• From: Illinois
  • Registered: 2008-06-15
  • Posts: 52

Topic: new axe and new technique

hey everyone. as of yesterday i'm the proud owner or a brand new gibson sg classic. never had a gibson before, and wow how it plays fast.   i always see those really smoking guitar players always have like a " circle of notes" they go to in the middle of a lead break. where they just hold there and play them 3 or 4,5,6 notes over and over.  i've been trying to figure that out lately, just something to work on and not use live until its ready.  what is the best way of figuring that out?  i'm curious if its a certain scale that works best?  how can some of you lead players out there describe it?  i've always been minded that less is more. and it works and sounds good. but i'd like to come up with some good jam licks to really get into the music more and stretch some songs out. and ideas anyone??

  • From: N. Little Rock, AR.
  • Registered: 2007-03-02
  • Posts: 463

Re: new axe and new technique

Well, it depends on the tune, and where in the Melody or Line you put those notes. And usually, you can use these "Repeating Licks" to add to the climax of a Solo. But, there isn't just one, all-purpose Lick.

    But, hopefully everyone here will post some of their favorite ones.

    Here's a good one. Using the Am Pentatonic Scale, at the 5th. Fret.

    Pinky plays the 8th.Fret/High E String, with a Downstroke.
    Pull-Off to Index Finger 5th. Fret/High E String.
    Index Finger plays the B String/5th. Fret, with an Upstroke.

    This is a 3 Note Pattern. So try playing it as Triplets. "1 and uh, 2 and uh, 3 and uh, 4 and uh".

    It can be moved along the Fretboard, to wherever you feel it sounds good.

    Hope this helps!

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

Re: new axe and new technique

One of my favorite "circle of notes" licks is a great pedal tone technique that Eric Johnson uses to cue the "Cliffs of Dover" intro.  Also check out Paul Gilbert's "Pentatonic Licks" cheezy intructional on youtube and he shows you how to put together easy repeating box patterns that gives you that rapid solo sound that can go on forever (or until your hand cramps!).  Congrats on the SG, my first Gibson was a SG from the mid 70's.  My SG and LP have forever changed how I approach guitar, so be prepared to change your technique and enjoy!

'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.
  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: new axe and new technique

The early 70's were considered crap years for Gibson, but for some reason I have grown to prefer them.:cool:

- 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