Electric Guitarists... hither

[Nitefly]

Yah know he could just tighten the screw on the back to create more tension. Ive gone up to 13s before and never had to 'buy more springs'

Yes, this is true. I had overlooked this fact, OP this is your first port of call.

I have heard some very simple but cool sounding riffs and im trying to get my picking fast enough to be able to do some metal style "machine gunning" but i dont know. im just really put of with my guitar nowerdays. i know it takes time but im litteraly making no progress. like NONE at all.. i honestly thing ive pushed my carppy fingers has hard as they will go and i just cant get any better

I think that anyone who tells you the guitar is something you can just pick up and play is lying. It requires a tremendous amount of skill to master the instrument. I have hit a level where I can not progress because it would affect my education and social life, but I have hit a standard where I am comfortable with my ability. Playing has never, ever seemed like a chore.

You mention you have been playing 4/5 months. I still couldn't play a barre chord at this point, I hadn't even thought about theory, and I thought Wes Borland was undoubtedly the most awesome guitarist in the world. After some considerable effort I could almost play the main theme of 'Summer of '69' and I couldn't even understand how anyone would begin to attempt to play the start of 'Sweet Child of Mine'.

6/7 years later of attempting to play songs, things are starting to come together. I can strum along to Summer of 69 like a pro. I can play that sweet child of mine intro and, hell, I can do some pretty decent vibrato too. However I still can't do the really widdly bit in the Sweet Child solo.

Do you think you are perhaps expecting a bit much too soon?

 

[Deleted member 651465]

Yes, this is true. I had overlooked this fact, OP this is your first port of call.

I think that anyone who tells you the guitar is something you can just pick up and play is lying. It requires a tremendous amount of skill to master the instrument. I have hit a level where I can not progress because it would affect my education and social life, but I have hit a standard where I am comfortable with my ability. Playing has never, ever seemed like a chore.

You mention you have been playing 4/5 months. I still couldn't play a barre chord at this point, I hadn't even thought about theory, and I thought Wes Borland was undoubtedly the most awesome guitarist in the world. After some considerable effort I could almost play the main theme of 'Summer of '69' and I couldn't even understand how anyone would begin to attempt to play the start of 'Sweet Child of Mine'.

6/7 years later of attempting to play songs, things are starting to come together. I can strum along to Summer of 69 like a pro. I can play that sweet child of mine intro and, hell, I can do some pretty decent vibrato too. However I still can't do the really widdly bit in the Sweet Child solo.

Do you think you are perhaps expecting a bit much too soon?

You can only just play the sweet child intro at 6/7 years?

If you're dedicated you should be cracking on with the main solo by now

 

[Sweetloaf]

My story for those who are interested

I bought my first guitar 17 years ago at the age of 16, formed a band with a couple of mates and we were utterly terrible, I played for about a year, only ever learning the things I neded to to play through our songs (doom metal) we played doomy stuff because everything else was too fast

Played in an industrial band and a punk band which required about 3 barre chords per song, I then got into electronic stuff and stopped playing guitar for about 7 years, I started to pick it up again about 6 years ago, then had kids and it went out the window again until about a year ago, I still feel like a total beginner even now but that doesn't stop me enjoying it, I've never had lessons or put any time into simply sittng down and practicing...what's the point of this tale you may ask?...well In the last year I have structured my practicing, not rushed it and whilst practising pushed myself just a little beyond what I consider myself to be capable of, I am a much more proficient player for simply putting time aside to practice and not getting frustrated by what I can't play (which is most things) and taking pleasure in the things I find that I can do. Most kids who have played for a couple of years will wipe the floor with me but it doesn't matter. You don't have to be the best just as long as you enjoy playing.

Oh and your guitar doesn't need replacing, stick on some 10s, use standard tuning to learn and if it still floats, stick in a spring, you could have course have it floating like I do on my strat, it's no big deal just a little harder to tune.

Hope that helps a bit, just don't rush to play 100 notes per second, it usually sounds crap anyway

Search out JustinSandercoe on Youtube, he's got some good lessons up.

Incidentally, here is me, recorded whilst very drunk, made up on the spot with 0 effects...excuse..excuse excuse all duff notes left in, I blame the Becks

It isn't supposed to be Shine on btw .Dave Gilmour's face in the first photo says it all

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=n1ctC1fnevk

I should be embarrassed but fortunately don't give a flying one because I play for my own enjoyment

 

[Nitefly]

You can only just play the sweet child intro at 6/7 years?

You said it, not me!

Not quite sure how you interpreted it as that, I was just saying how things that appear monstrous as a beginner get easier with time

 

[allllec]

thanks for all the help guys.

im feeling absolutely gutted right now. literally 50:50 as to weather im gonna keep at it or just sell or my kit.. £100+ amp and a £150+ guitar (inc all cables and stuff) so its worth a bit of cash.

 

[Sweetloaf]

thanks for all the help guys.

im feeling absolutely gutted right now. literally 50:50 as to weather im gonna keep at it or just sell or my kit.. £100+ amp and a £150+ guitar (inc all cables and stuff) so its worth a bit of cash.

Stick with it, in 6 months time look back at your playing and it's only then the you will notice an improvement, it can be a slow process and you won't really see a diference until you have been playing for a bit longer.

Decide on something simple that you want to learn and concentrate on just that, when you can do it, you will get that " I can play something " buzz

 

[Deleted member 651465]

You said it, not me!

Not quite sure how you interpreted it as that, I was just saying how things that appear monstrous as a beginner get easier with time

Ahhh sorry, I read it a bit too fast then! lol

Aye, things do get easier with time..

 

[Andelusion]

thanks for all the help guys.

im feeling absolutely gutted right now. literally 50:50 as to weather im gonna keep at it or just sell or my kit.. £100+ amp and a £150+ guitar (inc all cables and stuff) so its worth a bit of cash.

You've got to keep at it, you won't think you're improving, but you will be.

I'd really recommend having a couple of lessons with a GOOD teacher, tell them your situation and that you feel you're not improving.

I have a LOT of students who get so downheartened with playing, and they think they're not improving at all, when they actually are more than they'll ever realise! Everyone gets annoyed with playing from time to time, just realise that it's not easy and you will get better

Maybe have a crack at learning something completely new? Have you played much singer/songwriter style guitar playing? Focusing mainly on chords etc.

 

[Nitefly]

I'd really recommend having a couple of lessons with a GOOD teacher, tell them your situation and that you feel you're not improving.

I think Andelusion has hit the nail on the head. A good lesson makes you feel like how a karate novice feels after his first lesson. Black belt!

Look whos around in your local area