Hi all,
I've recently got back into guitar after 4 years without picking it up (I have a four year old daughter, which Is why I stopped).
I'm self taught, and first time around I never practised formally at all, I just picked songs I liked and learnt them using videos/tabs. After a lot of work I could just about do the lead Sultans of Swing (probably the limit of my skill).
This time around I'd really like to develop as a player and actually get better. I'd also like to learn to improvise so I could noodle away amusing myself (along the lines of the guys from That Pedal Show when they are playing random ideas). I'm not interested in shredding at 2876bpm, just classic rock stuff really.
I don't know where to start with music theory though, I'm vaguely aware of the caged system (but not from memory, I'd have to slowly work it out) and could work out the string notes but not quickly.
How did you all get to the level you are at? Any tips or recommendations of books or courses?
I'd really appreciate and all comments.
Thanks.
Comments
I find a good way is to learn the pentatonics as they are then reply break them down....get a backing track and really work on ideas just on 2 strings say B and E..in one position ..really spend a while on it ...you can easily do a good solo on them 2 strings using just 4 notes...just stick with it ....the do same with G and B string ...ect ...then use 3 strings and do the same ECT...this will build good phrasing ...
Then join 2 positions using just 2 strings..eventually add another position until you cover them all...then 3 ECT...I think a lot of people think it's the notes they play that makes the music ...I think it's more how you phrase them and make good melody ....learning the pentatonics should just be the beginning to locate the notes ..
Also listen a lot to what you like ..then you know what you are aiming for
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
A book only has one way of explaining a concept and there's no one there to demonstrate what it should sound like or in regards to theory, apply it to the guitar so you can hear it in use. A book can't give you feedback either. Plus its always more fun to jam with another guitarist!
If your self taught you'll have missed out on the building blocks that make you a complete player, its no good just picking up a book because there's a good chance half of it's irrelevant and you'll gloss over something important. In short, skip the next bout of GAS and get some lessons instead!
It's a great course. I'm not affiliated in any way. Check the free samples and decide for yourself.
https://www.justinguitar.com/categories/chords
https://www.justinguitar.com/categories/2-intermediate-foundations
https://www.justinguitar.com/categories/3-intermediate-modules
https://www.justinguitar.com/categories/practical-music-theory
https://www.justinguitar.com/categories/scales-modes
https://www.justinguitar.com/categories/arpeggios
Are most people here self taught, or did you all have lessons (and did they make a difference)?
I think I've got the physical skill to play at a speed I'm happy with, but not the mental agility to have a clue what to play (or the necessary muscle memory or scale knowledge). I've been trying to get into the electric blues in 6 weeks DVDs by Stuart Bull but they are a little dry. I'll take a look at the other links, so thanks to you all.
Has anyone used any of the Joseph Alexander books?
Thanks again.
Almost a decade after graduating I see these weak areas as a tutor in many players who can already play a bit that come to me for lessons.
Studying at ACM made a huge difference to my playing and its more accurate and polished now. Would never have done it without the push of playing with others and good tutors to motivate and inspire me everyday.
I'd really lile to develop as a player and understand the guitar, scales, keys, playing all over the fretboard.
So my latest idea is trying 121 skype lessons.
If you know any good skype tutors that can help someone at my level please let me know here or via pm if that's preferable.
Cheers.
www.fretjam.com
Lots of videos, 10-15min, easy to dip in and out of. No waffle, no ego etc.
I think the fella is from around 'ull or thereabouts. I'm not completely familiar with Englandshire accents.
I have made some donations in the past as it is a great, free site.