Guitar Tips - Page 4

McFly · #**121** 10-15-2009, 02:35 PM

A wise man once said that you are never more than a half-step away from a "right" note.

McFly · #**122** 10-15-2009, 02:37 PM

try to keep your fingers near the fretboard when playing. That's where you'll need them to be!

McFly · #**123** 10-15-2009, 02:38 PM

When "sweeping", use your arm instead of just your wrist for a cleaner sound.

McFly · #**124** 10-15-2009, 02:40 PM

David Baker once said that practice isn't supposed to sound good. If it does, you're just playing around.

McFly · #**125** 10-15-2009, 02:42 PM

For some people, it helps to learn in a group setting or with a partner. This is a great way to take lessons, even if it is just an occasional change in your routine.

McFly · #**126** 10-16-2009, 03:39 PM

Some advise practicing in total darkness. It can really help you to concentrate on what you hear.

McFly · #**127** 10-16-2009, 03:41 PM

You might try copying saxophone solos exactly. A tenor sax plays in much of the same range as a guitar. It has helped some guitarists to play more melodically and with expanded note choices over any given chord.

McFly · #**128** 10-16-2009, 03:52 PM

However cliche it may be, it really is the most effective to simply try to be the best you can, rather than trying to be better than someone else. However, to be inspired by someone else is constructive!

McFly · #**129** 10-16-2009, 03:53 PM

If you will be performing a song that is standard repertoire, listen to several players' recordings of it.

McFly · #**130** 10-16-2009, 03:55 PM

You'll find that it is the subtleties of playing that can really take you to a new level; not just what notes you play, but how you play them.

McFly · #**131** 10-16-2009, 03:57 PM

If it's safe in your house (no dogs, toddlers, etc.), keep your guitar out on a stand rather than tucked away in a case or closet. You may find that you play it more!

McFly · #**132** 10-16-2009, 03:58 PM

Use anger in a positiver manner - as a motivator to play better.

McFly · #**133** 10-16-2009, 04:01 PM

Hit a "wrong" note? Play it again! And maybe even once more! It will sound like you meant to. Remember, that whether a note is "right" is only an opinion.

Strat57 · #**134** 01-07-2010, 10:26 AM

Want to increase your pick-up output? Try raising your pick-ups closer to the strings. You can press down on the last fret and check the string clearance. Leave enough space to slide a nickel between the pick-up and strings when that last fret is fingered.

Strat57 · #**135** 01-07-2010, 10:28 AM

If you are looking for a thicker tone you may want to try a heavier set of strings. Go up one guage the next time you re-string and see if you hear a difference.

Strat57 · #**136** 01-07-2010, 10:31 AM

When practicing scales and new licks, run them up and down the neck fret by fret. Practice your scales forward and backwards until you can play them in your sleep.

Strat57 · #**137** 01-07-2010, 10:35 AM

In a slump? Try your old chords in new voicings (fingering). There are lots of ways to play any chord. To start try to find 4 ways of playing a major chord

Strat57 · #**138** 01-07-2010, 10:37 AM

Tired of your tone? Try a new brand of strings. You may find a great set that you had not considered before.

Strat57 · #**139** 01-07-2010, 10:41 AM

Loose tuning keys can sometimes be adjusted. Check and see if yours have a small screw on the head of the key that may need to be tightened.

Strat57 · #**140** 01-07-2010, 10:47 AM

If you have a tube amp you may want to ask yourself when the last time you changed the tubes was? A new set can provide a quick tone upgrade, especially if you step up to a better quality brand.

Strat57 · #**141** 01-07-2010, 10:50 AM

When you are practicing don't forget the importance of Rythm Guitar! Everyone wants to play the scorching solo, but we sometime neglect the importance of the guy playing the chords.

Strat57 · #**142** 01-07-2010, 10:54 AM

If you like to look and feel of your electric guitar, but not the tone, consider new pick-ups. There are lots of great brands out there that can tranform your tone and bring new life to an old axe.

Strat57 · #**143** 01-07-2010, 10:57 AM

Your brand new guitar could be a vintage gem someday. Learn how to take care of your gear! There are lots of books that offer general repair and maintainance details.

Strat57 · #**144** 01-07-2010, 11:04 AM

If you are looking for a new direction for your playing, try some Open Tunings.
Open "D" is a great one to start with. Open "E" and Open "G" are also popular. I use "D" and "E" for slide and blues. Lots of Rolling Stones tunes can be played in Open "G."

Strat57 · #**145** 01-07-2010, 11:07 AM

If you are just starting to play Slide Guitar try a few different slides. Different materials like glass and metal will give you different tones.

Strat57 · #**146** 01-07-2010, 11:24 AM

I wish we had YouTube when I was a kid. There are tons of great players that you may not have heard of or have never seen playing live. It is a great way to pick up new ideas.

Strat57 · #**147** 01-07-2010, 11:29 AM

Looking for new inspiration. Ask people what they are listening to. You will find that older players can turn you on the lots of great music that you will never hear on the radio. I have been playing for years and I still find new and old guitarists that blow me away!

Strat57 · #**148** 01-07-2010, 11:33 AM

Remember to keep experimenting. For example: If you are a Metal player try to learn a few Jazz chords. Blues, Country or Raggae styles all have great secrets to be discovered.

Strat57 · #**149** 01-07-2010, 11:35 AM

It is great to copy other players licks, but make sure you take the time to develop your own style.

Strat57 · #**150** 01-07-2010, 11:42 AM

When picking a new guitar think about what you want to accomplish in your playing. Try lots of guitars and then find the one that really feels and sounds right to you. It may not be the one you had your heart set on or the one your current hero plays, but it will be the right one for you.

Strat57 · #**151** 01-07-2010, 03:17 PM

Blistering runs definitely have their place and can add to a solo. However, choosing the right notes and find great melodies make for really memorable guitar parts. Try humming a solo in your head or out load instead of letting muscle momery do it all. You will come up with lots of new ideas.

Strat57 · #**152** 01-07-2010, 03:24 PM

It looks like this will be a long cold winter. Acoustic guitar players should invest in a guitar humidifier to guard against winter dry-out of a solid top instrument.

Strat57 · #**153** 01-07-2010, 03:28 PM

Share your skills with a less experienced player. You will either remember something you had forgotten long ago or learn something new about the way you play.

Strat57 · #**154** 01-07-2010, 03:32 PM

New Acoustic players: When you re-string remember to pull the ball end of the string up tight against the bridge pin, otherwise that loose end could buzz when you are playing.

Strat57 · #**155** 01-07-2010, 03:36 PM

New players can get a jump start on soloing by learning the pentatonic scales. They are easy to learn and come in very handy. Once you know them forwards and backward you can re-arrange the notes and come up with some great ideas.

Strat57 · #**156** 01-07-2010, 03:41 PM

New players tip: Try to tap your foot to everything you play. A lot of us don't and it really help you stay connected to the tempo of whatever you are playing.

Strat57 · #**157** 01-07-2010, 03:47 PM

When you learn a new song try to stick with it and play over and over and don't move on to a new song until you have it down.

Strat57 · #**158** 01-07-2010, 03:51 PM

Did you know that even changing tuners can change the tone of your guitar?

Strat57 · #**159** 01-07-2010, 03:54 PM

An easy way to bring some new life to your amp is to change the speaker. There are lots of great after-market speakers available. Unfortunately, some pretty good amps come with some pretty weak "stock" speakers.

Strat57 · #**160** 01-07-2010, 03:57 PM

Its good to have a few guitars. You will find that each one brings out different aspects of your playing style.

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