How do I know when...

You're probably wondering where I'm going with this - to include "Wow! How many times have I heard this question from a NewB?!" Well, here goes nevertheless...

How do I know when to start a new section?

While working through the Fundamentals II section covering C scale (open and fretted positions) I realized that there really wasn't a progression indicator, such as: "If you can do this with X percentage accuracy at X metronome speed for x period of time, you're probably ready to move to the next video/class."

Without a 'line in the sand', how does one measure one's progress through a section? (Perhaps I've missed something in an earlier section?) Inquiring minds...

Hey and welcome to the site!

Originally Posted by: Scouter
How do I know when to start a new section?

Every lesson in the Fundamentals courses is a "when you can do this, move forward" lesson.

However, as long as you grasp the concept of any given lesson and can start to do it, you should be able to move forward. Just make sure to go back, make time in your practice schedule to continue working on previous lessons until you can absolutely nail it perfectly.

It is crucial to be honest with yourself. If you can't do something, then stick to it until you can. Keep going back to that lesson until you can do it 100%. Otherwise you will only create problems for yourself later that have to be corrected.

But in the meantime there is no reason you can't continue to move forward and work on new challenges!

Let me know how it goes for you. Happy learning and playing.

Thanks Chris!

Hi dudes, 1st time poster.
To add to this conversation , I've found that what I do is have three or 4 consective lessons book marked and for example", In fundamentals 1, I'm currently learning the 3 or 4 melodies ie Jingle bells etc. So I spend about 70% of my practice time on Jingle bells , 15% on the next melody 10% on the next and 5% on the next, I do this each practice session, Now I have just mastered jingle bells by memory Woohoo! I will now make it 5% of my time once I master the next melody I will drop jingle bells and add the next lesson to my bookmarks. I'm sure everyone will have their way but this seems to work well for me.

Hey scouter sounds like a great idea for them to add to the website in future, some visual goal to achieve.

Chris, can I just say you have a great charisma for teaching, For people like myself who can't read between the line and need lessons broken down and spelled out, You are one of the best teachers regardless of subject that I have had the pleasure to learn from, Thank you.
Kind regards
Sean
P.S. Have a nice Christmas and a safe and happy 2010

Originally Posted by: ScouterThanks Chris!

Welcome, of course. :)

Originally Posted by: LoanwolfSo I spend about 70% of my practice time on Jingle bells , 15% on the next melody 10% on the next and 5% on the next, I do this each practice session ...[/quote]
Good plan! Sounds like it's working for you.
[QUOTE=Loanwolf]
You are one of the best teachers regardless of subject that I have had the pleasure to learn from, Thank you.

Thanks for the positive feedback. Glad you are getting value from the site and my lessons.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you and yours. :)

Hey Scouter.

I agree about not obsessing on just one aspect of your playing.

You should give yourself multiple challenges no matter what stage of playing your in. That being said you don't need to make unrealistic challenges for yourself. You just want variety.

An example of a short practice schedule would be:

5 minutes on A minor chord progression
5 minutes on E minor pentatonic scale
5 minutes on sweep picking arpeggios
10 minutes on improvisation(lead playing)
15 minutes on learning a song