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Post subject: Re: I'm a terrible lead guitarist
Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 7:57 am
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texasguitarslinger, that is the strangest, most unconventional, advice I've ever had. I will definitely give it a shot.

Cheers,

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Post subject: Re: I'm a terrible lead guitarist
Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 8:02 am
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texasguitarslinger wrote:
try playing a one note guitar solo with your backing tracks. That's right, limit yourself to only one note (maybe the root or fifth so it sounds good over all the changes). As tempting as it is to play something else, sit down and play a solo and do not play anything but that one note

I remember this trick, but I was limited to 4 notes. Same idea. Definitely a good exercise.

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Post subject: Re: I'm a terrible lead guitarist
Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2015 1:34 pm
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Found some backing tracks on wikiloops that had just bass and drums. With a minimal accompaniment my guitar playing was much better.

Previously I was using backing tracks from the Guitar Center King of the Blues competition. Those tracks are very 'robust' and I couldn't figure out how to add to it. Maybe that was my problem all along.

Thanks to all for the tips, encouragement, and general feedback.

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Post subject: Re: I'm a terrible lead guitarist
Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2015 10:58 pm
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The Battle of the Blues tracks are particularly tricky. There's some cool stuff in there, but a lot of it isn't really "standard" blues. I played over one my first year that had an odd number of measures and diminished chords! It's really easy to play a wonky note or two in there, which is probably why they used it for the competition.

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Post subject: Re: I'm a terrible lead guitarist
Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2015 3:06 am
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+++++ on the practice!

I was formally trained on drums; but, for the moment, I only use them ocassionally as I spend more time with my Strat now.

Today, I was playing the drums and, although I am proficient, my lack of practice and overall playing made me sound like I was somebody without training. To my better half I sounded good, since she hadn't heard me for a while. But, I knew I sounded like crap and I immediately knew the answer to correct it. Back to the basics and practice, practice, practice,

I recently listened to some 50s, 60s, and early 70s recordings and thought, gosh almighty, where was I when these dudes were making hits and money? I could have been there and done that with my present skills and I am not the best nor could I play like some of my heroes. Still, hits were made with mistakes and simple leads. Imagine what practice did to help these players progress.

There is a lot of good advice from the gang here, but don't cut yourself short. Age can play a part to be sure, but kick back and stack up your favorite tunes, listen to them as if it was your first time discovery, relax and have fun, remember how you got to that place when your mojo arrived, practice that, and you will find the pot of gold at the end of your yellow brick road.

Well, maybe not. But, you will be better for it :D

PS If things still don't work out with your lead playing, surround yourself with family, friends, or groupies that think you play like Clapton or some other iconic player. At least you'll feel good when you don't play good. My wife had two of her childhood dolls stored away. I encouraged her to show them off by allowing me to put them with my gear and now I always have groupies for inspiration :lol:

PPS Maybe you too had articles or things that inspired your creative juices back then? Many creative artists surround themselves with memorabilia and trinkets (photos, mags, toys, and whatnot). Some bands, like RUSH, have been known to display objects like these during a performance.

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Post subject: Re: I'm a terrible lead guitarist
Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2015 2:08 pm
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HINT: Brand new guitars have always proven to be a great inspiration for me!!!!! :lol:

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Post subject: Re: I'm a terrible lead guitarist
Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2015 2:38 pm
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dunedindragon wrote:
HINT: Brand new guitars have always proven to be a great inspiration for me!!!!! :lol:


I'll second that! :D

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Post subject: Re: I'm a terrible lead guitarist
Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2015 2:49 pm
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dunedindragon wrote:
HINT: Brand new guitars have always proven to be a great inspiration for me!!!!! :lol:


The fender forum needs a "Like" button.

:P

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Post subject: Re: I'm a terrible lead guitarist
Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2015 3:30 pm
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So what? Just become a Ramone! *NO* leads at all! None. It's true. Plus you could play all the nicely intricate rhythms of The Pretenders. Never any actual need for lead guitar ever.

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Post subject: Re: I'm a terrible lead guitarist
Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2015 8:28 pm
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mhowell wrote:
dunedindragon wrote:
HINT: Brand new guitars have always proven to be a great inspiration for me!!!!! :lol:


The fender forum needs a "Like" button. :P

Yah. " +1".....requires too much energy. :lol:

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Post subject: Re: I'm a terrible lead guitarist
Posted: Sat Apr 04, 2015 10:18 pm
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I managed to do something that didn't hurt my ears. Used another backing track from wikiloops and added electric guitar.


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Post subject: Re: I'm a terrible lead guitarist
Posted: Sat Apr 04, 2015 10:43 pm
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Not bad. Sounds like Santana. Keep at it. :D


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Post subject: Re: I'm a terrible lead guitarist
Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2015 4:02 pm
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GTG wrote:
Not bad. Sounds like Santana. Keep at it. :D


That is an awesome compliment.

Thanks,

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Post subject: Re: I'm a terrible lead guitarist
Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2015 4:22 pm
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mhowell wrote:
GTG wrote:
Not bad. Sounds like Santana. Keep at it. :D


That is an awesome compliment.


Well, he didn't say whether it was Carlos or Tito... ;)


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Post subject: Re: I'm a terrible lead guitarist
Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2015 4:41 pm
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arth1 wrote:
mhowell wrote:
GTG wrote:
Not bad. Sounds like Santana. Keep at it. :D

That is an awesome compliment.
Well, he didn't say whether it was Carlos or Tito... ;)

He said 'Santana' not 'Santanista'!

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