• Registered: 2009-12-20
  • Posts: 155

Topic: "Breaking out of" this Rut!

Hey! I posted in the Off Topic Forum and got some great help, and was told I could probably get more here (Doh, obviously I would, this is the guitar, amp and gear forum tongue) Anyways, I'll cut right to the chase! I've been playing guitar for about 6 years, and here in the past 6 months or so I've finally broken out of the "classic rock Chord Progression with a basic Solo" format of songs, and have gotten into more guitar focused stuff (People like Hendrix, Vaughan, Clapton, JB, etc) Anyways, I've been trying to get down to getting serious, but I have a few problems I would love to get some pointers on!

1: Whenever I improvise stuff, I just wind up playing the basic I-IV-V progression type stuff (Like Clapton does for Sweet Home Chicago. That's the best example I can think of), with improvisation in the Minor Pentatonic Scale of whatever Chord I'm on. This just doesn't seem to "Do It". Does anybody have some pointers on where to go from here to get some good sounding stuff? I'd love to sound better just improvising, but more than anything I would be ecstatic to get down to writing some strong music that's not just a basic I-IV-V. Any tips or suggestions? Definitely not looking for hand holding, more a point in the right direction.

2: I'm kind of lost as far as getting OUT there and playing goes. Does anybody have some tips on what I need to do to start just getting out there and playing? I'd love to find some places like a bar or something that lets people just go up and play like an open-mic night or something. I think playing in front of people might be my best bet at improving. So, does anybody have any pointers on finding these public jam type things, or even ideas on somehow pulling together a drummer and such and getting gigs?

Obviously these are more open-ended questions, so I'm really just looking for pointers more than anything. If I'm being too open ended, sorry! If need be, I can try to get some more specific questions pulled together!

Guitars - Cheapo "Jay Turser"
A beautiful Blue guitar made by "Agile"
2009 Fender American Standard Stratocaster - Olympic White, Maple Wood Fretboard
1994 Blue Gibson Les Paul Studio Lite, Black-Chrome Hardware
  • Registered: 2007-09-30
  • Posts: 556

Re: "Breaking out of" this Rut!

Look on Craiglist or post an ad there asking where the local open jams are.  It will def. help you become a better player.  Warren Haynes said playing with a group is like 10 times the practice than playing by yourself in a room.  I 100% agree.   Playing with other musicians will help your rut problem.  Also to get out of your rut, just figure out all of your favorite licks in different positions on the neck.  The figure out how to connect all of those places on the neck.  Basically learn your pentatonic scales (major and minor) all over the neck.  Then you can "color" what you have just taught yourself with other notes.

Ben

  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: "Breaking out of" this Rut!

As far as breaking out of the same solo style that you do normally here are some tips.

1) start off very subtle and then build the solo's intensity until it's on fire
2) if you find yourself using the same licks through the progressions, just find a good note to bend and give it hell!  Hang on that note and wrangle all the soul you can out of it.
3) rapid triad licks are great for building intensity and allow you time to think of other places to go
4) learn to play your licks on every string, in all positions, and in any key.  You'd be surprised how many ideas you'll get just by mastering this.
5) as far as writing stuff that isn't your standard blues progression goes, that can be tough.  I'd check out blues rock bands like the Black Crowes, Led Zeppelin, Allman Brothers, Free, Bad Company, etc for ideas on how they do it.  You can play some nice bluesy stuff over all of those bands' songs.


Lastly it's tough sometimes getting out and playing.  It really depends on how active your area is.  My problem is that nobody really wants to listen to or play blues rock in my area.  It's mostly teenage metal heads and rap (blegagah).  Try and see if there's any open mic nights at any of your local establishments.  That's where I would start.

I hope this helps.

-Justin

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.
  • Registered: 2009-02-10
  • Posts: 470

Re: "Breaking out of" this Rut!

Best thing I found was, listen to someone new.
Everytime you feel you're stuck playing the same licks, try hard to find someone else that plays slightly differently from whoever you're listening to at the time. You don't even have to like a lot of their songs, just 1 solo can do the trick.

I've never really listened to Eric Johnson, then a few weeks ago started, and now I'm playing licks I used to play but in a different way.

  • Registered: 2009-12-20
  • Posts: 155

Re: "Breaking out of" this Rut!

GotMule: I'll definitely watch craigslist. Anybody have any other ideas of places I could look as well? I'm going to check today's paper. Should be *something*, considering it's Sunday's paper.

StratPaulGuy: Awesome tips there! I'll definitely start incorporating all of those! I'm definitely going to watch for Open Mic (As I said in my response to GotMule as well, I'm going to check the paper big_smile)

Jimi: Listening to someone new definitely gives me more umph to get going. It always helps me out to hear different styles, and I'm definitely going to start trying to incorporate more of what I hear.

Any other tips greatly appreciated, especially on finding places to play! Thanks for all the rapid responses so far! This forum is great, and so are all of you big_smile (Not just sucking up either xD)

Guitars - Cheapo "Jay Turser"
A beautiful Blue guitar made by "Agile"
2009 Fender American Standard Stratocaster - Olympic White, Maple Wood Fretboard
1994 Blue Gibson Les Paul Studio Lite, Black-Chrome Hardware
  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: "Breaking out of" this Rut!

Look in your local Entertainment newspaper or online and search for open mics and/or open jams. The local Blues Foundation in your area might know where the jams are too.

As far as the 1 4 5 rut, join the club. wink I know the scales, but fail to integrate them while improvising. Knowing the patterns and juxtaposing the notes to get phrases over a rythm is completely different.

- 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. cool

7 Reply by brandonherges (edited by brandonherges 2009-12-21 05:53:40)

  • Registered: 2009-12-20
  • Posts: 155

Re: "Breaking out of" this Rut!

Will definitely look NPB_EST. Nice to know I'm not the only one in the club big_smile

One more question: I just restrung with .11 gauges on my new Strat. (Had 11 gauges on my last one too) I'm loving them, but the G-String on this set is Nickel Wound. It's so difficult to bend hmm I'm thinking of just going back and getting a new set. Do you guys think it would be worth it to leave it on there until this set breaks to strengthen up my 2nd and 3rd fingers? Lord knows they need the strengthening. So weird having that nickel-winding there, but sounds great. Opinions? Get rid of it now, or get stronger and deal? Lol, I'm really just rambling on to you guys, sorry tongue Just so awesome to find a forum where I can talk this stuff big_smile

Guitars - Cheapo "Jay Turser"
A beautiful Blue guitar made by "Agile"
2009 Fender American Standard Stratocaster - Olympic White, Maple Wood Fretboard
1994 Blue Gibson Les Paul Studio Lite, Black-Chrome Hardware
  • From: N. Little Rock, AR.
  • Registered: 2007-03-02
  • Posts: 463

Re: "Breaking out of" this Rut!

I'd suggest trying to learn the Melodies and Lines of Vocalists. Then, try to play them on guitar. After you can play the Melody to a Tune without thinking about it, you will have a great Frame to add Licks and different Embellishments to.

Early 80's 1957 U.S. Vintage Reissue Stratocaster (Surf Green)-Warmouth Soloist  Pearly Gates Neck, Pearly Gates Bridge- Larrivee D-03 (Mahogany/ Spruce)
Carmen Ghia Head- Marshall 112 Cab W/G12H 30  or  Custom 4 X 6v6 Head  or  Budda Twinmaster Plus Head-Traynor 212 Cab w/Eminence Texas Heats. 
Mo'D-Eternity-Blues Pro- Timmy-BYOC Chorus/Vibrato- TC SCF- Korg DT 10 Pedal Tuner
  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: "Breaking out of" this Rut!

brandonherges wrote:

Will definitely look NPB_EST. Nice to know I'm not the only one in the club big_smile

One more question: I just restrung with .11 gauges on my new Strat. (Had 11 gauges on my last one too) I'm loving them, but the G-String on this set is Nickel Wound. It's so difficult to bend hmm I'm thinking of just going back and getting a new set. Do you guys think it would be worth it to leave it on there until this set breaks to strengthen up my 2nd and 3rd fingers? Lord knows they need the strengthening. So weird having that nickel-winding there, but sounds great. Opinions? Get rid of it now, or get stronger and deal? Lol, I'm really just rambling on to you guys, sorry tongue Just so awesome to find a forum where I can talk this stuff big_smile

I remember playing a wound G before and hated it.  It tended to roll on me when I bended it and just couldn't get it to work for what I was doing.  I personally would trash those strings and get something that will allow you to play your best.  It's not about who can lift the most weight, eat the most hotdogs, or run the fastest if you catch my drift.  No test of manhood lol.  I use to think I had to play .012s or .013s to sound good and it really made me dread playing the guitar.  My fingers were strong, but would be very sore and prevented me from practicing like I wanted to.  I would recommend either a D'Addario 11-49 set (my favorite all time set for tone) or even a set of .010s.  It's all about what works for YOU man!

PS if you are a Strat guy I always found that thicker strings kept them from being overly harsh.  It really helps fatten the guitar up and especially makes the bridge pickup more usable.  I'm mostly a Gibson guy so I can get a monsterously fat tone with just a slinky set of 0.10s! wink

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.
  • Registered: 2009-12-20
  • Posts: 155

Re: "Breaking out of" this Rut!

StratPaul: You're the inspiration for me. I think I'm going to try and get over to the music store today big_smile

I looked through our paper and didn't see any Open Mic ads sad I have found a few in my quest online, but I'm just paranoid that the information might be old, and I'll walk into this place with a guitar and people will be looking at me "What the hell's wrong with that kid?" or nearly as bad, they won't allow people under 21/18 in at all hmm I'll keep you guys posted, I'm checking to find out all this stuff big_smile

Guitars - Cheapo "Jay Turser"
A beautiful Blue guitar made by "Agile"
2009 Fender American Standard Stratocaster - Olympic White, Maple Wood Fretboard
1994 Blue Gibson Les Paul Studio Lite, Black-Chrome Hardware
  • From: Lancashire
  • Registered: 2008-02-26
  • Posts: 700

Re: "Breaking out of" this Rut!

I had been in a rut for a while recently, fortunately I'm in a band with a great guitarist he invited me round to his one night and ran thru some chord work to help improve my soloing, just giving me dif positions and showing me how to play around chords rather than scales. It was very useful and after a week absorbing what he showed me it sure enough got me out of the rut. Think the morale is sometimes it's good to have a lesson smile

  • Registered: 2009-12-20
  • Posts: 155

Re: "Breaking out of" this Rut!

Thanks for all the responses! I've found a couple weekly open Blues jams in the area searching online. Right now I'm seeing if they have any strict policies about people under 21/18 going into the bar. Wish me luck finding a place that'll accept a 15 year old for their open jam tongue

Guitars - Cheapo "Jay Turser"
A beautiful Blue guitar made by "Agile"
2009 Fender American Standard Stratocaster - Olympic White, Maple Wood Fretboard
1994 Blue Gibson Les Paul Studio Lite, Black-Chrome Hardware
  • Registered: 2007-09-30
  • Posts: 556

Re: "Breaking out of" this Rut!

brandonherges wrote:

Thanks for all the responses! I've found a couple weekly open Blues jams in the area searching online. Right now I'm seeing if they have any strict policies about people under 21/18 going into the bar. Wish me luck finding a place that'll accept a 15 year old for their open jam tongue

Here on Long Island there isn't a problem.  In some places they just don't let you sit at the bar.  It might be different where you live though.  Let us know.

Ben

  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: "Breaking out of" this Rut!

brandonherges wrote:

StratPaul: You're the inspiration for me. I think I'm going to try and get over to the music store today big_smile

I looked through our paper and didn't see any Open Mic ads sad I have found a few in my quest online, but I'm just paranoid that the information might be old, and I'll walk into this place with a guitar and people will be looking at me "What the hell's wrong with that kid?" or nearly as bad, they won't allow people under 21/18 in at all hmm I'll keep you guys posted, I'm checking to find out all this stuff big_smile

No problem bro, and don't let me be the inspiration.  I need to get out and play myself...I find that I'm always busy and say that I don't have the time, but life doesn't wait for you to accomplish your goals.  I should say that YOU'VE been an inspiration man.  At 15 I wasn't searching out places to gig, instead I was sitting in my room trying to learn how to play "Mistreated" by Eric Clapton or "Texas Flood" from SRV.  You are already way ahead of the game dude and the other guys are right.  The best way to get better fast is to get out and PLAY!  Good luck bro and definately let us know how it goes for you.

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.
  • Registered: 2009-12-20
  • Posts: 155

Re: "Breaking out of" this Rut!

Will Do smile I'm so indescisive, now I've decided I can deal with this 3rd string. Once my callouses started to redevelop to the tough ones I had from 11 gauge (Playing the strat with factory strings made me lose those sad), it's not feeling as bad. I need to make up my mind lol Anyways, learning Texas Flood at 15, by ear? Wish I could tongue I can do just about anything somebody shows me with some practice, but as far as learning by ear, it's a chore, as is learning from tab online (I just can't do that very well). I need to work on that hmm

Guitars - Cheapo "Jay Turser"
A beautiful Blue guitar made by "Agile"
2009 Fender American Standard Stratocaster - Olympic White, Maple Wood Fretboard
1994 Blue Gibson Les Paul Studio Lite, Black-Chrome Hardware
  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: "Breaking out of" this Rut!

plain (unwound) G string is the way to go. As for bending, I always bend with more than one finger. it's control, ease, and comfort. I started playing when I was 12 and I need to use more than one finger anyways. Now I'm 30 and I haven't changed my style. With 11's - nobody's going to fault you for bending with more than one finger.

Ernie Ball power cords (slinky brand) are good 11's...
I'm going back to 10's though. Little sacrafice in tone IMO and lots more comfort. As others have said, it's not a test of manhood to play thicker strings. I can get lower action with smaller guage strings too. Havent gotten the bug to raise the action on my guitars yet.

- 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. cool
  • Registered: 2009-12-20
  • Posts: 155

Re: "Breaking out of" this Rut!

Yeah, I'm going to get a plain old G String when this set breaks, but for now I'm dealing. Jeez, all this insight is amazing big_smile I'm used to on most forums getting one or two replies and the thread dying big_smile Thanks for all the help so far!

Guitars - Cheapo "Jay Turser"
A beautiful Blue guitar made by "Agile"
2009 Fender American Standard Stratocaster - Olympic White, Maple Wood Fretboard
1994 Blue Gibson Les Paul Studio Lite, Black-Chrome Hardware
  • From: Lancashire
  • Registered: 2008-02-26
  • Posts: 700

Re: "Breaking out of" this Rut!

You should spend time to learn atleast 1 song a week by ear its very rewarding smile