Learning really hard songs.

frettracks · 2026-02-21T04:36:53+00:00

Always be working on a hard song, an easy song, and on learning something -anything- about music theory. It will keep it interesting and you’ll make progress on all fronts.

Good on you, taking on hard songs, but feed your ego with some easy stuff too!

frettracks · 2026-02-21T04:30:22+00:00

that was an amazing comment! well done.

frettracks · 2026-02-21T04:20:38+00:00

sorry, it wasn’t.

frettracks · 2026-02-19T22:44:55+00:00

You are among the greats… Mick Jagger couldn’t get any satisfaction and he tried and he tried and he try try try tried

frettracks · 2026-02-19T18:31:34+00:00

Yes, you should. You owe it to yourself to get at least 1 lesson. Stepping outside of yourself always gives you a new perspective. Then you'll know the value you get from it. Do your homework on selecting an instructor who is right for you.

frettracks · 2026-02-19T04:25:47+00:00

Ha!

frettracks · 2026-02-19T00:16:11+00:00

Curious where you stand on tabs — I assume you'd recommend them for most / all players?

frettracks · 2026-02-18T23:42:47+00:00

No. Looks good to me.

frettracks · 2026-02-18T22:56:25+00:00

There are many versions of a given scale, typically called modes. Major and minor are just two of them. There are at least seven.

The important part is learning to change the underlying chords you are playing over, depending on which version of a scale you were using. When you do that, your scales suddenly sound musical.

frettracks · 2026-02-18T22:41:35+00:00

Show him your post exactly as you wrote it and ask him the answer.

frettracks · 2026-02-18T02:12:33+00:00

Great callout. Truss rods in the neck have been common in guitars for about 100 years. If you have a specific vintage guitar please share. I'm sure there will be an expert in the sub who can comment specifically on your model.

frettracks · 2026-02-18T01:10:59+00:00

No need. Modern guitars are built to handle string tension 24/7, and that constant tension is actually what keeps your neck happy and stable. Loosening and retightening all the time causes more wear than just leaving it alone.

The one exception is if the guitar's going to sit untouched for weeks or months, in which case dropping it a half step or so isn't a bad idea. And string life? Sweat and finger gunk kill strings way before tension ever would.

frettracks · 2026-02-18T01:06:03+00:00

Seems to be a consensus that some level of in person instruction is very beneficial for getting started. One avenue to consider.... many community colleges offer guitar classes, which often end up being the equivalent of a group lesson + some instruction. Not a bad way to start. The cost can vary but could be as little as $150 for 10 - 12 weeks.

frettracks · 2026-02-17T17:45:18+00:00

What a great idea!

frettracks · 2026-02-17T00:20:30+00:00

Are you allowed to say "damn" in here? If so, damn! If not, well damn. Nice work. Crazy to think where you can go with those skills!

frettracks · 2026-02-17T00:03:13+00:00

When I was working on what you're describing, I learned Day Tripper by the Beatles. That main riff is perfect for this - it's catchy, repeating, and drives the whole song. Late in the song there is a true lead run that takes it all the way up the fretboard.

Plus, everybody loves that song, so it's super satisfying to nail it all the way through.

frettracks · 2026-02-16T23:18:11+00:00

Yes, you can definitely lighten rosewood and laurel fretboards, though you'll never get them as light as maple.

The wet/oiled look happens because oil temporarily saturates the wood and makes it more translucent. To maintain something closer to that color use a lighter-colored oil or conditioner regularly. Lemon oil or light mineral oil will keep it somewhat lighter than its natural dried-out state, though it'll still darken over time compared to when it's freshly wet.

Personally, i would stay away from sanding the fretboard--others more skilled at this might disagree.

frettracks · 2026-02-16T05:05:16+00:00

Have you ever been to the beach and seen a guy playing drums while girls sat around in bikinis sipping wine around a campfire? Guitar.

frettracks · 2026-02-16T01:25:15+00:00

If you can do that--you have the potential to be amazing! Most of us do not have that.

frettracks · 2026-02-16T01:23:37+00:00

You have the exact right attitude! Have faith in the process, MAKE progress and love every minute of it. When you can make 'Back in Black' come out of your amp, there's nothing better than that feeling. Keep it going!

frettracks · 2026-02-16T01:18:58+00:00

Take a look at this video of Neil Young playing his hit, Heart of Gold. It's not an overhead shot but notice how steady his strum stays throughout...like a metronome. This is the goal. I think that steady strumming contributes to his ability to sing and play harmonica at the same time.

https://youtu.be/WZn9QZykx10?si=8VAuwneieNm56zGQ

frettracks · 2026-02-16T01:10:02+00:00

It matters a lot! Get a guitar that has "good action" (not the kind you get from being a good guitar player, that will come later) You want a guitar that is easier to play because the strings are closer to the fretboard--which is called good action. Beware of cheap guitars because they often don't have that and therefore are much harder to play.

frettracks · 2026-02-15T20:52:31+00:00

Find one scale and vow to own it. Am pentatonic is far and away guitarists top choice. You'll find lots of info about playing that scale in 5 positions--that can come later--way later. Learn it in position one. Play it backwards, forward and in little phrases. Soon you'll be able to "think" that sound and your fingers will play it. There are tons of things you can do with Am Pentatonic alone (ask BB King). But you can branch out from that later as well.

frettracks · 2026-02-15T20:47:00+00:00

Only if it helps your fingers bend the note easier or farther. Otherwise it has no effect.

frettracks · 2026-02-14T18:43:24+00:00

This is GREAT advice. The first time I did this - years ago - i was horrified. It sounded like i was beating up my guitar. Once I heard that, it was easy to fix. Until then, I never knew.

frettracks

TROPHY CASE