question for you virtuoso's out there....

[BenderOfStrings]

I need your advice.

 

I have been playing off and on now for about 15 years. During that time I have had 3 instructors. One instructor I left because he kept cancelling lessons, the second instructor I left because I felt that he was progressing me way too slow and I just lost interest, and the 3rd instructor tragically died from a blood clot.

 

After 15 years and 3 instructors I feel that I really haven't progressed at all! Ultimately I blame myself but I want to change all that. I want to know from you experts out there, how long did it take before it finally "clicked" for you? At what point did it all seem to make sense?

 

I just feel that I have hit a wall and can't break through it.

 

Can anyone out there give me some advice on resources, techniques, anything at all to help me out.

[Mudcat]

I only progressed as a guitarist when I was playing in a gigging band. Haven't been in a band since 1993. Need less to say, my playing has been pretty stagnant since then.

 

Are you playing in a band? Do you have any guitar playing friends you can jam with?

 

Have you tried instructional DVDs?

[Billster]

Sorry, no virtuoso on this post.

 

At no point in time have I felt truly satisfied with all aspects of my playing. Nor do I ever hope to. In my eyes, contentment brings complacency. While I'm proud of what I have done, and what I feel capable of doing, I always try to look forward.

 

As far as seeking a teacher, set realistic goals, and look for a teacher who you feel has those abilities.

 

Example: I want to tighten my ryhthm playing, maybe look for someone who plays in a gigging dance band, where the time has got to be tight.

 

The search for knowledge is always on, the challenge is finding bite size pieces to digest.

 

Originally posted by Mudcat:

I only progressed as a guitarist when I was playing in a gigging band.

Two thumbs up for Mudcat!

[DIAMOND DUST]

When I get to the point that I can't stand my own playing, getting out around other musicians is the only cure. You can poison your creative well pretty quick once you start to doubt yourself.

 

All the best guitar players will tell you that they are hardly ever happy with their playing. That's how they get to be the best. Just keep searching for what sounds good, and don't be to hard on yourself.

 

And instructional tapes are a godsend.

[Hendmik]

Originally posted by Mudcat:

I only progressed as a guitarist when I was playing in a gigging band. Haven't been in a band since 1993. Need less to say, my playing has been pretty stagnant since then.

DINGDINGDING! Keyword being 'gigging' and not just a bunch of guys "jamming." Have a set list in which everone learns all the songs, ALL THE WAY THROUGH. And not to sound egotistical, but make sure you're not the best player in the band. Join a band that pushes you.

 

My improv skills, knowledge of theory, accuracy, confidence, all shot up when I joined a band.

[BlueZet]

Originally posted by Mudcat:

I only progressed as a guitarist when I was playing in a gigging band. Haven't been in a band since 1993. Need less to say, my playing has been pretty stagnant since then.

 

Are you playing in a band? Do you have any guitar playing friends you can jam with?

 

Have you tried instructional DVDs?

same here, I'd been just noodling in front of the tv for a couple of years and my playing really suffered, now I've been in a band for about 18 months and it's coming back, not all there yet,but they haven't been looking for another guitar player yet, so I guess I'm okay but virtuoso... hell I can hardly SPELL the damn word correctly

[skipclone 1]

anytime you use the word `virtuoso`, make sure you`re talking about someone else. Long as you do that, your mind is in the right place.

If you don`t already, try putting together your own ideas. You can`t always count on other people being there to inspire you. Most of the greats

would say, find inspiration from within yourself-easier to say than do, but it works. The study material is easy to find, after that it`s your show.

[Dak Lander]

Uh, you spelled it wrong. It's virtualoso.

 

I damned sure ain't there.

[BlueZet]

Originally posted by daklander:

Uh, you spelled it wrong. It's virtualoso.

 

I KNEW something was wrong!!

[BillWelcome Home Studios]

I get better when I play with people who can kick my ass. This holds true in sports, cards, chess, and music. Better players make you play better just to keep up.

 

Bill

[jetboy]

I played off and on for 40 years, mostly piddling around by myself, not progressing yada yada.

 

Started playing/jamming a bit and remembered how bad I was started practicing more and when my daughter started lessons and I liked her teacher, I started with the first lessons in 40 years.

 

I asked him specifically to teach me all the stuff I had ignored all these years. Its hard as hell but I am progressing slowly but surely. Learning all the scales etc, integrating into what I know, making my brain ache with new stuff.

 

Now I seem to be able to absorb and recognize more about songs, keys etc. And its a hell of a lot easier learning new songs, I finally figured out some old beatles tunes with a little help from some tabs, but know more chords, progressions etc really helped to recognize what the tabs were trying to say.

 

Ask around, find a teacher and then layout what you want out of your lessons. It sure has helped me. Im still not even a good guitarist but I'm a lot better than I was 6 months ago

[musicalhair]

If you've been playing 15 years I'm sure you've progressed.

 

For me, I have to play everyday. It used to be very ritualized, I'd go through the same warm-ups, finger exercises and stretches etc everday. I don't have the time to sit for the same 3-4 hours each day so I've had to adapt and work on what was most key to what I'm playing. Still if I don't play everyday (or 6 out of 7 if I slip) I don't make progress.

 

I have to take care to not get sloppy and practice "mindful of the moment" without worrying about a goal.

 

I've had great teachers and I can't imagine understanding music or really playing all that well with their help. I can't afford them now, but I'd love to get back with a teacher.

 

Playing with a band or jamming buddies is also very important, nothing is a substitute for it. It is like a teacher is an airplane, they'll take you further than a car. But once you get there you don't want to be stuck in an airport (no matter how much that movie makes you think Catherine Zeta Jones Doglass will fall in love with you) so the car ultimately gets you where you want to go. A band is the car. You'll put together your knowledge and skills that the teachers helped you find in a band or in real playing situations.

[Super 8]

Everyone who has said 'get in a band' is telling you the truth.

My progression on drums was always the greatest when I've had a band to regularly play in.

 

If you're looking for something to 'click', that's about the best advice I can think of.

 

Plus, it's alot of fun!

[Bejeeber]

I'd agree with what all the advice that's been given so far, especially the tip about INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS. Plus, if you haven't done this yet:

 

Choose a guitarist whose playing you really admire, and learn some of that player's best recorded solos or whatever, preferably by ear. Sheesh, with any luck by the time you're half way thru transcribing a tune you'll be all inspired 'n junk and ready to start assimilating some snappy new ideas into your own style.

[BenderOfStrings]

Wow, thanks for all the advice guys.

 

I think the very first thing I need to do is find a new instructor. I'm not the most self-motivated person in the world and I need someone, if for no other reason, to hold me accountable.

 

Second, guys I'm not in a band, never have been in a band, and really have never had a desire to be in a band. I've always played for my own personal pleasure and that's been good enough for me. Now you say being in a band with others helps progression so maybe I need to look at this as a possibility. However this would be more long term because I really have no contacts right now to even entertain that idea.

 

Third, several of you mentioned instructional videos. Are there particular ones that are better than others? Please tell me some of the better ones out there.

 

My influences are guys like Ace Frehley, Angus Young, Joe Perry, Keith Richards, Brian May, EVH, Randy Rhodes, etc.

 

I am more into classic rock than anything else so if you know of any good instructional material along this genre please let me know. Thanks!

[Blue Strat]

I'm not anywhere near being great on any instrument. I'm decent on one or two, but not great.

 

I've never had an instructor, but I'd say that playing with people that have different styles is as important as people of different skill levels. If you hang around with mainly blues players, you're going to pick up a lot of blues licks. If you hang with jazzers, you're going to learn something about chord substitutions. If you hang with guys that play metal, you'll get good at palm muting and arpeggios.