Welcome to the Fretlight blog!
My name is Nate, and I'm the Director of Music Education for Optek Music Systems, makers of the Fretlight Guitar. I design all of the Fretlight Lesson Paks and Style Paks, and I also teach guitar privately in Manchester, NH where I've been a National Music Workshop instructor for the past twelve years. I really love teaching music, and over the past decade I've given about 30,000 guitar lessons to students of all ages and abilities in both one-on-one as well as group settings (at the Summer Youth Music School, the New England Summer Arts Program, and the National Guitar Summer Workshop).
This goal of this blog is to help you, the Fretlight guitarist, to get the most out of your instrument. Many Fretlight owners don't even realize how much can be done with their guitars, so I’m here to help you dig deeper into the software and find how much power is really in there. I'll be posting software tips, practice advice, short lessons about various topics, funny stories/guitar player jokes, and anything else I can think of that will help you to get the most out of your Fretlight. This is a great opportunity for me to share my experiences as a teacher with all of you, and I’m really looking forward to helping each of you reach your own goals as a player. I also want to hear from you so I can tune the topics to best meet your needs. Please use the comments so we can have a great two-way dialog on this blog.
My first official post will be up within a day, so come back to see it or just subscribe to our RSS feeds so you can read all my posts in your favorite RSS reader.
Trackbacks
-
9/11/2007 6:34 AM
examples of case study formats wrote:
examples of case study formats
Glad you're doing this Nate. I love my Fretlight but want to learn more ways to use it.
Reply to this
Excellent - intermediate to advanced (experience wise) player - just got my fretlight and have been working through the various software programs - I'm finding it somewhat overwhelming and need some guidance in the use - will welcome all advice and tricks
Reply to this
Hi Nate,
I've had my Fretlight guitar for several weeks now and I'd like to locate a guitar instructor that could use the Fretlight system in the training they would give me.
Do you have a Fretlight instructor that you know of in the San Jose, CA area (zip: 95118)?
If you don't already maintain a list of instructors, I believe you should, as beginners like myself would benefit greatly from a combination of self-training using the system and having an instructor to fill-in the rest-of-the-story with classes that use the system within the lessons and for practice homework.
Perhaps this blog might be used to connect Fretlight-enabled, local instructors with willing students.
Nick
--
much thanks,
Nick
Ps: I like the guitar and the Fretlight system overall... I'm having a lot of fun learning songs from my teens/twenties that I like to listen to today on my iPod... it's even more fun playing them!
Reply to this
Complete Newbie here..
Just placed my order and I can't wait to get started... I have not fooled around (never really played) with the guitar in years... Hoping that the Fretlight is the answer for my new found hobby.
Reply to this
@Nick, at the moment we do not have a list of Fretlight certified instructors, but it is something that we are focusing on for the very near future. I truly believe that the Fretlight system represents the next generation of guitar instruction, and eventually finding a Fretlight certified instructor will be easy. You still have the option to study with a private instructor to supplement what you've been working on with your Fretlight. I'm sure that you'll find the combination of the Fretlight system along with a competent private instructor will provide you with the best possible education program available. You might even turn on your new teacher to the Fretlight system!
Good Luck,
Nate
Reply to this
I bought my Fretlight Lefty back in November for my 50th birthday. Who says an old dog can't learn new tricks! I faithfully practice right now 60 minutes each day. Its become a downright obsession! I totally agree with Nate that PATIENCE & MOTIVATION are key. I don't put pressure on myself to learn something within a certain time frame which makes it more fun to learn. Anything that is worth doing SHOULD be a challenge. Stay motivated & PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.
Reply to this
Hi Newbie,
You will not be disappointed with your new Fretlight! I was on edge waiting for DHL to deliver mine last November. It arrived @ 8:30 pm & when I got it opened I was totally thrilled at the quality!! Money well spent! Let me know what you think.
Joanne
Reply to this
Hi Nate,
Any further progress on getting a
'Fretlight Approved/Powered' list of instructors together?
I'm in San Jose, CA.
Nick
Reply to this
Hello Nate!
All my life I have had a love for many types of music, which is reflected in my eclectic audiophile collection, but I am new to playing any musical instrument. I took private guitar lessons for the 1st 4-months.
But I decided early on that I might be better served by simply finding a self-study program that I could dive into for the basics, saving the expense of private lessons for later when learning more difficult techniques. So I transitioned to the Learn & Master Guitar program, which I have been working at daily for the past 8-months. In total, I have only been practicing for a year.
I had no idea how challenging guitar could be, but I love every minute of it. I practice an average of 1 and ½ hours per day, 6-7 days/week.
Just a couple of days ago, I decided to invest in the 451-Pro. I went with the upscale model since I am currently practicing with a Fender American Deluxe V-Neck Strat and the 451 would appear have some similar “playability” characteristics. I am scheduled to receive my Fretlight next week; I am very excited!
I am still a little anxious about my ability to leverage the Fretlight in order to improve my abilities on my own. It is my hope that the software that I purchased with the 451, this blog and my sincere desire will be enough to move me further along a bit more quickly.
Over the course of the past year, I have concentrated on simple single-note songs, e.g. Simple Gifts, Star Spangled Banner, Minuet in G, etc. However, I suppose that I have spent the most energy on open cords, learning to make transitions without missing beats and equally important, fretting the cords cleanly. I probably spent too much time on open chords before moving to the next set of lessons, barre chords, but I felt that I should develop the ability to play these chords cleanly, and consistently first. Now I manage to do so most of the time, but I still need a lot more practice to do so without any mistakes, consistently.
My hope is that the Fretlight technology will help decrease the learning curve as I attempt to learn the note positions across the fret board, beyond the 1st 4-5 frets, and begin the challenges associated with barre chords.
My plan is to use the lesson player packs in conjunction with L&M program that I have been working with, since I have found it to be an excellent system too.
I suppose that my only frustration to date is that I have yet to begin playing any music to which I normally listen. I am worried that although I am learning the basics and setting a good foundation, which is necessary, I am beginning to get bored playing simple standards, open chord exercises and alike. I am hoping that M-Player will be the answer to this point. Ultimately, I want to play the blues.
Nate, what are your thoughts on my strategies? Do they appear sound
I welcome advice from the community at large too. Thanks and I look forward to the journey.
Reply to this
@Frank,
Although I'm not too familiar with the Learn & Master program, you're on the right track as far as your goals. Every beginning guitarist must master the notes and chords found in the open position before they can move on to more difficult chords like barre chords. Not only that, you'll find that with M-Player, a lot of the chords that you've already been working on can be used to play dozens of great songs. Mastering chords in the open position gets you playing right away and is great for developing finger strength, speed, and coordination. You'll find that once you understand how the guitar "works", learning new note positions or chord forms in other parts of the neck is no different than learning them in open position. Enjoy your new Fretlight and keep playin'!
Nate
Reply to this
Thanks for the reply and words of encouragement, Nate.
I have a quick question: Are you aware of any Fretlight user forums? I am have some challenges that are not covered in the FAQ or knowledge base on which some fellow users may have some insight...
Reply to this
Any update on my search for a Fretlight-capable guitar instructor in the San Jose, CA area?
Nick
Reply to this
I wnat to create my own lessons for me and my Guitar students. How do I do this?
Reply to this
Hi James,
I'm looking for a Fretlight-friendly guitar instructor in the San Jose, CA area. Any chance you live near me?
Nick
Reply to this
If I can get software or technical details of the interface. I can create my own lessons and teach anyone with a fretlight long distance. Currently I reside near Jackson MS.
Reply to this
Hi Frank, I too am a beginner and just ordered my Fretlight. I'm currently on session 4 of L&MG and find it to be a great home study course. I bought the fretlight to learn new songs and scales to keep it fun. There’s nothing like playing a song to keep you motivated. I also think it will make learning scales more fun, keep us posted on your progress.
Reply to this
Hopefully after you get your guitar and
the action seems a little high then you take it to the local guitar shop to find out the neck holes are stripped out with small wires taking up the space where wood should have been.Like mine was.FG-405 becarefull have it checked out brfore the warranty is up Sad deal rusty feel free to respond about this its your company 815 535 0739
Reply to this
hello everyone,
I am currently waiting for my fretlight guitar and can't wait to get started.
I've been playing for over 20 years, I've taught for several years ,recorded several cd's,played in numerous bands, ect.
I see great potential to improve as a player,just wondering if there any more advanced players in this blog.
Also has anyone tried to use this with any DAW applications,tracking with midi functions ( following chord changes), is it possible?
thanks and study diligently
Reply to this