I had a lesson with Raymond (aka RJS on TaroPatch.net) this afternoon and it was a blast! It pretty much shows how much more progress you can make with a good and experienced instructor. It also shows how interpretation of techniques through just reading a method book can be very different from the real thing.
We worked on basics, structure, ornamentations and technique; also covering Kani Ki Ho'alu from Ozzie Kotani's book, Guitar Playing Hawaiian Style. Ray provided me with a tablature reference sheet covering basic scale (in Taro Patch), open and closed positions, alternating bass, and basic chords. He also provided great practice tips and two arrangements for me to try out.
Ray gave some excellent tips on left and right hand techniques which nicely complemented what I've been working on with my beginning classical guitar practice. It was also great discussing the pros and cons of different artists' hand techniques. I feel that I have a better grasp of efficient and ergonomically-correct form.
I started practicing the first five measures of Kani Ki Ho'Alu this evening after dinner and my wife gave me an interesting look. She had before only heard me doing beginning fingerpicking exercises from my Christopher Parkening method book (classical). She knew that something had changed.
Thanks again Ray! It was definitely time well-spent and gave me a great boost (and one that I very much needed)!
Mahalo nui loa Ray!!
Posted - 07/02/2003 : 01:30:43 AM
