Nile Rodgers on Good Times, Good Living, and Good Practice

Tuesday Quotes are short explorations of music, life, and the daily endeavor of practicing classical guitar. Find more here. Enjoy!

“Don’t be a drag – Participate! Clams on the half shell, and rollerskates!”
Nile Rodgers (Chic)

Good times! Is this not one of the main reasons we play guitar? Ultimately, we’re looking for a good time.

But what does this mean? Are we supposed to smile the whole time? Laugh out loud and slap a knee? Not necessarily.

For good times, in any area of life, we engage. We participate. We give it our full attention and energy. Even in “passive” good times, like reading or watching a movie, we immerse and focus.

On guitar, this means if we clap and count a rhythm, we do it aloud, using our voice. No pulling punches.

When we face challenging bits, we lean in. We explore from different angles. We may toy with fun rhythms. Or we may use the Add-a-Note method.

The important part is that we bring our full self to the task at hand. We do our best. We’re serious about our play, like children.

This doesn’t mean that every practice goes well. It doesn’t mean we won’t sometimes miss the mark or feel frustrated. But it does mean that we take full responsibility for our attention and energy.

Classical guitar is no easy feat. The key is to enjoy the process of learning. Like a yard dog with a hambone, we can relish knawing away at our scales and pieces.

And this becomes its own reward. Practice becomes our favorite part of the day. Good times!

Hi, I’m Allen Mathews.

I started as a folk guitarist, then fell in love with classical guitar in my 20’s. Despite a lot of practice and schooling, I still couldn’t get my music to flow well. I struggled with excess tension. My music sounded forced. And my hands and body were often sore. I got frustrated, and couldn’t see the way forward. Then, over the next decade, I studied with two other stellar teachers – one focused on the technical movements, and one on the musical (he was a concert pianist). In time, I came to discover a new set of formulas and movements. These brought new life and vitality to my practice. Now I help guitarists find more comfort and flow in their music, so they play more beautifully.
Click here for a sample formula.

I think the program levels are a great way to teach the guitar. I have had several teachers over the past few years and none came close to the structured organization that you have put together.

~ Peter Marior

-Peter Marior

Hi Allen, I am thoroughly enjoying your website and I find it is just what I need in my renewed passion for classical guitar. I have rediscovered a great love for this instrument and the music I can learn and play and it has changed my life for the better dramatically! Thank you for facilitating this process.~

~ George Rogers

-George Rogers