thanks a lot, rob ...for the wonderful tunes and the tips. i totally agree with what you're saying and kinda came to something like this approach myself recently, working out the chord changes by ear for christmas carols and arranging harmony lines for two mandos (third above). now to transpose them. christmas carols, btw, are great 'goofy little melodies'. ...really enjoy your playing!

Hey Rob,
Thanks for visiting.

Hope to learn more about guitar from your videos!

Hi Rob! I got your skype message! I think Oregon is a few hours behind Michigan, huh? I am headed to CA on Sunday for a family vacation. I will be back on the 18th. Maybe we can work something out after that.

I posted a new CAAS video. You are in it! Your guitar playing is awesome! Can't wait to learn more from you.

Lindsey

Rob's method really, really works. You just have to put in the work. (And, I'm still working.) I might be one of the few who really enjoys playing those simple melodies, over and over again, and in different keys.

just wanted to tell you that you are indeed a great teacher, never played the banjo before yesterday and the way you break down the lessons make it really easy and fun to follow. plus the tuning video was a great help, thnx mate!

Maria Elena is my favorite song, thank you so much.

Yes. Nobody wants to hear the answer, but I recommend melodies such as, You Are My Sunshine, Happy Birthday, Down In the Valley, Oh Susanna, Jimmy Crack Corn, Camptown Races, I'm a Little Tea Pot, The Star Spangled Banner, God Bless America, My Country Tis Of Thee, etc.

In other words, any goofy little melody that you can sing, you should be able to play, without mistake. Learn the scales first, then, apply yourself to working out the melody by ear in C. When it is perfect, transpose it to another key, (G), then D, A,, E, B and finally, F#. Then pick another melody. If anyone wants to be a good musician, they will do these exercises.

After one can do them without mistake, it is time to add chords to them. This is basic musicianship. The fact that I mandate that all of my students be able to do this simple task, has made me very unpopular, because people want a magic pill for everything. This is the pill, but it's hard to swallow.

I was wondering if you recommend certain songs for the beginner in addition to the scales and chords, that we can practice at the same time. I haven't downloaded the software yet. My guitar should be in the mail momentarily.

Glad to help.

Hey rob, thanks alot for your lessons. I just started playing guitar and i had no clue where to start, but you solved my problem!!!! Keep doing what your doing because i'm sure you are helping out lots of people out there including me.. and again thanks alot for the lessons!!!!!