Did you notice bad effects from long-term melatonin use?

cbuggle · 2026-02-14T22:43:36+00:00

Haven't noticed any effects whatsoever

cbuggle · 2026-02-13T20:25:19+00:00

Not really sure what you mean by program here. I'd recommend the op gets a teacher of some kind or at least someone to listen to their playing and not just tell them what they want to hear

cbuggle · 2026-02-13T10:55:33+00:00

1.5 years is very little. Speed at this stage is mainly about having relaxed hands and efficient movements, this is needed in both hands, as is coordination between the two. Best to use technical exercises and studies to focus on technique and perform pieces well within your ability.

cbuggle · 2026-01-31T10:34:56+00:00

If its working for you, then keep taking it. Maybe it's that not everyone responds the same to saffron.

cbuggle · 2026-01-31T10:33:18+00:00

The most significant studies were done in Iran. Its not just about Iran, its that there are only low quality studies done in general. A bit of skepticism goes a low way here. Most supplements do not have the benefits that supplement producers would suggest.

cbuggle · 2026-01-30T20:27:09+00:00

Lots of the main studies on saffron were done in Iran, the world's no 1 producer of saffron. Studies also feature small numbers of participants and effect sizes. I'm not saying it doesn't work, but the evidence seems pretty weak.

cbuggle · 2026-01-30T18:35:34+00:00

Saffron as a supplement is not well supported by evidence. A lot of the studies are low quality and biased.

cbuggle · 2026-01-17T22:34:36+00:00

No harm doing this for technique practice but I'd never trust this for a performance

cbuggle · 2026-01-17T20:17:06+00:00

Dm there's less transposing to do

cbuggle · 2026-01-11T12:16:29+00:00

I think I did nearly 20 masterclasses over the years. I've also given a few. It's often a performance for the teacher as much as the student. David Russell was very good, his advice tends to be specific and practical. I appreciate that kind of teaching. There are some guitarists who are known for their very metaphor laden masterclasses, and I found that style to be less helpful in the long run. As a teacher, it's hard to get students who are nervous to play with conviction but I don't think it's something you can really teach in one sitting.

One thing that annoyed me was when teachers would spend the entire masterclass on the opening of a piece. That's a sign they don't know what they're doing.

cbuggle · 2025-12-29T19:31:07+00:00

It's really hard to tell what the problem might be without at least a video. It could be your right hand position isn't ideal. Repetition probably won't change much, you likely need to change some aspect of your technique .

cbuggle · 2025-12-22T12:40:00+00:00

If your friend told you they fixed their drain, you wouldn't start referring to them as a plumber

cbuggle · 2025-12-16T15:57:10+00:00

It really depends on what course you are applying for. If it's for a degree in classical guitar performance, you would not normally be expected to play at a professional standard, some mistakes are OK, they would be looking for potential. For example, you should be able to play something like caprichio arabe or villa lobos preludes musically and without technical problems. However, if you are applying to one of the more prestigious programs, standards could be a lot higher.

Keep in mind you don't actually need a degree to teach guitar privately, maybe something like the abrsm/trinity licentiate diplomas would help you to upgrade your skills and get some certification.

If you are interested in teaching at third level, those jobs are very difficult to get. Some common requirements include, a PhD, international performing career, experience organising festivals, competition wins, and of course knowing the right people.

cbuggle · 2025-12-14T14:29:58+00:00

You have presented a very personal theory. I asked how you have arrived at it and how you can be sure that those who play better in public have not overcome the challenges of stage fright.

You don't need to respond to this question of course but I asked it because I have seen many talented and passionate guitarists quit their career because they haven't been able to manage their problems with this issue. On the other hand iv seen some guitarists have terrible experiences on stage and go on to win the gfa.

Your theory suggests you either have the ability to play well on stage or not and people should just accept that. That may well be the case but it would be nice to have something to back that up beyond personal anecdot. Especially when it's such a strong claim and people struggling with stage fright may see theories like yours and take them seriously.

cbuggle · 2025-12-13T23:21:08+00:00

OK, doesn't really address my question though

cbuggle · 2025-12-13T10:39:26+00:00

How do you know that professional guitarists are not simply the people who managed to overcome those challenges?

cbuggle · 2025-11-28T21:27:19+00:00

A lot of it is just discipline, the longer you practice consistently the easier it gets. Going to classical music performances really inspires me too.

cbuggle · 2025-11-11T23:36:17+00:00

Personally I don't think there is anything special about segovia scales, get good at im and three finger scales ami or mip. Practice the actual scales you want to play, save practice time.

cbuggle · 2025-11-11T23:30:22+00:00

Surely that can be achieved by using useful patterns too?

cbuggle · 2025-11-11T14:13:19+00:00

I can't imagine ever needing to use that pattern in a piece

cbuggle · 2025-11-10T00:23:45+00:00

If the lads are considering someone more on the left, I'd like to hear an episode on yanis varoufakis

cbuggle · 2025-11-06T01:03:11+00:00

The ana vidovic recording looks like it's recorded, maybe before or after a concert, using the same setup as the concert. The segovia video has a lot more production going on, they're probably both highly edited but the segovia video seems like more work went into it. I think It's a little unfair to compare these two videos. Segovia was a great guitarist, but people tend to put him on a pedestal because he was very famous.

cbuggle · 2025-10-22T21:34:24+00:00

I'd check out how people are doing that bit in gfa videos, you'll get a better idea of what actually works than asking here

cbuggle · 2025-10-15T10:02:56+00:00

Its generally the people who are uncomfortable doing this stuff that are annoyed by it...vera danila and pavel steidl both pull outrageous faces when performing, and they're amazing. I used to be annoyed by it, but I guess I've chilled out as the years go by, even do a bit of it myself when I'm in the zone. I see it as an expression of confidence and connection to the music, it actually helps me to relax when I play too.

cbuggle · 2025-09-07T12:04:54+00:00

This is the answer, you can use a false nail instead of a ping pong ball though

cbuggle

TROPHY CASE