How interactive is PT?

slejhamer · #1 March 20th, 2006

I'm thinking about getting PlaneTalk, but I don't really want a "theory" book.

I much prefer to learn by doing, rather than simply reading. I need something interactive - for example, with practice lessons that help demonstrate the underlying theories. (I've read about CAGED dozens of times, but it never sinks in because it's not presented in a hands-on practical manner.)

Does PT have a "plan" for practice, or is it more like a book that I read and hopefully commit to memory (which I'm sure I won't!

)

Also, how interactive is the DVD? Will I simply watch Kirk play (not a bad thing, I suppose), or is it designed to play along with?

I understand that many people have found great success with PT, but I'm just trying to decide whether it's right for me. Thanks for any insights.

P.S. If it makes a difference in your reply, I hate learning scales and modes!

allthumbs · #2 March 20th, 2006

What you are talking about is the other half of P,T. which is the P.T. forum. You will find many lessons expanding on the book as well as Kirk and other experienced players ready to answer any questions. We all have different ways of practicing P.T. The method is so simple that it requires little memory. It is like chess. It would take you 20 minutes or less to learn the basic moves and a life time to master. To learn chess you play it, to learn P.T. you play music, it doesn't get more practical than that.
The DVD is not interactive but well worth getting because it makes it very clear how P.T. works to make music. Again the interactivity takes place on the forum.

slejhamer · #3 March 20th, 2006

Uhm, thanks, but let me ask a really dumb question - where is the PT forum?

I thought this was it.

: more confused than I was before :

allthumbs · #4 March 20th, 2006

It is at this link for the moment. In a few weeks it is being moved here but, will still be a private forum for members who have bought the P.T. materials. Once you have made your purchase, email Kirk with a password and nik, then your good to go.
http://www.thatllteachyou.com/home.html
PlaneTalk - The Truly Totally Different Guitar Instruction Book

slejhamer · #5 March 20th, 2006

Gotcha, thanks for the info. I had no idea there was a separate support forum for PT. That is excellent news.

Kirk Lorange · #6 March 20th, 2006

Thanks all thumbs for the replies; you put it well.

Slej, in a way, PlaneTalk is a scales/modes bypass. I, like you, always hated practicing scales, hated the way they sound, loathed the Greek named modes ... it all seemed so non-musical to me, so overly complicated. There is, and always has been, another way of accessing good strong melody, which is to work off the chords. PlaneTalk describes a very simple way of doing that, of seeing the whole fretboard as the chord.

slejhamer · #7 March 20th, 2006

Okay, Kirk, you've sold me.

Well, honestly, I was pretty much sold after reading Nick Torres' review over at GuitarNoise (I've met Nick, and I know he's very critical, so for him to give such a positive review definitely says something!) Now that I know there's a separate "support" forum, the deal is sealed.

I'll have to wait a couple weeks as we're moving and I don't want it to get delayed or lost in the mail. But I'm definitely looking forward to it!