How did you learn to solo/shred?

[dr_time]

So, I played guitar/keys in a band for about 7 years. I have a really good ear, and have been able to "fake" my way through alot... I can write, and I guess you'd call me a hack..... or a rhythm guitarist! ;)

I'd like to "woodshed" for a while, and really improve my chops as a soloist.... because it's the one area of guitar that I can honestly say I really, really lack in. I can pick out slow/soaring leads, but nothing even close to "confident soloing".

So, I ask those who can out there in Kramer land....what's your method? Painstakingly learning scales? Learning other people's songs? A mixture of both?

How did YOU learn, and/or how are you learning?

[dimefan]

i am by no means proficient. but i trained with a git grad for 3 years and mostly it was just scales, practicing picking techs, and playing songs that incorporate the certain scale/technique.

[PacerMedic]

Unfortunately scales and their interrelationship on the fretboard are a big part of being able to solo fast. Not having to think about a handy note to switch to, or what mode would sound good on top of the present rhythm is the mark of a top shredder as improvisation is necessary for a good live sound. :toast

[Spadeace]

I still haven't :happy1 Well to learn i guess watching alot of your favorite shredders playing their specific licks could work well :thumbsup

[PacerMedic]

I still haven't :happy1 Well to learn i guess watching alot of your favorite shredders playing their specific licks could work well :thumbsup

That only makes you a total ripoff of someone else's style. Learn to improvise and compose so you're chewin' yer own flavor. It's lame to spit out the same person's tunes and licks over and over; makes you seem like a stalker. :lol

[paul525715]

So, I ask those who can out there in Kramer land....what's your method?

personally... Drink beer, relax, realise you don't have the time to practice 127 different variations of the mixylodian, dorian and phrygian and play parisienne walkways... AGAIN.

(Yes... that's right. I can't shred, and I'm happy!)

Paul

[sticktrix1]

personally.. i take mayb 1 or 2 notes that i really like from a solo and i work things around them...

notes that have character i mean... not something thats boring as such... notes that stand out... build licks around that

also bent notes that are only bent up 25cents or so... or bent up really fast then dropped back down and slowly bent up (love that one myself)


i watch alot of players... steal there licks:D and play them straight as they play em for a while.

then i'll use the same rhythmic ostinato and mayb add those 1 or 2 notes in the lick i stole to make it sound spicey as such... give it a different flavour, and use it in a different context.

but hey, if its good enough for beethoven. Its good enough for me :D

[sticktrix1]

some say you shouldn't steal licks as such... but hey inspiration doesn' come from nowhere... You don't lay in a dark black room and suddenly a burst of light and the hand of the lord comes down and says here have a lick..
you gotta get out there steal as much as ya can from all different players so you have a larger array of possibilities when it comes time to make it your own, (as such)

[wookie6662002]

i have the suckiest guitar teacher in the world he refuses to teach me the mixolydian scale etc. he doesnt teach me ANY scales he only wants to go over the minor pentatonics all the time, so i'm basically self taught but i would also like to know how to shred properly,
not much point to this post but oh well hahaha

[sticktrix1]

i have the suckiest guitar teacher in the world he refuses to teach me the mixolydian scale etc. he doesnt teach me ANY scales he only wants to go over the minor pentatonics all the time, so i'm basically self taught but i would also like to know how to shred properly,
not much point to this post but oh well hahaha

Yeah drop him like a wet cleanex, mayb the next tutor will learn from his experience.:D

i think its somewhat better to be self taught.... you can go in the exact direction you want to go, without having to learn songs from nirvana....:-x oh the good ole days lol.

[_xxx_]

1. practice, practice, practice
2. play with other people as often as you can

Not much more to it really.

[sticktrix1]

2. play with other people as often as you can


+1:thumbsup that means watch everything they do and cop all the licks off em:lol

at least there isn't a guitar lick jail... i'd be doin 20 years.

[imbas]

I never thought I could learn shredding. I've played lead for years, but the 80s and shredders, just seemed way too fast. I found out it's all in how you practice. Get a metronome, and do the basic practice exercises that everyone recommends, for example, Steve Vai's 10 hour practice routine. Not everyone has 10 hours to practice, but the basic exercises are there. You just have to keep doing it and edging up that metronome, and in a few months, you'll have your basic speed up to ripping. Then put them to use with that pentatonic scale, learn all the positions and you'll be a long way there. The rest of the scales are useful for basic knowlege, but the pentatonic covers 99% of rock. Learn the Circle of Fifths too, that's a huge key. that's my 2 cents

[slashrox]

My Solo technique sucks :D and my "shred technique" sucks :D

I'm a shitty guitar player in general :happy1

Thats all I have to say :lol

[mmmtacos]

We were so poor all we had was a console stereo that had a guitar amp channel in it. I had a turntable and a cassete recorder. It was just record it to tape and play a part - rewind -play a part - rewind.........

You get the idea:D

[halo71]

My Solo technique sucks :D and my "shred technique" sucks :D

I'm a shitty guitar player in general :happy1

Thats all I have to say :lol

^ ahhh, I have found my twin guitarist!

[KrameRemarK]

... I haven't learnt yet. These damn wooden things have 6 steel strings which hurt my fingers! :D
I still have a severe case of GAS and sometimes my guitar playing comes in second best. Oh well, one day my playing may catch up ..... hopefully. ;)

[Warlord]

get down with scales (for metal, minor and pentatonic,etc) and arpeggios. Even though you don't want to be a virtuoso, arpeggios really helps you discovering mysterious chords on the fretboard and compatible notes. :thumbsup

[Warlord]

i have the suckiest guitar teacher in the world he refuses to teach me the mixolydian scale etc. he doesnt teach me ANY scales he only wants to go over the minor pentatonics all the time, so i'm basically self taught but i would also like to know how to shred properly,
not much point to this post but oh well hahaha
Drop his ass man :fart
(man this smile is so...LOL)
But really, a teacher who doesn't want to teach you the things that you want to learn isn't a teacher. A good teacher advises you what you could learn for a better rising of your technique.

[keithp]

A trick I learned on Harmony Central-

Outside of shredding and blues, a great tip for basic soloing is:
Obviously, know the key and scales well enough to improvise, but then, just play nursery rhymes for the solo, not verbatim of course, but imagine something and play it wrong on purpose, while staying in key, you will find that the solo structure is a song within a song, and this is a great way to style out.

As far as shredding goes, the scales and metronome already mentioned are your best bet.

If your teacher won't teach you, then there are 100000000 web sites that will for free. Scales are easy to find.

When it comes to blues, well, I don't have any strategic suggestions other than stealing seom SRV riffs and exploring from there.

[Mac]

learnt as many bon jovi solo's as possible, then played them faster and faster, then moved onto van halen solo's and voila i can improvise solo's and shredding

[dr_time]

Drop his ass man :fart
(man this smile is so...LOL)
But really, a teacher who doesn't want to teach you the things that you want to learn isn't a teacher. A good teacher advises you what you could learn for a better rising of your technique.

I've never had a guitar teacher for more than a month for this very reason. Don't get me wrong, I learned some neat things here and there, but I have yet to "click" with a teacher.

Maybe i'm just stubborn...or ADD....or lazy.... :bong

[dr_time]

learnt as many bon jovi solo's as possible, then played them faster and faster, then moved onto van halen solo's and voila i can improvise solo's and shredding

That means i would have to listen to Bon Jovi!

I'll get drunk with Richie Sambora, but I don't know if I can listen to his music. ;) Especially the god awful @#%* they've made in the past 5 years.

[dr_time]

All great tips and info guys! Guess there's really no shortcut to Shredville.

*dusts off my metronome*

[markshredder]

Definitely play with other people. Join different types of band, even if you are not really into the music, the challenge is fun. Scales are incredibly useful, but even better if you hear them and get the chance to put them into a musical context.

College for me was my formative time as a guitar player, I didn't even study music, but I'd sit around all day with like minded individuals playing. It was almost competitive. We would set challenges like "learn the Metallica back catalogue" - in hindsight that music is all much of a muchness, but it was some incentive to keep learning. I remember staying up all night trying to learn the "Blackened" solo because I didn't want to go to college in shame... that's the sort of motivation that gets stuff done.

[dr_time]

Definitely play with other people. Join different types of band, even if you are not really into the music, the challenge is fun. Scales are incredibly useful, but even better if you hear them and get the chance to put them into a musical context.

College for me was my formative time as a guitar player, I didn't even study music, but I'd sit around all day with like minded individuals playing. It was almost competitive. We would set challenges like "learn the Metallica back catalogue" - in hindsight that music is all much of a muchness, but it was some incentive to keep learning. I remember staying up all night trying to learn the "Blackened" solo because I didn't want to go to college in shame... that's the sort of motivation that gets stuff done.

Yeah, I've always been told to "Always play with people better than you", and that has certainly helped. However, everyone I've played with is at the same level as me as far as guitar goes.

Guess it's time to find some new players. I'm moving to TX soon, so maybe i'll learn some country licks. ;)

[Mac]

That means i would have to listen to Bon Jovi!

I'll get drunk with Richie Sambora, but I don't know if I can listen to his music. ;) Especially the god awful @#%* they've made in the past 5 years.

i agree with the last album definately

listen to slippery WW and New Jersey and sambora's solo albums destination anywhere and stranger in this town.

:thumbsup

[amerturk]

You have to learn to rethink your interpretation of speaking through your fingers. While learning scales, players tend to just play them in order to learn them. Soloing comes from the art of mixing it up a little. It's not that difficult, but there are a few rules to follow. When switching up, you have to stay in time...this means that not all notes with be 1/8 notes or 1/16 notes, you may have to put two together to make one note (for example)

Now try this: Read what I just wrote at normal speed, now read it slower, now as fast as you can. Now part slow then fast and slow at the ending. Do all three in the same time period. Now if you can take that example and translate it into your fingers, you have an idea of soloing.

Soloing is not just how fast a shredder can burn up licks....this was all too comman in the 80's. How many guitarists can you name off the top of your head from the 80's? Not many. Now think of some players that had a "Feeling" in their notes.

The idea is to speak and show emotion through your fingers. It doesn't matter how fast or slow it is, although it must have a part of you in it.

Hope that helps.

[floydkramer]

ive found that some of the best learning experiances ive had has been playing with lots of other people/bands. like many have already said.
youve got to practice on your own, but youve also got to mix it up with others and get as much flavor as you can.

[god_that_failed]

I've been playing violin for 11 years and guitar for 3, so I take my knowledge of the violin to the guitar. I HATE copying solos, but it is essential in building control as it keeps you from running off and just fucking around on the guitar.

I just play, to be honest. There's no "learning" to shred, there's just developing being comfortable enough to play fast without struggling to do so.

-David

[god_that_failed]

Oh yeah, being a rattlehead doesn't hurt either. :evilrobot

[Shwayman11]

I agree with Casey- thats pretty much what I do. I first learned from a GIT grad for a while (I still take lessons with him when I'm home from school) and all i worked on there was picking and scales. I pretty much decided all I wanna play in is pentatonic and so I erased all the rest from my mind.

Now that I'm on my own (so to speak) I find practice boring. If it feels like practice it isn't fun for me. So what I do is I have a "Riff of the Week" that I do. Basically I'll just pick a lick or a riff from a song I really like and learn it well enough that I can eventually incorporate that into my playing. So far its helped me a lot and its actually a lot of fun.

Another thing I recomend is jamming with a bunch of people- especially if they're better than you. Its tough for me at college cuz im the only true "rock"/shred guy so I don't really get much out of anyone here

My last suggestion is just play in a band. I improve in leaps and bounds when I'm motivated to practice for an upcomming gig

good luck man!

[bkeen]

Obviously, know the key and scales well enough to improvise

I don't consider myself a shredder but for soloing this is the key as I see it. You have to know what notes make up the chord pattern (rhythm) being played to and the key it is played in. I hear so many self proclaimed shredders that are shredding alright, just playing stolen riffs that have no relationship to the music they are playing to and ruining a good piece. A good soloist is first a really good rhythm guitarist that knows what notes gel with what chords and in the appropriate keys. Learning scales is an excellent way of becoming proficient at, playing scales? What I mean is it is great excercize but don't just play scales at high speed to shred.

Just playing ripped off riffs or programmed melodies is called pattern soloing. You just use patterns depending on the key. Meh, it is a good starting point but you have to do a little more exploration to bring it to life with the music. Then there are players that seem to forget what they have done before and start new with every song. This is random soloing. More difficult to just jam to anything. But it is usually the more original sounding riffs...

Now with this in mind, when you know what notes not to use in different keys and with different chords, let your mind go and let your fingers walk...

Studying Music theory helps too! :D ;)


:thumbsup

[84Dreamer]

i have the suckiest guitar teacher in the world he refuses to teach me the mixolydian scale etc. he doesnt teach me ANY scales he only wants to go over the minor pentatonics all the time, so i'm basically self taught but i would also like to know how to shred properly,
not much point to this post but oh well hahaha


Drop him NOW. Don't waste your money. I'm a guitar teacher and that guy probably doesn't know the Mixolydian scale. When you shop for guitar teachers check their resume's. If they teach out of a store they should have a list of references and experience. Don't settle for anything less than an experienced, well trained teacher. (hopefully without a large ruler). lol:lol

I started learning at age 11 so I'm basically self taught but I took piano lessons as a teen and have a good, solid knowledge of music theory. Timing is everything. Knowledge of scales and modes will take the mystery out of the fretboard and help you find your own voice when you solo. Playing with bands and others is invaluable. I learned a lot when I was in bands......and from going to watch bands. The old "tried and true" playing along with records was how I first learned to play....before any lessons came along. You have to have a good ear and the rest will follow if you are dedicated and practice. I can't stress learning to read music enough......it is invaluable when you want to play with professionals, write your own music, and/or transpose music.

As far as shredding, I don't claim to be fast....I'm too freakin' old for the fingers to "shred" much less move like they used to LOL..but to work up speed I would suggest starting slow and building up speed gradually. Don't sacrifice sound for speed. I sit in front of the tv with an unplugged guitar sometimes just running thru exercises up and down the fretboard. Then I go take two aspirin for the pain.
LOL (Just kidding)

Best of luck!

:strat :vee :strat :vee :strat :vee

[bkeen]

As far as shredding, I don't claim to be fast....I'm too freakin' old for the fingers to "shred" much less move like they used to LOL..Then I go take two aspirin for the pain.
LOL (Just kidding)


I KNOW what you mean...
I feel your pain!

:D

:thumbsup

[84Dreamer]

I KNOW what you mean...
I feel your pain!

:D

:thumbsup

HAHA It sucks getting old.....pass the aspirin and the easy chair so I can "shred" softly on my geeetar. :lol Here's an easy chair for you, too. LOL
Although I think I'm older......I need it more...does it have wheels? lol:toast

[bkeen]

Who was pres when you were born?

;)

[84Dreamer]

Who was pres when you were born?

;)

We didn't have President's then......:nono

:happy1

uhm.........his first name was Dwight. I like "Ike" I'm a '57 model.

How's that?

[bkeen]

We didn't have President's then......:nono

:happy1

uhm.........his first name was Dwight. I love "Ike"

How's that?

I was born 2 years into his first term ;)

[84Dreamer]

I was born 2 years into his first term ;)


You win...but it's close!! I think we start counting backwards for birthdays now....if I can remember how to do that....lol:toast
:lol

[bkeen]

You win...but it's close!! I think we start counting backwards for birthdays now....if I can remember how to do that....lol:toast
:lol

Not until I get my SS and retirement checks! :D

I want to get to 66 and not age 1 day more for ever.... :D

Remember the song Free Ride.... :D

:thumbsup

[84Dreamer]

Not until I get my SS and retirement checks! :D

I want to get to 66 and not age 1 day more for ever.... :D

Remember the song Free Ride.... :D

:thumbsup

Yep, I hear ya!:thumbsup *singin'* "take it easyyyy" lol;)

[Warlord]

man I know that song from...I really don't know. Maybe from a GTA game? Dunno...:scratchhe

[BeN5150]

"Shredding" is the ghey IMHO, If you can't play with feel you can't play Bluesy solos Rock the fuckin house everytime, you can speed shit up, and tap and all that, but I guess I am talking shred by todays standards, as opposed to the 80's, which still had alot of awful shit.

the best solo out of the 80's IMHO...Life Goes On by Poison, emotional shredding, not EMO shredding

[dr_time]

"Shredding" is the ghey IMHO, If you can't play with feel you can't play Bluesy solos Rock the fuckin house everytime, you can speed shit up, and tap and all that, but I guess I am talking shred by todays standards, as opposed to the 80's, which still had alot of awful shit.

the best solo out of the 80's IMHO...Life Goes On by Poison, emotional shredding, not EMO shredding

I completely agree, I just figured I'd consider the audience and entertain the idea of "shredding". ;)

[sticktrix1]

I completely agree, I just figured I'd consider the audience and entertain the idea of "shredding". ;)

yes i believe that shredding is a great tool when used in rhythmic patterns that are defined and aren't just one big MOOSH! and also used melodically.
preferably in short bursts!

[slashrox]

^ ahhh, I have found my twin guitarist!

:yikes SO YOU'RE MY LONG LOST TWIN?!

:happy1

[BeN5150]

I completely agree, I just figured I'd consider the audience and entertain the idea of "shredding". ;)

:thumbsup It's funny as hell, I know a bunch of guys who are into that all-sweeping, fast as hell type stuff, and when we jam I always go, "but can you play some stuff like this?" and play some nice and slow stuff with some heavy bends and a bit of tapping thrown in there, but not over quick, not dis-similar to the Running With The Devil solo, just with a bit more added to it:thumbsup

they always struggle. :scratchhe

it seems to me that you can teach a guitar player how to play fast as a bullet, but you can't teach a guitar player to play with feel:thumbsup

***

Chicken Pickin' is the best shred :thumbsup

[dr_time]

:thumbsup It's funny as hell, I know a bunch of guys who are into that all-sweeping, fast as hell type stuff, and when we jam I always go, "but can you play some stuff like this?" and play some nice and slow stuff with some heavy bends and a bit of tapping thrown in there, but not over quick, not dis-similar to the Running With The Devil solo, just with a bit more added to it:thumbsup

they always struggle. :scratchhe

it seems to me that you can teach a guitar player how to play fast as a bullet, but you can't teach a guitar player to play with feel:thumbsup

***

Chicken Pickin' is the best shred :thumbsup

My band had a previous bass player that was just a technical MONSTER on Bass. Played like a robot. But that was exactly our problem with him, he played like a robot, no feeling!

[84Dreamer]

:thumbsup It's funny as hell, I know a bunch of guys who are into that all-sweeping, fast as hell type stuff, and when we jam I always go, "but can you play some stuff like this?" and play some nice and slow stuff with some heavy bends and a bit of tapping thrown in there, but not over quick, not dis-similar to the Running With The Devil solo, just with a bit more added to it:thumbsup

they always struggle. :scratchhe

it seems to me that you can teach a guitar player how to play fast as a bullet, but you can't teach a guitar player to play with feel:thumbsup

***

Chicken Pickin' is the best shred :thumbsup

I agree, if you don't have feel you don't have anything but technical know-how. It's generic. AND... There's a fine line between being a teacher and being a "good" teacher.....by that I mean you don't want to give so many exercises and techniques that you take away from the natural ability and creativity of the student...you just want to guide them and give them the tools to express themselves the best way they can. I'm getting a bit deep here, but I think you know what I'm saying.

One of my favorite guitar players is Brian Setzer.
When he plays his version of Sleepwalk it gets me everytime. He likesto mix up his playing techniques a lot to keep things interesting. I learned a lot from Brian's music. It may be Rockabilly, Jazz and fronting his Big Band, but man, IT ROCKS!! The guy CAN PLAY! Check out his solo on the STray Cats' TOO HIP, GOTTA GO and I'm sure you all remember Stray Cat Strut. The guy has it...plain and simple. :thumbsup (well, Brian's playing is NOT simple, but it has a lotta heart and a lotta feel and that's why he's been around so long. The guy ROCKS!

Now Brian......is my check in the mail?;)

[KramerTamer]

I played minor pentatonics for 3 years strait every damn time I picked up the guitar thats what I started with. They are the base of most good bluesy solo's. I bet ive played them up and down millions of times. This was one of the rare tips I read that EVH did. He said that you keep playing them until you can change them up without thinking. If you can't make solo's from them on your own you havn't worked with them enough. I took it to heart and it works. I can blaze through the scales and then all of the sudden stuff comes out of it. It's like writing a song. Seems like every song I learn I eventually rip somethig from it and turn it into something of my own. I think thats how most are done. Lets face it, It's hard to find anything truly new anymore but you can make something new from something old and it sounds very original. It's all repitition and LOTS of it. Play those scales a few hours a day and you HAVE to get fast, and good. You can do it in your sleep. Start adding pinches and trem. Then it just comes. It works for me anyway.

[Mr. Mom]

This certainly isn't the only way or the be all/end all list. But it's a quick 'high level' checklist of to-dos that helped me.

The 'icky' stuff first. ;)

Learn the notes on each string up/down the neck.
Gotta have the address before you can get to the destination. If you're after 'E' and don't know where it is, you'll be knocking on his neighbor 'Eb' or 'F' (as long as you're in the neighborhood). This will make understanding scales/chords/intervals so much easier. It can be a little tedious but trust me, it's a good thing to know.

Learn the modes and relative scales.
Pick one - play it all over the neck, up and down in all the positions, with a metronome** clicking in the background. Start super slow...if you can't play it slow clean 3x in a row you won't be able to fast. Once you get it under your fingers, start altering the picking pattern - same thing, all over starting slow.

Learn the chords associated with those scales/modes.
All positions, up/down the neck, clean and with a metronome. Once you have the chords and understand what scale/mode is associated, you're on your way to rippin' it up on the fly.

**Metronome: start slow. When you can play the exercise 3x in a row smoothly and without a flub, move the BPM up a couple clicks and start again.

The 'Fun' stuff!

Listen to/study other players.
Copy their licks - understand how they work over the changes of the material being played. Borrow from them - take it and make it your own. Everything anyone plays is taken from someone else - and tweaked to their style.

Play live with people BETTER than you.
The best way to learn is to jam with folks better than you are. Never feel intimidated - everyone had to start somewhere. Ask questions. Plus, applying what you have learned live/on the fly is the best way to internalize it. There's only so much you can do setting at home jamming to tracks.

-----

If you can't find folks in the area, try the online sites for backing tracks - where everyone pulls down an arrangement to blow over and then posts their final track. It's fun, and you can learn a ton - from the exercise itself and hearing how others approached the same thing.

-----

You'll internalize these things a little at a time...and over time. Be patient and just keep at it. If you can't practice a minimum of 30 minutes a day, at least pick up the guitar for 10 minutes and play a little to keep the routine and some of the above under your fingers.

If you're after books or learning materials, hollar - I have acquired a bunch of scale/mode relationship books, picking exercise/workout videos, etc from over the years. Be happy to suggest a few.

[flyingvfreak]

:scratchhe Sounds like someone is a Teacher ;) ME I dont know what the hell im doing :D I only know one scale that the Chromatic CDEFGAB etc, and thats it :thumbsup Indeed playing slow helps :) ohh and locking yuor self in the bedroom 8 hrs a day also helps :thumbsup

[imbas]

One more tip, If you're using a regular pick, dump it. Go to Dunlop Jazz III's Once you get used to them you become much more precise and regular picks feel like paddles! Plus the smaller thicker picks are much easier to pull off pinch harmonics with.

[MrScary]

As soon as I learn to play I'll let you know what worked....:D

Eric

[unchained1984]

Back in the day Dave Celentano,Troy Stetina and Wolf Marshall:thumbsup

[MAKiguitars]

Well, at 14 I started on bass guitar playing lots of stuff including Phantom of the opera after two weeks (very sore fingers and blisters). A threshold moment was experienced after watching the movie Weird Science seeing Kelly LeBrock going up the escalator to the sound of Van Halen's cover of Pretty Woman. Life was never the same after that, I bought Diver Down and ploughed into tapping on the bass guitar!

Nino, my former guitar tutor just guided my playing in terms of Rush, Duran Duran and a lot of other bands including Brand X, Pat Travers etc however I was also listening to Andy Summers and programming numerous effects processors such as the Peavey Profex II (still have a soft spot). Anyway to cut a long story short, between Lynch, Van Halen, a little Vai (not too much), Randy Rhodes, and lots of Japanese Animé soundtracks, I was setup for life. All Nino did was to chip away the rough edges as my playing was already there on bass and at 17, I launched into guitar.

I quit the live scene at 20 and began recording. I built three generations of studio and now... I have slipped back with a Macbook Pro, Logic studio and I love burning up and down the fretboard, namely on my Sambora with scalloped board (the same one that Tommyguitars had in two pieces), dare I say it but I love it to death, the other Kramers I have look promising once they are in one piece and not in cardboard boxes;)

Best advice is to keep at it though, I wish I had spent more time playing live now as I am looking for another band once Uni is over this year (around five to six weeks left). The George Lynch Guitar Bible is a great DVD, I bought it last year when I had a craze for Lynch guitars (had four in total), the DVD is excellent and well worth watching, it's true you can teach an old dog new tricks (I'm 35).

Rob

[warbrill]

I was born 2 years into his first term ;)

Bruce, you're my age! January, 1954! :thumbsup
My $.02 on learning to shred - don't! If shredding is an end in itself, you've missed the point. The point is to make music. What do you hear in your head? Can you hum it? If you know your scales, you should be able to approximate what's in your head. Some people are more comfortable going up, so work on going down. If you're better at running the melodies down, work on heading up. If you steal licks, find a new way to use them.
I tell my wife that when I'm evaluating a guitarist or bass player, I'm watching the picking hand more than the one on the fingerboard. That's what sets off the great players to me. The ones who can make notes MEAN something, not just be notes. By no means does this mean I don't play fast, or like to hear fast players. I just don't get a lot out of shredding for shredding's sake. Now I'm back where I started. Pass the aspirin bottle!

[flyingvfreak]

Back in the day Dave Celentano,Troy Stetina and Wolf Marshall:thumbsup

Their some names I know ;) Buy any chance you got the Celentino Star Licks :)

[bkeen]

Bruce, you're my age! January, 1954! :thumbsup
My $.02 on learning to shred - don't! If shredding is an end in itself, you've missed the point. The point is to make music. What do you hear in your head? Can you hum it? If you know your scales, you should be able to approximate what's in your head. Some people are more comfortable going up, so work on going down. If you're better at running the melodies down, work on heading up. If you steal licks, find a new way to use them.
I tell my wife that when I'm evaluating a guitarist or bass player, I'm watching the picking hand more than the one on the fingerboard. That's what sets off the great players to me. The ones who can make notes MEAN something, not just be notes. By no means does this mean I don't play fast, or like to hear fast players. I just don't get a lot out of shredding for shredding's sake. Now I'm back where I started. Pass the aspirin bottle!

You are slightly older than me. I am 3 months younger than EVH :D

I hear what you are saying about shredding.

Shredding by a lot of guitarist is playing patterns on top of the music. I prefer players who solo to and with the music and with feeling!

I prefer solos that enhance the music with melody just as a violin in an orchestra or a keyboard solo in a rock band would.

I get a kick out of the shredders that just shred their patterns on top of backing tracks and think they are all that and a bag of chips! :D Usually the song has little remaining of the original inspiration and feeling.

I also like to listen to players to see how many times they use the same riffs from song to song. :D

:thumbsup

[dr_time]

Bruce, you're my age! January, 1954! :thumbsup
My $.02 on learning to shred - don't! If shredding is an end in itself, you've missed the point. The point is to make music. What do you hear in your head? Can you hum it? If you know your scales, you should be able to approximate what's in your head. Some people are more comfortable going up, so work on going down. If you're better at running the melodies down, work on heading up. If you steal licks, find a new way to use them.
I tell my wife that when I'm evaluating a guitarist or bass player, I'm watching the picking hand more than the one on the fingerboard. That's what sets off the great players to me. The ones who can make notes MEAN something, not just be notes. By no means does this mean I don't play fast, or like to hear fast players. I just don't get a lot out of shredding for shredding's sake. Now I'm back where I started. Pass the aspirin bottle!

I've made music. Quite a bit in fact. So at this point I feel like I need to "fill in the gaps", technically speaking.

Believe me, my goal is to not necessarily "shred", I just use that term loosely. I guess what I should say, is "become very comfortable with soloing appropriately". ;)

[warbrill]

I've made music. Quite a bit in fact. So at this point I feel like I need to "fill in the gaps", technically speaking.

Believe me, my goal is to not necessarily "shred", I just use that term loosely. I guess what I should say, is "become very comfortable with soloing appropriately". ;)

IMHO, your reply is a must read! You've identified the most important facets of soloing: making music, soloing appropriately, and being comfortable doing it. Filling in the gaps, as you so accurately phrase it, takes a player to the "next level."

[Warlord]

I have 5 eBooks from Troy Stetina in pdf.
Anyone who wants just ask :thumbsup
I got the Lead guitar 1 and 2, Rhytmn 1 and 2 and Speed Mechanics
I'm starting to read the rhytmn 1 :)

[floydkramer]

Flavour will always overpower Flash.
im not saying that rippin it up and flying all around the neck isnt cool...it is.
but a really well played tasty riff is whats gonna stick in your head and send a message that people will remeber.

[warbrill]

Flavour will always overpower Flash.
im not saying that rippin it up and flying all around the neck isnt cool...it is.
but a really well played tasty riff is whats gonna stick in your head and send a message that people will remeber.

+1
An old guitar-playing friend of mine told me a story sometime back in the late 1970s. He went to a jam session with a bunch of really hot guitar players. He felt a bit intimidated when they did their solos, but when it came to his turn, he played a Lindsey Buckingham (king of the one note riffs) style solo, and everyone in the room stopped and actually paid attention. At the time, I was pretty much a shredder, but as time went along, I started noticing the same thing. Over the years, I've seen pretty much all of the major rock players (guitarists, bass, and keyboard players) of the late 60s into the early 80s, but some performances were just a lot more memorable. Some played fast, and some played slow, but what they had in common was they meant what they were playing. I felt like they were sharing the music they loved with me, personally.

[halo71]

I have 5 eBooks from Troy Stetina in pdf.
Anyone who wants just ask :thumbsup
I got the Lead guitar 1 and 2, Rhytmn 1 and 2 and Speed Mechanics
I'm starting to read the rhytmn 1 :)

Bruno, can you hook me up with a copy? :)


Flavour will always overpower Flash.
im not saying that rippin it up and flying all around the neck isnt cool...it is.
but a really well played tasty riff is whats gonna stick in your head and send a message that people will remeber.

I totally agree, I love watching and listening to someone like Gilbert. But his music does not stick in my mind as memorable. If that makes any since. But someone like SRV is burnt in my brain forever.

[Warlord]

gary which Volume and which type (rhytm,lead,speed mechanics)?
Stay Well :thumbsup

[halo71]

rythm and lead if possible. Kace has given me renewed energy for playing guitar better!

[pel666]

IMHO, your reply is a must read! You've identified the most important facets of soloing: making music, soloing appropriately, and being comfortable doing it. Filling in the gaps, as you so accurately phrase it, takes a player to the "next level."

Yep, my current solo's are about a quarter of the speed they were 15 years ago :D I just occasionally 'rip it up' :thumbsup

I noticed I don't play any arpeggios anymore, and I'm getting sloppy on them too...but timing and feel have improved, so I am pretty content :thumbsup

Can't resist to post this again, I wouldn't have been able to play like this on a track I had never ever heard before 15 years ago:

(Kramer EurExpo Almere 2005, played on Remy's maple pink Baretta)

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/yV1Sud9t6N0&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/yV1Sud9t6N0&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

[Warlord]

rythm and lead if possible. Kace has given me renewed energy for playing guitar better!

K, PM me your mail :thumbsup

[halo71]

PM sent. Thanks dude.... :urock

[minhvp]

When I first started out. It was the Kirk Hammett guitar solo's that did it. For me, I just learned different lead guitarist's guitar solos..Malmsteen being one of them. I learned a lot and managed to improvise and make it my own. Learning other solos kept me interested in guitar..rather than learning tons of scales, although it works well with most other people.

[Warlord]

Mr. Mom and Gary I couldn't RAR the files because they are too large :scratchhe
Do you have any suggestions?

PS: Can you send me your mails again, I deleted them :-|

[halo71]

Bruno, I just PM'd you bro.

[wreckingcrew]

"Shredding" is the ghey IMHO, If you can't play with feel you can't play Bluesy solos Rock the fuckin house everytime, you can speed shit up, and tap and all that, but I guess I am talking shred by todays standards, as opposed to the 80's, which still had alot of awful shit.

the best solo out of the 80's IMHO...Life Goes On by Poison, emotional shredding, not EMO shredding

Emo's can't shred, thats why their music stucks:thumbsup


I learned by learning some scales, different exercises, Steve Vai's 10 Hour Workout, and learning songa that I think have awesome playing in it.. my gutiar teacher has been a big help too. teaching me different songs, scales, exercises and stuff.. if it wasn't for him I wouldn't be half as good as I am now.

and not to sound arrogant because I'm not, but I'm one of the better lead guitarists that I know that are around my age.

[markshredder]

I think the main issue for the emo guys is they genuinely don't acknowledge their music as "rock", so they don't draw from traditional influences... blues, rock, metal, etcetera, just other emo bands, so their technique is very diluted.

Personally, whenever I see an emo player trying to be flashy, doing a two hand tapping lick on something spanning about four frets with no pulloffs, that they could comfortably play with one hand, part of me dies.

Fortunatley I think emo has had it's day now and can be filed away right next to rap-metal.

[wreckingcrew]

I think the main issue for the emo guys is they genuinely don't acknowledge their music as "rock", so they don't draw from traditional influences... blues, rock, metal, etcetera, just other emo bands, so their technique is very diluted.

Personally, whenever I see an emo player trying to be flashy, doing a two hand tapping lick on something spanning about four frets with no pulloffs, that they could comfortably play with one hand, part of me dies.

Fortunatley I think emo has had it's day now and can be filed away right next to rap-metal.


Some rap metal isn't too bad,like Biohazard. they are pretty cool. but the closest thing to EMo I've seen live were the Dreaming, and their guitarists were actually really good.