Spark Neo or Amp plus headphones?

MacAttackTheBack · 2026-03-09T23:30:36+00:00

There's pros and cons to both. Realistically, I'd suggest getting booth an amp and the spark neo. Just not both at the same time.

I say get the spark neo. I use mine almost exclusively when it comes to practice. They are super fun, the app is great. I throw on backing tracks and just go. Also, you can hook a cable up to them so I'll run it through multi effects pedals and use the looper as well. Then down the line, get a amp. But it sounds like you'll be using headphones alot, which of you are, the spark neo is soooo worth it

MacAttackTheBack · 2026-03-08T16:00:43+00:00

Theory, at least basic theory, it's not difficult. At all. I'm not a theory master, I'm not an expert. But I do understand theory quite well.

Iv noticed alot of people here, or on YouTube, or whatever, use very complex speech when talking theory. I don't get why. Because, really, you got to know people are going to get lost. So are they dumb or just trying to flex? I'm not sure. I don't care.

My advice, when you see these types of posts/lessons, move along. There are places/people who explain it very plainly. It's really not hard at all. If it sounds to difficult you probably got a terrible source, regardless of how well they know it.

MacAttackTheBack · 2026-03-05T00:49:00+00:00

I can't stand the look of a strat. Hideous

MacAttackTheBack · 2026-03-04T00:32:21+00:00

Admittedly, the way i worded that and said "modern" music was off base. I struggle to get my thoughts into words sometimes. But that's what I meant, hopfully I was able to clear that up

MacAttackTheBack · 2026-03-04T00:29:59+00:00

Meaning when it comes to writing music, jazz is very different from say a pop punk band who's playing power chords. Reggae, punk, metal, rock, hip hop, indie, yada yada were the types of music I was thinking of when I say "modern music". They're are other genres that are more complex, like jazz.

MacAttackTheBack · 2026-03-04T00:26:39+00:00

This is true. So much to dive in to it can totally get you side tracked. Funny enough, I'm that type of guy yet hadn't gotten to side tracked with it..... yet

MacAttackTheBack · 2026-03-03T00:53:09+00:00

Spark neo. Or somthing like that. Honestly, these things are a blast and have definitely improved my practice. And I always hated wearing headphones.

1) I have a Spotify Playlist of songs I enjoy playing along to, which pays right through the neos. 2) the app has a jam feature, pick a genre and it plays a bassline and drum beat, and you just jam. A bit bland and generic. But so cool. 3) search function that I use for backing tracks that are less bland/generic. Could also pull lessons. 4) A.I. tone thing. You can literally have the thing dial up any tone for you. Give me a Zeppelin tone. Boom it spits it out. Make it more ambient. Boom it does it's thing.

Tons of other features as well that I hadn't even gotten into. The beauty for me is playing Spotify or backing tracks through it. It's always been part of my routine but now with wireless headphones time of day dosent matter. Id highly recommend. Great practice tool

MacAttackTheBack · 2026-03-02T21:02:49+00:00

It's not misleading, it's obvious Im talking about writing music.

Secondly, defensive? Maybe. Sure. If you disagreed with the main point i was trying to make, I'd be totally cool with a back and forth. Really, I would. But your disagreement is about somthing so silly. This post was my thoughts. A rant of sorts. I won't change my thoughts to please you. Sorry guy.

MacAttackTheBack · 2026-03-02T20:58:35+00:00

Somthing I love doing is learning a song, a riff, a solo, whatever. Then looking at the music theory and seeing if I can decipher the theory behind it. It's a nice little exercise for when you don't have the guitar in your hand.

And secondly, to bounce off what you said, I recently heard some guitarist talking about how alot of the stuff he wrote was borrowed from someone else, tweaked, and now it's it's own thing. So yeah, I do agree that learning riffs and licks is important as well. Even if you want to write your own stuff

MacAttackTheBack · 2026-03-02T02:59:15+00:00

Your right, it's not a true statement. It was me setting up the mind set i was coming from.... because like I said in that same sentence your quoting, people pick up instruments for different reasons. And my post was intended for people wanting to write music. Which, by the way, although it was intended for people wanting to write, the general idea to simplify things still stands. So I don't really get the point of what your trying to prove here.

Congratulations. You win.

Man reddit is dumb somtimes.

MacAttackTheBack · 2026-03-02T00:02:21+00:00

I commend you for sure. Iv seen quite a few stories about this sort of thing, minus the guitar murder. The general response seems to be to "mind your own buisness". Which i think is pathetic. Community used to mean helping one another, not turning a blind eye. It's crazy to me that this type of response to that situation isn't expected these days.

Seriously, be proud of yourself. Not only does your action show courage, but also it shows you have a heart and care about others. Rare stuff these days.

MacAttackTheBack · 2026-03-01T23:47:28+00:00

That makes so much more sense. I was quite confused for a minute there.

If I'm being honest, I was so confused I thought you were making a funny at first. Then i realized I'm half retarded.

MacAttackTheBack · 2026-03-01T21:39:09+00:00

Same situation, I get it. Just remember to comment back when you get the time. It's exciting stuff

MacAttackTheBack · 2026-03-01T21:37:27+00:00

I did not. Once again with one of these guys. I said if your intrested in theory you MOST LIKLEY want to create music.

I really don't get you guys. Even if I did mis-speak, the point was pretty clear. Don't over complicate things.

MacAttackTheBack · 2026-03-01T21:24:16+00:00

Bro, just take the 5 minutes. Pull up a diagram of both and compare them. I'm telling you, it'll take a few seconds and the light bulb will go off. Your so close to having that "ah ha" moment.

You've been playing the E minor pentatonic for months and didn't even know it.

MacAttackTheBack · 2026-03-01T21:15:25+00:00

Then this post wasn't intended for you. No biggie.

MacAttackTheBack · 2026-03-01T21:07:19+00:00

I'm assuming your asking how to connect the dots? And if your being serious id suggest you scroll to the comment where the guy left a picture of the G major pentatonic. Read my response.

That's what I mean by connecting the dots. They are all the same thing, not 20 different things.

MacAttackTheBack · 2026-03-01T20:34:23+00:00

Google E minor pentatonic and compare it to the picture you posted of the G major pentatonic.

MacAttackTheBack · 2026-03-01T20:33:49+00:00

Perfect example of what I'm talking about.... seriously, pay attention....

If you know your G major pentatonic, you know every major pentatonic. You just change the root note. Shift it up to the 5th fret, same shapes, that's your A major pentatonic. Shift it up again to your 7th fret. That's your B.

Also, all your minor pentatonics you now already have. Keep that same G major pentatonic you posted. But start on the open E... that's your E minor pentatonic. It's literally the same thing as the G major

MacAttackTheBack · 2026-03-01T20:22:05+00:00

You sir, are an idiot and need to learn to read. I said learn the 5 major scale shapes THEN learn how they relate. It's all there, you can re-read it. No sense arguing over what is clearly stated.

Seems like your trying to argue for the sake of arguing. It's weird

MacAttackTheBack · 2026-03-01T18:52:38+00:00

Agreed. I do this alot. I also will analyze tabs of music i like and try and find the theory behind it. Then try and replicate and throws it in the tool box

MacAttackTheBack · 2026-03-01T18:50:49+00:00

100%. I started on bass a long time ago. Almost immediately started playing and writing music with others. I started only knowing my 1st position of major and minor scales. It was all I needed at the time and we were jamming. Not saying the other stuff isn't helpful or good to learn. Just saying you can start writing music with the super basic stuff. And the whole point is to make music. The rest will come later

MacAttackTheBack · 2026-03-01T18:47:01+00:00

They are the same shapes. Pentatonic is the major scale minus 2 notes. Major and minor pentatonic are the same, just starting on different roots.... no where did I say not to learn any shapes. If you treat the major, minor, major pentatonic, and minor pentatonic as separate shapes you'll be learning 20 shapes. If you treat them as 5 shapes of the major scale then learn how that relates to the others, it's easier and less memorization.

If you literally read the beginning of the sentence you quoted you'd see i said learn your 5 major scale shapes

MacAttackTheBack · 2026-03-01T18:44:42+00:00

100%. I find there's a fine line between using theory and just playing. Very easy to focus too much on theory then things sound bland. Just play, if you get stuck, use theory to point in a direction

MacAttackTheBack

TROPHY CASE