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

[KyBrah32]

This might seem like a dumb question but what should I practice to get to this point like in the video @1:40...scales?



Its kind of the perfect sound I want to emulate, along with the palm muting

[iTzDevo]

This might seem like a dumb question but what should I practice to get to this point like in the video @1:40...scales?



Its kind of the perfect sound I want to emulate, along with the palm muting

Scales might help you to understand the theory behind how that lick came to be, but it won't help you learn it. That's a combination of tapping, sliding, and legato (or hammeron/pulloff) playing techniques. The sound in this clip is coming 100% from the Axe FX rig he's running it through, so that's your first step if you want his tone.

[KyBrah32]

Scales might help you to understand the theory behind how that lick came to be, but it won't help you learn it. That's a combination of tapping, sliding, and legato (or hammeron/pulloff) playing techniques. The sound in this clip is coming 100% from the Axe FX rig he's running it through, so that's your first step if you want his tone.

I see, so that just creates the particular distortion/sound of the guitar?

edit: I see now, its a preamp processor Ive never heard of them. good god theyre upwards of $1000 too

[Dominik]

The sound in this clip is coming 100% from the Axe FX rig he's running it through, so that's your first step if you want his tone.

At $2500 that's going to be out of reach for the average guitarist. On a budget I'd look at amp modeling software or find a distortion pedal that gives you a decent tone and something cheap as dirt like a Zoom MS-70CDR or a couple of used Boss pedals for some delay and chorus on the clean parts.

Nothing mind blowing going on there tone wise. The most important thing is playing the parts cleanly on a guitar that's perfectly in tune and set up properly with spot on intonation.

[KyBrah32]

At $2500 that's going to be out of reach for the average guitarist. On a budget I'd look at amp modeling software or find a distortion pedal that gives you a decent tone and something cheap as dirt like a Zoom MS-70CDR or a couple of used Boss pedals for some delay and chorus on the clean parts.

Nothing mind blowing going on there tone wise. The most important thing is playing the parts cleanly on a guitar that's perfectly in tune and set up properly with spot on intonation.

I have a lot to learn apparently

[BuddyBoyo]

Any exercises to prevent 'flying fingers' when playing scales? I'm just starting out and want to nip this bad habit in the bud before It prevents me from playing fast.

[iTzDevo]

Any exercises to prevent 'flying fingers' when playing scales? I'm just starting out and want to nip this bad habit in the bud before It prevents me from playing fast.

Slow down and be mindful of it. Eventually you won't have to be

[KyBrah32]

is this a decent deal for an Ibanez?

https://lexington.craigslist.org/msg/6053127167.html

ive been playing on a really old squire strat ive had since I was a kid, but I love the look and sound of an ibanez and heard the necks are thinner and easier to play. Was thinking about offering ~$80 for it

[Criollo]

any bass players here? play off and on but slowly getting better. I use rocksmith mainly but looking into possibly getting some real lessons soon

[EdwardJKenway]

is this a decent deal for an Ibanez?

ive been playing on a really old squire strat ive had since I was a kid, but I love the look and sound of an ibanez and heard the necks are thinner and easier to play. Was thinking about offering ~$80 for it

Looks like a GRG170x. It's a very cheap budget guitar, but for what it is, it's very good. Should help you practice some songs until you wanna move on to something better. I'd say get it

And yes, Ibby's have very thin necks. I've been playing an RGT6EXFX for years, and it has the most comfortable neck of all four electrics I own(also have an LTD MH-50, a Jackson 7 and a Les Paul knockoff).

[Dominik]

Ibby's have very thin necks. I've been playing an RGT6EXFX for years, and it has the most comfortable neck of all four electrics I own

I guess it depends on your style and the music you play. If it's more blues/rock then you might want a neck that fills the palm of your hand when you wrap your thumb around it bending strings.

My JS1000 has a 9.5" radius and the shape feels like a thin Strat neck which is a bit of a departure for Ibanez.

re: RGT6EXFX, that's a nice looking axe. Clean. Only thing I'd change is drop in a pair of DiMarzios for the EMGs.

[EdwardJKenway]

I guess it depends on your style and the music you play. If it's more blues/rock then you might want a neck that fills the palm of your hand when you wrap your thumb around it bending strings.

My JS1000 has a 9.5" radius and the shape feels like a thin Strat neck which is a bit of a departure for Ibanez.

re: RGT6EXFX, that's a nice looking axe. Clean. Only thing I'd change is drop in a pair of DiMarzios for the EMGs.

I play a lot of metal and fast stuff, so I prefer the thin neck, but you're right. A thicker neck would be beneficial for certain other genres.

I dropped some of my savings on my Jackson 7 a little while ago, but I do have plans to upgrade my RGT6EXFX with new pups soon. I've been wanting the John Petrucci Crunchlab/Liquifire set for a long while but never got around to buying them

[KyBrah32]

Looks like a GRG170x. It's a very cheap budget guitar, but for what it is, it's very good. Should help you practice some songs until you wanna move on to something better. I'd say get it

And yes, Ibby's have very thin necks. I've been playing an RGT6EXFX for years, and it has the most comfortable neck of all four electrics I own(also have an LTD MH-50, a Jackson 7 and a Les Paul knockoff).

I guess it depends on your style and the music you play. If it's more blues/rock then you might want a neck that fills the palm of your hand when you wrap your thumb around it bending strings.

My JS1000 has a 9.5" radius and the shape feels like a thin Strat neck which is a bit of a departure for Ibanez.

re: RGT6EXFX, that's a nice looking axe. Clean. Only thing I'd change is drop in a pair of DiMarzios for the EMGs.

I'm looking to shred for now, might get into some blues-y stuff down the road..I think I'm going to shoot him an offer the more I look at it the more I want it

[Bondons]

Hey guys been playing guitar about a year now and looking to buy my first "real" guitar. I have a cheap fender squire that was part of a kit that came with a small amp for about $250. I'm looking to upgrade to a telecaster. I don't really want to spend a fortune since I'm not really good enough to make use out of an amazing guitar, so I was thinking about getting the *Standard Telecaster* which runs for $600. Think thats a good enough guitar to upgrade to? Or should I wait and splurge on something a little more fancy.

[EdwardJKenway]

Hey guys been playing guitar about a year now and looking to buy my first "real" guitar. I have a cheap fender squire that was part of a kit that came with a small amp for about $250. I'm looking to upgrade to a telecaster. I don't really want to spend a fortune since I'm not really good enough to make use out of an amazing guitar, so I was thinking about getting the *Standard Telecaster* which runs for $600. Think thats a good enough guitar to upgrade to? Or should I wait and splurge on something a little more fancy.

It's a good guitar. It really just depends on the type of music you're into. An Ibby 6 string for around 300-400 would be good too, and give you good playability. But telecasters are great and have a certain twangy sound to them that's good for certain genres.

I wouldn't recommend spending too much money on a top of the line guitar atm. Get better, and you'll be able to pick out a high end guitar later to accommodate your skill.

[Bondons]

It's a good guitar. It really just depends on the type of music you're into. An Ibby 6 string for around 300-400 would be good too, and give you good playability. But telecasters are great and have a certain twangy sound to them that's good for certain genres.

I wouldn't recommend spending too much money on a top of the line guitar atm. Get better, and you'll be able to pick out a high end guitar later to accommodate your skill.

Okay thanks. I really want to get good at improving more so than just playing songs. And the demo's I see of the tele have the sound I really like for that sort of playing. Also I love the way they look lol

[Dominik]

I wouldn't recommend spending too much money on a top of the line guitar atm. Get better, and you'll be able to pick out a high end guitar later to accommodate your skill.

Good advice. Investing time in learning to set up your guitar properly will also make a big difference. Plenty of expensive guitars out there plugged into expensive amps that won't stay in tune and the intonation is off.

I like the idea of starting out with a cheap guitar and upgrading it with better pickups before moving up to something better. You can always pull them out when you decide to sell it.

[Bondons]

Good advice. Investing time in learning to set up your guitar properly will also make a big difference. Plenty of expensive guitars out there plugged into expensive amps that won't stay in tune and the intonation is off.

I like the idea of starting out with a cheap guitar and upgrading it with better pickups before moving up to something better. You can always pull them out when you decide to sell it.

I'm weird with my passions where I need to feel a connection to what I'm doing. I have to have the right mentality to keep improving. Almost like getting into a weird spiritual state. Theres something about picking the actual guitar I want to play that excites me. I only got the one I have cause it was part of a kit. I didn't grab it cause I really wanted it. I feel like I'll have more of a connection to my guitar if its one I actual pick out for myself. My weapon of choice. Might sound weird or corny not sure if I can really articulate what I'm trying to say.

[Dominik]

I'm weird with my passions where I need to feel a connection to what I'm doing. I have to have the right mentality to keep improving. Almost like getting into a weird spiritual state. Theres something about picking the actual guitar I want to play that excites me. I only got the one I have cause it was part of a kit. I didn't grab it cause I really wanted it. I feel like I'll have more of a connection to my guitar if its one I actual pick out for myself. My weapon of choice. Might sound weird or corny not sure if I can really articulate what I'm trying to say.

Sure, makes sense. If you look at many famous guitarists, even if they've collected hundreds of guitars there is usually one they play all the time that they have a strong connection with. It's a nice feeling when you find that guitar.

[Bondons]

Sure, makes sense. If you look at many famous guitarists, even if they've collected hundreds of guitars there is usually one they play all the time that they have a strong connection with. It's a nice feeling when you find that guitar.

Just out of curiosity (and this question is for anyone) how long until you felt "good" at guitar? Like you could pick it up and sound good and people would think your a good guitarist. After a year of playing I think I have a good foundation to build from but I still don't think I sound good. Not that I was expecting to, I know its a long journey.

[EdwardJKenway]

Just out of curiosity (and this question is for anyone) how long until you felt "good" at guitar? Like you could pick it up and sound good and people would think your a good guitarist. After a year of playing I think I have a good foundation to build from but I still don't think I sound good. Not that I was expecting to, I know its a long journey.

In two years I could pick up most thrash, metalcore and melodeath stuff. By year three my speed had gotten very good to where I could shred faster than most other guitarists I know who've been playing longer than me. It's difficult to really define a 'good' guitar player, but I was competent I guess. I'm at 5 years now, and with a 7 string I'm focusing on my rhythm control and trying out more percussive techniques because I listen to a lot of modern prog metal that employs 7 string and 8 string guitars.

People will progress differently, I've been playing it on and off for a while so my progress has been a little slow, but practice is key, really. Some people are dedicated enough to start playing Jason Becker songs within two years of playing. It just depends on how much time you're willing to put into practicing. You'll start to sound good once you gain consistency with the instrument.

[KyBrah32]

Got this bad boy yesterday for $90 off CL. love it thus far however it doesnt seem to stay in tune very well :/

[Dominik]

Got this bad boy yesterday for $90 off CL. love it thus far however it doesnt seem to stay in tune very well :/

A few things you can try.

Have you put new strings on it? Not sure what's going on with all that extra string wrapped around the posts. If a string isn't secured properly to the post or isn't under tension as it's wound on you're probably going to have tuning problems as it keeps slipping. Put the strings on correctly and stretch them properly, always tuning up to pitch — not down.

Watch this video.

Strings can also get stuck at the nut with whammy use and heavy bending. You could try one of those string lubricants. Powdered graphite would also work and a lifetime supply would cost you a few bucks.

Lastly is it a fixed bridge? Difficult to see in that photo and I can't see a bar. Looking at the Ibanez parts site the GIO with two humbuckers (no middle single coil), those inlays, black, seems to be the GRG120BDX model. Says it has a "FAT6" tremolo.

If that's what you've got then you could try adding a couple more springs to stiffen it up or if you don't use the tremolo then consider blocking it off with a piece of wood. Cut it the right size, sand it until it fits, and jam it in there. Might even improve sustain.

[KyBrah32]

A few things you can try.

Have you put new strings on it? Not sure what's going on with all that extra string wrapped around the posts. If a string isn't secured properly to the post or isn't under tension as it's wound on you're probably going to have tuning problems as it keeps slipping. Put the strings on correctly and stretch them properly, always tuning up to pitch — not down.

Watch this video.

Strings can also get stuck at the nut with whammy use and heavy bending. You could try one of those string lubricants. Powdered graphite would also work and a lifetime supply would cost you a few bucks.

Lastly is it a fixed bridge? Difficult to see in that photo and I can't see a bar. Looking at the Ibanez parts site the GIO with two humbuckers (no middle single coil), those inlays, black, seems to be the GRG120BDX model. Says it has a "FAT6" tremolo.

If that's what you've got then you could try adding a couple more springs to stiffen it up or if you don't use the tremolo then consider blocking it off with a piece of wood. Cut it the right size, sand it until it fits, and jam it in there. Might even improve sustain.

Thanks for the advice man! Yeah its a GRG120BDX. I've got some new strings I can put on I'll try that out, Ill give the stringing method in the video a go and see if that helps. As far as everything else you've mentioned you admittedly lost me if new strings dont do the trick I'll probably just take it to a shop and let them take a look

[FreshRollyG]

Sunday night backing track jam. Minor scale, and dat der delay..



Feeling improvements, slowly but surely


Also considering this pedal. Anyone know much about it?

[Dominik]

Also considering this pedal. Anyone know much about it?

Did a lot of research into delay and reverb pedals recently when I retired my TC M3000 rack.

For reverb I looked at the Strymon BigSky, Neunaber Immerse and Wet w/ExP controller, and the MXR M300.

They all sound great but the upside of the Strymon being a larger unit with a display is presets for live work. Ditto for the Timeline with delay. Downside is they take up more space on a pedalboard.

What I ended up with was a surprise because it cost a lot less than I was expecting to spend for a decent reverb. Boss RV-6. The corksniffing boutique snobs will automatically dismiss Boss but they make some great stuff — RV-6 is no exception. Does a really nice modulated reverb. Stereo outputs without having to use a fancy TRS cable like the MXR. Also takes an expression pedal.

For digital delay I went with a Strymon DIG. Dual delays that can run in full stereo. Beautiful is an understatement.

[SeanGarrity]

Just bought an acoustic! Complete noob, want to give it a go at teaching myself. Any of you gurus have any good books or youtube videos that I should start with?

[iTzDevo]

Feeling improvements, slowly but surely

You should be super proud of this track, it's a significant improvement overall: phrasing, dynamic, rhythm, direction, EVERYTHING. You played a fantastic ballad

The corksniffing boutique snobs will automatically dismiss Boss but they make some great stuff

Never heard anyone talk **** about Boss pedals, I've only ever heard recommendations

[iTzDevo]

Just bought an acoustic! Complete noob, want to give it a go at teaching myself. Any of you gurus have any good books or youtube videos that I should start with?

If you don't have any (or much) music training, I would highly recommend finding a local teacher. You will progress much quicker with a decent teacher and (hopefully) not lose interest. Find an encouraging teacher and it will be an enjoyable experience, take it from someone who was self-taught for 8 years before finding a teacher and getting serious. I wish I could take back all that time.

[Dominik]

Never heard anyone talk **** about Boss pedals, I've only ever heard recommendations

Because they're the biggest name and are usually the most affordable, they're an easy target. However there's a reason why you see them on so many pro boards. Reliable, easy to replace, and live I doubt anyone is going to hear the difference between a Boss pedal and something 3x the price.

After 40 years I still think it's the best design. They aren't power hungry so you could comfortably run them all off 9V and not use a power supply. I could easily play a gig with only Boss pedals. OD-3 or Blues Driver for some dirt, DM-2w, DD-3, or DD-7 for delay, and an RV-6 for reverb. And if I wanted a more complex rig I'd use the ES-8 as a switcher.