First off HI!!! I'm new here, I own two stratocasters both mexican and a Fender hotrod deluxe amp. But my question I have been playing for about 2.5 yrs now, working on scales and modes, know modest music theory, but feel as if I'm not progressing as well as I think I should. I practice every night pretty much all night, but still no major improvement. Is it just me or did this happen to every one? Thanks ----John

_________________
--- John

Find some like-minded cats and jam.

Nothing better for improving both your licks and your outlook.

HTH

Arjay

_________________
"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY

Don't think for a minute that your alone in that one. everyone comes to that point every now and then. Like the man said, find some like minded friends and jam. Ask lots of questions on the forum someone will answer them. and welcome.
----Danny,

+1 Jamming gives you a chance to stretch out a bit. And you will always learn something new to add to your licks...even if it starts out as a mistake...great way to inspire yourself too!

T2

_________________
-----------------------------------------------------------
What time is it? It's Fender Time.

Actually starting to do that, there are open jam sessions in my area so going on Friday nights. Not too much but classic country going on there but am picking up a few licks and using as much as I can in my playing. Thanks guys by the way

_________________
--- John

Have tried diffrent styles of music that you are not used to... just my two cents.

_________________
Deyr fé
Deyja frændr
Deyr sjálfr ið sama
En orðstír
Deyr aldregi
Hveim er sér góðan getr

I agree with what's been said here already; I think jamming with other musicians is the best way to improve your skills. Also learning a few songs of different styles can help keep things fresh for you too. I think most musicians will always want to learn more and will never be 100% satisfied with their playing.

_________________
Check out my new FB music page!

https://www.facebook.com/TheDevilandMe.Music

Move to Austin

i'm always on a plateau with my playing

_________________
riley

Work with your metronome and record yourself. I don't have anyone to jam with so I record myself and go at it. It helps tremendously.

or get a loop pedal. really handy things to have in your guitarsonal

_________________
riley

Playing different styles is everything. Jamming with others is good and will get you so far but will only work if you listen and push yourself to try new things. Something that is not easy when you're used to operating through muscle memory. Also it's likely that anyone you know to jam with only plays the same stuff as you anyway.
Here's what I do. Sit down guitar in hand, tune the radio to a unfamiliar station. Play along with whatever song is playing. Do that for a hour or two. Whatever song, whatever style. Don't tune into a station playing the same stuff you always play. I still do that now after 25 years of playing. The name of my game is to work out the song before the song has ended. Keeps me on my toes.

More importantly than any scale or riff, it will teach you timing and rhythm. Two things that without, every other aspect of playing becomes useless.

_________________
No no and no

Welcome to the forum 52henryj,it's common for all of us to get stagnated every now and then.What works for me is to give it a rest for a few days and to just sit down and listen to different genres of music that interest me yet I haven't tried before.Sometiimes you can gain inspiration from this.Anyway after just over 2 years playing it's not uncommon to become discouraged about your progress-just give it time and I can guarantee that you'll be rippin' up the fretboard when the time is right!!BTW does the 52 Henry J refer to the great little car-and are you lucky enough to own one of the little beauties?

_________________
'65 Strat,65 Mustang,65 Jaguar,4 more Strats,3 vintage Vox guitars,5 Vox amps,'69 Bassman with a '68 2-15 Bassman cab,36 guitars total-15asst'd amps total,2 vintage '60s Hammond organs & a myriad of effects-with a few rare vintage ones.

Hey, welcome!

Don't worry, you are definitely not alone, I'm stuck in a rut with my playing more often than not, but they do pass! As most of the others have said, jamming is definitely a good way of getting not only some practise, but also some ideas to use in your own playing. Hope you get out of your rut soon!

Cheers,

Drew

_________________
You can't win them all, if you did, where would you keep them?

2010 Fender MIM strat in candy apple red w/ rosewood board
2010 PRS SE Tremonti single cut, vintage cherry red
2009 Squier "tiredcaster" modded strat w/ big hairy wiring R.I.P

Why yes I do Here is a pic of the little guy

_________________
--- John