Learning Not To Play . .

I know my topic sounds funny, but here's my dilemma. I have been playing for awhile and more of a Rythyn guitarist - up till recently I was the only guitarist, whether its acoustic or electric, so I am usually filling that void. Now I am playing more with another guitarist (they are either an acoustic or another electric), and I can't break the mindset that I always need to be playing something. I am not very good at coming up with interesting licks or embellishments spontaneoulsy so I find myself going back to playing chords again, or playing parts that don't mess well with the other guitar. These are somewhat impromptu performances, so its not something I can completely plan out ahead of time with the other guitarist who is just playing chords - We usually do one runthorugh before we play.

I need to learn to not play at times, and not sure where to start.

Anybody have thoughts or ideas about this

Coomon Minor Chord Progressions

I know in the major keys, the most common chord progression is I IV V. I seem to have a good grasp of major keys but am limited in my knowledge of Minor keys. What are the most common chord progressions in a minor key. Are there a few that really stand out in rock, as I would like to start experimenting more with this. I seem to always come up with major progressions only.

Thanks,

Michael

Recommendations On A Serious Shredder Guitar

My son is turning 12 and has been playing acoustic and electric for about 2 years, and up until now has been using my Fender Strat Plus (He also has an old Kraemer Focus but it doesn't tune very well). I want my Strat back so I want to get him his own electric - He is more into faster power chord changes and starting to get faster at tremelo/speedpicking. He is really starting to take off, I want some recommendations on guitars in the $250-$450 range. I was thinking of trying to get him a used Fender Tele or Gibson SG because I am at a point where I like guitars that hold value, but not sure at his age if thats what he wants. I was thinking maybe a Ibanez, PRS, Schecter, or Jackson, with a fast neck. it definitely won't be his last guitar but he is serious enough where I know he wont quit and he performs live at our church as well, so I want something quality built that he will use for many years, even after he gets GAS and wants more guitars like we all do. active Pickups might be an option. I am not too concerned about his size - He plays a full size concert acoustic electric, but he has small hands at his age. He even can handle my Gibson Les Paul Standard, although he likes the weight and feel of the strat more for obvious reasons.

Anybody got some recommendations of brands and models - I am even interested in closeouts as long as its a quality guitar. I need to narrow the field

Thanks for your help.

Michael

For Those About To Rock - Ac/dc

At the beginning of this song at the slow part - Angus Young plays notes that sounds like he's pinching the string as he's plucking it - thats the best i can describe it. i have heard this on other songs as well. what is this technque.

Where's The Backing Track Download Page

I thought I had recently read somewhere on GMC that as of recently we can now download backing tracks for all or most of the lessons (this is important for the REC program, right) from one page with them all listed. I believe I even saw the page at one point but can't seem to find it and my searches have come up empty.

Is there such a place other than downloading one from the actual lesson.

Thanks,

Michael