Geni Swing Guitars

Guitar Input

As I look at the ever-increasing selection of online guitar lessons, I wonder if they are the best option for all guitar students. For most, they are a good start. But for some, those lessons may not be enough. You've heard all those old sayings such as, "Turn your mountains into molehills." Henry Ford said, "Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal."

Or to quote a familiar song:"It only takes a spark, to get a fire going" - Pass It On by Kurt Kaiser

One little spark! That may be all you need to get back on track with your progress as you learn to play the guitar. My purpose in writing this article is to give those students who have gotten stuck at some point in learning the guitar - or who have lapsed in practicing or advancing as they hoped - these few words of encouragement.

Encouragement is one of the elements that may be lacking from downloaded or streaming video tutorials. As a student, getting that "pat on the back" or a verbal "good job" can provide the motivation (or the little spark) it takes to give a student a renewed hope that they can continue to improve their guitar playing skills. And, without the opportunity to have an experienced teacher give you pointers or tips in person, a student can form bad habits that may delay their ability to improve. A worst-case scenario is when a student just does't fully understand the lesson and gets frustrated (and possibly gives up or stops trying).

One solution I can offer for struggling beginner guitar players is to seek out the advice of a guitar teacher. You may have already invested some money if you bought a DVD guitar course or have paid for a subscription to view online videos. If you end up quitting, you will never get over the feeling that you wasted your time and money. Perhaps one more small investment would help get you past whatever obstacle you may have encountered. Weekly lessons for a longer period of time might be too costly, but consider hiring a teacher for just a few weeks to get you past whatever is holding you back. A good way to overcome any confusion you have with an online course is to bring a copy of what confuses you to a tutor or teacher. Or, ask the teacher if they would view the course you are taking on their computer before you meet in person. You may find that spending the small amount of time and money involved in having a "consultation" will make the difference between struggling at the beginner level and being able to move forward and eventually advance to the intermediate level.

Another more affordable and motivating option is group guitar lessons. Your one-on-one time would not be as great in a class or group setting, but just being able to see what kind of feedback other students get can be of help (and you would have some personal input from a teacher, as well).

All good learning programs include some form of feedback. Unfortunately there is far too little feedback for those who subscribe to online tutorials (and even less for those using free lessons online). What do I mean by feedback? Well, specific instructions, tips, techniques and constructive criticism of what could be done better are some of the types of feedback that can help a music student - or any student.

It's been said that no one learns in a vacuum - isolation is not conducive to learning. Other great fundamental truths about learning include the following*:

• Learning starts by osmosis (in the womb) and this process of absorbing things unconsciously takes place throughout our lives.
• People learn through mistakes and (or by trial and error). Not trying means not learning.
• Learning won't take place without an interest in the subject matter.
• In order to learn, students need a certain amount of faith or belief that the desired outcome is possible for them.
• Nothing is really "learned" until it can be used (it is only theory until it is used or put into practice).

*Source: William Reinsmith "Ten Fundamental Truths About Learning" The National Teaching & Learning Forum, August 1997

Motivation comes from within and can be spurred on by those we interact with. If you are feeling dejected or have lost hope of becoming better at whatever you are trying to learn, try to remember the passion you once felt when you started out. Rekindle some of that intense desire if you possibly can. Don't allow temporary obstacles to turn into permanent failure. If learning with online videos or guitar lessons on DVDs is just not "cutting it" or producing the results you had expected, don't give up until you find someone who can give you personal guidance and encouragement. Also, find ways to interact with other guitar players in forums or read the helpful articles and comments on blogs, such as Guitar Lessons For Beginners. Athletes often need coaching, and musicians often need the guidance that can be found from a professional music teacher.

E. R. Gibson is an artist (a professional graphic designer) and an accomplished guitar player and former guitar teacher. She is a regular contributor to Guitar Lessons for Beginners - http://www.guitarlessonsforbeginners.org, a blog that provides information, inspiration and guitar lesson recommendations.

Ernie Ball Guitar Input Jack 6-Pack $17.99 Ernie Ball Guitar Input Jack 6-Pack

Digital Reference Dr-Gcw Guitar Input Cable $15.99 Digital Reference DR-GCW Guitar Input Cable

Audio-Technica Gcw Guitar Input Cable $19.99 Audio-Technica GCW Guitar Input Cable

Used Aviom An-16I Input Module $599.99 In Store Used USED AVIOM AN-16i INPUT MODULE

Ampeg 3911901 Svtiii Input Jack $3.79 In Store Clearance AMPEG 3911901 SVTIII INPUT JACK

Used Roland Vg8 No Input Cable $199.99 In Store Used USED ROLAND VG8 NO INPUT CABLE

Aviom An-16/I 16-Channel Input Module Aviom Blue $1100 Aviom AN-16/i 16-Channel Input Module Aviom Blue

Peterson Sr-Ex Stroborack Pro Input Expander $99.99 Peterson SR-EX StroboRack Pro Input Expander

Digital Reference DR-GCW Guitar Input Cable $14.99 Digital Reference DR-GCW Guitar Input Cable

Used Momentum Mi8 8Ch Analog Input Module $499.99 In Store Used USED MOMENTUM MI8 8CH ANALOG INPUT MODULE

Allparts Ap0275-010 / Ap275 Tele Input Cup $3 In Store Clearance ALLPARTS AP0275-010 / AP275 TELE INPUT CUP

Used Yamaha Mg102c 10 Input Stereo Mixer $74.99 In Store Used USED YAMAHA MG102C 10 INPUT STEREO MIXER

Used Radial Hotshot Abi Line Input Selector $79.99 In Store Used USED RADIAL HOTSHOT ABI LINE INPUT SELECTOR

Allparts Ep0151-000 / Ep151 1/4In Input Jack $8.5 In Store Clearance ALLPARTS EP0151-000 / EP151 1/4IN INPUT JACK

Jbl 350317001 Signal Input Eon15g2 Jack $30.99 In Store Clearance JBL 350317001 SIGNAL INPUT EON15G2 JACK

Used Behringer Xenyx 1002B Mixer 10 Input $59.99 In Store Used USED BEHRINGER XENYX 1002B MIXER 10 INPUT

Harbinger Aps12/15 Audio Replacement Input/Output Pcb Board $15 Harbinger APS12/15 Audio Replacement Input/Output PCB Board

Jbl Control Sb-2 10 Stereo Input Dual Coil Subwoofer Black $299 JBL Control SB-2 10" Stereo Input Dual Coil Subwoofer Black

Used Numark C1 3Ch Rack Mixer W/ Mic Input $49.99 In Store Used USED NUMARK C1 3CH RACK MIXER W/ MIC INPUT

Guitar and Bass Mic / Input Tuner $7.99 SpecificationDetection Range: 440Hz Tuning Modes: Guitar, Bass Power Supply: 3V Battery Precision: plusmn;0.5 Cent Material: Plastic Box Contains: Battery

Used Eaw Fr250z Passive Sub W/20Ft Neutrik Cable Input Pin 2 $799.99 In Store Used USED EAW FR250Z PASSIVE SUB W/20FT NEUTRIK CABLE INPUT PIN 2

Behringer Powerplay P16-I 16-Channel 19'' Input Module With Analog And Adat Optical Inputs $249.99 Behringer POWERPLAY P16-I 16-Channel 19'' Input Module with Analog and ADAT Optical Inputs

Live Wire Advantage 16X4 Combo 1/4-Xlr(F) Input With Trs Return Snake 50 Foot $249.99 Live Wire Advantage 16x4 Combo 1/4"-XLR(F) Input with TRS Return Snake 50 Foot

Line 6 Mobile-In Guitar Input for iPhone & iPad $79.99 With new Mobile In™ interface and Mobile POD® app, connect your guitar to your iPhone or iPad and get 64 models of classic amps and effects, an exceptional digital input and all the tone your hands can handle!The Mobile POD® app is jam-packed with models of celebrated amps, stompbox effects, speaker cabinets and more. Each one is fully tweakable for you to dial in the tones you need. Classic English combos, shredtastic high-gain half-stacks, lean n™ mean cleans and all the delays, mods, EQs, dynamics, reverbs and fuzz boxes you could want. Powerful POD® app tone available for free on the App StoreSM. The great tone and included gear selection are worthy of any guitarist™s collection. Mobile POD app is simple and intuitive, just like the gear it™s based on. Each amp and stompbox was designed to deliver an exceptional user experience. (With plenty of award-winning guitar software under our belts, we think we know a thing or two about good interface design.)Playing at home or playing on s

Ibiza GA-006 Compact Guitar Amplifier with USB MP3 Input $59.9 The Ibiza GA-006 is an ultra compact guitar amplifier that's very mobile, features a wide variety of functions, and exceptional performance! In addition to the instrument input ,the amplifier also has an MP3-compatible USB port, which allows you to practice with original songs playing (overdrive included)! Its small dimensions and low weight make the Ibiza guitar amplifier an ideal home and practice amp, which can be stowed easily everywhere and transported in a backpack or car. A headphone input is also built into the amp, allowing you to practice the night away without waking the neighbors!

Jvc Kaboom Portable Cd Boombox Ipod Dock With Guitar And Microphone Input $454.94 Features guitar input and microphone input with mixing. 40watt fullrange cylindrical shape speakers and a woofer on each end with level controls. 4amp bass enhancement circuitry ensures low frequency performance. Enclosed iPod dock is shielded by a twist autolock protective door. Compatible with 30pin dock connection iPod s. USB host for music files on USB mass storage device. Toploading CD player with twist autolock door. Supports CD CDR/RW MP3/WMA (CDR/RW USB) playback. FM digital tuner with 30preset stations with random/repeat play options. 4preset sound modes Flat Beat Pop Clear. Blue backlit LCD information screen with clock/daily timer and sleep timer. 3.5mm headphone jack for private listening. 26 1/4 W x 9 1/8 H x 9 1/2 D weighs 15 lbs. Includes remote with case carrying case and shoulder strap

Guitar $10 Guitar