The New Guitar Topic

[Slamman]

Ever watched those Michael Angelo instructionals??

He's amazing.

 

One of the video lessons I copt from my friend's collection on VHS is of George Lynch, an obvious dated instructional but it's very cool, regardless

[rhyn]

Ever watched those Michael Angelo instructionals??

He's amazing.

 

One of the video lessons I copt from my friend's collection on VHS is of George Lynch, an obvious dated instructional but it's very cool, regardless

I have indeed and yes he is amazing, can't write a good melody for love nor money though. Youtube Guinness World Record fastest guitarist though if your looking for speed. Flight of the bumblebee at 320bpm i think, maybe faster.

 

Anywho I'm having a hard time trying to decide whether I should buy a PRS24 or an Ibanez JEM they're both so beautiful...aaarrgh

 

Any thoughts?

[fox09]

Is it like, for example, if a particular chord is being played, you can choose to solo out of the key of it's third or fifth like I had mentioned before?

 

And thank you for your response. I feel better about soloing already.

Well, if a song is in a particular key, more often than not, the chords are all going to be within the key of the song. Unless you're really into jazz, songs should be in the same key the whole way through.

 

Say you're playing in E major, and the chord progression goes something like, Emaj, F#m, G#m, Amaj. Even though all of the chords are different, they're all still within the key of E major, thus you can solo over the whole thing using the E Ionian scale.

 

So depending on what you're playing, you'll only need one scale per song.

 

Though, you can always mix it up a bit, by using different major scales (lydian, mixolydian) to give it a slightly different sound. Or use leading-tones and chromatics.

 

 

Honestly, once you get passed all the theory, the scales and modes and sh*t really don't mean much. Because really, you can play whatever the f*ck you want, just as long as that's what you want to convey. Theory just makes it a little clearer, and a little more interesting.

[TheJonesy]

For right now, I'm just using theory as a backbone; I need something structured so I know what I play will make sense and/or sound good. I'm not completely oblivious, though, just yet to reach that "acceptable" level. It is just simply dissappointing when I can't make an actual scale sound decent, let alone, playing whatever I want...

 

Now, I am very at peace with the Pentatonic scale which is now my go-to scale. It also allows me to comfortably add in a few notes that are not specifically part of the scale but help to add more variation and color. Unfortunately, heh, all my "riffing" from it ends up sounding the exact same as others, or, in other words, I end up using the same variation of my single solo over and over. But this solo is a lot better than ones I've done prior so I feel my overall ability is slowly building.

[fox09]

The pentatonic is a great place to start. Hell, it's still what I use most of the time (granted, I'm generally playing blues, or rock), and I did exactly what you're doing. Start with the blues scale, and gradually add more flavor notes to it. Also, when you're coming to the end of your riff, try landing on something that isn't the root. This is where the 3rds, 5ths and 7ths come in handy. But sometimes even a 4th or 6th can sound tasty. Experiment with it.

[TheJonesy]

Well, it's very reassuring to know that I'm on a good start. I do periodically add those 3rds, 5ths, and such at the end of riffs. Now I just need to be able to shred out these notes more fluidly and faster, but this can only be aided by one thing: practice.

 

Once I start stepping up in the world of guitar then I might look into getting myself a newer, better, louder amp...

[Slamman]

What I did is just play as fast as possible without analyzing the notes, This allows you to build up the speed and endurance. Play solely by ear, find some good notes to hit using pick and hammer on/pull off. Keep repeating. Don't pick from the wrist, as Michael Angelo stated, I think I tend to in a slight degree, but more then down or up, I pick a string up and down in fast succession.

 

Tapping with both hands on the Fretboard AKA Eruption style, that requires the same approach. I built up plenty of speed without doing an actual song or thinking of what theory there is at work. Anyone can do this to burn off some energy too. I find playing for a time can wear you down!

[fox09]

There's nothing wrong with learning to play fast. But don't forget that what you're trying to do is create is a phrase, or a melody, not play a scale at lightning speed.

[rhyn]

 

Don't pick from the wrist

Actually you should pick from the wrist. Your hand should be one solid piece and your elbow shouldn't move.

[TheJonesy]

Or you can be completely lazy and use a drill like Paul Gilbert...

[fox09]

Or you can be completely f*cking awesome and use a drill like Paul Gilbert...

Fixed.

[TheJonesy]

Or you can be completely f*cking awesome and use a drill like Paul Gilbert...

Fixed.

Thank you.

[Slamman]

Eddie VH used a drill... Poundcake! haha

[Democrab]

I have a question... I currently have a Roland Cube20X and a Epiphone SG Special, I want to upgrade my guitar and possibly get a Distortion Pedal (BOSS MT-2 Metal Zone probably), I don't want to spend more than AU$600-$700 on the guitar and I play metal like early Metallica, Slayer, Judas Priest, Megadeth and Iron Maiden, what would be a good guitar for me? I was thinking a Schecter 006, a Epiphone G-400, a Ibanez ADX120 or a Ibanez RGR321 EX, I tried a Jackson JS30KE and it doesn't feel right for me when I play, sounds really nice though.

 

Any suggestions? Keep in mind, it has to cost below AU$750 at most.

[rhyn]

 

I have a question... I currently have a Roland Cube20X and a Epiphone SG Special, I want to upgrade my guitar and possibly get a Distortion Pedal (BOSS MT-2 Metal Zone probably), I don't want to spend more than AU$600-$700 on the guitar and I play metal like early Metallica, Slayer, Judas Priest, Megadeth and Iron Maiden, what would be a good guitar for me? I was thinking a Schecter 006, a Epiphone G-400, a Ibanez ADX120 or a Ibanez RGR321 EX, I tried a Jackson JS30KE and it doesn't feel right for me when I play, sounds really nice though.

 

Any suggestions? Keep in mind, it has to cost below AU$750 at most.

 

 

I picked up this beauty last week for 400 Euro which is about 700 AU$

 

Ibanez RG350DX

 

It plays smoothly and easily, the stock pick-ups sound surprisingly good and it looks awesome. It also comes in a black finish with a mirror pickguard.

 

Also the Boss MT-2 is a good little pedal and will suit your needs perfectly. Hell I was playing the same type of stuff as you in the beginning and I was able to get a good tone from a DS-1 and the MT-2 is the heavier version.

Edited May 31, 2009 by rhyn

[nabo45]

First of all, the BOSS Metal Zone sucks (And it's horribly overpriced!), you'd be better off with a Digitech Hardwire Metal Distortion. I got one myself, and I love it!

 

For the guitar, you should check out some of Jackson's other (more expensive) Dinky/Soloist models. Or, you could check out some of ESP's LTD guitars, they got some cheap very good-quality guitars.

 

Or you could get an Ibanez (like the one rhyn posted). Even their cheap models are like, amazing.

 

Yeah, go to your local guitar center and just check out the guitars you like, and find the one you want.

[rhyn]

First of all, the BOSS Metal Zone sucks (And it's horribly overpriced!), you'd be better off with a Digitech Hardwire Metal Distortion. I got one myself, and I love it!

 

For the guitar, you should check out some of Jackson's other (more expensive) Dinky/Soloist models. Or, you could check out some of ESP's LTD guitars, they got some cheap very good-quality guitars.

 

Or you could get an Ibanez (like the one rhyn posted). Even their cheap models are like, amazing.

 

Yeah, go to your local guitar center and just check out the guitars you like, and find the one you want.

I wouldn't go so far as to say it sucks, with a little experimenting you can get a nice sound from it. You can pick one up on some sites like zsounds for about 60 euro, hardly overpriced

 

Saying that, knowing Digitech I'd say the hardwire would be a good choice. I've never used one though.

[Democrab]

First of all, the BOSS Metal Zone sucks (And it's horribly overpriced!), you'd be better off with a Digitech Hardwire Metal Distortion. I got one myself, and I love it!

 

For the guitar, you should check out some of Jackson's other (more expensive) Dinky/Soloist models. Or, you could check out some of ESP's LTD guitars, they got some cheap very good-quality guitars.

 

Or you could get an Ibanez (like the one rhyn posted). Even their cheap models are like, amazing.

 

Yeah, go to your local guitar center and just check out the guitars you like, and find the one you want.

Eh, in my music class one of the guys has the Boss and the other the Digitech, the Boss wins hands down, it's pretty much the best according to most sources too.

 

I'll definitely check that Ibanez out, might repaint the pickguard though, I don't like flashy flecked/chrome stuff, Just want it back with white highlights.

[TheJonesy]

I've been looking around for an amp that can deliver a decent metal-ish sound but within my budget. I was looking for an amp pricing no more than about $500 and around 50W. I've read around and have shrunk it down between the Peavey 5150 combo and the Randall RG50TC. I plan to accept them as its stock; I won't be fussing with modifications or additions of pedals, etc. for now. Any suggestions on which would be the best preference or any better alternatives?

 

Do remember that I am a beginner, so if my choices are stupid, please notify; don't flame...

Edited June 1, 2009 by TheJonesy

[Democrab]

I can't say I've had much experience with Randall or Peavey, but I know that the Line6 spider amps are pretty good, as is the Roland Cube series.

 

And if this is a practice amp, you don't need 50w, 30w would be fine, Rolands Cube30x is a good choice.

[TheJonesy]

Well, 50W being my max. But I just felt I wanted to move up in the world of guitars and get myself a bigger, nicer amp. Line 6 might've been my next choice, though...

[nabo45]

I can't say I've had much experience with Randall or Peavey, but I know that the Line6 spider amps are pretty good, as is the Roland Cube series.

 

And if this is a practice amp, you don't need 50w, 30w would be fine, Rolands Cube30x is a good choice.

Oh, nonononono. Roland's modeling amps were good 10 years ago. If you wan't a good modeling amp, check out the Vox VT50. It's the best modeling amp out there. It's got 22 different amp models built it, 12 different effects (Echo, Phaser, Pitch Shift etc.), Noise gate (usefull if you're playing metal!). It's also got a single 12AX7 tube, to give it that "real-tube-feel" like an all-tube Marshall or Peavey etc.

 

It's f*cking great!

 

I know that, cuz I got the 30 watt model myself (it sounds as loud as a 50 watt amp btw!). Yeah, It's got anything from clean boutique tones, to crushing-higain-metal tones. It's A LOT better than Roland and Line6. Though.. the Line6 Spider-Valve is pretty good, it's NO-WHERE near as good as the Vox VT series.

 

You should totally check them out, man

[TheJonesy]

I'm looking at the Vox VT50 on the Guitar Center website now and it says its in stock with prices around $350 to $400 for a 50W; sounds pretty much like a steal for me. Though, it isn't yet my final decision, because I don't want to forget about actually experiencing and experimenting the thing in-person. But I've got the suggestions listed so I know what I'm looking for...

 

Thanks again, guys.

[Slamman]

I can see the limits of the MG-10 Marshall, I just don't need size or volume, but I always advocate a rack and run it thru a power amp, in stereo!

 

That often does the job for recording at volume as well.

Simple stuff.

 

Anywho, playing around, if you want a Zakk Wylde squeel that resonates for awhile, I've been getting them consistantly with the fretting hand pushing up against the picking hand going down, or vice-versa.

 

It works 99% of the time, so try that for some great squeeling licks

[TheJonesy]

Ah yeah, squeels. They really add flavor to what you are playing especially with the heavy distortion.

 

Speaking of which, I'm starting to not trust distortion anymore. I feel like I'm cheating since I am still a beginner-ish player; I seem to rely on it too much. It just feels that the distortion kind of covers up some of my mistakes when I play. I mean, yeah, playing a bunch of notes as fast as you can sounds cool and all, but when you play it through something more clean, the notes that are wrong and/or not played correctly really show through.

 

In the long run, playing a few perfect notes is better then twenty mediocre ones...

[rhyn]

Ah yeah, squeels. They really add flavor to what you are playing especially with the heavy distortion.

 

Speaking of which, I'm starting to not trust distortion anymore. I feel like I'm cheating since I am still a beginner-ish player; I seem to rely on it too much. It just feels that the distortion kind of covers up some of my mistakes when I play. I mean, yeah, playing a bunch of notes as fast as you can sounds cool and all, but when you play it through something more clean, the notes that are wrong and/or not played correctly really show through.

 

In the long run, playing a few perfect notes is better then twenty mediocre ones...

One of the reasons I'd always suggest starting out playing acoustic before electric. I did and am very glad I chose to.

[TheJonesy]

One of the reasons I'd always suggest starting out playing acoustic before electric. I did and am very glad I chose to.

Yep, I embody the path you didn't take, and I'm regretting my choice. Well, I am not the brightest person so I suppose I do get the benefit of the doubt.

[rhyn]

One of the reasons I'd always suggest starting out playing acoustic before electric. I did and am very glad I chose to.

Yep, I embody the path you didn't take, and I'm regretting my choice. Well, I am not the brightest person so I suppose I do get the benefit of the doubt.

Just practice without distortion for a while if you feel you are getting sloppy. For the first month or 2 of getting my electric I had no distortion pedal and only a bass amp to play on so no distortion on that either. I think it helped. Every time I feel I'm a bit sloppy in areas I play it clean.

 

Nothing better than a big dirty distorted divebomb now and again though

[Mojam]

I never understood that, whenever I make a mistake in distortion or hear someone else make a mistake in distortion it sticks out so much more. In clean any ring-outs nicely harmonise unless you got a minor second or a major seventh interval.

 

<3distortion

[Slamman]

Makes no difference to my ears, an off note is an off note.

However, distortion comes in MANY forms.

I have an eBay BC Rich that is not official and even though it needs refinishing, I've been afraid to just try drawing and painting on it, creating some temp graphics and expirementing.

 

What would you do? Attempts some graphics yourself or wait to pay someone who knows what they're doing?

My friend had one he was playing with, never had a neck, and he died before he got to see it finished so I wonder whatever happened to it? I'd put it on the wall if nothing else, as memorial of sorts (he created many renderings on it, mostly in pencil.

 

Speaking of electric over acoustic, I had an acoustic in the family, I wanted electric from day one, so my own was, however, the detriment was the wrong match and guitar to begin with, A Charvel would have served my much better, but I wanted a wild HONDO guitar with angular shapes.

 

A model that was showcased at NAMM 83/84, It's seen in the Molly Hatchet video for Satisfied Man.

They weren't an established guitar brand but still damn cool

Edited June 13, 2009 by Slamman