Online Guitar Learning Center Blog

I have just recently started guitar……i need some tips on what to practice to become a better soloist and better guitarits……..i would also like to learn some awesome sounding chord transitions………many people say "get a teacher" but i cant afford the costly lessons so i have the desire to teach my self…….is music theory good to learn? do i practice scales?

Mastering CHORDS and SCALES is the key to being a great guitar player. Learn as many chords as you can…start with simple chords (D, A, E, and their minors) and then work up to harder chords and Bar chords (F, B, Bminor, etc.) Also, know all the ways to play each chords…there are many ways to play each chord on the neck of the guitar…learn 'em.

In terms of chord progressions…my favorite is the "4-5-minor 6". In terms of chords, that would be F-G-Aminor (in the key of C), C-D-Em (in the key of G) and Bflat-C-Dminor (in dropped-D) just to name a few keys. Songs that use this are of coarse Stairway to Heaven (during the heavy part), Until the Day I Die (SOTY), Pachuca Sunrise (Minus the Bear) and a million other songs. It's just cool I think.

IF SOLOS are what you want to focus on…I would recommend you work on a few key points:
1) SCALES - for the actual notes you what to play
2) FINGER EXERCISES - for strength and independence
3) ADVANCED PICKING (up/down picking, pinch harmonics, etc) - for versatility

So first, find some scales online look at the tablature of different scales, major, minor, pentatonic, etc…and learn them, memorize them…and be able to play them across a wide range of keys (A major scale, A minor scale, G major, C major, F#, you get it). Be able to play them with your eyes closed! If someone says "play a solo in G major" you want to be able to get to that G major scale "shape" right away.

Here are some exercises I do to warm up. Starting with my index finger on the first fret of the low E string, I go up four frets on each string, picking each individual note. BUT I use all fours fingers for its respective fret (index finger on 1st fret, middle finger on 2nd, ring finger on 3rd, pinky on 4th)
I do this for each of the six strings, then I move the whole shape up one fret and do the whole exercise again, and again until I reach the 12th fret. I also incorporate variations of this exercise, like starting on the Hi E string…then I will go in reverse, starting with the pinky first (pinky on 4th fret, ring on 3rd, middle on 2nd, index on 1st) picking each note. Between this exercise and running up and down your scales, you will become a lot better and stronger as a soloist.

Once you feel comfortable with your scales and finger exercises, do them again but pick each note with an alternating up and down picking pattern. So, on the first note, pick down like normal and then on the second note, pick up (from the bottom of the string to the top) do this alternating pattern throughout your scales and exercises and it will improve your speed.

You can easily find videos on how to do pinch harmonics, flat picking, finger picking, tapping etc. Learning how to do some of these advanced techniques will give your solos some more personality. Check out Eric Johnson, he's got it down.

These exercises are not very fun, but trust me, if you do these for 30 minutes a day you will see results within a couple of months.

Good Luck.

I didn't start singing until I was 22 years old and I'm 23 right now. I have good timbre, slightly folky sound with a range from A below middle C to G/G# above middle C in mixed voice. I can sing A and up but it either is head voice or very strained belting. My problem is I didn't learn anything about music growing up. I know basics such as notes on the guitar/piano and reading the notes and rhythm on sheet music but that's it. I want a future career in singing but I just feel so disadvantaged with no experience and info. There's so much about chords, control, theory that I need to learn. New melodies take me forever to learn and I can't sing the songs acapella and my rhythm needs work. I plan to hire a music teacher next year but I just feel like professional singing is a pipe dream at this point despite my good timbre and breathing technique. How long will it take for me to get the rest of these things down? How can I keep motivated and hopeful? And not just give up

Well, it all depends on you. Your voice is far from maturing, so you still have plenty of time. A male voice doesn't fully mature until their 50's.

Find a voice trainer. No matter what genre you plan on sining professionally, find a voice trainer. It always helps. They can teach you all the tricks of the trade, if you find a good one. It'll work your voice into the proper techniques, make it sound great, and keep it healthy.

Theory is tough, I'm not going to lie. It's not something that will just happen to you in a few weeks, but it's still not something that is impossible to learn. You can actually learn it all on your own. You can order work books online, or at any music store, and teach yourself. It will take a little time, but don't let it discourage you. You can do it. I'd recommend Ear Training, too.

Just because you were not born with an instrument or theory book in your hand, and could sing Mozart as a Pre-teen, doesn't mean a thing. You're just as likely to make it in the world as they are. Don't let anything get to you. It's not going to be easy, but if it's something you really dream of, then go for it. If you really truly want this out of life, then put forward the work, and you'll succeed.

I am a nurse and I enjoy music very much. My dad began teaching me beginners recorder, with the theory using notes and the music scale, when I was a child. I am very interested in finishing off what he started all these years ago. I am an avid learner, with a great ear for music. Any one who will be able to assist me in my search for a music instructor, is much appreciated, Thanks.

Actually, many music teachers take adult students. I teach them! Also, some colleges and universities teach community classes which introduce adults to different instruments and singing. One thing you might want to do is to call your local Suzuki institute and ask for a referral in the instrument which you would like to learn.

I know how to read music; I know some scales(major, mixolydian, blues, etc.); I used to play Alto/Tenor Saxaphone in high school.
I bought a guitar and started learning how to play it on my own to much avail. Joined my friend's band where we cover stuff like Metallica and whatevers.
But that's not enough for me. I want to write my own music but I know I don't have enough knowledge in the music theory field to start.

I do NOT want to take a class in it. I like learning things at my own pace, which is usually faster than with a teacher.
Don't worry: I know it's not an overnight thing.

Where should I begin? As I said, I already have experience with music…just…no formal study with guitar. Although I do know the basic chords and have pretty decent finger strength now.

get the ABRSM music theory books if you live in UK (i'm not sure what you could get in USA or elsewhere). if you can read bass clef, you'll probably want to start on grades 3-4. it's when things get a bit harder!

if i were you, i'd ask your instrumental teacher (or knowledgeable friends) for advice, but the ABRSM books are great! if you just want a quick reference guide, the ABRSM guide to music theory is a good pit-stop book!

I'm a highschool trumpet player who takes lessons from a professional teacher, and I guess not…a first time lesson teacher myself. He probably doesn't know music theory, but I don't want to make it boring with all theory before actually playing, or make it overwhelming with all playing and no theory. Can you suggest any good sites or beginner trumpet playing books to teach from?

the best pedagogy for that age is to play right alongside him. that way he hears a good example all the time. teach counting notes and rests, nothing too complex,…
i like standards of excellence book one for beginners, i also like rubank elementary book for trumpet-but it's a bit dry for a younger player.