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GMC Forum _ Kristofer Dahl _ Any Tips?

Posted by: shredmaster1393 Jun 2 2009, 05:33 AM

[b]hey kris, i've been playing guitar for a while now but I dont know what to start off with. I want to play fast but don't want to sound like crap when playing, i want to learn how to make good solos like you, and want to actually stick to a lesson to practice instead of getting intimidated when i see the difficulty. what should i do

Posted by: Kristofer Dahl Jun 2 2009, 07:44 PM

Well if I could go back to when I was in your situation (I have actually been exactly there) - here is what I would do.

Keep it simple -

* spend a portion of your practicing time finding new easy lessons, which you can play, and try to learn some new [easy] stuff. Also - just have a good time and jam around with what you have learned (doesn't matter if you think it sounds "beginner:ish" - anything will start to sound cool if you play around with it long enough)

* Use a portion of your time to practice a speed exercise with a metronome.

If you stick to this routine as regularly as you can (and with as many hours as possible - still "just" one hour per day will certainly do the trick if you keep it regular) you will be able to tackle more difficult lessons without being intimidated!

Posted by: shredmaster1393 Jun 4 2009, 10:40 PM

kris do you have any or know any speed excercises i could use?

Posted by: Kristofer Dahl Jun 23 2009, 01:11 PM

Yes! We have tons of them - search for speed, picking,sweeping or tapping (etc. ) Choose one which you like the sound of and which doesn't seem too tricky!

I think it's best if you find one yourself which you like - as this will be one step further to create your own unique voice!

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jun 25 2009, 03:14 PM

I remember having read (and experienced) with playing slow to play faster. You may not always need to push your boundaries constantly to obtain a certain speed. Often practicing at a comfortable speed, then leaving the exercises for a day or two and your brain will have a much better grip on what you're actually playing, and automatically your hands will react to that, I suppose. Making it easier to archieve higher speeds.

I geuss that is in some way pushing your boundaries of speed anyway.