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03/16/2010

Understanding Attachment Theory and It’s Models

Filed under: Arts And Entertainment — Tags: , , — kuru @ 4:15 pm
Paul Kennard asked:




While reading Julia Wood’s Relational Communication, I identified with many of the topics discussed, perhaps none more so than the section devoted to attachment theory. The theory provided me with many new insights regarding my self-perception and my relationships with others. Throughout the reading, I find the theory accurately describing my childhood and my emotions.

According to Wood (2000), attachment theory claims that our earliest experiences decisively influence how we view ourselves, others, and relationships. Wood continues by citing studies by Ainsworth, Blehar, Waters, and Wall (1978) that found that the initial bonding between a child and its primary caregiver, usually the mother, is the first and an especially formative influence on individual’s views of relationships. As a child, my stay at home mom primarily raised me. In parenting, my mother definitely displayed characteristics of the secure attachment model as she consistently responded to me in a loving, reassuring, and supportive way.

My early childhood is consistent with Wood’s analysis of influences on the likelihood that the primary caregiver will exhibit loving, nurturing, and attentive behavior. My family is upper middle class as my father as an attorney was able to financially provide for us without my mother working. However, this situation also provided a down side, as my father was constantly busy with work and other social commitments. With my father, I was not able to form the same bond present with my mother. Early memories with my father are reflections of polar opposites as I remember receiving either high praise for a job well done (usually involving school work) or criticism for failing somehow (usually involving undesirable behavior). The lack of interaction and the sharp contrast present in the limited time we spent together led to the formation of an anxious-resistant attachment model.

Using the attachment theory and its models of secure attachment and anxious-resistant attachment as guides I can look back on my previous experiences and see an inner battle between the models. While growing up, I would have periods that typified behavior predicted by the secure attachment model as I exhibited a confident, positive, secure view of myself and those around me and was open to new experiences and people. However, I also entered periods involving high self-criticism and an over-dependence on how others’ view me.

When looking back, I found that my periods of secure and anxious resistant attachments would alternate depending on the amount of support I would feel from my mother. For example, when we moved to another town, I went through a period in which I was extremely self-critical and modeled myself according to what my new friends perceived me to be. During this time, my mother was busy with our home construction and dealing with my new baby brother, which left less time for me. Conversely, when my mom took the position as my high school librarian I went through a period of extreme positive ness and confidence in others and myself as my mother and I now saw each other often throughout the school day. With the death of my mother a year and half ago, I found myself struggling with my self-perception and my relationships with others. I no longer have a primary positive relationship in my life to seek support from, as my father and I still are emotionally distant. Like Glenn’s reflection in Wood (2000), I have again been developing a more confident, positive view of others and myself thanks to a few very special people that refuse to let me be negative.

I found attachment theory and its models to be very enlightening. This theory is one of the first interpersonal theories in which I see myself illustrating. Understanding attachment theory has helped me to better understand myself and my actions towards others. With my new knowledge, I now can continue to work to find friends who work to combat my anxious-resistant side.

A Theory of Addiction Relapse Prevention

Filed under: Self Improvement — Tags: , , — kuru @ 1:07 pm
William Berry asked:




When I first decided to write an article about relapse prevention, I felt anxious about what to include or exclude. I initially thought about all the material I have on relapse prevention, and how I could integrate it into one article. The truth is, I consider everything I do in treatment as relapse prevention, with the exception of helping someone get into treatment when they are actively using.

Over the course of my career I have written my own outlines for educational groups and the handouts, which I recently turned into a workbook being edited for publishing. The first educational group in my curriculum is on the disease concept. I believe all relapse prevention starts here. Accepting that one has a disease, however it was contracted, through genetics, social influence including but not limited to simple habit, or as a result of trauma, is the building block for recovery.

I next focus on how this disease affects the perception of reality of an addict. Simply, addicts are subject to cognitive distortions which alter the perception of reality. The most prolific example of this is when an addict or alcoholic is in denial. Reality demonstrates they have an addiction. Others who have an objective perspective are able to see this clearly. Yet the addict believes that their problems are the result of many things, none of which are their drinking or using excessively. Of course this is not the only distortion. Others that are common include rationalizing, justifying, minimizing and projecting. I would refer anyone interested in further explanation of distortions common to addicts to Abraham Twerski’s book “Addictive thinking: Understanding Self Deception.”

The next step in my curriculum focuses on teaching client’s to challenge thinking. Since an addict has these distortions, challenging them becomes imperative to recovery. Besides typical cognitive distortions mentioned above, a relapse, and the thinking that leads to it, begins before the actual consumption of a substance. Terence Gorski has described the “Phases and Warning Signs of Relapse” in both books and pamphlets. One of the common factors in his theory is the change in thinking that occurs as one heads for relapse. Again, this reiterates the importance of challenging one’s thinking.

The true question however, is how does one identify when their thinking is distorted, or when it is setting them up for a relapse. The 12 step programs discuss “stinking thinking” and it is common to hear there or in treatment centers “that’s your addiction talking.” But it is difficult for a person to identify when his or her own thinking is heading in a dysfunctional fashion.

When I discuss relapse prevention in educational groups, I begin with the basics of relapse prevention: complete abstinence, (no use of mood altering chemicals), attending 12 step meetings as frequently as recommended for the length of sobriety, sharing in the meetings, working the steps, working with a sponsor and, if in formal treatment, a therapist, using sober support, and applying knowledge gained in treatment to recovery. Additionally, avoiding people, places, and things that are associated with addiction and adding new people, places, interests and hobbies is important to sustaining recovery.

Normally, I follow the basics with what I call the three essentials, and what 12 step programs assert as cornerstones of their programs. I also believe these are essential to answering the above question, “how does one identify when their thinking is distorted, or when it is setting them up for a relapse?” The three essentials are Honesty, Openmindedness, and Willingness.

Honesty includes the ability for one to be honest with oneself, having attained the ability to recognize and challenge rationalizations, justifications, and other cognitive distortions, as well as recognize and share emotions. It also includes the ability to be open and forthcoming with others, especially those identified as confidants. It includes the ability to question oneself and especially the motivations for actions in any given situation. It also includes the ability to get past facades or self-projections which are designed to control how others perceive the individual; and share the true, natural, authentic self with another.

Open-mindedness is an essential in recovery and relapse prevention. It includes humility, the ability to humble oneself truly and accept that one may not know what is best at any given moment. It is the ability to truly accept feedback, to be fully aware that others’ perceptions may be more accurate than one’s own perception. This is of utmost importance when considering “The Phases and Warning Signs of Relapse” I mentioned earlier. Many ask during and at the conclusion of that educational topic, “What do I do if I’m unaware that I am in a relapse phase?” The only answer to that question is to become aware that you are in a relapse phase. How does one become aware? This question has two possible answers. The first is honest self-evaluation, including the ability to objectively look at one’s own thinking (I will speak more of this a little later). This alone is often not enough for even the most diligently self-evaluative person. That is where open-mindedness comes in: the need to be humble, and evaluate the feedback received from others, without becoming defensive.

The third foundation is Willingness. An individual, being honest with self and others, open-minded to others’ feedback, must be willing to make the necessary changes in thinking and behavior. This may seem simple. But to borrow a saying from AA, “this is a simple program, not an easy one”. Addicts often want the way they feel to change, but when told what they need to do to facilitate the change; they find excuses or otherwise balk at the necessary action. Willingness is therefore essential to prevent a relapse.

I will now discuss the importance of being able to step back and look at one’s thinking objectively. This is a subject which is receiving attention in journal articles of late. Without even searching the subject, I have read two articles about it. One was entitled “Mental Balance and Well Being: Building Bridges Between Buddhism and Western Psychology” by B. Allan Wallace and Shauna Shapiro and was in the journal “American Psychologist, V.61, n. 7, October 2006. Another was given to me by a colleague after we discussed this topic casually. It was entitled “The Application of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Interventions in the Treatment of Co-Occurring Addictive and Mood Disorders” and was written by Kimberly Hopes PsyD.

This topic also reminds me of a group session I was having one night. In attendance were three male clients and myself. These three clients had all been inpatient together, and were now in the Intensive Outpatient Program. There length of clean time varied minimally in the grand scheme of things, but to them it may have seemed longer. In the course of the discussion, this topic came up. All three had discussed incidence where they had been able to step back from the emotional intensity of a situation. They were focusing on how they reacted differently in this situation then in the past. I raised how they had all been able to step back from their thinking and emotional states. I also pointed out how in early recovery when experiences are new in sobriety; this ability is sometimes easier than later in recovery. I posed the question “how do you plan to keep this ability in later recovery?” The replies were similar. The responses centered on the need to remain aware of their thinking, to step back and remember they did not have to engage in the emotional events. They discussed how realizing they had power over their thinking, at least the thoughts following their automatic thoughts which lead to their perceptions, helps them to step back and look at situations objectively.

This is the heart of mindfulness. This is the heart of Eastern philosophy. And it is extremely beneficial to recovery. It leads to the ability to step back from emotionally charged situations. It leads to the ability to recognize the mood as transient. This allows the urges usually associated with emotionally charged situations to lose power. And this leads to a more successful recovery from addiction.

One way to attain this mindfulness is through one’s chosen spirituality. This can be through simply turning one’s will over, or through meditation. Meditation, another topic getting attention in journal articles of late, has been proven to be effective in improving mood even for a novice to meditating. As one religious leader once told me, “prayer is asking God, meditation is listening for the answer.” Another way to attain it is through cognitive challenging, although, and despite my reliance on cognitive therapy, I find it less effective than either the spiritual component or meditation.

In conclusion, reducing relapse is a daunting task. It begins by following the behavioral suggestions for recovery. Being honest, open-minded, and willing would be cognitive changes, as they involve a change in perspective. This provides a strong foundation. Mindfulness adds another tool, one that is receiving accolades and attention these days, but has been around for centuries. Besides relapse prevention, it offers a more fulfilling recovery. I look at the educational portion of my job as helping clients understand they have a disease. This disease affects the way they think. If they become able to step back from their thinking and challenge it, they are beginning the objectivity that assists in recovery. Moving further into mindfulness promotes and deepens recovery. And finally, everything in recovery is about relapse prevention.

03/13/2010

Too Much Body Fat Storage - Set Point Theory

Filed under: Health And Fitness — Tags: , , — kuru @ 3:11 am
Wayne Mcgregor asked:




Many dieters will tell you that most of their weight was lost at the beginning of their diet. What is particularly frustrating is that the weight loss slows or stops completely after several weeks. This is called the weight loss plateau effect. Worse, approximately 95% of dieters regain the lost weight. Why? Because the body is trying to retain its set point.

Bennett and Gurin developed the set point theory in 1982 as a means of explaining why diets often fail to change body weight and shape. They suggested that the body is biologically and genetically predisposed to maintain a specific weight range and level of body fat. Although the set point varies from person to person, medical evidence suggests that most people have a 65% chance of being in the same weight range as their family members.

Scientists speculate that the number of fat cells the body contains at the end of the first year of life determines the set point. The amount we eat, the fat content of our diet and the level of physical activity determine how large those fat cells will become, and how heavy we will be. This means that no matter how many fat cells we all have it is possible to shrink the amount of fat storage they contain, although, we still need to select the correct exercise and diet suited to our unique needs.

More on the Body Fat Set Point Theory

There are three sides to the set point theory. Some researchers believe that it is psychological. They suggest that it is determined by personal and cultural preferences, such as body image, clothing size (”bikini season,” for example), and health reasons. Some researchers believe that the set point is physical. They are, in turn, divided as to its origin. Some say that a hormone secreted by adipose tissue determines the set point. Others have suggested that the hypothalamus, a hormone-secreting gland at the base of the brain, contains a sort of “adipostat”, the regulatory mechanism which controls fat stores. The hormone leptin helps the brain determine how much fat is being stored. Recently, much attention has been focused on environmental factors for the 4% annual increase in the obesity rate. Industrialization, central heating, vaccinations, reductions in infectious diseases, increased availability of food, and changing attitudes have altered our set points.

The adipostat monitors and maintains body fat stores by adjusting appetite, physical activity, and the resting metabolic rate to conserve or expend energy. Think of the body as having a thermostat. When you start to go below your natural weight, it reacts by slowing down your metabolism. It reduces your energy expenditures. Your body temperature will drop as less energy is expended on warmth. You may become lethargic as your body continues to conserve calories. You will want to sleep more. Some women will stop having their periods. Your body may start to think you’re starving and trigger uncontrollable binges to get you to eat more. If you go above your natural weight, your metabolism will increase. The body will do what it can to burn off the extra calories by raising your temperature. Either way, your body will always try to maintain its set point.

The way off this roller coaster is a healthy diet and regular exercise. The healthy diet will provide the proper nutrition we need. A sustained exercise program will lower the set point and result in a body weight that can be reached and maintained with proper dieting. This has been borne out by international research studies undertaken by the late Dr. Roland L. Weinsier, Director, Clinical Nutrition Research Center of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and many other noted researchers.

While appetite suppressors might seem appropriate tools for losing weight, many have dangerous side effects. Leaving these aside, there is another built in risk to using appetite suppressors. As soon as you stop taking them, your body will attempt to regain its set point and you will put back on the pounds you have shed. We don’t need a short term weight loss diet. We need to develop a long term strategy that will allow us to take the weight off and keep it off.

03/10/2010

Case Theory

Filed under: Legal — Tags: , , — kuru @ 11:46 am
Kelly Thacker asked:




When you are going to court, you need to come up with a theory describing your case. Advocate your beliefs, stick to the point and use the law to prove your theory. Your theory should basically explain what happened or how you or your client was wronged. Explain why you should receive the verdict that you’re after. You will need to state the facts, explain what happened, state the law that supports your advocacy, and ask for the verdict that you deserve.

Your case theory should contain and clearly state the outcome that you believe to be fair and just. You should explain your cause, whether or not you are defending or acting, and offer up ways to prove your theory. Stick to the point as much as possible. Your case will be strongest if you can point out one major issue as opposed to a borage of facts that could be argued. Try not to cloud the major issue at hand with useless arguments, emotions or improvable theories. Make sure that every argument and fact that you present supports that first theory that you are trying to get across.

The case theory should be supported by some sort of evidence. Only present evidence that supports your theory argument. Start with the most relevant, strongest piece of evidence and go from there. Present facts that support your theory in order of most pertinent to the weakest argument. As you go, you will need to be prepared to explain the weaker points. Have an explanation ready and offer it up before it is asked for. Encourage listeners to see your points about why certain weaker facts or pieces of evidence should still be considered in making a final decision. Offering a weak defense or cause for action without immediately acknowledging its weakness and explaining yourself can cause distrust and a lack of respect. These can be case killers.

You don’t want to get emotional during a trial or advocacy. Your case theory should be presented in a way that doesn’t demonstrate a depression, anger or lax attitude. Be confident and sure of yourself, but remain professional and formal. You can, however, use emotional arguments or defenses to play on the personal emotions of the judge or jury. Presenting an emotional theory can be very effective when supported by appropriate and relevant facts and evidence.

Lastly, you can help advocate your case by recognizing that there are two sides to every story. Point out your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. Try to communicate that you understand where they are coming from, but based on the facts and evidence that you are presenting, their theories should be disproved. Seeming one-sided can put off a jury and confuse them about who to trust. Not pointing out the other side’s arguments can make it look like you are trying to hide from the facts that they are presenting. Use endearing or character building terms to describe your client or cause. Be sure not to put down the opposition, this tactic can seem petty and childish. Use generic terms when speaking about the opposite side.

In conclusion, you should be as precise as possible. Present only the strongest arguments and evidence. Keep your case theory in mind and bring up how each point proves the theory throughout your advocacy. Concentrate on why your theory is strong and not how your opponent is wrong. How you present yourself and your case can be as important as the facts and evidence themselves.

Motivation Theories

Filed under: Self Improvement — Tags: , , — kuru @ 12:39 am
Munyaradzi Chinongoza asked:




There have been several motivational theories created by people over time, however seeing how they are theories and not proven facts there are some that people believe and others that people do not believe. One of the most popular and well known theories comes from Abraham Maslow and it is called the hierarchy of needs.

This theory is taught in many philosophy and psychology classes in schools all over North America. It states that people would like to satisfy different needs and some of them we find more important than others. Not only this but some of these needs are more pressing then the others. As we satisfy one of our needs, it then becomes less important to us, other needs therefore become more important to us and become motivators of our behavior.

Maslow therefore says we have a hierarchy of needs. The most proponent needs that we have are shown at the bottom of the ladder, as the prepotency decreases we progresses upwards. The first need is called self actualization needs. Self actualization needs require meeting your own best potential and for you to do your own best things.

The next one is called esteem. Esteem involves having respect for other individuals having respect for yourself and also recognition. After this we have belonging which is being affiliated being accepted and also being apart of something. The second last one is safety needs, which is being physically safe and having psychological security. Last but not least there is physiological which includes hunger, thirst, *** and rest.

Another motivational theory is that we are motivated by money. Money means different things for different people. Money can mean status, survival, belonging achievement and a lot of other things, you can take your pick. In the end it all simply depends on the type of person that you are.

03/08/2010

Leadership 5 - Theory X, Theory Y

Filed under: Self Improvement — Tags: , , — kuru @ 2:58 pm
Ian Glickman Ph.D asked:




“Know thyself” - Plato

According to an American Society for Training and Development study, job knowledge is the only thing that ranks higher than communication in determining good leadership. One of the most important ways a leader communicates to his or her group is by example and attitude, and attitude usually determines behavior.

What’s your general attitude toward your colleagues? Are you a Theory X leader or a Theory Y leader? Theory X and Theory Y are well-researched leadership principles. In a nutshell, Theory X states that people inherently dislike their jobs, see them as a necessary evil, are unmotivated, and must be externally controlled throughout the day by coercion, direction, or threat of punishment. Theory Y, on the other hand, states that work is natural and allows one to express oneself physically and creatively (i.e., work is ego-satisfying). Most managers have a mindset combining both of these theories, but, without a sophisticated psychological instrument, it might be difficult to determine the proportions of each. When motivating subordinates and leading by example, however, some degree of introspection and self-evaluation is helpful if we want to work smarter and more efficiently. Evaluation can get tricky because you can have a Theory Y person trapped in the body of a Theory X company. This is known as the “press of corporate culture” (which opens up the corporate culture can of worms-more on that in another post).

Let’s try to evaluate our attitudes regarding Theory X and Theory Y management style:

1. In your leadership role, do you feel more like a policeman or a teacher?

2. Do you find some degree of meaning and value in your work? If yes, how much?

3. Do you think your team members or employees find meaning in their work? If so, how much?

Scenario One: You feel that you are more of a teacher/mentor who works with intrinsically motivated people who find value and meaning in their jobs.

Scenario Two: You’re stuck in a meaningless job with little value and act like a policeman all day to a bunch of Theory X employees. (”I’m telling ya doc, it’s them, not me!”)

It’s okay if you responded that you feel like a cop in a valueless job, which, now that you mention it, is rather meaningless. It’s okay because you know where you stand. And knowledge is a good thing. However, if this is the case and you’re not just experiencing a temporary bout of clinical depression, you’re going to come off as quite INCONGRUENT, even hypocritical, when you give your next pep talk or motivational speech. Incongruence is the opposite of genuine. You will, of course, still be leading by example, but I fear it may not be the example you wish to set. Genuineness is a good thing; incongruence is not a good thing. You don’t want your employees saying, “That manager is like, soooo totally incongruent!” Though incongruent is the technical term, I’ve heard the condition stated in much more colorful language.

Now the goal of the game is to try to move your peg from Scenario Two to Scenario One. The reason behind this, in case several haven’t already flooded your neural pathways, is that the research is abundantly clear that Scenario One is…well, just better, as confirmed by a long list of payoffs such as health, happiness, progress, and success.

Step 1: Try (very hard if you have to) to find one little, perhaps even minuscule, sense of meaning or fulfillment in some aspect of your work. Most jobs are multifaceted, so it might not be so difficult to locate one or two meaningful aspects. Write down, in concrete terms, what it is exactly that makes this facet meaningful.

Step 2: Observe (or shall I say, actively look for) some sense of creative motivation in your team member. Catch them doing something good and tell them you noticed it, as this is excellent feedback and positive reinforcement. Don’t make the same mistake I have made on several occasions of thinking that a person can’t possibly find meaning in their particular job. I have been surprised-make that astounded-to find out how much meaning and value the person sitting across from me placed on their work.

Perceptions and changes my be small at first, but bit by bit, you’ll be progressing in the right direction. More importantly, you’ll be leading by a more genuine example. Way to go, dude!

Career Development Theory - Applying Career Development Theory to Counseling

Filed under: Business — Tags: , , — kuru @ 5:50 am
Ray Baron asked:




Our world is constantly changing. What may be the usual or routine behavior one year may change the next. Knowing this, counselors and teachers often reexamine the need to of applying career development theory to counseling and fit it into modern times.

Individuals go through the process of career development to learn more about themselves and their career paths knowing a combination of the two leads them to know more about their identity in the cosmopolitan world.

Those who take continual education, join internships and apprenticeships, attend seminars and courses and continue research tend to succeed in their careers better than those who stop, or slow down the learning process after they begin a career. Businesses know and rely on this to stay ahead of other companies.

One early career development theory focused on stages concerning the adolescent phase, the ******* through teen phase, and young adulthood.

The adolescent phase is the phase where the world is opening up to the child. “What do I want to be when I grow up” is thought of, but isn’t important. For instance, one adolescent may pretend to be a dancer, while at the same time she wants to be a doctor, a scientist, a veterinarian, and an artist. She is too young yet to know if she will want to follow these career choices later in life.

In the ******* to teen phase of this career development theory, the individual starts to be inclined towards what she likes to do. What areas she excels at and finds useful. The female child in the earlier example has only a passing interest in dancing and art. Her activities and knowledge begins to lean towards science and health while preferring to study the ins and outs of domestic animals.

This is when she considers research and classes she will need to continue in these fields. Through the career development theory we see she is starting to think more about what she wants to be when she grows up.

The final step in this career development theory is the individual’s preferences, likes and dislikes that lead her to the career she eventually chooses. In this example, the female decides she would rather work more with animals than people and chooses to become a veterinarian. She now needs to go beyond high school, take required courses, and train with professionals in order to take on her career goal.

Teachers and experts can apply the career development theory to counseling when dealing with the growth and development of a child. They can advise and monitor how a child behaves and the potential of what they were to become when they get older.

03/02/2010

Guitar Chords, Guitar Scales, Music Theory, Guitar Lessons - Learning To Play Better Guitar

Filed under: Arts And Entertainment — Tags: , , — kuru @ 9:00 pm
Michael Fletcher asked:




Learning guitar chords, guitar scales, music theory, and guitar lessons all come with the territory of becoming a better guitar player. For some, this can become a tedious task. For others, the process of learning the guitar is an adventure. The issue for many, is how to make the journey of learning and practicing the guitar an enjoyable one.

Learning guitar scales is the only way for one to gain knowledge of melodic structure on the guitar fingerboard. Practicing scales develops left and right hand control, picking technique and awareness of factors such as strength and endurance. If one ever expects to engage in long melodic guitar solos, then practicing scales is the only vehicle to that end.

How often and how long should one practice playing guitar scales? It depends. Beginners should practice for at least one half hour to one hour daily. Experienced players should practice their scales at least one or two hours per day. How about the advanced professional players? Believe it or not, some guitarists practice five, six, and even seven hours per day (myself included, when performance is pending).

All of the information referenced above, also applies to learning and practicing guitar chords. New strength and endurance is realized as a result of dedicated practice of guitar chords. The left and right hands use muscles uniquely different from those utilized and developed by practicing and playing guitar scales. This is all part of necessary development as a guitarist. Guitar chords are essential in gaining awareness of harmonic structure on the guitar fingerboard. When melody meets harmony, beautiful music occurs. However, the real trick is the nexus between the two. Enter the dragon; music theory.

As a guitar instructor (35 years), I would approximate that at least 80% of all of my students (intermediates and professional players) become very nervous when they take the plunge into learning music theory. Especially music theory designed exclusively for the guitar. Perhaps they were confused in the past when confronted with the college blackboard. I’ll bet many readers remember sitting in music class and wondering what the professor meant by all of those chalk marks and symbols that were drawn on the blackboard. This for many, was very intimidating. Further, many can not make the transition between the blackboard and the guitar fingerboard. I have great news. It’s really not difficult at all. In fact, theory is simple when presented and taught in a logical, step-by-step manner. Therein lies the problem. There aren’t many guitar lessons or guitar instructors available that have a professional and contemporary approach for someone who desires to advance their guitar skills and knowledge of music theory.

Are guitar lessons essential? Once again, it depends. We’ve all heard the stories of certain guitar players who rose to the top of the charts without ever taking a guitar lesson earlier in life. This is my favorite type of success story. Why? Because whenever an individual listens and follows his/her inner calling, it’s always a good thing. Many would call it faith (myself included). Others would call it luck (myself included). Some would insist that it is a result of education (myself included). Further, there are those that would call it hard work (myself included). One thing is for sure; there is no magic wand involved here. Mastering any instrument requires a burning desire and an absolute commitment to achieve a desired result.

It really doesn’t matter what your level of musicianship is. What matters is defining your goals as a guitarist. Is your desire, as a guitarist, to be able to play a few songs around the campfire(or wherever)? If so, any local music store will provide you with a guitar instructor who can help you attain that goal. Do you envision yourself playing for thousands of fans in a major concert arena? If so, then seek out the type of educational resources that will help you to achieve that particular level of musicianship and knowledge of music theory. Be very accurate with your goals and desires. Don’t waste time. Life is short. Live it.

No matter what your goal as a guitarist, it all starts with the practice of guitar chords and guitar scales. Remember, a good foundation is essential. Become strong as a player. Educate yourself. Believe me, your audience will appreciate your hard work.

©2008 Michael E. Fletcher.

What is Guitar Theory and How Do Guitarists Apply Music Theory to the Guitar Fretboard?

Filed under: Arts And Entertainment — Tags: , , — kuru @ 4:28 pm
Desi Serna asked:




General music theory is the study of music - how it’s written, notated, discussed, thought of and played. Guitar Theory is the study of how music theory specifically applies to the guitar fretboard and usually focuses on how all the different components of songs, such as scales, chords and progressions, fit together. It’s a topic best suited for intermediate and advanced guitar players who already know the basics of playing such as chords and easy songs and want to take their knowledge to the next level and navigate the fretboard like the pros. These things are required if you want to be able to improvise, compose, or just understand the music you play better.

The Benefits of Guitar Theory

Many players who don’t understand the inter-workings of music are limited in their ability to apply what they know. For example, a student might learn a new scale pattern from a scale book or a new chord shape from a chord chart but have no idea where it fits into songs. Without knowledge of how something functions it’s pretty much useless.

What Does Guitar Theory Do?

Guitar theory will explain what musical elements are and what they do. For example, a new chord shape might be seen as an extension of a common barre chord. Wherever this common barre chord is played the new shape can be substituted for a new sound. A scale pattern might fit together with a specific chord progression. Each time this progression is used the scale tones can add melody and harmony. In music, knowing how the pieces fit together makes all the difference.

What Music Theory Topics Should Be Studied First?

Music can be approached and studied from many different angels. Guitar players can study notation, technique, rhythms, scales, chord construction and so on. While all musical topics are interesting and have their benefits - mapping out scales, chords and progressions on the fretboard is what ultimately has to be done. If you’re interested in developing this type of working knowledge of guitar theory, then follow the outline below.

1. Guitar Scales

99% of guitar scale work in popular music is based on either pentatonic or major scale patterns. Focus on learning and memorizing these patterns. The pentatonic scale patterns are simpler and easier to apply, so they make a perfect place to start.

2. Guitar Chords

There are literally thousands of different types of chord shapes that can be played on the fretboard but most of them can be traced back to just 5 common open forms. These forms are C, A, G, E, and D. Together they make up what’s called the “CAGED chord system,” which includes arpeggio patterns, inversions, fingerings and voicings.

3. Guitar Chord Progressions

Understanding chord progressions on the guitar and playing by numbers will help you chart and learn songs better. You’ll also better understand the construction of the songs you play and remember more. Chord progressions are also foundational to many other music theory topics including applying scales and playing music scale modes. Progressions stem from major scale patterns. Learn how to build triads and chords using the major scale. When you do this, a major/minor number sequence emerges that is quite possibly the most important foundational concept in all of music. Have you ever heard someone refer to a song by numbers such as 1, 4, 5? The system is all based on major scale degrees.

Conclusion

Hopefully now you have an idea of what guitar theory is, why it’s so beneficial to learn, what it includes and how to get started. With music theory each concept builds on the one before it. Learn things in the right order and everything will fit into place both mentally and physically on the fretboard. Be sure to take your time and allow yourself to fully absorb and apply each subject (this should include learning lots of actual song examples). As you go, light bulbs will turn on in your head and you’ll surely achieve more success and experience more enjoyment as a musician.

Human Side Of Enterprise - A Review Of The 1960 Publication That Gave Us Theory X And Theory Y

Filed under: Book Reviews — Tags: , , — kuru @ 3:17 pm
Peter Hunter asked:




This is the most difficult book it has ever been my extraordinary pleasure to review.

For some time now I have, at intervals, come across the influence of this book and have never thought to look for the source or follow up the reference.
When I was given a copy of the book I glanced at the first two pages intending to put it on the shelf next to the growing pile of “management” books I keep there for a rainy day.

Two hours later I was making excuses about why everything else could wait until I had finished it.
I didn’t get the book finished in one sitting but at that first sitting I resolved to do what I could to bring this fifty year old wisdom back to the fore.

To say that Douglas McGregor was way ahead of his time is obvious, but to assume that his time has passed is just as wrong.
“The Human Side of Enterprise” shows us how to make more money by doing less work but, because it sounds too good to be true, we assume that it must be, and therefore disregard it.

In the cynical sixties the book got a mixed reception, those who understood and practiced the McGregor philosophy were in the minority and those who were absolutely sure that the McGregor proposition could never happen were the huge majority.

I was neither but assumed that the cynics were right because I heard no other point of view.

What caught my eye first in the book was that this was the source of the Theory Y Management Strategy. Douglas McGregor characterised the current management practises as Theory X and in this book he proposed the antidote to the destruction that was waged by Theory X managers.
He called it, “Theory Y”

Initially this was going to be a simple review whose purpose was to bring to another generation the astonishing wisdom that McGregor had developed in coining the terms Theory X and Theory Y.

Unfortunately, after revealing the grace and power of this alternate theory of management practice, instead of acknowledging that this was an epoch shattering piece of work and being content, the book continues to become even more powerful with every turn of the page until it is almost impossible to write succinctly about the innovative thinking and wisdom of this book without running out of superlatives. You might want to read that sentence again.

Here is a selection of quotes culled from the pages.
You might be forgiven for thinking that this is a book of quotes, it is not.
It is simply so powerful that the quotes seem to leap off every page.

They are as true today as they were when Douglas McGregor wrote The Human Side of Enterprise nearly fifty years ago.

“The effectiveness of organisations could be at least doubled if managers could discover how to tap into the unrealised potential present in their workforces.”

“The ingenuity of the average worker is sufficient to outwit any system of controls devised by management.”

“When people respond to managerial decisions in undesired ways the normal response is to blame them, rather than managements failure to select the appropriate means of control.”

“A half a century ago industrial management had, in the threat of unemployment, a form of punishment which made the use of authority relatively effective.
The situation today is vastly different.”

“When the use of authority does not work don’t use less or more. Use another means of influence.”

“When objectives are externally imposed indifference or resistance are the most likely consequences.”

“It is one of the favourite pastimes of management to decide, from within their professional ivory tower, what help the field organisation needs and then to design and develop programs for meeting these needs.
Then it becomes necessary to get the field organisation to accept the help provided.
This is normally the role of the Change Manager; to implement the change that no-one asked for or wants”.

The above quotes are all taken from the text of this book, written fifty years ago.
All of them could have been written yesterday and still be true.
This book heaves with the lessons that we should have learned fifty years ago.

The Human Side of Enterprise by Douglas McGregor - 1960.

A review of an extraordinary book by Peter A Hunter, Author of “Breaking the Mould.”

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