Stuck in a rut...

[ljahalive]

Hi people. I am kinda feeling a bit down as i have been playing guitar for about 1 year and I am stuck in a rut. Can you guys help me get out of this rut?

I have been trying to nail the songs and solo i wanted to play but I just cannot play as well as others can. All I can do is just play some simple songs with chords.

You could recommend me books, DVD, website (Please do not recommend me those website that ask you to pay online), or you can post any methods and ways to help me improve in my playing.

Thanks in advance.

 

[fenderrules]

Hi!

At this point of your playing you have already reached that first pinnacle of the basics like chords and your general timing and rhythm (I'm assuming you have already done so?) If you haven't got your rhythm down yet, start by practicing with your tapping foot as a tempo to get in the groove of your playing. I admit that sometimes my timing is a bit off, and tapping my foot helped me get back in time again. Make it a habit. I learned this from Al Di Meola, who is a master of rhythm. Very good guitarist, makes very nice music.

Also, get a teacher. You will only be more stuck and confused if nobody helps you out. I have been playing for 8 years and may be experienced in some way but I still have a teacher to guide me. Studying music theory both theoretically and practically has helped me bit by bit in jumping hurdles of all those "stuck in a rut" situations.

Ask your teacher to teach or help you with your playing techniques like palm muting and alternate picking. This will help you tremendously along with practice after lessons. I can list all sorts of methods to help you out, but this will require more personalized approach and you will need to find someone to guide you towards your goals in guitar playing. Soon you will surely be able to nail your favourite songs and solos.

But maybe you would like to share what kind of difficulties you are having and struggling with? Maybe I'll be able to help ya out first.

Cheers and good luck

 

[EngelFaeuste]

If you haven't got your rhythm down yet, start by practicing with your tapping foot as a tempo to get in the groove of your playing.

If your timing is already one big cock up, your foot tapping will be another big cock up. One word. Metronome.

 

[ljahalive]

Ok so what can i do or learn next?

 

[fenderrules]

If your timing is already one big cock up, your foot tapping will be another big cock up. One word. Metronome.

Ah yeah metronome as well correct. Foot tapping is something I use to train my general rhythm like 1/4 beats and stuff like that, chords, riffs, simple stuff.

Well ljhalive, now you will have to decide for yourself what YOU wanna learn next. You wanna focus more on songwriting? Or maybe on guitar techniques?

The choice is yours.


Good luck

 

[smn531]

try guitar speed tutor software

http://soft.com.sg/forum/gear-computer-sw/159161-bundle-software-may-make-you-pro-all.html

 

[firdaus]

one book for recommendation would be advance rock guitar improvisation by jon finn availablie at esplanade library