Best Way to Learn Electric Guitar?
i have an acoustic and can play chords well and stuff (self-taught)
but i just got an electric and i'm interested in learning tabs and solos and stuff like that.
any suggestions on how i should do this without a teacher?
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PluckandPlayGuitar has free video based lessons for absolute beginners and assume you know nothing or close to nothing.
It takes you step by step through the basic guitar chords one by one. There’s also lessons on guitar scales, techniques and some easy songs to play.
http://www.pluckandplayguitar.com/
I think this site could get you a good start in playing some lead scales.
http://www.guitarlickers.com/chordscale.html
This is one of the sites I have seen that I tell beginners to look at. It shows a lot of scales. It even has a free downloadable version of the scale finder. You’ll have to develop your picking technique, also. I strongly suggest using a medium to heavy thickness of pick. Thin picks are awful for lead playing. Their response time is just too slow.
The key to learning leads is to try to keep everything 3 notes per string, unless your playing pentatonics, which are generally 2 notes per string.
Use this picking pattern when working with leads going up scale. Low "E" down, up, down, "A" string: down, up, down, continue this pattern. I believe that Frank Gambali originated that pattern. Going down scale, from high "E": up, down, up, "B" string: up, down, up…continue…
Once you have a scale memorized, you should become proficient at that technique in no time. Start with a basic Major scale, just working those 2 techniques, then when you get comfortable with that, start moving up, & down the neck doing it in different keys.
Start working in a range where you can comfortably reach at least four fret stretches easily on the low "E". Work all the way across the neck, do not just try the 2 bottom strings. I’ve seen a lot of self taught guitarists try to get away with that. It doesn’t really fly in the long run. Play across the WHOLE neck!
Don’t let hammer – ons, & pull – offs become your style. If you start doing those first, they become a crutch, because you won’t develop a good picking style. That will limit you badly. Also, another must. Always use your pinky! I can’t stress that enough! Play with all 4 fingers, not 3! The pinky will become your "reach" finger. You won’t be able to reach a lot of the notes in the scales without it.
Don’t start out trying to use too heavy of strings. I have seen a lot of students quit guitar because it hurt their fingertips. Make sure the guitar is set up well with the strings close to the neck, & the neck is straight. Then with lighter gauge strings ( like .009s, to start ) you won’t have so much discomfort.
When your fingers get tired, or sore, take a break, or quit for the day. Same with getting frustrated. Just sit it down, & walk away for a while. Always remember: The GUITAR is NOT STUPID! I have heard that a million times+ !
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Playing in the dark:
When you get fairly good at playing your scales, I’ll bet you realize that your looking at your neck all the time. Everyone starts out that way. Once you have the scales memorized for location, it’s time to start playing in the dark. That way, you CAN’T look at the neck. Getting proficient at that trick will cure you of constantly staring at your neck. Also when your on stage, it looks more professional, & allows for more fun. You will soon realize from live playing that people in the audience think the band can’t see them! They will do the funniest things, thinking that no one is watching! I fell off a stage laughing once, over something happening in the front row at a bar in Florida. I can’t say what is was in this forum, but the 2 people obviously thought they were invisible!
Definitely watch other guitar players on YouTube, or live, if you can. See how they approach playing their leads. Watch the layouts they use on the fretboard.
I hope this helps you with understanding the basics. I’m sure that I have left out some things that should be mentioned here, but I’ve covered the subject as best I can for now. If you have more questions, just post them here, there are a lot of god guitarists here that can help you. You also can click my link (icon) if you want to ask ME something. I’m always willing to help beginners & pros alike! Most musicians are willing to help each other. It’s just professional courtesy.
I was forced to shorten this answer! Too long…
By the way, just ignore idiots who say that girls can’t play. I’d like to see any of those idiots go up against Lita Ford, Jennifer Batten, or "The Great Cat" ! Those gals can smoke any guy, any time! I’m sure there are a lot others, but those are the ones that come to my mind right now.
So you already can play acoustic, so that is good. Many of the techniques used for that are also needed for electric. I suggest using the internet to help you out, because there is a lot of information on it, but be careful with that, because a lot of the info is wrong.You should also buy some books and such to help you out. If you are looking for tabs, here is a good site that you can use…
http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/
not being a woman
Electric isn’t really much different from acoustic, except that it’s physically easier. As far as going from rythym to lead, I’d really recommend a good teacher, but if that’s out of the question, see if you can find some lessons on youtube. Lots of good stuff there…