Thanks for the reply Ness. I agree with what you say about not being too visual while playing. However I was specifically referring to learning a new song by watching the teacher. One needs to know instantly where the teacher is on the neck rather than having to stop and count frets. Here's a perfect example...In Max's new lesson on "Scar Tissue"..I instantly knew that he was playing an F chord in the A position barred at the 8th fret (or a variation thereof), and for the chorus as well, I knew immediately that he was playing an F chord in the C position barred at the 5th fret. All because I could see it without counting.Hey guys and Shel, so nice to read such enthusiasm for Shania Twain!! I think she's absolutely awesome, will have a few more in the pipeline.
I would absolutely encourage anyone to not pay too much attention to where someone's fingers are. Throw in a capo and things get rather confusing. And since I love to sing, i throw the capo around pretty much all the time, including when recording lessons. For that, I quickly glance at the top of the neck and double check where in particular the 5th and 7th frets are. (the guitar player in your 2nd post should've done that too.) Or sometimes, when there is a jump up the neck in a particular song, I double check that particular fret as well.
I also, when neccessary, and this is rather important, keep in mind what I'm actually playing and for that where I need to be, no matter where I'm capoed and no matter where the markers are. The more you do such things, the better you'll get at it too. And occasionally, I just totally miss the fret I'm going for! :S :laugh: Usually because I forget to look where to go on the neck, or I forgot to double check.
All this applies to whenever watching someone play/teach as well. I often watch artists with or without markers, capoed all over the place. I do the same with them, I double check the 5th and 7th fret, I keep in mind which chords they're playing and how the progression goes. From there I can figure out quickly where they are without actually counting frets, since theory simply tells me. I of course listen too. I believe that learning visually, for an instrument in particular, is quite limited and often serves you for that particular moment/song, not in the long run.
TGNess B)
My point is a teacher should make it as easy as possible for the student to see what he/she is doing.
Again ...I agree that one should not be overly visual while playing, but while learning, visual knowledge, in my opinion is essential.
Thanks again for taking the time to respond.
Hugs,
Bill