Completing Lessons (Guitar Lesson)
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Completing Lessons
Steve answers the popular question, "When should I move on to the next lesson?" by sharing his personal goals and some important advice.
Taught by Steve Eulberg in Basic Guitar with Steve Eulberg seriesLength: 6:19Difficulty: 2.0 of 5
1. Understanding
First, understanding what is being taught will help you assimilate what is being given to you. If you can play something without really understanding the reason and use of your accomplishment, you are missing something. Making sure that you are well familiar with the vocabulary used in the lesson and that you can follow the instructor's train of thoughts will help you in that first step. If anything is unclear, make sure to ask questions. Once you understand what is being said and it makes sense to you, you are ready to move on to the next step.
2. Playing
Once you understand the purpose and use of the lesson you are studying, you need to be able to play it. This step is made easier because of your understanding of the studied subject. Strive for a clean and precise technique and always keep in mind the reason why you are doing things the way they are shown to you.
3. Teaching
Finally, once you have a clear understanding of what is being said to you and can apply it on your instrument, ask yourself if you could explain it to someone else. Teaching what you have learned is an amazing way to organize your thoughts and to solidify your knowledge. This step is quite important as it will really help you tie your technique to the musical concepts you are working with.
A very useful way to keep track of your progress here at JamPlay is to use your progress slide bar according to these previous three steps. Moving your slide bar in increments of thirds will help you focus on the areas of the learning progress you have not yet quite mastered.
These three elements are meant to help you in your learning. They should not hinder your progress. As you may know, it is sometimes beneficial to explore new musical concepts that in the end will help you master a previous lesson. Using your progress bar will help you keep track of your progress. Just don’t let it stop you from working on other material.
As you work towards mastering the guitar, don't limit yourself to a particular genre. Acoustic guitar players can learn a lot from electric guitar players and vice versa. The biggest difference behind these instruments are the tones you get from them. Keep an open mind when you are learning.
Finally, as you are going through these lessons, keep in mind the following five points:
1. Tune up. (Playing out of tune won't help your ears.)
2. Warm up. (This will ensure an effective practice session.)
3. Jump into the hard things. (While your brain is fresh, start with what you are struggling with.)
4. Play something familiar. (This will build up your confidence.)
5. Play something you have memorized. (This will help you move forward.)
Video Subtitles / Captions
Supplemental Learning Material
Basic Guitar with Steve Eulberg
Found in our Beginner Lesson SetsPhase 1 Acoustic Lessons with Steve Eulberg is a great place to begin your journey as a guitarist. With over 30 years of playing experience, Steve appreciates the importance of beginning your guitar training the correct way - no bad habits! These lessons are not just for acoustic players. Electric guitarists will receive the same benefits from this lesson series.
Lesson 1
The Absolute Basics
You will learn the parts of the guitar and how they function. Steve also discusses the importance of technique.
Length: 45:09 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
Your First Chords
Three simple chords will literally enable you to play millions of songs. In this lesson, you will learn the primary chords for the key of G.
Length: 40:00 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Strumming Technique
Now that Steve has taught some chords, he will go over the proper methods of strumming and right hand technique.
Length: 42:00 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
All About Chords
This lesson is all about the various aspects of chords.
Length: 39:00 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Chord Theory
Steve explains how basic triads are formed in this lesson. He also explains the relationship between scales and chords.
Length: 40:12 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Intro to Fingerpicking
Steve Eulberg introduces you to the wonderful world of fingerpicking.
Length: 51:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Bringing it Together
Steve starts to weave the strings of the past lessons together.
Length: 47:00 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Chords, Keys and Relationships
This episode delves further in the realm of chords, scales, keys and the relationships between them. You will also learn some new chords.
Length: 34:25 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Barre Chords
This lesson covers power chords and barre chords. You will learn how these chords are formed and how to apply them.
Length: 38:24 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Tools for Guitar
Steve explains how basic tools such as the metronome, capo, and picks aid your guitar playing. Enjoy!
Length: 27:12 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Playing Lead and Scales
This lesson gets you into the basics of playing melodies on the guitar. Playing melodies and solos is often referred to as "lead guitar."
Length: 45:00 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Hand Stretches
Steve demonstrates some great stretches for the hands, wrists and upper arms.
Length: 8:12 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
Different Guitars
Steve discusses the difference between the steel string acoustic, classical, and 12 string guitars.
Length: 12:00 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
Changing Guitar Strings
This lesson is all about changing guitar strings. This process can be very frustrating, but it doesn't have to be. Learn some great tips from Steve.
Length: 37:00 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
Timing and Tempo
Steve Eulberg delves into the wonderful world of rhythm and time signatures.
Length: 29:00 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Circle of Fifths
Steve Eulberg introduces the Circle of Fifths. He demonstrates a song that features a Circle of Fifths progression.
Length: 15:30 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Clearing Up Confusion
In this lesson Steve attempts to clear up some confusion with previous lessons. He will talk about reading tablature, note names, chord names and more.
Length: 15:52 Difficulty: 2.0 Members OnlyLesson 18
Review and Moving On
Steve Eulberg does a quick review of this lesson series and talks about moving on.
Length: 12:44 Difficulty: 2.0 FREE
Completing Lessons
Steve answers the popular question, "When should I move on to the next lesson?" by sharing his personal goals and some important advice.
Length: 6:19 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
About Steve Eulberg
View Full Biography
An Award-winning multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter, Steve Eulberg weaves mountain and hammered dulcimers with a variety of unusual instruments to create thought-provoking, smile-inducing, toe-tapping acoustic experiences.
He has sung and composed for religious communities, union halls, picket lines, inter-faith retreats, mountain-top youth camps, as well as the more familiar venues: clubs, coffeehouses, bookstores, festivals, charity benefits and showcase concerts.
Born and raised in the German-heritage town of Pemberville, Ohio, Steve was exposed to a variety of music in his home. Early piano lessons were followed by trumpet in school band, and he became self-taught on ukelele and guitar and harmonica. Mandolin was added at Capital University where, while majoring in History, he studied Ear Training, Voice and took Arranging lessons from the Conservatory of Music.
While at college, he first heard hammered and mountain dulcimers, building his first mountain dulcimer just before his final year. Seminary training took him the west side of Denver where he built his first hammered dulcimer. With these instruments, he was able to give voice to the Scottish, English and Irish traditions to which he is also heir.
Following marriage in 1985 to Connie Winter-Eulberg he settled in Kansas City, Missouri. There he worked cross-culturally in a church of African-Americans, Latinos and European Americans, with music being a primary organizing tool. He moved with his family in 1997 to be nestled beside the Rocky Mountains in Fort Coillins, Colorado.
Founder of Owl Mountain Music, Inc. he teaches and performs extensively in Colorado and Wyoming with tours across the US and the UK. He delights in introducing the “sweet music†of dulcimers to people in diverse settings and in addition to his own recordings, has included dulcimers in a variety of session work for other musicians.
In 2000 he was commissioned to create a choral composition featuring dulcimers for the Rainbow Chorus in Fort Collins. It was recorded in the same year (BEGINNINGS). He is currently at work on a commissioned symphony that will feature hammered dulcimer and Australian didjeridu.
Eulberg passionately believes that music crosses cultural and language barriers because music builds community. Influenced by a variety of ethnic styles, his music weaves vital lyric with rap, rock, folk, gospel and blues. Audiences of all ages respond well to his presentation and to his warm sense of humor.
Steve is a member of Local 1000 (AFM), The Folk Alliance, BMI and BWAAG (Better World Artists and Activist's Guild).
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Mike H.
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I'm a fifty eight year old newbie who owns a guitar which has been sitting untouched in a corner for about seven years now. Last weekend I got inspired to pick it up and finally learn how to play after watching an amazing Spanish guitarist on TV. So, here I am. I'm starting at the beginning with Steve Eulberg and I couldn't be happier (except for the sore fingers :) Some day I'm going to play like Steve! I'm self employed with a hectic schedule. With Jamplay I can fit in a random session when I have time and I can go at my own pace, rewinding and replaying the videos until I get it. This is a very enjoyable diversion from my work yet I still feel like I'm accomplishing something worthwhile. Thanks a lot, Greg
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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.Steve, do you have any lessons on legato practice? Did not see any?
Terrific advice. I wish I saw this at the beginning of the series though!
Now video freezes and audio keeps playing and progress bar is frozen. I have zero issues with audio or video on any other site and have 30Mbs Internet access. #frustrated
Seems that this should have been posted as lesson 1 ... newb here who has spend all his time on first three lessons, still nowhere close sounding anything other than a hack beginner. This seems to say to move on as you want....
Hey Steve good advice. I really get frustrated doing the Barre chords, hell just chords in general. So I go on to something else for a little bit. Maybe to another lesson or just play some songs I have already memorized. What is jacked up is I didn't realize that I am playing chords in some of the songs I already know. What a dummy. Great lessons though. I like your teaching style. Thanks.
dude i wish there was piano lessons this easy
Hey Steve I just finished your series and I must say it was great! I have been playing(self-taught) for years but it is crazy how much I learned in this first series. In saying that I was wondering if you have any suggestions to where I should go next in Jamplay. I am interested in playing contemporary worship music and am a little unsure about what to do now. Thanks again!
Hi Steve. I am a semiretired Norwegian dentist, age 66, who have been playing guitar (with redwine and cheese) for over 40 years. Mostly by learning songs. This is my first attemt on learning the handicraft / the "why do they do that"? I am very glad I startes with you and your way of teaching. Thanks
Very helpful. Thanks for the advise and suggestions.
Thanks, Steve, for a nice intro to the guitar! Much was review for me, but it had more than a few enlightening pointers that broadened my understanding. Very well done!
I,be been sitting in the back porch, in the dark for hours, and I haven,t. Heard one cricket....... Lot,s of bum notes, but no crickets. Must be doing something wrong......could u send one over to Ireland !! ;)
I've been studying classical guitar in private lessons for several years now but I was holding back for reasons I did not understand? I think it had to do with giving myself permission to call myself a musician. Going through these 19 lessons was illuminating in that I was seeing all that I had already learned. Now I call myself a musician. Thanks.
Steve, this is jane and i have been w/ you for couple of weeks. Have a good knowledge of chords but missed the theory part. this is great. thanks so much. really love these lessons. Enjoying your playing in between lessons. playon man.
Hi Steve,I have finished all 19 basic lessons and they are sound, easy to understand and i can do all the fingerpicking on D but where do I go next? what lessons follow on from these ones?
I started from the beginners even though I could read music from a young age. I just now finished the beginners course and I'm very happy to have done it. The hardest part for me was back in lesson nine keeping my 3rd finger down while my first finger barred and it took me hours and hours and now it seems I'm hardly putting any pressure at all on the strings and it sounds perfect. I'm just sorry I didn't join Jamplay a few years ago. Thanks for the lessons and the motivation to keep on practicing.
Steve you have put together a thorough and concise set of lessons. It is the best I have seen in 35 years playing at a guitar. Thank you.
Thanks, Ben--I'm glad they've been helpful for you!
Very inspiring, thankyou Steve!
You're very welcome!
Steve, I love the way you teach!!! You and the JamPlay Website are the BEST online site I have run into!!! I am probably a lot older than most of your beginners but you and JamPlay have motivated even more to continue despite being long int the tooth!
Thanks for the feedback acousticwood!
I've been trying to play on my own for almost a year now. I enjoy it when I have time to get down to it. I knew I needed something structured & have visited free sites on line. Judging by what I see from Steve E. so far I can say I'm really glad I decided to sign up.
Excellent!
The frustration has kicked in. I have been practicing everynight for at least 1 hour per night and I am still having problems with hitting the strings right. I thought I would progress much faster as I use to play the violin for many years. Any tips.. Dave
Are you talking about issues with right or left hand accuracy? How about sending me a message directly in the JamPlay Community section.
Thanks for all the teaching and insight . Very happy I chose you to start JamPlay with
Thanks Steve. You are a wonderful teacher and I loved your ability to use analogies to explain things. My father was a musician and music did not come naturally for me. He had a gift and I only got a deep appreciation for the art and love of music. After a 40 year break I decided to pick up my old Yamaha FG-180 and really learn music and how to play it. You have really helped start the process.
chuck, I'm so glad to hear that you picked up your guitar again. Hope it brings you closer to the memories of your father, as well!
Excellent! I agree with many of you. This should be required reading. I know were not in kindergarten, but this is helpful and would clear up a lot of confusion for some folks. I kinda picked this up in lesson 2 or 3 but this has a lot more insight and thoughtfulness. Thanks, Steve!
AWESOME - I am so glad I jumped to this one after doing the first two - I agree - This should be LESSON 1A....
Thanks Steve you have shed a lot of light and given me a better understanding. I plan to go through Dave Mackenzie's basic secession as well before I continue to the second Phase. I enjoyed your teaching style and feel I more confident in my playing. I also have to give credit to Jam Play for creating this wonderful site. Looking forward Jamming.
Lesson #15. What the @!%&*(%$%#@%^^**#@!$%^ are you talking about. I could watch this the rest of my life and not have a clue about what your saying.
Steve, I just completed all the lessons in your beginner set. Lesson 11: Playing Lead & Scales gave me the most trouble. I plan to repeat this lesson and practice scales before I move on to other beginner lessons. You are a great teacher.
This should have been THE First video!!!!! just a thought!
Great tips to help some of us get started!
Great info. I'm glad I checked it out before finishing the 18 lessons listed before it. this should have been the first lesson!
Steve, thanks so much for these lessons and tips. I realize and appreciate all the thought, preparation and the other superb teaching that you've done in these lessons. Well done. Thanks.
Thanks for the lessons, Steve. Very enlightening with a good blend of practical and theory. Much appreciated.
Thank you for the lessons Steve.I'm movin' on,wish me luck!
Thanks Steve!
This lesson was so inspiring I just had to write and say THANK YOU!
This should be one of the first lessons in this series, instead of the very last one.
Thanks so much Steve! I am now going back and completing lessons again that I had marked complete (as in I watched them) now I'm attempting to master them!
I haven't been around jamplay for a while, busy.... but i am still practising every day and learning from music. Anyway, I am determined to sign in regularly again as I enjoy the jamplay lessons so much and they are a great help. Really pleased I looked into your set Steve and saw this lesson. What a wonderful motivator!! Just what I needed - thanks! It is Snowy her in London UK just now and I never hear crickets but ........ we do have garden birds! Happy and a peaceful 2010 regards to all Jackie
PaulH I have compleated lesson one with Steve Eulberg, but where do I send my progress report
You have to adjust the slider yourself based on your "understanding" of the lesson and click update. Since we can't measure how well you grasp the material we leave it up for you to choose. Just having watched the lesson doesn't necessarily mean it's "done" because some people need to do them a few times before it's mastered, or accidentally left it playing while they were away from the computer, etc.
Thanks for the tips on how to use the progress bar. One thing: the bar is for the COMPLETE lesson, right? There is no progress bar for each chapter of the lesson. So is this how it might look?: You wouldn't be at 33% until you KNOW ALL of the chapters in a lesson. Then 66% when you can PLAY ALL of the chapters. Then 100% when you can EXPLAIN ALL of the chapters. So you might be able to PLAY many of the chapters in a lesson but still be at 33% because you haven't gotten to that point for ALL of the lessons? So for some chapters you might be at 33%, some at 66%, and some at 100%, but until you get to those points for ALL the chapters your progress bar might still be at 0% or 33% because you haven't gotten that far for ALL of the chapters. Is this correct? Thanks, RB
That would be really cool if JamPlay could send out a guitar response team. ROFL
I have to agree with revans and buffy136, thought I'd peek ahead and saw this lesson...so glad I did.
Good points - I agree with your rating scheme. Thanks for a great lesson series. Lots of good stuff.
Brilliant! I was just wondering this on my way to the computer, and this answered everything on my mind. Simply brilliant.
Just the right info for a beginner!!!
this is good advice, it would have been nice to have it at the beginning of the lesson sequence. i pondered quite a bit on how to rate myself since it is such a subjective decision based on your personal character. A perfectionist will rate themselves differently from someone who is not a perfectionist. General guidelines are good and help to ground you to start with.
I finally nailed a lesson 100 %
this should be on the Jam Play main page Before you begin READ ME FIRST with other questions a beginner might have
wow! Great advice and insight, Steve. This should be required viewing here!
Practical and right on time for me on several counts. Thanks. Short and to the point(s).