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GMC Forum _ PRACTICE ROOM _ Ok, Enough Technical Practice, Where Next?

Posted by: Compound9 Jan 7 2010, 11:49 PM

hey guys, need some help and advice. Ive been playing a few years now, studied a bit of theory but am no expert, had extensive practice in technique and am quite advanced in that area. im in a metal band pretty hardcore (lamb of god, god forbid etc), but i struggle to write good solos and when i improvise i have a few good licks but then get lost and it all seems a bit repetative. I need some lesson suggestions to improve my improvisation, and lessons that will help combine my technical knowledge with my theory knowledge, and basically convert me from a good rythm player to an exceptional lead player. Any suggestions? To give you an idea of my playing ability i usually play along to level 6 / 7 lessons on this website.

Also, is there a good resource for backing tracks out there? most sites seem to have just blues, which is cool, but i dont 'feel' blues so im not so inspired when i play to it.

Any help would be appreciated, many thanks

Tony

Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Jan 7 2010, 11:57 PM

You should learn the chords, progressions, and music theory in detail to learn the areas you are not clear with, and understand what you play and how to use knowledge you already have. Start with intervals, move on to scales, diatonic scale, C major scale, chords, other scales following circles of fifths and fourths, modes, study arpeggio patterns, and it will become much clearer then on what to use.

Posted by: ZakkWylde Jan 8 2010, 12:01 AM

I struggle with writing cool solos (Metal solos)...

I guess the key is practicing technique and theory and trying to learn as much as possible from learning other Peoples/bands solos!
Also there aren't many Metal backing tracks out there, I just improvise over actual metalsongs.

Posted by: djohnneay Jan 8 2010, 10:17 AM

Can't you download backing tracks from actual songs and try to improvise solo's on the go?
Don't know if you have already looked, but this site might be helpful : http://www.guitarbackingtrack.com/

Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Jan 8 2010, 11:52 AM

what djohnneay would recommended would definitely be a good thing, I agree, other than the things I've recommended.

Posted by: Ivan Zecic Jan 8 2010, 01:46 PM

You can also play along gmc backintracks, there's plenty of them here!

Posted by: lcsdds Jan 8 2010, 03:31 PM

guitarplayback.com has some nice backing tracks as well..... smile.gif

Posted by: Daniel Realpe Jan 8 2010, 04:11 PM

one key thing that can be missed when being good technically is to really listen to what you are playing...be very conscious of what's actually sounding when you are recording a solo. And also I really think you can never be too good technically, it's just a matter of where you decide to settle and use that for your music.

Posted by: Compound9 Jan 9 2010, 12:05 AM

QUOTE (Ivan Milenkovic @ Jan 7 2010, 10:57 PM) *
You should learn the chords, progressions, and music theory in detail to learn the areas you are not clear with, and understand what you play and how to use knowledge you already have. Start with intervals, move on to scales, diatonic scale, C major scale, chords, other scales following circles of fifths and fourths, modes, study arpeggio patterns, and it will become much clearer then on what to use.


gotcha, will do, cheers dude

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jan 9 2010, 05:58 PM

In many ways it's also about trial and error, I think. Even after knowing the chords, progression etc., you might still play licks that don't really work or become repetitive. I geuss it's all about sitting down and focusing on trying to expand your vocabulary and getting a hang of what sounds as you want it to sound. Once you get it under your skin, you'll naturally do it in live/band practice situations. But it's better to make errors when practicing at home to a backing track and getting rid of those things that one doesn't like about his/hers playing.

Posted by: Compound9 Jan 9 2010, 10:44 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Jan 9 2010, 04:58 PM) *
In many ways it's also about trial and error, I think. Even after knowing the chords, progression etc., you might still play licks that don't really work or become repetitive. I geuss it's all about sitting down and focusing on trying to expand your vocabulary and getting a hang of what sounds as you want it to sound. Once you get it under your skin, you'll naturally do it in live/band practice situations. But it's better to make errors when practicing at home to a backing track and getting rid of those things that one doesn't like about his/hers playing.


oh yeah, i know what you mean, when im writing riffs its a trial and error thing, eventually it works out nicely, but lead work requires a little something else too.

Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Jan 9 2010, 11:22 PM

Just to add, as a lead player, you should be able to interconnect various techniques together. Connecting chordal (arpeggio) patters and scale patterns might be a first step. For this to be done, you should practice every scale pattern and the arpeggio pattern that is derived out of that scale. You have 7 modes in the diatonic scale, so start from there. 7 scales with 7 chords. Learn them well, inside out. Over time it will get easier and easier to write good stuff, don't worry, just be patient and practice often.

Posted by: Vasilije Vukmirovic Jan 17 2010, 12:00 PM

Next step is, begin to learn all scales and arpeggios in all positions. That is enough material for next 2 years for you to work on! smile.gif

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