HARD TO HANDLE

5 POINT WALK AROUND

·         Playing Barre Chord

You play the barre chord with your finger bones, not with the soft finger flesh that you use when soloing, so the palm will be slightly turned outwards, not perpendicular on the fretboard. Try also to play "small barre" - covering only the 3 high strings. Always check the sound of each string. Play the easiest chords at first (E-shape is easier than Em-shape, maybe the easiest shape). There has never been a student who didn't overcome this problem in two weeks at most.

·         Playing Scales

It is very hard to memorize all the scales. Start with the Box Position , a logical sequence of patterns, starting with the easiest to remember, then learn the others in the order of the scales ten times in 10 minutes. Once you get the hang of it, the rest will just come easy.

·         Slow Speed

The secret of speed is to play as lightly as the phrasing allows it. While practicing your chops gradually increase your speed. Don’t force the issue right away.  Allow  the fingers of your left hand as close as possible to the fingerboard, don't make big moves with your right, use only the tip of the pick. Of course, speed comes with time. Learn as many scales as you can, learn other solo from your favorite artist, make phrasing exercises at different tempos. While you're playing, figure out what's the next step, what's the next musical sentence. It is important to take short breaks any 15 - 20 minutes, stop immediately if you feel the slightest pain and never play licks or chords that can hurt your wrist or arm.

Standard Notation

You just can't remember where the notes are.

Remember that the notes between the lines are F-A-C-E, they form the word "FACE", then the notes go in alphabetical order (for instance, between A and C - you'll find B, between C and E - you'll find D) from A to G (therefore, between F and A - you'll find G)

·         Disaster Sound

You have to locate the problem. Is it the guitar, the amp or your way of playing? If you don't like the gear - buy something else but this time, be sure you buy the right gear and axe to get that sound you have in mind. If it's your playing, try to play softer or closer to the neck, apply finger vibrato and don't forget: it takes a lot of time to get a good sound.

·         No Feeling

Playing is all about emotion. Play the same exercise with different feelings, not only glad and sad but also frightened, laughable, tenderly, etc. Your solo must tell a story. It's all about phrasing..