Need some help with practicing, musical direction

[RG_76]

Hello everyone!

I think I have hit a slump in my guitar playing. I want to learn how to play leads better, and I want to learn how to play some blues. Most of what I play is hard rock/metal, and I want to branch out a bit and learn something new. I tend to play alot of rhythm parts in the jams I have participated in, and I would like to start to solo some. One of the guys I play with breaks into endless, repetative leads for long periods of time, which bores me to death. I can only play the same rhythym part for so long before i get bored to tears.

So, I was wondering if any of you have run into this problem, and what you did (music books, videos, lessons, whatever) you did to fix it. I have been playing guitar on and off for 18 years, and I am back into it and want to get serious about playing again, I just don't know what to do next lol.

I hope someone out there can understand that rambling ;p Thanks in advance for all help and suggestions.

[mi2tom]

I think the best thing is to have materials to learn (instructional videos, music books, backing track etc) and inspiration. And get a good teacher, I'm sure there are a few good players around your area, and when you think you're getting confidence on your playing, a gig is necessary to know where you stand, always playing alone and playing in front audiences is a different thing, you may find that the things you can do perfectly when you're playing alone and when played in front of audiences you can't perform well

[DangerStorm]

Learn your scales and how to apply them ....there is a great free tool to learn/hear scales at http://guitarcomputer.com check out the digital book there too.

Then learn your chords and practice putting melody to a chord progression using your knowledge of scales.

Also practice your technique i.e alternate picking, sweep picking pinch harmonics etc. and for blues --- bends, bending more than one note and vibrato and maybe even some slide.

And just because you learn how to solo or play leads doesn't mean you have to be like your friend and do it to the point of boring your audience/fellow musicians tears or death....you can learn how to do it with flash and style...

just my 2 cents, hope that helps you out a little.

Danger

[Shredder87]

Originally Posted by RG_76

Hello everyone!

I think I have hit a slump in my guitar playing. I want to learn how to play leads better, and I want to learn how to play some blues. Most of what I play is hard rock/metal, and I want to branch out a bit and learn something new. I tend to play alot of rhythm parts in the jams I have participated in, and I would like to start to solo some. One of the guys I play with breaks into endless, repetative leads for long periods of time, which bores me to death. I can only play the same rhythym part for so long before i get bored to tears.

So, I was wondering if any of you have run into this problem, and what you did (music books, videos, lessons, whatever) you did to fix it. I have been playing guitar on and off for 18 years, and I am back into it and want to get serious about playing again, I just don't know what to do next lol.

I hope someone out there can understand that rambling ;p Thanks in advance for all help and suggestions.

I know what you mean. 2 years ago I had the same problem in my band with our former other guitarist. At the time I was learning lead guitar yet I never got the chance to play lead because this guy always took all the lead parts in the songs. It was a difficult time for me since I was getting very bored and frustrated not being able to branch out and do extra stuff. It was just playing the same thing, over and over. I actually considered leaving the band and giving up guitar altogether I was so fed up. Problem was the guy had ego issues (LGED - Lead Guitarist Ego Disorder), which were eventually sorted out - he got kicked out/left the band (depending on how you looked at it... a bit of both in reality).
Perhaps if you just have a word not just with this guy but all the other guys in the band, say you'd like to try some stuff and give it a go.

And keep practicing at home, away from the band.

Good luck, hope this helps you resolve the situation... I'm sure we've all been through it at some time since we've started playing!

Cheers

Smithy

[stratoskier]

Based on your description (want to play some blues), I'd highly recommend any of the Robben Ford books or video/DVD material. He plays thinking-man blues that sounds completely natural and is rarely repetitive. Plus, his instructional stuff is really well organized.
Bert

[spkenn5]

yep robben ford helped alot, he explained the blues scale well..

but other than that.. i think metronome could be your new best friend

[bonehead189]

Originally Posted by DangerStorm

Learn your scales and how to apply them ....there is a great free tool to learn/hear scales at http://guitarcomputer.com check out the digital book there too.

Then learn your chords and practice putting melody to a chord progression using your knowledge of scales.

Also practice your technique i.e alternate picking, sweep picking pinch harmonics etc. and for blues --- bends, bending more than one note and vibrato and maybe even some slide.

And just because you learn how to solo or play leads doesn't mean you have to be like your friend and do it to the point of boring your audience/fellow musicians tears or death....you can learn how to do it with flash and style...

just my 2 cents, hope that helps you out a little.

Danger

Well that site definately helped me. Good site!

[DangerStorm]

cool........

Edit:

Just notice you (Bonehead189) are from Tucson....that's my home town!