A fretted plucked stringed instrument, usually having 6 strings.
11
votes
3answers
6k views
What's a good strategy for adjusting pole pieces?
One thing I fiddled with for a short bit once upon a time is adjusting the pole pieces on my Humbucker/P-90 equipped guitars. As a matter of fact, doing just that was the only way I could get my P-90 ...
1
vote
3answers
267 views
On a guitar how do you play two notes simultaneously on non-adjacent strings?
For example here is a snippet from moonlight sonata.
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/12337149/gap.png
There are two open strings here with a pretty big gap in between them. How should this be played?
9
votes
8answers
2k views
Are there alternatives to developing calluses when learning guitar?
As a musician, I come from a mostly vocal and piano background, but I was gifted a decent acoustic guitar many years ago and haven't really gotten into learning it due to practicing being rather ...
1
vote
2answers
463 views
Looking for logic in Behringer X V-AMP LX-1 default presets… need help
I have owned this multieffect for a few days, and I am not able to manage all the (100) default presets. Could someone look for any logic in this list (for ex from #dd to #dd blues effect tones or ...
7
votes
4answers
4k views
Does using a capo put you out of tune?
i just want to ask if using a capo affects the tuning of the strings. I bought my first capo and I played my guitar with the capo on all day long. When I removed the capo, I played another song and it ...
5
votes
5answers
2k views
How do I maintain flamenco guitar fingernails?
Any flamenco guitarists out there? How do you keep the fingernails in such great shape? Is the difference that much better with the strumming hand's fingernails being longer?
7
votes
5answers
290 views
How to go learn through a book
This is not your average "which book to learn from" question. I'll post my research and background in as much detail as possible (since this could potentially help others with similar question).
I've ...
4
votes
2answers
310 views
What's the proper right arm position for an electric guitar?
With my classical guitar arm positioning has never been an issue. I just rest my arm naturally on the body at the crook of the elbow:
My wrist stays pretty flat:
I feel like I could sit like ...
3
votes
2answers
85 views
How can I stop my left arm from fatiguing while playing guitar in the classical position?
If I let my left arm naturally hang and just reach for the fretboard by bending at the elbow, I find I can access up to the fifth fret. However for access to say the first fret, I need to lift my arm ...
7
votes
2answers
300 views
Right way of resting a guitar
While not using or after using, what is the right way of resting a guitar. If I lean it towards a wall, is it right to lean it with the strings facing the walls or otherwise? Is it fine to hang the ...
2
votes
3answers
243 views
Annoying hot humbucker pick harmonics
I have a weird "problem" I recently bought an ESP ltd les paul style guitar with a Duncan JB pickup on bridge. Yesterday while i was practising with my headphones and with full hi gain distortion i ...
1
vote
2answers
138 views
What are the correct mechanics for a guitar F barre chord
I have been having trouble with the F barre chord and have a question about mechanics. As an experiment I've tried moving the body very far to the right so that my eyes are somewhere over the seventh ...
1
vote
2answers
264 views
Determining modes in a minor Key
Speaking of Functional harmony; If a song is in key C, then we call the C major scale from E to E is a Phyrigan mode. Good, what if a song is in key Am, which is actually relative of C and also Am ...
8
votes
9answers
4k views
What chord is formed by the open strings of a guitar in standard (EADGBe) tuning?
Here is something that I have been wondering about for a while:
If you strum all six strings of a guitar in standard (EADGBe) tuning what chord would you play?
I think it would be some variety of a ...
-2
votes
1answer
144 views
Godin Multiac Nylon : how well is that guitar adapted to classical guitar players?
I would like to know if that guitar is totally replication the string length, distance and feel of a classical guitar.
And also get any opinion you may have on it.
13
votes
5answers
306 views
Why does conventional playing style give the string manipulation to the left hand?
For the majority of players, the right hand is used for most tasks that require exacting manipulation: writing, throwing, etc.
However, guitar, violin, lute, etc., etc., use the right hand for ...
2
votes
2answers
131 views
Driving a Novation UltraNova synth via a Yahama synth guitar (G10 ?)
Would it be possible to play on a Yahama syntheziser guitar, and get the sounds and instruments to actually come out of the sound bank of the Novation UltraNovation synthesizer ?
(please feel free to ...
7
votes
2answers
327 views
Fingertip sensitivity/pain related to nail separation
I've been playing for decades. Every now and then I do something that causes a fingertip on my fretting hand to be extremely sensitive — to the point where the slightest pressure causes pain. ...
-1
votes
1answer
87 views
Which synth guitar (MIDI or not) are suited for a classical guitarist? [closed]
The goal is for a classical guitarist to feel at ease when playing the synth instrument.
I know about Yamaha and Roland models, but have no idea about their respective advantages...
3
votes
3answers
389 views
How to keep guitar strings from breaking so quickly?
I have a takamine g350 acoustic-electric guitar (not that it really matters for this quesiton), and my strings tend to break every two or three weeks. I do like to experiment with different tunings, ...
3
votes
2answers
125 views
One at a time or all at once?
I'm relearning guitar after several years -- well, several decades -- away. I'm actually finding that not only is it coming back to me easily, but I'm learning more than I ever knew before due to all ...
0
votes
0answers
121 views
Song Analysis Foo Fighters - Arlandria [closed]
In the process of trying to improve my songwriting skills, I decided to do a little more "structured" transcription (see also Justin's explanation why this is helpful). I'm posting my progress here ...
2
votes
2answers
325 views
How can I avoid making unpleasant facial expressions when playing difficult chords?
When I'm playing (learning) difficult chords on guitar (ex: F,B7) my facial muscles (basically lips) form a weird action (I felt it and I saw it in the mirror).
I feel I'll get used to it as I go and ...
8
votes
5answers
2k views
How do I develop a good vibrato?
A crucial element for phrasing is vibrato, but while you can notate a great number of things, you can't really notate vibrato. I know it's important. I know B.B. King's butterfly vibrato is a big ...
3
votes
1answer
371 views
Acoustic guitar damaged by impact. How to repair?
Introduction
My acoustic guitar has suffered damage at four locations. It still sounds very good, and it is more than twenty years old.
The damage done
The different damage locations are pictured ...
10
votes
4answers
360 views
How to embrace the metronome after years of bad habits?
Background
I have been dabbling in guitar for over 20 years. I have decent dexterity, technique, and musical theory. However, I don't count time and never use a metronome. I always sound like a weak ...
2
votes
1answer
146 views
What is the effect/technique used to make the slide in 1979 by the Smashing Pumpkins?
In the song 1979 by the Smashing Pumpkins, there is a re-occurring downward slide when the guitar changes chords at the end of the first bar (from 7x9 / 2x4):
$5.6.$4.x.$3.8 $5.6.$4.x.$3.8 ...
3
votes
3answers
327 views
Why tune the guitar other than standard?
I have a question. How does tuning come into play in guitar songs? See, I can find the tab of a song in the guitar by ear and I was taught that in tuning standard the fifth fret of the low e string is ...
6
votes
3answers
290 views
Learning guitar via staff
I am learning guitar from my tutor and he is teaching me to read notes on a staff. However when I search for guitar music on internet it comes like:
A C♯m E Bm F♯m etc.
How do I convert these to a ...
11
votes
5answers
8k views
What is the first scale one should learn on guitar
The title really sums it all up but I'll try expand it slightly. Lets say I'm learning guitar and would like to improve my guitar work. Which of the scales should I learn first and why?
2
votes
5answers
291 views
Where to start when learning guitar? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Need Help in Starting to Learn Guitars?
What's the best way to start learning and progress at guitar?
Should I start with scales, basic chord progressions or simple ...
5
votes
3answers
3k views
Causes of sharp pain in a fretting finger after playing guitar or bass?
I have been playing guitar and bass for about 20 years now and I have noticed that sometimes, particularly in the last five years, I will do something with my fretting hand that causes a sharp pain in ...
1
vote
1answer
195 views
Will changing the colour of my Stratocaster reduce its value?
I have a Highway One Fender Strat (American), which I'm told has a poor quality satin finish. This has started to "melt" on the bottom of the guitar.
I paid about £800 for it in 2005/2006. It has a ...
1
vote
4answers
423 views
What are some small, lightweight, electric guitars that are ultra portable? [closed]
There's probably not a huge market for portable guitars. Despite that, I would still like one! :)
What are some electric guitars which are both small and lightweight? They need to have a full-length ...
4
votes
1answer
114 views
How to keep from tensing up when I click the metronome faster?
I've been trying to build up speed with my tremolo exercises, and the demon I keep fighting is a sort of negative feedback loop fed by worrying about deviations from the tempo, increasing attention on ...
7
votes
3answers
191 views
How to develop soloing vocabulary
Background:
My first guitar teacher used to show me small licks or note patterns that had that special quality of arousing interest during a solo improvisation. They were essentially "tools" in my ...
0
votes
1answer
399 views
-1
votes
1answer
154 views
How to learn scales (guitar)? [closed]
What is a good exercise?
After one masters a pattern, how to connect with other patterns?
2
votes
1answer
430 views
Scale change in “God will make a way” by Don Moen
God will make a way starts in F scale (as far as I know).
So the chords are from F major scale. (F, Bb, C, Dm).
This is fairly simple.
But if you check the lyrics-chords from the line "By a ...
4
votes
4answers
997 views
Is it possible to learn Flamenco guitar on a steel-string guitar? Will it sound right?
I have been learning guitar (using a pick) for 4 years, I play only a few chords and a minor scale. I have a metal string guitar, but I'd like to play Flamenco style.
Is it possible for me learn ...
41
votes
7answers
631 views
Ten Minute Practice Techniques?
Unfortunately I can't play everyday.
However, I am trying to grab at least 5-10 minutes here and there. What are some good theory or scale techniques/practice methods I should have ready to pull out ...
4
votes
5answers
634 views
Does Acoustic Blues Guitar Require Use of a Thumb Pick?
I've recently started going through some acoustic blues lessons at jamplay.com. The instructor plays with a thumb pick. I had gone through the first 8 lessons using a standard pick but the latest ...
7
votes
1answer
554 views
What kind of acoustic guitars are good for rhythm playing?
I have a Takamine EG260C guitar. It is fundamentally a steel string acoustic optimized for fingerstyle playing (as I gather from Takamine's official site). The strings that I have put on is D'Addario ...
2
votes
1answer
303 views
Which advanced chords can I use for a song composition in scale of G?
I am making a song composition in a scale of G.
I have already used major chords G, C and D and in some places I have used Am, Em and Bm.
I would like to make this composition richer with some ...
0
votes
1answer
146 views
Strumming Pattern for Oasis Masterplan issue
I am new to guitar (2 months) and have managed to find the strumming pattern for Oasis Masterplan which I believe is DDD/UDD/UD, however towards the end of the verse the chord progression happens at ...
2
votes
1answer
163 views
How to play a #.1 in the guitar?
I play guitar using this scale....this is C major I think...(I don't know the name...but I follow the number on the music note, and it works. ):
But once I come across with this in one music notes:
...
6
votes
1answer
222 views
Can I easily defret a normal guitar to play it as a fretless guitar, or do I need to alter it further?
After enjoying this wonderful video of a Vigier fretless guitar with a metal neck I have decided to defret one of my cheaper Les Paul copies to see what it feels like, but I have a couple of queries, ...
7
votes
4answers
888 views
What is “Phrasing” in the context of playing a Solo?
What is meant when a listener says"His phrasing was spot on"- specifically when talking about solo's but sometimes when referring to a pianist "comping". What does it mean when referring to a ...
0
votes
2answers
261 views
2 Heads on one Cab?
I have two Half stacks, one Marshall and one Kustom. My question is can I plug the two heads into each cab?
What I want to end up doing is have an ABY switch from my guitar straight to the Marshall ...
3
votes
3answers
218 views
How do you play C7 fast on a guitar?
There is a somewhat difficult chord near the beginning of Isaac Albinez's Austurias. I will post it in tablature form for the sake of convenience:
Ｅ｜－１２－｜ ４
Ｂ｜－８－－｜ １
Ｇ｜－９－－｜ ２
...
