Guitar Megathread - learn-share-talk-lessons-tips-fun

[Dominik]

However, we can't ignore the reality that "top 40" radio hits are products of commercialism and are themselves more commodity than music nowadays. The bottom line for a top 40 radio hit is finding the order of notes and chords that makes the listener say "I want to buy this" or even just "I want to tap my foot to this." It is simple enough to become an earworm to the average person, but perhaps rhythmically interesting enough to stay relevant for weeks or longer.

It's interesting how people will crave complexity in films, TV dramas, and books but when it comes to music they prefer it dumbed down with 3 chords and lyrics a toddler could understand.

[jocnyhc]

Just pre-ordered this bad boy. Jericho Guitars. Factory direct goodness

[spark124]

guitar rules!

[SwimToTheMoon]

Brahs need some feedback pls, kiesel has this competition thing where you have to solo over this backing track https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GIcGP0trjs

This is what I have until now, don't expect to win cause there's some other crazy ass entries, some asian kid has one that is on another level lol
But what do you think of it until now (messed up one note and volume is a bit low)




I don't really know theory, just jam along the track and note down good ideas..

[harmsxwhey]

Just pre-ordered this bad boy. Jericho Guitars. Factory direct goodness

Gahdamn, that thing is beautiful. GJDM.

[jocnyhc]

Gahdamn, that thing is beautiful. GJDM.

Yeah, the second I found saw it I was sold. Company is based in Texas. If you pre-order the new batch that is coming out it is only $699.00. I think its $850.00 normally. They have 3 others I love too.

[harmsxwhey]

May have to look into them. I'm from TX, so I wonder if they have a storefront I could go check out. Looking for a fixed bridge 6 soon.

[iTzDevo]

It's interesting how people will crave complexity in films, TV dramas, and books but when it comes to music they prefer it dumbed down with 3 chords and lyrics a toddler could understand.

That's an interesting point. After thinking on that for a while, I think it's because we aren't trained to listen properly. Lack of music education leads to opinions that music is a hobby and, at best, a commodity to be traded. Compared to film and literature, we're taught in schools what to look for in the storyline and production quality (generally speaking), but music for the most part is ignored. If music was consider less "background noise" and more "foreground noise" that requires attentive focus, it would be taken more seriously as a whole.

My 2c.

[PisseninMisc]

It's interesting how people will crave complexity in films, TV dramas, and books but when it comes to music they prefer it dumbed down with 3 chords and lyrics a toddler could understand.

Sorry bro but you're wrong. Most people crave regurgitated bullchit, which is why romance novels and superhero movies come on top in profit every year.

Used to be art was used to provoke thought, now it's a means of provocation... period. Get people excited and blow some chit up on a huge screen to get that adrenaline and endorphin release. Everything can be done in moderation, but as usual most people rather take the cheap and easy thrill instead of choosing delayed gratification.

Same as watching "EDM" devolve into a bunch of retards with "drops" for hours. As someone who grew up on techno and later got into house when I came to the US, it's hard to know how to feel about this. A lot of people have embraced some of the sub-culture of raving in positive ways, but the overall framework is fuked up commercialism. It's gotten to the point where the music isnt even about the music anymore. Now it has become ONLY about partying, drugs and sex... never thought I'd be the one saying something like that lol. Thankfully the underground is alive and well here in the belly of the beast (Los Angeles).

[iTzDevo]

Brahs need some feedback pls, kiesel has this competition thing where you have to solo over this backing track https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GIcGP0trjs

This is what I have until now, don't expect to win cause there's some other crazy ass entries, some asian kid has one that is on another level lol
But what do you think of it until now (messed up one note and volume is a bit low)




I don't really know theory, just jam along the track and note down good ideas..

You've improved so much :') The quality of playing is good, but your solo sounds confused and lacking direction. It sounds like a jam, which is fine in itself, but solo competitions typically include phrasing and direction as categories of judgment. I like that you saved the tapping part for the end, I felt that the solo peaked at that moment, but you continued to race towards the end and then stopped abruptly. Try to shape it around that tapping bit. Ease into it, build momentum, peak, and then ease out of it. That's how I like to think of my solo development. I know you're banned and can't respond, but let us know where you placed when you get back.

[Dominik]

Sorry bro but you're wrong. Most people crave regurgitated bullchit, which is why romance novels and superhero movies come on top in profit every year.

...

Good points and you're right that Hollywood pumps out a truckload of regurgitated crap for people who don't want to engage their brain. Generalizing of course but I've noticed the average person can handle a lot more detail with the kind of material they watch and read as opposed to what they listen to. They'll watch a TV drama or read a book that is pretty deep but completely switch their brain off to digest something which is the musical equivalent of cotton candy.

[youtube]oVexR1JFtAQ[youtube]

Agree with Devo's comments. My favorite solos don't have a whole lot of shredding but they are very melodic and build up to a peak. That's the hardest skill to master, especially in the context of improvising.

Technique wise I'd spend some time working on vibrato even if it's just half an hour a day. It's probably a dying art these days but for me it's the most important thing along with bending, phrasing, and tone. I use both wrist and circular vibrato which came about from listening to Satch and Vai in the early days. Then I stumbled on a Shrapnel player named Blues Saraceno and his influence took my vibrato up a notch again. Don't always have to use that wide vibrato but it's nice to have it there when you want it. Worth watching.

[Condyle]

Hnnng for the piece, hnnng for the guitar fuk me drunk and seventeen hnnngs for Ana Vidovic.

[iTzDevo]

Worth watching[/url].

That's a massive vibrato, and very balanced. Exquisite to listen to.

Hnnng for the piece, hnnng for the guitar fuk me drunk and seventeen hnnngs for Ana Vidovic.

[youtube]inBKFMB-yPg[youtube]

Vidovic is such a powerful player, easily rivaling David Russell for technique, composure, tone, and interpretation in my opinion. One of the greatest of our time

[Condyle]

That's an interesting point. After thinking on that for a while, I think it's because we aren't trained to listen properly. Lack of music education leads to opinions that music is a hobby and, at best, a commodity to be traded. Compared to film and literature, we're taught in schools what to look for in the storyline and production quality (generally speaking), but music for the most part is ignored. If music was consider less "background noise" and more "foreground noise" that requires attentive focus, it would be taken more seriously as a whole.

My 2c.

To be honest it's the same with poetry - prior to Ezra Pound and the wrecking ball of postmodernism, poetry was arranged in repeating, rhythmic phrases. English is a stress-timed language, and all the greats from about 1500 onwards exploited this quirk to create a rhythm behind the words, an extra layer of meaning and artistry very much akin to music.

Once postmodernism hit, things like technique not only went out the window, they were and are railed against aggressively. The end state is about 100 years of zero worthwhile poetic output. It's easy to trace a similar arc in popular music - since the postmodern moment and especially since the '80s/'90s music is relentlessly dumbed down in terms of consumer appeal.

I know with poetry, quite simply people dislike being told there is a hidden skill behind language's highest expression, given they use language every day. To the dull and incurious it seems as if it is a personal attack - oddly, they are fine with being told there is technique to visual art or film-making or almost any other artform, even music. But people don't play music to ask for directions or order a coffee.

It's down to the rejection of canon, and the overarching questioning of authority. This leads directly to a rejection of fine art in terms of public expression, especially with forms like music and poetry which enjoyed elite patronage through much of their respective developments. The end point is poems are whatever you want them to be (rarely what anyone else wants to hear) and music is whatever the audience wants it to be (rarely what musicians want to play).

[BuddyBoyo]

Has anyone thought about using a keyboard/piano to improve finger speed on guitar?
Shawn Lane said the more he practiced on piano the better at guitar he got, and many pianists have insane finger speed.

[iTzDevo]

To be honest it's the same with poetry - prior to Ezra Pound and the wrecking ball of postmodernism, poetry was arranged in repeating, rhythmic phrases. English is a stress-timed language, and all the greats from about 1500 onwards exploited this quirk to create a rhythm behind the words, an extra layer of meaning and artistry very much akin to music.

Once postmodernism hit, things like technique not only went out the window, they were and are railed against aggressively. The end state is about 100 years of zero worthwhile poetic output. It's easy to trace a similar arc in popular music - since the postmodern moment and especially since the '80s/'90s music is relentlessly dumbed down in terms of consumer appeal.

I know with poetry, quite simply people dislike being told there is a hidden skill behind language's highest expression, given they use language every day. To the dull and incurious it seems as if it is a personal attack - oddly, they are fine with being told there is technique to visual art or film-making or almost any other artform, even music. But people don't play music to ask for directions or order a coffee.

It's down to the rejection of canon, and the overarching questioning of authority. This leads directly to a rejection of fine art in terms of public expression, especially with forms like music and poetry which enjoyed elite patronage through much of their respective developments. The end point is poems are whatever you want them to be (rarely what anyone else wants to hear) and music is whatever the audience wants it to be (rarely what musicians want to play).

That's a great comparison.

Has anyone thought about using a keyboard/piano to improve finger speed on guitar?
Shawn Lane said the more he practiced on piano the better at guitar he got, and many pianists have insane finger speed.

I have never considered training for one instrument with another, but I don't see any harm in it. I think it worked for Lane because he had very quickly mastered the guitar and any additional drills or technical practice would have been redundant. Pianos with weighted keys certainly build finger strength, as well as an ear for dynamics - a harder touch produces a louder sound. Working out new lines on the piano can also break the player out of a slump of sounding the same all the time, due to the linear layout of the keyboard being different than the quartal tuning of the guitar.

[Dominik]

I have never considered training for one instrument with another, but I don't see any harm in it. I think it worked for Lane because he had very quickly mastered the guitar and any additional drills or technical practice would have been redundant. Pianos with weighted keys certainly build finger strength, as well as an ear for dynamics - a harder touch produces a louder sound. Working out new lines on the piano can also break the player out of a slump of sounding the same all the time, due to the linear layout of the keyboard being different than the quartal tuning of the guitar.

I can't see any carryover to the guitar in terms of improving chops given they're completely different instruments but it's great for the reason you mentioned with all the notes laid out in front of you. Not to mention how easy it is to play certain voicings that are physically impossible on the guitar.

My suggestion for the OP would be to supplement your practice with shredding on an acoustic or an electric with heavy strings and high action and dial back the gain. The harder you have to work at it the easier it's going to be when you go back to something comfortable.

[omg_otters]

http://i.imgur.com/MHzbLWd.jpg

L to R: Martin 00-15m custom shop; 1938 Kalamazoo KG14; the mando'; Gibson es-335; Martin CEO-7; Pono OP-10D.

Each has its own voice and I love playing all of them (easily the best way to relax and unwind after a long day at work). Sadly most of these, and others, are in another country at the moment. I only have the Pono with me so that's all I've played since March. Gonna be a shock to play a dread again

Any other acoustic collections on here? I'd be interested to see. Sorry if I've missed them.

[harmsxwhey]

Impossible to go wrong with Martin or a Gibson ES. GJDM.

[Dominik]

Impossible to go wrong with Martin or a Gibson ES. GJDM.

Even if it makes no difference to the sound it blows my mind that they're putting Richlite fingerboards on $7000 guitars.

[harmsxwhey]

Rosewood ban is forcing brands to find other avenues.

[Dominik]

Rosewood ban is forcing brands to find other avenues.

My understanding is it's regulated so they can still use it but they have to pay more for CITES export/re-export permits and obviously there's more PITA paperwork involved. Fender sell more than Gibson and so far haven't resorted to synthetic fretboards.

Using it on regular models is one thing but $7K guitars aren't exactly flying off the shelves. Surely even Pau Ferro would be a better option than Richlite.

Looks like more corner cutting along with using a PCB for wiring. Not a fan of the direction they're going in.

[omg_otters]

Impossible to go wrong with Martin or a Gibson ES. GJDM.

Thanks man. What sort of music do you play? I wish I could properly do the es-335 justice but I'm predominantly an acoustic player. When I do play electric I feel much more at home on a tele for some reason - I don't use a pick and I'm working on developing a Knopfler-esque technique

Even if it makes no difference to the sound it blows my mind that they're putting Richlite fingerboards on $7000 guitars.

That is nuts and there's no need for it. A) I'd rather have an "imperfect" fretboard with some character to it (like Taylor are doing), and B) you could probably find a custom builder and commission an es-335 style guitar to your exact specifications for about that price. I don't particularly like the way Gibson are going either; I've not heard great things about the CEO, I don't really approve of their sales tactics (AFAIK shops are told what models to carry and have very little say in the matter - or lose the Gibson line), and the quality control is becoming infamous.

My understanding is it's regulated so they can still use it but they have to pay more for CITES export/re-export permits and obviously there's more PITA paperwork involved. Fender sell more than Gibson and so far haven't resorted to synthetic fretboards.

Using it on regular models is one thing but $7K guitars aren't exactly flying off the shelves. Surely even Pau Ferro would be a better option than Richlite.

Looks like more corner cutting along with using a PCB for wiring. Not a fan of the direction they're going in.

Guessing that's a drop-in circuit board to reduce man-hours? Wow...

[Dominik]

That is nuts and there's no need for it. A) I'd rather have an "imperfect" fretboard with some character to it (like Taylor are doing), and B) you could probably find a custom builder and commission an es-335 style guitar to your exact specifications for about that price. I don't particularly like the way Gibson are going either; I've not heard great things about the CEO, I don't really approve of their sales tactics (AFAIK shops are told what models to carry and have very little say in the matter - or lose the Gibson line), and the quality control is becoming infamous.

Exactly my thoughts.

As you know Bob Taylor bought an ebony mill in Africa a few years back and was shocked to discover they were cutting down around 10 ebony trees to find one without streaking and the worst part is they were just leaving those trees in the forest. He put an end to that by saying he wants all of it so there's more in supply than first thought. No reason Gibson couldn't be using ebony and "imperfect" blanks can always be dyed. It wouldn't bother me on a cheaper model but no way would I spend thousands on a guitar with a fretboard made from countertop material. Not when there are so many other builders who aren't cutting corners at that price.

Very nice collection by the way. Love the 335.

[NaturalFTW]

I'm trying to learn Like a stone by audioslave right now and am having a lot of trouble with bar chords in general. Do you guys have any tips?

[harmsxwhey]

Exactly my thoughts.

As you know Bob Taylor bought an ebony mill in Africa a few years back and was shocked to discover they were cutting down around 10 ebony trees to find one without streaking and the worst part is they were just leaving those trees in the forest. He put an end to that by saying he wants all of it so there's more in supply than first thought. No reason Gibson couldn't be using ebony and "imperfect" blanks can always be dyed. It wouldn't bother me on a cheaper model but no way would I spend thousands on a guitar with a fretboard made from countertop material. Not when there are so many other builders who aren't cutting corners at that price.

Very nice collection by the way. Love the 335.

Honestly, streaked ebony is more appealing sometimes for me. Adds a sort of exotic aesthetic to it. I know Kiesel offers the option of it, as well as pale moon ebony, and they're gorgeous.

[Wayne Evans]

I'm trying to learn Like a stone by audioslave right now and am having a lot of trouble with bar chords in general. Do you guys have any tips?

Well....since no one has chimed in yet....I'd recommend the following:

Make sure you are bending your wrist enough....that was a tough on for the few that I've taught over the decades.
Get the fulcrum of your wrist beneath the bottom of the neck so your thumb can be behind your barring fingers.
You may need some conditioning to achieve that as a comfortable habit.

NOTE: although I think one needs to do the above and get that technique/conditioning dialed in one does NOT have to play a full bar chord 100% of the time.
One can use partials by not playing string 5&6 and let the bass player have those frequencies.
Be aware of when a full bar chord is necessary.....or not.

Just keep at it......carry on.

[iTzDevo]

Honestly, streaked ebony is more appealing sometimes for me. Adds a sort of exotic aesthetic to it. I know Kiesel offers the option of it, as well as pale moon ebony, and they're gorgeous.

****, I'd buy that over any plain jane fretboard any day. Imperfection my ass, that's gorgeous

[NaturalFTW]

Well....since no one has chimed in yet....I'd recommend the following:

Make sure you are bending your wrist enough....that was a tough on for the few that I've taught over the decades.
Get the fulcrum of your wrist beneath the bottom of the neck so your thumb can be behind your barring fingers.
You may need some conditioning to achieve that as a comfortable habit.

NOTE: although I think one needs to do the above and get that technique/conditioning dialed in one does NOT have to play a full bar chord 100% of the time.
One can use partials by not playing string 5&6 and let the bass player have those frequencies.
Be aware of when a full bar chord is necessary.....or not.

Just keep at it......carry on.

So I've moved around my wrist and the notes are starting to get clearer! It's difficult for me to keep my other fingers "round" when pressing down due to the force at which I'm pressing my index. I'm sure it'll get better over time. Thanks!

[Wayne Evans]

So I've moved around my wrist and the notes are starting to get clearer! It's difficult for me to keep my other fingers "round" when pressing down due to the force at which I'm pressing my index. I'm sure it'll get better over time. Thanks!

I understand....most of us here who are beyond the conditioning stage know the challenge all to well.
Stay cognizant of keeping your wrist bent and thumb behind the fingers.

Ever heard of muscle memory?.....it applies here too but on a far tinier muscle group.

Hope that helps.....