Many people have said my style is "unique" because it utilizes both complex and melodic elements. This is because of my fundamental influences as a guitar player:
I grew up with pop-punk bands like Good Charlotte, Blink-182, Yellowcard, etc. These bands rarely solo, and when they do, they are usually not very complex or present much virtuosity. They are very melodic and often incorporate use of octave-stops (a power chord without the 5th) to emphasize melody. I use this in my solo on Famous & Fallen's "Lost & Forgotten".
However, I also grew up with metal bands like Metallica, Iron Maiden, Pantera, etc. These bands are known for very fast, complex playing. My goal as a guitar player is to please both audiences by incorporating melodic passages with high-speed sweeps.
Some people ask how I play as fast as I do. Well, I've covered some of that already: Practice the Andres Segovia scales and shifting pentatonics. However, the key to playing fast, is playing sloooooooooow. You've probably heard this a million times to the point that it's become cliche. It's cliche because it's true.
It's a lot like going to a gym: you don't go straight to bench pressing massive amounts of weight. You start with less weight, let your muscles develop, and work your way up. It's the same with guitar playing. When I studied at University of Tampa, I used to practice my pieces, particularly the Matteo Carcassi Etudes, at 50bpm. Ridiculously slow.
Playing slow, isn't particularly fun, I'll admit, so how do we make it fun to hold our attention: One style of playing is particularly excellent for that: The Blues! The blues is one of the earliest foundations of rock 'n' roll. Much of Chuck Berry's, Keith Richards', even Jimmy Page's playings are heavily blues-based. And what's great about Blues is it doesn't have to be played in excess of 180bpm to be fun!Also, Blues is about expression, not virtuosity. This allows players to develop their guitar muscles and improvisational skills at a relaxed pace.
Now, I'm guessing you don't have a blues band in your back pocket. Not surprised. Most people don't. That's why pre-recorded backing tracks work best. There are many on YouTube for free. Or, you can make your own at home using midi instruments with GarageBand or whatever software you may have. Be mindful of whatever key you're playing in.
When playing, you'll want to utilized the "blues" scales. the blues scale is a minor pentatonic scale with a "blue" note between the 4th and 5th scale degrees. In the case of E, the E blues scale would be E, G, A, Bb, B, and D. However, you don't have to limit yourself to these notes, but non-scale tones should mostly be used as passing, especially chromatic tones.
Remember, the key is to play relaxed and expressively, not fast. Try using slides, pitch bends, and vibrato for extra effect. Happy shredding!
Comments