Guitar: What do I Learn Now?

Question

i can play chords: C, D, E, F, G, A, Bb, B, Em, Am, Fm

i can read tabs

i can read sheet music

btw, i play tons of other instruments too, but i am specifically asking for guitar

I want to play lead guitar in alt/rock like Switchfoot's lead, Jon Foreman. or like the lead in Lifehouse etc

Thanks

P. S. I am teaching myself and any websites or youtube videos would be nice

I want to write songs too, and someday start my own band, but want to get really good at guitar first so i can know enough to write my own songs

advice please

btw, i know tons of music theory, can read music etc

have played and currently play: piano, flute, clarinet, recorder, violin

i have had my share of music theory

i play acoustic and electric

Answer 1

Have you learned that new Canon that everyone on youtubes playing....there's a couple of sixteen year old kids who sound really cool with their rendition of Pachelbels' Canon, rock style, go on youtube and watch some of these kids, their fingers are amazing, there are two different ones on youtube who are about sixteen, and I love the way they turned this classical piece into a rock phenomena !!!!!!!
Also why not take the songs of your favorite bands and see if you can play along with them....first time the lead, second time the chords. The chords that you named, are they all that you can play, if so, why not learn more chords. Can you transcribe music ? Can you play in all keys ? I've played classical guitar for almost thirty five - forty years, and lately acoustic, I'm never done learning things on guitar.....that's what I love about it...you can never know it all, there's always something new to learn....have you learned tapping ? So good luck at all your endeavors....bye !!!!!!

Answer 2

Guitar and Piano are two entirely different beasts. The guitar has a lot of timbral versatility to it compared to the piano. For example, the 6th fret on the low E string is the same pitch as the 1st fret on the A string, but they have relatively different sounds because resonance gets involved. It's quite a fun instrument to play however. If you're leaning to play Electric, get a Squier Strat. Every guitar player you know is probably gonna tell you otherwise, because, it sounds bad or isn't the greatest guitar in the world. While that is true, it's also cheap, and compared to One Act guitars, it's not too bad. It's less than $250 for the pack with the amp and the tuner, cable, bag, and everything else, and it's not a bad set. I'm still using the gig bag I got from it 5 years later on my Iceman. The amp eventually went because I used it outside in awfully humid conditions and the electrics corroded over. But for the short term, it's a good investment. When you first pick up an instrument to learn, you need to develop your practice skills, both mechanics and regularly practicing, so don't spend $400 on a guitar right away. It's a shame to see people spend $500+ on Epiphone Les Pauls and knock offs, learn how to play a few songs, and then give up and have the guitar stuffed in a closet. If you do get the set, there's usually a book included where it teaches you a few notes on each string, then some chords, gives you some basic songs, with notes and chords. Nothing to deep into the theory but use that in learning the mechanics, which'll eventually help you in the theory. Go through the book, make sure you know it, then go to a teacher, who will teach you (ideally) advanced mechanics, then start introducing theory. Some people say to learn how to play tabs which are very helpful if you want to learn a song or a new technique but stick with the standard notation because it'll honestly help you. Guitar isn't necessarily difficult to learn if you're willing to put in the time to practice, but it's ridiculously rewarding to play.

Answer 3

These days you can learn how to play guitar over the internet. Check out Mark McKenzie's guitar video lessons here: http://www.jamoramaguitar.com The videos are very easy to follow and to my surprise extremely helpful even for advanced guitar players. For beginners I would have to say this is a gold mine.

I was able to improve my skills in just under 4 weeks and I am an intermediate-to-advanced guitar player; I've been playing guitar for the past 6 years and I was on stage with my band a lot of times.

I live in New York City, I wanted to go to a pro guitar teacher but that would have cost me over $1400 per month. Good thing with this internet, $1400 it's a lot of money for me. Good luck!

Answer 4

I have been playing guitar for 30 something years on and off. I taught myself by listening to music. I found the chords and put them together and made music. Forget trying to read music, play by ear. Listen to music and play along until you match what you hear. Not only is it fun but you learn much more than taking lessons and you do it at your own pace.

Answer 5

Hmm..Maybe Just Make Up Your Own Tunes, Get Creative, I Play Drums And I Just Practice Alot, I Taught Myself And Im In A Band. So Just Be Creative!

Hope It Helps

Answer 6

Learn some scales and practice improvising to improve your lead guitar playing. This helps alot, especially when in a band as it is a good type of communication between musicians. Also, learn some new techniques like tremolo picking, pull offs, etc.

Answer 7

There are tons of lessons on every genre of music on youtube. Check em out! Just type in guitar lessons and go from there. My boyfriend who has been a pro. guitarist for many many years is learning gobs of new jazz on there....

Answer 8

do you play with a pick
because if you do and arent use to using your fingers
i suggest you learn because any great guitarist knows both
and i assume you are using a electric guitar
learn to play a classical or accoustic
and when you pickup an electric again you will think its a childs toy youll be so good at it
thats my advise to you

good luck with all that

Answer 9

okay I know exactly what I'm talking about
I write a couple of songs a day

First you should learn Musical theory
And learn more chords
http://www.xs4all.nl/~hippy/chords/index.htm
theres a chord finder
I'd say learn WAY more chords by memory
and Musical theory

those will keep you occupied

Answer 10

Pick a favorite guitarist and try playing in their style. Then take your next favorite guitarist and try the same. Then try to come up with your own style.