HOW TO GET THE MOST FROM YOUR COLLEGE STARTER PACK

Congratulations on your decision to become a better guitar player. We commend you on taking the time and making the effort to improve your playing and increase your musical knowledge. Just follow the plan set before you and will hear improvement.

To make the most of your College Starter Pack we suggest begin by taking just a few minutes and briefing the information in the front of the New Student/48 Licks book for helpful suggestions regarding practicing, materials, development, tools, time management, study habits, etc. If you’re serious about learning, give these ideas a try right away. This will helpyou make a fresh start and change any old bad habits you may have. They really are effective and do make a difference in your progress.Next it would be helpful to watch part of the video, about 15-20 minutes. This will visually demonstrate the techniques you will be learning in Rhythm Guitar and Theory & Technique #1. It is not necessary to watch the entire video (unless you want to) but you will want to keep the video slightly ahead of the courses for it to be most effective. As they say, “A picture is worth a thousand words.”

As you begin the two courses, we recommend that you alternate days with them. Work on Rhythm Guitar one day and then Theory & Technique Course the next. Since they contain similar music theory information, one related to chords, the other to scales and melody, it’s most effective to study these two courses simultaneously. It is also necessary to spend a few minutes practicing your technique exercises on the days you’re working on Rhythm Guitar. These exercises are most effective when done on a daily basis.

Begin Theory for the Road as soon as possible. This course teaches music theory for any instrument or vocals. It is an audio course, you can listen while driving, and you don’t need an instrument to absorb the information. It is musically illustrated on guitar and keyboards so repeated listening is recommended. Music theory is most useful when memorized so you have an instant command of it when needed (sort of like your times tables). An understanding of general music theory makes understanding guitar theory easier. If you play in a band or worship team, it will also help you verbally communicate musical ideas with other musicians, as well as being helpful in writing your own songs.

Even though Rhythm Guitar and Theory & Technique are essential core material, some people get board studying just that, so if you can spend more time with your guitar you might want to do something fun like the 48 Licks. Once you’ve completed the first half of Rhythm Guitar and Theory & Technique you can even start into Blues #1 if you have some extra practice time. Everyone’s different so suite your specific needs to keep yourself motivated, consistent, and on track.

Some brief study tips: Always use a metronome when you practice to lock in your time and gage your improvement. Studies show that using a music stand while practicing helps you learn faster. You’ll find lots more helpful suggestions in our “NEW STUDENT PACKET” that you'll receive free with your first order.