Practice and Discipline Guitar Lesson
Practice and Discipline
In this short lesson David talks about practice, discipline, and how you should apply yourself when learning and mastering the guitar.
Taught by David MacKenzie in Basic Electric Guitar seriesLength: 6:00Difficulty: 0.5 of 5
Supplemental Learning Material
Basic Electric Guitar
Found in our Beginner Lesson SetsIn his Phase 1 series, David MacKenzie will walk you through the basics of rock guitar.
Lesson 1
About the Guitar
David discusses the parts of the guitar. He also gives you some basic techniques to get you started.
Length: 31:00 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
Power Chords
In this lesson, David introduces basic power chords. Great fun for beginners!
Length: 10:12 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Basic Chord Progressions
David introduces some basic chords and chord progressions.
Length: 14:15 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Notes, Chords and Arpeggios
David provides a brief explanation of what notes, chords, power chords, and arpeggios are.
Length: 8:12 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
Speed and Coordination
This lesson is all about increasing your speed and coordination. David demonstrates basic picking exercises.
Length: 14:12 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Chord Exercises
David MacKenzie presents a mysterious sounding chord exercise. This exerices is designed to improve right hand technique.
Length: 9:12 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Practice and Discipline
In this short lesson David talks about practice, discipline, and how you should apply yourself when learning and mastering the guitar.
Length: 6:00 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
Double Stops
Double stops can bring new life to your rhythm and lead playing. David provides a short tutorial on what double stops are and how they can be used.
Length: 7:12 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
The Major Chords
David covers the basic major chord shapes. Every guitarist must learn these basic chords.
Length: 18:29 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
The Minor Chords
David MacKenzie walks you through the basic minor chords. Expand your knowledge of chords with this fun-filled lesson.
Length: 8:15 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Major Scales
Major scales are an essential component of all styles of music. They can also be used as a great way to orient yourself with the fretboard.
Length: 32:12 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Major Scale Jam
David MacKenzie explains how to practice the major scales along with a fun backing track.
Length: 11:10 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
The Minor Scales
David MacKenzie proceeds to an in-depth discussion of the minor scales.
Length: 15:36 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Minor Scale Jam
David MacKenzie shows you how to play the natural minor scale over a rockin' JamTrack.
Length: 6:12 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
One String Exercise
David demonstrates an excellent one-string exercise in this lesson. This exercise will improve your dexterity and knowledge of the fretboard.
Length: 16:48 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs
Hammer-ons and pull-offs are techniques that enable you to play with a smooth, legato feel.
Length: 8:27 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Basic Bends
David MacKenzie gives a crash course on bending in this lesson. Bends can add a lot of soul to your playing.
Length: 16:12 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Cool Rock Licks
David MacKenzie teaches two rock licks inspired by Yngwie Malmsteen and Kirk Hammett of Metallica.
Length: 12:12 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Hammer-On Exercise
David returns to the world of hammer-ons with a fun new exercise. This lesson includes a JamTrack.
Length: 13:56 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Return to Pull-Offs
David returns to the world of pull-offs with a new exercise. This lesson includes a backing track.
Length: 12:50 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Practicing Bends
David MacKenzie returns to bending technique in this lesson. This lesson features a backing track that is designed for bending practice.
Length: 12:18 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Basic Vibrato
Integrating vibrato into your guitar playing is a great way to add emotion and soul. David MacKenzie explains the basics of vibrato in this lesson.
Length: 9:12 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Pentatonic Scale
David MacKenzie introduces the pentatonic scale.
Length: 5:48 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Minor Pentatonic Scale
David MacKenzie introduces the minor pentatonic scale in this lesson.
Length: 4:38 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Full Major Scale
David MacKenzie explains a two octave pattern of the major scale.
Length: 11:31 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Full Minor Scale
David MacKenzie introduces a two octave natural minor scale pattern.
Length: 12:20 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Full Major Pentatonic Scale
David teaches a two octave pattern of the major pentatonic scale.
Length: 6:30 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Full Minor Pentatonic Scale
David MacKenzie teaches a two octave version of the minor pentatonic scale.
Length: 9:20 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Cool Lick
David MacKenzie teaches several licks based on common arpeggio patterns. This lesson also includes a backing track to jam with.
Length: 20:40 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Rhythm Basics
David MacKenzie introduces some important rhythm basics in this lesson. This lesson also includes a backing track exercise.
Length: 14:55 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Power Chord Variations
David MacKenzie explains various power chord voicings. By simply moving a finger or two, new power chords can be formed.
Length: 18:43 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Cool Lick Exercise
David MacKenzie introduces some new amazing licks.
Length: 29:12 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Tapping Exercise
David MacKenzie introduces the tapping technique and teaches a fun exercise. This lesson includes a backing track.
Length: 22:44 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Tapping Exercise #2
David MacKenzie teaches another amazing tapping exercise.
Length: 13:07 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Tapping #3: Adding Open Strings
The third tapping lesson elaborates on the previous lesson by adding open strings.
Length: 12:59 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Tapping #4: Diminished Lick
The fourth lesson in Dave's tapping series deals with a monster diminished lick.
Length: 11:02 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Tapping #5
In lesson five of his tapping mini-series, DMac provides backing tracks that you can tap over.
Length: 8:04 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Tremolo Technique
In lesson 38, DMac demonstrates some tremolo techniques to add to your repertoire.
Length: 13:54 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Tapping #6
DMac returns to his tapping instruction with more advanced techniques.
Length: 19:54 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Chord Structures
In lesson 40, DMac teaches you how to play various D chords all the way up the neck.
Length: 9:20 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Octaves
In lesson 41, David discusses the octave and its uses while playing.
Length: 17:09 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
About David MacKenzie
View Full Biography
Dave MacKenzie has been playing guitar for 30 of his 45 years on this earth. Starting back when he was 14 years old, Dave picked up the guitar and started to learn from his oldest brother, who had played some guitar as well. Dave was hooked, and couldn't learn fast enough! Everything from the Beatles, Chicago, Ted Nugent, The Eagles, you name it, Dave was trying to play it.
Then as with a lot of players out there, Eddie Van Halen came along and changed the way guitar was played! Dave has been influenced by anyone he has heard play guitar, literally! Always keeping an open mind and a humbleness about him has helped him to keep learning new things on, and about the guitar.
Dave has mostly played in top 40 rock, country, and pop bands. He is most recently playing guitar and keyboards in a 80's metal band called Open Fire. They have opened for Warrant, Firehouse, Winger, and LA Guns
within the 3 and a half years they have been together, and are now jumping into original music.
Dave believes you should have internal motivation, and passion to play guitar, and most definitely, it should be fun!
As with his playing, Dave will find new ways to show you how to get the most out of your time learning guitar!
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Member Comments about this Lesson
Discussions with our instructors are just one of the many benefits of becoming a member of JamPlay.Nice speech, thats one to tell the grandkids in years to come.
The "frustration factor" i know all too well. there are many days i feel i will never get this. i have been playing for about 2 years and i am still struggling with the basics. its like the more i learn the less i understand... it seems like everyone i know personally who plays is progressing so much faster than i am. my question is to david and everyone else is, do you think some people just aren't cut out to play? or do you think anyone can learn with time? and as far as my goal... i want to learn to put my feelings into the guitar, i want to make it speak for me the way a painter does with brush and canvas, my loves, fears, angers, etc. am i far off the mark?
Just a quick thanks and as I read somewhere else....this SHOULD be required viewing for all beginners.
Good Lesson. I've been playing guitar for years, after a reviewing a couple of the free stuff on Jamplay I joined to learn some new tips and styles (I never been able to sweep worth a lick!). I started the basic lessons just because the it seemed best to start at the beginning, not thinking these would teach me much. Well your third lesson I learned some chords I had never seen before! I look forward to actually practicing again, instead of just noodling around to keep muscles in shape.
just what i needed after 2 months of trying to learn to play
David: I've been playing guitar for about 30 years also. The difference between you and me is that I put it down to fight a war, get a college education, and establish a career. Last December, I convinced my wife to let me get an acoustic guitar for Christmas, and It's been on since. I've purchased two more guitars, effect pedals, and recording equipment. I've also joined a local band. The one thing that has eluded me is soloing. I've always been the rhythm guitarist in bands, so now I've challenged myself to step into the limelight. So far your lessons are great. I'm continuing your series and believe that your experience is going to help me achieve my goal. I don't believe that I'll ever be Joe Satriani, but I'll keep trying. Thanks.
Very good lesson and one everyone should watch. I've been playing guitar for a year now and joined Jamplay as soon as I bought my first guitar. I never dreamed I would make as much progress. But I made a determined effort to remain disciplined and not move too fast through lessons until I had a reasonable understanding of the lesson I've just watched at each stage.
After going through these lessons I have found something that helped me expand on what you taught in the lessons. What do you think about a book called the Guitar Grimoire?
These lessons are great. I started playing guitar in 1981 and I still learn things from these beginner lessons. It's like going back and finding things I missed along the way. Your teaching method is great and down to earth. Your advice in this lesson says it all. Thanks for these lessons. I've learned so much since joining with Jamplay.
your most welcome, and thank you!!!
Like we say in Europe: Rome ne s'est pas faite en en un jour. Rome was not built in one day. Patience, patience, it's the only way to get it. Thanks to remember it to the new generations.
Cool man. So glad to hear Yngwie mentioned. First time I heard Evil Eye on Rising Force I was totally blown away. Completely agree about discipline. I took 8 months going thru Mark Lincolns acoustic series, so I am totally motivated but I understand the importance of patience. Thanks DMac!
Awesome lesson DMac really puts your focus right where it needs to be dedication and hard work. Another reason why I've fallen in love with Jamplay everyone has the right idea :D
Wow,great words to hear.i suggest this lesson is put in also at the very start,people need to hear this right away,so they know not to be in a hurry,and then get frustrated and quit.if it was easy,everyone would be playing and it wouldnt be anything special.
Inspirational, I always want everything right now, and the guitar is not something where that approach is going to be beneficial. I want my playing to sound good not messy. Thanks for the insight.
words to learn by
Very true! I have come back to the guitar after many years "off" and the great thing is in the month or so i been back i found all the things i used to be able to do coming back to me just like "riding a bike" you dont really forget it (sure my fingers didnt go where i wanted a first.. but practice and am a lot better) I found setting your self targets and goals is good motivation, nothing feels better than managing to finally play at the right speed and with no mistakes a piece you love. I know i wont be John Pretrucci over night, but... it takes little steps to climb a ladder and my little goals keep me motivated :)
he david do u know how to play the NEW DIVIDE by linkin park i'm in search of its cover The song is available at www.mp3raid.com I will be very thankful to u
Wise words...part of what makes me a beginner at 41 is a lack of dicipline (and time)...I skipped ahead to this lesson....but it was well worth it back to work......
Very good lesson. I wouldn't have played on stage at my schools talent show if I didn't teach myself that a couple of months ago. You basically put my thinking into a good explanation.
Pettruci is absolutely amazing. Watch him play a solo and things you can't comprehend playing he just calmly flies through. How long has he been playing?
according to John's official website, he was born july 12th 1967, and started playing at age 12, which is at about 1979 i think? so about 30 years as of this year now. he also attended Berklee music college, where he meet 2 members of dream theater. its all history after that. sounds like he was very driven and would put in 6 hours of practise a day at times, and i think he just has a true gift to play. from his clinic i learned how he organized alot of different exercises and and forms an actual regime to learn new things, while going over other things he has learned guitarwise. he is a very diciplined individual, and is even into bodybuilding! i thought he looked bigger in some pics i saw recently. he was'nt that big when i met him 2-3 years ago. anyway thats what i know about him.
I 100% agree that there is a trend of "I want it now" mentality sweeping the nation remember, "patience is a virtue"
this video inspired me in so many ways. Thank you very much David
As I watch the lesson, I understand that learning to play the guitar is very comparable to learning karate. Getting a foundation, and building from that, also accepting that one can never learn it all. (I also need to use less force...but that's a different story) Thank you for the lesson, you teaching style is very motivating for me.
very true to everything you said. that puts you at a high level of understanding, and you wont frustrate yourself too much, yet you'll motivate yourself good enought to keep progressing!! good job!!
I remember an interview with Eddie Van Halem. He said "It's easy to play guitar like me...just lock yourself in your bedroom with your guitar for 8 hours a day for ten years!...that's what I did"...I guess what he is saying is practice and practice more, that's the answer. I'd give my right arm to play like him...but then I would have a bitch of a time playing! Practice is definately the answer!
Great lesson that has certainly taught me alot to get the best out of playing my guitar. I have to say the first thing I did when I bought my guitar was jump in and immedietly learn how to read tab, and learn play the riff to smoke on the water. Although it was satisfying for a while, I realised I wasn't improving on my guitar playing, and found myself just repeatedly playing this riff. Now though i'm going at a good constant pace making sure I learn and master each lesson that your fine self sets, or that Mark Brennan does! Kudos to you Dave!
You're absolutely right; life is not about the destination. It's the journey. My journey into guitar playing keeps me sane after a very stressful day on the job. My destination is to play like Eric Clapton. I will never reach that goal, but you know what, I'm having a damn good time trying! Thanks for the inspiration.
So true, so true. Think of all the things that you are good at. Most likely you took a process oriented approach to reach those objectives and did not focus on the end game. I think this is really key to mastering anything. Focus on the journey, not on the end point. When you look at a pie in the oven when it is half done, it is , well, half done. Doesn't look too good. But the finished product is great! Focus on the process, practice, be patient, it will all come together. /l
listen to what you are saying dave and you right i.ve done all the lesson 's on phase one, results are amazing my wife now reconised things that we are doing, discipline is the key ive been tempted to jump lessons but you can get lost and take to much on board, going back to refresh phase 1 again then mayby phase 2 hopefully, the scales await again!!!!!!!!!great work DMc thanks
great job!!! just make sure to touch upon your basics(maybe as you warm up) as you move on to new territory on the guitar, as that will keep you fundamentals solid.!!! rock on!!!
I have been playing for three weeks and I'm amazed at the results .I think this is a really good program for beginners. you are a good instructor.
thank you! sorry it took me so long to reply! so many different places on this site, i sometimes get lost!!! lol!!! i am humbled by your compliment. i hope to be filming more soon! my other job has just been in the way.
Dave: My job always gets in the way but I figured I am tired of that happening and being 45 years old and getting on with my life, I will learn guitar the way I envision even if I have to tone done other parts of my life (i.e., my job). Guitar and music make me happy, not my job. So thanks to JamPlay, I have a structure and the support to kick me in the a** when needed!!! Thanks.
Glad to hear it! Yeah...D-Mack rules!
Great sit down. I reaaaally needed this. I always tend to quit guitar for a long while after I get frustrated or cant get something (mainly because its far beyond my skill level).
Dave, you are a great guitarist and an inspiration to us all. I've been playing for eight years and have been self-taught the entire way. My friends and family said I was good, but I want to be great, like you! So I came to JamPlay to try and refine my technique. I've been following your lessons from #1 so as not to miss anything. This lesson, I'm not going to put past 0%, so I always know to come back to it and listen again in those "hard times". Very thoughtful and wise words, and very motivational. Thank you so much for giving us your time and talent! You are my guitar hero, right up there with Yngwie, Vaughn, and Hammett.
This was really worth watching. I started learning 'backwards' as I didn't have a guitar teacher and didn't know what steps I needed to take in order to improve and develop different skills. I bought a chord book and tab books of my favorite bands and just started learning songs. A couple of months of sore hands and frustration later, I could play some songs but I sounded like c**p and was ready to give up. I'm so glad I have JamPlay to teach me about scales, good practising methods etc. I now just have to work on my patience!!!
Great lesson, it really reminded me to keep my goals in mind and to put everything in perspective. Thank You !
Awesome words of wisdom Dave! You guys are the best instructors I've seen, period... lessons like this one make it very apparent how much you love guitar and the dedication you have to teaching your pupils.
Hi Dave (and all you other guys) After a long search on the net for online guitarlessons i "googled" the JamPlay.com. The way you build up these lesson!!!!! Great!!!! Even for me..... I began 3 weeks ago playing (sort of) guitar so i'm totally new and English is not my native language (i'm Dutch, so sorry if my English is not that good) but until now i understand the lessons completly. And this lesson is a great one to keep on going, not that i need that after only three weeks but i think that if there's a time that thing not go the way i want i will keep comming back to this lesson!! Thx David!!!
Your English is very good, don't worry about that! So glad the site and the lessons are helping you =)
right in man...you hit the nail on the head!!!
Great lesson Dave, fantastic motivation.
thats really too bad is'nt it? what would've happened if Hendrix, Clapton, Van Halen, Vai, or BB KIng would've just given up after a week???? the world would not be as interesting musically i think!!!
what you say blows my mind. I could not imagine if those greats quit after a week but could you imagine if they had jamplay.com?
thank you for the kind words, and compliments! the motivation probably comes from being a football coach roughly a decade ago!! :O lol!!!
Dave, I REALLY enjoyed your lesson set. You are a great motivator!! Hope to see more from you. Harry
Wise words man, if only everyone would watch this and pay attention. Many people have been playing for less time than me, yet are on like lesson 10 in a set. Then you see them asking questions or are having problems that could have been eliminated if only they had taken their time and really learned what was being taught. Be assured that I have heard you and will in the future as well as now always bear that in mind. Once again, CUDOS to you.
well from me anyway, i say thank you! i wont step on brads toes and try to speak for him, even though he and i know and respect each other. i was just mentioning this week what a knowledgable instructor he is. he really understands theory WAY MORE than i do and definitely can communicate what needs to be said! he and i played in a band together for awhile, and it was great to play guitar along side of him! extremely competent player live!! dont worry, if your son is meant to play, he'll come around. 16 is a tough age, and they usually dont listen to parents well!!! when he asks though, just gently teach him, and dont overdo, he will probably start hanging around more to learn. keep him wanting more!!! hee, hee!!!
After I joined JamPlay.com, my son decided to start playing as well. He has been going to a music teacher because he thought internet teaching was "Crap". He doesn't understand why I spend 2-3 hours practicing and his teacher told him he would be playing lead in 2-3 months. Now he is flustered. and I play well enough to satisfy myself and play with my brother. I have tried to explain to him, that it doesn't happen over night. Try telling a 16 year old to be patient. I couldn't agree more on the "No Promises" comment. That is why I have a membership and enjoy the lessons. I have went threw more lesson than I should have. But just watching them is enjoyment and I can go back and relearn something. Thats why I love it here. Brad and Dave have been great inspiration to me and I look forward to more from them. You two have a great way of teaching. You guys have great ziel when you teach and present the material in a well rounded manner. Brad is enthusiastic when he teaches and he gets you involved even though your not there. And every time you guys present the lessons, the first thing you say is "Take your time and master it". Never once saying you will earn it fast.
totally millaTK!!! usually if it sounds too good to be true? it is too good to be true! i have learned that one the hard way more than once. i always get the best results out of anything i do by concentrating, educating myself, and applying what i learn. thats it!!! you gotta put in the work! i started playing keyboards in our metal band, and boy was that hard! but i would spend the time to figure out how to play better and figure out chord voicings and all that, and now i can do 3 finger arrpegios using both hands with octaves, and simple stuff. i am thinking of finding a piano teacher to help me improve.
Gosh, I'm going to write this down... you really summarised it perfectly. I've been having a sort of flaming forum discussion with a piano student recently.. he was stating that after 1 year, he considered himself "intermediate", and in a year or so he expects to be advanced. I was just laughing (more or less) at him, trying to make him understand that he'll just be a beginner who plays difficult pieces... and that that is *not* being an advanced player. And that he'll sooner or later suffer from deep frustration. (Pianists are boring and always too concerned about being rated as advanced!) I guess it's the same with guitarists. Most people just want to do too much in too little time, accepting sloppy playing, eneven sounds, lack of precision... But there's no magic trick, you have to master your level before moving, and I guess it's not this way only with music. The secret I think it's just enjoying and playing at your level, while improving, always trying to achieve musical quality, otherwise you're just plucking the strings of a difficult piece, not playing it :) BTW: this is exactly what brought me to subscribe to JamPlay: there is NO HYPE, nobody here promises you some magical trick, nobody asks "do you want to play guitar like a PRO????", nobody claims to have the secret for playing PRO in three hours... You see, I'm an internet skeptical, or better: I'm an internet pro, that's why I'm skeptical, and when I see those pages and pages of hype that you can so easily find if you look for music courses online, all smokey and promising you'll be playing exceptional music in a few hours, and leading to an *expensive* bulk of cash out of your credit card... I really can't believe that. While here, no hype, lots of good common sense, wonderful instructors, active community, full of helpful people... this is definitely the way to go! Great job guys!
I have 2 guitars the moment. My SG, and a Peavey Raptor Special strat copy. The only reason i have the Peavey, is that my 18 year old nephew bought it, found out he couldn't play like his guitar hero's inside a week, so he put it down and it gathered dust for several months before he decided to pass it on to me.
i would have to agree with you robearle! its a i want it now society, and nobody wants to earn it, or live thru it, learn it and be humble. i am not perfect, and i was probably doing that at one time or another too, but sheeeeesh!!!! thank you for your comments, i am humbled!
Great lesson, and a very important one. I wonder how many people pick up a guitar, learn 5 chords, then instead of doing anything with what they've learned, they want to move on on learn 5 more. They [U]learn[/U] everything and [U]master[/U] nothing. Great lesson David :)