The Testimonial Scroll

True Reports Of Amazing Results with "The Principles"

the Award Winning Guitar Learning System

June 02, 2005 from Bob Loncar

 Hi Jamie,

I got the Principles DVD 1 and the Principles book almost a year ago. The number of revelations opened to me by your words and work is indescribable.

Practisinig in the manner described in your book and DVD greatly helps with technique and the physical barriers to playing well. The level that has been opened to me so far covers finger movement/body awareness, etc.

I must admit, that since doing no tempo posing, slow tempo practice, etc.I have on occassion noticed that my awareness of the time, rhythm and place in progression, has "magically" improved. I truly appreciate everything you have done for MY instrument in your quest for answers. I feel in my heart that this is not just a "talent" thing, not something unattainable by mere mortals such as myself. Thank you,

Your friend and devotee,

Bob L.

April 07, 2005 from Wes in the U.K.


  Hi Jamie,
 
  Firstly can I just say a HUGE thank you.  I bought your book and it has
  helped me on so many levels.  I have 'owned' a guitar for about 5 or 6
  years but never really learned to play.  I could play a few chords and a
  few riffs but no complete songs really.  I gave up and my guitar has just
  collected dust for about 3 years.
 
  Anyway, after reading your articles on your site...it was like you were talking to me!

 The situations you explain all seemed to relate to problems
  I had experienced.  I just had to buy the book!
 
  Since reading the book several times and in many different places (I take
  it nearly everywhere with me, especially holidays). I have been given a
  second chance....in fact you refueled my desire!  So much so that i just
  had to go out and buy myself a new Acoustic guitar!
 
  THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU :-)
 
  Yours truly
 
  Wes, U.K.

12/04 from A.A. Nemeh from Helsinki

Dear Jamie,

I must say, playing the principled way, relaxing, taking it step by step, concentrating, and MOSTLY Body Awareness is starting to REALLY sink in. I feel my fingers differently now than when I used to 4-5 months ago.

It's amazing, my inactive fingers stand relaxed and ready like an army, ready to execute my next order, it's simply breath taking, being able to play with such relaxation and confidence. I would like to thank your parents for having put you on amongst us.



Thank you ever so much and please keep enlightening us ever so much more!

All the best,
A.A from Helsinki.

Read about how Andy was saved from this all too  common fate, and how you can be too (or avoid it in the first place!)  Andy's Story..

Hi Jamie.
I recently ordered your Principles- DVD, and now have studied it a couple of times...It is truly amazing!

Hi Jamie,

 I have played both the classical and the electric guitar for a couple of years, and developed quite fast (because of a great desire, and enjoyment of it). 

But in doing so, my muscles have developed tensions, and pain. Then someone (who's never played an instrument himself before) told me that correct playing should be done through relaxation. I soon understood the importance of this, but there was one problem. I couldn't find anyone telling me HOW that could be accomplished! 

As none of my (very skillful) guitar teachers could show me anything practical, I found myself with this confusing knowledge: "Try not to tense up, while pressing down a string,..."

Somehow I came across your homepage on the net, and decided to buy the DVD. It is probably the best investment I have made, since buying my guitars.

Those 'simple' movements have already improved my playing, and best of all; given me a tool to finally play without more tension and pain.

Thank you for that!

Annica from Sweden
 

Dear Jamie;  

I have been playing guitar for a few years, and recently, have began taking lessons, and practicing for hours at a time.  

After going to lessons I still had a number of flaws in my playing. I practiced playing a major scale for a year and could never get through it smoothly and efficiently at a medium speed.  When I practiced riffs, my fingers would consistently miss notes.   

Then, I purchased your book a month ago, and it has already changed my playing dramatically. (I had to follow your teachings very thoroughly, practice very slowly, and use a metronome for your book to work --- but it does).  

Muscles that I never knew existed have become alive and aware, and with some practice I am able to play passages flawlessly. My own guitar teacher never made me aware of my fingers, or how to control them.  

The Principles has changed the way I look at the guitar and will shave off years of wasted practice time (this is especially important if you are 27, like myself).  

The techniques force you to relax, and guide your hands and fingers into the correct playing positions.  

 I read 100's of files on the internet and your ideas and articles have always inspired me to try and become a better player. The Principles are eliminating my bad habits and I am now on the road to becoming an accomplished guitar player! Thank you for writing your book. 

Tom
  Coventry Ct.

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Hey Jamie!

Just wanted to let you know I have now been playing guitar for just over
two years and about a year ago I purchased a copy of "THE PRINCIPLES". 

I must admit, it took me some time to completely "give myself" to the things you were enforcing but I would like to say how glad I am that I did!! 

It's like second nature for me to use the "Tools" and "Exercises" (probably because I "UNDERSTAND" the truth that lies in them!) 

 Prior to purchasing The "Principles", I had picked up a lesson book by Troy Stetina, (someone you hold in high regard).

 I found that once The "Principles" were truly applied with attention and intention his lessons became easier and the problems I was having within those lessons were isolated, and addressed accordingly! (thanks especially to that little but powerful tool you call "posing").   

I continue to improve and develop on the guitar but most of all I have "FUN" as I WORK toward getting better. Thanks again for all of your insight and commitment to helping so many of us see the light in a world blanketed  by so much darkness these days!

YOU ROCK!

Dave Z.

(future owner of "THE PATH")
Philadelphia, Pa

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Hey Jamie, 

I just wanted write to you with some more detailed observations about your new book, Level One: Chords and Rhythm.  I started guitar lessons 2 years ago at the age of 44 after having never played an instrument in my life. I floundered around during the first year with several  different teachers where I didn't really learn anything of lasting value except a cursory ability to read music.  

Even though I have the desire, attention, and intention to learn to be a musician, one of my biggest stumbling blocks has been my inability to practice chords and strumming along to songs, because  I found this too boring.  

 I can now admit to the real reason that I didn't play chords. My previous teachers never told me that they were hard and that I could not learn a bunch of new chord changes between our weekly lessons (before moving on to the next set of chords for the next weekly lesson).  

They made me feel inferior and stupid that I didn't "get it." I didn't really understand rhythms.  I was not born with a sense of rhythm, nor any natural talent for playing guitar -- just a love of music. However, after reading your new book "The GuitarPrinciples Path: Level One Chords & Rhythm" and working with it for the past 30 days, I can tell you that I now know that smooth chord changes and a sense of rhythm can be developed and that it is hard to do for many people, not just the "stupid ones." 

I am finally, after two years of training to play a guitar, getting better at my first few chords: G, Em, C, D.  I am also improving at reading and strumming along to different rhythms, including syncopated rhythms and 16th notes (which are quite challenging for me). 

I've also come to another epiphany over the last 30 days of working with your new book. Music, and the ability to play music,  comes  down to chords and a good sense of rhythm whether I'm strumming, picking out melodies, playing classical pieces, or playing a lead on an electric guitar. I've gone back to the melodies that I'm learning in Mel Bay's Book 1 and looked at them as a series of chord changes, not just a sequence of notes. Wow! This has changed the entire way that I approach learning and playing these songs.  

 I am having lots of fun, and your new book has given me a new fervor for learning to be a musician. 

Thank you for always admitting that playing a guitar is hard to do, but anyone can learn to do it if they have the have desire, attention, and awareness. I'd also add they need to read and adhere to your methods that you've detailed in both books- The Principles of Correct Practice for Guitar and Level One: Chords and Rhythm. I'm waiting for Level Two: ... so that I'll understand where to go next! I sure hope that you're working on it!! 

Jim C.

Chicago,IL.

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Hi Jamie. 

I got "The Principles" about a month ago and have been very
busy working with them but I had to stop to write and make some comments. With great knowledge comes great sorrow, and as I  turned the pages of your book, I realized  that I had been missing out on critical ways of thinking about the "playing mechanism" for years, and that I was stuck at a plateau for the last several years because I was trying to "fight" my way to better technique rather than relax into it.

Of course this feeling also meant that I was receiving Great Knowledge, so my sorrow passed and I became a believer. The hints that were  given on the website were really born out in the book. The whole vibe of "The Principles" is great for disarming players, even ones who have been  playing for many years such as myself, and getting them to just think  critically about how they're practicing.

What I find happening as a result of thinking about relaxing and  implementing some of the tools (Posing is by far the most powerful for me)  is that my left hand has become much more relaxed, my fingers are hovering  closer to the fretboard as I play, moving more independently, and my legato technique is becoming very "liquid". I mean very noticeable in a month!

Now there are times, since I keep "The Principles" out while I'm
practicing from other books, when I spend much more time just holding the shape of notes that I want to play lightly and relaxing, letting my fingers, hand, arm, shoulder, body relax into being stretched to the shape while I alternate between floating my arm and then making it heavy and squeezing the notes of the shape out. The "bang for the buck" is amazing because it seems to be bleeding into all areas of my playing.

A friend/musician who I respect runs a studio. He told me recently he noticed "something different" about my playing. I showed him "The Principles" right before the band went into the studio.

When I came out about half an hour later, he was sitting in the sound room strumming his guitar with "Extreme Attention". The book was open to that  page in the office. We spent the whole breakdown talking about how your approach gives the missing ingredient in how to "fix problems" that no
other book pays enough attention to.

When I thought about it some more, I realized  that the approach is very similar to what I was taught about striking in martial arts classes. To throw a fast punch, you must relax your forearm, upper arm and shoulder while keeping your fist tight. If you tense those arm muscles, you can't snap a punch out and back quickly because the tension acts as an opposing force. Those same tensions play against you in the mechanics of guitar playing.

Many books I've used in the past had small sections about
technique and they talked about staying loose and practicing slowly, but "The Principles" answers fully the questions that I've asked for years and only gotten partial answers about. "The Principles" doesn't just say "play
lightly", it codifies the things, including specific exercises, that need to be done to play with a lighter touch.

Although I've managed to play fast and cleanly at times through sheer "forcing" of my fingers, I'm making far better progress now by what I call "making a maximum effort to make no effort at all". No more white knuckles for me!

Most players I know have, like myself, played for many years and gotten very good but are amazed at the seemingly effortless, slinky hand motions of the top technical players and wondered how they do it. "The Principles" first broke down my mind's resistance to how I looked at mechanics, and now it is helping to break through all the unnoticed (or rather, ignored) tensions that have blocked my fingers from playing at the next level.

I'll always keep your book open, no matter what else I'm practicing. Even when working on things from other sources it's like having a master standing next to you at the dojo whose presence keeps you mindful of all the things he's taught you.

 Lowell

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Jamie,

Thanks for writing "The Principles of Correct Practice for Guitar". I am a brand new (two months old) guitar student, and the book has been extremely helpful to me in some very specific ways.

I am 55 years old, have been a trombone player for 43 years, playing jazz as a weekend warrior. I have wanted to start learning to play jazz on the guitar, and have been encouraged by the guitarist in one of my bands, who has turned out to be my teacher.

I was mostly self taught on trombone, and only within the last few years learned about the impact of body tension on performance. I have many bad habits, it turns out, which limit my facility on my horn. When starting guitar I was hoping I could get off on the right foot, and not spend time practicing mistakes. Your book has been great. 

Although I do not think of myself as particularly gifted with coordination, the no tempo practicing, posing, and really paying attention to each movement, have helped me progress in this early phase of learning fingerings, scales, chords etc.

 Most important is how your approach has helped me mentally. I am over the anxiety about being too old to learn this instrument. 

I have been able to give up, most of the time, my old interest in hurrying to master the ax. Instead, I spend a lot of time in each session paying attention to my body, relaxing, and letting go of the surprising amount of tension which seems to want to creep in. The rotating attention is also helping my bone playing. In fact, this rotation of attention seems so helpful I am recommending it to my therapy clients as a technique for them developing awareness of stress held in the body.

I'm having a great time, and am looking forward to 25 years plus of guitar playing.

Thanks, Jamie.

Dave  

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Hello Jamie, 

    I am using "The Principles" book as a text book (...the only mandatory one I currently require for my students).  I am testing them by asking them to explain to me each "Tool" and "Understanding" section in their own words, because if they understand why this works, they are more likely to use it right away. 

     I also do small "experiments" by having them play a short passage or lick and then practice it in your "no tempo"  mode, for example, and they can immediately sense the difference. 

     One of my more advanced guitar students who just won first prize in his high school jazz band in Maryland- in a national competition (in Chicago's Northeastern University) was playing a rather sloppy pentatonic 4 note lick.

     I put him through The Principles no tempo practice" for about 2 minutes with varying pick pressures and attacks. Immediately, he was playing it with "Pat Martino" clarity and needs just to get up a little in tempo. 

     The jump in articulation was dramatic and immediate.  Because I "forced" him to slow down, his brain could actually scan the motions that were missing and fill in the missing data. 

     I explained to him that if you slow down enough and practice in sections, you don't make mistakes, and you relax

because you know you can handle it; therefore you don't get tense. 

     Most of all, the point is that it is an absurdity to command your brain to play something it does not yet know. It needs to analyze and memorize very complex sensory and motor/ spatial data before it can execute it.

      As you have clearly stated in the book your fingers don't have the ability to know or guess your real intentions, they don't read your mind. They operate as a computer does, based on what you input during you practice sessions. 


     Thank you for writing The Principles and continued success to you. 

Ney Mello 

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8/19/02

Hi Jamie,

 I received your book 4 days ago and am now using your methods- less strain more gain. Already,  I know what has to be done in order to improve on my practice techniques.     

By the way if you remember the email I sent regarding pains in my elbow,  well you will be pleased  though probably not surprised to hear that the problem has practically gone away !! 

I do the Foundation Exercises with the emphasis on being totally relaxed and being aware of where to find the method to induce the feeling required.

I'll keep in touch periodically but for now,  many thanks and I will recommend your book to anyone who will listen.

Regards and good wishes, 

 Steve 

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8/06/02

 Hi Jamie,

I got my book just two days ago and ever since I have been reading it, I have been laughing out loud nearly every paragraph, with absolute delight. 

Every mistake I have ever made is in your book. So I am approaching things as an absolute beginner even though I have played for many years. 

I haven't even picked up my guitar since getting your book and I already think it was well worth the cost.

 One recommendation: Make a video!! It would go so well with the book to actually see you applying your techniques. The pictures are great but live action would be even better. I'd buy it in a heartbeat! 

Thanks again and I'll drop you a line as soon I get around to actually picking up the guitar, but it's so difficult to put the book down. 

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7/22/02

Hi Jamie,

I saw the newsletter about the July 6th Workshop that I attended and all the praise that you gave to my technique. Well, I'd say that it was simply a demonstration of how powerful your book is that I've been working with, particularly the "Crutches" and "Butterflies".  

No doubt, your book is a revolution in guitar learning techniques and I'm just thrilled these days with the thought that I'm one of those fortunate guys who started learning guitar with your  revolutionary method.

The New York workshop was a great help to me, especially for my right hand. It was always difficult to visualize the sequence of correct movements of a rest/free stroke, just by reading (even though you have gone to extremes while detailing them in the book). But, now I know exactly what a rest stroke is, and a free stroke, and the proper way to perform it. 

 Also, meeting such a variety of players, and gaining from their skills and knowledge was a really great experience.

I've just joined the Mel Bay group on your site, and am working on the 1st-String Etude on page 8, something which appears soooo.. simple now. Probably I'd have never even bothered to work on it if I was not aware of "The Principles." But, now I know how important it is to practice this small piece with "Correct Practice".

Many many thanks for providing these revolutionary Understandings/ Tools/ and Exercises in learning the
guitar. I'm just wondering what the guitar world was without "The Principles" a few years back....

Shailendra.

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7/08/02

Hi Jamie,

I bought your book in January 2002 and read it through entirely a couple of times. I am from France (South East) and am a beginner player. I often read and re-read particular sections depending on the issue or problem I have with a new or existing passage. 

I have to say that your book has completely changed my view on learning guitar and music. It has given me more enthusiasm about the guitar and has removed a lot of the frustration I had in the past. Basically, before reading your book I thought that learning guitar was about talent and practicing as much as I could until I got the passage right. So from time to time. I could play a passage well and at other times I made lots of basic mistakes such as missing the string. 

When I worked with your slow and "no tempo" practice I realize that I did not know my fingers very well! It might sound funny but from time to time I would pose in a chord position and ask myself: can you lift the ring finger without moving the other one? Surprisingly, I am amazed that the index moves instead of the ring finger. It is only with attention that you speak about in your book, that I got it right. This happens with new chords and especially, with chords requesting 4 fingers like C9b.

Your book also, makes a good emphasis about attention and intention. In fact this is something we do instantly when we are kids and forgot about while life goes by. So again, since I am practicing using your "Principles" and especially paying attention to each finger's position, this has improved my playing ability, greatly.

I would now really like to find a teacher in France who knows about your teaching "Principles" as my teacher is focusing more on playing than learning. In other words he plays what I can't and then tells me to practice more! Thank you for your book, Jamie!

Fabrice 

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5/13/02

Jamie,

I've had your book for a few months now...and thought that I'd drop you a note to let you know what effect your publication has had upon my playing.

Before I begin, it might be helpful for you to know a little about me. I've been playing for roughly 20 years. I took formal lessons for the first three to four years. Over the past 16 years, I've largely been "self-taught"-(books...recordings...videos, etc.). I've played acoustic and electric...played in bands...and worked as a solo artist. 

Most people might think that after playing guitar for 20 years, I'd be able to spot "trouble" areas...easily. Not so! After reading Chapter One, I discovered that I was experiencing a significant amount of pain when playing certain passages. In conjunction with this I also learned that what you call "muscle memory" has HUGE impact on the way we play.

After taking a close look at my playing, I discovered something that I learned 18 years ago was causing me all kinds of grief "today". Way back when...I was learning a relatively
simple song called "Spanish Romance". The way that my teacher then taught me to play a specific bar had "trickled" into other aspects of my playing.

Rather than taking the time to figure out a "better" way to play that passage, I had simply forced my fingers to do something that they didn't want to do! Thanks to your book...I've corrected that specific problem!

Interestingly enough, at the same time that I purchased your book...I also bought your CD "Touched To My Tenderness". Coincidentally, the second song on the CD happens to be "Romance" (the same song that I mentioned in the
earlier paragraph)! Imagine my surprise when I discovered the connection! The way that you played this song is nothing short of incredible. The tone...brilliant. The dynamics that you employ are breathtaking.  In fact, the entire album is great.

Anway...thanks for sharing your musical discoveries!

Chris Stookey

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4/22

Hey Jamie,

I just wanted to praise you on such a great learning tool... thanks for all the insight and the wonderful book!!!! I got a guitar for Christmas in 2000. For the first year or so, I just played around with it looking up tab and "playing" what I found. But for some reason I could not play as well as the original composer of the music! 

So I found your website while searching the Internet for guitar sites to start a serious learning process. I read a lot, if not all of the testimonials on your site. I thought to myself, if there are this many people praising this guy for what he wrote in a book, and it has tremendously helped them to play the guitar...I need to get it. So I ordered your book in the winter of 2001, and was very pleased at how fast it arrived. 

I understand that patience is an absolute necessity if you want to play the guitar, and play it well. So I practiced everyday for awhile and found myself to be one of those people that needs to be shown what to practice, along with "The Principles", so I am now working with a guitar teacher. I am very pleased to say that with the teacher giving me things to practice, and then practicing them using the exercises you have created, I have progressed as a player very rapidly in the past 2 months.

I, myself, have noticed the progress. Now, I'm practicing at least 2 hours a night after work!! That is something I never did before. Also, I'm slowing down and concentrating on what I am doing wrong and correcting it. I want to thank you personally for such a great book, that is easy to understand and applies to everything in life... not just the guitar.

I have turned many people to your website so that they could see what I am talking about. Many thanks for the great book, the essential practice tools, and your wonderful website that I visit at least 3 times a week. I am getting better and better and look forward to reading more from you and progressing to my next level as a player.

Thanks for all that you do!!!

Jeremy

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3/18/02

Hi Jamie,

Thank you VERY much for sending the book so quickly. I received it last week and read it from cover to cover. I can't begin to tell you how much it has helped me already. I've been playing for about 10 years and most of the time felt like I was banging my head off a brick wall. "The Principles of Correct Practice for Guitar" will increase/expedite my development as a guitarist ten-fold. 

Please accept my gratitude, the book is fantastic!!!

Thank You
Jerry 

3/04/02

Hi Jamie 

I ordered "The Principles" back in the fall of 2001 and I'm sorry it's taken me so long to get this email out to you. 

First of all, let me tell you a bit about myself: I am not the eternally struggling student that your Q&A sessions seem to deal with. I have been playing for 17 years and hold a BM in jazz guitar performance and I feel that I've always done pretty well, thank you very much. 

I had been working on improving my fingerstyle technique and repertoire when an internet search uncovered your essay, "Changing from Guitar Student to Guitar Player: The Importance of Having a Repertoire" at staffordguitar.com, and I just couldn't believe how well thought out and well written your ideas were.

As I progressed to the guitar principles site and read several more of your essays and responses to student's questions I was really excited by what I had found because like yourself, I have a love of teaching. 

Currently I am teaching 28 private students each week and I'm looking to expand the time I have available for teaching. The biggest thing that I am getting from "The Principles" is how to improve my teaching and get better results from my students.

  As I'm sure you have seen with your own students, introducing even a single one of your concepts into a pre-existing lesson seems to instantly change the students idea of what they need to do and how to do it. 

I think the understanding part of each tool and exercise is a big part of what's missing from most approaches. Some of the concepts in "The Principles" are not new, but the difference is in how clearly you have put them all together, leaving nothing to chance. And of course, as one grows as a musician, the book's depth grows too. Needless to say I have been using " The Principles" in my own practice sessions. Great job!


Now for the question and suggestion. I can't be the only teacher out here incorporating " The Principles" into my teaching, so I'm wondering if there is a principles network of guitar teachers. If there isn't one there really should be. Ideally, I would like to see an email list setup rather than a chat room or message board, but in any format it should be a vehicle for guitar teachers to exchange ideas and ask for advice on their challenging students. 

It might also be useful for students who are using the book on their own to know where there are teachers who are enlightened to this approach can be found. Let me know about the guitar teacher network idea, you'd think there would be a list out there already (Principled or not) but I haven't found it.

Best wishes,

John 
Athens,Ohio

2/18/02

Hi Jamie,

Using your book, "The Principles Of Correct Practice For Guitar",  I have nailed a lick in two days that I gave up on two years ago!

It's the finger tapping intro from Mr Big's 'Green Tinted Sixties Mind' at 102 bpm.

I used the " play two -three -touch" approach in your book, and it worked wonders. I made another test and found a fingerstyle lick that was pretty tricky and I nailed that in 1 hour.

"The Principles" is the best investment a guitarist can make.

I'm going to start promoting your book by word of mouth here in Canberra.

All the best
David 
Australia

PS your CD is Fantastic. Your such a good player, you make the music feel good.
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2/04

Dear Jamie,

First, thanks for the book. I showed it to my teacher, Steve Bondy, who earned his MA in guitar from the University of Denver under Iznaola, and he was very impressed. One of his comments was that it was in some respects a very detailed and precise treatment of topics that Iznaola also treats, but in much more general terms.

If you know Iznaola's students, and the reverence in which they hold him, that's probably the highest praise imaginable, (insofar as pedagogy of the guitar is concerned). He said he
would recommend it to all of his students.

Personally, I have found your book very helpful, and I mean this by an objective standard: my playing is improving, and is a lot easier. More for less!

This means a great deal to me; more perhaps than I can express.

Thank you again. You are an admirable teacher and thinker--and since I'm a school principal, I know whereof I speak.

Nathan Crow

1/21

Hi Jamie 

This is the second time I have written. I thought that I needed to write again to express the importance, to guitar players, of what is taught on this site and in your book.

In two short months, since applying "The Principles", my playing has improved by leaps and bounds after trying so hard unsuccessfully for the past 30 plus years.

Practice is no longer a chore; as a matter of fact, it is now difficult for me to stop a practice session. I feel a sense of satisfaction, relaxation and euphoria during and after each practice session. 

To those out there who are contemplating buying your book - BUY IT. After you receive it READ IT CONTINUALLY, not just once. Practice as you normally would but learn the method taught in "The Principles" and repeatedly access yourself during practice to see if you are sticking to "The Principles". 

If you are not, make the necessary changes so that you are applying "The Principles". Don't be selective, read the book and apply All of the techniques taught not just the ones you feel are important - They are all important - trust me. Watching yourself play in a mirror is most important because you don't have to bend forward to see if you are playing properly. Mirrors allow the player to watch the fingers with no disruption to the attention required to learn how to practice. 

The barriers to good playing which once haunted me are gone and I still have only managed to incorporate some of "The Principles", I am gradually adding more with each practice session.

I suggest that those who are achieving limited success are those who are making limited use of the things which you teach. I still have a long way to go to achieve my goals with the guitar, but I finally have the tools which are necessary to get there. 

Have you ever watched great guitarists? They looked so relaxed. It all looks so easy. That's because it IS, once you understand the importance of how to practice, it will become easy for you too. 

Gary Watts

1/07/02

Hi Jamie,

I picked up the guitar more than 5 months ago and engaged the services of a teacher. After a total of 4 months of weekly paid lessons I found that I had not progressed one iota and knew that there must be another method.

I was practicing diligently daily with no signs of progress. I purchased a copy of your book in October and just gave it a quick glance. Meanwhile, I continued with my weekly lessons. Again, I was not having any progress so I resolved to return to your book with renewed vigor.

My teacher soon noticed the changes and wanted to know if I had engaged the services of another teacher! I then turned him on to the "The Principles".

My progress has been steady and measurable since I have been using the book religiously. What my teacher was doing was loading me up with all these different chords without any regard to technique. He felt that I was going to "get it " eventually. Your book has taught me that "getting it" is not a hit and miss affair but rather a concerted effort of learning and ensuring that you "get it" and then keeping it with constant practice until all "The Principles" become second nature.

Thanks a lot Jamie! Waiting for other great books from you.

Sincerely;

Aubmor

Forest thru the Trees... 

I have been playing for about 3 years now and have been using the "principles" for the last 2 years. I have had incredible growth and continue to grow vertically and experience the wonders of playing guitar. 

Recently, I have been struggling a little with a few bars of a song I have been trying to learn. Your starter lessons have been timely. I guess after using no tempo and posing for 2 years one still needs to be reminded as to how focused your "attention" and "intention" must be. 

You mentioned that there is something in these lessons for everyone and you were correct. After working with starter lessons 2 and 3 it became apparent that the reason I was struggling to learn that part of the song I have been working on is that I was not applying the principles correctly. I had become complacent and was not really concentrating and slowing building up to playing during that passage. After 10 days, I have been able to play the part I was trying to learn for the last 2 months!!! There is nothing better than a humbling reminder of the basics of the principles. 

Thanks again 
Tony

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10/23/01

Profuse thank you'(s) continue to be in order for you and the benefit your book has given me.

I want to share something else. Knowing how to practice correctly helped me solve a problem with my technique that had nothing to do with practicing!

All but one of my performance pieces have made great progress using your methods. New pieces have become easy to learn and master. Yet there was one fast fingerstyle blues piece that did not budge-the fastest in my repertoire. No matter what correct practice techniques I used it did not progress like everything else. That discrepancy had me searching for other
answers to solve the problem.

A slight shift in the angle on my finger and presto, problem solved. The piece plays like I
thought it should have weeks ago. All other pieces have benefited too.

The point being, your practice techniques provide a foundation for me to check any variations against and as a platform for problem solving that is
unique and powerful.

Forever grateful.

Eric Heiligenstein, M.D

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10/18/01

Hi Jamie! I received your principles this week. 

Since then I read almost the whole book and its great.  Everytime I sit in front of my mirror now I realize how many things I still have to learn so I can reach paradise. Eagerly I do the exercises feeling that it already improves. Thanks a lot for sharing your experience.

When I talked to my mom about the principles, we resolved that your principles are not available for everyone around the globe. Because I believe that everyone who starts to play the guitar, should be able to read the principles.

. You may not have enough money or time to organize a translator and that's why I would like to volunteer. I am pretty fluent in English and could translate the principles for you. Then you'd only have to find a publisher in Germany...
Think about it and let me know.

Jonas

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10/18/01

Hey Jamie,

I just got your book and have to say you have something awesome going!!  I have made a list of the things that have been slowing down my progress.

I read through it and highlighted the parts the would best work on my practice.(there was alot) the biggest thing was to slow down! I record when i practice and play slow. In two days since getting your book, I have finished a song that was a problem for some time.

Thanks Jacob

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8/24/01

Hi Jamie, this is Chris  again, the one that had such a hard time deciding whether to get your book or not.

 Anyway, the book got in earlier, and I read through most of chapter 2, and I just had to say wow to you.   Just reading that one chapter, and not reading any of your how-to's, I noticed so many thing's I've been doing wrong and neglecting when I sat down and tried to figure out what I was doing.   I'm really sorry I was so skeptical, I really think if just this one chapter inspired me so much, I can't wait to get through all of techniques to correct my habits.

I already feel this so far is the best book I've ever seen that teaches anything, and I've read a lot of them. Thank you so much for sharing what you know,  

Chris

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8/13/01

Hi Jamie, greetings from Mexico! Just wanted to thank you for your prompt shipment. 

Just by reading the way muscle memory works, I've detected a major problem in my practice regime (I used to do EXTREMELY SLOPPY practice, now I know why my results are mediocre). Now I feel empowered, and confident that I will begin to really improve my skills, by knowing what was I doing so wrong.

Well, thanks again, and enjoy, keep up such stimulating work!

Best regards,
Sergio

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8/1/01

Jamie,

Hello. I learned about your book from another beginner guitar player.  He said it was the best.  A must for beginners.

Thanks for helping all of us beginners out.

John Miller

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7/31/01

The following comments were brought to my attention after they were posted in an acoustic guitar forum by a player who has used The Principles for two years. He is answering someone who asked if anyone ever heard of "The Principles" ..........

I have had his book for two years and can honestly say that it has revolutionized my playing and my approach to guitar practice. I have made significant progress

Most of the material in the book is commonsense if you think about it long enough, I suppose, and Jamie's whole approach is to teach you how to fish, and not throw you a fish to eat!

 For me, reading and rereading the book is a succession of  Eureka! moments!  I've had his book for over two years now and even today I always keep it around my music stand. In fact I never pick up my guitar without thinking of Jamie and his teachings.

 John Parsons, England

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7/10/01

Jamie,

The depth of your understandings of the psychology and physiology of guitar playing are phenomenal.  I purchased your book recently and am now undertaking the uphill battle to undo 20 years of bad habits of attention and muscle tension in my playing. 

The trick for me now is to balance my commitment to my rock band with my commitment to revamp my foundation skills... NOT EASY!  

Your book is fascinating.  Thanks for enlightening us!

Jon 
Fort Lauderdale, FL

6/27/01

Hi Jamie:

I just wanted to update you on how things are going. I've been working with Principles of Practice for about a month now, and already I'm seeing a noticeable improvement in my playing. I have been taking guitar lessons for about 4 years and have had nothing but problems coordinating my left and right hand when playing at faster tempos. Though I practice 3 hours day, I feel I have made very little progress. I have a big problem with my left hand and getting the fingers to work independently of each other. 


Especially when fingering with the middle and ring finger. The reaction of my pinky finger to the actions of my middle and ring finger is so outrageous. It is particularly frustrating to be told often by my instructor that I need to get control over my fingers and I need to practice. 

Until I found your website I felt I was pretty much alone in dealing with this problem. Since I've started working with your book, I am beginning to gain control of my fingers and yes they are starting to work independently. This is very encouraging to me and I'm actually starting to gain more confidence in my playing. 

I will continue my growth and discovery with your book. I sing lead vocals in a rock/blues cover band and would also like to play in the band. Also, I'm going to be attending the National Guitar Workshop in CT for a week in August. I've been wanting to take the workshop for several years now, but never felt confident enough to enroll. 

Thanks for all your wisdom.

Sincerely,

Cathy
 

6/17/01

Dear Jamie,

Got the book3 days ago. Just what I've been looking for! I could never understand why guitar teachers never told me exactly what I was supposed to do. There seem to be an infinite variety of ways to get it wrong and I personally have worked through many of them.

At last I feel I've got a formula and I know if I stick to it I'll improve. I like to play for hours on end but it's very frustrating that when I go back to my teacher I just ruin everything. Because you go into minute detail it's
possible to get it right and really "feel" it's right. Well done!

I went for a lesson yester day and my teacher said of one piece- not bad for 1 week. I didn't tell him I'd only practiced for two days but had studied my right hand movements using the book. What made the biggest difference was returning the fingers into position for the next note. Nobody ever told me to do this. The fingers feel strangely in control!

I'm a teacher myself (not guitar) and I am fascinated by the learning process. I believe we need to look at learning in the way that you have done in your approach to the guitar. The reason most people seem to get things wrong is because they really don't know what they're supposed to be doing. They need to be guided precisely until they know they need to move
independently. Your book makes this clear. 

I wish I'd had this book from the day I picked up the guitar(4 years ago).  Thanks so much for the book. I would be prepared to recommend it to anybody in the UK who might be wondering whether it's worth buying- in fact I'd market it if I knew how!

Thanks,
Peter Daly

5/29/01
Jamie- 

Thanks for the quick response on the book. I received it over the weekend and am about half way through it. It is very well done and I think all teachers should have a copy. I think it does cover some important "principles" that most teachers miss. 


I was attracted to the book because I suffer the same frustrations that a lot of guitarists have. Much practice with little result in terms of getting past some of the obstacles I have dealt with over the years. 


My problem in a nutshell is being relaxed while I play. I have the tight neck syndrome on the left side and after reading your book I realized I was raising my left shoulder.  Anyway, thanks for the great book and I hope to keep in touch. 

Thanks again. Jack 

5/28/01

Hi Jamie,
I have just finished reading your book and am now doing my best to integrate the principles into my daily routine. I am constantly seeing improvement in my playing. 

5/27/01

Hi Jamie

My name is Reuben and i am from Singapore. I've just completed reading your book that i have purchased : The principles of correct Practice for Guitar. It's an excellent book and I have really benefited. 

5/24/01

Jamie, 

I received your book a couple of months ago, but just got down to serious application of your principles a few weeks ago.  The biggest change which I have noticed is that I am now aware of tension points in various parts of my body, which become more obvious when I attempt difficult bar chords (i.e.: 7th chords) and long stretches.  I am teaching myself to stay relaxed no matter what.  

In addition, when playing fingerstyle, I was holding my hand in the same fashion as if I were holding a pick, with my hand in line with the guitar neck as opposed to perpendicular.  I am practicing the fingerstyle techniques and am looking forward to working my way into the left hand exercises.  Thanks for your time and for a useful book!!!

Keith              

5/23/01

Hi Jamie,

Your book is fantastic.  It's a blessing and a curse for me.  The curse is the painful realization of having put so much time into learning poor technique.  I was always a huge stickler for technique and always asked my teacher to be militant in watching and correcting, but he was of the "Well
look at Jimi Hendrix and Eddie....they played"  school.  I wasnt even alternate picking for the first year. thanks alot Jamie.

Mike

4/13/01

Hey Jamie,

I want to thank you for writing your book. It has been a great help. I just started playing in the past few months and I could not imagine being years down the road without the knowledge in your book. I predict, I would have given up on guitar. 

Thanks.  Aaron

4/11/01

Hello Jamie

I just received your book and it is wonderful. It is better than anything I could ever find in a book store! I like the way that you have took out the usual commercial fringes and just got right to the good stuff.

4/9/01

Dear Jamie.
                  I purchased the principles of correct practice only about 2 weeks ago, and already it's helping me to discover where I have been going wrong. I used to play classical guitar and was quite an accomplished player, then due to work and family commitments stopped playing completely for about 10 years.
 
I believe that by following "The Principles" and being constantly aware of tension I can go a long way towards fixing my physical and playing problems.
 
The principles make a hell of a lot of sense and I can't believe that my problems were not obvious to me. Thanks for such a clear easy to understand book.

Kind regards
Ian W

4/1/01

Dear Jamie,

4/1/01

Hi Jamie,

 I look forward to getting your newsletter every week. I have recently purchased The Principles For Guitar, and I can't tell you how much my playing has improved, quickly!!! 

Now that I know what to look out for, I am getting in practices 100% more effective than before, when I would simply keep playing the same mistakes over and over, always assuming I couldn't accomplish things because I wasn't good enough, or I didn't practice 4 or 6 hours a day! It is amazing! If I hadn't have come across your website, I would have never realized I had poor practice habits. So thank you very much.
Brian S
 

3/27/01

 Hi Jamie I just wanted to say that I love your book. It has taught in a few weeks what a year and a half of lesson did not.

Brian R. Los Angeles

3/19/01
Hi Jamie:

I would like to heap some praise on you.  You have changed my playing completely.  As the relaxation techniques begin to work I am becoming steadily faster and more proficient. I have started playing late, I am 53 and have been playing for 2 years.  I have a high stress job and this is the best relaxation therapy that I have ever come across, especially when combined with the absence of tension inherent in your program which I found just as I was becoming frustrated by my lack of progress.

I have been an athlete and a competitive weight lifter for over 35 years and I guess that my natural reaction to something being physically challenging is to apply more force.  That is what I was doing during difficult passages on the guitar.  Your book has, in about 2 weeks, changed that completely.  I can't thank you enough.

All the best , Clair H, Canada

  3/18/01
I just wanted you to know that you are one of the many learning resources that I utilize on a regular basis.  I say "many", but I really just have a few key resources that I use time and time again.  As a "techie" type and proficient denizen of the Internet, I have viewed hundreds of web sites, looked over hundreds of online "lessons", not to mention books, video's, CD's etc.  While many at least have something to offer, I often find them lacking as a learning tool. I like the fact that your approach is different than most.  You attempt to get at the underlying reasons why someone's progress has stalled, or why they can't seem to correct the mistake they make over & over again.  For those things, I congratulate you and thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience with the rest of us.  And yes, I do have your book - I'm probably half way through, but I keep backing up and going over the material again as I experience little epiphanies in my practice routine.

 Dean S.

3/18/01

Hi Jamie!

When I first read your e-mails publicizing your book I mistook you for an
egomaniac instead of a consummate musician.  I want to apologize for this!  I thoroughly enjoyed and profited immensely from "Principles of Practice" and keep it on the music stand next to my other practice materials at all times.

Thank you for your obvious dedication to the guitar, music and your fellow
players.  Your enthusiasm is inspiring and I look forward to your posts as
they are always helpful and relevant.Best wishes now and in the future as you continue the important work you are doing!

Regards, Jim

3/6/01

I'm kicking myself for doing this so soon, but what's fair is fair. After
only a few weeks of using your 'mental' approach to the basics, my wife has noticed a major difference in my playing style. So much so that she has actually "requested that I play for her because of the soothing effect it is having on her", this has never happened before; she also continually peeps in on my practice sessions and this has never happened before.

 Now its happening so much I am having to politely ask her to leave occasionally with the promise of doing some of my practicing in front of her. Before i received your book I am convinced she just tolerated my "hobby" as a non-serious venture on my part. I'm impressed and I have to compliment you on your book, it is very well written. I am reading slow and have not finished all of it, nor do I want to as yet (unless you advise me differently). I am absorbing more this way. Anyway, thanks. I have no
regrets.

Scott

3/6/01

Hi Jamie

I have finished your book and it is wonderful. In fact, the Principles have already paid dividends in helping me understand the problems I have had in the past when I reached plateaus. In fact, I have used some of the ideas to help my cross country skiing!!

The exercises work well for me but the key aspect appears to be remaining
relaxed in position and while playing. As such I have begun using No Tempo practice and Posing as I relearn songs.

Thanks for the great insights you have already provided in the first week of owning your book!

Eric H  M.D.
Wisconsin

3/2/01

This is a "thank you" letter.

I have had your book for 2 weeks now and I am still overwhelmed by the content in your book, I have read it thru and have incorporated some of the exercises in my practice (i see the improvement already), I am going to continue to learn from your book. I am certain it will  help me in my playing. I have also seen a lot of the things you are talking about in the book and website in myself, my playing broke down at a certain bpm speed and the desire began its downfall, but I managed to keep going and seek answers to my problems. 

Fortunately I found your website and I instantly saw what a
resource it was. This discovery rescued me because I felt so helpless. I
had discovered a couple of things myself (Muscle memory, a hunch about no tempo practicing and such) but the book meant a revolution in my playing (and I realized that i was a lazy idiot), it contained information that would have taken me years to discover.

 Thanks.Niclas.

2/26/01

Jamie

Received your book about a week ago. Read it four times already. Your book is Great! It's already started to help my right picking hand on guitar.

Thanks,
Byron S

2/25/01

Hi Jamie,

 Just received the book 2 days ago, and I ordered it like last week!!!! that's what I call quick delivery and service. Plus the book is great I started reading and applying the concept right away, and really noticed all you're talking about !!

And along with my MI rock instruction books, it's gonna make me improve so fast... already started to get better, actually, thanks to you.

Best regards

 Christophe ( from France )

2/21/01

Dear Jamie,

         As a seeker of all knowledge and information especially on guitar and music mattersI found you on the internet and followed it up.

Received your book on Saturday, after a few minutes reading and thinking about your words on paying attention and no tempo practice I put the book down and addressed a problem that had dogged me for about twelve months..............and WOW  within a few second I had the answer.

As a very busy guy.....family, full time job, and business's etc

 but obsessively dedicated to guitar music,I now have the answers to making my practice time ten times more effective and definitely moving in the right direction by studying and using the principles.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Jamie for taking the time energy and thought in writing the Principles of correct practice for guitar, it is absolutely full of priceless information and insights that is simply not available anywhere else in the world, I should know, I have spent a lot of time and money searching.

P.S. Please feel free to use this as a testimonial, 

I am very excited about my future progress and will keep you informed.

                                                                             Sincerely           Derek

2/13/01

Hi Jamie, I ordered this book for a friend as I already have one. When I
told this guitar playing friend of the results I'm getting from using this book and showed him, he wanted a copy. Receiving this book will be
a great surprise for him.

The area I'm getting most results is holding barre chords. It used to be
very painful when I played barre chords. My thumb was hurting to the
extent that I seriously considered stop playing guitar. Then I read one
of your articles on www.wholenote.com. After reading that article I
visited your website, read some more and got interested in your book. I
ordered it and have it now for almost a year and I'm getting results. My guitarplaying is no longer an exercise in enduring pain. Thanks to your book. Thank you.

Max M

1/28/01

Jamie,

Yes, I received your book about a week ago. Just by reading the first few pages I know that I will profit from this book. It was about time someone came up with a book like this.

My main guitar is a Strat and  I still have my classical guitar which will help me in following the instruction throughout.

Regards,

Jose F

11/30/00

Jamie,
Thanks for answering my question in last week's Q and A. I'm using your book daily and it really works.  Great job.

Thanks,
David

11/29/00

Jamie,

I just received your book yesterday and was able to read and study the first two chapters before my practice last night.  I have to say based on what I got out of last night's practice that the first two chapters are worth the price of the book!

What you said in the book about muscle memory, tension, and watching my hands made so much sense I was able to discover several problems that I can already see will soon be worked
out.

I can't wait to read the rest of the book.

Thanks,
Randall

11/21/00

Jamie--You have already helped me. I took the time to concentrate on your book and then...
Posing, the Light Arm, the Heavy Arm, and r.h. Cup have done wonders, ridding me of shoulder pain.

You enable me to continue studying guitar. Thank you, and do let me know when you plan to offer a workshop up the coast a ways. Meanwhile I enjoy reading your updated website.
Mathilda Hills

11/19/00

"Common sense is not too common."
          Voltaire

Dear Jamie,

I've been poring over your book and some of the material
on your great web site. In a very short few days you've
catapulted me into a whole new rich world! When one comes
across new information on a subject, the 'power' of the
information can be verified by it's practicality and
how quickly it starts to feel like common sense.

Bringing intense awareness to my bodies changing states
of tension, No tempo and Posing are just such marvelous new concepts for me.
I can't thank you enough, it's huge!!
My hands have already lost alot of the pain I
have been carrying around with me as an accepted 'fact of life'.


With gratitude,

Francis C

11/13/00

11/05/00

I was browsing some guitar sites whilst I should have been doing my job, and like a gift from the gods - your site appeared.  It didn't take much persuasion to   buy the book/CD, as I'm one of these guitar players who's been playing for a while but seems to be going nowhere fast.  

For what it's worth, I think your site and book are highly commendable,
real COOL in fact. 

Naomi C

10/25/00

   Dear Jamie

Your book is blowing me away! Thank you for what is so far an amazing and incredible book.   

already a big fan,
Michael K. Australia

I purchased the book many months ago and continue to use the "principles" everyday.  Thought you'd want to know...Recently, my brother was visiting and I was showing him my new acoustic guitar and started to play some songs in my repetoire.  He was amazed at my progress, especially with my chord changes and ability to play certain barre chords so easily in a short time. I thought I was getting "pretty good", but to experience others reactions is a great affirmation of my thoughts.

Tony

10/10/00

Jamie,

I read thru most of your book.  After the 1st week, not only me but my wife (my biggest critic), noticed a marked improvement in my 'sound.'  I had stopped playing for 15 years and started again in July 1998.  I refused to take lessons again because I was having so many problems truly understanding the mechanics of playing. 

 I have been looking for someone with your approach for 2 years.   I'm glad I waited.  Your book is definitely an answered prayer.  the remarkable thing about your book is that it helps you 'conceive' how to get the most sound out of your instrument.  All I haveto do is 'believe' and apply your principles and the 'achieve' part is unlimited. 

I don't usually get excited about books like this, but I can't ignore what I hear in my own playing.  I have leaped vertically at least 1 or 2 more levels in 2 weeks.  One mistake I noticed was I was holding my pick on the tip of my index finger. 

It felt uncomfortable, but I tried holding my pick of top of my index finger as you suggested.  This stopped me from having to bend my wrist and the sound was much more consistent and present.  I don't know when or where this vertical leap will stop, but I'm going to enjoy the ride while it lasts.  Jamie, I want to thank you for providing me this valuable information.  It is worth much more than money can provide.  Think I'll start looking for a teacher now that I have a better idea of what to look for.

Thanks again,
Ted Agnew 

9/27/00

Hi Jamie,

Got your Book and CD middle of last week. Where did you pick up all that wisdom??

I feel after just reading the first two chapters I cannot play the way I have been all these years. You make such sense. 

I sat down the other night in front of a mirror and checked out the way I was sitting and concentrated on playing slow and being as relaxed - guess what? it works! My left shoulder was in much better shape (which means my left hand) by the time I had finished playing for half an hour.


I am listening to you play as I write - beautiful!

It fits into place, here I have another American telling me the right thing to do, just as my Chiropractor in Charlotte NC did and helped my body heal.

Your words on relaxation (and aids the healing) so far have shown me it is the only course I should follow. I am so glad I found your site.

Thanks again Jamie
Martin.

9/18/00

Dear Jamie,
        I just received your book and CD.Thank you for the prompt response. I have your Cd on as i write this and am enjoying it greatly. i will highly recommend it to my students.I have often wondered why my students could not progress as fast as i knew their talent would allow, and i think you have provided me with some very valuable tools to aid them and me for that matter. 

Again thank you so much both the material and the your contributions to the art.

Sincerely,
michael

9/12/00

9/3/00

I got your book yesterday and gave it a quick read through. Looks very useful, I'm noticing tension all over the place where I hadn't noticed it before, shoulders, even my throat. You've clearly done a lot of work and detailed analysis, I appreciate it, and look forward to the results.

By the way, have you read "Effortless Mastery", by Kenny Werner (Aebersold Press)?

Kenny is a bit abstract, but he talks about things like tension, and practicing very slowly.  But there's little detail that one can actually apply. It's more metphysical. Your book takes over where he stops and shows how to actually do what he talks about, in the context of guitar.

D.Young

8/30/00

The book and cd came within 1 day or 2 of placing the order. Thanks.

8/21/00

Jamie,

I am 64 years old and just retired. I have always wanted to play the guitar but with the job I had I traveled and had very little time to learn to play. When I retired I went out and purchased a Taylor 314 CE and told my self "Now you have to learn to play." and I have enjoyed every single moment of it. 

I now kick myself for not starting earlier. I have just started using your book and can already see where it will be a big help in my practice.