It's been suggested a couple times in the Lounge and there are enough requests here as well, so we might as well have one.<BR><BR>Go ahead and ask all your guitar and bass questions here. Anything from gear choices to techniques to whatever. Let's try to do for guitar playing what the DJ thread has done for DJing.
The Perpetual Guitar Thread
- Thread starter Jehos
- Start date
I'll go ahead and start things out. Some general advice for a beginner:<br><br>1. The first thing you need to decide is acoustic or electric. Acoustic is slightly more difficult to play, but you only have to buy the guitar, and it makes sound in places without electricity. Electric is slightly easier to play, but you have to buy a guitar, amp, and cable and you're always tethered to an electrical outlet.<br><br>2. In general, buy the best gear you can afford. Especially in the sub-$1000 range, you tend to get what you pay for. If you can stretch your guitar budget from $200 to $500, you'll get a significantly better instrument. Same goes for amps.<br><br>3. Getting lessons is the fastest way to learn the guitar. You have somebody experienced that can show you things, answer your questions, etc. Normal guitar lessons are for 30 minutes once or twice a week. You *must* commit to practicing what your instructor gives you to practice if you want to get good quickly. The lessons build on each other, so the instructor will expect you to have mastered your homework by the next week. If you don't practice, eventually you'll have to do a remedial lesson which is a waste of the instructor's time and your money.<br><br>4. You're not going to sound like <insert favorite band here>. Sorry. Any band with a really cool signature sound doesn't sound like that live. And even if you buy all the gear they used in the studio, you *still* won't sound the same unless you can perfectly emulate their playing style. In some cases it's possible, in others, well, good luck. On the bright side, you can sound close with enough practice and your tone-deaf friends won't know the difference anyway.<br><br>5. Members of the opposite sex totally dig guitar playing. Learn to play a few tunes (and ideally be able to sing along), swallow your fear, and bust out that guitar at a party. You can thank me later. -- View image here: http://episteme.arstechnica.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif --
yay for having this in the A/V forum so we who've let our subscriptions lapse can participate!<BR><BR>as far as electric vs acoustic, I say play the type you're more excited about. if you really want to play electric, don't start on acoustic just because you've been told it will help you build up better finger strength or whatever. (this is true, but more if your ultimate goal is playing electric guitar, getting used to fretting on an acoustic and more finger strength is not necessarily a good thing)
Here's a great post with lots of info for a beginner from another thread (yd's picking out equipment thread in the Lounge):<br><br><blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by frankencaster:<br>I second (or third) you really should get an electronic tuner. Even if it's a relatively inexpensive one, they make all the difference in the world. That doesn't mean you shouldn't develop your ear, but playing in tune from the start goes a long way toward developing a good ear. <br><br>As was said, clip your nails down as low as possible. I clip mine every couple of days. You'll find it's really difficult to play with even a little bit of nail.<br><br>I'll give you a really quick'n'dirty guide to get started:<br><br>In standard tuning - The strings, from fattest to thinnest, are tuned E-A-D-G-B-E. Now, you can tune the guitar about 1000 different ways, but standard tuning is both most common and probably most useful. The next most useful is Drop-D, the only difference being the low E is tuned one step lower, to D.<br><br>The frets represent an incremental increase in pitch. Playing the lowest string without pressing any frets is an E. Holding down the first fret (closest to the head of the guitar, right next to but not quite on top of the fret) is 1/2 step higher, or an F. The next fret up is F#(F-sharp). Then comes G, G#, A, A#, etc.<br><br>Your fingers, if you have your hand open, thumb facing out are numbered 1-2-3-4, 4 being the pinky.<br><br>The simplest chord you can play (not even technically a "chord" but close enough) is a power chord. Put your pointer finger (1) on the 5th fret on the E (lowest string). (That fret has a dot.) Then put your ring finger (3) on the 7th fret of the A string, which is the next less fat string up from the E string. That is an A power chord.<br><br>Chords are usually named for the lowest, or root, note in the chord. Since the lowest note in this 2 note chord is an A (5th fret of the E string), that would be considered an A power chord. <br><br>Move that chord shape around to anywhere on the neck, and it's the same type of chord. Doing that with your 1 finger on the 3rd fret of the E string would make a G power chord. Doing it on the 7th fret of the E string would make a B power chord. Doing it with your 1 finger on the 5th fret of the A string (3 finger on the 7th fret of the D string) would make D power chord. Etc. <br><br>Here is a simple 3 chord progressing. Take that chord shape. Start at the 5th fret of the E string, the A power chord I just showed you. Then play that shape at the 5th fret of the A string - move the shape up one string. Then play that shape at the 7th fret of the A string - move the shape up 2 frets while staying on the A string.<br><br>Congratulations, you've just played a I-IV-V chord progression. (I being the Root note, in this case the A, IV being the second chord, or a D and V being the 3rd chord or an E) You'll hear that progression in one form or another in all contemporary pop music. The blues relies heavily on that progression. Rock'n'roll relies heavily on it. Several bands have had entire careers basically playing variations of the I-IV-V progression.<br><br>Think "Louie Louie." I I I, IV IV, V V V, IV IV <br>You can take that progression to any key, depending on where you play the first chord. Start on the 3rd fret of the E string, take it up to the 3rd and then 5th fret of the A string. It works all over the neck, at least on the lower strings. It works on the higher strings too, but doesn't sound as good generally speaking.<br><br>There you go. You're playing rock'n'roll. -- View image here: https://cdn.arstechnica.net/forum/smilies/devious.gif --<br><br>-T </div>
</blockquote>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by frankencaster:<br>I second (or third) you really should get an electronic tuner. Even if it's a relatively inexpensive one, they make all the difference in the world. That doesn't mean you shouldn't develop your ear, but playing in tune from the start goes a long way toward developing a good ear. <br><br>As was said, clip your nails down as low as possible. I clip mine every couple of days. You'll find it's really difficult to play with even a little bit of nail.<br><br>I'll give you a really quick'n'dirty guide to get started:<br><br>In standard tuning - The strings, from fattest to thinnest, are tuned E-A-D-G-B-E. Now, you can tune the guitar about 1000 different ways, but standard tuning is both most common and probably most useful. The next most useful is Drop-D, the only difference being the low E is tuned one step lower, to D.<br><br>The frets represent an incremental increase in pitch. Playing the lowest string without pressing any frets is an E. Holding down the first fret (closest to the head of the guitar, right next to but not quite on top of the fret) is 1/2 step higher, or an F. The next fret up is F#(F-sharp). Then comes G, G#, A, A#, etc.<br><br>Your fingers, if you have your hand open, thumb facing out are numbered 1-2-3-4, 4 being the pinky.<br><br>The simplest chord you can play (not even technically a "chord" but close enough) is a power chord. Put your pointer finger (1) on the 5th fret on the E (lowest string). (That fret has a dot.) Then put your ring finger (3) on the 7th fret of the A string, which is the next less fat string up from the E string. That is an A power chord.<br><br>Chords are usually named for the lowest, or root, note in the chord. Since the lowest note in this 2 note chord is an A (5th fret of the E string), that would be considered an A power chord. <br><br>Move that chord shape around to anywhere on the neck, and it's the same type of chord. Doing that with your 1 finger on the 3rd fret of the E string would make a G power chord. Doing it on the 7th fret of the E string would make a B power chord. Doing it with your 1 finger on the 5th fret of the A string (3 finger on the 7th fret of the D string) would make D power chord. Etc. <br><br>Here is a simple 3 chord progressing. Take that chord shape. Start at the 5th fret of the E string, the A power chord I just showed you. Then play that shape at the 5th fret of the A string - move the shape up one string. Then play that shape at the 7th fret of the A string - move the shape up 2 frets while staying on the A string.<br><br>Congratulations, you've just played a I-IV-V chord progression. (I being the Root note, in this case the A, IV being the second chord, or a D and V being the 3rd chord or an E) You'll hear that progression in one form or another in all contemporary pop music. The blues relies heavily on that progression. Rock'n'roll relies heavily on it. Several bands have had entire careers basically playing variations of the I-IV-V progression.<br><br>Think "Louie Louie." I I I, IV IV, V V V, IV IV <br>You can take that progression to any key, depending on where you play the first chord. Start on the 3rd fret of the E string, take it up to the 3rd and then 5th fret of the A string. It works all over the neck, at least on the lower strings. It works on the higher strings too, but doesn't sound as good generally speaking.<br><br>There you go. You're playing rock'n'roll. -- View image here: https://cdn.arstechnica.net/forum/smilies/devious.gif --<br><br>-T </div>
</blockquote>
Damn you Jehos! Beaten like a $2 guitar in Pete Townsend's private penthouse. (shake fist)
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Think "Louie Louie." I I I, IV IV, V V V, IV IV <--- repeat for 3 minutes. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>For the love of Richard Barry, "Louie Louie" has a minor v chord. Granted you've not explained majors/minors yet. But still...
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by eVITAERC:<BR>Damn you Jehos! Beaten like a $2 guitar in Pete Townsend's private penthouse. (shake fist) </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Sorry, had a slow hour at work.
I recently started fiddling around with my acoustic (for the first time in several years)- then reacquired my Mexican Strat from the parental s house. I can say that trying to play standing up is hell on my left wrist. Not at all accustomed to it.<BR><BR>We should get some gear pics in this thread.
Great stuff Jehos! -- View image here: http://episteme.arstechnica.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif -- Glad you put it up and here in AV as well so it can hit a bit wider audience than the lounge types. -- View image here: http://episteme.arstechnica.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif --<br><br>Don't forget, pictures of your cool gear is a great idea as well as links to playing styles you have questions about and guitar music recommendations should all be fair game.<br><br>On that note, my 2ish week old new setup; Epiphone es-175 electric (hollow body, not sure if full or semi) and a Fender Blues Junior.<br><br>-- View image here: http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/2551/sdf0500custommq2.jpg --<br>-- View image here: http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/2551/sdf0500custommq2.a390db3e11.jpg --<br><br>Note the important thing for a beginner like me - it is right smack dab in the middle of the office on its stand by the computer (you can see the open case and blue light in the background). If this doesn't get you playing, I don't know what will. Heck, I didn't even buy a case so I can't put it away!<br><br>Now if only I played about 1/1,000,000 as good as it looks he he.
My main guitar:<BR>View image: http://www.solarshock.net/rg550/002.jpg <BR>Ibanez RG550 20th Anniversary (#228 of 1987)
Great idea for a thread. I recently picked up my guitars (a 1979 Ibanez Artist, and an early 80's Yamaha SA-2100 hollowbody) after letting them sit idle for a few years. Ironically enough, it was playing Guitar Hero that got me geeked to play for real again -- that, and getting my amp (a Mesa-Boogie Mark IV) out of storage.
Here's my current main amp - Orange Tiny Terror through an Avatar G212H:<BR><BR>View image: http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/6870/p1010069ke4.th.jpg <BR>The guitar I am playing is my Guild Starfire IV semi-hollow. I would guess I play that about half the time, with the rest divided between a Mexican Strat I've had forever and a semi-hollow Telecaster I've been borrowing from our bass player. I don't have good pictures of either of those guitars handy. I also have a Blues Jr., which was my main amp until I got the Orange. I really like thinline semi-hollow electric guitars for whatever reason.
Well, if we're showing off...<BR> View image: http://photo.phui.com/images/inst_001.jpg <BR>1975 Fender Stratocaster with a flame maple pickguard and rosewood knobs.<BR><BR> View image: http://photo.phui.com/images/inst_008.jpg <BR>Early 80's Kramer Duke headless guitar with aluminum neck (pictured with matching Duke bass, also in my collection...)
<blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by ChuckEye:<br>Well, if we're showing off...<br> -- View image here: http://photo.phui.com/images/inst_001.jpg -- <br><br>Early 80's Kramer Duke headless guitar with aluminum neck (pictured with matching Duke bass, also in my collection...) </div>
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<br>dang that's a purdy strat! -- View image here: http://episteme.arstechnica.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_redface.gif --<br><br>how do you like the aluminum neck guitar? I've always had a bit of random, apropo-of-nothing lust for the aluminum necked travis beans (though I'll never be able to justify the price they command these days), but I've never actually tried an aluminum neck..<br><br><blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by xsvtoys:<br>I have a somewhat obtuse "Valley Arts" that was my first guitar, purchased used. Works great for me. Note that this has a Floyd Rose - I have absolutely nothing to complain about with the FR unlike some others here. It holds tuning very well no matter how much you beat on it. This also has 3 EMG active pickups. </div>
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<br>those were very well regarded as excellent playing guitars back in the shred-metal 80s -- View image here: http://episteme.arstechnica.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif -- (and have a small but fanatical following these days)<br><br>I have 3 guitars these days:<br><br>-- View image here: http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c330/mryabbadabba/geetar/DSCF1003.jpg -- <br><br>SG classic (with an added bigsby), guild s-100, and a robin medley special
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by ChuckEye:<br>Well, if we're showing off...<br> -- View image here: http://photo.phui.com/images/inst_001.jpg -- <br><br>Early 80's Kramer Duke headless guitar with aluminum neck (pictured with matching Duke bass, also in my collection...) </div>
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<br>dang that's a purdy strat! -- View image here: http://episteme.arstechnica.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_redface.gif --<br><br>how do you like the aluminum neck guitar? I've always had a bit of random, apropo-of-nothing lust for the aluminum necked travis beans (though I'll never be able to justify the price they command these days), but I've never actually tried an aluminum neck..<br><br><blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by xsvtoys:<br>I have a somewhat obtuse "Valley Arts" that was my first guitar, purchased used. Works great for me. Note that this has a Floyd Rose - I have absolutely nothing to complain about with the FR unlike some others here. It holds tuning very well no matter how much you beat on it. This also has 3 EMG active pickups. </div>
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<br>those were very well regarded as excellent playing guitars back in the shred-metal 80s -- View image here: http://episteme.arstechnica.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif -- (and have a small but fanatical following these days)<br><br>I have 3 guitars these days:<br><br>-- View image here: http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c330/mryabbadabba/geetar/DSCF1003.jpg -- <br><br>SG classic (with an added bigsby), guild s-100, and a robin medley special
I would also like to throw in another endorsement for lessons, they will help you a ton, especially in the beginning. Of my 13 years playing, I would estimate I was taking regular lessons for at least 5 or so of them.<br><br>Also the more you can play with other people, the better. Even if you are not taking lessons per se if you have other friends who play instruments, go play with them. Even and especially if you think you "aren't ready" yet, the only way you get ready is by doing it -- View image here: http://episteme.arstechnica.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif --
<blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by yabba:<br>dang that's a purdy strat! -- View image here: http://episteme.arstechnica.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_redface.gif --<br><br>how do you like the aluminum neck guitar? I've always had a bit of random, apropo-of-nothing lust for the aluminum necked travis beans (though I'll never be able to justify the price they command these days), but I've never actually tried an aluminum neck... </div>
</blockquote>They're alright. I have those two Dukes and a Kramer 8-string also with the aluminum neck... a bit headstock-heavy on that one, but I can deal.<br><br>Actually, nice to see your Medley... I've also got a Robin Machette bass... Years ago I built their website in exchange for a 5-string fretless...<br> -- View image here: http://photo.phui.com/images/inst_021.jpg -- <br> -- View image here: http://photo.phui.com/images/inst_019.jpg -- <br> -- View image here: http://www.io.com/~cei/Photos/robin.gif --
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by yabba:<br>dang that's a purdy strat! -- View image here: http://episteme.arstechnica.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_redface.gif --<br><br>how do you like the aluminum neck guitar? I've always had a bit of random, apropo-of-nothing lust for the aluminum necked travis beans (though I'll never be able to justify the price they command these days), but I've never actually tried an aluminum neck... </div>
</blockquote>They're alright. I have those two Dukes and a Kramer 8-string also with the aluminum neck... a bit headstock-heavy on that one, but I can deal.<br><br>Actually, nice to see your Medley... I've also got a Robin Machette bass... Years ago I built their website in exchange for a 5-string fretless...<br> -- View image here: http://photo.phui.com/images/inst_021.jpg -- <br> -- View image here: http://photo.phui.com/images/inst_019.jpg -- <br> -- View image here: http://www.io.com/~cei/Photos/robin.gif --
This thread needs more basses....Here's mine<BR><BR> View image: http://www.ziggadigga.com/images/Bassesjpg.jpg <BR><BR>I'll add my guitars later...
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Are you better off working on getting your transition time between those chords down or learning more chords? </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>Both....probably not the answer you were looking for, but learning more chords and how to transition between them all is going to be more fun than cleaning up transitions from D to C to G to A all day long.<BR><BR>At where you are right now yd, just keep it fun and keep playing. Once you get to the point you know all the basic open chords and can work through them with out sounding like a train wreck, then start to worry about technique. That's my suggestion anyway :-D
The other thing that's kind of fun - learn the basic barre chord shape. I learned it as "F major" originally, but the great thing about it is that you can slide it all over the neck. (ie, you play it on fret 1, it's "F" major, you play on fret 2, "F# major", fret 3, G major, etc). <br><br>It is a total bitch to finger when you are new though -- View image here: http://episteme.arstechnica.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif -- You can work up to it by practicing 2 and 3 string power chords and add the other strings as you can.
<blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Dark Age:<br><blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Are you better off working on getting your transition time between those chords down or learning more chords? </div>
</blockquote>
<br><br>Both....probably not the answer you were looking for, but learning more chords and how to transition between them all is going to be more fun than cleaning up transitions from D to C to G to A all day long.<br><br>At where you are right now yd, just keep it fun and keep playing. </div>
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<br><br>++<br><br>And keep learning new stuff(songs). At one point, even though you might not practice some of the easy songs non-stop for weeks, you'll probably realize that now that you've learned to play some harder stuff which is the easy stuff is now easy.<br><br><br>You know, I think guitar pr0n is ok... But I think it would be a lot cooler if people posted mp3s of their guitar playing. Anyone can buy a nice guitar, but let's see how good you can play it -- View image here: http://episteme.arstechnica.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif --
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Dark Age:<br><blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Are you better off working on getting your transition time between those chords down or learning more chords? </div>
</blockquote>
<br><br>Both....probably not the answer you were looking for, but learning more chords and how to transition between them all is going to be more fun than cleaning up transitions from D to C to G to A all day long.<br><br>At where you are right now yd, just keep it fun and keep playing. </div>
</blockquote>
<br><br>++<br><br>And keep learning new stuff(songs). At one point, even though you might not practice some of the easy songs non-stop for weeks, you'll probably realize that now that you've learned to play some harder stuff which is the easy stuff is now easy.<br><br><br>You know, I think guitar pr0n is ok... But I think it would be a lot cooler if people posted mp3s of their guitar playing. Anyone can buy a nice guitar, but let's see how good you can play it -- View image here: http://episteme.arstechnica.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif --
Ok, I will bite...<br><br>yd's current playing skill<br><br> -- View image here: https://cdn.arstechnica.net/forum/smilies/biggrin_classic.gif --
I'm Skyler and I approved this thread.<BR><BR>My guitar: View image: http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/7799/arstele0228vx6.jpg <BR><BR>My band: http://www.myspace.com/thejesuscandy
Here are my electrics<BR><BR> View image: http://www.ziggadigga.com/images/EGuitars.jpg <BR><BR>You can check out some of my music at www.ziggadigga.com
Left handed Fender Strat, 1978. So happy I came across that one, just a couple of years ago. It's hard to find good left handed guitars, here in the Netherlands.<BR><BR>I put active EMG pickups on it (Gilmour set, found it cheap) I've connected it to my mac through a Blackstar HT-Dual.<BR><BR>I'll experiment with pickups in the future, but so far I'm extremely happy with the setup I have now.<BR><BR><BR>(this is the same one, but then right handed: http://www.therockinn.com/inve...&Man_ID=1&Inv_ID=486 Mine has white pickups. I think that price they ask is ridiculous, since I paid 900 euros for it)
<blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by yd:<br>Quick question. So you are a noob, you 'know' 4 chords you can hit marginally reliably.<br><br>Are you better off working on getting your transition time between those chords down or learning more chords? </div>
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<br>Yes.<br><br>Edit:<br><blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by yd:<br>Ok, I will bite...<br><br>yd's current playing skill<br><br> -- View image here: https://cdn.arstechnica.net/forum/smilies/biggrin_classic.gif -- </div>
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<br>So we're getting into Death Metal, are we? -- View image here: http://episteme.arstechnica.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif --
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by yd:<br>Quick question. So you are a noob, you 'know' 4 chords you can hit marginally reliably.<br><br>Are you better off working on getting your transition time between those chords down or learning more chords? </div>
</blockquote>
<br>Yes.<br><br>Edit:<br><blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by yd:<br>Ok, I will bite...<br><br>yd's current playing skill<br><br> -- View image here: https://cdn.arstechnica.net/forum/smilies/biggrin_classic.gif -- </div>
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<br>So we're getting into Death Metal, are we? -- View image here: http://episteme.arstechnica.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif --
Well it can sound like death at times maybe but I think it wouldn't even qualify as bad death metal at the moment he he.<BR><BR>Interestingly, learned today that your pik makes a difference. I had been using a thin pik and switched to a thicker one. Dang, more bass!
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Dark Age:<br>This thread needs more basses.... </div>
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<br><br>Fender Precision Bass JP-90<br><br>-- View image here: http://members.arstechnica.com/x/xsvtoys/fender-bass.jpg -- <br><br>Another note for those just taking up guitar - these things seem to expand in number. You can get hooked and want different guitars, before you know it you have a few, then a lot if you are not careful -- View image here: http://episteme.arstechnica.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif --
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Dark Age:<br>This thread needs more basses.... </div>
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<br><br>Fender Precision Bass JP-90<br><br>-- View image here: http://members.arstechnica.com/x/xsvtoys/fender-bass.jpg -- <br><br>Another note for those just taking up guitar - these things seem to expand in number. You can get hooked and want different guitars, before you know it you have a few, then a lot if you are not careful -- View image here: http://episteme.arstechnica.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif --
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by ChuckEye:<BR>Actually, nice to see your Medley... I've also got a Robin Machette bass... Years ago I built their website in exchange for a 5-string fretless... </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>sounds like you have one heck of a collection!<BR><BR>the medley was a bit of an impulse buy when I played it in a shop; it just played sooo smoothly, and I've always had a bit of a thing for H-S pickup layouts.<BR><BR>I think I remember the guitar version of the machete, it had a very funky headstock...
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Dark Age:<BR>This thread needs more basses....Here's mine<BR><BR> View image: http://www.ziggadigga.com/images/Bassesjpg.jpg <BR><BR>I'll add my guitars later... </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>You owe me a keyboard, I just got drool all over mine.<BR><BR>Music Man, Warwick Corvette, and an Eden combo amp? You sir have impeccable taste. I only see two problems. First, only 4-strings, and second, you lack a Fender American Jazz Deluxe. I definitely need to make time to stop by and see your studio.
oooh, a gear thread -- View image here: http://episteme.arstechnica.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif --<br><br> -- View image here: http://3NV7.com/images/guitars_400h.jpg -- <br><br>Fender Deluxe Strat Plus<br><br>Taylor 412CE<br><br>Gibson 1967 Reissue Flying V<br><br>...hoping to add a Les Paul Custom to the mix in the near future.
I don't have pics of my standard SG at work so I'll post those later, but I do have a question about practice/lessons/etc...<BR><BR>I've been playing off and on for 17 years or so, more off than on unfortunately, took a 4 year break while I was in college (yeah stupid!). I never took lessons but I'm proficient enough that I can copy/play the chord/note progressions in most songs that I learn from tabs. My problem now is trying to do more solo-type stuff, where notes have to be played faster/cleaner.<BR><BR>Ie, I can play most of Back in Black no problem, but playing the solo so it sounds decent just kills me because I can't finger the notes fast enough and clean enough. What can I do? Is it just about more practice? Or are lessons the only way to go? FWIW, I used to play piano/violin so my fingers are somewhat dexterous. Never had the discipline to learn scales and the diff keys on the fretboard though.<BR><BR>tricky
Learn acoustic first. Why? Frets are larger and bar chords are therefore more difficult. Once you get the hang of it on an acoustic, its easy on an electric.<br><br>Also, if you have a microphone on your PC/laptop, don't bother buying a tuner and download "AP Tuner" -- View image here: http://episteme.arstechnica.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif --
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by trickyech:<br>I don't have pics of my standard SG at work so I'll post those later, but I do have a question about practice/lessons/etc...<br><br>I've been playing off and on for 17 years or so, more off than on unfortunately, took a 4 year break while I was in college (yeah stupid!). I never took lessons but I'm proficient enough that I can copy/play the chord/note progressions in most songs that I learn from tabs. My problem now is trying to do more solo-type stuff, where notes have to be played faster/cleaner.<br><br>Ie, I can play most of Back in Black no problem, but playing the solo so it sounds decent just kills me because I can't finger the notes fast enough and clean enough. What can I do? Is it just about more practice? Or are lessons the only way to go? FWIW, I used to play piano/violin so my fingers are somewhat dexterous. Never had the discipline to learn scales and the diff keys on the fretboard though.<br><br>tricky </div>
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<br><br>I think it is a matter of practice. I would bet if you go for lessons, you will get scales and be told to practice them. You could probably do this on your own if you want to. Scale patterns should be easy to find. The way I learned it was to play the scales with a metronome, starting slow and making sure every note is perfect and also making sure the clean cross-picking is followed all the way through (my teacher was very picky about this). Then gradually speed up the metronome until you hit EVH speeds. It is boring as hell sometimes but it does pay off. I was given a total of 10 different major scale patterns and then told to practice those in all 12 keys every time I picked up the guitar. That's 120 scales to go through -- View image here: http://episteme.arstechnica.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif -- If you want to short-cut it for rock and blues you can just practice pentatonic boxes the same way until you get those down perfect. Some players do some weird things with the pentatonic and blues scales, making it difficult to pick up the solos (for me anway), and I think Angus from ACDC is one of them. No doubt this is what makes him great.
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by trickyech:<br>I don't have pics of my standard SG at work so I'll post those later, but I do have a question about practice/lessons/etc...<br><br>I've been playing off and on for 17 years or so, more off than on unfortunately, took a 4 year break while I was in college (yeah stupid!). I never took lessons but I'm proficient enough that I can copy/play the chord/note progressions in most songs that I learn from tabs. My problem now is trying to do more solo-type stuff, where notes have to be played faster/cleaner.<br><br>Ie, I can play most of Back in Black no problem, but playing the solo so it sounds decent just kills me because I can't finger the notes fast enough and clean enough. What can I do? Is it just about more practice? Or are lessons the only way to go? FWIW, I used to play piano/violin so my fingers are somewhat dexterous. Never had the discipline to learn scales and the diff keys on the fretboard though.<br><br>tricky </div>
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<br><br>I think it is a matter of practice. I would bet if you go for lessons, you will get scales and be told to practice them. You could probably do this on your own if you want to. Scale patterns should be easy to find. The way I learned it was to play the scales with a metronome, starting slow and making sure every note is perfect and also making sure the clean cross-picking is followed all the way through (my teacher was very picky about this). Then gradually speed up the metronome until you hit EVH speeds. It is boring as hell sometimes but it does pay off. I was given a total of 10 different major scale patterns and then told to practice those in all 12 keys every time I picked up the guitar. That's 120 scales to go through -- View image here: http://episteme.arstechnica.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif -- If you want to short-cut it for rock and blues you can just practice pentatonic boxes the same way until you get those down perfect. Some players do some weird things with the pentatonic and blues scales, making it difficult to pick up the solos (for me anway), and I think Angus from ACDC is one of them. No doubt this is what makes him great.
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Skyler:<br>I'm Skyler and I approved this thread.<br><br><br>My band: http://www.myspace.com/thejesuscandy </div>
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<br><br>I didn't check it at first because the name scared me away - I was thinking religious band -- View image here: http://episteme.arstechnica.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif --<br><br>I rate it damn good stuff. Great song, great guitar on the web site. Do I detect some White Stripes influence?
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Skyler:<br>I'm Skyler and I approved this thread.<br><br><br>My band: http://www.myspace.com/thejesuscandy </div>
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<br><br>I didn't check it at first because the name scared me away - I was thinking religious band -- View image here: http://episteme.arstechnica.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif --<br><br>I rate it damn good stuff. Great song, great guitar on the web site. Do I detect some White Stripes influence?
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<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Music Man, Warwick Corvette, and an Eden combo amp? You sir have impeccable taste. I only see two problems. First, only 4-strings, and second, you lack a Fender American Jazz Deluxe. I definitely need to make time to stop by and see your studio. </div>
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<br><br>Hehe, that's not an ordinary Music Man or Warwick either.<br>The Stingray is a 20th Anniversary model, if I remember right there are only 700 or so with a Maple fretboard and the Warwick was a limited run of 60. So they just aren't 2 of the nicest basses I've ever owned, they are some very rare wood -- View image here: https://cdn.arstechnica.net/forum/smilies/biggrin_classic.gif --<br><br>Eden amps are the best though I still want a Boogie 400+ some day.<br><br>4 Strings are enough for me, I get all jacked up trying to play more than that. Not a big fan of Fender basses either, haven't met one yet that felt balanced to me....
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Music Man, Warwick Corvette, and an Eden combo amp? You sir have impeccable taste. I only see two problems. First, only 4-strings, and second, you lack a Fender American Jazz Deluxe. I definitely need to make time to stop by and see your studio. </div>
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<br><br>Hehe, that's not an ordinary Music Man or Warwick either.<br>The Stingray is a 20th Anniversary model, if I remember right there are only 700 or so with a Maple fretboard and the Warwick was a limited run of 60. So they just aren't 2 of the nicest basses I've ever owned, they are some very rare wood -- View image here: https://cdn.arstechnica.net/forum/smilies/biggrin_classic.gif --<br><br>Eden amps are the best though I still want a Boogie 400+ some day.<br><br>4 Strings are enough for me, I get all jacked up trying to play more than that. Not a big fan of Fender basses either, haven't met one yet that felt balanced to me....
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by trickyech:<BR><BR>Ie, I can play most of Back in Black no problem, but playing the solo so it sounds decent just kills me because I can't finger the notes fast enough and clean enough. What can I do? Is it just about more practice? Or are lessons the only way to go? FWIW, I used to play piano/violin so my fingers are somewhat dexterous. Never had the discipline to learn scales and the diff keys on the fretboard though.<BR><BR>tricky </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>I find knowing the scales helps in learning solos a lot, because they tend to make more "sense" if you know what key you're in and what the scale patterns for that key generally look like for each portion of the neck. Granted a lot of players will move outside the standard patterns and throw in out of key notes or bends, but if you know the scale you can just focus on the weird stuff instead of having to learn every note by rote memory.<BR><BR>I also generally don't kill myself getting every note perfect, and knowing the theory means you can fake it a lot better - if you forget a run, just make something up. Generally the only people who will know the difference are other guitar players. Anyway if you are ever performing the song for someone else (or hundreds of someone elses) it is way more important that you own the performance than that you get every note right. I think having a solid theory grounding helps that, because you always have the structure to fall back on if things are getting weird.
Just a quick n dirty question but what is a scale 'pattern'. Seems to me its just running up and down fret 1 thru 4 hitting each note on each string up and down the 6 strings backwards and forwards with up and down strumming. How are there 'patterns' to hitting individual notes?