What do you think is the key ingredient to becoming a great guitar player?

Question

Playing lead and rhythm? being part of a commercial band? knowing all the scales? being able to show off to an audience? being able to replicate any song on demand? Having a different colour guitar? Playing left-handed? playing a variety of styles? having an extensive fan-base? Being able to play any song by ear? Making your own solo on the spot? etc.

Answer 1

Most people have not answered the question. The practice practice and more practice is what it takes to become a good guitarist, but great guitarist ? I have known many guitarists and after the initial learning process, most simply accept their position in the order of things and do not get better or worse....25 years later they are still playing the same riffs. This leads me to believe that providing you have the basics and can play, being great is very much in the lap of the gods.....you either are or you aren't !

Answer 2

Everybody here has made a very valid point. First, make an effort to learn some music theory, so that you understand simple concepts such as the Circle of Fifths and stuff. This will help you understand modes and their relationships to each other. I can't emphasize enough, to learn your scales and modes and keys and how they relate to each other. Once this is understood, then it becomes a matter of practice, practice and then when you're done, practice some more. I have been playing for about 20 years and if you have the chance, because I still do, watch other guitar players and be observant. We all rip things off from others but to become great you have bend and twist it to your style and liking so it's different. Go to George Lynch's website and join his guitar dojo. He plays everything and anything, not just metal. He teaches the proper way to do some things with a Furious George twist. Ididn't really start to become technically proficient until I had played about 5-7 years. I could play fast, but in the blur of notes, it had no heart and soul. I watched a player named Steve Morse, and for how good I thought I was, I couldn't play and do what he was doing. Learn from any any every source you can, and don't get discoureged, not everyone will like your playing, but some people will. Most important play for yourself and if other people like it-great, if not to bad......but always look to improve. Even Randy Rhoads was looking down the road after Ozzy to pursue a Master's Degree in music from UCLA.

Answer 3

1. Practice hard. Every day, for a really long time. Also, practice well. Most people say, "I'm going to be a great guitar player." but never practice whole songs and improve their technique, they just learn a bunch of short, cool licks. You need to set goals, learn whole songs, and improve your overall technique.
2. Be yourself. The people love originality. Just because some things worked for some people, doesn't mean it will work for you. Do what you like, and the people who like that will appreciate you and your music for what they are, not what they are trying to be.
3. Get band members who share the traits mentioned in 1 and 2.
P.S. knowing all the scales is a really good goal, but not necessary to becoming great.

Answer 4

There are many things you need like an affinity with music, knowledge of scales and the ability to play from the music sheet and from the heart, but | reckon that the most important things you need, which you must have, that is absolutely fundamental to playing a guitar is owning one...and having fingers.

Answer 5

People have already said practise, so...

Things that will help you practise...

Being in a band, especially one who have a deadline for when their next/first gig is going to be.

Practise with a band.

On your own, practise with a drum machine or playing along with music to help with you timing.

Practise improvising over random songs played on the radio.

Remember that a great guitarist is nothing without great songs, so learn to write music, or find someone who can, you will never achieve greatness playing cover versions!

Answer 6

A combination of being able to make a guitar sing, playing with raw emotion and practice. The best guitarists in my personal opinion aren't the most technically brilliant.. they are the ones who can make you really feel something with their music i.e Hendrix, Jimmy Page, George Harrison.

Answer 7

All of those things would be outstanding if you were a savant. However, most great guitar players are great because they practice, practice, practice. They know what works, what their limits are, what sounds good from their instrument. All of those things come from practice and immersing themselves in a supportive environment.

Answer 8

my father is a guitar player was actually asked to record at one time. he always said to be a good player all you have to do is practice long periods of time and have a lot of fun. now me I am white I have no rythme and can't play the radio without getting static. but remember to have as much fun as possible.

Answer 9

My dad is an excellent guitar player..and he doesn't even read notes he plays by ear and can play any song (he writes too) you play for him

Answer 10

Imagination...look at all the talent Clapton and the rest have,lots of talent no imagination. Key is getting in that zone that all musicians find were everything is natural and not forced.