Starting to get it

[luch-handt]

Hello all I’m new to the site, and am trying to figure out where I fit in as far as learning goes.
I am self taught, can play open and bar chords. I hear songs and can somewhat figure out how to play “parts” of the song, or what I call “sounds like” the song. I own an acoustic/electric Washburn and a cheap used Johnson 25w amp. I can play blues and major scale, but have no coordination in turning it into anything of any clarity other than just picking the notes.
Where should I start? I picked up a strat copy and can now do some bends in the lessons and vibratos, it’s much easier than the acoustic is.
Thanks
Terry

[Rickey]

Seeing as I never saw a reply to your post Newbie maybe I can do my first post and possibly help with what you seem to be working on.
You must have a good ear and a good start being able to find chords and many of the notes played in a tune already. I take it you have a grasp on pentatonic scales? If so jam tracks can really help but remember most people are guilty of playing a huge pile of meanless notes full speed that has little meaning. I too catch myself forgetitng to make it simple using phrases and musical ideas. Sometimes think of a story you a telling but returning to the main theme occasionaly so as not to lose the idea.

Nothing beats playing music with a friend but if you cannot the use of a recorder of some sort gives you a chance to strum the chords and whatever progression you come up with then play over it on another track. You will find notes that do not sit well within your tune but can be used as short passing notes sometimes.

Enough from this newbie member. I read alot of posts from others on this site that know alot and could give ideas too probably better than I. Keep at it as it is those with different musical ideas that produce new music.

[Brian]

Sorry I’m just now getting around to responding to this – I somehow missed it. Dorian brings up a good point with the ear – you’ve definitely got to have a good ear and be able to pick out melodies on your own. For example, if I were to ask you to pick out a simple melody like Jingle Bells on the guitar, could you do it by ear?

The other thing to pay attention to is to try and emulate licks from other artists, that’s how I learned and really how every player learns.. You borrow phrases / ideas from other players and then over time can create your own sound, based on the various influences. For example, I started with Albert King – I bought the album “I’m Ready” at a used record store and would play his licks at a slow speed until I was able to understand them, and emulate them. Albert was a good one to start with because his licks seemed easy to copy (as compared to some of the other players)

That being said, I’m about release a premium guitar course on how to play blues guitar that walks you through everything you need to know about scales, how to find the key of the song, etc. It’s over 4 hours worth of video too – I hope to have that up either late tonight or tomorrow.

[luch-handt]

Thanks to both of you for the replies. Yes, I have a grasp on pentatonic scales. But like I said I am just kind of stuck with that. I have tried to put notes together that make sense but haven’t been able to do that as yet. I think maybe I am attempting to get this lead stuff or soloing too fast. I have played rhythm over the years but never even knew what a scale was. I’ve been practicing with some of the videos on here and over and over running up and down the scales. The latest jam track that I have been playing to is the E, D, A jam track. Three notes, and do you think I can get out of that what Brian does in the lesson, no not on my own. I can find notes for jingle bells, star spangled banner and probably a few more. I am anxiously awaiting the release of your newest premium lesson that you have been working on. Maybe that will sink in. I’m not frustrated to the point of giving up, just frustrated. It seems that there must be something very simple that I am missing. Brian I will try listening to some artists as you suggest and see if I can somehow emulate them.
Thanks again!
Terry

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