I have been playing guitar for a few years...?

Question

I'm not really that good, mostly all I can do is play all minor and major chords in every position. I'd like to get better at soloing and writing riffs. My question is how long does it typically (I know it depends on how much you practice) take to get learn and get good at playing the different types of scales up and down the fretboard. Also, can you get away with now learning modes and still be a good soloist.

Answer 1

Maybe you need to take advance lessons and learn the theory.

You need to find some one that is very good.

You can self educate yourself if you are able to discipline yourself.

Go to your music store and ask some questions and look at their catalog on music books.

I took lessons and was able to teach guitar but I didn't play as well as some.

My daughter plays rhythm guitar in a band.

It took her no time at all to become very very good and I envy her.

She inherited an ear for music from my father who played in bands his whole life.

We either have it or we don't.

Try your best, that's all the more you can do but I still think you need to take advanced guitar.

Answer 2

Big is absolutely right. Especially when he says play different styles and scales. Here's what I did, start with a scale and find a few blues tabs that align with the scale. Learn the riff and then adapt and make your own. This will help with transitioning seamlessly. The time you put in is everything. Anyone with ears can play, but great guitarists can improvise as well as became a masterful technician. Just pick it up whenever you get the chance and improvement will come. Best of luck

Answer 3

I've been playing for around 15 years. Once I started playing around with scales it didn't take me that long to get good at them. The most important part in my opinion when playing with music is continuity, being able to go and go while not repeating the same rifts over and over ----
Instead of just learning tabs, learn all kinds of scales because tabs turn u into a machine/robot ------ Playing around with scales and different styles will teach you much more. But learning others songs is a good way to impress girls.
I'd say in a couple years you'll be kickin a-s-s ------- It's all up to you and how much you choose to practice