New approach for me ...

[doveman]

Having played guitar for quite a while now ... since the late 60s, I spent the holidays considering a lot of ways I might change up things in my learning ... playing ... recording. Mostly a blues/rocker (looks like you get a lot of us signing up), I spent the last 3 years trying to keep bands together ... sort of given up on that bar band approach for now.

Anyway coming here was one of the things I considered ... jazzing up things so to speak. Well I think I've sort of settled out on the short term strategy.

1. As described here, begin transcribing those musicians I really enjoy that have different styles ... what I'd like my sound to include. For me there are many in various syles ...Matt Schofield, Robben Ford, Keb' Mo', Derek Trucks, John Mayer, Jimmy Herring and Larry Carlton.
2. Pull out some of my theory books but don't get too crazy with it. Rather than concentrate on theory from the ground up, use it to understand specific things I'd like to add to my music ... why they work. I.E. Melodic Minor & Diminished scales, the use of arpeggios ... chord tones,
3. Study some of the "cool licks" that are offerred but everywhere and try to understand why they work. I've found that to be a lot of fun.
4. Start up my recording again ... spice it up with some styles that I don't often try. Mix in some jazz standards like the "Straight, No Chaser" example here. I can think of a few others. But record some of my own things for sure.

That's about it. I appreciate this site ... gave me a number of ideas. I sort of feel out of place a bit but notice that there are a number of blues guys that have joined in the last few weeks. I'll continue to stop by and watch for interesting opportunities ... like Monk's tune ... and some of the discussions.

[JakeAcci]

That seems like a great and balanced approach, good luck!

[brwnhornet59]

Ditto!

[doveman]

Downloaded "Transcribe" software this weekend and began with some of my favorite Matt Schofield and finally learned the melody to Straight, No Chaser. Then spent some time looking at some of the notes I took from a Blues (jazzy) Truefire course I went through during Christmas ... trying to apply it to the Monk tune.

My wife ran an errand about 5:30p and I mentioned that I did not hear her come back (expected she might need my help). She mentioned that was 4 hours ago ... it was 10pm and I was unaware the time had passed. Anyway ... had fun ... and the weekend slipped by.

[waweng]

hello everyone

im new here and i love to play guitar

can someone give me a tips which and where i can buy the best acoustic guitar???pls???

manny thanks

[brwnhornet59]

Hello waweng. Welcome to the forums.

That question in its present form is very subjective. How much do you want to spend? Do you want an Acoustic or an F hole jazz box? Do you want to buy it online? Where do you live etc....

[doveman]

Originally Posted by doveman

#2 - Pull out some of my theory books but don't get too crazy with it. Rather than concentrate on theory from the ground up, use it to understand specific things I'd like to add to my music ... why they work. I.E. Melodic Minor & Diminished scales, the use of arpeggios ... chord tones,

I went sort of crazy and picked up several new books ...

• Connecting Chords with Linear Harmony ... Bert Ligon
• Symnnetrical Scales (Diminished and Whole Tone) ... Don Mock
• Arpeggios For Guitar ... Don Latarski
• Chord-Scale Theory ... Jonathan Pac Cantin

I also pulled out a couple of old books that I had ... Don Mock

• Melodic Minor
• Harmonic Minor

I've been reading but traveling a good bit ... so not as much "hands on" guitar time. There's some real nice stuff in these books. I think I'm going to have to learn a little and try a little. I'm traveling 5 of the next 8 weeks ... seems like things are stacked against me in the short term. However, I have no time/place to be on this journey ... the journey itself needs to be enjoyed. I feel a bit re-energized though.