Simplest home practice set-up

[raysachs]

Sorry if you thought I was being insulting - that surely wasn't my intent. But I still don't see the need for an amp to work on timing. A metronome should do it - you can buy one or nearly any phone app for guitars will have one. Loopers can help with timing, but mostly getting a smooth transition between the end and beginning of the measure so it'll loop smoothly - you can be totally off on every beat between the stop-start place and the looper won't help you with that.

Hey, if you want an amp, and a DI, and all of the stuff, knock yourself out, but I really don't see the need for your stated situation.

[mercy]

Your question is great. You've helped a lot of people with the great answers that have be given. Feel happy youre in the group, AGF People.

[Arthur Slowhand]

Thanks for the replies guys... all of them!!! lol... as the young people say.

The 'need' for electrics was just so that I could play back what I was doing and hear it objectively, rather than thinking it was as good as I think it sounds in my head.

Timing is one thing - sure, I appreciate that a simple metronome can deal with that.

But surely musicality is only something you can hear in the 'third person' as it were... by playing back a recording or video, no?

Maybe I'm odd, but if I rely on just listening as I'm playing, it always sounds fine (just like I always sound like James Taylor when I'm singing to myself!), whereas when I've used a looper before, it's made me realise the reality is different.

The other thing about 'electrics' is that there are some fun tools around to make practice a little more interesting, especially for a 'Billy No Mates' player like me (joking... I have friends, honest, I do, really.... ).

[Arthur Slowhand]

Originally Posted by mercy

Your question is great. You've helped a lot of people with the great answers that have be given. Feel happy youre in the group, AGF People.

Thanks Mercy - I appreciate that.

[raysachs]

Originally Posted by Arthur Slowhand

Thanks for the replies guys... all of them!!! lol... as the young people say.

The 'need' for electrics was just so that I could play back what I was doing and hear it objectively, rather than thinking it was as good as I think it sounds in my head.

Timing is one thing - sure, I appreciate that a simple metronome can deal with that.

But surely musicality is only something you can hear in the 'third person' as it were... by playing back a recording or video, no?

Maybe I'm odd, but if I rely on just listening as I'm playing, it always sounds fine (just like I always sound like James Taylor when I'm singing to myself!), whereas when I've used a looper before, it's made me realise the reality is different.

The other thing about 'electrics' is that there are some fun tools around to make practice a little more interesting, especially for a 'Billy No Mates' player like me (joking... I have friends, honest, I do, really.... ).

Oh yeah, recording yourself and listening to it more objectively than you can when you’re playing in the moment is a great idea. But again, no need for an amp. Record yourself on your phone, maybe get a USB mic for it if you want. As noted above, I record videos of myself pretty regularly and it does help. Or use Garage Band or similar and you can even play around with multi-track recording. Those are all good ideas - they just don’t need much in the way of gear...

Regardless, have fun!

-Ray

[Steve DeRosa]

Originally Posted by Arthur Slowhand

...What's the simplest set-up you can think of for practice and learning...

• Guitar
• Hands
• Ears
• Pick (optional)

Worked for countless musicians over the last 500 years; supplement that with as much live-show attendance as your wallet/schedule can handle (local acts are OK - there's a surprising amount of unsigned talent out there - and there are subtleties of performance technique that a typical video can't capture), put in some targeted practice (work on your areas of difficulty - don't just "noodle" or repeat the same riffs ad infinitum), and don't make the mistake of expecting immediate results - as the old Latin proverb states, nil sine magno labore...

[musicman1951]

Most days I use a strap and a music stand. It sounds like you might enjoy a metronome app for your phone.

[gfspencer]

I know you said you didn't want to get involved with a computer but why not find some easy songs on Youtube and play along? I learned to play 55 years ago by playing along with The Kingston Trio on an album on my record player. Youtube is easier.

[Tahitijack]

I usually play my acoustics without an amp at home. But, but, but...when you play through an amp you really hear all the little subtle mistakes. Fingers slightly mute an adjacent string, missed notes on a string, missed passing notes, missed base lines...they are all amplified and painfully appear.

[Arthur Slowhand]

Originally Posted by Tahitijack

...when you play through an amp you really hear all the little subtle mistakes...

I guess I inhabit the vicious circle that is masochism and perfectionism, because finding all the subtle (and not so subtle) mistakes is what I figured to be a good thing.

[mawmow]

Quite in the same boat...
I could not work with a metronome by myself.
Found a teacher to help with technique and had to work the rhythm :
Learned to tap my foot and follow a metronome.
I do not see tabbed tune the same way now that I can read rhythm on the staff.
A teached really helped !

[frankmcr]

Tascam DR-05X.

https://tascam.com/us/product/dr-05x/top

[DownUpDave]

Originally Posted by Arthur Slowhand

I guess I inhabit the vicious circle that is masochism and perfectionism, because finding all the subtle (and not so subtle) mistakes is what I figured to be a good thing.

We all learn differently and have different tastes. I think plugging in and using a Looper is a very good leanring/practicing tool for you. Coming from electric guitar you are in a comfort zone with an amp. Recording and playing back is the best, most honest form of feedback.

Buy a Fishman Loudbox Mini or the Artist if you want to spend extra. Hook up your Ditto Looper and have at it.

[TBman]

Originally Posted by Arthur Slowhand

What's the simplest set-up you can think of for practice and learning. I'm 'Old Skool' / analogue, by the way, so I don't want to sit in front of a computer.

Art.

I think you're shooting yourself in the foot by avoiding a computer.

[Trinity13]

Originally Posted by TBman

I think you're shooting yourself in the foot by avoiding a computer.

If you decide to rethink the computer or ipad option.....this guy was a lot of fun to just get some songs under my belt when I first started learning....He has over a thousand strum videos I think. All the lyrics are on the screen as well as the chords he uses. Worked well for practice for me.

https://www.youtube.com/user/MunsonC...ch?query=strum