still be around?

I'm sure Tomo will pop up eventually and answer this, but since I started the thread I decided to chip in. Tomo's "Accelerate..." dvd is not about teaching someone else's style. It looks to me that it is all about teaching a player to develop good habits in their own playing, to develop their own voice on guitar.

Why don't you email Tomo and ask him, rather than sidetracking this thread? ;)

[eddyrox]

Originally posted by Matte
Tomo,
Suppose that you have a student who asks you to teach him how to play just like:
1)Sonny Sharrock
2)Andy Gill
3)Keith Levene
4)Pete Cosey

How would you go about it?

Matte, if you check out Tomo's DVD, emmulation of other peoples' techniques is not what Tomo is teaching.

Rather, Tomo's DVD is all about defining your own style through exploration of rudimentary techniques like timing, syncopation, control, ear training, and rhythm, and harmony theory.

Tomo stresses that it's ALL about having a ROCK SOLID foundation. And it is through the aggregation of these basic musical tenets, that one can eventually hear, understand and replicate other peoples' playing styles - IF - that's your only goal.

Another point in the DVD and in Tomo's clinics is to have a defined goal and objective. That is, "what do you wish to achieve?". Again if it's to play like, "(insert favorite guitarist here)", the response may be to seek another teacher or DVD:p.

Seriously though, after studying Tomo's material, he is absolutely focused and emphatic about setting a goal to achieve a strong musical foundation. Most importantly, IMHO, the establishment of such a foundation is created by music theory, basic technique, and practice, and not through copying other people.;)

[Tomo]

Originally posted by Ian Hurtt
Wow, who would have thought that this thread would still be around?

I'm sure Tomo will pop up eventually and answer this, but since I started the thread I decided to chip in. Tomo's "Accelerate..." dvd is not about teaching someone else's style. It looks to me that it is all about teaching a player to develop good habits in their own playing, to develop their own voice on guitar.

Why don't you email Tomo and ask him, rather than sidetracking this thread? ;)



Hi John,

Thank you for answer for me. I have been really
busy. Good way. I really enjoyed the West Coast
visit and my clinic. Now my parents are here so
we have great time with my family. My wife's family
are really nice to my parents and it's nice to see my
parents are spending time with my 3 kids.

I got more orders from US, UK, Germany, Netherlands..
Because you! I really appreciate it.

I love teaching styles but I am into more about each student's
playing habits and foundation. Because if you have those things
together, you will have more control over the style that you
want to play.

Tomo

[Tomo]

Originally posted by eddyrox
Matte, if you check out Tomo's DVD, emmulation of other peoples' techniques is not what Tomo is teaching.

Rather, Tomo's DVD is all about defining your own style through exploration of rudimentary techniques like timing, syncopation, control, ear training, and rhythm, and harmony theory.

Tomo stresses that it's ALL about having a ROCK SOLID foundation. And it is through the aggregation of these basic musical tenets, that one can eventually hear, understand and replicate other peoples' playing styles - IF - that's your only goal.

Another point in the DVD and in Tomo's clinics is to have a defined goal and objective. That is, "what do you wish to achieve?". Again if it's to play like, "(insert favorite guitarist here)", the response may be to seek another teacher or DVD:p.

Seriously though, after studying Tomo's material, he is absolutely focused and emphatic about setting a goal to achieve a strong musical foundation. Most importantly, IMHO, the establishment of such a foundation is created by music theory, basic technique, and practice, and not through copying other people.;)



Hi Michael,

Thank you for writing. Thank you for your time.
I really appreciate it. You know me more than
I do! Like you said, I love to see people have more
solid foundation and time skills. That's why I made
that "Rhythm reading" section on my Accelerate DVD1.

When I made this video originally, I never thought this
will be popular video. But I always admire Bill Leavit
who made "Berklee guitar method book" It's still selling!
Very organized book.... Sold more than 500.000 copies
world wide. I had a japanese version before I came to
Berklee. I am very very lucky. Now my Accelerate series
are #1 selling instructional series in Japan. If you go to
any store, you can find my series /shelf.

I am very happy. Hope I can make more people happy
about playing guitar.


Tomo

[PinkStrat]

I just ordered an Accelerate DVD from Tomo yesterday. I will also attend his clinic that is going to be held at the Tampa Tone Fest 2005. I cannot wait to see this DVD for myself & what all the great reports are about. God knows we can ALL use some help to better our techniques! Thanks again Tomo and I will see you at TF 2005.

Best,
Dean:)

[trisonic]

Dean, you'll be in for a treat. Tomo is a damn nice chap as well.
Wished I was coming too.

Best, Pete.

[PinkStrat]

Originally posted by Matte
Define G*d.

Matte,

What does this have to do with this topic thread? NOTHING! Please stay on the topic.

[big mike]

Man, I love watching this DVD. You pick stuff up without really even getting all the way into it.

I need to spend more time with it, but I can see it being a great help.

[Stevo57]

Is someone peeing in the pool again?:rolleyes:

[HammyD]

Originally posted by Matte
If by peeing in the Pool you mean offering a perspective that is vastly different from what's being offered here, then you are correct. Consider for a moment the fact that this perspective is being offered by someone who was teaching at University level during their MFA tenure(which was a full scholarship, BTW)while simultaeously being chosen by Robert Fripp to be one of two assistant teachers for the League of Crafty Guitarists, while also teaching the most advanced Rock Classes @ National Guitar Summer Workshop, all while barely out of his teens. I'd say that the pool peeing guy's position has some merit.

You're right Matte. You're a legend in your own mind.;)

Maybe these Taoist stories will provide some relief to your anguish and our appreciation for Tomo's generosity and kindness of spirit.

In Your Hands
A young man caught a small bird, and held it behind his back. He then asked, "Master, is the bird I hold in my hands alive or dead." The boy thought this was a grand opportunity to play a trick on the old man. If the master answered "dead", it would be let loose into the air. If the master answered "alive", he would simply wring its neck. The master spoke, "The answer is in your hands".

Man Of Tao
A student once asked, "What is the difference between a Man of Tao and a little man?" The Zen Master replied, "It is simple. When the little man becomes a student, he can hardly wait to run home and shout at the top of his voice to tell everyone. Upon hearing the words of the master, he will climb to the rooftops and shout to the people. Upon learning the ways of the master, he will parade through town telling one and all about his new knowledge".

The Zen Master continues, "When the Man of Tao becomes a student, he will bow his head in gratitude. Upon hearing the words of the master, he will bow his head and his shoulders. Upon learning the ways of the master, he will bow to the waist and quietly walk alongside the wall so that people will not see him or notice him".

[matte]

Originally posted by James Dawson
You're right Matte.
And?


Originally posted by James Dawson
You're a legend in your own mind.;) You know nothing of my mind. Believe that.




Originally posted by James Dawson
Maybe these Taoist stories will provide some relief to your anguish and our appreciation for Tomo's generosity and kindness of spirit.
Anguish? i don't have any sort of emotional relationship to my perspective.

[KRosser]

Originally posted by Matte
Suppose one wanted to learn to play the 2nd of the 3 Stravinsky Clarinet solos

Those interval skips in the 2nd solo...? Dude...:cool:

All three of those are so great, I've lifted lines from all of them. Did you try transposing then from Bb or A, or did you just play them where written?

I love those frickin' pieces

:dude

[matte]

Originally posted by KRosser
Those interval skips in the 2nd solo...? Dude...:cool:

All three of those are so great, I've lifted lines from all of them. Did you try transposing then from Bb or A, or did you just play them where written?

I love those frickin' pieces

:dude Played 'em as written. I was way too lazy to deal with proper transposition. Beautiful, especially all of the octave displaced lines at the beginning of the second one. There's one line where I could only use my index finger and pinky. Ripping stuff!

[JMintzer]

Matte,

Knock it off! There has been waaaay too much of your sniping going on, of late.


Jamie

[JMintzer]

Originally posted by Matte
Jamie,
Sniping? With all due respect, I'm simply offering another perspective. The fact that you choose to put my perspective in a negative light is unfortunate.
Yeah, it's all me.

Once again, I strongly suggest that you alter your current course.


Jamie

[Tomo]

Originally posted by PinkStrat
I just ordered an Accelerate DVD from Tomo yesterday. I will also attend his clinic that is going to be held at the Tampa Tone Fest 2005. I cannot wait to see this DVD for myself & what all the great reports are about. God knows we can ALL use some help to better our techniques! Thanks again Tomo and I will see you at TF 2005.

Best,
Dean:)


Hi Pinkstrat,

Thank you so much for ordering my dvd and payment
for my clinic at the Tampa Tonefest. I sent your package
today. Included much lesson material for you. Hope
those are enough for a while. I really appreciate if you
can report about my dvd. You are excellent player who
has variety of styles and good taste! I am not crazy about
tons of technique, but it's nice to have good control.

Today, I brought my parents to Macy's. They enjoyed
shopping. Then we went to Japanese dinner with my
wife and her brother. It was a fun day!

I really look forward to meeting you at Tampa Tonefest!

PS, I sent all my dvd orders (by 7/7) today. So you
guys will receive the package in a few days. Except
international orders.


Thank you so much for supporting AYGP!

Tomo

[KRosser]

Originally posted by Matte
Played 'em as written. I was way too lazy to deal with proper transposition. Beautiful, especially all of the octave displaced lines at the beginning of the second one. There's one line where I could only use my index finger and pinky. Ripping stuff!

Here's how lazy I am...I didn't transpose so I could use the open D string for that first line of #2......

Yeah, those are some beautiful pieces. How he manages to get so much music into about three minutes' worth of single lines on an unaccompanied solo instrument...I guess that what makes him Stravinsky...

[Tomo]

Originally posted by trisonic
Dean, you'll be in for a treat. Tomo is a damn nice chap as well.
Wished I was coming too.

Best, Pete.


Hi Pete,

Thank you for your big support!

Sorry that you can go to Tampa Tonefest.
That's too far. But I will go to NY. So you can
catch my guitar clinic in NY. Hope I can
go there before I go to Japan tour.


Thanks,


Tomo

[Tomo]

Originally posted by big mike
Man, I love watching this DVD. You pick stuff up without really even getting all the way into it.

I need to spend more time with it, but I can see it being a great help.


Hi Big Mike,

Thank you so much for watching my AYGP dvd.

You can start or pick anywhere you want. Keep
your pace and work on little by little. Even this
little efforts will bring you another comfortable
place.

Did you try "Crazy Chromatic"

Thanks!


Tomo

[John Hurtt]

Originally posted by Tomo
Hi John,

Thank you for answer for me. I have been really
busy. Good way. I really enjoyed the West Coast
visit and my clinic. Now my parents are here so
we have great time with my family. My wife's family
are really nice to my parents and it's nice to see my
parents are spending time with my 3 kids.

I got more orders from US, UK, Germany, Netherlands..
Because you! I really appreciate it.

I love teaching styles but I am into more about each student's
playing habits and foundation. Because if you have those things
together, you will have more control over the style that you
want to play.

Tomo

Hey Tomo!

Glad things are going well! This thread has really taken some strange turns, though! Looks like to me that everyone that has gotten this dvd has seen it's merits.

How soon can we look forward to the Tonefest Clinic DVD? I'm sure that many of us are looking forward to getting that, as well.

[John Hurtt]

Besides helping my playing, I've also learned much about myself as a person thanks to my interaction with Tomo over the past several months.

Thanks Tomo!

[Tomo]

Originally posted by Ian Hurtt
Hey Tomo!

Glad things are going well! This thread has really taken some strange turns, though! Looks like to me that everyone that has gotten this dvd has seen it's merits.

How soon can we look forward to the Tonefest Clinic DVD? I'm sure that many of us are looking forward to getting that, as well.



Hi John,

My parents just left here on Monday. They had a great
time with us and their grand kids. Every moment was
very precious. It's good thing to do respect your parents
and give something back to them. more love!

I just talked to my producer from Rittor music.
US sales is doing very very good, he said HL is really happy.
HL is ready to release following series....
AYGP dvd2(guitar)
AYD dvd2(drums)
AYBP dvd2(Bass)
,AYAP dvd1(Acoustic)
AYRP dvd1(Rock guitar)
AYSP dvd1(sax)

You mean "Tomo's TM clinic dvd" ? Thank you for asking,
many guys are asking. Sorry for my delay.
I just finished my part to decide titles dvd makers.
My designer sent me a nice cover design.
Hopefully I will get dvd master soon. I will let you now
when I am ready to ship.

Tomo

[spikeRI]

Got mine about 3 weeks ago. First time I watched I thought......yea some good stuff, but I'll never be able to do some of that....well 3 weeks later and everyday I improve. I'm even getting those crazy chromatics to sound half way descent. I figure it will take months, but at least now I have something to practice instead of just playing and its paying off.
Wish I could get my 14 year old daughter to start using it........she is always asking for instruction. I keep telling her I'm no teacher. She thinks Tomo is another old guy........yup, most be pushing 35 said the 48 year old dad...

Tomo, glad to see the new list out.......will definately get AYGP2 and AYRP soon.......

[Tomo]

Originally posted by spikeRI
Got mine about 3 weeks ago. First time I watched I thought......yea some good stuff, but I'll never be able to do some of that....well 3 weeks later and everyday I improve. I'm even getting those crazy chromatics to sound half way descent. I figure it will take months, but at least now I have something to practice instead of just playing and its paying off.
Wish I could get my 14 year old daughter to start using it........she is always asking for instruction. I keep telling her I'm no teacher. She thinks Tomo is another old guy........yup, most be pushing 35 said the 48 year old dad...

Tomo, glad to see the new list out.......will definately get AYGP2 and AYRP soon.......



Hi spikeRI,

Thank you for using my AYGP dvd. Great to hear that you
worked really well. Crazy Chromatic.... When I read
Berklee reading book... there is a section , explaining
about chromatic scales in 2 octaves. Then note said,
play individually. So I start to challenge myself play Octave
(2 notes) together. Anyway, practice exercise 3 more
with slow tempo and avoid anything you can't play clear,
another word, concentrate your foundation and good
clean technique and don't pay attention about quantity
or level of exercises. "QUALITY" is your priority.

You are right about. You can't teach own kids. That's why
I get many request from Berklee professors/pros
for their kids. I taught Gary Burton's son, Steve Gadd's son
some (I can't mention their name).

Thank you so much! Now I will produce classical version of
AYGP next month, later I am gonna produce Gospel vocal
version. More to come.

Check this thread. Very end of thread. There is great comment
on how to use my dvd.

favorite instructional video's and DVD's (http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?s=&threadid=86658&highlight=tomo)


Tomo

[John Hurtt]

Originally posted by Tomo
Hi spikeRI,

Thank you for using my AYGP dvd. Great to hear that you
worked really well. Crazy Chromatic.... When I read
Berklee reading book... there is a section , explaining
about chromatic scales in 2 octaves. Then note said,
play individually. So I start to challenge myself play Octave
(2 notes) together. Anyway, practice exercise 3 more
with slow tempo and avoid anything you can't play clear,
another word, concentrate your foundation and good
clean technique and don't pay attention about quantity
or level of exercises. "QUALITY" is your priority.

You are right about. You can't teach own kids. That's why
I get many request from Berklee professors/pros
for their kids. I taught Gary Burton's son, Steve Gadd's son
some (I can't mention their name).

Thank you so much! Now I will produce classical version of
AYGP next month, later I am gonna produce Gospel vocal
version. More to come.

Check this thread. Very end of thread. There is great comment
on how to use my dvd.


favorite instructional video's and DVD ( http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?s=&threadid=86658&perpage=15&highlight=tomo&pagenumber=1)


Tomo

Tomo,

Check your link, I think it's dead! :(

[Tomo]

Originally posted by Ian Hurtt
Tomo,

Check your link, I think it's dead! :(

Hi John,

Thanks for letting me know.

How about this.

favorite instructional video's and DVD's (http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?s=&threadid=86658&highlight=tomo)

Today I got so many questions about my amps.
Here people can listen to my Pro Reverb
or Fuchs 50 SLX , Bob Burt V-front Cab,
Eminence speakers...

Clay Jones OD Sound Clips by Tomo (http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?s=&threadid=76232&highlight=tomo)


Tomo

[jzb]

Not dead... just had an extra http in it...

The link... (www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?s=&threadid=86658&perpage=15&highlight=tomo&pagenumber=1)

[spikeRI]

Tomo, I assume you are talking about where in page 3 you talked about breaking each lesson down to parts you can handle................which is what I been trying to do

[Tomo]

Originally posted by spikeRI
Tomo, I assume you are talking about where in page 3 you talked about breaking each lesson down to parts you can handle................which is what I been trying to do


Hi spikeRI,

That's right. Exactly!
I know you are carefully working on toward right direction.
but sometimes if you hear or experience more times,
even though you really understand it. Review more is
better.

I have been practicing on Standard tunes. Jazz blues,
Donna Lee, Confirmation... You can apply your Rt 3 7
forms and if you groove these changes. This will help
your harmonic sense and this will prepare for soloing
over changes.

I useually use 60 mins tape. Practice tunes with
Metoronome accent on 2 & 4, then record it
right away and listen to it.... play melody a lot.
I mean a lot! I have Pro tools, but for practice
I use my tape. Beacuse tape run out in 30 mins
(one side). This way I can concentrate in short
time, while I rewind i can refresh. Limit your time
will give you productive work.

Just an idea.

Enjoy your practicing. You can make your
work fun or not fun. Good Luck!


Tomo

[spikeRI]

Thanks Tomo, I'll try that also(recording)...

[Tomo]

Originally posted by spikeRI
Thanks Tomo, I'll try that also(recording)...

spikeRI,

You 're welcome. Please do practice with Rt 3rd 7th swing groove. Start with F blues,
Bb blues. Record at least 4-6 chorus. Then you can work on solo over those changes.
That another story, you can do many directions. but here is some example to plat that
kind of groove. Pace yourself, please find comfortable tempo. Good Luck.
From F blues to F jazz blues to Parker blues (http://www02.homepage.villanova.edu/david.kaplowitz/tomo/TS_Ryo_FuchsC_Swing_1.mp3)
Do you hear the metoronome click?

I am gonna do my clinic.
Tomo Fujita clinic 8/19/05 (http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?s=&threadid=93460&highlight=tomo)


Thanks,

Tomo

[free_jazz]

Tomo san, I sent you a personal message.
sore jya.

David

[Tomo]

Originally posted by free_jazz
Tomo san, I sent you a personal message.
sore jya.

David


David san,

I already sent you my email.
Did you receive it?


Domo arigato gozaimasu

dewa mata.

Rhythm Changes Fast Swing (http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?s=&threadid=94038)


Tomo

[Tomo]

Hi Guys,

Thank you so much for ordering my AYGP dvds.
Today my copies did run out. Sorry about that.
This is my fault. I didn't realized my copies were
getting low. I just orderd more..... so I can ship
in another week. I am very sorry!


Tomo

[69strat]

Where can I get your instrutional dvd and book? Thanks.

[trisonic]

If you prefer not to wait for Tomo's restocking you can get it from Amazon.
I got mine from there as someone had given me a gift certificate thingy....otherwise I would have chosen to order it from the man himself.

He should still get his royalties...............hey, aren't you in Florida today, Tomo?

Best, Pete.

[PinkStrat]

Pete,

Tomo is indeed in Florida today and it has been a great time! Wish you were here....

Best regards,
Dean

[trisonic]

Me too, Dean!
Have a great one........

Best, Pete.

[John Hurtt]

Originally posted by PinkStrat
Pete,

Tomo is indeed in Florida today and it has been a great time! Wish you were here....

Best regards,
Dean

Very cool, can't wait to hear about it! :dude

[Tomo]

Originally posted by Ian Hurtt
Very cool, can't wait to hear about it! :dude

Hi John,

Long time no talk!

Hope you are doing well.

My Tampa FL trip was a huge success!!!!!!!!

I had a wonderful time. It was about amps but
I met great people over there.

My clinic went well. You can check this thread.
What people felt..

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?s=&threadid=97591&highlight=tomo

Tomo

[raz]

Tomo, at a recent private tone fest I hosted, we were watching your "Accelerate" DVD during a dinner break. Stellar, and I'll be ordering my own copy soon. I just have one request: would you please look at your fingers once in a while when you're doing this amazing stuff? It would help us all feel a lot better about ourselves.

Thanks!

:D

R
A
Z

[Tomo]

Originally posted by raz
Tomo, at a recent private tone fest I hosted, we were watching your "Accelerate" DVD during a dinner break. Stellar, and I'll be ordering my own copy soon. I just have one request: would you please look at your fingers once in a while when you're doing this amazing stuff? It would help us all feel a lot better about ourselves.

Thanks!

:D

R
A
Z


Hi Raz,

Thank you so much for watching my AYGP dvd.

It's time to own your dvd?

See, I used to have bad habit of looking at fretboard
all the time. It took me long time to undo.

Watch this video clip please. How do I do that?

Quick video clip #1 Tomo Clinic at Tampa ToneFest 8/19/05 (http://richweb.net/TomoFujita/Fuchs1.wmv)


Thanks,


Tomo

[Tomo]

Originally posted by Ian Hurtt
Very cool, can't wait to hear about it! :dude


Hi John,

Did you watch the streaming video #1 (Clinic at TF '05)?
Quick video clip #1 Tomo Clinic at Tampa ToneFest 8/19/05 (http://richweb.net/TomoFujita/Fuchs1.wmv)

Twinkle lesson Tomo Clinic at Tampa ToneFest 8/19/05 (http://Richweb.net/TomoFujita/Twinkle1.wmv)

I just sent you my Tone Merchants clinic dvd.

Now it's available. You can jump any 20 lessons (titles)
from dvd menu. Of course my triads lesson too.



Tomo

[grego7]

Hi Tomo,

Very cool clip from your clinic. What pedal(s) are you using at the beginning and end? I am assuming that last pedal you used was the CJOD - it sounded pretty much like everyone has been describing it, very very good.

Take care,
Greg

[John Hurtt]

Originally posted by Tomo
Hi John,

Did you watch the streaming video #1 (Clinic at TF '05)?

I just sent you my Tone Merchants clinic dvd.

Now it's available. You can jump any 20 lessons (titles)
from dvd menu. Of course my triads lesson too.


Tomo

Tomo,

I haven't seen the streaming video. Is this on the Tonemerchants site? I'll look for it!

Really looking forward to the clinic dvd! I'll be sure to post a review when I've checked it out. As it is, I'm totally hooked on your "Accelerate.." dvd. Right now I'm totally immersed in the "crazy chromatics" section. Lot's of fun, it makes doing independent finger exercises fun. :dude

[HammyD]

Hi Tomo,

I finally found a copy on Ebay and ordered it just this weekend!! and I stumbled upon a deal for a Guild Bluesbird (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=41436&item=7342833356) so now I have a great guitar the old ProReverb and a lotta lessons to practice!!!

Thanks,

James

[Tomo]

Originally posted by grego7
Hi Tomo,

Very cool clip from your clinic. What pedal(s) are you using at the beginning and end? I am assuming that last pedal you used was the CJOD - it sounded pretty much like everyone has been describing it, very very good.

Take care,
Greg


Hi Greg,

Thank you so much for checking out.

I did use mostly Fuchs 50's od CH. Last tune
I was using the CJOD. I also changed cabs.
First half was Bob Burt 2 12 cab w/ Tonespotters.
Last half was Bob Burt 1 12 cab w/Red Ryder.

Thanks,


Tomo

[Tomo]

Originally posted by Ian Hurtt
Tomo,

I haven't seen the streaming video. Is this on the Tonemerchants site? I'll look for it!

Really looking forward to the clinic dvd! I'll be sure to post a review when I've checked it out. As it is, I'm totally hooked on your "Accelerate.." dvd. Right now I'm totally immersed in the "crazy chromatics" section. Lot's of fun, it makes doing independent finger exercises fun. :dude


Hi John,

Sorry I didn't show those clips to you.

These are from Tampa TF '05 Clinic.
Quick video clip #1 Tomo Clinic at Tampa ToneFest 8/19/05 (http://richweb.net/TomoFujita/Fuchs1.wmv)

Twinkle lesson Tomo Clinic at Tampa ToneFest 8/19/05 (http://Richweb.net/TomoFujita/Twinkle1.wmv)
I did very similar lesson in Tone Merchants clinic dvd...

Yes, please check your mail box. What I sent was
my Tone Merchants Clinic dvd.

I am happy to hear that you are enjoying my AYGP
dvd. Great! Thank you so much.

I produced new AYGP series dvd yesterday. This was
classical guitar. It came out so good! Great exercises,
many etudes..... classical guitar trio performances.

Tomo

[mmorse]

Tomo, when will your acyrp series dvd be available and where will I be able to get it.

thanks

[trucks]

Tomo,

Love this clip from TF '05! I am looking forward to the dvd coming out so I can see more. It looks like it was a great time for everyone.

Gary

[Tomo]

Originally posted by James Dawson
Hi Tomo,

I finally found a copy on Ebay and ordered it just this weekend!! and I stumbled upon a deal for a Guild Bluesbird (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=41436&item=7342833356) so now I have a great guitar the old ProReverb and a lotta lessons to practice!!!

Thanks,

James

Hi James,

It is good hear from you!
No matter what guitar you get, you already have
BF Pro Reverb! That's great amp to have.
Many Japanese fans are looking for Pro Reverb,
Champ 12.

My Tone Merchnats Clinic dvd just came out.
Please check out. You can skip to any lessons
below.

- TONE MERCHANTS CLINIC dvd

"Confidence Cat"
Lesson #1 "Good clean technique"
Lesson #2 "R37 Swing groove and soloing"
Lesson #3 "Play same notes on different positions"
Lesson #4 "E shuffle to funky blues, feeling"
"Orange Juice & Water" (G blues)
Lesson #5 "Play over chord changes"
Lesson: #6 "Triads over song"
Lesson #7 "Twinkle Twinkle.. voice leading"
Lesson #8 "Twinkle Twinkle more feel"
Lesson #9 " Comping ideas, 3&7, triads"
"Solo on Bb Jazz Blues" (demo#3)
Lesson #10 "Jazz & Blues, Slow Blues"
Lesson: #11 "About gears/amp/pedals"
Lesson: ＃12" Slap guitar/Walking bass line"
Lesson: #13 "Wah expression technique"
Lesson: #14 "Funky Wah drumming technique"
Lesson: #15 "Play music(Suhr Maple Strat)"
Lesson ＃16 " Play colors(Chapin's Hawk)"
Lesson #17 "How to practice jazz? /Bb jazz blues"
Lesson #18solo on Bb jazz blues (singing quality))
Lesson #19 "Can you hear the colors and sing?"
Lesson #20 "How to use a metoronome"
"Just Funky"


Tomo

[Tomo]

Originally posted by mmorse
Tomo, when will your acyrp series dvd be available and where will I be able to get it.

thanks

You can order from Hal Leonard website or You can buy it
from me. Email me at
music@tomofujita.com


Tomo

[Tomo]

Originally posted by trucks
Tomo,

Love this clip from TF '05! I am looking forward to the dvd coming out so I can see more. It looks like it was a great time for everyone.

Gary


Gary,

Sorry for my super delay reply.

How are you doing with my AYGP dvd or
Lesson material that I sent you..

Hope these are helping you and inspiring you.

Sometime simple stuff seems easy... but it's really
important to able to control in any levels.

Hope I sent you material from my etude dvd.
G7C7 groove or funk etudes? jazz etudes?

Let me know how you are doing.


PS, I am really busy with my recording right now.
My TF clinic dvd... is not finished yet.

I am glad to hear that you liked my TM clinic dvd.

REVIEW: Tomo Fujita at Tone Merchants 6-04-05
http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?s=&threadid=85822&highlight=tomo

Tomo Fujita's Tone Merchants Clinic DVD
http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?s=&threadid=103520&highlight=tomo


Tomo

[trucks]

Originally posted by Tomo
How are you doing with my AYGP dvd or
Lesson material that I sent you..

Hope these are helping you and inspiring you.

Sometime simple stuff seems easy... but it's really
important to able to control in any levels.

Hope I sent you material from my etude dvd.
G7C7 groove or funk etudes? jazz etudes?

Let me know how you are doing.


PS, I am really busy with my recording right now.
My TF clinic dvd... is not finished yet.

I am glad to hear that you liked my TM clinic dvd.

REVIEW: Tomo Fujita at Tone Merchants 6-04-05
http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?s=&threadid=85822&highlight=tomo

Tomo Fujita's Tone Merchants Clinic DVD
http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?s=&threadid=103520&highlight=tomo


Tomo

Tomo,

AYGP has really made a dramatic difference to my playing. No matter what my practice plan, I play some variation of exercise 3 and exercise 13. I cannot say enough about the lessons from part 3 which takes one away from choppy short sections toward flowing expression. After starting to feel comfortable with the groove, I find adding individual expression is a lot easier. As a result a piece starts to become mine (as you advocate in the Tone Merchants DVD). I now don't hesitate to take something in another direction.

I'll check with you on the lesson material. You sent a lot of great stuff which I am working on slowly with my teacher. I have resolved to slow my approach to the point of being able to cleanly play material instead of just getting through it. At the moment, I'm concentrating on triads.

I got a lot of material to keep me busy, but I am really looking forward to the TF dvd!

Hmm, sounds like I can look forward to some new recordings as well.

Thanks again for helping me and taking an interest in my progress.

Gary


Everyone,

Tomo's offerings have seriously improved my playing. I highly recommend AYGP to anyone who is serious about improving. The approach is very sound while the enjoyment factor sets it apart from any other material I've tried.

Also, the Tone Merchants DVD (http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?s=&threadid=103520) is insightful, inspiring and a lot of fun!

Tomo really is an amazing musician as well as a gifted instructor.

Gary

[Tomo]

Originally posted by trucks
Tomo,

AYGP has really made a dramatic difference to my playing. No matter what my practice plan, I play some variation of exercise 3 and exercise 13. I cannot say enough about the lessons from part 3 which takes one away from choppy short sections toward flowing expression. After starting to feel comfortable with the groove, I find adding individual expression is a lot easier. As a result a piece starts to become mine (as you advocate in the Tone Merchants DVD). I now don't hesitate to take something in another direction.

I'll check with you on the lesson material. You sent a lot of great stuff which I am working on slowly with my teacher. I have resolved to slow my approach to the point of being able to cleanly play material instead of just getting through it. At the moment, I'm concentrating on triads.

I got a lot of material to keep me busy, but I am really looking forward to the TF dvd!

Hmm, sounds like I can look forward to some new recordings as well.

Thanks again for helping me and taking an interest in my progress.

Gary


Everyone,

Tomo's offerings have seriously improved my playing. I highly recommend AYGP to anyone who is serious about improving. The approach is very sound while the enjoyment factor sets it apart from any other material I've tried.

Also, the Tone Merchants DVD (http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?s=&threadid=103520) is insightful, inspiring and a lot of fun!

Tomo really is an amazing musician as well as a gifted instructor.

Gary


Hi Gary,

Thank you for your response. I am very happy to
hear your progress. That made me happy! I used to
practice exercise 3 when I warm up... that sound made
my wife very sleepy. I like swing exercise myself. That
make my funk skill better. I noticed that many people
are using my AYGP and my TM clinic dvd. Especially
triads usage... chord changes ... it's easy to understand.

Good fundamentals give you more choices and
different direction. Email me your progression and
any thought. I sent many lesson material individually
different... You are RIGHT about you need to go through
cleanly and go more depth than just go thorough the
material. Triads are my favorite subject. I should write
mote article on below threads.

Yes, my new recording is I am working on right now.
I am going to go back this week too. Thank you so much
for your time and your words here.

PS, I recommend my Solo Performance DVD for
solo guitar style chord work and soloing without
backing ideas.

Tomo


Tomo Fujita Solo Performance DVD
http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?s=&threadid=67855&highlight=tomo

Tomo's triad lesson Vol 1
http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?s=&threadid=87931&highlight=tomo

[trucks]

Originally posted by Tomo
Hi Gary,

Thank you for your response. I am very happy to
hear your progress. That made me happy! I used to
practice exercise 3 when I warm up... that sound made
my wife very sleepy. I like swing exercise myself. That
make my funk skill better. I noticed that many people
are using my AYGP and my TM clinic dvd. Especially
triads usage... chord changes ... it's easy to understand.

Good fundamentals give you more choices and
different direction. Email me your progression and
any thought. I sent many lesson material individually
different... You are RIGHT about you need to go through
cleanly and go more depth than just go thorough the
material. Triads are my favorite subject. I should write
mote article on below threads.

Yes, my new recording is I am working on right now.
I am going to go back this week too. Thank you so much
for your time and your words here.

PS, I recommend my Solo Performance DVD for
solo guitar style chord work and soloing without
backing ideas.

Tomo


Tomo Fujita Solo Performance DVD
http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?s=&threadid=67855&highlight=tomo

Tomo's triad lesson Vol 1
http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?s=&threadid=87931&highlight=tomo

Tomo,

So nice to hear from you! It is really amazing that you mention the swing exercise! As it turns out, I was just practicing exercise 19a from AYGP!!! Now how is that for coincidence?! I just started into Part 4 at my lesson today. My teacher was smiling ear to ear and kept saying, "This stuff is great. I have to get a copy."

I was watching and listening carefully to all of part 4 as well. There is some pretty great stuff coming up.

Yes, I am taking my time and it shows. I do not know why I did not do this before because it actually is resulting in me improving faster! I credit the clean approach of AYGP and the fact that the tempos are attainable. They move along at a musical rate, but I don't have to be an accomplished shredder to get them up to speed.

More on triads would be great! I have focused on them with my lessons as well. Last week, I had an epiphany during my lesson when I realized the relationship of triads, scales, chords and modes. I got more to learn here, but why it all works is now clear.

I want to thank you for the time and work you have done for guitarists like me. AYGP and your other materials are responsible improving my playing; moreover, my enthusiasm and enjoyment are at an all time high.

I just sent you an email about your recommendation. I am very interested in The Solo Performance DVD! Also looking forward to TF and these new recordings. Keep us informed!

Gary

[Tomo]

Originally posted by trucks
Tomo,

So nice to hear from you! It is really amazing that you mention the swing exercise! As it turns out, I was just practicing exercise 19a from AYGP!!! Now how is that for coincidence?! I just started into Part 4 at my lesson today. My teacher was smiling ear to ear and kept saying, "This stuff is great. I have to get a copy."

I was watching and listening carefully to all of part 4 as well. There is some pretty great stuff coming up.

Yes, I am taking my time and it shows. I do not know why I did not do this before because it actually is resulting in me improving faster! I credit the clean approach of AYGP and the fact that the tempos are attainable. They move along at a musical rate, but I don't have to be an accomplished shredder to get them up to speed.

More on triads would be great! I have focused on them with my lessons as well. Last week, I had an epiphany during my lesson when I realized the relationship of triads, scales, chords and modes. I got more to learn here, but why it all works is now clear.

I want to thank you for the time and work you have done for guitarists like me. AYGP and your other materials are responsible improving my playing; moreover, my enthusiasm and enjoyment are at an all time high.

I just sent you an email about your recommendation. I am very interested in The Solo Performance DVD! Also looking forward to TF and these new recordings. Keep us informed!

Gary




Hi Gary,

Thank you so much for writing. It's nice to hear from you too.
I enjoy reading people's progression. Thank you for letting
your teacher know about my AYGP. I am very happy to see
that you know about how important clean approach and time.
Practice slow, very slow is my secret. And record it and review.

You are on right track! That's interesting ! We are on same page.
I like that. Ex19 is very very important exercise of all.
Time setting of this exercise... I recommend around 40-52 on 2&4.

I have this student (at Berklee) who is willing to study rhythm chops
with me this semester. He just want to study about groove, time feel..
so on. He is excellent player. His style ... Stern, Scott Henderson..
but when I ask him to practice my method on swing... he told me
"I feel like a beginner! " It's not easy at all. It's great way to overcome
left hand mute technique and time feel.

You're welcome and thank you! I am interested in people who
want to improve guitar playing like yourself. I sent your package
with packets from my etudes dvd. You'll see many triad studies.
Hope you like my solo performance dvd. I use this dvd for my
blues/funk lab at Berklee.

Thanks again. Now I look forward to my recording tomorrow.

Tomo

From F blues to F jazz blues to Parker blues (http://www02.homepage.villanova.edu/david.kaplowitz/tomo/TS_Ryo_FuchsC_Swing_1.mp3)

Walking bass line on Confirmation (www02.homepage.villanova.edu/david.kaplowitz/tomo/Wizard_335_fast-walking_1.mp3)

Rhythm Changes Fast Swing (http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?s=&threadid=94038)

[Chameleonfong]

Hey! I know you! Hahahahaah!! I watched your instructional DVD before, it came out almost (or same) time as Larry Finn's "Accelerate Drumming."

I must say, you are an amazing player/instructor. It's really impressive how you make your lessons so easy to understand and work thru. Reckon i should go dig it out and go thru the dvd again




Cheer mate
Fong

[Tomo]

Originally posted by Chameleonfong
Hey! I know you! Hahahahaah!! I watched your instructional DVD before, it came out almost (or same) time as Larry Finn's "Accelerate Drumming."

I must say, you are an amazing player/instructor. It's really impressive how you make your lessons so easy to understand and work thru. Reckon i should go dig it out and go thru the dvd again




Cheer mate
Fong



Hi Fong,

Thanks for watching my AYGP dvd. How did you know Larry Finn's
"Accelerate your drumming" ? After I made my AYGP , I produced
as a series, drums, bass and keyboard. Each dvd we played different
versions of Just Funky. Now this series grown to 15 dvds!

http://www.rittor-music.co.jp/tomofujita/02.html

http://www.rittor-music.co.jp/hp/whatsnew/video/04517204/index.html

Thank you so much for your words. I really appreciate it.
Please check my dvd out. Share with us here your progression.

Thanks,

Tomo

[Chameleonfong]

I'm a fusion freak, and Larry Finn's "Accelerate your drumming" if i recall correctly covers some of the beginner/intermediate fusion style at the very end.

Actually, to be more precise, everything that was taugh at the beginning to the middle/end sections were combined at the very end. Meaning that the video is actually bringing the viewers/students into the fusion drumming concept. my two cents

BTW, Akira Jimbo is another great drummer, whom i have to mention here. Anybody who is into fusion have to check him out.

And "NO," i'm not a drummer. hahaha

Tomo,

IHMO, your AYGP video seems to take the same approach as Larry Finn's instructional video. You started out pretty "easy" with the chromatic staff, then move on step by step to more technical chord improvisation at the middle end to end section. Which IMO is a great teaching approach.

I will share my progression when i get my folks to find mine copy and ship it back to me. hahahah

Cheers
Fong

[Tomo]

Originally posted by Chameleonfong
I'm a fusion freak, and Larry Finn's "Accelerate your drumming" if i recall correctly covers some of the beginner/intermediate fusion style at the very end.

Actually, to be more precise, everything that was taugh at the beginning to the middle/end sections were combined at the very end. Meaning that the video is actually bringing the viewers/students into the fusion drumming concept. my two cents

BTW, Akira Jimbo is another great drummer, whom i have to mention here. Anybody who is into fusion have to check him out.

And "NO," i'm not a drummer. hahaha

Tomo,

IHMO, your AYGP video seems to take the same approach as Larry Finn's instructional video. You started out pretty "easy" with the chromatic staff, then move on step by step to more technical chord improvisation at the middle end to end section. Which IMO is a great teaching approach.

I will share my progression when i get my folks to find mine copy and ship it back to me. hahahah

Cheers
Fong

Hi Fong,

Thank you for writing. It's not really focus on Fusion, but those exercises are
useful for fusion drummer too. Larry is great drummer. I produced 2 more after
that dvd. So Larry has Vol1, 2 and 3.

I want to make this straight. I am one who made this AYGP series and
I hired Larry for drums version of Accelerate series. That's why these dvds
are very similar... I requested Larry to make those contents.

Dave Limina's keyboard version is really cool dvd too. Especially
voicings...

Thanks for your comments.

Sax version of Accelarate series just released...
Of course, I played my guitar in that dvd too.


Tomo

[Tomo]

Hey John,

Did you get my email?

I am gonna be at NAMM 2006.

You can check out my custom Suhr Strat!

See you there at Eminence booth or
Fuchs, Suhr booth....


PS, Sax version of AY series just came out.
My AYGP DVD2 (focus on soloing) is ready...

PS2, PlexiBreath asked about my AYGP DVD2...
I thought you guys want to see the contents.

>>>>>>>>

Well my AYGP DVD 2 & 3 are already out in Japan. even DVD4!
but I had to do translate everything(a lot of work). Finally I did it
(other instruments too!!!) I always work split screen (Japanese on
left and English on right side)...

I made 7 sections for this dvd.

1) Section 1 scales.
5 in posisions, 7 broken positions, 1 string, 2 strings,
sequencings... many possible ideas and organization.

2) Part 2 Classical etudes.
Great song choices. Please wait till you see...

3) Part 3 Ear Training.
You can see on screen. It's fun stuff... Ear Training for
soloing.

4) Part 4 Sight-reading.
Again, you can see everything on screen.
Everyone's favorite. Here you can play really loud!
but no improvisation please!

5) Part 5 Blues etudes.
Simple call & Response, bending & vibrato,
Mixo blues, much more!

6) Part 6 Jazz Etudes.
Bb Jazz blues... minor blues, bebop chnages.

7) Part 7 Walking Bassline & comping.
I7 IV7.... ii-7 v7... Jazz blues, standard changes.
I use this for class... simple to complex ...if you
follow this you sound like me.

I think I gave you packet of Part6 & 7 when you purchased
my TMC DVD & SP DVD.


Thanks for asking.

I go back to work.

Tomo
>>>>>


Thanks,


Tomo

[big mike]

Cool Tomo! Be great to see ya again!

[Chameleonfong]

Hi Fong,

I want to make this straight. I am one who made this AYGP series and
I hired Larry for drums version of Accelerate series. That's why these dvds
are very similar... I requested Larry to make those contents.


Tomo

Hahahaha. No wonder the structure in both the videos are so similiar...I thought it was Berkeley's standard teaching method.hahahaha

I saw your post that you will be appearing at the next namm, maybe, i can escape school for a couple of days and swing over there and "dirty" your Suhr.hehehehe


Fong

[Tomo]

Cool Tomo! Be great to see ya again!


Hey big mike,

How have you been?

I will see you at NAMM show.
Look forward to.


Tomo

[HK-47]

tomo, i've been playing the guitar on and off for the past 7 years, and sad to say, i really haven't improve much, if at all, since i started. yeah, i'm that bad. can't do a lot more than the cowboy and the most common barre chords. can't even do a solo. sheesh.

so i recently decided that i should do something to change that instead of whining about it. problem is, i don't know where to start. reading the posts here got me really interested in getting your accelerate dvd, but do you think it is a good fit for me? or should i get something more "basic" first? thanks!

[Tomo]

tomo, i've been playing the guitar on and off for the past 7 years, and sad to say, i really haven't improve much, if at all, since i started. yeah, i'm that bad. can't do a lot more than the cowboy and the most common barre chords. can't even do a solo. sheesh.

so i recently decided that i should do something to change that instead of whining about it. problem is, i don't know where to start. reading the posts here got me really interested in getting your accelerate dvd, but do you think it is a good fit for me? or should i get something more "basic" first? thanks!


If you make your effort to practice dedicated time, I think you have a
chance to improve.

Why don't you try my AYGP dvd. Concentrate first 3 exercises on
Part 1. Do these with SLOW tempo for 2 weeks.
Then move on any thing that you can handle...

Please do not expect quick result. I would like you to believe yourself
(You can do it!) and give yourself a chance.

What are you going to lose?

Good luck.


Tomo

[John Hurtt]

tomo, i've been playing the guitar on and off for the past 7 years, and sad to say, i really haven't improve much, if at all, since i started. yeah, i'm that bad. can't do a lot more than the cowboy and the most common barre chords. can't even do a solo. sheesh.

so i recently decided that i should do something to change that instead of whining about it. problem is, i don't know where to start. reading the posts here got me really interested in getting your accelerate dvd, but do you think it is a good fit for me? or should i get something more "basic" first? thanks!

Definitely get AYGP, you will benefit right away. Just follow Tomo's advice, and take it slow. I loaned out one of Tomo's cd's to a friend of mine to check out, and after he told me how much he dug the playing I told him about the dvd. He ordered it a couple months ago and his playing has advanced in leaps and bounds! He's pretty excited about it, you can hardly tear him away from his guitar now. :)

[John Hurtt]

Cool Tomo! Be great to see ya again!

Hey Big Mike! I'll have to track you down at Namm!

[John Hurtt]

Hey John,

Did you get my email?

I am gonna be at NAMM 2006.

You can check out my custom Suhr Strat!

See you there at Eminence booth or
Fuchs, Suhr booth....




Looking forward to it, my friend! The Suhr looks cool, looking forward to hearing you play it.

[HK-47]

thanks for the quick response! i'm not expecting any miracles, but i really hope that with time and effort, this will work for me. i think i'll get a copy as a christmas gift for myself. i'm in the philippines so it'll probably take a month or 2 to arrive, but as long as it helps me get better, i have no problem with waiting.

[Tomo]

Definitely get AYGP, you will benefit right away. Just follow Tomo's advice, and take it slow. I loaned out one of Tomo's cd's to a friend of mine to check out, and after he told me how much he dug the playing I told him about the dvd. He ordered it a couple months ago and his playing has advanced in leaps and bounds! He's pretty excited about it, you can hardly tear him away from his guitar now. :)


Thanks for your kind words. Thank you so much!

When I hear people's comments on my AYGP, it makes me very
happy. I am glad to hear that.

By the way.... You'll have a chance to hear my new Suhr strat!

I am happy to announce about my live show in January.

I will be playing at Tone Merchants on the 19th Thrusday. 1/19/06
(more details follow soon)

Thursday night will feature 4 artists ...Guthrie Govan, Greg Howe
... then we all jam at the end.

Tone Merchants
Attn: Noel
1521 W. Collins Ave.
Orange, CA 92867

(714) 288-9583


Tomo

[Tomo]

thanks for the quick response! i'm not expecting any miracles, but i really hope that with time and effort, this will work for me. i think i'll get a copy as a christmas gift for myself. i'm in the philippines so it'll probably take a month or 2 to arrive, but as long as it helps me get better, i have no problem with waiting.


You're welcome. Thanks to John for helping.

I think you have good positive attitude. That's really good.
All we have 24 hours/day, 7days/week... depends on how
you choose, use your time effectively, it's possible to
accomplish many things. I am keep trying forward myself.

Let's enjoy your work. If you feel positive about your work,
you'll get better definitely. Good luck!


http://richweb.net/TomoFujita/

Tomo

[mbratch]

I bought Tomo's DVD based upon this review thread. Excellent instruction. I think Tomo focuses on some very important elements of playing. And Tomo's guitar playing in between the lessons is awesome. Great work, Tomo! :)

[diatonicdude]

Tomo,

I have checked out your web site and clips, and you are some guitarist!!

I love the funkier side to blues and Jazz (I love Robben Ford's Tiger Walk CD) but just haven't been able to crack it.

I have checked out this thread, and other sites, looking for a comprehensive list of what's actually on the DVD. I am hoping you can shed some light on this, if you get a moment.

Keep up the great work,

Cheers,

DD

[AerialBoundries]

Just ordered my copy of AYGP. I've been looking for something to kick me out of the rut I'm in, and it sounds like this might be it :AOK

[Thor]

Tomo,

I picked up your AYGP for myself and it is fantastic. I am slowly working my way through it, but I can already hear and feel a difference in my playing. I definately have a LONG way to go to master the more challenging lessons provided. Your jams between the lessons are fantastic - an excellent example of the principles your teaching (as well as inspirational). This disc definately lives up to the hype!:AOK

Thank you for your wonderful contribution to the musical community.

Edward

[Tomo]

I bought Tomo's DVD based upon this review thread. Excellent instruction. I think Tomo focuses on some very important elements of playing. And Tomo's guitar playing in between the lessons is awesome. Great work, Tomo! :)



Thank you for using my AYGP. Thank you for your kind word.
You understand my point, important elememt, purpose of this.
I am glad to hear that you enjoyed my demo playing too. Thank you.

Someone just asked a good question regarding tempo setting
for fingering exercise. Check this out.

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=81494&page=8&highlight=tomo

Good luck on your playing. Hope you have more fun.

Tomo

[Tomo]

Tomo,

I have checked out your web site and clips, and you are some guitarist!!

I love the funkier side to blues and Jazz (I love Robben Ford's Tiger Walk CD) but just haven't been able to crack it.

I have checked out this thread, and other sites, looking for a comprehensive list of what's actually on the DVD. I am hoping you can shed some light on this, if you get a moment.

Keep up the great work,

Cheers,

DD


Hello DD,

Thanks for checking out my web site. I really have to update
more often.

Thank you so much for your comments! I love Robben's Tiger Walk
cd. Steve Jordan on Drums! Funky!

I think Robben played Ann Peebles 's "I can't stand the rain" I used to
play that tune!

I wish I have all listed section (names....) I don't. There are 4 sections.
Part 1 Fingering & picking for coordination 8 exercises.

Part 2 Understanding the fretboard, about intervals, degrees,
some ear training 8 exercises.

Part 3 Some rhythm , muting, and sight-reading.
It's great way to improve your time, precise rhythm with notations.
playing by ear is fine. but if you understand how to read rhythmic
notation this will make more stronger player. I use these at my
Funk/blues lab at Berklee. It's really important element on practice
routine for clear progress. There some funk alternate picking exercises
too. 17 exercises.

Part 4 Groove exercises...
Rt 3 7 swing groove, jazz blues changes, shuffle riffs, shuffle comping
,shuffle bassline, R&B grooves, Funk grooves, Slap guitar...
17 exercises.

So you will have 50 exercises in my AYGP dvd.

Plus 8 demonstrations.

Thanks,


Tomo

[diatonicdude]

Tomo,

thanks for the reply. I was in London's famous music store district yesterday (Denmark Street) but I could not find your book to check out :-(

You can convinced me to buy the book, but may I ask is it suitable for an average to advanced player?

I also tried to find your CD. I hear you will be releasing a new one soon. What type of music will this be based on, and when will it be released?

Cheers,

DD

[Tomo]

Just ordered my copy of AYGP. I've been looking for something to kick me out of the rut I'm in, and it sounds like this might be it :AOK


Sorry for my late reply. I have been super busy since NAMM show.

How's everything? Let me know how you doing those
chromatices, Swing groove.... Hope you are doing well.

Thanks for trying my AYGP. It takes time to digest material
to your playing. Practice slow, really slow, record yourself.
Please don't go too fast. I don't want you to go same circle.
To do this, don't expect quick result. Look far ... trust yourself.
Look forward to.



Tomo

[trumpus]

Tomo -

What level of guitar player is your instructional DVD aimed at? I've been playing for about 8 years, but never had any forma training and am certainly not an advanced player by any means (actually, quite the opposite). I love your playing, though, and would hope to learn a lot from the instruction. I don't read music. Would I still, potentially benefit from this?

Thanks!

Brian

[BillyK]

Tomo:
I've got your AYGP DVD on it's way - I am really looking forward to it. I am working on my second life as a guitarist, as I made a living as a player in NY years ago, earned a couple of music degrees, performed/taught/did studio work and in my mid 20's I put it down. Like 100% down - for 20 more years. A little over 2 years ago I got the urge to play, which hadn't happened in decades. I don't feel like I am "returning" to anything, as I am now working my way to being a different type of player. I have to say that this might be the first time I am *really* loving playing guitar - it used to be a profession and unfortunately an obsession back in the day.

It's pure enjoyment now and I am really looking forward to tweaking what I've got with your DVD. I'll report back.

[Tomo]

Tomo,

I picked up your AYGP for myself and it is fantastic. I am slowly working my way through it, but I can already hear and feel a difference in my playing. I definately have a LONG way to go to master the more challenging lessons provided. Your jams between the lessons are fantastic - an excellent example of the principles your teaching (as well as inspirational). This disc definately lives up to the hype!:AOK

Thank you for your wonderful contribution to the musical community.

Edward


Hi Edward,

Thank you so much for checking out my AYGP.

I can feel that you are doing right following those exs.
Practice slow and especially watch out your left hand
fingering/movement (but do not look at so that you can
use your ears) less pressure, less movement ... better
choice. I would like to see , hear the difference not visually
more musically and feel , hear TONE...

Make sure do simple examples first at each sections.
No need to finish everything. Not about quantity or speed,
it's about quality and command on your playing.

Thanks for your words on my demos and my teaching.
It means a lot to meI got many great inspiration from others.
I will do the same. About those jams...(G7G7C7G7 groove)
you can imitatethese too. Record your rhythm guitar with a metronome
first then listen to that, you can work on your soloing.
Soloing is instant composing with melody and interesting
rhythmic figures, SPACE too. not go up scales.

Triads, chord tones are important ingredient too.
My AYGP2 will demonstrate more toward soloing.
Hope my AYGP1 will tight up your seat belt.

You're very welcome.
Thanks a lot.



Tomo

[Tomo]

Tomo,

thanks for the reply. I was in London's famous music store district yesterday (Denmark Street) but I could not find your book to check out :-(

You can convinced me to buy the book, but may I ask is it suitable for an average to advanced player?

I also tried to find your CD. I hear you will be releasing a new one soon. What type of music will this be based on, and when will it be released?

Cheers,

DD


Hi DD,

You're welcome. Are you looking for my book?
My AYGP is dvd.

You don't have to buy this if you don't want to. I just
want to share good habits, practice ideas for people
who really want to improve their playing skills. That's
all.

You can check out my website for more information
on my upcoming cd.

Thank you so much for your time.

Suhr strat SSC system BB RC 1.5 (http://www02.homepage.villanova.edu/david.kaplowitz/tomo/Suhr_SSC_ODBR_1.5.mp3)
Suhr strat SSC system CJOD 1.5 (http://www02.homepage.villanova.edu/david.kaplowitz/tomo/Suhr_SSC_ODCJ_1.5.mp3)



Tomo

[John Hurtt]

Hi DD,

You're welcome. Are you looking for my book?
My AYGP is dvd.

You don't have to buy this if you don't want to. I just
want to share good habits, practice ideas for people
who really want to improve their playing skills. That's
all.

You can check out my website for more information
on my upcoming cd.

Thank you so much for your time.

Suhr strat SSC system BB RC 1.5 (http://www02.homepage.villanova.edu/david.kaplowitz/tomo/Suhr_SSC_ODBR_1.5.mp3)
Suhr strat SSC system CJOD 1.5 (http://www02.homepage.villanova.edu/david.kaplowitz/tomo/Suhr_SSC_ODCJ_1.5.mp3)



Tomo

Tomo,

I don't remember if I told you this, but your Suhr through the Fuchs sounded terrific!

John

[Tomo]

Tomo,

I don't remember if I told you this, but your Suhr through the Fuchs sounded terrific!

John


Hi John,

Yes, you told me. We had emails talk after the NAMM.

Thank you so much for your comment. I just switched from V60LP
to V60. I really like the V60s. Now I have the 2 V60s and 1 V60LP
on rear.

Talk to you soon!


Tomo

[Troubleman]

I swapped emails with Tomo about improving my guitar skills; he recommended this DVD. My birthday is Sunday - guess what my kids bought me? It arrived yesterday. I haven't gotten through the DVD yet, but what I've seen thus far is invaluable. Tomo's a very likable and humble person who's absolutely scarifying with a guitar in his hands. I wish he lived next door....

Peace,

jb
:BluesBros

[Tomo]

I swapped emails with Tomo about improving my guitar skills; he recommended this DVD. My birthday is Sunday - guess what my kids bought me? It arrived yesterday. I haven't gotten through the DVD yet, but what I've seen thus far is invaluable. Tomo's a very likable and humble person who's absolutely scarifying with a guitar in his hands. I wish he lived next door....

Peace,

jb
:BluesBros

Hi Jay,

Happy birthday. Sorry for my late reply. After the semester...
I have been traveling around so... It's interesting to hear same
comment. People wished I lived next door! I wish I live in
every cities. Thanks for your words. I just like to help. Everyone
has own path, right choice, having 3 choices is good.


Tomo

[raz]

I swapped emails with Tomo about improving my guitar skills; he recommended this DVD. My birthday is Sunday - guess what my kids bought me? It arrived yesterday. I haven't gotten through the DVD yet, but what I've seen thus far is invaluable. Tomo's a very likable and humble person who's absolutely scarifying with a guitar in his hands. I wish he lived next door....


I hear ya, man. I've watched Tomo's DVD with friends any number of times, but hadn't gotten around to getting my own copy. But my mother-in-law gave me a Barnes & Noble gift certificate for my birthday so I was looking around their site for something guitar-related to buy. Lo and behold, there's Tomo's DVD! I'm now anxiously awaiting delivery.

Still just one criticism from what I've seen so far, Tomo. Would you make the rest of us feel better about ourselves and look at your freakin' hands once in a while? :eek:

[Tomo]

I hear ya, man. I've watched Tomo's DVD with friends any number of times, but hadn't gotten around to getting my own copy. But my mother-in-law gave me a Barnes & Noble gift certificate for my birthday so I was looking around their site for something guitar-related to buy. Lo and behold, there's Tomo's DVD! I'm now anxiously awaiting delivery.

Still just one criticism from what I've seen so far, Tomo. Would you make the rest of us feel better about ourselves and look at your freakin' hands once in a while? :eek:


No body is greatest. I am just good at funky stuff or something.
but I have many problems and weaknesses like everybody.
I am a normal guy who loves guitar sooooo much.

I really practice and respect simple stuff and fundamentals.
Because I want to get better every day, month, next year?

When you do something out there... I mean anything....
People would give criticism bad and good both way.

So far I am happy to see my AYGP is used by some people.
That's really good for me. Include you! Thank you so much!

PS, I usually play very slowly and give clear directions
and choices for playing better.

You could practice better or worth.... just like a marriage.
Work it together?


Tomo

[Tomo]

Tomo -

What level of guitar player is your instructional DVD aimed at? I've been playing for about 8 years, but never had any forma training and am certainly not an advanced player by any means (actually, quite the opposite). I love your playing, though, and would hope to learn a lot from the instruction. I don't read music. Would I still, potentially benefit from this?

Thanks!

Brian


Hi Brian,

If you never had any formal lesson, this will help you to understand
how important fundamental for guitar playing.

Each section (4 sections).... Easy, simple exs to more challenging one.
So all levels, all styles. You can pick what you need from this dvd.

You don't have to finish everything. I am sure that you can find something
from this. Hope you do. I would like help people. That was my aim.

Sorry for my late reply. Thank you so much for your kind words.
I really appreciate it.

You don't have to read music in order to study this.

Thanks,


Tomo

[raz]

I really practice and respect simple stuff and fundamentals.
Because I want to get better every day, month, next year?


I'm not believing it, Tomo. Where could you POSSIBLY find time to practice while also creating DVD's, CD's, doing clinics, recording sound clips, teaching at Berklee, gigging, and answering nearly every post to TGP that references you, offering up supplemental stuff to the folks who buy your DVD's, not to mention answering personal e-mails in detail. And there's a wedding ring on your hand in AYGP, so you got family time too? :eek:

Nope. I don't believe it. No human could carry that load AND practice. You'd have to be superhuman or something.


(...Raz pulls tongue from cheek and wonders if everybody here remembers to appreciate Tomo's benevolence. Raz hope so! )

[Tomo]

I'm not believing it, Tomo. Where could you POSSIBLY find time to practice while also creating DVD's, CD's, doing clinics, recording sound clips, teaching at Berklee, gigging, and answering nearly every post to TGP that references you, offering up supplemental stuff to the folks who buy your DVD's, not to mention answering personal e-mails in detail. And there's a wedding ring on your hand in AYGP, so you got family time too? :eek:

Nope. I don't believe it. No human could carry that load AND practice. You'd have to be superhuman or something.


(...Raz pulls tongue from cheek and wonders if everybody here remembers to appreciate Tomo's benevolence. Raz hope so! )



Yes, you are right. I am constantly moving and doing many things.
You did forget to mention. I do teach correspondence lessons
(for people in Japan), touring in Japan, cooking, kids stuff...
Next month, I will produce another "Accelerate series" Groove relationship
drum 4 & bass 4. I am really thrilled about this.

Yes, i have my family, boy 13 ... he is tall!, girl 10... she does dance
,funky tap! , boy 5... I am trying to teach him Japanese & guitar.
and wonderful wife! I do drop & pickup kids duties, cooking & cleaning
(I love to do), and mowing my lawn and everything. My family is
first priority. I do play my guitar a lot. but for my family I don't
mind if I don't touch my guitar for a few days.

I am very fortunate that i have job which I really love. When it's fun.,
you just do all. I even get up really early, because I get excited about
my day begin. It's difficult sometimes to do all same time....
but I just do it. I work all day.... and I work after kids went to bed...
And I believe in many things(possible). Having a fun & believe something
are important for my life. One chance, I do my best. but too much
is not good for balance. (be careful!!!)

Have a good day! Let me know when you receive your package.

Tomo

[trucks]

Tomo,

I watched demos a lot. Lots of books, lots of examples, lots of songs from cd's. For a long time, my playing had stalled even taking lessons. Right before AYGP, my wife said, "You are playing with a lighter touch." I had began to notice the smallest things. Then I got AYGP and things really changed. Now I saw an approach which began at a level which was accessible and logical while working on things that are often overlooked. More still, it was fun and inspiring. I remember watching the beginning and thinking how cool your playing was. At the end, I saw how cool my playing could become. It is an often used metaphor, but instead of feeding a meal, you teach how to grow your own food which feeds you for a lifetime. Now the ToneFest DVD took me to the next level in how to think about material. No more memorization, no regurgitation, I was applying. Who's style? Mine. For the first time, I understood what that meant. I began to improve again. I have a long way to go, but now I know how to do it.

Best regards,

Gary

[Moe45673]

Just ordered mine! If it's as great as everyone says, this is better than any pedal I've bought, and at a fraction of the price!

[Moe45673]

I was inspired by the eternity thread about how it's price is going up. Sometimes I think that, to keep the guitar interesting, we keep buying new gear.

As someone else mentioned, he'll bring a new pedal to jam and everyone will be like "that sounds awesome! But you sounded awesome before as well".

The truth is, I was never happier than when I was taking proper lessons and had a path set out for me. Constantly learning new things and such. Hard work over instant gratification any day!

I'm so glad I ordered Tomo's DVD, as I now have a new path ahead of me! I 'm hoping this will curb my gas for a while and really hone up my technique. I'm hoping that soon, I will be looking at my bass player (who is phenomenal, when he was in japan he played for the backing band for Japan Idol!) and he'll have this dumbfounded expression on his face :)

My point being, really learning the instrument and music in general is why I play, and I'm getting distracted with gear. If Tomo's DVD is as good as the rave reviews, I hope to be happy with my gear for a longggggg time!

[Skreddy]

I've got Tomo's DVD's now, along with extra instructional material supplied by Tomo.

I just wanted to get an overview before I start plowing my way through practicing the material.

I can tell that the ear training and being able to find the same note everywhere on the neck and the instant voicing of various intervals are going to be invaluable skills for me (although considered "basic" knowlege to many). I've never had any formal training, so my playing is phrase and box oriented. Knowing nine jillion chord and inversion variations seems like it would break me out of that box.

Tomo's uncanny ability to play walking bass lines while playing rhythm chords and fills is very intimidating to me. And generally his ability to track the movements of scales in two directions on the fretboard simultaneously frightens me. :eek: But in a good way.

Let's just say I have a lot of work to do.

Thank you, Tomo!!!

Your blues and jazz playing got into my head, and I found myself composing blues/jazz music in my head for hours after watching AYGP. I'm excited to begin learning.

[Tomo]

Tomo,

I watched demos a lot. Lots of books, lots of examples, lots of songs from cd's. For a long time, my playing had stalled even taking lessons. Right before AYGP, my wife said, "You are playing with a lighter touch." I had began to notice the smallest things. Then I got AYGP and things really changed. Now I saw an approach which began at a level which was accessible and logical while working on things that are often overlooked. More still, it was fun and inspiring. I remember watching the beginning and thinking how cool your playing was. At the end, I saw how cool my playing could become. It is an often used metaphor, but instead of feeding a meal, you teach how to grow your own food which feeds you for a lifetime. Now the ToneFest DVD took me to the next level in how to think about material. No more memorization, no regurgitation, I was applying. Who's style? Mine. For the first time, I understood what that meant. I began to improve again. I have a long way to go, but now I know how to do it.

Best regards,

Gary



Hi Gary,

I don't know what to say? My AYGP could reach out you. No, I think you opened up
you stepped out to reach .... you gained things that you needed... I am very happy to hear what happening to you and your guitar playing.

My job (teaching) is to make people notice something which they haven't notice before... or their inner talent to pull out from each person. You had something very special in you and you made efforts to discover and you have own thing going now.
Indirectly we worked together! That's really cool!

Thank you for writing your thought. Yes, memorizing shapes... that's too much!
Now you can be a good sponge.... It's all fun. Enjoy today and look forward tomorrow! I think this apply anything. It's important to have solid foundation
for all.


Warmest regards,


Tomo

Don't wake me (http://tomofujita.com/jpn/mp3/Put%20On%20Your%20Funk%20Face/Don%27t%20Wake%20Me.mp3)
SP jazz chord solo (http://tomofujita.com/jpn/mp3/Solo%20performance/Tomo%20Fujita%20solo%2003.mp3)
Tonespotter Version R Sakashita funky solo (http://www02.homepage.villanova.edu/david.kaplowitz/tomo/TS_VR_Funky_solo_1.mp3)

[Craig Walker]

Just picked up Tomo's DVD. Can't wait to get/make some practice time with it.

Tomo, you are a world class player.

[Tomo]

Tomo,

I watched demos a lot. Lots of books, lots of examples, lots of songs from cd's. For a long time, my playing had stalled even taking lessons. Right before AYGP, my wife said, "You are playing with a lighter touch." I had began to notice the smallest things. Then I got AYGP and things really changed. Now I saw an approach which began at a level which was accessible and logical while working on things that are often overlooked. More still, it was fun and inspiring. I remember watching the beginning and thinking how cool your playing was. At the end, I saw how cool my playing could become. It is an often used metaphor, but instead of feeding a meal, you teach how to grow your own food which feeds you for a lifetime. Now the ToneFest DVD took me to the next level in how to think about material. No more memorization, no regurgitation, I was applying. Who's style? Mine. For the first time, I understood what that meant. I began to improve again. I have a long way to go, but now I know how to do it.

Best regards,

Gary



Hi Gary,

I am very happy to hear that. Thank you so much for your time working
on it. You are right about "small thing" Any bit of small thing will grow
big later if you really pay attention.... I always like to push simple concept
and approach... because I really believe that good fundamentals are
really important to build anything big and solid... just like a building,
big business, yes, making a good family too. All connect to each others.
Positive attitude and constant efforts, good success from many good mistakes.

If you want to be a good guitar player, you want to know yourself well to
teach yourself better... You are doing good job not just looking for quick
answer and satisfaction(memorization)... you are taking good care of
using application and fundamentals to your own music.

I don't know how to thank you.

PS, I only know 2-3 jazz ii-v licks.... but my rhythmic, melodic and harmonic ideas
covers my ass.(sound like I know more... )


Tomo

[trucks]

Hi Gary,

I don't know what to say? My AYGP could reach out you. No, I think you opened up
you stepped out to reach .... you gained things that you needed... I am very happy to hear what happening to you and your guitar playing.

My job (teaching) is to make people notice something which they haven't notice before... or their inner talent to pull out from each person. You had something very special in you and you made efforts to discover and you have own thing going now.
Indirectly we worked together! That's really cool!

Thank you for writing your thought. Yes, memorizing shapes... that's too much!
Now you can be a good sponge.... It's all fun. Enjoy today and look forward tomorrow! I think this apply anything. It's important to have solid foundation
for all.


Warmest regards,


Tomo

Don't wake me (http://tomofujita.com/jpn/mp3/Put%20On%20Your%20Funk%20Face/Don%27t%20Wake%20Me.mp3)
SP jazz chord solo (http://tomofujita.com/jpn/mp3/Solo%20performance/Tomo%20Fujita%20solo%2003.mp3)
Tonespotter Version R Sakashita funky solo (http://www02.homepage.villanova.edu/david.kaplowitz/tomo/TS_VR_Funky_solo_1.mp3)
Tomo,

I believe the revelation came a long time ago for me, but the old methods just kept getting reinforced: shapes, patterns, standard licks, etc. Yes, some people did and do some cool stuff right from that approach. It was paint by numbers for me and too confining. I should have broke out, but I only see that with hindsight. When I found AYGP, it helped with direction. It is accessible and the ideas are solid. The message is build a good foundation, really know the fretboard and the notes (ears as well as fingers), work on your timing and rhythm then apply to your style (as demonstrated with blues, jazz, funk, swing, etc.). This set me up to express myself (and that including imitate others if I want).

The other thing about AYGP and your other materials, is how you manage to communicate a lot of ideas while keeping the enjoyment factor. It is easy for me to spend time on what I enjoy.

Thank you so much for all the time and effort you put into teaching people like me.

Best regards,

Gary

[Tomo]

I was inspired by the eternity thread about how it's price is going up. Sometimes I think that, to keep the guitar interesting, we keep buying new gear.

As someone else mentioned, he'll bring a new pedal to jam and everyone will be like "that sounds awesome! But you sounded awesome before as well".

The truth is, I was never happier than when I was taking proper lessons and had a path set out for me. Constantly learning new things and such. Hard work over instant gratification any day!

I'm so glad I ordered Tomo's DVD, as I now have a new path ahead of me! I 'm hoping this will curb my gas for a while and really hone up my technique. I'm hoping that soon, I will be looking at my bass player (who is ph
eno
menal, when he was in japan he played for the backing band for Japan Idol!) and he'll have this dumbfounded expression on his face :)

My point being, really learning the instrument and music in general is why I play, and I'm getting distracted with gear. If Tomo's DVD is as good as the rave reviews, I hope to be happy with my gear for a longggggg time!


I love gears very much. but as you mentioned... I am really into my fundamental for playing too. You got good point there. Hope you are continuing to work on your skills and tone. I am still working on my clean tone. Having good clean tone, touch... time..... those will help your playing. I am very happy to hear that it's working for you. Great! Thank you so much for your time. I am sure that you can make yourself sound great.

Tomo

[Teahead]

Any ideas where I might pick this up in the UK? I only seem to be able to find US dealers stocking it and I don't think the DVD region is suitable... Thanks.

[Andy J.]

Any ideas where I might pick this up in the UK?
...or anywhere else in Europe? In case I actually someday learned to play the damn thing...

[Moe45673]

Check ebay, that's where I got mine.

And Tomo, right now I'm working purely on exercises 1 & 2, and finding my playing and touch have really improved! I have my up and down days, but I'm loving the fundamentals you teach. I wish I'd had this DVD when I was just a young pup starting out. Cool!

[Tomo]

Any ideas where I might pick this up in the UK? I only seem to be able to find US dealers stocking it and I don't think the DVD region is suitable... Thanks.

Go to Hal Leonard website and find out? I sold many AYGP dvds to England, Italy, Germany, France..... I didn't have any problem so far..... Maybe all depends on type of dvd player?

Tomo

[Tomo]

Just picked up Tomo's DVD. Can't wait to get/make some practice time with it.

Tomo, you are a world class player.


Hi Craig,

Thank you so much for the kind words. I really appreciate it.

How's everything? Hope you like it. Good luck to get good tone. It's really fun to play when you have good tone... even one note, clean tone...

Take care,


Tomo

[DaSkip]

I got my DVD/Book about a week ago and I'm having alot of fun with the Funk and Jazz sections.

Thanks Tomo, for taking the time to teach the rest of us, that cannot attend the University that you instruct at.

:cool:

Skip

[Alejandro]

Does it work for a 50 years old guy? :o

[Tomo]

Check ebay, that's where I got mine.

And Tomo, right now I'm working purely on exercises 1 & 2, and finding my playing and touch have really improved! I have my up and down days, but I'm loving the fundamentals you teach. I wish I'd had this DVD when I was just a young pup starting out. Cool!

Thank you so much for your kind words. Play slow and make sure both hand timing together.... Do Part 4's swing groove... with Rt 3 7... please set the metronome 40 on 2 & 4 or set 50 on every beat (slow blues). I am using some of Part 3 at my blues/funk lab at Berklee now. Well, anytime is good time to review. Thanks for your interest and hard work. You will have much freedom on your playing.

Tomo

[DavidH]

Any ideas where I might pick this up in the UK? I only seem to be able to find US dealers stocking it and I don't think the DVD region is suitable... Thanks.

You can get it via Amazon,says it's region 2 format which is the correct region.http://www.amazon.co.uk/Accelerate-Your-Guitar-Playing-Fujita/dp/B00076YPQ2/sr=1-10/qid=1159489294/ref=sr_1_10/026-3723343-1418025?ie=UTF8&s=dvd

[Tomo]

I got my DVD/Book about a week ago and I'm having alot of fun with the Funk and Jazz sections.

Thanks Tomo, for taking the time to teach the rest of us, that cannot attend the University that you instruct at.

:cool:

Skip

Hi Skip,

Glad to hear you are having fun with it. Thank you so much for your kind words. and you're welcome. I like to help people. That's part of music.


Tomo

[John Hurtt]

13 pages later let me say that Tomo's AYGP still rocks! I find helpful things in each section. I can only add, take it slow and spend some time with it.

You will be rewarded!

[Tomo]

13 pages later let me say that Tomo's AYGP still rocks! I find helpful things in each section. I can only add, take it slow and spend some time with it.

You will be rewarded!

Hello John san,

Thanks for your kind words. I am very happy to hear that. That's right. "slow" is key. Work hard without quick expectation is good.

See you at NAMM. I will have my new CD!!!

Tomo

[derek_32999]

I must say that I was a tad overwhelmed when I first saw the first few exercises. Sad, I know but they looked harder than they really were and I wanted to get to a point I could devote plenty of time to playing. Then last week I picked it up again after spending some time with another instructional DVD that was MUCH harder to follow. Wow TOMO, what an awesome DVD. I am up to exercise 9 now and I have never heard the notes more clearly. Also, my pinky finger and ring finger and leaps and bounds stronger and smarter. When I tell my pinky to go somewhere, it goes!! LOL :D I cant wait to get m ear trained! I am excited about learning this stuff. Thanks TOMO!

:RoCkIn

[John Hurtt]

Hello John san,

Thanks for your kind words. I am very happy to hear that. That's right. "slow" is key. Work hard without quick expectation is good.

See you at NAMM. I will have my new CD!!!

Tomo

The new CD? Now that's cool! I'll make sure to find you to say hello and buy a copy of the cd. Sweet! :cool:

[derek_32999]

TOMO,

Is there an AYGP version 2 available in english?

Thanks,

Derek

[Tomo]

I must say that I was a tad overwhelmed when I first saw the first few exercises. Sad, I know but they looked harder than they really were and I wanted to get to a point I could devote plenty of time to playing. Then last week I picked it up again after spending some time with another instructional DVD that was MUCH harder to follow. Wow TOMO, what an awesome DVD. I am up to exercise 9 now and I have never heard the notes more clearly. Also, my pinky finger and ring finger and leaps and bounds stronger and smarter. When I tell my pinky to go somewhere, it goes!! LOL :D I cant wait to get m ear trained! I am excited about learning this stuff. Thanks TOMO!

:RoCkIn

Thanks for your kinds words. There are some harder one and easy one. I mixed all there. You don't have to do in order... You can pick whatever you can... but you want to make them fit to your pace. Keep your pace and not compare with others .. very important for me.
I think you have learned something your own. Great to hear that you have control your pinky finger ... more tone from yourself.

Have you ever practice "REAR PICKUP" all the time. I have one strat in my living room. I only use this for rear pick up. Plugged into my Princeton. Treble 8, Bass 2. So if you pick a bit hard... sound so bright... so I imagine this (Rear) is my warm front pickup.... you will see big difference in your touch.

Yes, you should do some ear training for your chords, soloing. I just posted this.
4 note voicing idea #1 Rt 3 5 7 on top
http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=192821&highlight=tomo
If I have a chance, I will introduce some ear training ideas here at TGP. Check out my voicing
thread. Follow my suggestion. Hope you will have more freedom on your playing.
Best thing you can do ... Don't expect the result too fast. Be patient and trust yourself.

Tomo

[HammyD]

I have had a great deal of time to spend with Tomo's AYGP 1 (English) and the two other dvd's in Japanese.

It truly and effectively embodies the concept of Kaizen, continual improvement. I found the exercises easy to understand yet challenging. It forced me to break out of old habits and patterns. And when playing I discovered how effortlessly and profoundly it improved my playing.

It is not burdened by theory and abstract concepts but rather helps you develop, almost unconciously. The theory and concepts are there just not obvious or intimidating.

For players like me, that spent a lot of time as a young man playing with older musicians that would never give me charts and insisted I'd "feel the changes" it helps me break that pattern and delve a little deeper into theory but without being overwhelmed by it.

Tomo's skills as well as his demeanor are exceptional!

[Tomo]

The new CD? Now that's cool! I'll make sure to find you to say hello and buy a copy of the cd. Sweet! :cool:


Yes, it's trio cd. Jan 1007! "Right Place, Right Time"
Kenwood Dennard on drums, James Genus on bass...

It's finally! Thanks for waiting.


Tomo

[John Hurtt]

Yes, it's trio cd. Jan 1007! "Right Place, Right Time"
Kenwood Dennard on drums, James Genus on bass...

It's finally! Thanks for waiting.


Tomo

Very cool, looking forward to hearing it. It should get a ton of play on the drive back up to Northern California from Namm. :AOK

[Tomo]

TOMO,

Is there an AYGP version 2 available in english?

Thanks,

Derek


Hi Derek,

HL has all material....but I am still waiting.

Tomo DVD Tour Box
http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=148619&page=4&highlight=tomo

You can take a look. It's free to check these dvds out.


Tomo

[guitar-rookie]

Hey Tomo!! Greetings from Malaysia! Got the AYGP for Christmas.. Feel my pinky getting stronger and i'm learning not to look at my fretboard (though it's really hard). Currently at Part 1 and I can't wait to advance to the other exercises, found myself picking up the guitar more and more to practice! Thanks for making this DVD!!

[Tomo]

I have had a great deal of time to spend with Tomo's AYGP 1 (English) and the two other dvd's in Japanese.

It truly and effectively embodies the concept of Kaizen, continual improvement. I found the exercises easy to understand yet challenging. It forced me to break out of old habits and patterns. And when playing I discovered how effortlessly and profoundly it improved my playing.

It is not burdened by theory and abstract concepts but rather helps you develop, almost unconciously. The theory and concepts are there just not obvious or intimidating.

For players like me, that spent a lot of time as a young man playing with older musicians that would never give me charts and insisted I'd "feel the changes" it helps me break that pattern and delve a little deeper into theory but without being overwhelmed by it.

Tomo's skills as well as his demeanor are exceptional!

Thank you so much for your kind words. Real title is "Enso Nouryoku Kaihatsu ..."in Japanese. Thank you so much. I wish more people listen to good old blues. Blues is base for jazz, funk and all.

Tomo

[Tomo]

Hey Tomo!! Greetings from Malaysia! Got the AYGP for Christmas.. Feel my pinky getting stronger and i'm learning not to look at my fretboard (though it's really hard). Currently at Part 1 and I can't wait to advance to the other exercises, found myself picking up the guitar more and more to practice! Thanks for making this DVD!!

Thank you so much! Good to hear from you. Practice slow and review a lot. For the first time you can look at your fretboard, but you shouldn't use any visual sense to learn and practice your guitar. If you do.. it seems faster and you will gain quick satisfaction ...then you will go around same places regardless how much you spend your time. You are very smart! I like ... don't expect quick result and don't compare with others ... type concept.

Study the degrees (colors), do some ear training/singing... triads, 7th chords.

" Tomo's triad lesson Vol 1"
http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=87931&highlight=tomo

"?note voicing idea #1 Rt 3 5 7 on top"
http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=192821&highlight=tomo

Enjoy practicing your guitar. Thanks.

Tomo

[anxiousmofo]

I got this for Christmas, as well, and am duly impressed. Really looking forward to spending some concentrated time on these exercises.

I recently got Doug Doppfler's DVD also, and must say that Tomo's is much more inviting (i.e. less self-smug and the like).

Would love to see Tomo do a similiar DVD focusing solely on rhythm!

[John Hurtt]

I got this for Christmas, as well, and am duly impressed. Really looking forward to spending some concentrated time on these exercises.

I recently got Doug Doppfler's DVD also, and must say that Tomo's is much more inviting (i.e. less self-smug and the like).

Would love to see Tomo do a similiar DVD focusing solely on rhythm!

While there is a bunch of rhythm work on the dvd, I would also like a concentrated look at this.

[Tomo]

Very cool, looking forward to hearing it. It should get a ton of play on the drive back up to Northern California from Namm. :AOK


Hi John,

Thank you. I just posted clips from "Right Place, Right Time" cd. Please stop by ,Eminence booth, 11 am, 1pm or 3pm on 18 ,19 and 20th of January.
(2pm & 4pm on Friday). Look forward to seeing you.

By the way, I got new Guyatone's pedals.
The Ultron (Hybrid Optical Auto Wah)
and the Ultrem (Hybrid Optical Tremolo). I am really enjoying these. Great quality!!!

Tomo

[warren0728]

tomo....would your dvd be ok for beginner/intermediate players?

ww

[anxiousmofo]

tomo....would your dvd be ok for beginner/intermediate players?

ww

As a renewed novice, I vote yes. Although it will stretch and discipline your fingers-- you have been warned!

Can't go wrong with this DVD, I reckon. Tomo gets top marks.

[John Hurtt]

tomo....would your dvd be ok for beginner/intermediate players?

ww

Not Tomo but...

Tomo did a tremendous job putting this dvd together. By stressing proper fundamentals Tomo really does help the beginner "Accelerate" his learning process on the guitar. It's great for breaking bad habits, but I wish....man, do I wish...that this was available when I was just starting out.

[John Hurtt]

Hi John,

Thank you. I just posted clips from "Right Place, Right Time" cd. Please stop by ,Eminence booth, 11 am, 1pm or 3pm on 18 ,19 and 20th of January.
(2pm & 4pm on Friday). Look forward to seeing you.

By the way, I got new Guyatone's pedals.
The Ultron (Hybrid Optical Auto Wah)
and the Ultrem (Hybrid Optical Tremolo). I am really enjoying these. Great quality!!!

Tomo

New pedals? Really? Looking forward to checking them out. Does this mean you've already worked them into your live rig?

I will absolutely be by to say hello and check out a clinic (or two, if their is space). If I ask nicely will you sign your new cd for me? :BEER

[Tomo]

tomo....would your dvd be ok for beginner/intermediate players?

ww

Yes. This dvd contains many exercises and you can pick with your pace. It's nice to have good habits, good foundation. Thanks for asking.

Tomo

[Tomo]

I got this for Christmas, as well, and am duly impressed. Really looking forward to spending some concentrated time on these exercises.

I recently got Doug Doppfler's DVD also, and must say that Tomo's is much more inviting (i.e. less self-smug and the like).

Would love to see Tomo do a similiar DVD focusing solely on rhythm!

Sorry for my super late reply. Thank you so much!

Please take yoor time and hope you can apply my AYGP dvd to your playing.

Yes, I have AYGP3 (for grooving... in Japanese) It's available to watch...
Tomo's dvd tour box.

Hope you are doing well with your guitar!

PS, Please check out my new cd "Right Place, Right Time"

Tomo

[Leb]

Hey Tomo,
A big thanks for creating this Instructional. I got mine when it was it TAPE version like 7 years back and i was just starting out as a electric guitarist. And boy i muz say it really grew me so much! Thank u ! :D Sad to say the TAPE is getting faulty..

Leb

[Tomo]

As a renewed novice, I vote yes. Although it will stretch and discipline your fingers-- you have been warned!

Can't go wrong with this DVD, I reckon. Tomo gets top marks.

Thank you so much for your writing. I also say "Yes" to this. Even advanced player could relearn good habits and clean up
muting system... Having good fundamental skills is way to go beyond your improvement.

http://www.amazon.com/Essential-Elements-Accelerate-Playing-Featuring/dp/B00076YPQ2

Thanks,

Tomo

[nomelite]

Hi TOMO! Im from Lima,Peru. I love your DVD !!the only doubt I have is related to the muting exercises.how do they help muting?? maybe I didn't watch these exercises carefully.

Anyway excellent stuff and I'm waiting for AYP2.

By the way I answered to the rude review in Amazon, as you can see :)

Take care and thank you for your excellent teaching!!

Best !

Roberto

[Tomo]

Not Tomo but...

Tomo did a tremendous job putting this dvd together. By stressing proper fundamentals Tomo really does help the beginner "Accelerate" his learning process on the guitar. It's great for breaking bad habits, but I wish....man, do I wish...that this was available when I was just starting out.


Hey John,

Thank you so much for stepping in. Thank you. Sorry for my late reply....

Thank you for your words!

Tomo

[Tomo]

Hi TOMO! Im from Lima,Peru. I love your DVD !!the only doubt I have is related to the muting exercises.how do they help muting?? maybe I didn't watch these exercises carefully.

Anyway excellent stuff and I'm waiting for AYP2.

By the way I answered to the rude review in Amazon, as you can see :)

Take care and thank you for your excellent teaching!!

Best !

Roberto

Hello Roberto,

Great to hear from Peru. My AYGP dvd reached a bit far this time. Thank you so much for using it. saw your review. Thank you very much. I really appreciate it. My AYGP2 isn't available yet... it's good resource for scales/chord relationship, all included CAGED and others mixed...


http://www.amazon.com/Right-Place-Time-Tomo-Fujita/dp/B000MX82LY/sr=1-2/qid=1170897161/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/002-9431758-4654417?ie=UTF8&s=music

http://www.amazon.com/Essential-Elements-Accelerate-Playing-Featuring/dp/B00076YPQ2


Tomo

[anxiousmofo]

My AYGP2 isn't available yet...
Tomo

Whoever's holding up the show on that release is making a big mistake. Well, at least if my personal experience and general public opinion serve as any indicator!

[John Hurtt]

Whoever's holding up the show on that release is making a big mistake. Well, at least if my personal experience and general public opinion serve as any indicator!

I agree, I think the second would be well received. BTW, if anyone hasn't checked out Tomo's new cd they definitely need to get it on their short list...it's terrific!

[Tomo]

Whoever's holding up the show on that release is making a big mistake. Well, at least if my personal experience and general public opinion serve as any indicator!

I don't know... HL got all material. They are supposed to release my AYGP2,
Jim Kelly's acoustic AYAG, Scooty Johnson's Rock AYRP, Larry Finn's AYD2, Anthony Vitti's AYBP2, Jim Odgren's Sax AYSP...

Thank you so much!


Tomo

[Medication]

I must say I've always been a skeptic of guitar instructional vids and have avoided them like the plague. Although, there are a couple books that I swear by.

However, a couple weeks ago I cracked down and purchased Tomo's dvd and I'm thoroughly impressed. I thought I had a good practice routine to begin with, I was quite wrong! His methods and technique have SIGNIFICANTLY improved my playing.

Most notably, the octave lesson has improved my flexibility and makes chord voicings, inversions, etc much easier to visualize.

Thanks Tomo!

[Tomo]

Hey Tomo,
A big thanks for creating this Instructional. I got mine when it was it TAPE version like 7 years back and i was just starting out as a electric guitarist. And boy i muz say it really grew me so much! Thank u ! :D Sad to say the TAPE is getting faulty..

Leb

Hi Leb,

You 're very welcome and thank you so much for your kind words my instructional product. Wow! From tape version! Thank you so much!

Have you ever seen Larry Finn's AYD or Anthony Vitti's AYBP..... They are excellent player and teacher. We are gonna do Japan tour soon and we 'll do clinics at music schools. I am thrilled.

It's time to get AYGP dvd version.

Tomo

[Tomo]

I must say I've always been a skeptic of guitar instructional vids and have avoided them like the plague. Although, there are a couple books that I swear by.

However, a couple weeks ago I cracked down and purchased Tomo's dvd and I'm thoroughly impressed. I thought I had a good practice routine to begin with, I was quite wrong! His methods and technique have SIGNIFICANTLY improved my playing.

Most notably, the octave lesson has improved my flexibility and makes chord voicings, inversions, etc much easier to visualize.

Thanks Tomo!

Thank you so much! It's quite difficlut to find good pracice routine ro improve your performance skills. Most people do everything pretty fast.. somewhat too fast to go where they want to go..(play fast, learn fast, play song..) Playing tunes are great. but fingerings, picking... both need to prepare for timing, tone creation and all that. I really apprecaite it.

I am sure that you know these ...
a) Play your electric guitar with amp.
b) No reverb, more treble less bass for checking your muting technique.
c) Record your peformance with your tape recorder
d) Don't use premade backing tracks. You should make your own groove with a metronome. Only 3-4 chours of blues, or tunes.
e) Practice soloing with only metronome. This will make you feel the chord changes .. Record your solo then practice comping over your solo.. you will learn MORE.

Good luck!


Tomo

[Ud Reks]

How come I've been playing for a long while and had trouble with one of the most basic chromatic exercises in the beginning of the DVD?

Hah!

[Tomo]

How come I've been playing for a long while and had trouble with one of the most basic chromatic exercises in the beginning of the DVD?

Hah!

I don't know? We are all different so you need to find something more specific way for you.

Try these:
a) Don't use a metronome.

b) Use your body to feel your rhythm.

c) Play things very very slow. Insanely SLOOOOOOOW!!!
40 per beats? Too fast... so no metronome.

d) Record yourself.

e) Enjoy it and think everything positive.

f) Do not expect fast result.

Hope you enjoy your playing, your tone. Please work on your TONE.

thanks for sharing.

Tomo

[eadricng]

Ya know, after hearin' Tomo's CDs (just received all of 'em recently, thanks to Tomo)....I dusted off my old AYGP DVD... and watched it last night...it's been a long time since I practised seriously...my brain can't absorb! :( I think i need some time to enter the.....'mood'..

Btw Tomo, your triad thread is very useful! :)


-----------
Eadric Ng

[Axe-maniac]

Hi Tomo,

I live in Australia and would love to get hold of AYGP. Is it available in PAL format and if so, where can I get it from?

Cheers,
Steve

[Axe-maniac]

Anyone???

[John Hurtt]

Anyone???

I would go online and check with Hal Leonard, they publish the dvd. :)

[BoostAddict]

working these long nights, I've only been able to watch AYGP2 but haven't seen the etude one yet. Tomo hasn't emailed me about who to send the DVD box to yet to sample out.

[Tomo]

Hi Tomo,

I live in Australia and would love to get hold of AYGP. Is it available in PAL format and if so, where can I get it from?

Cheers,
Steve

John Mayer is there ... touring right now. Sorry for my late reply.
Check here..http://www.amazon.com/Essential-Elements-Accelerate-Playing-Featuring/dp/B00076YPQ2

or email me. I may have a copy of dvd.

Thanks,


Tomo

[Axe-maniac]

Thanks guys. Amazon only has region 1/NTSC but I will check with Hal Leonard.

Cheers

[Tomo]

Ya know, after hearin' Tomo's CDs (just received all of 'em recently, thanks to Tomo)....I dusted off my old AYGP DVD... and watched it last night...it's been a long time since I practised seriously...my brain can't absorb! :( I think i need some time to enter the.....'mood'..

Btw Tomo, your triad thread is very useful! :)


-----------
Eadric Ng

Hi Eadric,

Thank you so much! Thanks for your ordering all cds/dvds!!!

Watch it a few times and find out any parts that you are intetested in...then read the booklet. Practice it, apply it to your music. Thanks for checking out triad thread. After you go over Rt 3 7 voicings... maybe you want to apply triads over chord changes. If you play C-7, F7, BbMaj7, EbMaj7, A-7(b5),D7, G-7,G7... then apply C-,F-,Bb,Eb,Adim,D,G-,G triads over 123/234/345/456 set strings.. or you can play "Little Wing" over 456 set strings... using all inversions. Play it if you hear all... or stop and study more... something like that.

Thank you.

Tomo

[Tomo]

I would go online and check with Hal Leonard, they publish the dvd. :)

Hi John,

Thank you! What's happening? Hope all is well with you.


Tomo

[John Hurtt]

Hi John,

Thank you! What's happening? Hope all is well with you.


Tomo

Hey my friend!

Things are kind of crazy, I owe you an email and will fill you in. BTW, the new cd is incredible, I'm really digging it! :RoCkIn

[russv]

Tomo-

I just started with this DVD. It is great. I knew my playing was sloppy, but now I realize how much. This is really bound to help my playing.

I am trying hard to keep my fingers closer to the strings. This is a bit of a struggle, particularly my pinky. Any tips on improving my fret hand positioning.

Thanks
Russ

[SwirlCrazy]

I find that my pinky wants to pull up every time I move my third finger up even a little. What I did to start dealing with that was to place all four fingers on one string, over 4 frets. All fingers would be touching the string just a little. Then I would press down with each finger individually, then pull that finger back up to where it was still just touching the string, while keeping my other finger tips still just touching the string.

This way, I could feel immediately when any of my fingers reacted in a knee jerk fashion because I could feel the change in pressure on the finger tip. Just practicing this for a few minutes several days in a row started making a difference. BTW, I never tried to hit the string at all with the picking hand, it was a fret hand only exercise. Seemed to help.

[russv]

Great idea swirlcrazy. I will have to try that. Good exercise for the tv watching with the wife.

[IanS]

Quick question if I may:

If I'm reading things correctly, the rhythm exercises suggest playing straight triplets with a down-down-up down-down-up strumming pattern. Is that correct? I have always alternated down-up-down up-down-up (emphasizing the first note), and I am really struggling trying to play even tempo with consecutive downstrokes.

Am I interpreting correctly? Any suggestions for getting the hang of this? (It's easy when playing the last two notes of the triplet as the last 2 16th notes, I stuggle with the straight triplet part.)

[trwigg]

Tomo posted a special offer on here a few days ago and I don't know if anybody mentioned it or not so I thought I would since I received the DVD/CD and the bonus material yesterday. Good material and a great guy.

[Dana]

Tomo posted a special offer on here a few days ago and I don't know if anybody mentioned it or not so I thought I would since I received the DVD/CD and the bonus material yesterday. Good material and a great guy.

What's the bonus material?

[trwigg]

Tomo put together some TAB exercises and included it with the purchase of 2 or more of the CD/DVD's he listed. All hand written and appears to be what he presents in his classes. Contact him about the offer as I don't know where it stands now.

[John Hurtt]

Just wanted to bump this so some of the newer members could hear about Tomo's fabulous teaching methods. I just can't recommend this enough! Plus, Tomo is one of the coolest guys I've ever met!

[Tomo]

Just wanted to bump this so some of the newer members could hear about Tomo's fabulous teaching methods. I just can't recommend this enough! Plus, Tomo is one of the coolest guys I've ever met!


Thank you very much!

Well... it's time for AYGP2 ???


Tomo

[jazzguitarplay]

i wish he was teaching at Berklee when i attended there, great practical playing approach youll really use in the real world, not just the classroom

[SuperElastic]

Thank you very much!

Well... it's time for AYGP2 ???


Tomo

Tomo was kind enough to loan me AYGP2, as well as something called the "Etudes" DVD. Both are in Japanese, but I saw enough to make me hope he releases both in English soon! Here's my review:

AYGP2

I love Tomo's original AYGP. To me it's like a series of fundamental skills you need to have to be fluent on guitar. As I recall, AYGP1 did not have a single lesson on pentatonic licks, fast legato techniques, or two-handed tapping! Kind of rare for an instructional DVD these days. Tomo's lessons put rhythm first and foremost.

I was curious to see how AYGP2 would improve on AYGP1. Right away, you can see the production quality is better, the videos seem to have better resolution, and split screen shots are used extensively so you can see what both of Tomo's hands are doing. If I had to make a gross oversimplification about the content, I'd say AYGP1 focusses more on rhythm, AYGP2 more on fretboard knowledge.

The progression of exercises is similar to AYGP in a way. Tomo starts you off with exercises that isolate key skills, then gradually puts these skills together in the form of etudes in blues/funk/jazz styles.

Exercise 1 - A nice concise set of exercises to learn the CAGED system for major chords and scales all over the fretboard. This was something that was really missing in AYGP1

Exercise 2 - Scalar exercises, single position, with what I call linear and nonlinear melodic movement. I think these exercises are meant not only to teach the scales, but also finger independence.

Exercise 3&4 - Similar to 2, but using scales that move up the neck in a linear fashion (ex. 3) and a nonlinear fashion (Ex. 4)

Exercise 4&5 - Again, similar to 2, but moving up the neck on a single string in a linear way (ex. 5) and a nonlinear way (Ex. 6)

Exercise 7 - Scales moving up the neck with slides and position shifts on multiple strings

Exercise 8 - Fretboard education. Playing the same phrase in multiple areas of the neck. Really a good test of how well you know your CAGED system. I think there was something similar to this on AYGP1.

Exercise 9-11 - A series of etudes, increasing in complexity (increasing amounts of string skipping and decreasing amounts of linear movement). Really tests your finger independence and skipping around with your right hand!

Exercise 12-14 - Improving your relative pitch skills, hearing a note before you play it.

Exercise 15-16 - Learning note names, basics of sight reading

Exercise17-22 - 12-bar blues in different styles. This is where I probably missed something by not understanding the Japanese. I suspect Tomo makes some specific points about playing in these different styles here, and he doesn't want you to just rote-memorize these pieces.

Exercise 23-27 - Jazz melody in different keys. Again, not knowing the Japanese, I bet I'm missing some valuable points here.

Exercise 28-36 - Jazz comping over a series of progressions, increasing in complexity. Very tasty.

Oh by the way, don't miss the live performance of "Just Funky". Tomo's rhythm chops are outstanding as always, but I was really impressed with the solo...burning!!

There is a lot of useful material here. I think the challenge is to figure out a workable practice schedule that covers all of this material, but doesn't take 6 hours. Maybe I need two metronomes...one for the exercises and one to remind me to switch exercises!

Anything else I wish AYGP2 had? In a word, triads. Tomo has posted some great little lessons on triad usage on TGP and elsewhere, I'd love to see these lessons on a DVD someday. I suspect Tomo has enough projects already....


The "Etudes" DVD

I'm not sure what this DVD is really called (it's also in Japanese), but it is a series of etudes in different styles. Tomo gives a demonstration of each etude, and then a series of exercises that outline different rhythm/lead variations for each etude. I really love this DVD...it's like the missing link between the AYGP exercises and full-blown performances. It really makes the connection between Tomo's exercises and live performance, which is very motivational for me.

Thanks again Tomo!

Russ

[John Hurtt]

Tomo was kind enough to loan me AYGP2, as well as something called the "Etudes" DVD. Both are in Japanese, but I saw enough to make me hope he releases both in English soon! Here's my review:

AYGP2

I love Tomo's original AYGP. To me it's like a series of fundamental skills you need to have to be fluent on guitar. As I recall, AYGP1 did not have a single lesson on pentatonic licks, fast legato techniques, or two-handed tapping! Kind of rare for an instructional DVD these days. Tomo's lessons put rhythm first and foremost.

I was curious to see how AYGP2 would improve on AYGP1. Right away, you can see the production quality is better, the videos seem to have better resolution, and split screen shots are used extensively so you can see what both of Tomo's hands are doing. If I had to make a gross oversimplification about the content, I'd say AYGP1 focusses more on rhythm, AYGP2 more on fretboard knowledge.

The progression of exercises is similar to AYGP in a way. Tomo starts you off with exercises that isolate key skills, then gradually puts these skills together in the form of etudes in blues/funk/jazz styles.

Exercise 1 - A nice concise set of exercises to learn the CAGED system for major chords and scales all over the fretboard. This was something that was really missing in AYGP1

Exercise 2 - Scalar exercises, single position, with what I call linear and nonlinear melodic movement. I think these exercises are meant not only to teach the scales, but also finger independence.

Exercise 3&4 - Similar to 2, but using scales that move up the neck in a linear fashion (ex. 3) and a nonlinear fashion (Ex. 4)

Exercise 4&5 - Again, similar to 2, but moving up the neck on a single string in a linear way (ex. 5) and a nonlinear way (Ex. 6)

Exercise 7 - Scales moving up the neck with slides and position shifts on multiple strings

Exercise 8 - Fretboard education. Playing the same phrase in multiple areas of the neck. Really a good test of how well you know your CAGED system. I think there was something similar to this on AYGP1.

Exercise 9-11 - A series of etudes, increasing in complexity (increasing amounts of string skipping and decreasing amounts of linear movement). Really tests your finger independence and skipping around with your right hand!

Exercise 12-14 - Improving your relative pitch skills, hearing a note before you play it.

Exercise 15-16 - Learning note names, basics of sight reading

Exercise17-22 - 12-bar blues in different styles. This is where I probably missed something by not understanding the Japanese. I suspect Tomo makes some specific points about playing in these different styles here, and he doesn't want you to just rote-memorize these pieces.

Exercise 23-27 - Jazz melody in different keys. Again, not knowing the Japanese, I bet I'm missing some valuable points here.

Exercise 28-36 - Jazz comping over a series of progressions, increasing in complexity. Very tasty.

Oh by the way, don't miss the live performance of "Just Funky". Tomo's rhythm chops are outstanding as always, but I was really impressed with the solo...burning!!

There is a lot of useful material here. I think the challenge is to figure out a workable practice schedule that covers all of this material, but doesn't take 6 hours. Maybe I need two metronomes...one for the exercises and one to remind me to switch exercises!

Anything else I wish AYGP2 had? In a word, triads. Tomo has posted some great little lessons on triad usage on TGP and elsewhere, I'd love to see these lessons on a DVD someday. I suspect Tomo has enough projects already....


The "Etudes" DVD

I'm not sure what this DVD is really called (it's also in Japanese), but it is a series of etudes in different styles. Tomo gives a demonstration of each etude, and then a series of exercises that outline different rhythm/lead variations for each etude. I really love this DVD...it's like the missing link between the AYGP exercises and full-blown performances. It really makes the connection between Tomo's exercises and live performance, which is very motivational for me.

Thanks again Tomo!

Russ


Wow, great review Russ. I need to get my hands on this one!

[John Hurtt]

Thank you very much!

Well... it's time for AYGP2 ???


Tomo


Could be? Is there going to be an English version of the cd? Really, if I could change one thing about AYGP it would be to make the book/print larger. I am getting older!!

John

[Tomo]

Could be? Is there going to be an English version of the cd? Really, if I could change one thing about AYGP it would be to make the book/print larger. I am getting older!!

John

Hi John,

How are you? Yes, it's gonna be English version of AYGP 2 DVD.
I wish they make the booklet bigger... then it becomes instructional book with DVD!

Tomo

[John Hurtt]

Hi John,

How are you? Yes, it's gonna be English version of AYGP 2 DVD.
I wish they make the booklet bigger... then it becomes instructional book with DVD!

Tomo


:rotflmao I guess that's right! Any idea when this will become available Tomo?

[dorfmeister]

I am thinking of buying the Tone Merchants DVD and the Tomo Solo Performance DVD. Do either or both of these come with notation/tab?

[John Hurtt]

I am thinking of buying the Tone Merchants DVD and the Tomo Solo Performance DVD. Do either or both of these come with notation/tab?

Not to my knowledge, but Tomo might throw some pointers your way if you ask. Not a cooler dude around. :cool:

[Dickie Fredericks]

Sounds like AYGP2 will be more towards the advancing guitarist?

AYGP1 didnt do much for me. Its good but seemed geared towards beginners.

[SouthernShred]

so when can we get AYGP2? :)

[Tomo]

Sounds like AYGP2 will be more towards the advancing guitarist?

AYGP1 didnt do much for me. Its good but seemed geared towards beginners.

Not really. It toward somene want to improve more. So all depends how you look at. but even advance players can learn more details and basics(not just easy things) then re-learn, work more detail to get better... so if someone work on many aspects on playing guitar with patient manner..could be very advanced. I treat all guitarist equally. All important.

Thanks,

Tomo

[Mike9]

I got volume 1 recently and I find it refreshing and straight forward in its approach - great work Tomo and thanks for putting these out.

[TFRED]

I just got a call from Barnes and Noble, AYGP has just arrived. I will be going to pick it up after work. I can't wait for AYGP2, but I will try to improve all my bad habits first. Thanks for taking the time from your busy schedule to help us out. I reallllly appreciate it.

Thanks Tomo!! :AOK

[Tomo]

What's the bonus material?

Some lesson material from my class, lessons for funk, blues, jazz, tunes(originals, funk, jazz... ),voicings, walking bassline, grooves, a pick?
dinner coupon...

Tomo

[Nick31]

who's this DVD aimed at ? I practice with various books like Guthrie's Creative Guitar, John Petrucci's Wild Stringdom and Rock Discipline as well as other instructionals ... so I'm not sure if Fujita goes deeper into the wrist and hand movements and whatnot or is it similar to Guthrie's books or John's rock discipline ?

My friend (plays drums) studies excellent technique with a student of Dom Famularo and his book is great on all levels. I've always been looking for something similar on guitar but haven't found exactly it. So is Fujita's book kind of what it is if anyone is familiar with Famularo on drum ...

[Tomo]

Tomo posted a special offer on here a few days ago and I don't know if anybody mentioned it or not so I thought I would since I received the DVD/CD and the bonus material yesterday. Good material and a great guy.

Thanks for your kind words. Many asked my "Just Funky" score with tab. Now I added this "Just Funky" tab.(exact transcription from my AYGP dvd)

Tomo

[John Hurtt]

Thanks for your kind words. Many asked my "Just Funky" score with tab. Now I added this "Just Funky" tab.(exact transcription from my AYGP dvd)

Tomo


Very cool, now I have to figure out how to get the tab for myself! :)

[TFRED]

Thanks Tomo,
I really think this is already helping my playing.
I also am trying to keep my fingers closer to the strings.
I will be ready for AYGP2 soon. It sounds like it might fit me a little better
for where I am at right now. I am still working hard on the first one now.
I'm trying to get rid of any bad habits, and increase my speed, and articulation. It is amazing what you can find out about your playing by using your exercises. Thanks again.

:AOK

[Tomo]

so when can we get AYGP2? :)

Thanks for asking. I don't know exactly when.. but Hal Leonard has all info and everything. Maybe this winter NAMM? You will see my AYGP2, AYGP (Rock),AYGP(Acoustic), AYD2(drums),AYBP2(bass).

I have just finished my new dvd about "solo making...soloing" (Rittor music in Japan) In Japanese.. more toward lesson style. Booklet is only TAB & shapes no words. It's different than AYGP dvd.

Thanks,

Tomo