- PRACTICING -

 

Most of the time you will be practicing at home, sitting on a chair. Every time you pick up your guitar and start to play, take care of these general points:

• Keep your back straight.
• You can have your guitar on your left or right leg (I use my left leg). Use a support pedal for that foot to rest on if you are sitting too high (I use the other foot for a wah pedal)
• Relax your arms and shoulders. Breathe deeply a few times and concentrate on your guitar.
• Every time you start to play and feel that you are too physical towards the guitar, relax again and play something less complicated or slower. Watch your breathing which should be steady, particular during difficult parts.
• In a band you are normally standing playing your guitar. To get used to that you also need to practice like that now and then.

What is the best way to practice?

• First you have to warm up. Play something that you already know until you reach your normal level.
• Pick a few items you want to practice like fast runs, vibrato, timing etc. (these items will be treated in upcoming articles)
• Vary these items and try to combine them at the end of your rehearsal.
• Play along with a drum computer, backing tape etc. This way you develop good timing and feel for rhythm. If the drum computer is pressuring you at some point, just turn it of and practice a while without it.
• You can copy another guitar player to learn. I suggest you use something like a small hard disk recorder. Most of them have variable pitch so you can play back the solo an octave lower. Try to figure out the notes, turn it up to normal speed and play along.
• Of course there also is the internet. Plenty of solo tablature is available.
• Take a break now and then. Practicing too much is never good, but as long as you enjoy it and don't overstress yourself physically or mentally.... you're okay.

Practicing can be pretty boring after a while. Here are some suggestions to keep it alive.

• Use different sounds. Most guitars have multiple pick ups, so use them all.
• If you have more guitars, use each one. This also evens out the wear on your frets.
• Vary your gain settings from low (almost clean) to high (very distorted)
• Use a wah-wah or other pedal once in a while to get an exciting sound.
• Play in different scales (at least in E and A)
• Use a drum computer or backing tape to support you and use different tempos and drum patterns.
• Play some rhythm guitar now and then as well.

 

Eddie - must have practiced a lot....