A fretted plucked stringed instrument, usually having 6 strings.
8
votes
10answers
14k views
How not to touch neighbouring strings?
When playing guitar, my fingers often touch other strings on the guitar. I found that my fingertips are too broad for the strings. When I press one string by my middle finger, the meat of the ...
5
votes
5answers
435 views
What are the various methods of tuning the guitar?
This is not a question as much as it is a discussion. I am curious to know what are the different techniques to tune the guitar (using standard tuning) given you know that one string is in tune. I ...
4
votes
5answers
121 views
How to play short repeated sections differently?
I am practicing some short guitar etudes. Many of them have short repeated sections, which are identical and so sound rather boring (example: both first and second half are played twice in this Sor's ...
2
votes
0answers
63 views
How does this technique (Beat Tap?) work?
I'm trying to play this song.
The part with the thumb slapping on the strings is quite difficult for me... He seems to perfectly hit just one string at a time (while beating the lower strings). ...
4
votes
2answers
65 views
Switching amp heads with pedal
I was listening to Killswitch Engage and decided to look Adam D's rig up. He's used multiple amps and guitars, but is sparse with pedals. When reading this I started wondering how they achieve cleans ...
2
votes
5answers
810 views
How can I hold a barre chord for a long period of time?
I don't know if there is a special word for this playing style - I do it like this: I take a barre and I play all single notes along - if I need a chord I just keep the barre and press all needed ...
13
votes
4answers
2k views
How to play chords like G/B
I heard that if there is a chord written like x/y then that means an x chord with y in the bass. This can be played by playing x normally, but then playing the y note on the 6th string, correct?
Then ...
1
vote
4answers
142 views
Drop D power chords
I have difficulties in taking power chords in Drop D tuning. Basically, in standard tuning I would mute other strings with my index finger, but here I have difficulty in barring three strings and mute ...
1
vote
2answers
192 views
What are the differences between these tuning machines?
I just got a used Fender Starcaster S1 to compliment my existing Behringer strat.
Upon inspecting it, I noticed that it has different backs on it's tuning machines.
What are the differences between ...
4
votes
2answers
128 views
One note sounding louder than others - resonance? What to do?
When I play my guitar, the note A sounds annoyingly louder than other notes. This is most prominent with the open A string, though it happens in other octaves too.
I guess this is because of ...
8
votes
4answers
186 views
What is a guitar truss rod?
What is the "truss rod" on a guitar? Do truss rods vary for an acoustic, electric, or classical guitar?
4
votes
2answers
606 views
Lap Steel Tuning for more “modern” music?
I have a six-string lap steel that so far I have kept in C6 (CEGACE). I like it because I can play major or minor on it, but the tuning is seemingly built for hawaiian and classic country work, and ...
9
votes
10answers
324 views
What are good warm-up exercises for guitarists?
I do not generally warm up, but then I don't really stretch my playing as much as my ear when I practice. But I know I should.
What are some good exercises to do before I start getting into the ...
1
vote
2answers
86 views
What actually changes in related scales?
I'm a guitar newbie, and I've only been taking lessons for about 2 months now. My goal is to rock out on an electric guitar - for the time being, I have a cheap classical one.
Thus far I've been ...
0
votes
0answers
33 views
Where to download music covers for songs (without lyrics)? [duplicate]
I don't know if the title of my question is correct, feel free to edit it.
This video: a guy plays if tomorrow never comes on harmonica, while a musical cover for the song is playing in the ...
1
vote
1answer
59 views
How important is a good amp? [closed]
I always wanted to know the importance of a good amp for a guitar.
Do I rather need a 50w tube amplifier that sounds like heaven, or is it already enough if I get a good pedal? Or do I need both?
I ...
16
votes
10answers
12k views
Why shouldn't I put electric guitar strings on my acoustic guitar?
I've always found even the lightest acoustic (bronze) guitar strings to be a bit too heavy to play comfortably. Electric (nickel) guitar strings tend to be lighter. But nobody uses electric strings on ...
13
votes
3answers
197 views
Playing a Coltrane polychord and the limits of space
As I was the reading sheet music for John Coltrane's A Love Supreme, I noticed a chord I had never seen before. It looks like this:
I'm familiar with slash chords, but never had to practically ...
9
votes
4answers
2k views
How can I effectively secure guitar strings to the tuning pegs?
One of the bigger problems I face when restringing my guitars is properly securing the strings to the pegs.
How should I wind the strings around the pegs before tightening them to prevent the string ...
6
votes
4answers
266 views
Electric fretless bass guitar intonation
Is there a specific way to check the intonation on a fretless bass, i.e. adjusting the string lengths at the bridge, or does it simply not matter, as we're keeping in tune by ear anyhow?
2
votes
2answers
106 views
Good exercise for precision in picking (with pick)?
Can you suggest me exercises for precision in picking? My goal is to pick and sing at the same time and it is hard for me for now because since I'm pretty used to strumming while singing where not ...
3
votes
4answers
150 views
Practicing Trills
The slowness of my trills is getting annoying. I am able to play Blue by Yngwie Malmsteen but yet fail at doing the trill in the intro. How can one practice to make them faster? Endurance is not an ...
14
votes
9answers
7k views
Why learn scales? What are they for?
I tried Googling but it seems there is no answer for this one. So the internet assumes everyone knows what scales are for? Why should I learn them? Are they important to be a good guitarist?
4
votes
3answers
181 views
How to play chords on full fingerboard without looking?
Are there any secrets behind learning to play chords on full fingerboard without looking at fretting hand (except that practice is the key)? Maybe some exercises?
9
votes
5answers
646 views
Guitar chords high on the neck
Apologies, this is an incredibly vague question, but any help would be appreciated.
When watching skilled acoustic guitar players, I regularly see them playing chords high on the guitar neck (ie ...
1
vote
5answers
245 views
Learning how to be a good rhythm guitarist before becoming a lead guitarist, where to start?
I have recently been trying to hone in my improvisational skills. I'm stuck in the first position of the Am pentatonic box and can't move away from it. Whenever I try to move out of it, I randomize ...
6
votes
5answers
3k views
How to bend and release without flicking the other strings?
I'm trying to bend up then back down on the G string (so it plays both notes, I'm not muting the bend back down to G) but I always catch my fingernail on the D string. So when I let the bend back ...
7
votes
3answers
769 views
Factors in choosing a replacement saddle for an acoustic guitar.
I saw this in the comments section on the question "Do acoustic or classical guitars need to be set up?"
The saddle material makes a difference in the sound of an acoustic too.
I have a bit of a ...
5
votes
4answers
597 views
Do acoustic or classical guitars need to be set up?
Obviously acoustic and classical guitars don't have external pickups that need to be setup, but are there any other adjustments that need to be done on a regular basis? There doesn't seem to be a ...
4
votes
2answers
99 views
Stopping high E string from muting by palm when using thumb to frett
After seeing many people recommending, I started following the book "Beginning Fingerstyle Blues". I was following the book perfectly till now but with the following piece I got a problem. The author ...
0
votes
3answers
186 views
Amplifier has no aux in, what alternatives can I use?
As stated my amplifier has no Aux in jack. It's hindering me from practicing with an otherwise (imo) great amp (a Vox Pathfinder 15r).
Been thinking of using this to interface between the music ...
20
votes
6answers
2k views
Do guitar strings wear when not used?
Do strings wear because of the pressure applied to them or any other factor, or do they stay in quite the same shape as long as you don't use them?
4
votes
1answer
79 views
Are there any practical differences between Humbuckers and Mini Humbuckers?
Other than form factor, is there any practical difference in sound or performance between a mini/single-coil-sized humbucker and a regular sized humbucker?
3
votes
5answers
4k views
Can I use nylon with steel string guitar?
I was wondering if it possible to put nylon strings on a steel string guitar.
Is it possible? If not why?
28
votes
15answers
6k views
Changing the strings: one by one, or by taking all strings off at one time?
The title says it all. Should I change strings one by one, or take them all at once? Does this matter at all?
If I take all strings off, will it damage my neck in any way, because the pressure is ...
2
votes
2answers
89 views
Which early danceband guitarists tuned to Eb rather than E? [closed]
Often, nowadays, guitarists will tune to Eb etc.as a matter of course, for various reasons.I'm thinking of the 1930s and 40s, when guitarists were playing in dance bands.A lot of the music they played ...
15
votes
3answers
2k views
Arthritis In Hands (Playing With Pain In Hands) - Are There Recommended Approaches?
I have been playing guitar for 12 years now and I'm 28.
I am under treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis (R.A.) and was wondering if anyone who has R.A., or other pain in their hands, has any approaches ...
2
votes
2answers
94 views
How are method books for instruments created and why do they work?
This is an odd question. But I think I can use some wisdom from teachers and other experienced individuals.
Now, most of the instruments have method books, and many teachers follow them as well. My ...
5
votes
4answers
3k views
Why does my Stratocaster guitar sound worse with new strings?
My 4-month-old strings sounded much better than the new set that I just put on. I am using the same brand of strings that I used before. My guitar sounds like crap now. What's wrong? Should I stretch ...
0
votes
0answers
33 views
Playing the hawaiian steel guitar. [closed]
I have got hold of hawaiian steel guitar. This is my first instrument. I have learned to play a simple happy birthday to you using only the first string. How do I proceed further? Links to tutorials ...
5
votes
4answers
170 views
Is it possible to strum (with a pick) separated strings?
There is a song I am trying to learn and the problem is that the guitarist plays the first and fourth strings together. I know this is easily possible if you are finger picking, but I am not really a ...
0
votes
0answers
38 views
Wireless Transmitter Alternative [closed]
I purchased a Guitar Wireless Kit from Sennheiser about 2 and a half years ago, unfortunately the package is outdated and is no longer manufactured. The receiver part of this kit is running great, but ...
4
votes
4answers
419 views
Mute other side of String When Tapping (2-hand tapping style)
I couldn't seem to find this existing question, although it may be somewhere boiled into a two-hand tapping question somewhere else.
I come from electric bass and the Victor Wooten style of two-hand ...
3
votes
4answers
125 views
How to keep ANY progress and have fun again
Actually I'm not even sure where to start.
I play (mostly acoustic) guitar for about 4 year now and at the beginning (lets say 2 first years of playing) I was really inspired but now I kinda lost it.
...
2
votes
5answers
202 views
How do I lower the action on my Floyd Rose guitar bridge?
I have a Floyd Rose bridge on my guitar that I bought (used) last year and I have never been able to lower the bridge.
I've tried twisting the pivot screws but there's no difference. I use the ...
7
votes
4answers
249 views
Playing Guitar Tabs on Piano?
I was wondering if anyone could possibly explain how I could somehow translate a guitar tab into notes on piano. Is there some sort of algorithm I can apply?
ex:
...
1
vote
4answers
158 views
Self learning and tips for a middle aged parent
I have played guitar as a hobby on-and-off for 18 years now. I am not an accomplished player. I took lessons when I started out. I have bought books, and early-on I learned a lot from Fretboard ...
5
votes
3answers
100 views
Does anyone know a good site to share guitar and bass tabs? [closed]
I know I can search in Google and get a lot of good tabs but I would like to use some wiki where I can keep the tabs I like and everyone can improve and share the tabs.
I searched but did not found ...
3
votes
2answers
124 views
How to play Rumba-Flamenco (Spanish rumba) style of music on guitar?
I want to play the rumba style of flamenco music on my guitar.
What are some defining characteristics of this style of music? Are there particular strumming patterns that define this music?
Which ...
0
votes
1answer
68 views
No sound plugging effects pedal into combo amp
I tried to use my distortion effects pedal through the guitar input of my combo amp, and I get no sound!
I used it in effects loop and worked fine and amp works fine when guitar is plugged straight ...
