A few tips wanted

[djwolf]

Hi all. I'm a newbie here :) . I've been playing electric guitar for almost a year, I've had about 8 lessons which have helped with the theory side and I feel I'm hitting the chords quite well although I'm still having to watch where my fingers are on the fretboard and I struggle with solo's. I can play a number of easy songs but I'm after a few helpful tips to help me improve a bit more. Ideally I'd like to get into a band soon. My two main issues are:

- I find it much more difficult playing when stood up using the strap compared to being sat down, I don't feel as comfortable and I seem to be less accurate hitting the strings.

- When I move up and down power chords I find it makes an annoying squeal through the amp, is there any way of reducing this?

Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

[Pekkaman]

1. That's the way it is, you'll get better at what you practice though, so start practicing standing if you want to get better at playing standing. Will be easier the higher you have the guitar too.

2. The only practical way I've found of doing this is lifting your fingers when changing posisions. Though, if you have heavy dist or lift your fingers to rapidly you will get unwanted noise, to avoid this, use your right hand to mute.

Anyone got another way to take care of number 2?

[Stengah]

Hey djwolf, i am also newbie here, but pretty advanced as a player ( i hope). Playing while standing up can be learned in one way, practicing. I play pretty low, but i find it easiest way to play for me. You should also find the way which is easy way to play and not think of that how cool it is.

Finding a band is pretty difficult thing ,because when you are a newbie in a band, it can be difficult to express yourself musically. If you have any friends who play some instrument try to put up band with them. You'll never know what will happen. See you at great stages.

Good luck,
Stengah.

[newamerikangosp]

I had the same issue when I first started out. The song that made me want to play was orion by metallica, and when I was learning (on of the first things I started on btw) I found that the solos (most) weren't really that hard. But I wasn't "comfortable" enough with the instrument to stand and play. But I also had the guitar really low by the standards that I use today.

Especially if you plan on playing in a band, play standing up as much as possible. I usually try to stand up for some of my practicing stuff. Also, if you dont clean your fretboard between strings, or change strings very often, you will lose alittle bit of the "cleanness" (no pun) of the playing. Usually slows me down if I have a dirty feeling guitar.

[djwolf]

Thanks for the advice. Do you think it's a bit soon to start looking for a band? I ask because I've only been playing for 10 months and I guess most bands want someone with more experience and who can play accurately. I've been told I'm a decent player but I lack confidence and the idea of gigging is a bit nerve racking but I know I will have to face it sometime.

[Strum]

The playing while standing thing will come to you eventually...Everyone has trouble with it when they start out, more so when you get used to playing sitting down.

...and about the power chords, try using your floating hand to dampen the strings while switching. Again, with practice this'll come naturally.

Oh and I also suggest you try and play without glaring at the fretboard too much ;)

[djwolf]

Thanks, that makes sense.

I had an audition with a rock band today actually but I found it difficult because they didn't give me any chords to rehearse beforehand. The lead guitarist told me what they were when I arrived but it just wasn't enough time for me. They were all more experienced than me with more theory knowledge and I felt a bit out of my depth. I was slow at first but played ok once I got the chords in my head. Would've been much better if I'd have been given chance to learn them in advance. Never mind. I'll keep up with the practicing and lessons for now. Trying not to let it knock my confidence.