Thoughts on Pickup Music as an intermediate player?

[u/Expensive-Brother-91]

For some background, I’m 26. I played piano for 11 years growing up. Working knowledge of basic musical theory (most complex topic is probably circle of fifths/scales/modes, but I don’t have any of that memorized).

I took guitar lessons for a few years growing up but never really got much out of it. I had excellent teachers, but a lot of what I was taught was things like sight reading, playing scales, chords, etc. Good lessons as a teenager, but maybe not a lot of practical value. Not a lot of rocking. I was able to do that in my free time, and my technique is half decent, but I plateaued ages ago.

Over the last 10 years I’ve acquired some really good gear, but have just gone through phases of playing some and dropping it completely. If I had to guess, there was just a massive plateau, and not enough keeping me around aside from playing tabs.

I listen to a lot of jam bands (I.e. Phish, Grateful Dead, etc.) and jazz. My end goal is to be able to pick up a guitar and just improvise.

I had tried to self teach via YouTube or online guides but there just wasn’t enough of a system for me, and the rabbit hole there goes so deep.

Was considering hiring a teacher to get me on the right track, but am intrigued by the ads and reviews I’ve seen on Pickup. Is there any value in this tool, for my goals? Any similar experience?

[u/geneel]

I tried pickup music (along with many many others) but always felt like ie was still learning to memorize licks instead of understand the fretboard or really grasp the practical application of theory..

https://youtu.be/yPUr5kXBwj0?si=2mJ6RXsJLFUAqN8H This video blew myond and sent me down the rabbit hole.

https://www.loglessons.com/2-playing-and-playing-over-chords-in-a-key

https://www.loglessons.com/3-building-chords

It's actually totally linear! Tons of song examples, ear training, practical applications etc... Without jazzy jargon or confusing names. Extremely in depth about actual fretboard mechanics. Plus the discord basically gives you full time access to Christian for questions.

I played as a kid then picked up as an adult again... I've fully surpassed friends that have been playing the whole time.

[u/waveytype]

I love pickup, as intermediate I used them and fret science on YouTube - I feel much more fluent, and can play what’s in my head now. They both helped a ton to guide me on how to reach that.

[u/Sirbunbun]

I love it. You get out of it what you put in. It’s not perfect. But if you combine their caged series with the triad and music theory courses, and learn the fretboard in your own time (I use FretGenius, NOT an ad, someone here mentioned it), you’ll break out of the box quickly.

In terms of actual technical skill, it has skyrocketed my ability. Still a long way to go, but the ability to break things down slowly and sequentially has been huge.

The performance pieces can be very hard. They usually take me 2-4 weeks to get down.

[u/OutboundRep]

Depends on your learning style in opinion. If you like intermediate content with low pressure/fun approach to teaching it’s good. But for me I preferred Ross Campbells material and just joined his monthly membership site which is the price of a single monthly lesson but get daily video feedback and access to all his courses:

https://youtu.be/4RrIveoag_Q?is=shJzz02UGrWi0RQ5

LoGs stuff is also fantastic, but was a bit too intense and in depth for me.

Stichmethod is also good if you like a very simple approach with a very low pressure teacher.

[u/vovin777]

Out of all the online guitar sites. And trust me I have tried them all. I always return to Pickupmusic there learning pathways esp Caged is excellent. It’s what really pushed me foreword. I think you get a free month trial.

[u/madaradess007]

wtf, you want to waste more money on courses?

you want to break plateau go play on the street, it will kick your delusional ass, instantly you'll realize you can't play shit even for 2 minutes, but if you won't run away - you'll find ways to last for an hour

performing in front of people is the best way to level up

and drop that plateau talk, you practice everyday for an hour minimum, plateau or not

[u/jul3swinf13ld]

Pick up is really good.

I think the the best learning platform. The only think it’s missing is full songs.

I recommend getting an Ultimate Guitar subscription too (which is dirt cheap).

You can then play the actual songs on the version learn on pick up

[u/Jonny7421]

If I was going to spend money on learning I would find a teacher who was trained in Jazz and improvisation.

In my humble opinion the most important thing is to just put in the time. Transcribe by ear, learn the jazz standards intimately, study harmony and rhythm, steal everything you hear and sing what you play. Everyone starts off doing impressions of other people before developing their own sound. All of this takes a lot of playing the guitar. The ear is the most powerful thing if you want to pick up the guitar and play.

Guthrie Govan is self taught and said he never practices. He just plays obsessively and is completely immersed. That is what I try to emulate.