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Originally Posted by Martian
After seven years the one thing I still do daily (and recommend to new players ad nauseum) is scale drills. Run through a major scale in one position (for example, Amaj in 5th), then run some variations on it (I do it in thirds, then in intervals). Then run the chromatic, then the minor, then the same variations on the minor as well. Do it on one string, then up the octave (which puts you in 7th or 12th position for A, depending on which string you play on) and go through all that stuff again. Finish it all off by playing arpeggios up through the full range of the instrument, then pick a new key and repeat.
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Well, Martian, after a few fits and starts, I've finally taken the proper leap to pick up my guitar again for regular practice. It's been nearly 10 years since I've played regularly. I'm actually pretty grateful because I've maintained and remembered much of what I've already learned. I learned guitar mainly through high school with a couple of courses and a few years of practice. But what I never really learned enough about is scales, etc. I never really moved beyond rhythm and basic licks. I want to learn much more about the instrument, so I figured I'd focus up to an hour a day on practicing, and much of that will be to focus on scales, such as you've recommended here.
But I want to know if there is a good knowledge base I can tap into....preferably a book. I'm going to get Hal Leonard's
Guitar Method from the library shortly, and even sooner I will be perusing a couple of books on music theory. I don't think I want to be able to sight read per se, but I do want to know scales, keys, etc, so that when I see music I can at least fake it or improvise. I'm also interested in picking up a good number of styles that I can just jam in. I have a book on the blues, but I need to build a stronger foundation before I get into that, I think. I wouldn't also mind playing rock, R&B, Jazz, classical, and Latin, though I understand that some of the latter genres would benefit from an acoustic guitar. I only own an electric.
Do you have any book recommendations for such encyclopedic knowledge?
EDIT: Oh, and do you recommend "exercises" for finger strength and speed, or do you suggest these things are built naturally through scales practice?
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Originally Posted by Martian
It's all very boring and uninteresting to listen to or play, but it's also what will allow you to develop the hand speed and precision to do the really cool stuff.
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I don't get bored. It's all about learning this stuff and to see myself improving in skill and know-how. If anything, I get tired.
I want to build my knowledge and skills to the point where I'm confident enough to learn entire songs, not just by memorization, but by knowing what's going on in them.
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Originally Posted by Martian
Oh, and one last random thought : you may want to consider investing in a metronome. Not everybody finds it necessary, but if you're new to musicianship in general having something to help keep you in time will not hurt. Always remember that playing the music in time (with precision) is far more important than playing it quickly.
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I have basic metronome program on my Macbook, but, yeah, I should get a real one. Timing is probably the issue I'm most concerned about. I don't have a strong musical background.... my family is...uh...not very keen on creativity. I was always the black sheep in that respect. I fully intend on learning to a metronome as much as possible. I want timing to become second nature to me sooner rather than later.
Is there anything I should know about in terms of getting a good metronome?
EDIT: Oh, and I'm sure I'll have much do discuss with
aberkok, so assume I've picked or will be picking his brain as well.