DreamTheater.com Fanclub

I just cracked open John Petrruci's Wild Stringdom  instructional book, popped in the CD that comes with it, and read chapter 1. John talks about the importance of establishing a solid practice routine. He gives good practical advice that I will try to follow as I embark on this mission to complete the tab book cover-to-cover, note for note.

Chapter 2 is where the fun begins. He specifically covers the importanceof warming up and shares his own personal warm-up technique that the he follows before every gig.  I'm going to get started and will post my experience shortly there after. I'll be practicing these on

•  - my 7-string Washburn electronic guitar
•  - and then my Ibanez JS1200 going through
•  - my Line 6 POD XT Live which is running through
•  - FBT Jolly active PA speakers.

I also use a BOSS DR670 drum machine or a BOSS TU-80 metronome. Per John Petrucci's advice, I'm going to practice with more focus and try to always use a metronome.

Chapters 2 Overview - (only 6 more to go!)

I have a Line6 POD XT live, which models various amps, effects, and gear. With this I am able to get near-perfect tones to match Petrucci's various sounds. Line6 has a "tone library" with tones uploaded from users around the world, so I just download the most popular, rather than dink around trying to get the tone myself.

Chapter 2 Breakdown:

Example 1 - Warm-up: This exercise starts with a D7sus/E at the 14th position (easiest). You really have to stretch as you move this down the neck. I could only get to position 7. After that, my fingers just are not long or strong enough to each. It's a fun exercise!

Example 2 - Chord Shapes: Another chord shape that starts high on the neck and moves down. I really like the sound of this. I'm finding it easier than exercise 1.

Examples 3 through 7 - Chromatic Scale Exercises: These are fun! I'm using my metronome to keep time. I'm finding it's more fun to practice with a metronome because it adds whole other dimension to practicing. He takes a basic concept in exercise 3 and puts different variations on it so I am building upon what I learned - very cool. Each exercise becomes easier than the first as I move through them. I have to force myself to stick with them, however, because I start improvising right away.

• Mental note: Master what John's teaching me first, then improvise.

Example 8-Picking techniques: Wow - Terrific stuff here! This exercise really drove home the importance of picking with purpose. I'm going to get into the habit of using up and down strokes now!

Example 9 through 11 - Expanding on Example 8: John offers multiple variations and patters here to build upon the core concept in example 8. I love this teaching style because he teaches me something small and builds out from there. I find that very effective.

Examples 12 through 13 - Practical Application of previous lessons: John takes all that was learned so far and gives several more real-world practical applications for patters that I can now use while I improvise. I'm going to start mixing up these various patterns during my next practice session and really ingrain them into the guitar center of my brain.

Example 14 - VOICES: John gives an interpretation of Voices (Awake - 3:26 into the song) that is a great treat. I'm glad he sprinkles in actual DT music with the other practice examples.

I'm off to continue practicing the above sections for the rest of today's practice. Tomorrow I'm on to Chatper 3. Stay tuned!