I feel ashamed.

mabufo · Unread post by **mabufo** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 1:53 am

Welp, my name is matt... and I've been playing guitar for a while now; and I've come to a realization. The more and more I play -- the more and more I realize that I have no idea what I'm playing. I'm not a god awful player because I'm no good (I like to think I have ability) but I'm no good because I don't know what I'm playing. Ever. So its time for me to wake up and get serious. If I want to advance, I need to learn what I'm playing, ad where to go from there.

My question to you all is: Where should I start? I've browsed the forums for a while now and have spotted some things like: chord theory, and the like. I've also spotted a few things about memorizing the entire fretboard (obviously there's a pattern to it.. but..). The main problem I have is that I'm overwhelmed and don't know where to start, what to do, or how to do it. So anything you guys could do -wether it be advice, links, or plain old encouragement.. well - it would help and I'd apprechiate it.

One last thing: you all have a pretty impressive comunity here - and I think I'll stick around for a while.

brian_ok · Unread post by **brian_ok** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 2:06 am

honestly, the realization of how little you know (no offense) says that you're better than you give yourself credit for. (as opposed to the "3 chord ninjas" who will tell you that they can rip it up at guitar :lol:

)

The way I see it, there are two aspects of improving at guitar. (This is my viewpoint, take it with a grain of salt. I am competent, but there are far better players on here.)

Physical (how fast can you pick? can you play hard songs? have you mastered any techniques like tapping or sweep picking, etc.)

and

Theoretical (can you identify notes on the fretboard? do you know how to construct a major chord? can you sight read/read standard notation? etc.)

I think that both of these facets need to be developed in order to truly improve, both as a guitarist and a musician. Enough of me talking; I would recommend:

Modern Method for Guitar by William Leavitt
(for sight reading, physical dexterity in both hands, exercises...)
and
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Theory.
(to give you a better understanding of, well, music theory...the chord theory you mentioned, and MUUUUUCH more.)

That's all I really have to say...Good luck!

Teego Time · Unread post by **Teego Time** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 2:10 am

Well, I'm not experienced enough to give you the all encumpassing "This is the key to guitar!"

I guess it depends on how far you want to go really. If you want to compose your own music, then lessons and theory are a BIG advantage. But if you just want to do covers then theory isn't as much of a necessity. However if you want to solo, some scales and fretboard memorization help out tremendously.

It also depends on how far along you are already. If you have trouble switching between chords, then you need to be more comfortable with guitar basics before you can start getting better.

I'll assume that you're just beginning. (Although I doubt it.)

I'd get comfortable switching between all main chords, i.e: A,E,C,D,G,F,Am,Em,Cadd9,Bm - ect... Coldplay is a good band to look at these chords, as songs like Green Eyes, The Scientist, and A Message are all simple songs that use basic chord shapes.

Also get comfortable with power and barr chords. Learning Jack Johnson will help you here, as most of his songs are nothing more than barr and power chords, with some ornamentation (fancy shit). It might be hard to press all those strings down, but keep practicing and you'll develope techniques to relieve the strain on your hand. Not to mention you'll just get stronger.

I also recommend learning how to pick individual strings out on the fly. This is a bit more advanced, but will set you apart from a lot of other guitarists. Practicing songs like Crash will help you with that. I also recommend just playing basic chord progressions like: Am -> G -> D, but instead of just strumming it, sometimes try and pick individual strings out. Also just plain practicing songs will help, like the first part of The Stone.

Strumming technique is important too because it's how you carry your rhythm in your music. Learn to strum when needed, and learn how to develope an ear for the "beat" or rhythm in strumming patterns. Also it's good to learn when you can mute at any time, this'll make you unique to most guitarists and can really spice things up when you're playing live.

There's a lot more I can go into. Obviously the more you play, the more songs you learn, and the more seriouse you are about it, the better you'll get. I think the last thing you should do is practice proper technique. Serisouly - learn things the right way. Fixing something when you're fresh is MUCH easier than when you've developed a bad habit. For instance, learn not to depend on your left thumb wrapping around the fretboard for stability, properly it should be placed behind the fretboard so you can press harder with your fingers. Unless of course you're doing some funky John Mayer chords.

Alright I'm tired. Hope this helps!

onid41 · Unread post by **onid41** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 2:12 am

To tell you the truth i really don't know what the heck im playing either..i just learn tabs and play it. When i first picked up the guitar i learned the basic chord shapes first and got used to them. Then i started learning all dmb stuff and thats what i basically know now. Im planning on taking lessons to get me to that next step because my knowledge is really stuck at this one point right now.

THere are way more knowledgeable people on these boards than me that will sure help you out.

dmbtabs.com, welcome to it.

brian_ok · Unread post by **brian_ok** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 2:17 am

Another thing, I would recommend lessons if at all possible. Playing and learning with a much more advanced player REALLY helps.

Twostep13 · Unread post by **Twostep13** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 2:35 am

if you want to become a muscian that can do all the stuff perfect from a music standpoint, i suggest taking lessons... but if you want to develop your own style, then i suggest self teaching... just elarn things from websites, friends, things like that... you'll start picking up on things, like how notes follow each other and what chords go together and such... im kinda in the same pickle as you.. i know what im playing, but i dont exactly know why it all works together ya know...what im starting to do know is go to http://www.guitarists.net/scales/index.php
and start learning some scales, and what each note is on the fret board... i think once i know that and learna little about how things go together it'll will be much easier

mabufo · Unread post by **mabufo** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 2:00 pm

Well, I can do all the basics - I know how to play I just don;t know what I'm playing - you know? I can't sightread... I can't tell what notes are what on the fretboard... but I do know a few chords. To quote teego time the 'major chords: A,E,C,D,G,F,Am,Em,Cadd9,Bm' I know all the ones listed there - but That's really the extent of my knowledge of what is going on. I know nothing about different keys, modes, or really anything. I have the basic techniques.. but I want to get serious about it now.

I've been stuck at the point of 'just learning songs' for a while now. Sure it helps me play chords I've never seen, but that becomes a problem if I can play the chord and then not recall the name of the chord I had just played.

wayward_blue · Unread post by **wayward_blue** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 2:45 pm

How to write songs on Guitar by Rikky Rooksby is a great book that will help explain music theory on guitar. Also gives some great tips on song writing IMO. Idiots guide to Music theory is also a good book. I recommend self teaching because thats how I did it and its worked fine. Your best tool will be your eyes, just read as much as you can in books, on internet, anything you can get your hands on. Oh and use these boards you can learn a lot on here.

Teego Time · Unread post by **Teego Time** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 3:36 pm

mabufo wrote:Well, I can do all the basics - I know how to play I just don;t know what I'm playing - you know? I can't sightread... I can't tell what notes are what on the fretboard... but I do know a few chords. To quote teego time the 'major chords: A,E,C,D,G,F,Am,Em,Cadd9,Bm' I know all the ones listed there - but That's really the extent of my knowledge of what is going on. I know nothing about different keys, modes, or really anything. I have the basic techniques.. but I want to get serious about it now.

I've been stuck at the point of 'just learning songs' for a while now. Sure it helps me play chords I've never seen, but that becomes a problem if I can play the chord and then not recall the name of the chord I had just played.

Alright, then a technique I've learned, while tedius, will help you understand the fretboard and such better.

Take a typical chord like C - and figure out what notes form to make a C. I also found that a fretboard trainer helps out tremendously when learning the notes on the guitar. I spent like two days doing it for the first 4 frets and then I knew where all those notes are. There was a free one of those posted here a while ago I believe. I'd host it, but it got deleted from my comp.

Edit: Also a little game I play - To develope an ear for sound: When I'm practicing by myself, I'll play a random note on the fretboard and try to make the best guess at what note that is. Then I'll cross reference it with a known note to see if I got it right. If so then I move on, if not then I look for the correct note until I've got it.

JCork · Unread post by **JCork** » Sun Jan 08, 2006 9:51 am

just stay with it, thats all. i had an experience like you as well except i was in 7th grade and i felt like i just hit a block after playing guitar for two years. i actually took a semi break(for about a month), picked it back up and have been playing the best i have played since that point. good luck

dmb_josh · Unread post by **dmb_josh** » Sun Jan 08, 2006 10:05 am

Welcome to the boards, you will find a lot of encouragement as well as tips and advice here.

Teego Time makes a great point. Have you ever asked yourself what a chord is? All the major cords have the same composition (1,3,5 of the respective scale), and recognizing what makes them up will give you greater freedom when exploring the rest of the neck. Look at how an F barre cord transitions to a G barre cord. Check out how an A minor turns into a B Minor. That in itself can be very helpful. See what happens when you flatten certain notes. "The Idiot's Guide to Music Theory" is a great book to start off with, and it will walk you through everything you want to know.

I know that scales were mentioned above, and learning them is a very important step in becoming familiar and comfortable with your guitar. Just take one at a time, pick slowly through the notes, identify them as you go. See how the patterns for any given scale interlock down the fretboard. Go slow! Patience is very important, and with hard work comes real satisfaction. None of this comes overnight, contrary to what some of your friends may say. Again, try to go slow, because you are training your muscles to remember the movements. When you try to play something faster than you know it, the muscles are remembering the wrong movements, and that can be detrimental in your progress.

It was suggested earlier, and music/guitar lessons with a good instructor can be invaluable. Regular practice time on your own (maybe 30 minutes a night or something) is important. Also, talk to any musicians you may know (piano players, etc.), they will most likely be excited to talk about music, and because it is a universal language, the same concepts they talk about will apply to your playing.

It sounds like you have a great start, and if you are dedicated to learning I think everything will come together for you. Feel free to ask any questions, the guys here will always be happy to help.

Josh

TaylorGuy110 · Unread post by **TaylorGuy110** » Fri Jan 13, 2006 12:29 am

i found this, it may help you get started!

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http://s38.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=08W7 ... YGKDVIE94N

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takeit · Unread post by **takeit** » Sat Jan 14, 2006 3:36 pm

another way of improving besides lessons, books, or killing yourself with scales is to surround yourself with good players. when i was in college i met some older hippie players that were so talented and educated. i learned so much just by watching and listening and asking. just jamming with people (in the flesh) will clean up your playing a lot. i know everyone and their dog says this, but its true. you should listen to a lot of different styles of music. someone who has improved my playing is willie nelson. i think he is one of the greatest players ever. what he is playing is not too "technically" difficult, it is how he is playing it. you know, like the notes in between the notes. his music just breathes. anyway, just my two cents.

im not saying go buy willie cd's. just an example of someone who has inspired me to improve.

a1075dd63aa12 · Unread post by **a1075dd63aa12** » Sat Jan 14, 2006 4:00 pm

takeit wrote:another way of improving besides lessons, books, or killing yourself with scales is to surround yourself with good players. when i was in college i met some older hippie players that were so talented and educated. i learned so much just by watching and listening and asking. just jamming with people (in the flesh) will clean up your playing a lot. i know everyone and their dog says this, but its true. you should listen to a lot of different styles of music. someone who has improved my playing is willie nelson. i think he is one of the greatest players ever. what he is playing is not too "technically" difficult, it is how he is playing it. you know, like the notes in between the notes. his music just breathes. anyway, just my two cents.

im not saying go buy willie cd's. just an example of someone who has inspired me to improve.

thats awesome advice, it seems like whenever i jam with other people, i do things ive never thought about doing, its the whole spur of the moment type thing and you kind of get wrapped up with the group and their abilities almost translate to you, its wierd but really cool.

wayward_blue · Unread post by **wayward_blue** » Sun Jan 15, 2006 9:50 am

Yes, jammin' with other people is great! it'll help give you some ideas that you may not think of on your own. You can learn a lot from other musicians. When I first started playing I would go out to bars and watch a lot of solo acoustic acts and watch what they were doing. Usually after the shows I would talk with them and ask some questions (most are generally cool people and would love to talk music with you but don't be discouraged if you run into a dick here and there). This helped my playing tremendously! I even made a few new friends and now 6 years later I get together with a lot of them and Jam regularly.

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