Music theory can be intimidating. Beginners and experienced players struggle with it. In fact, if you aren’t careful with how you learn music theory, you might be making a big mistake.
You see, the thing is, I’ve noticed 4 mistakes guitarists make when it comes to music theory.
In today’s episode of Acoustic Tuesday, I’m defining those 4 mistakes. Make sure you aren’t making any of them! I have an incredible opportunity that can help you tremendously if you are — so stay tuned for that!
In addition, I’m reviewing a new Boucher BG-52. Finally, I NEED to tell you about Emerald Guitars’ big giveaway…yes, it includes a trip to Ireland!
As always, you can watch Acoustic Tuesday at 10 am every Tuesday in these four places:
- Acoustic Life YouTube channel
- We Play Every Day Facebook Community
- Get show notes emailed directly to your inbox.
- Listen to audio-only below or in iTunes
This Week on Acoustic Tuesday
The 4 Guitar Mistakes (Music Theory)
Music theory is so important. But many guitarists make critical mistakes. If you want to learn theory, I have four common errors to keep in mind.
For each of these errors, there’s an easy way to remedy them. I’ll let you know after we talk about each of the mistakes 😉
Mistake #1 You don’t think you’re ready.
This can happen to ANY guitar player. Professionals, beginners, and everyone in between. I gotta say, you’re always ready to learn some music theory.
The fact is, when you start to learn theory, it’s going to accelerate your progress. Whether you’ve been playing for a week or a year, learning theory will make your progress that much faster. You’ll be making connections that will make everything make sense.
Mistake #2: You need a comprehensive understanding of music theory.
If you think you have to understand everything about music theory, from composition to harmony to modes, you’re dead wrong.
I mean, it’s nice to know these things, but the bottom line is that you don’t need to know everything to play guitar.
Instead, you should target the 20 or 10% of music theory that will help you every day on your guitar journey.
Mistake #3: You don’t have enough time.
Instead of learning theory, you think that you should just play the songs and scales you already know…right?
Here’s the funny thing…when you start learning music theory, you learn other concepts faster. In the short window of time, you have to work on your guitar playing and music, if you incorporate music theory, you can have lightbulb moments left and right.
Mistake #4: You have self-doubt.
There’s no easy way to talk about self-doubt. As a guitarist, you’re putting yourself out there, and it takes a lot out of you.
Whether you’re playing with friends, at an open-mic night, or posting a song to TAC or YouTube, remember that you can do it!
Learning music theory is no different. You can do it. Don’t let your self-doubt take control of the situation. Whether you’re brand-new to guitar or coming back after years off, learning music theory can truly change how you practice and play guitar. You got this!
Now, if you noticed that you’re making any of these mistakes, I want to tell you about something special…
The solution to your 4 mistakes…
On March 1st, I’m starting my Fretboard Wizard Challenge — a course that focuses on the bare essentials of music theory (specifically for guitar players!).
This course is perfect for beginners, intermediate, and advanced players.
If you’re ready to gain fluency and comfortability navigating the fretboard, it’s time to become a Fretboard Wizard. Just click below to learn how you can get started.
(TAC Members get an additional $42 off the course)
Boucher BG-52
As you probably know, I’ve reviewed hundreds of acoustic guitars in the last couple of years. And, I gotta say, I start drooling every time I see a Boucher walk into the studio.
Here’s why…
Boucher Guitars are classic, clean, and offer excellent craftsmanship. In fact, their soundboards are so highly regarded, many other manufacturers outsource their soundboards to Boucher.
If you want to see everything that Boucher Guitars has to offer, be sure to visit their website today.
Link: https://boucherguitars.com/
Ask the Artist: Jon Gomm
Ever wondered who to listen to? Looking for recommendations?
What if you got a recommendation from one of the most legendary guitarists in the acoustic world?
I love what Jon Gomm has to say as far as upcoming artists and essential gear. Be sure to catch everything he has to say in this episode of Acoustic Tuesday!
Excellent program as usual. As a graduate of the Fretboard wizard course, I can honestly say that the experience was mind changing and with HUGE light bulb moments. I visit the material every weekend after I review the TAC for the week.
Hi Tony and team, even though I already get the Monday email, I signed up a long time ago. I don’t recall how I signed up. I tried to check out accousticlifejournal.com and ran into browser security warnings on both Safari and Chrome. Hacking around a bit I stumbled onto this URL that worked: https://tonypolecastro.com/acoustic-life-journal/
Just a heads up in case anyone else has difficulty.
The non-acoustic 9 man band has to be SlipKnot
Tony, I was watching this
https://www.fretboardjournal.com/video/plugged-in-the-making-of-mamaroneck?utm_source=Fretboard+Journal+Newsletter&utm_campaign=7320416ee2-April25_newsletter9_17_2014_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_5586d24b90-7320416ee2-419020093&ct=t(EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_4_24_2019_16_23_COPY_01)&goal=0_5586d24b90-7320416ee2-419020093&mc_cid=7320416ee2&mc_eid=38a92013b8
and it reminded me of Fretboard Wizard. Wow-what a moment. That he sketched out the song was wonderful. Please enjoy
Tony I wa away from feb 27th intil the 13th of March and missed the fret board challenge start cours. Can i still Join the course Now?
RSplay email on how to choose a guitar please