I have been playing guitar for about 17 years and my skill and knowledge are sad. I was always a lazy guitarist and only learned the chords I needed to play the songs I was playing. If a song included chords that were too complex I simply used the more basic forms of the chords and fudged it. Every time I tried to learn scales or how to solo I got frustrated and gave up... I just went around saying "I'm a rhythm guy, not lead". Well, it's been 4 years since I picked up the guitar and I am dedicated to mastering it this time around. I have been practicing more than I ever have and my older age has apparently given me more patience because I'm not putting it down anymore and am working through my frustrations.
WHAT I KNOWI know rhythm well.
Freeform Arpeggio.
Palm Muting (various techniques).
Lots of chords (I don't cheat anymore
).
The first position of the Pentatonic Scale.
MY PREFERRED STYLEBlues
Blues Rock
WHAT I'D LIKE TO BE ABLE TO DOI am a realist when it comes to this. I do not have aspirations to become the next SRV. But, I would like to learn as much as I can about blues and blues rock for my own playing pleasure. I also would like to become proficient enough at lead that I could take an existing song and add my own riffs here or there... and eventually develop off of that. Most of the music I perform is Christian Worship in major keys such as G, C, D, E, and F mainly. Every person I've ever heard play lead at churches sounds like a roadie from an 80's hair band. I'd like to add a modern sound to the music I play and possible utilize my blues roots.
I currently am learning all my church's songs but I would like some tips on how I can:
Learn the Scales I need to do what I want to do.
Increase Speed.
Learn to improvise.
I'd like to be able to go to practice, listen to a new song and, after being told what key we are going to play it in, be able to lay down a couple transitional riffs or even a solo part by the end of the night. Right now I am far from that.
Do I need to learn notes? Do I need to learn more than the Pentatonic Scale? Do I need to memorize all the positions for the scales? I am willing to put in the time and hours to advance my skill now. I just feel like there is so much to learn I don't know what I should be working on next. Any pointers or suggestions of what i need to learn and in what order to accomplish my goals would be hugely appreciated!
Hardtail