I'm in a rutt, what should I be practising on guitar?

Question

I play hard rock, and heavy metal. I have never been classically trained, I am entirely self taught. I feel like I'm missing something but I can't describe it. I'm at a point where I want to start from scratch, but I'm not sure if that's the route I shoud be taking. I want to throw away what I think I already know. Metaphorically, empty my cup. I am looking for some good practise ideas. I want to practise things that will increase my knowledge of music theory as well as dexterity, not necessaricly at the same time. I would like to have answers from musicians and teachers. If you have any ideas I would be glad to hear them.

Answer 1

First, learn your intervals (major second, minor second, major third, etc.).
From there, learn your scales (major and minor first, then the modes and other scales).
Next, learn how chords are built from scales.
Next, learn how all of this information applies to your instrument.
And just keep going, man. Find any book on music theory or guitar.
Here's a recommended curriculum.

For theory:
The Everything Music Theory Book
Harmony by Walter Piston
Counterpoint by Walter Piston

For instrument specific information:
The Guitar Grimoire
Fretboard Knowledge for the Contemporary Guitarist

For improvement of dexterity:
Speed Mechanics for Lead Guitar by Troy Stetina
GripMaster (a nifty little device that allows you to built strength in the muscles that control your fingers; you can find them on musiciansfriend.com)

And don't listen to the naysayers who say you won't get anywhere being self-taught. If you've heard of John McLaughlin, who is far and wide considered one of the greatest and most revolutionary guitarists of all time (he practically invented shred-guitar in the early 1970's; just listen to any of the Mahavishnu Orchestra albums), he was a self-taught guitarist. Granted, he took up study later, but he was an incredible guitarist by the time he first started in the music industry. The most important thing is consistent practice and study; daily.

Answer 2

The best thing to do is to at least get a guitar teacher who knows what he is doing. There are very few self-taught guitarists that can actually play good. Go to www.ultimate-guitar.com, best site for guitar IMO.

Tips)
1)Try to play different styles of music, it improves style, hand technique and so on.

2)Always Warm-Up by picking the first 4 notes on one string and hopping to the next. When you are at the oppisite side, go up on fret and start again.

3)Make sure your position and picking is correct. Rather just go to the site listed above, lots of help from there.

Answer 3

The lead guitarist for Dream Theater (John Petrucci) released a guitar instructional DVD that is FANTASTIC!!! It can be found by surfing to John's website from the Dream Theater website.

It shows many of the warm up techniques that John uses, from simple riffs all the way to some of his more dazzling and pyrotechnical solos.

It's a DVD for anyone who wants to be a good guitarist. I should know. I've been playing the guitar (and I'm rather good too) for 32 years, and I found the DVD to be an instructional Godsend!!!

Answer 4

I play drums, and what I've done since I reached a certain point in my studies was expanded the styles in which I play. I met with a guy who takes traditional West African drum patterns and converts them to the kit. It provides a new exercise and helps with everything. What I suggest to you is how about try classical or Spanish guitar, it will help you with your knowledge of guitar, dexterity, and music theory.

Answer 5

Well, first get an acoustic. Go unplugged, some blues, some folks, get a real gritty troubadour thinggoing.., throw in some Steve Earl.

Answer 6

1. get yourself some lessons
2. learn to read notes
3. learn scales and which ones are good for soloing
4. learn to use interesting accesories such as a wawa pedal or a synth
5. DONT FORGET TO USE YOUR PINKY... its more important than you think

Answer 7

practice clasic things like LED ZEPPLIN, and DAVID BOWIE. i learned on those and they're so easy to learn and play around with