Learn The Guitar Fingerboard Thoroughly in 16 Days
Photo by John W. Tuggle If I have to name two things that took my guitar playing to the next level I would say music theory and memorizing the fingerboard. It made me understand the big picture. Combining music theory (understanding scales, modes, chord structure, improvising over chord progressions, etc, etc.) and knowing all the notes on the fingerboard will open up a whole new world. Guitar playing becomes more fun when you know what, when en where to play it on the fingerboard. When you want to know where to play any type of chord shape instantly it’s pretty helpful if know the notes. To know the name of the chord you need to know all the notes on the low E-string. A Bb major chord shape (x13331) can also be played on any fret. To know the name of this Esus2 chord shape: (xx2452) on any fret you need to know the notes on the D-string. The same applies to scale shapes, triads, arpeggios, licks, etc. Here’s how you do it: First things first. Example 1: A A# B C C# D D# E F F# G G# A
GUITAR PRINCIPLES | What Should I Practice? Guitar Development Stage 1
What Should I Practice? Guitar Development Stage 1 A recent letter asked this question: What specifically should I practice, chords, scales or songs? I am feeling overwhelmed with lessons, books, methods, skills, & principles of practice! This is a common feeling that troubles many beginning guitar students, and can rear its head from time to time with advanced players as well. You need some idea of the over-all picture, some idea of the end result to be achieved, and how to get there, before you can make decisions and take action to improve your situation.This is difficult for guitar students because they don’t know enough about the whole process of becoming a musician to make those decisions, as expressed by the writer of the question above. Of course, laying out the proper course is supposed to be the job of the teacher, but many of you don’t have teachers, and many teachers don’t DO their job anyway! First: I want all students to know how to practice correctly. Second: Third:
10 Essentials On Guitar Improvisation
Photo by Simone13 AKA John Pastorello Besides writing and playing songs I just love improvising. When I practice improvising I always first pour myself a cup of green tea, I put on some folk music (e.g. Ray La Montagne, Damien Rice, Stephen Fretwell, Glen Hansard, Sheryl Crow, etc.) on Last.fm or Spotify.com and then I start to improvise over these songs. I get totally caught up in the moment and let my fingers carry me away. Other times I practice melodic patterns, triads, arpeggios, licks, everything that will spice up my improvisation skills. Improvising is one of the most fun and fulfilling aspects of guitar playing, but also something that requires a lot of hard work and dedication. Here are 10 basic essentials that will help you become a better improviser. 1 – Pentatonics / blues Learn to play the pentatonic/blues scale all over the neck in all five shapes. 2 – Major Scale Next to the pentatonic scale, the major scale is the most important scale to learn. 3- Melodic patterns Example:
21 Cool 3 Notes-Per-String Exercises to Rock On!
Photo by Jsome1 Playing 3 notes per string exercises is something I do on a regular basis. I use them to warm up, to become a faster guitar player and to spice up my improvisation. 3 notes per string licks and scales are generally used for speed picking. Whenever you hear a guitar player playing these really fast terrifying licks, it’s probably a 3 notes per string lick. If you practice these exercises properly and often enough you will increase your speed. The 3 notes per string exercises are played using the alternate picking technique. Once you get the hang of it, it can become quite addictive, but be careful though. The one and only reason why these monster guitar players become so incredibly fast is that they practice long hours for days, weeks, months and years.
12 Ways How to Transcribe What You Hear
photo from Istockphoto Wouldn’t it be great if you could figure out the chords, the melody and the rhythm of a song on your own if you were without sheet music and you needed it right away? Of course that would be awesome! Well, it’s happening… Right here, right now! The key to becoming an amazing guitar player and musician is transcribing music. Here are 12 ways to develop this wonderful skill. 2. 3. Play a Bb or F barre chord and move it up the fretboard a half step at a time, listen carefully until you find the right chord. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. If you like this post, please share it on Stumbleupon.
Better Guitar - Guitar Songs You Should Learn.
There are certain songs that every guitar player should try to learn. Either they are commonly requested or they have cool guitar parts that will expand your playing skills. I am going to list songs in several styles of music and explain why I think they should be add to your “play list.” While most are electric guitar songs, there are some acoustic songs also. Obviously, this type of list won’t ever be comprehensive, and no doubt, many will disagree with my choices — and find many ommissions. This is a huge list and will take most players years to complete (if ever.) Johnny B.
