0-3 · How to Get the Most Out of This Course

How to work through the course for the best results: why it pays to go through it once and circle back, what you actually need to memorize, and three habits — light hands, low tension, and staying musical — to carry into every exercise.

The eight modules in this course build on each other, so it’s important to understand each module before moving on to the next one. That said, you do not need to master each module before moving on. Moving through the course will help you build a comprehensive understanding, and you can always revisit and strengthen areas that need improvement later.

Keep these three things in mind as you go through the course:

1. You only need to memorize the things I explicitly say are important to memorize. Everything else can be recreated on the fretboard from basic principles.
2. When practicing, maintain a light touch with your hands and minimize tension as much as possible. Tension is the enemy of good phrasing, and it’s a sign that you may be working on something that is a little too difficult. If that happens, dial down the difficulty by slowing things down, taking a break, or adding a constraint that simplifies the task. I’ll share lots of ways to do that throughout the course.
3. When you practice the materials in this course, play everything as musically as you can. Start with a good tone, vary your articulation, and make sure you’re putting some emotion into your phrases. If you're struggling to make it musical, try dialing down the difficulty as described above.