Technique/Theory Thread (Page 4 of 8)

This is really funny...well the end is....the rest is really useful:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKhSzbhn_oo

Here's a pretty good book, for those of you who want to try your hand at some other instruments:

    http://www.guitarworkshop.com/books/oth … nstrument/

Building speed and clarity is such a challenge. when looking for lessons on this, they appear to be too simple or too advanced. there a big jump there...

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping.

Well, usually the way to get better is very simple. The esoteric, convoluted methods usually don't work as well.

    I'd suggest always working with a drum machine, or metronome.

    1.  Try these patterns. Then, try playing through them in 3rds. Then 4ths., 5ths., 6ths., 7ths., and finally, in octaves.

    2. Try playing one pattern ascending, and another while descending. Every combination. Then, do all of these combinations as you work through step #1 (again).

    3. Make sure you play each exercise with all downstrokes. Then, all upstrokes, then strict alternating picking, then economy picking, then no picking (all hammer-ons and pull-offs).

    4. Each exercise should be started at about 40 bpm. When you can do a single exercise 10 times through with no errors at 40 bpm, then try 45 bpm.

    When you can do 45 bpm 10 times with no errors,  go back to 40 bpm before moving on to 50 bpm.

    Keep moving up, in 5 bpm increments. ALWAYS return to 40 bpm.

    If you ever have trouble with jumping up 5 bpm at a time, try 1 or 2 bpm increments.

    Returning to 40 bpm is harder than it would seem. Plus, it helps you to really have control over the time. This is a key ingredient in progress.

    Always tap your foot, too.

    Work for a goal of 1/16th. notes at 120 bpm. This is a good target. After this, go for 1/16ths. at 200 bpm! (In the same  bpm increments).

    I'm still going through this process, myself. Maybe another 20 years, and I'll have hit my goals! Anyway, it's a lot of work. But, there's no "magic bullet".

    I hope this doesn't sound "Preachy", or that it's the only way to work. It's just a method that has worked for me and a lot of my students, over the years.

    Good luck! I hope this helps.
   

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-----------------2--4--5--------------------------|---------------------------
--------2--3--5-----------------------------------|---------------------------
--3--5--------------------------------------------|---------------------------
Here's 3 different ways to play the G Major Scale   across all 6 strings.   

----------------------------------------------------5--7--8--|----------------
------------------------------------------5--7--8------------|----------------
--------------------------------4--5--7----------------------|----------------
----------------------4--5--7--------------------------------|----------------
------------3--5--7------------------------------------------|----------------
--3--5--7----------------------------------------------------|----------------
  I  M  P   I  M  P   I  M  P   I  M  P   I  R  P   I  R  P = FINGERING       

------------------------------------------------------7--8--10--12--14--15-|--
-----------------------------------------5--7--8/10------------------------|--
--------------------------------4--5--7------------------------------------|--
--------------------2--4--5/7----------------------------------------------|--
----------2--3--5----------------------------------------------------------|--
---3--5--------------------------------------------------------------------|--

Also I forgot to add.  different strokes for different folks.  BB aint a shredder...  But he is a world class guitar player.  If it aint in the cards to play fast..  Dont feel bad.. Just find a way to beat em.  Play uber soulful.. find a way to connect the guitar to your heart.  You ll kill the shredders everytime.  Another example .. Lesile West.. and Theme from Imaginary Western.. 
Joe Bonamassa

Bloodline... enough said. 
Joe Bonamassa

Joe...I am sure you feel like you've come a long way since your playing in Bloodline, but I think it was great...I just listened to it today and your leads on "Stone Cold Hearted" still give me chills....and considering your age....very tasteful playing IMHO.  I'm sure a bunch of wish we could play guitar "that badly".

Rockville was great....can't wait til the next show.

CarljMD

No problem, Bro!

    I hope it helps. Feel free to exchange any tips, info, or questions. I'm always working on my playing, too.

    And to Mr. Bonamassa;

    Thanks for all of the great music. You are definately one of today's "Shining Lights" for me. I teach guitar full-time, and it can be hard these days, to find an example of great musicianship to show my students. Your CDs always catch their ears, and inspire many of them.

P.S.

    PLEASE come to Little Rock, Arkansas! We have a few great clubs: Juanita's, Revolution Room, Sticky Fingers, Wynsong Performing Arts Center, Robinson Performance Hall, Alltel Arena. Plus, Riverfest. It's a huge (biggest in the state) 3 day festival. They have had B.B. King, Hank Williams Jr., Black Crowes, Robert Randolph, and many more, play it.

    I know many of the booking agents and promoters here. If I can be of any help, please contact me. I think a couple of shows here, would build you a large fan base in this area.

    Okay, I'll stop my rant. But please, consider stopping by! (And let me know, if I can help).

Jeff