Guitar Lessons by Patrick

It’s Going To Get Loud

patrick — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:34:51 +0000

This docudrama is a must see for anyone who plays the guitar or has any interest in rock music (pretty much covers planet Earth right?). Three highly interesting bio’s, some good laughs, and a whole lotta rock music.

Patrick Antrim Sr.

P.S. Is it just me or does Jimmy Page seem on a different playing field?

The Beatles

patrick — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:25:31 +0000

Well Rock Band has taken us back to the glorious days of the Beatles…if only they could take us back a little farther—I’d see to it that Yoko Lennon’s parents never met.

Patrick Antrim Sr.

Conspiracy Theory

patrick — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 05:24:37 +0000

Garage Bands in the 1960’s ~ The Stopper Chord

My music mentor and I used to jokingly allege that the Beatles used one “weird” chord in just about every song they wrote…why? Our conjecture was that Lennon and McCartney wanted to keep garage bands from playing their tunes (and butchering them…), therefore, they added that one chord (or stopper) the average guitarist might not figure out.

Keep in mind that back in the day there was no Chordie.com, Ultimate-Guitar or Tabcrawler to learn songs from. We had to buy the 45 (no that’s not a gun) and play it over and over and over and over attempting to figure out the chords, riffs, licks, and such. Then came that stopper chord we could never quite figure out. Let’s see, it’s not quite a seventh chord, not a ninth, not a minor…what the hell is it? Forget it! Let’s play Little Latin Loupe Lou…

If we were still hell-bent on learning the song we’d simply go find a really good band hoping they might play the song we were working on…we would watch or “pick off” the chords they were playing. Of course we’d act like we were just enjoying the music trying to pick up chicks…but we had hidden agendas.

So that’s my conspiracy theory as to why Lennon and McCartney put in at least one difficult chord in most of their songs. I think I can prove my theory—when reviewing Beatle songs on the sites mentioned above, I swear it is a rare find that a musician presents a song that is actually correct. I typically laugh at how these young rock stars think Beatle songs should be played.

One last thing…and this is what really cracks me up—I routinely see these guys enter “Guarantee 100% accurate” and they list so many mistakes it’s ridiculous. I mean at least they could figure out the right key, eh?

Patrick Antrim Sr.

GUITARISTS–NEVER EVER. . .

Antrim, Sr. — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 18:33:48 +0000

Suggestion to guitarists the world over…As I suggest to my students as rule # 1 for guitar playing: Never, ever, never compare yourself to another guitarist. Guitarists are everywhere and most of them are really really good.

How many times have you just knocked out that lick or mastered that special song you’ve always wanted to learn only to run across some guy on a street corner with a $10. guitar— playing the song you just learned better than the original track – with his eyes closed while talking to himself?

Again, never ever never compare! You’ll be in for a life of misery. Conversely, should you just accept your progress, accept your laziness, accept the fact that hey maybe you’re not the greatest guitarist in history – you’ll enjoy playing much more. Lighten up dude!

Stop thinking of your guitar as “the enemy” or something you are “never satisfied” with. Sit back and enjoy it. Do the best you can and play for your wife, kids, friends, or whoever will listen (I like to play for my dog she loves my playing-like most girls she loves Beatle songs). If you have nobody to play for no worries play for yourself and enjoy! (The guitar gods will always be listening)

Bottom line, enjoy playing just as you would any other hobby. Quit worrying about what you “can’t” play…!

Cheers,

Patrick Antrim Sr.

Learn the Electric Guitar in Corona

Antrim, Sr. — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 01:39:32 +0000

If you have been thinking about learning the electric guitar….and cannot find a guitar teacher in Corona or Norco….look no further.

Patrick’s Rock Blog

Antrim, Sr. — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 01:06:04 +0000

This is my first rock blog.

Thanks for the encouragement!

Antrim, Sr. — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:28:08 +0000

A letter from student Joe [March 2006]

“Patrick, well tonight’s practice was a whole lot better. I decided to work your program all week. The funny thing is I really don’t like working on notes (as you know). Because it is hard and I have a hard time with the timing thing (foot tapping). It has taken me four or five practices just to kinda get the notes to sound familiar. But today I came the closest that I have so far (which was cool)(Progress). The funny thing was that I decided to work real hard on my Bar chord transitions (because I suck at it). And moved the pace of the strum faster than usual. And what do you think happened? That’s right, my transition got better and faster than I ever thought it could. Even with my eyes closed.

Thanks for the encouragement.”

Thanks again for helping me!

Antrim, Sr. — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:25:29 +0000

Hey Patrick

Thanks for the tips, the manager at Guitar Center said they couldn’t give me the sales tax off, but when I told him that I was getting lesson from you and that I get all my gear at that particular store he gave me a way better deal!! The Les Paul that I bought went on sale on July 4th and even though I bought it last week he went ahead and gave me the discount. I ended up paying only $469.00 for the guitar and warranty.

The cheapest case was $79.00 and it looked real cheap, the Gibson cases were $159.00 – $179.00. Unfortunately they weren’t on sale. I also got a cool leather strap to go with my Les Paul for only $18.00 that was listed at $40.00. I’ll keep looking for a case, they have sales all the time when they get overstocked.

Thanks alot for all your info!

I also told the manager and the girl at the counter to give your card to anyone who needed lessons because you were the best.

Thanks again for all the help and for helping me with my music

See you Weds.

Brandon

Great Job!

Antrim, Sr. — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:24:35 +0000

The Guitar teacher that I picked called me very fast, we set up a meeting that went very well. This teacher was just what I was looking for. Great Job!!

— David M. on May 22, 2007

Thanks Again!

Antrim, Sr. — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:23:40 +0000

May 29, 2007

Hello,

Thanks for referring Patrick! After trying 2 teachers in one year, I was skeptical taking lessons again but my daughter (13) and I tried one more time, we?re glad we did. Throughout O.C. I couldn?t find a guitar teacher teaching ?basics? (reading notes, etc.). Patrick has mature teaching skills with excellent program and keeps it fun. We?ve already learned more than both previous teachers combined!

P.S. I?ll be sure to use Click For Lessons when my other daughter is ready for piano lessons. Thanks again!

Thank you,

Christine M.