Inspiring-Improvising-guitarist

Discussion in 'Performing Arts' started by A-Shwa-Child, Sep 4, 2006.

  1. A-Shwa-Child

    A-Shwa-Child Member

    Messages:
    729
    Likes Received:
    3
    Like the title? :p

    Anywho, During the summer break i picked up the guitar after a year long hiatus. Went to a trey and mikes concert, listened to hell of alot of music, and practiced/played the guitar. Playing other peoples stuff is not really my cup of tea. I dont really enjoy reading tabs all day and trying to play a crapy slow verison of a song... But what i really do enjoy playing whatever when I'm in the mood for, which dosnt sound that good, but getting there.

    Anywas, I wanted to know what do i need to know to improvise? I have a basic understanding of it. But it would be great if someone just spelled it out for me.

    Thank you...
     
  2. Sebbi

    Sebbi Senior Member

    Messages:
    990
    Likes Received:
    0
    Do you mean "what do I need to know to improvise so that it sounds good?"

    I would say learn a few types of scale. Don't see it as the start of the road to crystallising yourself in thoery; you know scales, trust me, it's just that you don't know you know them.

    When you know you know them then you're free to choose whether you play in the scale or not.

    And by the sounds of it you're not taking an approach that works for you when it comes to learning other material.

    It sounds a lot like you're flicking over material and then moving on, otherwise you wouldn't need the tab there all the time.

    If you haven't already, learn some chords.

    2 reasons:

    1. It helps you gain understanding of the scales I mentioned earlier (very subconsciously but it does, I don't think I would be able to do scales at all if I hadn't learned chords).
    2. If you do other peoples material then you can do it at whatever speed you're most comfortable with as long as you get the chord change right. The great thing about working from chord sheets is that you can make it as simple or as complex as you like. For example: "Csus2, Gm, Em7" can be played as "C, Gm, Em" and it'll still sound good.

    I don't think you should give up on learning other songs; it's a great way of expanding your horizons musically; people who don't learn other peoples songs get stuck in ruts generally. Play what inspires you and take things at your own pace. Finding a good teacher helps - my guitar teacher always took the line of that he's only teaching me to teach myself, other than that he's just a bank of knowledge, most of which could probably be found on the internet anyway.

    Much Love
    Sebbi
     
  3. telecaster90

    telecaster90 Member

    Messages:
    30
    Likes Received:
    0
    Learn tons of theory, plus the scales and their modes, then come to the realization that these rules can be broken. Alot. Play by ear, but always have something to fall back on when you get lost. Also, sometimes saying nothing is the loudest thing you can say. Let your music breathe.
     
  4. Grapefruity

    Grapefruity Sunny Side Up

    Messages:
    3,318
    Likes Received:
    2
    Let your thoughts translate into music, your thoughts can be music...Or be aware of everyhting around you it will come to you.

    Theres no guide to improvising its kinda self explanatory

    But i dont know you might wanna start messin around with the major chords abcdefg and one day youll see you will make crazy songs just by impro..then add more chrods until you have em all

    unless you talk about improvising solos this bah im not too experienced
     
  5. A-Shwa-Child

    A-Shwa-Child Member

    Messages:
    729
    Likes Received:
    3
    Improvising solos isnt that interesting compared to a band improvising together to make something beautiful. I just find that more enjoyable...
     
  6. DelxPez

    DelxPez Member

    Messages:
    212
    Likes Received:
    0
    so true!!!
     
  7. DickStreet

    DickStreet Member

    Messages:
    47
    Likes Received:
    0
    http://www.all-guitar-chords.com/

    check out this site...every chord, scale, note on the neck, etc...
    i would also recommend learning the circle of fifths, unless u just like to memorize scales as patterns, which i do most of the time unless i really wanna break it down if im misunderstanding something.

    oh, and one more thing...PRACTICE:)
    and rock on:cool:
     
  8. Sebbi

    Sebbi Senior Member

    Messages:
    990
    Likes Received:
    0
    Amen to that!
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice