Hello! My life has followed two simultaneous arcs: a music arc, and an efficiency arc.
Music
In 1987, started learning music using a cheap electronic keyboard. Within a few years I got my first guitar and started practicing tablature books of songs by Guns n’ Roses, Cinderella, and Iron Maiden, later moving on to books of songs by Steve Vai, Vinnie Moore, and Yngwie Malmsteen. I bought all the books of theory and technique that I could find and afford, and spent time learning how the music works.
In 1995-1996, learned and played original songs with a group of friends in the band Devastation. Being in a small town there weren’t many performance opportunities, but we had fun and made some decent recordings while we learned from each other.
In 1999, began formal studies at the University of Idaho, Lionel Hampton School of Music. I learned common practice music theory, classical guitar repertoire and performance technique, and the history of western music. I also began developing a new theory of harmony and chord progressions.
From 2003-2022, developed shredding theory and technique for the guitar.
Efficiency
From 1980-1991 studied science and mathematics, including precalculus, physics, chemistry, biology, and earth sciences.
From 1992-1999, worked a variety of unskilled jobs, where I found ways to increase the efficiency of each of my tasks.
1999-2003, while in music school, studied calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, and engineering physics. Took my first economics class, macroeconomics.
Between 2005 and 2010 studied business and economics while using a small alterations/tuxedo rental business as a laboratory.
From 2010 to 2013 studied physics in the master’s program at the University of Idaho.
From 2013 to 2019 worked for a staffing company, improving and streamlining processes as I worked my way up to a salaried manager.
In 2019 earned the Six Sigma Black Belt Certification from the IASSC.
Along the way, I made certain decisions that were driven by efficiency concerns:
- Began using Linux computers exclusively, along with all open source software.
- Began using the more efficient DVORAK keyboard typing layout.
- Became a master of spreadsheets to keep information organized.
- Began riding low recumbent bicycles to avoid wind drag.
- Began using six-minute fitness routine to maintain cardio health, and bodyweight conditioning to maintain strength.
- (Overlaps with music) Began tuning my guitar in perfect fourths E-A-D-G-C-F to simplify scales, chords, and arpeggios.
- (Overlaps with music) Began analyzing music in terms of chromatic circular progressions to simplify the understanding of chord progressions.
Synthesis: Shredding
These two arcs which have been a pair of constants in my life have led me here. I have developed an efficient theory and method that makes the understanding, practice, and performance of music easy. I have spent my life learning to play faster with less effort. Disclaimer: I’m not the world’s fastest guitarist. But my method gets fast results with relatively little practice. Playing fast is only one element of music, and not the most important element. But it is fun, and I feel well positioned to explore it with you.