Local Music Gear Feature Story
Written By: Sean McCormick
Written By: Sean McCormick
So you went out and picked yourself up a new guitar. Congrats! You have played it for a few weeks now and you are sick of the same old songs and riffs you constantly play over and over and over again. One of the many reasons that the average weekend warrior/hobbyist gives up playing guitar is a lack of interest. I don’t care who you are, if you are playing the same damn songs every time you pick up that guitar you are going to start to hate them within a very short period of time. One of the easiest ways of staying motivated with anything is constantly challenging yourself to become better. Most hobbyists do not have to gauge their ability to feel successful; for instance if you collect stamps you may feel you are at the top of your game from the get go, but as a musician there is a fairly steep learning curve and your level of expertise or talent is fairly obvious. Overall, your level of satisfaction may be the reason you stick with it or give it up.
There are many tools you can use to push yourself in the correct direction. Videos, tutorials, books, gadgets, and lessons from a local music teacher all will help you discover to what level you will want to take your musical commitment. Most of us guitarists are real hard asses, free thinkers and just flat out do not want to be taught by another human being. I know myself that I would feel awkward taking guitar lessons in a class/educational environment, but this method is probably the best way to become successful in the shortest period of time. On top of that, when most of us think of taking music lessons we compare it to what a child would do for an after school activity. While that may be fair to say, at the same time you want to excel and possibly join a band so this may be the best way for you to start the learning process. If you have the time and are willing to spend a few bucks a week, I say take classes to either brush up on your skills or learn some new ones.
For those of you that have a little more experience with a guitar and are at more of an advanced level, there are some amazing videos you can use to learn new tricks. Personally, I am a fan of Stevie Ray Vaughn. I think he is hands down the best guitarist I have ever heard. As a kid my father would be in the basement playing the entire Double Trouble album with his band and I could hear the cry of the strat faintly through the air ducts as I feel asleep. I knew every note by memory and I could go over it in my head but couldn’t translate that to the guitar. After getting frustrated, I was able to find a “learn to play Stevie Ray Vaughan guitar technique” VHS (VHS is like a DVD just not as cool). Not only did I learn the songs the way Mr. Stevie Ray played them, it gave me some insight on how he thought when writing, what scales he favored, even his picking pattern -- theses were all things I used to refine my style of playing.
When it comes to reading, well they now have an app for that. Hopefully since you are reading this you will be open to using one of those rectangle things that have paper with words on them, better known as “books” to better your skill level. One of my all-time favorite musical education books is "1001 Chords." As a self proclaimed singer/song writer, I get bored, playing the same chords, the same way every time. This one book shows you how to play every chord, every possible way including alternate tuning and capo style playing. I tune most of my guitars a full step down and a few acoustic and classical to DADGAD tuning. By having this powerful tool--“the book”--I am able to experiment with different chord progressions and know what the chord is. For those of us that have or are currently playing in a band, there is always that moment when the question comes up, “hey man what chord was that last one?” and you have to look at the neck, do some math and figure out just what that chord might be. When using the amazing tool “the book,” it acts as a reference guide so for example you can say it’s an em7b sus 3rd and show your band mates different ways to play that chord on their instrument. I find I write a more layered songs where the chords just melt together when I use this tool, “the book”.
When it comes to reading, well they now have an app for that. Hopefully since you are reading this you will be open to using one of those rectangle things that have paper with words on them, better known as “books” to better your skill level. One of my all-time favorite musical education books is "1001 Chords." As a self proclaimed singer/song writer, I get bored, playing the same chords, the same way every time. This one book shows you how to play every chord, every possible way including alternate tuning and capo style playing. I tune most of my guitars a full step down and a few acoustic and classical to DADGAD tuning. By having this powerful tool--“the book”--I am able to experiment with different chord progressions and know what the chord is. For those of us that have or are currently playing in a band, there is always that moment when the question comes up, “hey man what chord was that last one?” and you have to look at the neck, do some math and figure out just what that chord might be. When using the amazing tool “the book,” it acts as a reference guide so for example you can say it’s an em7b sus 3rd and show your band mates different ways to play that chord on their instrument. I find I write a more layered songs where the chords just melt together when I use this tool, “the book”.
 |
| Riff Bands by Rifftech |
One of the obstacles a guitar player has to overcome is stamina. As a novice your fingers will feel tenderized and tired after just a few minutes of play. A seasoned guitar player will have built up finger calluses and strong finger muscles allowing them to play for extended periods of time without needing to rest. While you are in the beginning stages of your new hobby, or if you are picking up your long lost friend you've kept in the closet for a few years -- there are a few different things you can do to increase your ability to play for a longer period of time.
To start with use light gauge strings. This will kill your tone but your fingers will love you for it. I would recommend starting with 9’s (the high E-string is .009" thick) and after 2 months of play go to 10’s. I personally use Kerly brand strings 11’s on my electrics and Cleartone brand strings 12’s for live performances and Red brand strings 13's in the studio on my acoustics. You will find the gauge and brand that suits your playing style once you have developed and/or refined it. There are a ton of finger training tools on the market, my favorite are the finger grip exerciser by Grip Master that helps strengthen your grip and riff bands by Rifftech that help you increase finger strength and speed. Both products are inexpensive and deliver quick results.
Just think, in a few months you could be on your way to playing better for longer periods of time. If you are focused you may even have the skill to join a band and/or write some original music. Guitar playing takes on a whole new meaning when you’re at the stage where you can sit down with an idea and make it come alive. So buy a book, take a class, practice, then practice some more--and Good Luck on your new adventure!
Posted 07/2012
Read Part one of this four part editorial series
"Paving The Way To Your Dream of Becoming A Rock Star", Step One Buy A Guitar …Read Part three of this four part editorial series
Paving The Way To Your Dream of Becoming A Rock Star, Step Two - Upgrading Your Guitar ...
Channel Sponsor
