I've been on the brick wall for some time now, an its really really getting frusterating.
I've ben on it for about 2 years now, I cant seem to find the simple element I need to take my playing up another level. I've got fretboard knowledge, not so much picking technique though, as my fingers on my picking hand get in the way alot. Some days, like today, I cant even get through a simple solo without my picking hand lose it, like the nirvana "school" solo or "blew" solo. Its so damn fricking frusterating.
I'm sure everyones ben on a brick wall at some time, but what element is it??

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riley

Riley you just have to work on picking exercises, watch any great player and they have a great picking hand.

These are easy to do and I usually do them with a guitar that is not plugged in (as you will drive everyone insane) and watching TV.Just take a string lets say the G string and pick all down strokes for two minutes then only up strokes for two minutes, then alternate pick for the same down-up then reverse and start with an upstroke up-down. Next do triplets and keep it going in your head by going trip-a-let-trip-a-let, Then go to 16th notes which is down-up-down-up. If you take a half hour a day in front of the TV you will see a great improvement in your picking and the more comfortable you get then start running a scale pattern from rot note to root note using each picking pattern and as you build stamina increase the minutes. Remember if you really work on your weaknesses that is what will make you a great player. Hope you find this useful

Woah thanks, will try that when I get home from school today...But whats with the TV?

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riley

[quote=" But whats with the TV?[/quote]


As you watch tv you are using your conches mind for TV, while you are using your subconchus to play. Once it is imprinted on you subconchus its like mussel memory, you will be able to play faster/ smoother because you don’t have to think about it. Also watching TV helps keep repetitive exercises from being too boring because you are not really paying attention to the lession……It works, trust me…I work on scales and licks that way every day. its amazing how fast you will pick it up when you dont even think about it

Cheers
Bill

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(80’s Hair Metal) = A snapshot in time before Grunge ruined Rock & Roll forever!!!!

Well that is cool. I have done that with a few riffs I was trying to learn without even knowing what I was doing. I started practicing them and then got into a tv show while practicing them and then sat and stared straight ahead playing the riff over and over for few minutes before I realized what was happening. Sure enough those riff are almost cemented into my brain now. As for hitting a wall it's always such a tough question and all I can suggest are two things either challenge yourself with a really difficult song or learn a new genre. I started out as mr. grunge and classic rock and lately I started on a blues kick. It's energizing to be learning new things and playing different styles that has jump started my progression again. Best of luck Riley!

straycat, that's an excellent idea! I've never deliberately worked on picking, only cords, scales, shapes, bends, hammers etc., fret work only. Any improvement in my picking was only incidental.

cheers