When to learn other positions
Hi David,
Sorry for all these questions. Now that I've finished all the tongue blocking and bending lessons, should I focus on building up my repertoire, studying new songs and artists before learning 3rd and 1st postions? I'm just worried that when I'm working on my improvising in 2nd position it might screw me up if I have a bunch of 3rd and 1st position licks in my head. How long should I spend studying 2nd position before moving on to 3rd and then 1st? Is 3rd and 1st used that often in rock?
-Taylor
Thanks for the info David. I think I'll stick to 2nd postition for another 6 months or so. It surprises me that 3rd position hasn't been used in rock more as it kind of has a darker more moody sound to it and works well in minor.
I agree. Again, it just gets down to someone in the spotlight enough to get recognized and to be at a level that can explore positions other than second. I can't remember the name of the tune, but a student brought in a 3rd Position Jon Popper tune many years that was in 3rd... I remembered it being pretty cool.
Great question. I usually ask my students the same questions... do you want to stay in 2nd Position for a while or dive into 3rd Position (1st Position is later). Improvising is exactly the reason why to stay in 2nd Position for a while. If you go this rout you can focus on the improvising lessons on the site as well as the Artist Studies. Another thing to keep in mind is that by focusing on 3rd Position you're super-sizing your skill set for the V Chord in 2nd Position. The same goes for your 1st Position playing... it's the IV Chord in 2nd Position. In the end it's up to you, it's all good. No, 1st and 3rd are not as common, but to be truthful most the "rock" harmonics players were not very good. The ones that were/are can play in all three positions very well. You'll shoot for that of course! :)