Print this articleGuitar instruction for those who play, and for those who really wish they could.
Sun, 18 May 2008 22:23:00 +0200
I got a message from a reader named Jon. He shared a few of his tips and pointers, and I felt it appropriate to pass them on to all of you. I agree with everything he says, and he really does have some great tips. Thanks Jon!
Scott,
I love the blog and the tutorial videos on Youtube! May I share my practice tips in an effort to help "pay you back" for all your great tutorials on youtube?
Jon's practice tips; Improving picking speed, accuracy and overall playing.
#1 Go buy an acoustic guitar and play it exclusively for a month. An unamplified instrument forces you to pick with accuracy and authority, and it will not tolerate sloppy technique which can get 'buried' in an a distorted electric guitar tone with reverb, echo, chorus, etc. etc. etc.
After that first month, the electric will feel like butter. From the second month onwards, spend about half your time playing the acoustic.
Tip 2: Switch to heavier strings. If you play electric, change out those 9s (or, heaven forbid 8s!!) for a set of 10s or (better yet) 11s. They'll feel too stiff for a while, but you will build strength, toughen up those fingertips, and improve your picking attack.
Tip 3: Listen to yourself. This sounds simplistic, but it's not! LISTEN TO THE SOUNDS YOU MAKE. Some of my best students will spend a whole session just perfecting a chord progression, or a lead phrase, or strumming patterns, or dynamics, etc. Seems like a lot of time for something "simple" but it's an investment in future playing. When they've got it -- they've GOT IT and it sounds perfect. Spend the time now. The more you play sloppy sounds or repeat mistakes, the more those techniques get burned into your brain and become a part of YOUR STYLE. Easy to fix now, much more work later.
Tip 4: Practice often. Three 15-minute sessions per day is better than a two hour marathon.
Tip 5: "put your guitar on a stand, not in the case". (Related to the last tip.) If it's on a stand, you'll pick it up and play it MUCH more than if you have to unpack it. More practice = faster progress.
Tip 6: Be aware of the difference of "playing music/having fun" and "practicing". Practice has a goal. Sure, it can be fun (especially as you make progress), but it has a purpose. Know what you're trying to do. Learn some new chord phrasing? Playing in a different key? Improving speed? Great. Keep the "fun stuff" and the things you've already mastered for your 5-minute warm up. Then move on to the difficult bits. You'll love the results.
Scott,
I love the blog and the tutorial videos on Youtube! May I share my practice tips in an effort to help "pay you back" for all your great tutorials on youtube?
Jon's practice tips; Improving picking speed, accuracy and overall playing.
#1 Go buy an acoustic guitar and play it exclusively for a month. An unamplified instrument forces you to pick with accuracy and authority, and it will not tolerate sloppy technique which can get 'buried' in an a distorted electric guitar tone with reverb, echo, chorus, etc. etc. etc.
After that first month, the electric will feel like butter. From the second month onwards, spend about half your time playing the acoustic.
Tip 2: Switch to heavier strings. If you play electric, change out those 9s (or, heaven forbid 8s!!) for a set of 10s or (better yet) 11s. They'll feel too stiff for a while, but you will build strength, toughen up those fingertips, and improve your picking attack.
Tip 3: Listen to yourself. This sounds simplistic, but it's not! LISTEN TO THE SOUNDS YOU MAKE. Some of my best students will spend a whole session just perfecting a chord progression, or a lead phrase, or strumming patterns, or dynamics, etc. Seems like a lot of time for something "simple" but it's an investment in future playing. When they've got it -- they've GOT IT and it sounds perfect. Spend the time now. The more you play sloppy sounds or repeat mistakes, the more those techniques get burned into your brain and become a part of YOUR STYLE. Easy to fix now, much more work later.
Tip 4: Practice often. Three 15-minute sessions per day is better than a two hour marathon.
Tip 5: "put your guitar on a stand, not in the case". (Related to the last tip.) If it's on a stand, you'll pick it up and play it MUCH more than if you have to unpack it. More practice = faster progress.
Tip 6: Be aware of the difference of "playing music/having fun" and "practicing". Practice has a goal. Sure, it can be fun (especially as you make progress), but it has a purpose. Know what you're trying to do. Learn some new chord phrasing? Playing in a different key? Improving speed? Great. Keep the "fun stuff" and the things you've already mastered for your 5-minute warm up. Then move on to the difficult bits. You'll love the results.
Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:43:00 +0200
Part one of the Stupid Boy Lead Guitar Instruction is up!
The first video is an introduction. I am covering the extended solo at the end of the song first, and then we will go back and learn the main solo in the beginning of the song. This video is less of an instruction, and more of an overview. The videos that will follow will be much more instruction oriented, and I will go into a lot more detail. For now, try to play along and get a feel for the solo. If your new to lead guitar, this is a great place to start. Stay tuned for more soon!
The first video is an introduction. I am covering the extended solo at the end of the song first, and then we will go back and learn the main solo in the beginning of the song. This video is less of an instruction, and more of an overview. The videos that will follow will be much more instruction oriented, and I will go into a lot more detail. For now, try to play along and get a feel for the solo. If your new to lead guitar, this is a great place to start. Stay tuned for more soon!
Tue, 08 Apr 2008 17:45:00 +0200
Believe it or not, one of the most common questions I get from people who are just starting to play the guitar is about changing their strings. It seems simple enough, but there are many misconceptions about how, when and why guitar strings need to be changed frequently. One of my best buddies has been playing guitar for years, and it is a topic that we debate frequently. He insists that it's not necessary to change strings frequently, and I disagree. The truth is, we both are correct. I'll explain a little about strings, and give you a better understanding of how to optimize your playing by paying more attention to your strings.
WHY STRINGS NEED TO BE CHANGED
Guitar strings are manufactured by winding metal around a solid "core". These windings have small grooves that resonate sound and help improve vibration. When the strings vibrate, they make sound waves which we interpret as a certain pitch. The bad news is that these little grooves are prone to rust and decay. They also trap oils and dirt that are on our fingertips. After a while, the grooves lose their uniformity, and the sound is affected negatively. Strings that are extremely worn may even sound off pitch to sensitive ears.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CHANGE THEM?
The answer to this question is different for everyone. The acidity of your sweat plays the largest role in determining how long your strings will last. My hands seem to wear guitar strings down relatively quickly, so I like to change my strings every 2-3 weeks. If a performance is coming up, I will usually change them more frequently. I had a chance to meet and play with Brad Paisley a couple years back, and I know for a fact that he changes his strings every single night when out on tour. My friend that I mentioned earlier can go a couple of months without changing strings, with no detrimental effects on sound quality or string feel. He evidently does not have very acidic oils on his hands.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY STRINGS NEED CHANGING?
If you have a developed musical ear, you will be to tell when your strings need changing. The guitar will sound "dull" and "dark". If you can't quite tell if it is time to change your strings, here is a good test. Take a clean white cotton rag or an old t-shirt. Put a little clear oil on it (cooking, mineral, etc..) and rub the strings down. If your rag is dirty, then your strings need to be changed!
Your strings have a lot to do with the way your guitar sounds. It is a factor that many new guitarists overlook. If you change your strings on a regular basis, you will find your guitar sounding better, and it will also easier to play. Excessive wear on your strings make it more difficult to move quickly around the guitar neck. Pay attention to your strings, and your guitar playing and enjoyment will both improve!
WHY STRINGS NEED TO BE CHANGED
Guitar strings are manufactured by winding metal around a solid "core". These windings have small grooves that resonate sound and help improve vibration. When the strings vibrate, they make sound waves which we interpret as a certain pitch. The bad news is that these little grooves are prone to rust and decay. They also trap oils and dirt that are on our fingertips. After a while, the grooves lose their uniformity, and the sound is affected negatively. Strings that are extremely worn may even sound off pitch to sensitive ears.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CHANGE THEM?
The answer to this question is different for everyone. The acidity of your sweat plays the largest role in determining how long your strings will last. My hands seem to wear guitar strings down relatively quickly, so I like to change my strings every 2-3 weeks. If a performance is coming up, I will usually change them more frequently. I had a chance to meet and play with Brad Paisley a couple years back, and I know for a fact that he changes his strings every single night when out on tour. My friend that I mentioned earlier can go a couple of months without changing strings, with no detrimental effects on sound quality or string feel. He evidently does not have very acidic oils on his hands.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY STRINGS NEED CHANGING?
If you have a developed musical ear, you will be to tell when your strings need changing. The guitar will sound "dull" and "dark". If you can't quite tell if it is time to change your strings, here is a good test. Take a clean white cotton rag or an old t-shirt. Put a little clear oil on it (cooking, mineral, etc..) and rub the strings down. If your rag is dirty, then your strings need to be changed!
Your strings have a lot to do with the way your guitar sounds. It is a factor that many new guitarists overlook. If you change your strings on a regular basis, you will find your guitar sounding better, and it will also easier to play. Excessive wear on your strings make it more difficult to move quickly around the guitar neck. Pay attention to your strings, and your guitar playing and enjoyment will both improve!
Tue, 04 Mar 2008 01:40:00 +0100
Every guitar player has them...and dreads them. They come no matter what. The playing slump. What is it? It's when you play the same songs and the same licks over and over, which eventually leads to getting bored with the instrument. Instead of getting better at the guitar, it seems that you are actually backsliding, even though you are still playing as much (if not more) than ever.
This can be dangerous to a new player, because there is nothing that will kill your passion for playing guitar faster than a playing slump. Many people that are new to the guitar just give up after a while, convinced that they will never reach their goals.
How To Break Out Of The Slump
Breaking out of a playing slump is simple, but not necessarily fun for many guitar players. It involves breaking out of your comfort zone and learning something completely different. If your a metal player, learn some jazz licks. If you play country, try a few Metallica songs. Many guitar players are unwilling to break out of their self-imposed "style box", but there is nothing that will improve your playing more rapidly than doing just that. By learning new styles of playing, you will find yourself incorporating different techniques when you go back to your chosen style.
So, next time you find yourself getting a little bored with the guitar, do a quick Google search for some tabs that you wouldn't normally have any interest in learning. You'll break out of your slump and renew your passion for playing, while improving your skills at breakneck speed.
Fri, 29 Feb 2008 21:31:00 +0100
Half-Step Down
I have gotten a lot of questions regarding half-step down tuning. It's one of those simple concepts that seems gets over complicated by a lot of guitar players. One of the things that hinders most new guitar players is the lack of straight-forward instruction available.
It seems like everyone wants to teach you the "proper" way to do everything, and use big musical terms to explain what are really simple concepts. That is one of the main reasons that I created this site. I aim to make it a place for guitar players of all skill levels to come and get easy to understand tips on guitar playing.
What Is Half-Step Down Tuning?
The musical definition is that each string is tuned down 1/2 tone. 2 frets = 1 tone. Make sense? Didn't think so.
Broken down into normal language, all it means is that each string is tuned one fret lower than normal. So the E string becomes E flat, the A string becomes A flat etc.
How Do I Do It?
The simplest way to do this is to put a capo on the first fret of your guitar. Now tune the guitar to standard tuning using an electronic tuner or your ear. Take off the capo and POOF! you are now tuned 1/2 step down.
Why Would I Want To Do This?
A lot of guitar players (myself included...I am 1/2 step down here) think that the guitar sounds much richer and full when tuned 1/2 step down. It is also easier for many people to sing when their guitar is tuned down. The strings are also a bit looser, making it easier to manipulate string bends. Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughn always played 1/2 step down live for these very reasons.
If you have never tried playing 1/2 step down, give it a shot. You may like the new sound that you can get out of your guitar, and you may find it easier to sing along with some of your favorite tunes.
Thu, 28 Feb 2008 03:00:00 +0100
For those of you who would like to learn how to play lead guitar but aren't sure where to start, here are a couple of great exercises you can do to improve your technique and speed. They are my personal favorite warm-up and practice runs. If you are already a lead player, these can really improve your accuracy and shred style.
Fig. 1
e-----------------------------------------------------------------------
B-----------------------------------------------------------------------
G--------------------------------------------------------6----7--6--9-
D-----------------------------------6------7--6--9--7----9------------
A--------------5-------7--5--9--7------9------------------------------
E-----5--9--7----9-----------------------------------------------------
e-----------------------------------------------------------------------
B----7---9--10--------------------------------------------------------
G--7---9---------------------------------------------------------------
B-----------------------------------------------------------------------
A-----------------------------------------------------------------------
E-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fig. 2
e--8--6--5-----6--5---------5----------------------------------------
B-------------8-------8--6-----8--6--5--8--6--5----6--5---------5--
G--------------------------------------------------7---------7--5----
D----------------------------------------------------------------------
A----------------------------------------------------------------------
E----------------------------------------------------------------------
e----------------------------------------------------------------------
B----------------------------------------------------------------------
G--7--5-----7--5--------5--------------------------------------------
D---------8-------8--7----8--7--5--3-------------------------------
A----------------------------------------------------------------------
E----------------------------------------------------------------------
The first figure is ascending, while the second is descending. Practice them often, and you will see your lead guitar skills improve drastically!
Note: My guitar is tuned 1/2 step down, so don't worry if your guitar doesn't sound like mine!
Wed, 27 Feb 2008 17:48:00 +0100
Open Tunings
So what is an open tuning? In simple terms, it means that when you strum all 6 strings of the guitar without playing any notes, it sounds like a chord. So if you were in Open E tuning, strumming the guitar would sound like an E chord.
Most people assume that to achieve an open tuning, all the strings must be tuned to the same note. This is not the case. For an Open E tuning, each string is tuned to the same note as they would be if you were playing an E chord on a standard tuned guitar.
Think about playing an E chord, and what each string sounds like when you are playing that chord. An open tuning just makes that happen without having to play the actual chord.
Open tunings are used frequently when playing slide guitar, but it can also be useful for power chords in heavy metal and rock. The Allman Brothers used open tunings quite often.
I can do an instructional video on this if anyone would like. Post in the comments if it's something you would like to see.
Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:03:00 +0100
I have been getting a number of great questions via email, and I have decided to open up comments for this blog, so that everyone can benefit from the answers. Feel free to continue contacting me by email, but you also now have the option of posting in the comment section if you would like. Send me any requests, questions or suggestions! 
Tue, 26 Feb 2008 17:15:00 +0100
If you've been playing for a while, then you have no doubt been exposed to at least the idea of alternate tunings. For someone who doesn't understand this concept, it can be quite confusing.
DADGBE, DADGBD, Open G, Open E, it can look pretty complicated. But in reality, alternate tunings shouldn't scare you away. They can open up a whole new way for you to play the guitar.
Let's look at the basic concept behind alternate tunings, and how you can apply them to your playing.
Standard tuning of a guitar is EADGBE, from the lowest (thickest) to the highest (thinnest) string. Each string has it's own particular pitch, which corresponds to a note on the musical scale. Alternate tuning changes the pitch of some or all of the strings to get a different sound. This obviously changes the way that chords are shaped and the guitar is fretted.
Drop D
Drop D is the most common alternate tuning, and it involves lowering the pitch of your 6th string (thickest) from the pitch of E to the pitch of D. The easiest way to accomplish this is to play the D string of your guitar. Now loosen the 6th string until it sounds like your D string.
Some electronic tuners have Drop D built in. If your tuner does not, then use your guitar as a reference.
Drop D is most commonly used in songs that are played within the key of D. When tuned to Drop D, the D chord has much more bass and presence. Examples of songs played in Drop D include "Stupid Boy", "Days Go By" and "Who Wouldn't Wanna Be Me" by Keith Urban, "Wanted Dead or Alive" by Bon Jovi, and many other classic guitar anthems.
In the next article, we will check out Open Tunings, and how you can use them to expand your guitar vocabulary.
Mon, 25 Feb 2008 04:01:00 +0100
If you have ever read a guitar magazine, you have undoubtedly seen a two-page ad touting the Perfect Pitch Ear Training system. The course, developed by David Lucas Burge, claims to be able to teach musicians how to distinguish notes when they hear them. For instance, I could strum any chord in the world, and you would be able to tell me exactly what chord that is. It's a pretty bold claim, and I decided to bite the bullet and order the program.
Here Is My Review:
The course sells for about $160, but you can generally find it cheaper on eBay. You get a packet with a bunch of CD's and some literature to help you with your training. The first few discs prepare you for what you are about to learn, and David Lucas Burge gives background on how he discovered the "secret" to perfect pitch. When you finally get to the lessons, he warns you that even if you don't feel like you are progressing, you should keep going on with the lessons until your ear "opens up". If you do a lesson every couple of days, you should expect to spend about a month on the course if you do it correctly, and do the practice exercises.
So Does It Work?
Yes and No. After finishing the course, I did catch myself listening to music in a new way. Now I am able to distinguish major, minor, diminished, 7th and augmented chords from one another with no problem. I consider myself to have a pretty good ear, but the course did not allow me to name pitches as the course advertised. But I do feel like the course definitely improved my ear.
Is It Worth It?
It depends. I am glad that I did the course, and I think there is benefit to every musician when it comes to improving their musical ear. The price is a little steep, and I would in no way classify this product as a scam, as I would many other musical instruction products (Curt Mitchell - I'm looking at you). The Perfect Pitch system is by no means a miracle cure. You cannot just listen to the CD's and suddenly gain perfect pitch. The course takes quite a bit of work and time, as any decent training product should.
If you want to improve your ear, and you don't mind doing a little work, then my recommendation is to give the Perfect Pitch Ear Training SuperCourse a shot. Especially if you can get a deal on eBay.
Fri, 22 Feb 2008 19:26:00 +0100
One of the things that I will do with this blog is review some of the best known guitar instruction products on the market. There are thousands of books and DVD's and CD's all promising to make you the next Hendrix within the month. While I can guarantee that none of them will do any such thing, there are a lot of really great tools out there to help you get better at playing the guitar.
I am going to be reviewing a few products that I have personally used in the past. Some of them are great, while some of them are a rip-off. You should know what to expect before spending a bunch of your money. If you have your eye on an instructional product that you would like for me to take a look at, please drop me a note in the comment section and I will check it out. If you are a publisher and would like for me to review your product on this site, please feel free to contact me.
Important:
One thing that I promise, is that I will NEVER review a product for compensation. There are too many "review" sites on the internet that don't provide honest reviews. I'll review the good and the bad, and give you my honest opinion about what you should do with your money. So rest assured, that I will never accept any kickbacks from anyone for a favorable review of a product.
Thu, 21 Feb 2008 23:51:00 +0100
I'm sure to get lots of hate mail after this post, but I really do feel strongly about this topic. If you have a guitar teacher, and your learning a lot, then good for you! Unfortunately, many people are stuck with teachers that charge them a lot of money, and they don't progress with their playing as quickly as they would like. Here's why I advocate teaching yourself how to play the guitar.
1. The largest database of guitar knowledge is at your fingers.
Your looking at it! The internet is filled with millions of pages of information about
guitar playing. It's free, and the amount that you can learn by reading limitless. If
your thinking "I can read all day, but I need someone to show me how to PLAY!!", then
don't worry...I'm getting there.
2. Guitar teachers teach the way they were taught.
How's that for a tongue twister? Unfortunately, the vast majority of guitar teachers
do not adapt their teaching style for individual students. They may teach certain songs that you want to learn, but the method of teaching is the same. Some teach by sheet music, others by TAB, and still others want their students to rely solely on their ear. There are benefits and drawbacks to each of these methods, but the student should have the choice as to which method is best for them. By the time you figure out that you can't learn from your guitar teacher, you've probably already paid them a couple hundred bucks.
3. It's really expensive.
It's always blown my mind how expensive guitar lessons are. I've always thought that in some ways it would be much easier to be a teacher, rather than a recording and touring musician, and I have contemplated taking students in the past. I mean $30- $60 an hour is pretty good money for teaching a 16 year old how to play a couple Nirvana songs. The bottom line is, you can learn the guitar MUCH faster when you teach yourself. You aren't hindered by weekly assignments and certain songs to play, etc. Dropping a few hundred bucks a month on guitar lessons is just crazy. Crazier still is how many people don't hesitate to do it.
4. You develop your teacher's style...not your own.
It's just natural. Your teacher plays something, and you try to emulate it. When you
start out this way, it becomes very difficult to develop your own personal style and
technique, because your playing everything the exact same way as your teacher. It
certainly helps to try to emulate legendary guitarists (I mean guys like Hendrix...not
your guitar teacher), but only after you have a few chords and scales under your belt.
Trying to start from scratch with someone else's style will hinder your own creativity as you progress.
5. Playing should not be practice.
I like to tell people that I have never practiced the guitar in my life. It's true! I don't
practice...I play. The difference is that when I have a guitar in my hands, it's fun. I'm
not thinking about getting better, or nervous about screwing up, because I'm just enjoying myself. This becomes difficult with a teacher in the mix, because there is someone there to judge your abilities, and to critique your mistakes. When learning the guitar, it should first and foremost be a fun thing to do. I believe that this is why almost everyone tries to play the guitar, but very few actually stick with it. You'll get frustrated and discouraged as you learn, but make sure your having FUN!!
The bottom line is this
You DO NOT have to have a guitar teacher to play the guitar. I went to one lesson when I was 15, and have never been back. You don't need to spend money on lessons and a killer new Martin or Taylor. Head down to the pawn shop and pick up the cheapest beater you can find. My first guitar had a warped neck, a crooked bridge, and strings that played about a half inch off the fretboard. You can blow all your money on awesome guitars later...for now, just have some fun learning how to make music!
Thu, 21 Feb 2008 23:17:00 +0100
Thanks for stopping by. This blog is brand new, so please bear with me as I load up new information.
The idea for this blog came from the idea that LOTS of people desperately want to play the guitar, and just can't seem to get over the "hump". I realized just how many people were interested in simple guitar instruction when I posted a few videos on YouTube. At first, I posted a video of myself playing a cover of Keith Urban's "Stupid Boy". The response was great, and soon I had hundreds of people asking me to post another video showing them how to play the song.
I posted two video's attempting to show everyone how I play "Stupid Boy". The response was overwhelming. Thousands of people have sent me messages to tell me how much my videos have helped them. As a guitar player, it is a joy for me to see others pick up the instrument and find enjoyment. This blog will cover a wide range of topics that lots of people want to know about, but are too afraid to ask for fear of looking like an "idiot".
Musicians in general seem to have over inflated egos, and guitar players seem to be the worst. This blog is for everyone. If you can play every note of "Cliff's of Dover" while you are standing on your head, then welcome! If your fingers are bleeding at the moment and you are still infuriated by the "G" chord, then hopefully this blog can make your guitar playing much more enjoyable!