Video Question: Quick Question

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Date: March 17th, 2008 | Length: 5.7 | Instructor: Matt Brown

JimmyCrowder says, "Quick question... Do I need to learn to read Notation as a guitarist? I am new to guitar and I am practicing to play in a praise and worship band at church. They play mostly pop and rock songs. They just use a sheet of paper with the chords on top of the verses... Also, could you please recommend a good practice routine? I can play about 1 hour a day" Another benefit of being a member of JamPlay is the video response section. Our expert staff fields questions from our members and provides video responses each week.

Other Video Responses:

Removing Les Paul knobs - November 5th, 2008 (2 minutes, 27 seconds)

Elitehunter505 writes: "Hey everyone from jamplay. I am going to be purchasing a new guitar soon(a les paul to be exact) and I was wondering, if I wanted to put new knobs on the guitar for looks, how would I be able to remove them? Thanks a bunch, Elitehunter505" View Response

Sheet Music and Songs - June 12th, 2009 (6 minutes, 20 seconds)

Lazyeye asked "I have listened to the lessons and have not been able to get the sheet music with its chords, melody and lyrics to the guitar so that the song sounds like what is on the sheet music. Example: The song I just called to say I love you by Stevie Wonder. I have the lyrics and the chords and when I listen to some one play it, it doesn't sound at all like what I play. Need help. I need to see and learn how that process of getting the information off of the sheet music on to the guitar works." View Response

- September 24th, 2008 (6 minutes, 20 seconds)

Nachob asks, "Hey guys! I wanted to ask you something about guitar strings... Last month i had to change them on my guitar because it where breaking, so i went to the shop and the guy made me choose between different prices and qualities. I finally chose ones not too cheap and not too expensive. My question is: Is there a lot of quality differences between strings or is it something mostly for the ear-experienced? Do you suggest buying always the best ones or is it okay to use some cheap stings for an apprentice like me? Thanks! Nacho.- (feel free to rephrase or modify my question, i know my english isn't perfect, hehe.)" View Response

Guitar Picks - May 26th, 2008 (2 minutes, 11 seconds)

Levick11 asks, "Hi, I'm having trouble figuring out what pick gauge I should use. Could someone give an explanation on the differences in gauge and style of guitar picks? I've read that thinner ones are better for strumming and rhythm playing, and thicker ones are better for speed. Is that true or is it just player preference? Thanks." View Response

Upstroke Without a Pick - June 5th, 2009 (2 minutes, 11 seconds)

Dmitry asked "Hi guys! Question from a beginner about playing without a pick. I'm trying to figure out how to do down and upstrokes by hand (mostly for the chorus parts of songs / bridges where the usual strumming pattern gets boring). The downstrokes, where the nails of my fingers strike the strings, come pretty naturally. But on the way up, some of my fingers (pinky and ring finger mostly) get caught on the High-E and B strings. Are there any (1) hand positions/movements, and (2) exercises that you guys can recommend to fix the problem? Many thanks!" View Response