hey, I'm new to these forums. I have only been playing classical guitar for about half a year and i am teaching my self. I don't really know any experienced guitarists ether so i am hoping to learn a lot from the people here!

I had a couple of questions that have been bugging me for a while.

1. when you learn pieces, does it actually make you better at the guitar? or does it only make you better at playing that piece? will i become much faster at learning pieces (because right now its painfully slow) ? also what pieces do people recommend that will have the most carry over to other arias of guitar?

2. my ultimate aim is to be able to compose my own pieces. i was wondering how this is done? do people just noodle about on the guitar until they accidentally do good things and then write them down? or use some sort of computer program? or do they just know the song they want to make in there head and then transcribe it across to the guitar from there brain?

thanks a lot any info would be really appreciated !

hi welcome to this forum
sorry for my bad english ; i don't understand the first question but for the second for compose music
the computer is just make for presentable score , not create music , for that you must learn with some books of theory of music and harmony , when you have an idea for a theme song after you must developping your idea and for that you have some rules for make something coherent
friendly

hey thanks so much for the reply :)
can you recommend any books that will help me on my way to composing?
I have seen that you do a lot of composing your self, so i really appreciate your reply. thank you

bobby

sorry but i am french and i don't know books in english language but i think Tony or Eric can help you for that

Hi Bobby

Good questions

1. If the pieces are difficult for you you might be picking uphabits that are difficult to break. (excess tension especially) and you might not be focussing on basic skills and hand position etc as your energy is going into just gettingthe notes right. Best stick to short fun pieces that are easy for you (and a listener will enjoy them more)

You will probably improve quickly if you spend a few minutes warm up on some basic techniques (RH maybe a few finger patterns like pima, pimami , imim, mama , on open strings, LH-try hammers,pulloffs your own LH finger gymnastics exs based on what is currently difficult.

What book are you working from?

2. Composing - Didier is the expert! But I have a few ideas . I would say that you can and should noodle based on the chord progressions you know or bits of scales you know. Try pentatonic ACDEGA- its very satisfying. Find a rhythm you like and play around with the notes.If you find something with potential then write it down in whatever way seems easiest so it doesnt get lost . When it develops a bit, its a composition

The good news is that this should be easier for you than playing a written piece, as it is based on what YOU can do and know.

I will look for some links and book recommendations on these topics

In the meantime try http://www.musictheory.net for help with theory........ the 'trainers' are good for a self-test

I havent 'composed' as such. But I had a good teacher who encouraged me to explore the guitar by improvising. He emphasised keep it simple ;to choose just a few notes and a basic rhythm . It often sounded ok especially if he joined in as a duet. After playing a few times maybe more notes could be added , and slight variations on the rhythm. Simple seemed to be always stronger

As well as major and minor, we also used pentatonic , blues and 'arabic' scales, always just a few notes from each . It was a nice way to learn about music theory too

interesting posts!

i agree that you have to be careful with the bad habits, so don´t try pieces that are above your level. Try to progress slowly but well done.
I think that improvising is a fun way to develop musicality, but first try to read some basic stuff about scales, chords and cadences.

about
1. Yes! learning a new piece will always help you, because each one has technical requirements that when you learn them you´ll be able to use them in other pieces.

2. You have to feel familiar with the instrument and learn some theory. It can be as simple or as difficult as you want (is not the same to write a fugue or a pop ballad).

Along the other answers. Try to include a short guitar study (technical piece) from past or present Master.

As for composing. Use your voice and try to right down the melodies you come up with and also play them on your instrument. So you need to get some basics music knowledge or recording knowledge or both at the time to begin composing on a serious and fun level

Hey there,

Use a practice log to organize your practice. With a practice log, you can create a timeline for getting certain tasks done that will help you develop musicianship and technique. For example, studying the score away from the guitar to make sure you're not missing an accidental or some such thing.

Yes, I believe learning music does help your overall technique, although the degree to such will depend on your own technical strengths and need to grow areas and on the piece you want to learn.