Conference napalm::guitar

    If you're into folk, consider joining the Folk Song Society of
    Greater Boston. (If you're not in the Boston area, amend this to an
    appropriate local group.) In addition to a concert series, they have
    a lot of folksinging gettogethers where you can jam with other
    people of varying degrees of skill (both vocally and
    instrumentally). Playing with other people on a regular basis is a
    good way to both hone the skills you have and to observe other
    styles. 

    
    	I agree with .1 - find a group of people who like to play on
    a regular basis. Everything *I've* ever learned was done by exposure
    to others playing in real time. Another suggestion I have is to
    pick up a bass guitar. I've found that owning a bass gives your
    friend something to do (hint hint) while you play guitar...
    
    	Joe Jas
    

    
    	I agree, playing along rather than alone will enhance your playing.
    If you can't find friends who play an agreeable style, play along
    with records.  I find this is a great way to learn a certain style
    of playing.  Some music can be tough to pick up at first, but it's
    best to avoid rewinding or stopping the tape; eventually you'll
    figure it out and find yourself cruising along.
    
    				Dave

	Also how about Happy Traum's "homespum" tapes and videos?
	There is a lot to be learned there also.

	I do agree that playing with other people is really helpful
	also....

	-gary

    I hope there's no statute of limitations covering replies to notes.
    I don't have a tube at home so I have trouble keeping up to date.
    
    As a background note, I used to make my living(?) teaching guitar
    so I have some opinions.  I taught fingerstyle (song accompaniment,
    blues, ragtime, Celtic/American trad. tunes, medieval/renassaince
    tunes and a little Bach) and flatpicking (Celtic/American tunes
    and a little bluegrass).  
    
    Now the opinions.  
    
    For most people, it's important to get out and jam.  Play along
    with other folks or records or tapes.  But if you have some goals
    in mind - playing blues, learning a Joplin rag, playing like 
    <your hero's name here>, etc. - then you also need to think about the
    level of technique you'll need to play like <...>.  
    
    The best and quickest way to develop the strength and dexterity
    you need is to do exercises tailored to the style of music you want
    to play.  The ability to develop the right exercise comes with
    experience, so if you don't have the experience, you'll need help.
    Books are not very useful unless you have some guidance or a fair
    amount of experience.  Audio tapes are better.  Video tapes are
    still better.  But if you're serious, there's really no substitute
    for the *right* teacher.  Unfortunately, *right* teachers are rare.
    
    If you really hate to take lessons, then the *right* teacher is
    someone who will take you on a short term basis and concentrate
    on the physical aspects, i.e., how to choose and use exercises
    and how to practice.  Look for an open minded classical teacher.
    If you interview a dozen, you might find one who'll give you what
    you need.  You can learn a lot in a few weeks and it'll quadruple
    the satisfaction you get from playing. 
    
    Bob
    
    

    re: .5
    
    One big AMEN.
    
    I really think that one of the most important things you have to
    learn is how to teach yourself.  You need to be able to tell what
    you need to do to improve.
    
    I don't consider myself anywhere near good enough to be a teacher, but
    I have "coached" a few people and I always stress that.
    
    It includes:
    
    	1) How to spend practice time
    	2) How to develop exercises to work on certain things
    	3) Knowing WHAT to work on
    	4) Learning how to concentrate
    	5) Learning what you need to think about when you're playing
           guitar, etc.
    
    	db